Six years ago I was approached by the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, otherwise known as the NCRLA, to organize a fun, one evening
Keep It Local
As a long time food and travel writer, my mantra and my niche has become to keep it local. I encourage my readers to eat
Springtime Tea With Seagrove Potters
Time for a safe and delicious road trip to Seagrove NC, to take in the gorgeous scenery along the way and stop for Tea with
Eating out, Dining In and To-go From Uptown Charlotte Restaurants
Time for another round of the Take Away on To-Go dining options. This time with a focus on Uptown Charlotte restaurants. Not only that, but
2021 Superbowl Snacking continues
In my last post, I shared a great recipe for Superbowl snacking. My super simple Surprise Sandwiches filled with local pork in a mustard marinade
Kick Up The Flavor for your Superbowl Spread
It’s that time of the year. Superbowl Sunday will most certainly look different for all of us, as we are all still social distancing and
The Take-Away on Take Out Dining In Charlotte
Time for Take Out. Right now, its the very best way to support our local restaurant community. While restaurants are open for business and many
For the Love of Eating and Drinking Locally
For those of you who follow this blog regularly – or follow my social media, you know I’m a big fan of eating and drinking
Cheesy Rice Cakes with Mushroom Ragout
Today, your second serving of Rice Cakes. This post features the inspiration for Rice Cakes Part 1, my Grilled Cheese post , released earlier this
A New Spin on Grilled Cheese & Tomato Soup
Soup and a Sandwich. My go to here is always grilled cheese and tomato soup; with a big “Yes”, when it comes the question of
Ham Biscuits and Cheesy Carolina Gold Rice Middlins
Homemade Ham Biscuits and Cheesy Rice Middlins also know as Rice Grits. Practically perfect fare for any breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner. And, an excellent
Charlotte’s Uptown Farmers market
If there was ever a challenging year to start something new, its been 2020. But all said, lots of great things have happened this year,
Keep It Local As You Shop Cyber Monday
Keep it Local, it’s my mantra. Shop local, eat local, drink local, celebrate local. This past weekend, today and, I’m sure tomorrow too have felt
Shop Local at SOUTHEND MARKET
In recent years the Saturday after Thanksgiving has become a day to celebrate shopping with small local businesses. Such was the case on Sat Nov
The Thanksgiving 2020 pivot
This year we won’t have big crowds of family and friends around the Thanksgiving table; but don’t let a change in venue plans take away
Let’s Go To Pinehurst, Southern Pines & Places Inbetween
The past year has been stressful, that’s for sure. But, as things start looking up, I’ve got a great way to cure that case of
Tailgating 2020 style
It’s November. That means football; and usually, that means tailgating. This year, as we all know all too well, things are different. But, that doesn’t
From The Pumpkin Patch
It’s pumpkin season in the Carolinas ( and everywhere else as well) ! Time to celebrate the seasonal squash of October. Let’s get right to
Hocus Pocus, It’s October
Today I’m sharing Five Fabulous Things to celebrate October (& one of them is a pair of cocktail recipes!) With so many ways to safely
Cooking with Eggplant
Last night I posted this photo of the eggplant on my instagram and pinterest feeds. I purchased four or five of these beauties last weekend
Local Pear – Fection
While you are out and about, I’ve got a great find to share. While you are shopping local, be sure to treat yourself and buy
Recap: WRAL Getaway to Asheboro, NC
In Case You Missed It, Here is the replay of my video on WRAL getaway last week. Its a One Day car trip to Asheboro,
Recipes inspired by A Visit to the Heart of North Carolina
My day trip last week to visit Asheboro and Seagrove North Carolina, both in the Heart of North Carolina, has resulted in two things this
Local Figs In Season
It’s time for local figs. Actually almost past time, so get ready, time’s a wastin’. Things are about to get figgy! I love the summer.
