Q: I’m looking for really good jerk chicken. Who ya got?
Tom: Aren’t we all! The consensus is Lawrence Caribbean on West Boulevard has the real deal. You may also want to check out K and Js Kitchen, also on West Boulevard — as well as Island Cuisine in the Mallard Creek area and the Irie Nation spots in Tryon Hills and on South Tryon.

Q: What is a chef’s favorite ingredient and favorite cuisine?
Tom: I’m pretty sure there’s not a unifying answer here — although I do know a number of chefs with an affinity for thyme. Ask most chefs, and the usual answer is “whatever is in season.” Chefs we highlight here are deeply passionate about supporting our regional terroir and have the skills to create a varying array of dishes showcasing all the flavors found here and around the world. As far as favorite cuisine, the best way to know that is to know where chefs eat when they are not only the clock — and it just so happens we have an entire series dedicated to that. Check out the UP series, Where Chefs Eat.

Have a question for us? Email us at editor@unpretentiouspalate.com and we’ll answer it on our next Concierge Thursday!