PeeDeeFoodie.com™

Review: Playa Azul

Pee Dee Foodie — Tue, 15 May 2012 00:13:44 +0000

The food is made fresh to order using fresh ingredients. Taken together, this authentic Mexican (not Tex-Mex) menu is unlike anything we've experienced in recent years. We say, "Go ahead, leave the Taco Bell behind and try this true taste of Mexico."

Saturdays with Sarah: Trying New Things

SarahTravis — Sat, 12 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Happy Saturday! Let’s get it out there. To a certain extent, we are all afraid of change. Change is scary. Change is uncomfortable. Change is taking a risk. You might experience change when you take a new job in a new city, you could experience change when your child moves away to college, you can [...]

PDFS 018 – Interview of Jackie, Bill, & Sarah Travis

Pee Dee Foodie — Fri, 11 May 2012 12:00:23 +0000

Welcome to the Pee Dee Food Show™, your online and on-air authority on our region’s food culture. We thank you for the download and are pleased that you’re joining us. In Episode 018, we had the pleasure of sitting down with one of Florence’s premier families of foodies. Jackie Travis is owner/operator of Let Them [...]

Let Them Eat Cake! becomes a PeeDeeFoodie.com Community Sponsor

Pee Dee Foodie — Wed, 09 May 2012 15:00:30 +0000

We are proud to welcome Let Them Eat Cake! as a new PeeDeeFoodie.com community sponsor. Thanks to the support of Jackie Travis and her team at this unique, local specialty cake shoppe, our blog and podcast will be able to continue to serve the foodies of our region.

Carolina Creole … Genuine Lowcountry Flavor in Your Pantry

Pee Dee Foodie — Wed, 09 May 2012 00:29:08 +0000

If you’re part of our Pee Dee Foodie community, you know that it’s not often that we do product reviews. Yes, we have on occasion done them, but they are few and far between. That said, one product that we’ve seen on the shelves at our local Pig piqued our interest. Carolina Creole. As you [...]

Saturdays with Sarah: You Don’t Have To Be A Chef

SarahTravis — Sun, 06 May 2012 03:34:48 +0000

Happy Saturday! A lot of times, when people are wanting to eat healthier, they get super frustrated because they don’t know any healthy recipes. I know this to be true, because I’ve been there. We think that since we aren’t professional chefs, we can’t possibly come up with some cool, amazing, great food idea. But [...]

Da Massimo Ristorante Italiano to Open Downtown

Pee Dee Foodie — Fri, 04 May 2012 11:42:24 +0000

Massimiliano “Max” Borghesi, local friend of PeeDeeFoodie.com will be the owner and operator of an exciting new Italian restaurant in downtown Florence. The venture is set to be open for lunch and dinner and focusing on lighter Roman and Northern Italian fare with prices peaking at about $10 for lunch and $20 for dinner. It [...]

Family Welcomes Should Always Include a Great Meal

Pee Dee Foodie — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:11:36 +0000

This week we are in Louisiana. The Bayou State is home of the Big Easy, Cajun Country, and much of our extended family. Our roots stretch well beyond Charleston, where I was born, back to Broadway and Tchoupitoulas streets in the section of New Orleans known as Uptown. That’s where my parents grew up, among [...]

Abingdon Manor: Lemon Tart

Pee Dee Foodie — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:02 +0000

"Mininal ingredients, easy to prepare and delightfully flavorful, this dessert is great after a seafood entree." - Chef Patty Griffey

Review: Ann’s Kitchen & Taste of Thai

Pee Dee Foodie — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:00:58 +0000

Ann's menu is as mouthwatering as it is well-prepared. Each plate's colors and flavors wrap around your hunger, providing it with a gratifying embrace. That is, unless you tend to spicy side of life. Those same flavors, at your request, will also provide you with a wedgie that you won't soon forget.

Creating a Coke® Cake and a Huge Birthday Smile

Pee Dee Foodie — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 01:45:50 +0000

This year, like last year, we knew that some reference to Japan had to be included in our daughter’s birthday cake. That was a given. She’s a big fan of everything Japanese, from video game characters to room decor. If it’s Japanese she’s interested in it. What was new for this year was an added fascination [...]

Abingdon Manor: Key Lime Parfait

Pee Dee Foodie — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 22:00:19 +0000

When we lived in Miami we had many of our own key lime trees in the yard and always had plenty of limes. You can only drink so many gin & tonics so I had to use those limes for something else. Key lime pie has always been a favorite, and this twist is a [...]

