Q:  Everyone talks about steak, but I love a good chicken dish. Where are your favorote fine dining spots for the noble bird?
Tom: Good one! If you will allow me a little poultry leeway, the pickle-brined South Carolina hot quail at Albertine in Uptown is one of my favorite dishes in the city. Close by, Coquette offers a splendid duck fat fried chicken as well as a recently added chicken leg and thigh roulade. Dilworth’s 300 East typically does great things with chicken, currently serving up a juicy breast with a mushroom pan gravy. Barrington’s in SouthPark elevates a down home roast chicken and mashed potatoes. And if you really want to go old school, head to Elizabeth where Cajun Queen can offer you three times the chicken fun with chicken étouffée, chicken creole, and chicken Diane — just in time Mardi Gras.

Q: When will we know the chefs participating in this year’s Neighborhood Cookoff?
Tom: Your Charlotte StrEATs spidey sense is very impressive! We’re just a little over one week away from kicking off the preliminary rounds of this year’s StrEATs Neighborhood Cookoff, part of Charlotte SHOUT. Beginning February 16, you will be able to vote in four head-to-head bouts featuring the area’s leading culinary talents. The final four will faceoff Sunday, April 12 at our annual Charlotte StrEATs Festival. Stay tuned!