Archive for the ‘Things to Eat’ Category

Stone Soup Market & Cafe in Landrum, SC

Have you visited the quaint Stone Soup Cafe in Landrum, SC? The restaurant has beautiful comfortable seating indoors and out. We love the pretty garden-like setting outdoors, as well as the cozy and comfortable indoor seating. And, we loved the relaxed ambiance and friendly service. Here’s why you should add this spot to your list of great restaurants for a date night, or a relaxing meal out with friends and family.

Stone Soup in Landrum, SC — Outdoor Seating at Stone Soup

Stone Soup Setting

From the minute you pull into the stone parking lot, after your drive down Main Street Landrum, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a little mini-vacation spot in the mountains. Surrounded by mature trees and pretty hanging lights you can choose to either dine indoors or out. Either way, you can enjoy a leisurely meal in a beautiful setting.

This place is the total opposite of busy city, downtown dining in loud buzzing restaurants. My husband and I have visited a couple of times for a date night, and each time is just as good, if not better, than the last.

Outdoors, and tables are set under shade awnings and a pavilion. There are both fans and heaters so the space can be enjoyed in a variety of weather. Indoors, cozy and comfortable tables are spread throughout a couple of smaller rooms of dining space with great big windows, allowing for easy conversation and a relaxed ambiance.

It is rather unusual for my husband and me, especially leaving the kids at home, to enjoy a drink, then an appetizer, a meal, and also stick around for coffee and dessert. But at Stone Soup we do because it was just that beautiful and relaxing. We probably spend an average of 2 hours on our date night meals Stone Soup. The service was wonderful and we never once felt rushed. In fact, our waitress suggested at the end of our meal that we just keep sipping our coffee and take our time.

Stone Soup Menu

All that and we haven’t yet discussed the food. The menu at Stone Soup includes a wide variety of wood-fired pizzas, sandwiches, unique appetizers, and entrees, plus cocktails, and a small selection of the day’s desserts.

We ordered (and highly recommend) the Tuna Bites for an appetizer. It was gorgeous and delicious. The tuna bites are black sesame-crusted Rare Ahi Tuna, pickled ginger, wasabi cream, chopped red peppers, and green onions, on top of the lightest, crispiest wontons you’ve ever seen or tasted.

We ordered the tuna bites again on a second visit, and they were just as delicious!

For our meals, we’ve enjoyed sandwiches like their salmon BLT and a woodfired calzone. The bacon on that BLT was some of the thickest and tastiest I’ve had while the salmon was cooked perfectly. The calzone was massive and could have easily fed two people, which it didn’t because my husband loves calzones and ate the whole thing. It was just that good.

Dessert isn’t printed on the menu, but just ask your server for what they are offering that day. We intended to get one dessert and share it, but, on the day we went, they had both peanut butter pie and a chocolate flourless cake that may as well have been fudge. So, we got them both and we had no regrets.

Stone Soup Market

Stone Soup also carries a selection of housemade baked goods, deli salads, and specialty items that can be purchased in their market. They also have housemade frozen casseroles to pick up and bring home.

Stone Soup
1522 E. Rutherford Street
Landrum, SC
864.457.5255

Tuesday through Thursday 11:30 am to 8 pm
Friday 11:30 am to 9 pm
Saturday 11:30 am to 8:30 pm

Easy Pizza Recipes for the Whole Family

Looking for easy pizza recipe shortcuts for dinner with the kids? We can help you out with these kid-friendly pizza recipes.

I love pizza, as in I could eat it every day for the rest of my life and be totally happy with that. I’m also from New Jersey so I know what good pizza is. It’s the only thing I’m an expert and snob about so let me have it. That said, sometimes you need a good pizza fast to either satisfy those cravings or make something quick with your kids, who are also pizza lovers and will immediately come to eat dinner if there’s pizza on the table.

I grew up learning all kinds of pizza concoctions (again, #Jersey) so I’m going to share a couple with you here. They are easy and fun and can be customized to your own tastes. I demonstrated making most of these on Access Carolina if you want to see all the action.

