Botiwalla in Optimist Hall serves some of Boyd’s favorite dishes. Photo courtesy of Botiwalla

Folks in the restaurant industry know good food, so we want to know where they eat when they’re not cooking. In this series, we ask a local chef, bartender, restaurateur, or waiter to share their favorite restaurants in town and what they order there. This week, we interview Ashley Boyd, culinary director and managing parter of 300 East. After pursuing a career in pastry, Boyd loves to open her to palate to a variety of flavors. 

Roppongi Ramen Bar, Matthews
An independent ramen shop serving a variety of ramen and Korean fried chicken options
Ashley’s order: Any ramen, the soy garlic fried chicken, kimchi, and assorted pickles

Crispy Banh Mi, Plaza Midwood
A casual Vietnamese restaurant serving banh mi sandwiches, noodle bowls, teas and  Vietnamese desserts
Ashley’s order: Crispy’s Favorite, grilled pork and pork meatball banh mi, any of the fruity green teas with rainbow jelly squares and basil seeds
Pro tip: “Iced Vietnamese coffee is our favorite as tired parents,” she says.

Lupita Carniceria y Tortilleria, Myers Park
An authentic Mexican restaurant emphasizing freshness and quality products
Ashley’s order: Barbacoa and fresh tortillas by the pound 

Botiwalla, NoDa
An Indian street food concept inside Optimist Hall
Ashley’s order: Pav bhaji (spicy vegetable hash over buttered Pav buns), lamb boti kabab, chicken tikka rolls, and the pineapple-turmeric soda

Hawthorne’s Pizza, Meridien Place
A New York-inspired restaurant specializing in handmade pizzas and Southern hospitality
Ashley’s order: Elizabeth Special or Crew pizzas
Pro tip: “Sit on the patio and you’ll likely catch live music from the adjacent brewery,” Ashley says.  

More from this series

Mixologist Bob Peters 

Bleu Barn Bistro’s Brenton & Tara Ebersold 

Idlewild’s Vince Chirico 

Uno Alla Volta’s Zach Gadberry 

Hex Coffee’s Tanner Morita