New at Fern, Halcyon, Urban Sip

New menus are out for siblings Fern and Halcyon. Among additions at Fern (1323 Central Ave.) are seared beet tataki (salt-roasted sesame and togarashi-crusted beets served a kimchi spring roll), triple onion soup, and "surf n' turf": seaweed-infused turnip scallops and grilled seitan filet. New at Halcyon (500 S Tryon St.) are Atlantic salmon with hominy puree and hickory tea, and duck breast with roasted sunchoke and chevre puree and carob-soba noodles.
Both places have new desserts, too, including beignets stuffed with vegan cookie dough at Fern, and a beet cheesecake with chocolate balsamic sauce and candied beets at Halcyon (that's it, above).

Urban Sip, the wine-Scotch-etc. bar on the uptown Ritz-Carlton's 15th floor, now offers live jazz 8-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The tapas menu adds olives, chilled smoked shrimp, smoked salmon tartare, lobster summer rolls and more cheeses and charcuterie. Info: 704-547-2244.