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February 19, 2025
Where Chefs Eat: Indigo Road’s Whitney Hicks
Corporate pastry chef mixes casual and fine dining when heading out
by TM Petaccia
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 food artisan to share their favorite restaurants in town and what they order there.
This week, we interview Whitney Hicks, executive pastry chef for Indigo Road Hospitality Group. Overseeing the dessert programs at Oak Steakhouse, O-Ku, Indaco, and Mizu, Hicks infuses her personal style with the separate unique concepts for the Charlotte locations of these popular restaurants. “I want guests to be reminded of their favorite family desserts but through a new style, filled with flavor and experience,” she says. Juggling four restaurants doesn’t leave her much time, but when she’s not on the clock, Hicks lists these restaurants as her go-to spots:
Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Dilworth
Now nationwide, the burger and sandwich spot launched in Charlotte in 2007.
Hicks’ order: Not Your Mama’s deviled Eggs, fried pickles, Kim’s honey chicken sandwich, create your own salad
Hicks’ take: “This is more of a casual place with great quality and big portions. When I don’t want a burger, they have great options for other sandwiches, and I love the “create your own” option. You can choose from all types of proteins, vegetables, and sauces/dressings to create your own meal.”
Rai Lay, Riverbend
Traditional Thai street food combined with sushi and other Asian dishes
Hicks’ order: Chicken lo mein, Dynamite maki roll, spring rolls
Hicks’ take: “Rai Lay is another place I love that is open for both lunch or dinner. My favorite thing about dining here is how they combine different types of Asian cuisines and dishes. The food is always hot and made in a timely manner, offering a consistent experience every time.”
Fahrenheit, Uptown
Open-air rooftop restaurant and bar fuses a steakhouse with various international flavors
Hicks’ order: Slow-braised American wagyu short ribs, ahi poke nachos, truffle mashed potatoes, cotton candy tree
Hicks’ take: “One of the best rooftop experiences in Charlotte with a view of Uptown’s skyline. The food matches the quality of the experience. As a pastry chef, I also love how exotic and creative their desserts are, especially when they feature house-made ice creams/sorbets and cotton candy.”
Para, South End
Shared plate concept with an international menu and craft cocktails
Hicks’ order: Short rib dumplings, garlic parmesan truffle fries, Brussels sprouts
Hicks’ take: “A great place to go out with friends. It has a great vibe and music that makes it ideal for a girls’ night out, plus the a la carte menu and appetizers are perfect for trying different things. The short rib dumplings have been on the menu since day one, and I love them because they are different. You don’t see short rib used in dumplings very often.”
Hawkers Asian Street Food, South End
A fusion of pan-Asian street foods with a solid sake, Japanese whiskey, and cocktail program
Hicks’ order: Roti canai, Chinese BBQ pork bao, Korean twice-fried wings, five-spice green beans
Hicks’ take: “I spend a lot of time working in South End, and Hawkers is one of my favorite restaurants to walk to. Not only are the drinks great and the food delicious, but the attention to detail and atmosphere transports you to another place. The bonus is that it is open for lunch or dinner. It’s a great place to grab a bite with coworkers and friends.”
