Today, your second serving of Rice Cakes. This post features the inspiration for Rice Cakes Part 1, my Grilled Cheese post , released earlier this

Cooking Classes | Recipes | Restaurants | Food Lovers Travel
Today, your second serving of Rice Cakes. This post features the inspiration for Rice Cakes Part 1, my Grilled Cheese post , released earlier this
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
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
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, it’s my mantra. Shop local, eat local, drink local, celebrate local. This past weekend, today and, I’m sure tomorrow too have felt
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
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
Its been a stressful fall, for sure. But things are looking up and I’ve got a great way to cure that case of cabin fever.
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
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
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
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
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
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,
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
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.
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
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,
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
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
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
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
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 are you eating local? This time a year, for me, a weekend Farmers’ Market trip almost always includes the purchase of several bulbs of
June 25 Update – Remember the three W’s – wash your hands, watch your distance and WEAR A MASK – when you go out in
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
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 convenient new way to shop local and support local businesses. With farmers markets open on the weekends; and farm stores open during
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
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
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,
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.
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
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.
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? It’s easier than you think. Happy to share six sensational ways to eat and drink locally and in season –
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
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
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
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 condiments shortcuts meal prep and makes it all easy. Ready for a great recipe? I love sharing all of the delicious ways you
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
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”
How many times have you been on the search for a great place to go to eat and googled , “Charlotte Restaurants Near Me” ?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Time for an update on the North Carolina Culinary Competition of the year – the 2019 NCRLA Chef Showdown! This month marks the next phase
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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!
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.
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
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
Heidi Billotto shares more on cooking with eggs, plus this post includes a fun video and a delicious recipe for Heidi’s Spinach Souffle!
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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!
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.
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!
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
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!
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.
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.
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,
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!
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!
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.
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!
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!
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
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 to North Carolina’s Thriving Community of Distillers and Legal Moonshine Raise your glasses and say, “Cheers!” Some 84 years ago today Prohibition in
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
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