One Day Getaway: Asheboro, NC
Are you bored? Don’t know what to do? I’ve got your answer. Hop in the car and join me for a fun one day getaway
Cooking for Summer, It’s Tomato Time
Mid August and we find ourselves smack dab in the dog days of summer. This summer of 2020 has been a strange and curious one,
Cooking with South Carolina Boiled Peanuts
They are a well-known summer staple in the South. You see them at roadside farm stands and at farmers markets. And, folks who love a
The Food & drink You Crave, CLT
What is it that you Crave, Clt? As restaurants reopen in the Queen City, we are all asking the same question. Where can we go
Summer Seafood
Nothing says, “Here’s to Eating Local”, better than Summer Seafood on the grill! But, where to shop for seafood? I am glad you asked…. Take
Eat Your Summer Veggies
Tiz the season for a bounty of Summer veggies and a wonderful time to shop, cook and eat local. A couple of weeks ago, I
Take A Day Away, Destination: Greenwood, SC
Destination Greenwood, SC. If sheltering in place and staying at home has you a little stir crazy these days – maybe you just need to
How To Cook with Fennel
How are you eating local? This time a year, for me, a weekend Farmers’ Market trip almost always includes the purchase of several bulbs of
As Charlotte restaurants reopen, Here’s What you need to know…
June 25 Update – Remember the three W’s – wash your hands, watch your distance and WEAR A MASK – when you go out in
How to Make Seafood Pot Pie
Looking to find great seafood choices while you are still sheltering in place; and even after restrictions start to relax a bit? My friends at
Learn How To Cook with Heidi Billotto
Want to learn how to cook? Although I hate that we can’t be gathered together in the kitchen, on the farm or around the table;
Home Delivery: The New Way to Shop Local
Home delivery. The convenient new way to shop local and support local businesses. With farmers markets open on the weekends; and farm stores open during
Cooking Classes Online Spring 2020
Post Update: Check out the list of all the new 2020 Spring and Summer cooking classes here… Honestly, this is not how I pictured my
Here is How You Can Help
Many of you have written me to ask how you can help our local farmers, chefs and restaurants. The COVID 19 crisis has been hard
25 Plus Places to Shop Local – March 2020
No better place to shop for local produce, proteins and product than from local farmers markets, farm stores and locally run businesses. In late March,
Charlotte restaurants Offer Take Out and Delivery: Update March 2020
Usually my posts about Charlotte restaurants include a round up of six new places I think you should try. But these are not usual times.
Charlotte RESTAURANTS And Farmers market Updates
The world seems topsy turvy right now. In the wake of the COVID-19 corona virus, Charlotte restaurants, chefs and farmers are flexing creative muscles, so
Eat Local And Plant-Based when you Cook with Hempeh
If you love to eat local and are in search of vegan or vegetarian proteins, allow me to teach you how to cook with Hempeh.
Charlotte Chefs and Restaurants lend a helping hand
I have always said that very wonderful things happen when and where Charlotte chefs gather. And, it is incredible how very short of a time
How To Eat in Season
How to eat in season? It’s easier than you think. Happy to share six sensational ways to eat and drink locally and in season –
YoCo Taste Trail 2020
Its time for another culinary adventure. This one takes us to South Carolina’s York County, to follow the 2020 YoCo Taste Trail. Thanks to the
Hearts, Chocolate & Flowers
Quicker than Cupid’s arrow, Heidi Billotto here, with a rundown of several creative ways to celebrate Valentine’s 2020 with a variety of local hearts, chocolate
Made In The Carolinas for you to Eat and Drink Local
So many ways to eat and drink locally, all of them this week produced, packaged and made in the Carolinas. With one bonus find, not
Have a Foodie Field Day this Superbowl Weekend
Wouldn’t be a Superbowl post if I didn’t kick things off by sharing one of my favorite photos! So before we huddle up with all
Cooking with Local Condiments
Cooking with condiments shortcuts meal prep and makes it all easy. Ready for a great recipe? I love sharing all of the delicious ways you
Eating Out for Charlotte Restaurant Week Winter 2020
Where are you eating out for Charlotte Restaurant Week? It is Jan 22, we are 5 days into the 10-day stretch that is Queen’s Feast
Queen’s Feast 2020 Winter Edition
It’s Baaacck. The 10 day stretch of dining delirium known as Queen’s Feast or Charlotte Restaurant Week. 2020’s Winter Edition of this biannual “Royal Repast”
Charlotte Restaurants Near Me
How many times have you been on the search for a great place to go to eat and googled , “Charlotte Restaurants Near Me” ?
