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May 5, 2021
Where the Industry Eats: Sea Level’s Paul Manley
This experienced restaurateur frequents neighborhood delis
Folks in the restaurant industry know good food, so we want to know where they eat when they’re not cooking. In this series, we ask a local chef, bartender, restaurateur, or waiter to share their favorite restaurants in town and what they order there. This week we interview Paul Manley, chef and owner of Sea Level, Ace No. 3, and The Waterman. With over twenty years of experience in the hospitality industry, Manley discloses some of his favorite local eateries.
Crêpe Cellar, NoDa
A chill and cozy setting featuring sweet and savory crêpes, bistro bites, French-press coffee, and European beers
Paul’s order: A whole roasted chicken or the burrata
Inizio Pizza, South Charlotte
Traditional Neapolitan-style pizzas with a cozy patio setting
Paul’s order: The Diavola
The No. 6 from Le’s Sandwiches and Cafe in Asian Corner Mall. Travis Mullis/UP
Le’s Sandwiches, Plaza Midwood
A family-owned Vietnamese restaurant beloved for its banh mi
Paul’s order: The #6
Pro tip: “This place can be intimidating but they are very willing to make suggestions,” Manley says.
Paper Plane Deli, Belmont
A neighborhood deli and market with a wide variety of food and drinks
Paul’s order: The tuna melt
Waffle House, just about everywhere
An American breakfast spot featuring eggs, bacon, waffles and much more
Paul’s order: Hash browns, smothered and capped (sautéed with onions and topped with mushrooms)
More from this series
Yafo Kitchen’s Shai Fargian
The Jimmy’s Vince Giancarlo
Community Matters Cafe’s Miranda Brown
Tapas on Market’s Nicolas Daniels
