Specialty of the House:I took your advice and tried the soft shells at Elaine's in Chapel Hill. Awesome! Now I'd like to try to make them at home. Any chance you can get the recipe? -- W.W., Cary.

Specialty of the House:A few weeks ago I went to Twisted Fork in Raleigh. The best part was the dessert, Tia Maria Cake. It was amazing. Could you get this recipe? --M.B., Raleigh.

Specialty of the House:Jason Cunningham -- executive chef at Fairview, the dining room of the Washington Duke Inn in Durham -- is happy to share his recipe for Braised Beef Short Ribs with Plum-Infused Veal Reduction.

Specialty of the House:I've just tried my third Shrimp and Grits recipe, and it's nowhere near as tasty as the one offered at NOFO. Could you please convince the folks at NOFO to share? -- L.H., Raleigh.

Specialty of the House:Bill Smith, executive chef at Crook's Corner is happy to, um, spill the beans about his version of this Cajun/Creole classic.

Specialty of the House:Bill Kalyvas, managing partner and chef at Taverna Agora, is happy to provide the recipe for the dipping oil, noting that in Greece it is called Ladoregani.

Specialty of the House:Abdul and Vicky Ismael are owners of The Cary Café a longtime favorite local spot for breakfast and lunch.

Specialty of the House:A vibrant downtown restaurant offering both traditional and contemporary riffs on the flavors of China and Vietnam, the Duck & Dumpling celebrated its fifth anniversary in November.

Specialty of the House:Is there any way that you could seek out Porter's chocolate cake recipe? They have the best in town! -- A.M., Raleigh.

Specialty of the House:Charles Miller, one of the proprietors of the group of restaurants that includes MacGregor Draft House, shares recipes.

Specialty of the House:My husband and I recently ate with friends at Poole's Downtown Diner in Raleigh. The food was delicious, but the macaroni and cheese was to die for. Do you think Ashley Christensen would be willing to share the recipe? -- I.C., Raleigh.

Specialty of the House:Patrick Cowden is executive chef at The Weathervane, the restaurant at the gourmet emporium A Southern Season.