Charlotte Restaurants on the Radar
As we start this year, I, like you, find myself with many new Charlotte restaurants to try, that’s for sure. Add all the new places
December Restaurants: A RoundUp of Holiday Cheer
If you are talking restaurants, 2019 has been a busy year for Charlotte. Almost every day in November a new dining establishment opened its doors
More Ways to Eat and Drink Local
As this first week of December almost comes to a close, I’d like to offer another round of wonderful ways for you to eat and
Six Sensational Ways to Drink Local
It has become a holiday tradition. My December post with a half dozen or so ways to drink local this holiday season and on into
Holiday Helpers Edition of Eating Local
When it comes to eating local, you know I am always on the search for new and interesting products, produce and proteins to share. In
Nuts About Pecans
Is it Pi-kon or Pee-can? No matter how you say it, pecans are the local nut of the season. Today’s post is driven by my
Thanksgiving On the Table
With the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner, you may be feeling a bit down to the wire. Don’t panic. Panicking never helps anything. Take a
Eye On The Pie
No doubt your holiday menu this season will involve a pie or two. While there are lots of great places in town to order for
Asheville NC : Falling into the Season
Time for all that leaf peeping don’t you know. The best place to take it all in and enjoy the fresh air and cooler preseason
Eat Local Drink Local
I love what I do! This morning, I am excited to be sharing six sensational ways to eat and drink local on The Charlotte Today Show
NC Chef Showdown Winners Take to the Airwaves
I am still reeling from all the fun this week as the 2019 NCRLA Chef Showdown celebrated its grande finale on Monday Sept 30, 2019
North Carolina Roadtrip: Travel to the Triangle
Time for a recap and all the details on planning your next North Carolina Roadtrip with stops in Burlington, Raleigh, Durham and Chapel Hill, NC.
North Carolina Travel: Triangle Tease
Should you find yourself in need of a respite or just feel like it may be time to get the heck out of Dodge for
Seven Ways to Eat and Drink Local
Eat and Drink Local. Over the years it’s become my mantra. With so many locally grown, raised, caught and made products across the Carolinas, its
The Sandwich. A Great Way to Eat Local.
Invented in 1762 by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, today I find this “best thing since sliced bread” a wonderful way to showcase
What’s Up in Spartanburg SC ?
At just under an hour and 30 minutes away from Charlotte NC, leave this morning and your Spartanburg SC getaway could start today, or any
South Carolina Restaurants Update with Video and more
Wow! Just Wow! I am delighted at the response from my post on South Carolina Restaurants last week. The original article featuring a half dozen
August Restaurant Roundup: SC Hidden Gems
This week, I’m swinging down to South Carolina for my August Restaurant Roundup, to share what’s cooking across state lines. I’ve spent a lot of
Happy Birthday, Julia Child
Today, August 15, 2019 Julia Child would have been 107 years old. Child, who passed away in August of 2004 was our nation’s grande dame of
NCRLA Culinary Competition Continues
Time for an update on the North Carolina Culinary Competition of the year – the 2019 NCRLA Chef Showdown! This month marks the next phase
Tea with Seagrove Potters
Plan a day trip or maybe an overnight adventure, for the annual “Tea with Seagrove Potters” August 10, 2019 from 10am-5pm. Summer seems like the
2019 NCRLA Chef Showdown
Time for the fourth annual NCRLA Chef Showdown. Call your food-centric friends, mark your calendars and save the date. Stay tuned for updates as the
More Charlotte Restaurant Week: Queen’s Feast Summer 2019
This time last week I was working on my first Charlotte Restaurant Week post for the Summer of 2019. Now, as I write on Thursday
Queens Feast Summer 2019
Its time to raise your glass and say Cheers to Queens Feast. Make plans now to celebrate summer at Charlotte’s largest dinner party. It all
Summer Says, Ice Cream
Nothing beats a cone or a bowl of ice cream, anytime of the year, But in the heat of the summer it a go-to for
South Carolina Roadtrip: BBQ and Music, too!
