Sept 8, 2023, Day One of the NC Mountain State Fair found us cooking with NC Pork in both of our cooking demos on the

Cooking Classes | Recipes | Restaurants | Food Lovers Travel
Sept 8, 2023, Day One of the NC Mountain State Fair found us cooking with NC Pork in both of our cooking demos on the
Time for a road trip to Asheville NC, actually Fletcher NC, if you are already setting the GPS. Come on up and join me. I’ll
I don’t know about you, but for me half the pleasure in cooking are the little tips and tricks that make it all so much
If you like to eat and you like to travel, then you are going to love a little project I’ve been working on for a
As many of you are aware, much loved and respected NC Dairy Farmer Randy Lewis of Ran Lew Dairy in Snow Camp, NC was attacked
It’s time for the 25th annual Peach Festival in Candor NC, July 13-15; and this year, the celebration continues on with the first ever Peach
School is out and it’s time for a little summer getaway. Why not start with a day trip this weekend to Vilas, NC, home to
Are a working North Carolina chef, pastry chef, bartender or distillery? Or do you know a talented NC chef, pastry chef or bartender or a
When most of us travel by car, we hop on the interstate and head out to quickly transport from one metropolis to another. Views on
Drinking green this week, not only in anticipation of St. Patty’s Day on Friday but because this is the season for all sorts of locally
With Spring and Summer on the horizon, the Carolina Coast is calling. Tom and I have traveled to the Carolina coast many times before. From
If you have followed this blog or my social media for very long, you will know that I love what I do. My jam is
Superbowl season. That means it time for my very favorite football photo, circa 2016. Yes, that’s me, pink shoes and all. Following the obligatory photo,
Often one favorite recipes leads to another. Such was the case with a recipe for overnight oats, that I crafted for the team at The
Possibly the original comfort food, a bowl of hot soup warms our stomachs and soothes our souls. On Sunday January 29, 2023 the annual Soup
Loss hits hard. I sat in my office dumbfounded, staring at my computer screen, after getting the message over the weekend that McNinch House owner
Too many years ago now, Tom and I joined friends and took a trip to Italy. Our first stop was Rome and our first meal,
Excited to be celebrating National Gluten Free Day with seven sensational locally sourced North Carolina products. If you follow a gluten free diet or not,
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
Type the words, “New Year’s Day 2023” into your Google search bar and see what happens. Go ahead, I’ll wait…. Seems even the internet is
I really hate to use the “P” word; but, if you are one of those procrast… , umm, people who wait to address your holiday
You’ve got to love a holiday that runs for 8 days. Traditional celebrations of any kind stir thoughts of food and family memories. For me,
If you are in the High Point – Winston Salem – Greensboro viewing area and you watched me on Tuesday morning, Dec 13, on My
How are you shopping local this week? In the winter months, on my list of go-tos are the season’s assortment of root veggies and a
Its the time of the year when fresh pumpkin, like all other varieties of winter squash, are abundant in this area. Blend a batch of
It’s time for the annual NC State Fair. Consider this your invitation to join in all the fun as I join my good friend Got
If you’ve been to see me at the GotToBeNC Cooking Stage at the 2022 NC Mountain State Fair at the WNC Agricultural Center in Fletcher,
Time for a road trip to Asheville NC. Come on up and join me. I’ll be hosting the GotToBeNC Cooking Stage inside the Davis Event
File this one under “Love What I Do.” As many of you know, in 2015, I first contracted with the NCRLA (North Carolina Restaurant &
It’s Time. Tomato Time. WIth the heat of summer comes some wonderful local harvest and I am here to celebrate it all. I am always
Riddle me this. If April Showers bring May Flowers, what happens in June? And the answer is…Topiaries. Amazing larger than life topiaries all a part
Here’s a fun family recipe idea for a flag-themed flatbread or foccaccia to help you bake up some Memorial Day fun. It’s an easy and
Crave CLT is a week-long fun festival of food-centric events that kick off the first week of May 2022. I love that so many in
Don’t you just love when one delicious dish leads to the next? Such was the case for me this weekend when I prepared two very
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
I love writing about chefs and all they bring to the table. My job becomes even easier when there is a great story to share.
Superbowl season. That means it time for my very favorite football photo, circa 2016. Yes, that’s me, pink shoes and all. Following the obligatory photo,
It’s a post that bears repeating. A chill in the air means its time to bake Cinnamon Rolls. If this weekend round of January 2022
This post was inspired by a quick Instagram reel I recently did on cooking with Lion’s Mane Mushrooms. You can watch the reel I made
Six – well, seven plus – sensational ways to Drink Local with cocktails and mocktails easy enough for any home bartender. All of them with
It’s time for a little food-centric adventure… this trip finds us in the towns of Greenwood, Abbeville and Ninety Six, SC. You’ll love it all as
Catherine Rabb was a chef with a passion for making no fuss food that tasted good; a teacher who made learning fun, easy and interesting;
File this one under “Love What I Do” or, in this case, maybe I should say under “I’m Nuts About What I Do!” But, not
In anticipation of National Sandwich Day on Wednesday Nov. 3, I’ve been asked to share a few of my favorite things between two slices of
Before we start baking cookies today, Allow me to share a bit of the backstory. On one of my food-centric trips to Greenwood, SC, last
Excited this week and next Oct 14-24, 2021, to be hosting the GotToBeNC cooking stage at The NC State Fair. You can file this one
Excited today to be doing a virtual cooking seminar featuring a variety of delicious dairy products. The seminar is for a meeting of the North
Here’s a fun family recipe for a flatbread or foccaccia to make your own. It’s an easy and creative way to cook with your kids
I love a good sandwich and BLT’s are one of my faves. Go with the classic combo: bacon, lettuce and ripe in season tomatoes with
Its summer, and we are all looking for a getaway. When I travel it is always food-centric, as my interests take me to local restaurants
Looking for a reason to celebrate? We’ll let’s see, National Waffle Day is officially Aug 24. The good news is, with the tasty travel tip
June means beachtrips and family vacations, tending to kitchen gardens and, as in any other season of the year, taking time and make considerations to
Parsley, Sage, Rosemary & Thyme… and all sorts of basil, oregano, varieties of mint, lavender and if you plant early enough, maybe even cilantro, too.
With so many Charlotte area chefs and restaurants offering Mothers’ Day Brunching options, I thought I’d get you started with a short list of hidden
Six years ago I was approached by the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association, otherwise known as the NCRLA, to organize a fun, one evening
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
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
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
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
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 those of you who follow this blog regularly – or follow my social media, you know I’m a big fan of eating and drinking
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
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
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
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
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
August 15, Happy Birthday Julia Child. Child, who passed away in August of 2004 was our nation’s grande dame of cuisine and my personal culinary hero. She
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 summertime edition of “Tea with Seagrove Potters”, Saturday, August 21, 2021 from 10am-5pm.
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.