Welcome to our new series, “Industry Eats,” where we ask local restaurant industry folks to tell us in their own words where they’re eating, drinking and shopping when off the clock.
Nikki and Paul Polk from Charlotte’s Southern Deli:
Being a restaurant owner can be tumultuous, so after a hard day of work, Paul and I sometimes like to hit up the Jasper or Emerald Lounge. Once we’ve had our fill of rum and togarashi popcorn, we end the night with a Philly and McKoco from Stanley’s.
Tacos Mexico (4108 Rte 1) off of Jefferson Davis is a little Mexican spot that is located beside a trailer park. Now I know people say this a lot, but this place has the best tacos in the city and I’ll die on that hill. The menu is pretty straightforward and they are making the tortillas. My recommendation would be the chorizo taco or honestly any taco.
Lillian and Beaucoup are a must for any celebration or just because it’s Wednesday.
Ruby Scoops has the best grasshopper ice cream I mean it truly has me in a chokehold.
And obviously Cheng Du.
Sunday is the day I do the most cooking in my home—there’s something about Sunday where you have to have one big meal. So, I get up Sunday and head to Lotte Market. First, we get some red bean donuts and other treats from Tous les Jours [a bakery inside the market], then we shop. I like to get proteins you wouldn’t usually find in other groceries, like pork belly with the skin on or a whole duck. Once I pick the entrée it’s usually easy to conceptualize the rest of the meal.
Honorable mentions (in no particular order):
Scott’s Shawarma
The Roosevelt
Penny’s
Conejo
Zorch Pizza
Lillie Pearl
Perly’s