What do you get when you gather over 100 different BBQ teams with 20 blues musicians, arts exhibits & a ton of family fun? Sounds like a fabulous summer festival and the perfect excuse for a roadtrip to Greenwood, SC! #TellThemHeidiSentYou
Everything’s Peach -y
In a sister post to a duo of peachy recipes she shared last week, this week Heidi Billotto continues to eat local and drink local with a how to video and even more recipes featuring South Carolina peaches and peach products from Titan Farms. #TellThemHeidiSentYou
Cooking with South Carolina Peaches
I’m kicking things off this morning with a couple of tasty recipes you will love. Both feature South Carolina peaches from Titan Farms in Ridge
The Karma of Local Cucumbers
Its time to celebrate the season with all that is local and right now for Charlotte Culinary Expert Heidi Billotto, that means celebrating the karma of local cucumbers.
3 Day Weekend in Greenwood, SC
Join food and travel writer Heidi Billotto as she takes you on a tour of Greenwood SC. There are a host of “unexpected wonders” for you to discover and enjoy!
Make Mine Local
Eat and Drink Local with food writer Heidi Billotto. In this post she shares six delicious local North and South Carolina products. But that’s not all. When you eat local you help support local economies and support local communities, too.
Where and What to Eat
Food writer Heidi Billotto has had a busy couple of weeks. Follow her culinary adventures and food-centric travel as she share her “What I Eight” list of don’t miss local eats from NC Cheeses to SC Onion Rings. #TellThemHeidiSentYou
Fried Green Tomatoes
I don’t know who decided to fry the first green tomatoes, but I am sure glad they did! Credited with strictly Southern roots, a quick
Eggs. The Sequel.
Heidi Billotto shares more on cooking with eggs, plus this post includes a fun video and a delicious recipe for Heidi’s Spinach Souffle!
The Egg. All You Need to Know
Nothing like fresh local eggs. The taste is divine so use them for every meal! Heidi Billotto shares all you need to know about cooking with local eggs.
A Time for Local Strawberries
Here is a wonderful way to eat local this late spring early summer season! Local strawberries across the Carolina’s are in their prime. So dig in and enjoy! Heidi Billotto shares two great strawberry recipes in this post – one sweet, the other savory.
Road Trip: Asheboro, NC
Time for a road trip to the Heart of North Carolina. Let Heidi Billotto take you on a tour of all there is to see and do ( and eat and drink) in and around Asheboro NC. #TellThemHeidiSentYou
Cocktails with a View
A round of cocktails in Charlotte’s Spring and Summer seasons beg for the invitation to be enjoyed al fresco. Join Charlotte Culinary Expert Heidi Billotto as she sips her way through a list of her favorite spots to enjoy a cocktail with a view.
April Nibbles and Sips: Things to do this week in (and around) Charlotte
Springtime in Charlotte means there are so many great things to do that it could make your head spin. But, have no fear, I’m here to help narrow it down with a few suggestions all part of this Springtime edition of Nibbles & Sips at HeidiBillottoFood.com
Meatball Mania at Heidi’s On the Farm Cooking Classes
Everyone loves a meatball. Could be all beef, could be vegetarian, could be chicken or turkey. No matter the core ingredients, the mention of a meatball is always a crowd pleaser. Read more to see how meatball mania is a part of Heidi Billotto’s On the Farm classes this spring season!
Eat Local Cheese Update
Food Writer, Heidi Billotto says. “Smile and Say Cheese, Please” as she shares six local North Carolina dairies and creameries that should be on your eat local list.