Easy Pizza English Muffins

This was a favorite of mine when I was little, partly because I could do it myself by the time I was in first grade.

Ingredients:

English muffins
Red sauce
Mozzarella cheese
Pepperoni

Directions:

Heat the oven to 350 degrees (alternatively, you can use a toaster oven)
Take out sheet pan and halve the English muffins, nooks & crannies side up.
Top with sauce, cheese, and pepperoni.
Bake until the cheese is bubbly or they look done to you.

Easy Pizza Pitas

I like to be a little more creative with these but again, do as you wish with the toppings and sauce.

Ingredients:

Pitas

Either red sauce or pesto sauce
Mozzarella cheese or another cheese that you like, maybe brie or ricotta
Any toppings – I like olives, artichoke hearts, and arugula

Directions:

Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Take out sheet pan and put the pitas on it.
Top with sauce, cheese, and toppings.
Bake until the cheese is bubbly or they look done to you.

Easy Pizza Dough

This is the easiest pizza dough to make but I don’t really measure ingredients so bear with me.

Ingredients:

Packet of active yeast
1.3 cups warm water
Tsp of sugar
2 tbsp olive oil
3.5 cups flour
3 tsp salt

Directions:

Put the yeast in a big bowl along with the water and sugar. Let sit for a few minutes until you see the yeast rise to the top and look bubbly.
Add in the salt and olive oil and stir it up.
Add in the flour a cup at a time until it’s all used up. If the dough is sticky, then add a little more flour. If it’s not sticking together, then add a little more water.
Knead the dough until it’s nice and not sticky and then put the bowl and cover for a few hours while it rises.
Once risen, you can roll it out and either use a sheet pan or pizza stone (I prefer the pizza stone – make sure you preheat it in the oven) to cook it, then add sauce and toppings. I can make two pizzas with this recipe.

Demonstrating pizza hacks with Access Carolina

Pizza Crescent Rolls

This final recipe is really an ultimate pizza shortcut to make something that tastes like pizza but looks a little different. It’s super easy.

Ingredients:

Pillsbury (or generic) crescent roll dough
Pizza sauce
Cheese
Pepperoni or another topping

Directions:

Heat oven to whatever Pillsbury says.
Lay out the crescent rolls flat on a sheet pan.
Put a little sauce, cheese, and toppings in each crescent roll.
Roll up the crescent rolls and bake for however long Pillsbury says.

Short Cuts for Making Your Own Pizza

Don’t want to make your own dough? No problem. Trader Joe’s and Publix both sell premade pizza dough.

Aldi also sells pizza that you only need to take home and bake, which is a great option if you want something easy but also something individualized since you can buy it and then add your own toppings when you go to cook it.

If you’re not sure what toppings to put on, almost anything (except pineapple – don’t do it) goes. I personally love arugula, kalamata olives, ricotta cheese + mozzarella cheese, pepperoni, onions, prosciutto, ham, mushrooms, and sausage.

I hardly ever make my own pizza sauce, although I really should try. America’s Test Kitchen has an amazing homemade pizza sauce recipe. You’ll have to get their cookbook to see it (you can borrow it from the Greenville Library). My mom also made the best white sauce, which was similar to an alfredo sauce. My go-to is pesto sauce, which I usually get from Trader Joe’s or Aldi. Don’t feel bad taking this shortcut for some tasty and easy sauces.

OK, now you know the pizza shortcuts so go make it happen!

Don’t Want to Cook at All?

Find the best pizza restaurants in Greenville, SC

Check out Big Ben’s Desserts for a Slice of Something Delicious in Spartanburg, SC

Searching for some delicious dessert in Spartanburg? Cakes, pudding, ice cream, we love them all. We visited Spartanburg’s Big Ben’s Desserts. And I think we’re all in agreement… it was a great spot to pick up a dessert treat. We’ve got some advice for what you should order when you visit Big Ben’s Desserts!

What do you get when you combine a hometown football hero and a love of baking?

