Based on reader responses to the original Top 25 list of NC-based food items, the News & Observer published this list of another 10 great North Carolina food moments.
Tony's Ice Cream, Gastonia
If you're looking for a classic place for a hot dog and an ice cream cone, Tony's Ice Cream of Gastonia is a great choice. The ice cream plant is right across the street, and the red-vinyl booths have been a family hangout since 1947. But if you can't decide from the 30 or so flavors posted daily, readers can help: Go with the grape. It's like an ice-cold lick of a Concord.
Tony's Ice Cream, 604 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, 704-867-7085.
Texas Pete, Winston-Salem
No, Texas Pete is not from Texas. But it's found on tables all over the South. The classic bottle with the red cowboy is made by family-owned Garner Food Co. in Winston-Salem, which came up with the formula in 1929. With a flavor of vinegar, salt and peppers, it has a subtle heat that isn't as overwhelming as Tabasco.
www.texaspete.com.
Parker's Barbecue, Wilson
Speaking of barbecue institutions, readers reminded us that a meal at Parker's Barbecue in Wilson isn't complete without those corn sticks, sweet cob-shaped cornbread. To some, it is as blasphemous as eating Eastern North Carolina barbecue without sweet tea.
Parker's Barbecue 2514 U.S. 301 South, Wilson, 252-237-0972, 9 a.m.- 9p.m. daily, Cash or checks only.
Shelby Livermush Expo
Livermush, North Carolina's version of pâté, made from grits and pig parts, is available in grocery stores and restaurants all over the state. Mark your calendars, livermush fans: Shelby hosts a Livermush Expo on Oct. 23. A highlight - Mack's Livermush sells livermush sandwiches.
Shelby Livermush Expo, 10 a.m.- 5p.m. Oct. 23, Historic Court Square, Washington Street, www.TourClevelandCounty.com.
Fresh House near Albemarle
Fresh House near Albemarle is a combination bakery/candy store/toy store/cafe, started by the late Dave Hinson. But readers told us to go on the third weekend of the month for some of the best chicken and dumplings we've eaten anywhere: Rich broth, plenty of chicken and tender strips of dumplings. Hinson's 79-year-old mother, Tunnie Hinson, comes in to roll them herself.
Fresh House, 805 W. Main St., Locust, 704-888-1460; closed Mondays. Chicken and dumplings served on the third weekend of the month.
Sunny Side Oyster Bar, Williamston
We touched on steamed oysters before, but we neglected to mention the Sunny Side Oyster Bar, which has been operating in Williamston since 1935. It hasn't changed much since then. Sit down at the U-shaped bar and have your oysters shucked by men with names like "Jesse" and "Griff." This Eastern North Carolina institution opens for the season Friday.
Sunny Side Oyster Bar, 1102 Washington St., Williamston, 252-792-3416. 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5:30 p.m.-close Friday-Saturday; 5:30-8 p.m. Sunday.
Kyle Fletcher's, Gastonia
Here's another barbecue restaurant to add to your list: At Kyle Fletcher's in Gastonia, smoke pours out of a half-dozen cookers out back all day, turning out tender, chopped pork that is smokier than most Carolinas 'cue, with plenty of outside brown mixed in.
Kyle Fletcher's BBQ & Catering, 4507 Wilkinson Blvd., Gastonia, 704-824-1956. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday. Cash or checks only.
Peanuts
How could we forget N.C. peanuts? Try the blister-fried beauties sold at Mackey's Ferry Peanuts in Jamesville. Or the Carolina Crisp Peanut Bar, a solid bar of double-roasted peanuts from the Golden Grove Candy Co., based in Warsaw, N.C. The peanuts come from company president Lee Swinson's farm.
Mackey's Ferry Peanuts, 30871 U.S. 64, Jamesville, 888-637-6887. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Thursday; closed Friday; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, shop.mfpnuts.com.
Golden Grove Candy Co., Warsaw. Carolina Crisp bars available at www.goldengrove.com; and Food Lion, Piggly Wiggly, IGA, Kerr Drugs, Handy Mart, Handy Hugo, Short Stop, Mallard and the State Farmers Market in Raleigh.
Hot dogs, various
Yes, the chili dog is a Carolinas classic. We noted several great places. Readers wanted more: the classic hot dog stand Dick's in Wilson, the footlong dogs with multiple toppings at Jay Bee's in Statesville, and the unusual white chili on the dogs from Bill's in Washington.
Dick's Hotdog Stand, 1500 W. Nash St., Wilson, 252-243-6313, closed Monday; Jay Bee's, 320 Mocksville Highway, Statesville, 704-872-8033, closed Sunday; Bill's Hot Dog Stand, 109 Gladden St., Washington, 252-946-3343, closed Sunday.
Calabash-style seafood, Calabash
Fried fresh off the boat, abundant and reasonably priced. Its name comes from Calabash, a small town inland from Sunset Beach and close to the South Carolina line. So it seems appropriate to recommend the Calabash Seafood Hut, where the shrimp and flounder are popular. Specials before 4 p.m. cost only $7. Even at dinner, you won't pay more than $15 and you'll get a plate full of food.
Calabash Seafood Hut, 1125 River Road, Calabash, 910-579-6723, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; closed Monday.
