Q: Where can I buy fresh seafood in Charlotte for home consumption? I like Catch On Seafood (local seafood delivery service), but sometimes I want to go to a market and see the product.
Tom: Thanks for your question! I recommend checking out Clean Catch Fish Market on Selwyn Avenue in Myers Park. On Saturdays, head out to the Lucky Fish stall at Charlotte Regional Farmers Market or the Charlotte Fish Company tent at Matthews Community Farmers Market. If you don’t mind a bit of a road trip, also check out the Saltwater Markets locations in Gastonia, Clover, and Ft. Mill. Totally worth the drive.

Q: We have a bit of summer left, but I’m already thinking about fall dishes. Can you recommend some spots where I can get some really hearty comfort food now?
Tom: I’m always in the mood for good fall-focused food, no matter what the thermometer says. Off the top of my head, check out the pork shanks at both The Crunkleton and Puerta in Elizabeth. Same restaurant group, but very different interpretations. Go very hungry or bring a dining mate. Similarly, Chapter 6 in South End offers an excellent pork cheeks dish, and the chicken tagine fills the bill quite nicely as well. The Ropa Nueva (braised short ribs) dish at Azucar (Huntersville and Ballantyne) has quickly become one of my favorite nibbles. The braised beef meatloaf at 3rd & Fernwood is a total comfort food winner — as we expect the lamb version will be at our upcoming Meet the Chef dinner. And of course, the French onion soup at 300 East never fails to satisfy.

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