The Great Dumpling Debate

It is a Southern staple: chicken and dumplings. Wait a minute! Did I say it right? Should it be chicken and pastry? What do you call it?

Amy Kunkle suggested this blog idea after a little debate with her husband. I have always said chicken and dumplings but I grew up in the western part of the state. It seems most folks downeast say chicken and pastry. 

Several questions: what do you call this classic Southern dish?

What restaurant makes the best chicken and dumplings/pastry?

And what is the ultimate chicken and dumplings/pastry recipe? Do you think you can pry it away from Grandma long enough to write it down and post it here on the Carolina Conversations blog?