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. In our latest interview, we speak with Catherine Devericks, owner of cheese/charcuterie shop and marketplace/deli The Culture Shop in Plaza Midwood, whose palate takes her around the city for flavors from around the world.

Intermezzo, Plaza Midwood
A longtime Charlotte staple with a European vibe and menu of Italian and Serbian dishes
Catherine’s order: The Sarma or Chef Victor’s weekly special. “Sit at the bar to hear owners Branko and Djordje’s stories from growing up in Serbia,” she says.

Lang Van, Plaza Shamrock
This Vietnamese restaurant is a frequent spot among chefs
Catherine’s order: Make your own fresh summer roll & order the #106 (chicken stir-fried rice), and “don’t leave without a hug from the lovely Dan.”

Summer rolls from Lang Van. Kristen Wile/UP

Lam’s Kitchen, Matthews
Authentic Asian cuisine that Charlotteans will travel for
Catherine’s order: Cumin lamb and soft shell crab. “Go with at least a party of four so you can enjoy more flavors dim sum style on a lazy susan,” she says.

Kid Cashew, Dilworth
Mediterranean fare from a wood-fired kitchen
Catherine’s order: The stuffed avocado and mac ‘n cheese. “Everything is fresh, you can’t go wrong.”

Para, South End
Small plates with personality in a hip dining room
Catherine’s order: “Every plate is a delicious surprise,” she says. “Try the Cheesesteak or PB&J with foie gras.”

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