Category: Dinner

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.

Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Thighs

These Air Fried Buffalo Chicken Thighs are crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside and coated in bold, tangy Buffalo sauce. Served over fresh greens with celery, carrots, cucumber and a creamy blue cheese ranch dressing, it’s all the flavor of classic wings—just a little lighter and weeknight-friendly.

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.

Sous Vide Flank Steak Frites

Elevate weeknight dinner with this Sous Vide Flank Steak Frites. Tender, juicy flank steak cooked to perfection in the sous vide pairs beautifully with air-fried duck fat truffled fries and a bright, herbaceous chimichurri. Add roasted asparagus or a simple salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home that’s simple to make and impossible to resist.

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.

Lasagne al Forno (Northern Italian Style)

This Lasagne al Forno is a classic Northern Italian celebration dish made the traditional way. Slow-simmered ragù, silky béchamel, fresh pasta sheets and Parmigiano-Reggiano layered into pure comfort. After years of experimenting with lighter and gluten-free versions, this Christmas we went all-in on the real deal: rich, delicate and deeply savory. It’s a labor of love, but the result is the kind of lasagna that melts into one perfect bite.

Slow Cooker Buffalo Pulled Chicken Sandwich with Creole Blue Cheese Ranch Coleslaw (reboot)

This rebooted Slow Cooker Buffalo Pulled Chicken Sandwich delivers bigger flavor and better texture than the original. The chicken gets a full packet of ranch seasoning plus an extra hour of slow-cooking with butter for maximum tenderness. The homemade Creole Blue Cheese Ranch Coleslaw adds creamy tang, a touch of heat, and savory blue cheese to balance the buffalo kick. Serve it with duck-fat air-fried skinny fries for the ultimate comfort-food upgrade.