The Central, and its menu

The former Café Central in Plaza Midwood is now The Central, and chef Jon Lock has a new menu. Vegetarian items abound, from sweet potato spring rolls to black bean burgers and the Gypsy Platter – baba ghanoush, sauteed chickpeas, jasmine rice and roasted red pepper puree with grilled flatbread. Also offered: sandwiches, burgers and wraps, quesadillas and entrees such as seared ahi tuna and pulled pork barbecue, and the Triple-Triple: three buttermilk pancakes (you can add chocolate chips or bananas, too), three eggs and three strips of bacon. Prices run $3.50 (PB&J) to $14 (shrimp pasta). 1401 Central Ave.; 704-930-7810; you can see the whole menu here.