The Foodscapes Legacy

Pee Dee Foodie — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 01:04:15 +0000

Foodscapes in Lake City, South Carolina will be closing on April 29, 2012. We just couldn’t let that happen without sharing a few words about what Foodscapes and its owner and chef, Katherine Fridl has meant to those who appreciate locally grown produce and creatively prepared dishes — each without compromise. As members of the [...]

Tuesday Tip: How To Save A Loaf

Alan E. Cooke — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:55:23 +0000

Happy Tuesday! I hope you’ve all been enjoying the nice spring weather, and getting those gardens in shape. Speaking of shape, if you’re like many people this time of year, you’re scrambling to get fit for summer so you can shop for that new bathing suit. This often means crash diets and low carbs. This [...]

Saturdays with Sarah: My Juice Cleanse

SarahTravis — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 13:00:58 +0000

Happy Saturday! For many of us, spring comes around, and we think of fresh starts; new beginnings. We often apply this in our diets: trying new things, starting an exercise program, trying to eat healthier, etc. For me, I decided to try a juice cleanse. My roommate and I decided that for Monday thru Friday, [...]

Tuesday Tip: Temperature Control

Alan E. Cooke — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 02:27:28 +0000

Happy Tuesday, I hope you all had a great Spring Break full of fun and great food! Unfortunately, I had a terrible bout with food poisoning from some bad sushi. It was a great way to jump start a summer weight loss plan (7 lbs in 2 days…ugh), but wasn’t real fun. Since my ‘adventure’, [...]

Saturdays with Sarah: Eating Healthy on Vacation

SarahTravis — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 13:00:32 +0000

Happy Saturday, everyone! Today I’m going to talk to you about one of the hardest tricks in the book: eating healthy while on vacation. You’re away from stress, away from work, away from the grind of the everyday routine, and for many of us, we go away from our healthy lifestyles. We forget about workout, [...]

Review: Miguel’s Grill

Amy Scott-Lundy — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 22:40:32 +0000

Despite the social media attention large restaurants receive when they locate in Florence, our town truly has amazing family-owned, local restaurants. Each restaurant is a little different and strives to add a family touch with unique menu options and homemade sauces or dressings. Miguel Grill offers a Greek flavor with dishes such as gyros and pita bread as well as a touch of Latin flavor with fajitas. Whether you want a gyro, a burger, chicken, fajitas, or seafood, Miguel’s is an excellent lunch or dinner choice.

Watching My Weight: Week 12 of 16

Pee Dee Foodie — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 21:17:47 +0000

After a brief hiatus last week due to travel and busy schedule I’m happy to be back with another weight loss progress report. Just to recap, I’m using Weight Watchers® Online for Men for my weight loss plan and the related iPhone application. My weekly blog posts are for the purposes of (a) adding to my own accountability [...]

Restaurants Open on Easter Sunday

Pee Dee Foodie — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 21:00:41 +0000

This Easter Sunday we hope that you are able to savor your time with family and friends over a great meal. If you're not inclined to be in the kitchen, then be sure to make plans to visit a local restaurant. Many Florence restaurants, for example, are planning to be open.

9 Ways to Save Money When Dining Out

Pee Dee Foodie — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:00:09 +0000

These days saving money is more important than ever. Saving money at restaurants can be a challenge however, especially for a foodie. Here are a few of our best tips for easing the sticker shock the next time your server delivers your check.

New PeeDeeFoodie Logo is a Starr

Pee Dee Foodie — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 03:51:02 +0000

Members of the PeeDeeFoodie online community know that I have wanted to continue our recent blog face-lift by developing a new logo. Logos are a hot topic among food bloggers, who instinctively know that visuals are key to reader satisfaction. This goal was recently met with the help of a talented local designer.

Tuesday Tip: Creating Your Favorite Cookie

Alan E. Cooke — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 03:33:02 +0000

Happy Tuesday! I’m sitting here during halftime of the NCAA National Championship Basketball Game craving some warm chocolate chip cookies, which led to my idea for this weeks tip. Most people seem to be pretty opinionated when it comes to their favorite chocolate chip cookie. Some, like me, enjoy a dense, chewy cookie while others [...]

Hugs & Kisses for OXO

Pee Dee Foodie — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 12:00:31 +0000

I have a question for you. Have you ever been so impressed with something or some things for your kitchen that you just had to have them? That happened to me during the recent Food Blog Forum Orlando 2012 event that we attended. As you may recall from our related posts, we proudly represented the [...]

Saturdays with Sarah: Go-To Meals, Part 7

SarahTravis — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 13:00:45 +0000

Happy Saturday! In the past couple of weeks, I have discovered what is quickly becoming a “go-to” meal in my house. Many times when people want to start eating healthy foods or just living a healthier lifestyle, they think pizza needs to be thrown out the window. But today’s “go-to” meal is a healthy pizza [...]