Smile and Say NC Cheese, Please
Join Heidi Billotto as she visits NC dairy farms, enjoying a variety of local artisan and farmstead cheese. Time to Smile and say NC Cheese, please!
Cooking With Yogurt
The Mediterranean Diet was ranked the 2019 Best Diet Overall by the US News and World Report. Eating yogurt as is, or using it in recipes, is a great way to bring the Mediterranean Diet to your table. Charlotte Food writer, shares several great ways to keep things healthy and cook with yogurt. #UndeniablyDairy
Charlotte Restaurant Week Update: Heidi’s Winter 2019 Eat Here Now
With 137 different participating restaurants in Queen’s Feast 2019, there are lots of choices to be made. Read as Food and Restaurant writer, Heidi Billotto shares a few of her favorites with photos, menu suggestions and a video, too!
Heidi’s Eat Here Now: Charlotte’s Winter Restaurant Week
And just like that we find ourselves in the middle of January 2019. Let Charlotte food writer, Heidi Billotto guide you as you hone your dining out plans for Charlotte Restaurant Week, Winter Queen’s Feast 2019.
Updated: On Your Restaurant Radar January Hidden Gems
Time to tune in and turn on your restaurant radar. How many times to you find yourself in search of something new? While there is always time to enjoy the “same old – same old”, its also fun to venture out of the box and try on a new and flavorful find. Take it from food writer Heidi Billotto, you are going to love these six special hidden gems.
Restaurant Round-Up: January Hidden Gems
How many times to you find yourself looking for a new restaurant? When you travel and want to stop for a non fast food bite,
It Starts with Sweet Potatoes
Looking for some fun last minute appetizers that can take you into the new year? Food writer Heidi Billotto has the answer and it all starts with NC Sweet Potatoes!
Durham Distillery: Drinking Local with Gin, Vodka and Damn Fine Liqueurs
In this series of local craft cocktail recipe posts, from Food Writer, Heidi Billotto, you’ll find recipes using local spirits and beverages. Featured in our glasses in this Drink Local post: the delicious family of spirits from Durham Distillery from Durham, North Carolina!
Plate Presentation 101: Tips, Recipes and a Video
Even if you are not an industry pro, you can still score when it comes to the art of plate presentation. Use this post from Charlotte Culinary Expert, Heidi Billotto, as a guide for a few quick Holiday How-To’s that will take you through the season and keep your plating game strong throughout the year.
Drink Local: Holiday Cocktails
Its always time to Drink Local and this holiday season there are many local options with which to craft your holiday cocktails and mocktails. In this post Heidi Billotto shares six delicious options and will surprise you with a sweet treat at the end!
November and December Cooking Classes and Recipes
Love to cook with local products, produce and proteins? Heidi Billotto has lots of wonderful cooking classes coming up in November on through the holidays. Make plans now to join in the fun or plan a private cooking class all your own!
Heidi Billotto’s Easy 30 Minute Paella “As Seen On TV”
I love sharing new recipes in these posts, in my cooking classes and on the televised cooking segments I am asked to do from month
NC Sweet Potato Toasties: The Whole Story with Recipe, Video & More
How Do You Like Your Sweet Potatoes? Many of you may only think about this locally grown vegetable around Thanksgiving when you will use it
Cheers! Raise a Glass, its Time to Drink Local!
Cheers to North Carolina’s Thriving Community of Distillers and Legal Moonshine Raise your glasses and say, “Cheers!” Some 84 years ago today Prohibition in
Plan an adventure to the Carolina Coast – Visit Beaufort NC
In early March, my husband Tom and I escaped for a getaway to the Crystal Coast in North Carolina’s Carteret County. Our destination: Beaufort, NC.
Cooking for Hanukkah: Potato Latkes
The eight days of Hanukkah 2020 began at sunset on December 10. You’ve got to love a holiday that runs for 8 days. Traditional celebrations
Upping Your holiday pie game
Tiz the season to be baking; and I’m turning my focus to breads and holiday pie! More bread to come; but be honest, who doesn’t