The Story Behind the Writer

Born in the mountains of western North Carolina, Lauren grew up eating Southern Appalachian fare. About a decade ago, she began writing about the food that raised her, publishing articles in Blue Ridge Country, Smoky Mountain Living, and more. Today, she lives outside of Asheville with her wife, who is the executive chef of a Southern-inspired gastropub. When the two aren't brainstorming seasonal menu items, they're hiking to some lonely peak to eat a fancy cheese sandwich.

More Articles by Lauren

Fiesta for Days

To keep the margaritas flowing and the sales growing during this multi-day celebration, out-of-the-box LTOs are a must. Here are some of my favorites.

Eco-Friendly Eats

Interested in making your menu more environmentally conscious? One easy (and tasty) way is to utilize every bit of your spring produce, including the scraps.

Grab a Piece of the Generational Pie

To stay ahead of the curve, consider catering to each generation’s tastes — whether it’s bold flavors for Gen Z or classic pies for boomers.

All Flavor, No Guilt

Looking for decadent dishes that won’t derail your guests’ diets? Here are some smart swaps.

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