PDFS 017 – Charleston Wine + Food Festival

Pee Dee Foodie — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 10:00:27 +0000

Join us for our critique of the 2012 Charleston Wine + Food Festival. It was part of a recent "foodie field trip", including tastings, demos, panels, and book signings. The rain put a slight damper on it the day we visited, but we've got a lot to tell you.

The View From The Corner Kitchen

Pee Dee Foodie — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 23:00:32 +0000

Good evening, everyone. We just returned to the Inn on Biltmore Estate after a wonderful, casual meal at the Corner Kitchen in Asheville, North Carolina. The Corner Kitchen is listed, as of today, as the #6 restaurant on Urbanspoon for the area and that rating is well-deserved. Located literally at the corner of Boston Way [...]

Tuesday Tip: Beat The Heat With 1 Ingredient

Alan E. Cooke — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 04:01:36 +0000

Well, the winter season is ‘officially’ over, but it has felt like summer for weeks. I don’t know about you, but when the heat starts to settle in, I start thinking about cold treats like homemade ice cream. The problem, however, is that making homemade ice cream is very time consuming because you have to [...]

Images from #FBFOrl: Day Two

Pee Dee Foodie — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 01:22:54 +0000

We hope you enjoy these random images from Day Two, conference day, from our recent trip to Walt Disney World® for the Food Blog Forum. To learn more about this phenomenal event, please see our related posts and check Twitter hashtag #FBFOrl. To learn more about Food Blog Forum simply visit http://FoodBlogForum.com.

Watching My Weight: Week 10 of 16

Pee Dee Foodie — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:47:54 +0000

Thank you for returning for this tenth update on my weight loss progress and goals. You’ve undoubtedly noticed that there wasn’t a ninth update. That’s because we were in Walt Disney World® for the Food Blog Forum event held at Epcot® last weekend. It was phenomenal and filling! More about that trip is coming to [...]

Saturdays with Sarah: JUICE

SarahTravis — Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:00:44 +0000

Happy Saturday! Instead of a “Go-To” meal this week, I decided to share something new with you that I’m trying. JUICE! Everyone “knows” that you should have plenty of fruits and vegetables every day. That’s what our mothers constantly beat into our heads as children, right? But do we know how much plenty is? This [...]

We Will Miss You, Roberto’s

Pee Dee Foodie — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:52:29 +0000

Earlier today, Roberto’s Italian Restaurant posted the following message on its Facebook page: “As much as I hate to say this and since you all have been so nice to us over the past year, I think its time we tell you that yes Roberto’s Italian Restaurant is closed for good. Due to some unfortunate [...]

Wholly Smokes! It’s a Wholly Smokin’ Restaurant.

Pee Dee Foodie — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 22:36:23 +0000

Thanks to Sarah Travis, contributing blogger here on PeeDeeFoodie.com, we just heard that Wholly Smokin’ BBQ and Ribs will be opening a permanent restaurant location in Florence very soon. Of course, they will continue their catering service but sit-down will now be a regular option. Wholly Smokin’ will be located on Celebration Boulevard in the former [...]

Tuesday Tip: Monday Craving, Friday Flavor

Alan E. Cooke — Tue, 20 Mar 2012 04:01:47 +0000

If you’re a barbecue lover, you’re well aware that you must plan on eating out over the weekend if you want to enjoy your favorite grazing joint. But, what if you can’t get out, and have a hankering on Monday that can only be satisfied on the weekend? You’re working all day, and can’t possibly [...]

Images from #FBFOrl: Day One

Pee Dee Foodie — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 09:00:54 +0000

We're attending Food Blog Forum Orlando 2012, hosted by Walt Disney World®! Here are several images from our first day, as well as a brief recap. Thanks for following along on Twitter. We're using the unique hashtag "#FBFOrl".

Saturdays with Sarah: Go-To Meals, Part 6

SarahTravis — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 08:00:22 +0000

Happy Saturday! We've talked before about how busy our mornings are. We're sleepy, hit the snooze button a couple times, then rush rush rush to get out the door to make it to work on time. So where in that list was making lunch? Here!

PDFS 016: Interview with Mitch Barbour

Pee Dee Foodie — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 10:00:32 +0000

Episode 16 finds me visiting with the owner of CHUBZ in Florence, Mitch Barbour. How did he get into the restaurant business and what's the concept behind CHUBZ? I was also curious about his unique take on menu items -- especially the "CHUBZILLA." Mitch answers all of my questions and gives a bit of his philosophy on value for money, as well.

