Q: Seems I’m always reading about the same five or six places. What are your favorite “under the radar” restaurants?
Tom: First, thanks for the feedback. We’ll work harder to cast a wider net. We reviewed Volo Ristorante in Myers Park in January. You don’t see them in the headlines much, but they put out solid and consistent classic Italian fare. Same with Southern Pecan Gulf Coast Kitchen in South Park. We reviewed them in 2021. Their Mississippi tamales may be one of the most underrated dishes in Charlotte – and don’t skip the catfish. Speaking of tamales, Tamales La Pasadita on Plaza is a hidden treasure – and their pozole is to die for. Intermezzo has a bit of a cult following – being a combination pizzeria and Serbian restaurant. Doan’s Vietnamese on South Boulevard is the real deal. Bon appetít!

Q: Any word if we’ll see Bradford watermelons this year? I’m still upset they lost their entire crop last year.
Tom: Me too. Just awful. The Bradfords lost their 2022 crop of heirloom watermelons due to a series of unfortunate weather events. As it happens, I spoke with Nat Bradford just last week. The good news is so far all is a go for 2023. Planting is slated for the end of the month and if Mother Nature cooperates we’ll see the prized fruit in late summer. We’ll be following his progress and provide updates, when available.

Q: Cookbooks aside, what are some food-related books I should be reading?
Tom: Pretty much anything with Dr. David Shields’ name on it, but for starters, Southern Provisions and The Culinarians. The Ark of Taste, written with Giselle Kennedy Lord will be published at the end of August. Michael Twitty’s The Cooking Gene and Koshersoul: The Faith and Food Journey of an African American Jew both have recipes, but only in context of his beautiful prose. Michael Ruhlman’s The Soul of a Chef is over 20 years old, but still is a great read.