New dishes, wine dinner, spring break

Chef-owner James Bazzelle has added new dishes, formerly offered as specials, to his menu (no, that's not them to the right) at Mert's Heart and Soul uptown, including roasted lamb chops, jumbo chicken wings, grilled salmon with Creole sauce, a Southern sampler (fried green tomatoes, wings, salmon cakes), a soul sampler (ribs, chicken tenders) and more. Want a peek? Look here. 214 N. College St.; 704-342-4222.

Positano at Birkdale Village offers a dinner showcasing G.D. Vajra wines of the Piemonte on April 12. On the menu: poached veal carpaccio with Italian tuna aioli (a dish also known as vitello tonnato) with Rosso "Langhe"; roasted veal and Swiss chard ravioli with Dolcetto d'Alba; slow-roasted lamb with Nebbiolo; and more. $40; 704-896-2979.

I'm on spring break this week, but will be back and hungry next Monday. If you've got news, send it my way. And in case you've got any leftover Peeps...