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 Alex Verica, chef de cuisine at new upcoming South End restaurant Para. Verica, former chef de cuisine at The Stanley, carries a diverse palate and prefers dining at local neighborhood eateries. Here are his five favorite restaurants.

Moosehead Grill, Montford Park
A casual spot beloved for its wings and cheap beer
Alex’s order: Uncle Donnie’s blackened wings

Good Wurst Company, Plaza Midwood
A Plaza Midwood deli with dogs, brats, breakfast, and sandwiches
Alex’s order: Carolina dog with chili cheese and tater tots 

Three Amigos, Plaza Midwood
A brightly decorated Mexican restaurant serving all the classics
Alex’s order: Chicken chimichanga
Pro tip: “You have to get a house margarita while you’re there; the sour mix is awesome,” Verica says. 

Bardo Restaurant, South End
A tasting-menu-only concept with modern American cuisine and craft cocktails
Alex’s order: The 12-course tasting menu

Kindred Restaurant, Davidson
One of the city’s most renowned restaurants serves seasonal pastas and small plates
Alex’s order: “I usually order at least two pasta dishes after doing appetizers like beef tartare, or whatever their current crudo or ceviche set is,” Verica says. 

More from this series:

The Fig Tree’s Greg Zanitsch
Counter-‘s Sam Hart
Community Matters Cafe’s Ashley Anna Tuttle
Your Farms, Your Table’s Sam Diminich