The answer – Big Ben’s Desserts.

After opening in the fall of 2018 with a grand opening that left every last crumb sold, the Upstate has continued to show their love for Ben Hall and his dessert shop.

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Where to Get the Best Chinese Food in Greenville, SC

Are you searching for the place with the best Chinese food in Greenville? If you’re looking for that perfect Peking duck in the Upstate, you’ve found the right place. We went in search of the best Chinese cuisine in Greenville the help of our readers. They had lots to say about this type of dining, but there were some clear favorites!

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Green Laundry Lounge: A Modern Laundromat Taking the Hassle Out of Laundry in Greer, SC

What do laundry, coffee, and wifi have to do with each other? You’ll find all three at Green Laundry Lounge, a modern, eco-friendly laundromat in Greer, SC. And this is not what you imagine when you think of a typical laundromat. It’s bright, incredibly clean, modern, and comfortable. They offer a variety of services from self-service to drop-off services, all geared to take the hassle out of laundry day.

Looking to explore more of the area? Here’s your ultimate guide to visiting Greer, SC.

What is Green Laundry Lounge in Greer, SC?

Have you ever seen a poll that says something like “Which is worse: doing laundry or cooking dinner?” I don’t know about you, but I have no hesitation in telling you that I despise doing laundry. I’d rather clean toilets than do laundry. Laundry is so time-consuming and boring. But Green Laundry Lounge may change my mind.

Green Laundry Lounge’s Founder and Part-Owner, Jay Desai, is trying to reinvent laundry and dry-cleaning services so communities and families can spend more time together. Desai, who cares deeply for the environment, built a sustainable laundromat. With energy-efficient washers, dryers, and sustainable laundry products, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your laundry is being cleaned safely.

Green Laundry Lounge has an outdoor park, patio, lounge with food and drink options, an iPad station for both kids and adults, books, and a kid’s area to encourage community and gathering together. While you can drop your laundry off, you’re also invited to stay and spend time with your family while you’re doing your laundry.

The entire facility is bright, clean, and well-maintained.

iPad Station and Folding Tables in Green Laundry Lounge

Kids Table at Green Laundry Lounge in Greer

How do the Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Services work at Green Laundry Lounge?

Green Laundry Lounge’s laundromat uses some of the best laundry appliances available. With washer capacities up to 80 lbs and dryers up to 83 lbs, you’ll be able to wash and dry up to 9 loads at a time (think about how much time you’ll save!). You’re able to choose as many washers and dryers as you’d like, or just utilize one. The largest capacity machines can get you in and out in under an hour.

Each machine has a delicate cycle for your most fragile fabrics. And yes, you can certainly wash and dry your large items like those down comforters and your pet’s bedding.

As for the Dry Cleaning services, Green Laundry Lounge actually uses an Organic Dry Cleaning Technology, better known as Wet-Cleaning. No harsh or harmful chemicals or solvents are used. They only use bio-degradable soap, conditioner, and water. The staff is careful in handling your delicates, and steam machines take care of your ironing and pressing needs.

Green Laundry Lounge offers same-day laundry and dry cleaning services. You can stay and wait on your laundry or drop it off to pick it up later.

They also offer a convenient rewards program that rewards you each time you come in. With every purchase, you get points that can be used for discounts or free services. It’s a great way to save money while getting your clothes clean and fresh.

The Cafe and Lounge at Green Laundry Lounge in Greer

Green Laundry Lounge has a Cafe & Lounge with both indoor and outdoor seating. You can have a hand-crafted specialty coffee, traditional chai, Beer & Wine, and a snack while waiting on your laundry. There’s even wifi if you want to get some work done while you’re there.

Most ingredients are sourced locally. Desai believes that if you can find something in Greer or localy, why would you go somewhere else to source it?

While some of the items on the menu are standard year-round, there are also seasonal options. During my visit, I tried the Caramel Crunch Latte, and it did not disappoint.

Green Laundry Lounge Cafe and Laundromat

What will you find at Green Laundry Lounge?

