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January 22, 2021
Where the Industry Eats: Idlewild’s Vince Chirico
This relative newcomer has found the city’s most underrated spots
Beef ‘N Bottle has moved from its original location, but the decades since opening haven’t changed much else. Peter Taylor/Peter Taylor Photography
Folks in the restaurant industry know good food, so we want to know where they eat when they’re outside of their restaurants and bars. In this series, we ask a member of the culinary industry to share their favorite local restaurants (not including their own) and what they order. Vince Chirico, owner of cocktail bar Idlewild in NoDa, has only lived in Charlotte a few years, but has found some of the city’s most underrated restaurants. Here’s where he eats.
Mal Pan, South Park
This taqueria takes classic Mexican cuisine and adds a chef-y twist
Vince’s order: Surf and Turf Burrito
Musashi Japanese Restaurant, Pineville
One of the most frequently named restaurants among chefs
Vince’s order: Tonkatsu Ramen and Chicken Karaage
New Zealand Cafe, Southeast Charlotte
Fresh sushi in a small, warm dining room
Vince’s order: Sake Nigiri
Lam’s Kitchen, Matthews
Authentic Chinese cuisine unlike any other in the city
Vince’s order: Singapore Noodles
Beef ‘N Bottle, South End
Chirico is officially a Charlottean for naming this old-school steakhouse on his list
Vince’s order: Ribeye steak
Pro tip: Go out earlier. “People seem to still be in the mindset of normal operating hours,” Chirico says. “Take advantage of no waits by going somewhere closer to opening time. Going out at 8 p.m. when everything stops at 9 doesn’t really make much sense.”
More from this series
The Stanley’s Paul Verica
Sweet Lew’s BBQ’s Lewis Donald
Sweet Spot Studio’s Jossie Lukacik
McNinch House’s Matthew Shepard
The Goodyear House’s Chris Coleman