The Odyssey to #FBFOrl 2012 Begins Today

Pee Dee Foodie — Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:54:19 +0000

On Thursday, March 15, 2012, we're scheduled to leave for Walt Disney World® to attend the sixth Food Blog Forum. It's our first visit to this conference, so it's not only exciting for the networking and educational opportunities but also because it's being held in the former restaurant in Epcot® known as "The Odyssey".

Tuesday Tip: Keep It Simple…And Syrupy

Alan E. Cooke — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 12:00:21 +0000

As spring approaches, many of you will start planning picnics at the park, leisurely days at the lake, or just a relaxing cookout on the porch. Of course, none of these is complete without a cool glass of iced tea, lemonade, or maybe a mint julep for some. Enter, the Tuesday Tip :) Simple Syrup: [...]

Where Would Bart Simpson Eat if He Visited the Pee Dee?

Pee Dee Foodie — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 23:52:09 +0000

Last night I watched an episode of The Simpsons, completely by chance. I haven't seen it in years, but in flipping the channels I happened to see that the show was going to be about foodies and food blogging. That got me thinking ...

Watching My Weight: Week 8 of 16

Pee Dee Foodie — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 00:24:55 +0000

Well, it's been two full months. Time has flown by and I've only got two months left in my 16 week program. Thankfully, I'm back on track despite some issues with WW online account access mid-week.

Saturdays with Sarah: Go-To Meals, Part 5

SarahTravis — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 14:00:57 +0000

A lot of people are trying to go gluten-free these days, and this meal is an excellent option. One thing I really love about it is that it can serve as an excellent side dish to a fish fillet, for example, or it could serve as a meal all on its own. What is it? Read on.

PDFS 015 – Childhood Comfort Meals

Pee Dee Foodie — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:00:41 +0000

Episode 015 finds us gathered to discuss our favorite Childhood Comfort Foods. What meals did your mom, grandmother, aunt, … or even uncle, make for you when you were down in the dumps? It's not just what they cooked, but the effort and the love that went into those meals that made them special. Here are a few of our best memories and some ideas of what you can prepare at home.

My New Favorite Sandwich!

Pee Dee Foodie — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 00:30:55 +0000

Well y'all. I have to say it. I think I found my next favorite sandwich of all time. If it's not, it's at least my next favorite roast beef sandwich of all time. It's simply called the "Cheesesteak" and it's at ...

Review: Vallarta Mexican Restaurant

Amy Scott-Lundy — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 02:15:27 +0000

Vallarta Mexican Restaurant opened a few months ago and has generated lots of buzz in our Facebook group. While many restaurants and establishments locate on the west side of town due to the proximity of the interstates, hotels, Magnolia Mall, and Florence Civic Center, Vallarta is a welcome addition to the heart of Florence - Irby Street. Here's our review.

Pee Dee Food Show™ Gets New Theme Song, Intro, & Outro

Pee Dee Foodie — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 01:53:03 +0000

With nearly 1,000 downloads so far, the Pee Dee Food Show™ now has a brand new theme song, intro, and outro. It's an exciting time in our growth and we couldn't wait to share it with you. Listen to our new, special introductory episode (1:46) using the integrated player in this post.

Blog Series Mentioned on Weight Watchers Journey Podcast

Pee Dee Foodie — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 23:31:44 +0000

Not long a ago I wrote a brief email encouraging Bryan, host of the new Weight Watchers Journey podcast now available through iTunes. He is chronicling his own weight loss program using Weight Watchers® for Men in that medium, similarly to the way that I am documenting mine here in written form. This week I got a surprise.

Tuesday Tip: Don’t Whine, Brine!

Alan E. Cooke — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 10:00:52 +0000

Have you ever wondered why no one ever talks about cooking a turkey except around Thanksgiving and Christmas? Have you ever heard someone rave about a juicy pork chop they ate, and lament their own ability to duplicate the results? (maybe that someone was you?) Have you ever shyed away from cooking really lean proteins [...]

7 Ways to be a Great Restaurant … PATRON

Pee Dee Foodie — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:00:41 +0000

A lot of focus goes into how restaurants can improve their product. From ingredients to decor, from marketing to staff training, everyone has an opinion. Heck, we give out our fair share of free advice too. That said, there are several ways to turn the tables and work, in this case, on how we can be better restaurant patrons or guests.

Watching My Weight: Week 7 of 16

Pee Dee Foodie — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:56:25 +0000

Thank you for returning to get the scoop on my weight loss progress and goals. That progress may have slowed, but my goals remain the same. Yes, it's week seven and I've hit my first inkling of a wall. I'm currently spinning my wheels ... somewhat unnecessarily.