Food isn’t just what brings us together — sometimes it’s what brings us to a location in the first place! Here are four dishes that are so incredible, you’ll want to hop on a plane today to get a bite.
THE TODDFATHER
(Photo Supplied/CattleAck BBQ)
If you want real barbecue, you’ve got head to Texas, and nowhere does it better than CattleAck BBQ in Dallas. This restaurant has limited hours and long lines, but the fall-off-the-bone, melt-in-your-mouth smoked meats are worth the wait. Their signature sandwich The Toddfather — named for owner and head pitmaster Todd David — features brisket and pulled pork topped with a hot link sausage and southern slaw. Of course, their other menu items are also incredible, including ribs, cheesy jalapeno grits and sweet tea. Mmm-mm!
You can grab a bite of CattleAck BBQ at 13628 Gamma Road in Dallas. Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and on the first Saturday of every month.
LOBSTER ROLL
(Photo Supplied/ Sea Level)
No, you won’t be headed to Maine for this incredible sandwich. Head to Sea Level, a sustainable seafood restaurant in the heart of Charlotte, N.C. Sea Level specializes in fresh caught seafood, oysters served to order and a variety of craft cocktails. You definitely don’t want to miss their take on the classic lobster roll, served on a toasted bun and house cut fries or southern slaw (or another delectable side).
Sea Level is at 129 East Fifth Street in Charlotte. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to midnight Monday through Saturday (though they’re known to stay open later on Saturday nights).
SMOKED FRIED CHICKEN
(Photo Supplied/Café Momentum/Misty Keasler)
Is your mouth watering yet? The best fried chicken is always going to be in the south, and nobody does it like Café Momentum is downtown Dallas, Texas. This smoked fried chicken (yes, you read that right — it’s smoky, fried goodness) is served with mashed potatoes, collard greens, a homemade biscuit and plenty of gravy. Not only will you get great food at Café Momentum, you’ll also be helping a great cause. The restaurant offers paid internships for young men and women coming out of juvenile correctional facilities, so they can learn how to reach their greatest potential. Incredible food and a great cause? Yes, please!
Café Momentum is open from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Head to 1510 Pacific Avenue in Dallas, Texas, to get a taste.
NORTH CAROLINA FRIED CATFISH
(Photo Supplied/The King’s Kitchen)
Fried catfish is a delectable southern barbecue dish for people who might not want as much sauce. At The King’s Kitchen in Charlotte, N.C., the fried catfish is a can’t-miss item. That light, crispy breading is out-of-this-world delicious! The King’s Kitchen also serves some truly southern appetizers as well, like okra fritters and a fried bologna sandwich way better than Grandma makes. Plus, The King’s Kitchen donates all of its proceeds to helping people in need in the Charlotte area transform from at-risk into community leaders.
The King’s Kitchen is located at 129 West Trade Street in Charlotte, N.C. You can order the catfish (and other items) for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday or for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 5 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
These incredible dishes are only a flight away now. South Bend International Airport has nonstop flights to Charlotte and Dallas/Fort Worth starting June 7 on American Airlines. Take it easy and start planning your trip now.
