Pendleton is a charming Southern town known for its rich history, picturesque views, and friendly community. Though small in size, it offers an array of delicious dining options—from cozy cafés to classic Southern eateries. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, here are some of the best places to eat in Pendleton, South Carolina.

Indulge in a culinary adventure in Clemson, SC, where a multitude of dining options await. From cutting-edge creations to timeless favorites, every restaurant promises a distinctive journey infused with warmth and flavor.

As the leaves start to turn brilliant shades of red and gold, and the air becomes crisp, there’s an undeniable allure to indulging in comforting dishes that warm both bodies and souls. Fall is the season for comfort food, where the mere aroma of dishes can evoke feelings of nostalgia and warmth. Read on to discover five quintessential comfort food dishes that make autumn the most delightful, and delicious, season of them all, as well as a few of our favourite online recipes.

With its luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency, butternut squash soup captures the essence of autumn. Its velvety texture and comforting, earthy taste make it an ideal choice for savoring on crisp, chilly days. A delightful appetizer, or a heartwarming main dish, this soup stands as a timeless classic of the fall season.

Hearty and satisfying, beef stew is the epitome of comfort food. Tender chunks of beef, paired with an array of root vegetables, create a rich, flavorful dish. Its slow-cooked goodness warms you from the inside out, making it a beloved choice for family gatherings.

Mac and cheese gets a seasonal makeover with the addition of creamy pumpkin puree. This twist on a beloved classic combines the familiar cheesy indulgence with the warmth and subtle sweetness of pumpkin. It’s an excellent side dish for autumn feasts.

Chicken pot pie is the ultimate comfort food in a flaky pastry crust. Filled with a hearty mixture of tender chicken, an assortment of vegetables, and bathed in a luscious sauce that’s both savory and comforting, the golden-brown crust adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

For dessert, apple crisp is an absolute must in the fall. Sliced apples are blanketed with a crumbly topping of oats, brown sugar, and spices, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and tart flavours. Served warm with a scoop of ice cream, it’s the perfect way to end a comforting fall meal. Looking for something a bit different? Try this blueberry peach crisp.

As autumn unfolds, these five comfort food dishes encourage us to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of the season. Whether it’s the aromatic butternut squash soup, the hearty embrace of beef stew, the comforting nostalgia of pumpkin mac and cheese, the savory delight of chicken pot pie, or the sweet finale of apple crisp, each dish brings a touch of warmth and contentment to our tables. So, put on your coziest sweater, light a few candles, and relish the joys of fall through these timeless comfort food classics.

Next, learn how to host the fall-themed brunch of your dreams, and make a few signature cocktails using these recipes.

Images courtesy of: Love & Lemons, Minimalist Baker and Ahead of Thyme (Butternut Squash Soup); Martha Stewart, Once Upon a Chef and Ambitious Kitchen (Beef Stew); Minimalist Baker, Half-Baked Harvest and Inspired Taste (Pumpkin Mac and Cheese); Once Upon a Chef, Tastes Better From Scratch and Allrecipes (Chicken Pot Pie); The Chunky Chef, Belle of the Kitchen and Handle the Heat (Apple Crisp); BC Chicken Marketing Board (Chicken Pot Pie Banner Image); The Daily Meal (Apple Crisp Banner Image).

Looking for information related to cocktails, bar carts, or hosting? You’ve arrived at the right place. From cocktail recipes and bar-cart essentials to hosting tips and tricks, we’ve compiled some of our most popular blog posts to create a one-stop shop. Take out your notepad and pen, and get to channeling your inner mixologist.

We asked Amanda Chen, founder of Salty Paloma, for her best tips and tricks to create a well-stocked and stylish bar cart at home. She weighs in on the must-have items you need, best practices when it comes to restocking the essentials, what type of alcoholic beverages you should have on hand, the decorative elements needed to boost your bar cart’s appeal, and the glassware you should purchase to impress guests.

Known as refreshing go-tos at any brunch, the paloma and mimosa are guaranteed crowd-pleasers — but they don’t have to be basic. Mixologist Taylor Redd knows a thing or two about making a winning drink, and her twist on these two classic cocktails is a testament to that. Read on to learn how to make two of the best beginner cocktails for any occasion that’ll have your guests thinking you’re a certified mixologist.

