June 14, 2019

Where Chefs Eat: 300 East’s Laney Jahkel-Parrish

Jahkel-Parrish knows where to eat when it’s just her and her husband or entertaining out-of-towners

Build your own rice or grain bowl at Yafo. Kristen Wile/UP

We know chefs can cook great food, but where do they eat when they’re not cooking for guests or themselves? In this series, we ask a member of the restaurant industry to share their favorite five local restaurants (not including their own) and what they order. When 300 East’s pastry chef, Laney Jahkel-Parrish, was asked where she eats when not baking and making morning zen Facebook videos, she shared her places for date nights with her husband and entertaining family and friends. ––Justin Burke-Samson

Yafo Kitchen, Southpark, Plaza Midwood, and Dilworth
Fast-casual Mediterranean and Middle-Eastern fare for the health conscious
Jahkel-Parrish’s order: Cauliflower and falafel sides (to share), a grain bowl, and coconut lime juice

Haberdish, NoDa
The Southern-inspired small plates and cocktail punch bowls continue to be a favorite among chefs
Jahkel-Parrish’s order: Deviled eggs, bread and butter pickles, two chicken tenders and a waffle, one of the cocktails punch bowl style

Asian Corner Mall, East Charlotte
You can usually always spot a chef or two at this Asian grocery and food court
Jahkel-Parrish’s order: There are two places within the mall that she orders from. First, Le’s Sandwiches for their #4 crispy pork and pork skin sandwich. The second, Dragon Court Buffet for dim sum. Sticky rice and shrimp toast, pineapple buns and sesame balls for something sweet.

Hello, Sailor, Cornelius
Lakefront fish camp with a little tiki vibe
Jahkel-Parrish’s order: Hushpuppies (order two), East Coast vs. West Coast oysters, lobster roll with milk bread, Chicago-is bologna sandwich with beef fat fries, watermelon al pastor, and soft-serve for dessert.
Her pro-tip: Don’t skip the fun cocktails. Try a Sanquiri, a tiny little daiquiri shot. Like Kindred’s barkeep’s choice, you can suggest what spirit and flavor you’d like made tiki style

Kabab-Je, Stonecrest
Traditional Mediterranean and Lebanese food, great for family-style dining
Jahkel-Parrish’s order: fried cauliflower with tahini sauce, smoked eggplant dip, Meshwi Mshakal, and Farrouj Meshwi.