Our State....

TASTY TAR HEEL TREATS

Biscuits at Raleigh’s Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant 220 Wolfe Street, Raleigh Whether it’s for breakfast or lunch (which local legend Big Ed Watkins calls “dinner”), regulars know to ask for their biscuits grilled--and to top them with the popular downtown restaurant’s special North Carolina molasses. Harriett McNeill works from 5:30am to 2pm, making nothing but Big Ed’s tasty biscuits (grilled or otherwise). She averages 1,000 of them most weekdays and up to 1,500 on the weekends. And, it’s done completely by hand--one batch of 54 at a time! The old family recipe is under lock and key, but Harriett does say there’s flour, pure lard, buttermilk, baking powder, and a little lovin’ care in every batch.

Coffee at Port City Java 30 locations in North Carolina (see www.portcityjava.com) With eclectic decor at each of their locations, but consistently tasty coffees from their own roaster, Port City Java is the hot new watering hole for North Carolina caffeine addicts. On a humid summer day, there’s nothing better than a Slush’N Joe at one of the Port City Java locales -- a delicious combination of Port City's own roasted coffee, caramel, vanilla ice cream, and fresh whipped cream.

Diggin' those Dogs at Trolley Stop 111 South Howe Street, Southport Also at 94 South Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach; 121 North Front Stree, Wilmington; 103-A Cape Fear Boulevrd, Carolina Beach Other than possibly at a Panthers game, you’ll never find a better hot dog in North Carolina. First, you get a choice of four types of dogs--Original (beef and pork), Sabrett (all beef), Fat Free (Oscar Mayer--beef and turkey), and Vegetarian (Light Life Smart Dog--soy protein). Then, you can make it any way you choose, but those in the know go for the one at the top of the list--the North Carolina Hot Dog. It comes smothered in homemade chili, slaw, and deli mustard. Other favorites include the Cape Fear (mayonnaise and cheese) and the Old Baldy (totally plain). Ask for a 25 cent Schwartz kosher dill pickle spear and you have yourself a meal.

Steamed Shrimp at Yacht Basin Provision Co. 130 Yacht Basin Street, Southport Somehow, a pile of steamed shrimp simply tastes better when you’re sitting outside eating them at Yacht Basin Provision Co. in Southport. There’s no secret spice mixture (they use Old Bay), but combine consistently tasty shrimp with the Provision Co. vibe and you have a quintessential North Carolina dining experience. Just stand in line, order your shrimp at the counter, give ‘em your name, grab a cold self-serve beverage and they’re steaming your meal by the time you head out the screened door to the outdoor seating with a killer view out to Bald Head Island. Before you know it, a waitress comes out yelling your name and it’s time for some serious shrimp eating. Be sure to try the homemade seafood sauce.