This Slow-Cooker Beef Bourguignon is the perfect cozy winter meal, rich, deeply flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare. Served with creamy smashed garlic potatoes, roasted asparagus, and a bright arugula chimichurri, it brings together comfort food warmth with fresh, vibrant accents. Ideal for chilly nights when you want something hearty, comforting, and impressive without the extra work.
Tag: Food
The French Martini (with a twist)
A modern take on the classic French Martini, vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice shaken to frothy perfection. A dash of orange bitters adds balance and complexity to this fruity, elegant cocktail.
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.
Blue Ridge Manhattan Cocktail (Blueberry & Black Pepper)
This cocktail balances the richness of barrel-proof bourbon with the tart brightness of fresh blueberries and a subtle kick of black peppercorn syrup. Bitters tie it all together, creating a drink that is both familiar and refreshingly original, a true taste of the Blue Ridge.
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.
Fiore e Pepe (Copycat Cocktail from Appalachia Restaurant in Lake Lure, NC)
A bright and cheeky cocktail inspired by Appalachia in Lake Lure, NC. The Fiore e Pepe mixes vodka, elderflower, blueberries, and black pepper syrup for a floral, fruity, and lightly spicy sip that’s as elegant as it is fun.
Slow Cooker Adobo Pernil, Green Banana Mofongo with Chipotle Adobo and Coconut Broth
A Caribbean-inspired twist: slow-cooked lime-garlic pork pernil replaces shrimp in this mofongo bowl, layered with coconut broth and fresh herbs. Comforting, bold, and deeply satisfying.
The Rosemary’s Baby (a Smoked Rosemary Martini)
Rosemary’s Baby is my smoky twist on a Dirty Martini, named after the 1968 classic. Fresh rosemary, a kiss of smoke, and that savory martini vibe I can’t resist. Simple. Bold. Delicious.
Review: The Appalachia Restaurant at the Lodge on Lake Lure
The Appalachia Restaurant at the Lodge on Lake Lure offers upscale dining with a relaxed, lakefront vibe. Featuring seasonal menus with locally sourced ingredients, creative cocktails, attentive service, and stunning mountain-and-lake views, it’s a must-visit for both locals and visitors.
Fig & Barrel (Fig Old Fashioned)
Meet the Fig & Barrel — my cheeky take on an Old Fashioned.
Barrel-proof bourbon meets caramelized fig syrup and walnut bitters, finished with fresh fig + orange zest. 🍊🍂
one foodie 