Paul, as a native son of eastern NC and an adopted son of Charleston, I would argue that it’s the EASTERN CAROLINAS that have it over the western parts of both states. I’m biased, of course, towards the great vinegar...

I’m from South Carolina, and they definitely know how to do boiled peanuts right down there. I clearly remember walking around Carter-Finley Stadium at an NC State game in Raleigh looking for boiled peanuts (a staple at...

. They are just minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway too! Really nice people & good fish. http://www.sunbursttrout.com/ http://chefmoz.org/United_States/NC/Waynesville/Panacea_Coffeehouse,Cafe,&_Roastery1062861959.html

's a sin against delis of old, and my wife’s matzo ball soup and brisket and award wining kugel (1st prize at NC State Fair) is much better then Ben’s I will happily eat there but not jump for joy like I would have...

Sweatman’s is the best in SC by far. NC barbecue is quite different from SC style. The best NC barbecue depends what part of the state you’re in.

to buy a case of the ordered item (http://www.ncabc.com/pricing/special_orders.aspx) From my understanding, online vendors can legally ship to NC. You can also bring bottles across state lines on your own so long as you...

I would like to plan a weekend trip to an inn in the NC mountains or Piedmont that also has a superb restaurant on-site or within walking distance. I moved back to NC last year, after living out of state for over a decade, so...

Baby Moon is probably on the same road as your hotel. Koppers Road, turn right on 54 and watch for it on your left crosses Davis drive very close to the strip center. There is a Locopops on Hillsboro St across from NC State.

I’ve heard about and read about this little restaurant for several years. It was featured in the November 2007 issue of Our State magazine and featured again this month. We finally had the chance to try it out yesterday and...

. Wife loved trout with peppers. I overdid it with chicken with grits in cheese sauce and mac and cheese side whichwere all great, but obscenely rich. Excellent service and nice drinks. Asheville, NC: Stayed at the new Royal...

NC has a lot more going on in the way of supporting their local breweries than DC-MD-VA does (and has more breweries in state, frankly). The other night I was in a pizza joint in Georgetown that prides itself on its large beer...

thanks, wilmington hounds, for the restaurant tips. I will try them all out. Now, on to coffee. What’s the best coffee in the downtown area? Any place serving counter culture coffee, pride of Durham, NC.

I’ll be in the NC High Country next week for work. I’ll arrive around supper time on Monday, and heading home Friday afternoon. I’ll be spending the entire week throughout Watauga and Ashe counties, with some...

I went again for lunch today at El Mexicanito. So, so good. They way they griddle their tortillas up to a lightly crispy state is just awesome. Hands down the best tacos I’ve had in NC. I’d have asked about the spit...

You didn’t mention BBQ, but one of eastern NC's finest spots happens to be Moore’s BBQ on 3711 Hwy 17 South. They cook the old fashioned way, using logs to smoke the meat. It’s been a few years since I’ve...