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 Veronica Reed, co-owner/GM and Adam Reed, co-owner/executive chef of Santé in Matthews. Their schedule leaves little time to dine out. “We only take Sundays and Mondays off,” Veronica says, “This somewhat limits us.” Most area restaurants are also closed for dinner service Sundays and Mondays. When they do head out, they typically head to one of these five Charlotte spots.

Barrington’s, SouthPark/Foxcroft
Fine dining restaurant focusing on New American cuisine
Veronica’s Order: Springer Mountain Farms chicken
Adam’s Order: Catch of the day
“This is our go-to for special occasions,” Veronica says. “We opened at about the same time and became friends with Bruce (Moffett).”

Lang Van, Plaza-Shamrock
Vietnamese restaurant known as much for their staff as their food
Veronica’s Order: The #12 (a collection of greens and vermicelli with rice paper) with tofu. “Mrs. Dan gets started for me as soon as we are seated,” Veronica says. “The sauce is amazing.”
Adam’s Order: Pineapple pecan with chicken or a special

The Fig Tree, Elizabeth
Seasonal French and Italian inspired dishes, known for their extensive wine list
Veronica’s Order: Caesar salad with added calamari
Adam’s Order: Fish special and foie gras. “Adam loves foie gras; we should put it back on our menu,” Veronica says. “Excellent food and service.”

The Fig Tree’s foie gras is a must-order for Adam Reed. Kristen Wile/UP

Bulla Gastrobar, SouthPark
Bar with open kitchen specializing in Latin dishes
Veronica’s Order: Blueberry and ricotta pancakes or chicken and waffles
Adam’s Order: Three-course brunch special
“This is our brunch place.” Veronica says. “We generally take all the staff out for ‘recovery brunch’ after Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, etc.  Excellent cocktails, too.”

Oh My Soul, NoDa
South African vegan restaurant
Veronica’s Order: Impossible burger. “Great desserts if you have room,” Veronica says.
Adam’s Order: Buddha bowl (house-made falafel, sautéed spinach, marinated cauliflower, roasted red onion, and sweet potato)

More from this series:

Julia Simon of PlantJoy
Kyle Gaddas of The Wine Loft, The Vintage
Counter-‘s Sam Hart
Community Matters Cafe’s Ashley Anna Tuttle
Your Farms, Your Table’s Sam Diminich
Para’s Alex Verica