When mixologist Demario Wallace thinks of springtime, a bright, floral, and refreshing gin cocktail with a dash of bubbly comes to mind. Among his vast repertoire of boozy recipes, Wallace created this light and fresh cocktail that captures the change of season beautifully. “The bright Italian aperitif, followed by the mid spring flowers of the gin tied together by the dry Spanish sherry makes for a dazzling springtime sipper,” says Wallace.

Margaritas tend to be the go-to cocktail for those in search of a cool refresher on a hot day, but Amanda Chen would argue that it tastes just as satisfying on a chilly evening. Chen, mixologist and founder of Toronto’s Salty Paloma, knows a thing or two about making a killer cocktail. With the introduction of flavours like apples and cinnamon, and a hint of maple syrup, Chen creates a cocktail exuding autumnal warmth, both in colour and spice.

Being the host of a party is hard work — sometimes you deserve to just kick back, relax, and enjoy the gathering you’ve meticulously put together. The solution? Hire extra hands. Having a server, bartender, or mixologist at your soiree will give you the support you need to enjoy your party without worry. Read on for the top three reasons why hiring support staff is sure to make hosting and entertaining a whole lot easier.

Now that you’ve tried our cocktail recipes, how about some food? Check out this one-pan breakfast dish, Chef Sous Chef’s Sunday best lasagna, or this 20-minute carbonara recipe.

Known as refreshing go-tos at any brunch, the paloma and mimosa are guaranteed crowd pleasers — but they don’t have to be basic. Mixologist Taylor Redd knows a thing or two about making a killer drink, and her twist on these two classic cocktails are a testament to that. Read on to learn how to make two of the best beginner cocktails for any occasion that’ll have your guests thinking you’re a certified mixologist.

Need more inspo for your next get together? Stock up on these bar cart essentials, and check out our tips for hosting an intimate event.

On dessert-duty at your next Sunday brunch? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Try this scrumptious blueberry peach crisp recipe courtesy of Chef Yvette Kerns — Owner of Petite Cook Charlotte — that’ll have the entire party calling you a seasoned baker.

What to Do:

1. Prepare the fruit: Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Lightly grease a 9×9 inch pan with cooking spray. Open and drain peaches. Wash the blueberries and place them in a medium bowl with peaches. Stir in the maple syrup or honey, flour, lemon zest, vanilla extract and pumpkin pie spice.

2. Prepare the topping: In a separate medium saucepan, heat the butter and coconut oil over medium heat until melted. Whisk in the brown sugar until blended. Continue by sprinkling in the oats, white wholewheat flour, cinnamon and salt. With a silicone spatula, fold to combine ingredients, stirring until moistened. Add the chopped pecans or walnuts. The mixture will be crumbly.

3. Assemble and bake: Stir the blueberry and peach mixture before transferring it to a baking dish, ensuring all juices from the bowl are included. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the blueberries and peaches.

4. Place the crisp in the oven to bake and cover with foil for the first 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for an additional 15 – 20 minutes until the topping is bubbly and light golden brown. Top with whipped cream and a mint leaf for garnish.

Need more brunch inspiration? Check out this delicious salty paloma recipe for any occasion and this stellar one-pan breakfast recipe.

Images courtesy of: Tasty Treats and Eats (Peach Pie Filling); Cooking Classy (Peach Crisp).

Hosting a Sunday brunch but not sure what to serve? We’ve got you covered. Try this delicious one pan BLT frittata recipe courtesy of Chef Yvette Kerns — Owner of Petite Cook Charlotte — that will have your guests reaching for seconds… and thirds.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Makes: 8 servings

What to Do:

1. Preheat oven to 400ºF. Add oil to a 12-inch cast iron or non-stick oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add bacon pieces, shallots, and garlic to the pan. Saute for 3 – 4 minutes. Add arugula and stir in grape tomatoes.

2. In a separate dish, whisk the eggs together adding the half-and-half. Add in salt and pepper.

3. Pour the eggs over the arugula and tomato mixture. Distribute 4 ounces of goat cheese on top. Allow the eggs to set. Use a spatula to slightly raise the eggs off the bottom of the skillet.

