Sandwiches today, tacos tomorrow at Wilmington area restaurants

What’s the best thing I ate this week? There’s so much to choose from. The great bites from local chefs at the N.C. Chef Showdown, including three interesting and complex sweet bites. A round of sandwiches from local restaurants (most of which I’ve enjoyed multiple times). And the cheese biscuits, w

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What’s the best thing I ate this week? There’s so much to choose from. The great bites from local chefs at the N.C. Chef Showdown, including three interesting and complex sweet bites. A round of sandwiches from local restaurants (most of which I’ve enjoyed multiple times). And the cheese biscuits, which recently took me on a pilgrimage to diners and dives a bit north of the Wilmington area.

If I had to pick one, that would probably be it, thanks to the nostalgic enjoyment remembering my grandmother serving me those dough-wrapped chunks of cheese when I was a child. Plus, I recently found a source for take-and-bake biscuits so there's a stash in my freezer right now.

The Cubano from Carolina Beach Market & Deli at 257 Cape Fear Blvd., Carolina Beach has porchetta, ham, gruyere, hot pickles and a house-made sweet-and-spicy deli mustard on Cuban bread.

The best bites

Tasked with the challenge of identifying some of the area's best sandwiches, why not look at those that foodies likely know by name? If your favorite isn't on this list, check out this photo gallery with even more to try. Or let me know your top pick.
Speaking of letting us know, the newest readers' poll from the StarNews is up and active. This time, it's all about tacos. Life is better with one in hand. Vote here for your fave taco place.

A cheese biscuit from Flo's Kitchen in Wilson, N.C.

Quick bites

If you, too, are interesting in following a path filled with golden, cheesy biscuits, here are some ideas. I have to say that my favorite, so far, is at Mom's Grill in Washington.
If you can't really get away, this upcoming bar in downtown Wilmington promises to offer an escapist experience in the form of a classic tiki bar.
Also, you might want to mark your calendars for next September, which is likely when the next Chef Showdown takes place in Durham. It's always a showcase of great food and drink from talent across the state. Here's how Wilmington chefs fared at the 2026 event. If you're looking for something this weekend, it's the first private dinner party throughthe new Bite Club at Blue Willow Cafe.

The Eastern NC cheese biscuit remains a regional food secret