Here are some of the amenities to enjoy at Green Laundry Lounge in Greer:

eco-friendly laundry products
organic dry cleaning (also known as wet cleaning, which is more efficient and more sustainable than dry-cleaning)
multiple payment options, including credit/debit card, mobile pay, or cash/coin
change machines and an ATM
Free wifi
24 hour surveillance
Free sanitizing rinse on machines (each machine is sanitized after each use)
wash and fold service using chemical-free soap
text messages in real-time to keep you updated on the availability of laundry machines
folding tables
TV with news and sports
Cafe with specialty coffees, beer, wine, kombucha, and farm-to-table sandwiches and bowls

Where is Green Laundry Lounge located?

You’ll find Green Laundry Lounge located in the Palms off Brushy Creek Road.

10 Moorlyn Lane Suite G, Greer
864.479.0173

Have you visited Green Laundry Lounge yet? What’d you think?

These Greenville and Spartanburg Restaurants Will Help You Share In The Delicious Mexican Tradition of Christmas Tamales

Where can you find Christmas Tamales in Greenville, SC? Tamales at Christmas time are a staple in Mexican homes, and there are places in Greenville and Spartanburg that can help you bring this delicious tradition to your holiday table!

These labor-intensive treats are usually made in huge batches by a group of Tias (Aunts) all crowded around a kitchen. If you don’t have a bunch of Tias or the time to make your own tamales, it’s ok. Kidding Around’s Melanie is going to help you find tamales to enjoy this Christmas!

Fill your table with amazing food for the holidays from local restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and more. We have full meals, desserts, sides, charcuterie, take-home kits and so much more! Here’s all the amazing holiday food in Greenville, SC.

This article includes:
How to Make Tamales
Where to Find Tamales in Spartanburg, SC
Where to Find Tamales in Greenville, SC

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Nintendo and Local Beer at Family-Friendly Double Stamp Brewery: Greenville, SC

Double Stamp Brewery in Holland Park in Greenville, SC is a fun place to relax and have fun together while enjoying local craft beer and soda and playing Nintendo.

While I enjoy a good craft beer, I enjoy playing Nintendo even more, so when we got an invitation to check out the old-school Nintendo games at Double Stamp Brewery, it was an easy “yes!”. But to my surprise, not only was the Nintendo playing a ton of fun but the beer, which is made on-site with local ingredients, was top-notch.

Looking for more family-friendly breweries? We have a list for that!

Double Stamp Brewery

Double Stamp Brewery is part of Holland Park in Greenville, which includes Flying Rabbit Adventures, Home Team BBQ, and Greektown Express. It’s pretty new, only having opened in 2021, but they are already making a name for themselves with a Sunday Market from Noon-4 pm and rave reviews.

Double Stamp is 90s-themed, which makes my heart happy. There are Vanilla Ice cards under the glass at the bar and posters of VHS tapes, which my kids were totally confused about.

The brewery doesn’t sell any food but you can take your beer and walk over to Greektown or Home Team BBQ and eat there, or bring food from either place into the brewery.

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DIY Take Home Cookie and Cupcake Kits: Greenville, SC

Are you looking for cookie or cupcake decorating kits? Nothing says the holidays like the fun of baked sweets, cookies, and cupcakes sitting on the counter! However, whether you lack the baking skills, time, or tools to accomplish the baking part; there is a way to get to the fun without all of the work.

We found Upstate bakers who offer take-home cookie and cupcake kits so you can create your own edible masterpieces to share during the holidays. Here’s a list of cookie bakers in Spartanburg and Greenville that are offering cookie take-home kits with ready-to-decorate cookies, frosting, sprinkles, and more!

Don’t have the time to DIY those edible treats? These Greenville, and Spartanburg bakers will happily provide you with fully decorated cookies to wow your friends and family during the holidays!

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Chicken and Waffle Lovers Need To Look No Further Than Tupelo Honey Cafe in Greenville, SC

Are you looking for the perfect brunch meal that’s available all day-any day? The menu at Tupelo Honey in Greenville allows patrons to enjoy brunch any day of the week, not just on the weekend. Their chicken and waffles are what brunch dreams are made of, and if you haven’t tried them, you are missing out!