4. Once the frittata has had time to set, transfer it to the oven and bake for 10 – 12 minutes until the top is deep golden brown.

5. Remove the frittata from the oven and let it stand for 5 minutes.

6. Top with arugula, a tomato slice, bacon crumble and goat cheese before serving.

Need more entertaining inspiration? Check out this delicious salty paloma recipe for any occasion and five essential entertaining tips for an intimate gathering. Happy brunching!

The familiar aroma of a home-cooked meal, the sound of soothing music in the background, and the sun’s warm glow peering through the window all run synonymous with a weekend brunch. This beloved tradition brings people together to bond over a shared connection, and a deep appreciation of food. Here’s how you can host your own epic brunch celebration this season.

What’s next? Read more about the one thing that’ll make entertaining so much easier; get some tablescape inspiration for your next Sunday brunch; and discover four more unbeatable recipes that’ll wow your loved ones.

Make your weeknight meals more exciting with these tasty and delicious recipes. This summer is perfect for getting a taste of all the fresh, seasonal produce you might not have otherwise gotten a chance to sample. From peaches to apples — we’re sharing recipes that will suit everyone’s taste buds. 

To get a better taste of the local culinary scene, explore our guide on the best places to grab a bite in Charlotte.

Chefs across Houston, Charlotte, Toronto and Atlanta showcase their city’s distinct regional fare through four delicious recipes prepared with love in our Empire kitchens. Give them a try in your home.

J.D. Woodward has been immersed in the world of food for as long as he can remember. “My grandfather was a chef, so growing up a lot of my memories revolved around cooking,” he says. As a lifelong Houstonian, Woodward proudly cites his hometown as his favourite food city and for good reason. “The city is diverse and eclectic. The spirit of the people who live here is what makes our food so authentic.” This was the inspiration behind the chef’s Texas striped bass recipe. “Since the fish is very much representative of Texas, I wanted it to be the star ingredient while playing on hints of Asian and Cajun flavouring.”

Yvette Kern has called a number of places home including Ireland, Japan, Germany and over 11 different states, helping her to really appreciate a region’s local cuisine. With her and her family’s roots currently planted firmly in Waxhaw, North Carolina, the founder of personal chef service Petite Cook Charlotte is sharing her tried and true quintessential North Carolina dish: Brunswick Stew. “I attended East Carolina University with some of the best barbecue places just steps away,” she says. “My goal was to recreate the incredible Brunswick Stew I vividly remember eating throughout college. To me, this dish is the true representation of North Carolina and the warm and inviting people who live here.”

While many of us were in the kitchen whipping up banana bread during quarantine, Toronto chef Ryan Campbell was busy perfecting his peanut butter pie recipe. “In the summer of 2020, my girlfriend and I made a peanut butter pie and shared it on Instagram,” he says. “After receiving a ton of positive feedback, I started to think that this could be a dish people would want to try for themselves.” The recipe, and his new pie company Gerdie’s, were inspired by Campbell’s mom, Gerda, and the early memories he had of the two of them making the pie together. While the pie is native to the Carolinas, Campbell — chef and partner at Il Covo restaurant — was insistent on sourcing local ingredients in his Canadian rendition. “The farmers who are raising chickens, collecting eggs and processing milk are friends of the restaurant world — they support everything we do and as local chefs, it’s our responsibility to support them by shopping locally.”

With a host of unique cultural influences and an emphasis on fresh, local ingredients, Atlanta’s dynamic food scene has made it the unofficial capital of the south. “Atlanta is surrounded by farms, which makes it really easy to be intentional with where and how you source ingredients,” says Chef Pat Pascarella, owner of Atlanta-based restaurants The White Bull, Grana, and Bastone. Pascarella’s Italian roots were the foundation upon which his love of food and fresh produce came to be. “My grandparents used to farm, and everything that was left in their cart at the end of the day is what they ended up cooking with,” he says. This was the inspiration behind his Cavatelli alla Carrettiera dish, an homage to his first introduction to true farm-to-table cooking, and the importance of using fresh, local ingredients.

Meet the Chefs

Interested in other recipes that can take your cooking skills to the next level? Try out Chef Sous Chef’s Sunday Best Lasagna, this 20-minute Carbonara recipe and the cookie that will win every holiday bake-off.