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March 4, 2021
Where Chefs Eat: What the Fries’ Jamie Barnes
This fries fanatic frequents Black-owned restaurants
Chef Jamie Barnes, owner of What the Fires, at an Unpretentious Palate event. Photo by Peter Taylor
Chefs know good food, so we wanted to know where they eat when they’re not cooking. In this series, we ask a local chef, bartender, or server to share their favorite restaurants in town and what they order there. This week What the Fries’ Chef Jamie Barnes, who is preparing to open his first brick-and-mortar spot with business partner Greg Williams, discloses his personal Charlotte favorites.
Burney’s Sweets & More, NoDa and Waxhaw
A family-friendly atmosphere with a wide selection of baked goods
Jamie’s order: Glazed croissants
Leah & Louise, Camp North End
Chef Greg and Subrina Collier’s new restaurant shares their take on Southern cooking
Jamie’s order: Mud Island (catfish and grits)
Pro tip: “Order Leah’s Cabbage and pour the plate drippings over your Mud island catfish,” Barnes says.
Waffle House, just about everywhere
One of America’s most affordable and beloved breakfast chains
Jamie’s order: The All-Star Special (scrambled eggs, bacon, and smothered hash browns, with a traditional waffle)
Jimmy Pearls, pop-up
A Virginia soul spot that specializes in fish sandwiches
Jamie’s order: Uncle Gene’s Fish Sandwich
Uptown Yolk, Uptown
Located in 7th Street Public Market, Chef Gregory Collier brings his Tennessee talents to breakfast
Jamie’s order: Tennessee Fries
More from this series
Bleu Barn Bistro’s Brenton & Tara Ebersold
