Q: Who has the best duck entrée in town? Also, is anyone doing French duck confit?
Tom: How about I give you the two best duck breast dishes, both coincidentally in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood. The Fig Tree just about always has duck breast on the menu, but changes up the presentation from time to time. No matter how they do it, it’s always outstanding. Customshop also has duck breast on the menu, this one served with a side of duck sausage and sweet potato/miso purée. As for duck confit, that’s a bit harder. About a year ago, I saw it on several menus, including the just-reviewed Coquette, but the classic French dish appears to be on hiatus currently. As the weather cools down, hopefully, we’ll see it pop up again on Charlotte restaurant menus. Keep an eye on our “Don’t Miss Dish” section in our bi-weekly newsletters. If I spot one, you can be sure I’ll write about it. Duck confit is one of my favorite dishes as well.

Q: What’s the best place to have a birthday dinner for 15-20 people?
Tom: Please promise you to reserve a party this large well in advance to give the restaurant time to adequately prepare. That said, the Cabana Room at Calle Sol Café & Cevicheria can be reserved for parties of 20-45. The Fig Tree has several side rooms that can accommodate your celebrations. The upstairs area at 300 East in Dilworth can be sectioned for a group that large. I would also look at Fin & Fino / Uptown’s Fin Room (up to 24), Napa on Providence’s (Myers Park/Eastover) Rutherford Room (up to 22), and the Cage Room at Paco’s Tacos & Tequila (up to 24) in SouthPark.

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