Category: Copycat

Seared South Carolina Scallops, Charred Broccolini, Bacon, Clemson Blue Cheese Grits with Habanero Butter Sauce

Experience the ultimate South Carolina ‘Power Plate’ with this recreation of a Greenville icon. Featuring buttery Broadwater Shrimp Co. scallops, heirloom Marsh Hen Mill grits folded with tangy Clemson Blue Cheese and a legendary Soby’s-inspired Habanero Butter sauce. This post breaks down the technical secrets to a perfect scallop sear and how to balance bold, local flavors for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Spiced Pork Tenderloin, Whipped Labneh, Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower, Forbidden Rice with Blood Orange, Herbs, Toasted Almond and Sesame

Explore the art of the ‘restaurant copycat’ with this deep dive into a Middle Eastern-inspired masterpiece. Learn how to pair sous vide spiced pork tenderloin with whipped labneh, air-fried za’atar cauliflower and citrus-brightened forbidden rice. This post breaks down high-end plating techniques and the culinary logic that makes these bold, contrasting flavors work perfectly in a home kitchen.

The Spice Trader Cocktail

Inspired by a cocktail I had at Core 450, this spiced Old Fashioned layers barrel-proof bourbon with cinnamon-ginger simple syrup and chocolate bitters for a bold, warming sip. It’s familiar in structure, but richer, deeper and built for slow sipping.

Potato Pizza (copycat from Sidewall Pizza Co)

Inspired by Sidewall Pizza Co.’s seasonal Potato Pizza, this copycat recipe breaks down how to reverse-engineer a restaurant favorite at home. Thin-sliced potatoes, roasted garlic sauce, bacon, caramelized onions, walnuts, mozzarella, blue cheese and chives come together for a rich, savory pizza that hits all the right notes. Perfect for when the real thing isn’t on the menu.

Hot Hawaiian Pizza (copycat from Sidewall Pizza Co)

I was never a pineapple-on-pizza person until I tried the Hot Hawaiian from Sidewall Pizza Co. Sweet pineapple, salty pork, melty mozzarella and a touch of jalapeño heat completely changed my mind. This copycat Hot Hawaiian pizza won’t replace the original, but it’s a delicious way to recreate those bold, balanced flavors at home until you can make it back to the restaurant.

Pad See Ew – Thai Stir Fried Noodles

Craving Thai takeout at home? Pad See Ew is a classic street food favorite from Thailand, made with wide rice noodles, savory soy sauce, and just the right balance of protein and veggies. This recipe was inspired by my go-to lunch spot, Thai Garden and it hits all the same comforting notes ,chewy noodles, smoky caramelized sauce, and quick weeknight ease.

A Summer Twist on Cassoulet

This Weeknight Summer Cassoulet takes inspiration from a date night at Passerelle Bistro in Greenville, SC. By swapping duck confit for pulled pork or rotisserie chicken and adding peak-season vegetables, it’s a lighter, fresher spin on the French classic, easy enough for a weeknight, but special enough to impress.