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 Daryl Cooper, chef and co-owner of Jimmy Pearls, and were introduced to some of his favorite Southern spots. Cooper enjoys an extensive palate, with a plethora of different international cuisines.

What the Fries, Pineville
A popular food truck-turned-restaurant specializing in fries, wings, and more
Daryl’s order: Steak Hibachi Fries
Pro tip: “Make sure to load up on their homemade Yum Yum Sauce,” he says. 

Leah & Louise, Camp North End
A modern juke joint specializing in Southern dishes and a cozy atmosphere
Daryl’s order: Leah’s Cabbage
Pro tip: “Order the roll-up dish so you can sop up the leftover pork neck bisque of the cabbage,” he says. 

Leah’s Cabbage from Leah & Louise in Camp North End. Kristen Wile/UP

Hot Box Next Level Kitchen, Concord
A kitchen offering handcrafted traditional and globally inspired bar food
Daryl’s order: Spicy Catfish Sandwich

Tamales la Pasadita Restaurant, Plaza Midwood
A small, unassuming authentic Mexican restaurant in the heart of Plaza Midwood
Daryl’s order: Pork tamales, cheese and jalapeño tamales, and three tacos (lengua, tripa, y babeza)

Taste of SHU, South Charlotte
Elevated eatery with sushi, hibachi and other Asian dishes
Daryl’s order: Spicy pork intestine with tofu pudding, and pork blood tofu intestine.

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