Q:  With Neese’s livermush and liver pudding now unavailable, can you recommend some alternatives?
Tom: As noted in Monday’s newsletter, Neese’s production facility in Greensboro has been partially shut down by the USDA, which has drastically affected its prized livermush and liver pudding availability. Finding a replacement is very difficult, since most local supermarkets just carry the Neese’s brand. If you don’t mind doing a little road work, I do have some recommendations for brands found mostly at country stores and small markets. Corriher’s livermush out of China Grove has its own legion of fans, but you may need to drive to the company’s country store to get some. McLaughlin’s Livermush & Sausage is made in Mooresville and is available at a few surrounding specialty markets. Hunter’s livermush has been around since 1959 selling out of its store in Marion, North Carolina. The company also hosts an annual Livermush festival every June (June 6 in 2026). Neese’s brands may not be back on store shelves for months, so it’s a good bet local markets will start stocking these or other alernatives soon — maybe opting for its northern cousin, scrapple.

Q: I’m already planning my calendar for 2026. What are the food festivals I should be blocking out?
Tom: There a lot of food fests to look forward to next year, including our own Charlotte StrEATs festival, April 11-12, this year at First Ward Park. Tickets to the Tasting Tour are already for sale. Before that, you can book the Queen City Brewers Festival, February 7 and Savor Charlotte, March 11-26. In addition to StrEATs, April also brings the Carolina BBQ Festival, April 17-18, and Charlotte Wine + Food Week (actual dates, TBD). Taste of Charlotte will run June 5-7 and Charlotte VegFest, October 10 (announced on social, but the website hasn’t been updated yet). Also don’t forget the January and July editions of Queen Feast Restaurant Week (exact dates not yet announced).