We’re going to help you pre-game the menu so you aren’t overwhelmed by the generous number of options that the Tupelo Honey location in Greenville offers diners.

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Viva Chicken Is A Healthy Meal Option In Greenville, SC

Are you looking for an easy option for dinner now that school is back in session? Viva Chicken might be the answer to your busy weekday meal dilemma, and you won’t have to feel guilty feeding it to your family! Charlotte-based Viva Chicken has two locations in Greenville: Woodruff Road and Pelham Road. The Peruvian roasted chicken-based menu has something for everyone, including a kid’s menu!

Looking for more spots to dine? Check out The Kidding Around Greenville Ultimate Guide to Restaurants

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Archive for the ‘Things to Eat’ Category

Stone Soup Market & Cafe in Landrum, SC

Stone Soup Setting

Stone Soup Menu

Stone Soup Market

Easy Pizza Recipes for the Whole Family

Easy Pizza English Muffins

Easy Pizza Pitas

Easy Pizza Dough

Pizza Crescent Rolls

Short Cuts for Making Your Own Pizza

Don’t Want to Cook at All?

Check out Big Ben’s Desserts for a Slice of Something Delicious in Spartanburg, SC

Where to Get the Best Chinese Food in Greenville, SC

Green Laundry Lounge: A Modern Laundromat Taking the Hassle Out of Laundry in Greer, SC

What is Green Laundry Lounge in Greer, SC?

How do the Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Services work at Green Laundry Lounge?

The Cafe and Lounge at Green Laundry Lounge in Greer

What will you find at Green Laundry Lounge?

Where is Green Laundry Lounge located?

These Greenville and Spartanburg Restaurants Will Help You Share In The Delicious Mexican Tradition of Christmas Tamales

Nintendo and Local Beer at Family-Friendly Double Stamp Brewery: Greenville, SC

Double Stamp Brewery

DIY Take Home Cookie and Cupcake Kits: Greenville, SC

Chicken and Waffle Lovers Need To Look No Further Than Tupelo Honey Cafe in Greenville, SC

Viva Chicken Is A Healthy Meal Option In Greenville, SC

Greenville Guides

Family Fun in Greenville, SC

Archive for the ‘Things to Eat’ Category

Stone Soup Setting

Stone Soup Menu

Stone Soup Market

More to See and Do in Landrum, SC

Explore This 110 Year-Old Covered Bridge: Campbell’s Covered Bridge

Upick Tulips at Thompson Family Farms Near Campobello, SC!

Pick Lavender at Elf Leaf Farm: Greenville County’s Only Lavender Farm

Stone Soup Market & Cafe in Landrum, SC

Discover Fabulous Food and Things to Do When You Spend the Day in Landrum, SC

Easy Pizza English Muffins

Easy Pizza Pitas

Easy Pizza Dough

Pizza Crescent Rolls

Short Cuts for Making Your Own Pizza

Don’t Want to Cook at All?

More Parenting Ideas from Kidding Around®

Spa H: Absolute Peace and Tranquility Await in Greenville, SC

Your Ultimate Guide to Kids Night Out: Greenville, SC and Spartanburg, SC

30 Tips for Taking Road Trips with Kids

20 Top Ideas for Great Dates With Your Kid

How to Keep Your Kids Safe From Human Trafficking

10 Things To Bring Along When Hiking with Kids

The Best Idea for Making that Book Gift the Most Special Gift of All

10 Practical Gifts that Your Kids Will Love

The Christmas Season: How early is too early?

What is Green Laundry Lounge in Greer, SC?

How do the Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Services work at Green Laundry Lounge?

The Cafe and Lounge at Green Laundry Lounge in Greer

What will you find at Green Laundry Lounge?

Where is Green Laundry Lounge located?

Double Stamp Brewery

Greenville Guides

Family Fun in Greenville, SC