We go deep on intel — just for you — here at Undercover Jetsetter.

Our latest operation?

To infiltrate Smoked, a relatively new restaurant in Shallotte, North Carolina.
We’ve been hearing rumors.

So, we verified the intelligence with our taste-testing team.

What Our Operatives Revealed

Smoked’s smoked pork ribs are the best in the area. If this is your first visit, make the ribs a must. Why is that?

It’s All About The Wood

We investigated the kitchen and interrogated Chef Vern Groves. He spills the beans, figuratively, of course.

No beans were spilled. The floor was immaculate.

We convinced Chef to decrypt the secret combination of wood — cherry, walnut, and apple — that infiltrates with flavor.

All we can say is: the wood encryption changes whether the target is pork, brisket, chicken, or fish.

Our Palates Verified.

The corn rib appetizers were out of this world. We could identify elements of Mexican street food perfectly executed.

We went to Brussels next: Brussel Sprouts. Maple Bacon Brussels. Nothing more needs to be said.

The beer selection is vast from top-notch regional breweries.

The cocktails are unique offering regional spirits. A cinnamon spiced moonshine dominates the cocktail called Fire In The Hole, which you’ll be justified in investigating. (Refer to your TV intel to decipher.)

Crowds seem to be gathering at Smoked for varied reasons beyond tasty nourishment and libations.

Plenty of TVs to watch that big sporting event.

Perfect retreat after a round of golf, or a day at the beach.

Big Family Gatherings

Place to bring a big group of visitors, even a bridal shower or bachelor party.

A family gathering place where you can sit outside along the placid Shallotte River.

Friendly service. The experienced bar operatives devise cocktails while offering friendly info and identifying recognition phrases and signals from patrons.

We can verify these findings.

The only problem. You may never want to leave.

Watch here with our Undercover Jetsetter operatives Kathy and Harold.

John Daly and Susan Anzalone are Undercover Jetsetter, a TV show on travel, food, wine, mixology, and golf that is produced entirely off the iPhone. In addition, both sleuths are enamored with films and books about espionage, but in reality they are the new Inspector Clousseau.