Indulgent Content

Happy New Year, y'all! We hope you had a fantastic holiday season with your loved ones. #SoupDuTour was an absolute blast, and we'll be back later this week to announce the winner of the contest LIVE on the podcast... But today we have a very special "Soup Du Tour Encore" at Chez Georges Bistro & Bar, where the tour began with their French Onion Soup a couple of months ago. Thank you all very much for your continued support! Please continue to like, comment, share, and help us celebrate all the wonderful cuisine we have access to here on Hilton Head Island, in Bluffton, Beaufort, the Sea Islands, and Savannah. #StayTuned for some Indulgent Hour interviews over the next several weeks, keep an eye out for the big announcement of our next event, and as always, #StayHungry!

Well, guys, we made it! 23 days ago we kicked off the #SoupDuTour contest on Black Friday. Over the past three plus weeks, we've spotlighted over 40 restaurants, food trucks, and private chefs showcasing the dedication to their craft and creativity in concocting incredible soups that I've had the honor and pleasure of enjoying as I share them with lowcountry foodies and "foreign" fans alike. I've had a blast doing it, and I'm super grateful for these business owners, chefs, and all the food and beverage professionals who helped make it happen. So without further ado, here's the final soup of the tour, Italian sausage with white bean and spinach from The Hidden Egg Cafe at the Daddy O's Beer, Wine & Spirits in Okatie, right next to Okatie Ale House on Young Clyde Court. I've been a BIG fan of this place ever since it took over for the few coffee concepts that occupied the space before, and what started with a great small menu of delicious breakfast sandwiches and baked items has blossomed into a full breakfast and lunch menu replete with specials and some really spectacular additions. They'll be enhancing their breakfast menu AGAIN next week, and keep an eye out for some new lunch items as well in the New Year. Thanks to owner Stan Federovitch and his team for always taking such great care of me, and for their support and encouragement of our endeavor since the first day we connected. Grateful to have such a wonderful little spot just minutes from my front door. Well, we hope y'all have a great final #SoupDuTour Sunday, and don't forget to get your submissions in ASAP to enter into the contest for the Souper Size Grand Prize, which we'll be announcing this week. And you'll definitely be hearing from us again soon, as RJ Torres and I have a little something special planned for Souperfans out there! #StayTuned for that, and as always, #StayHungry, my friends!

Ok, we realize this isn't in Bluffton or Beaufort, but we couldn't possibly host a #SoupDuTour promotion without including a few spots "on the other side of the river," as they say... You've seen me enjoy Italian Wedding Soup at Rocky's of Savannah NY Deli (I was there again today, stay tuned) with the guys from Wanderoft, and we also showcased a trio of soups from Wexford Pub. And there was no way I was going to conclude this adventure without a trip to one of the best spots anywhere for outdoor dining. We're spoiled on Hilton Head Island with Hudson's Seafood House on the Docks, and I've always said there's not a spot better for lunch on a sunny day than their dock bar. But if you take a nice ride out to the other side of Savannah, just past the Sandfly area and Rocky's, towards Wilmington Island you'll find one of the most beautiful spots I've ever had the chance to dine at, and I've made it as regular a visit as I can since I moved to Bluffton nearly five years ago. The Wyld doesn't do Facebook, but you can follow them on Instagram. Their menu is creative and fun, their cocktails are excellent, and the first time I ever ate there I had a crab soup that I've been thinking about ever since. This She Crab Soup I had isn't that one, but it was just as good, and the white bean soup they were doing that week was also incredible. They change up their menu quite a bit, and even have some special pop-ups throughout the year, such as this month's "Gatti's," where they're sharing some of owner Tony Seichrist's family's Italian traditional cuisine. I can't wait to get back over there for that, and it's imminent, so stay tuned... And in the meantime, go check them out and tell them The Indulgent Islander sent you. Thanks to my friend Chef Miles Matthews (AKA Flavor Street Party on Instagram) and Tony for jumping on board, and remember, you can jump right off board your boat to dine at The Wyld. As far as those naval directions go, consult your nearest boat captain. And if you need some company for the trip, let us know! We'll be back with ONE more soup before the Tour concludes THIS Sunday evening. So get out there, get Wyld, and get soupin', y'all!

#SoupDuTour might be winding down, but we're still heating things up over here with a few more bowls of deliciousness... This past weekend I went to Alfred's for dinner for the first time with my family and I was simply blown away. Inside the warm environs of this cozy little hidden gem (hidden, only because it's tucked in the back corner of Plantation Center on William Hilton Parkway, right across 278 from Shelter Cove Marina) are some of the best pork and veal dishes that you will find anywhere. And yes, they have much more than that, such as the scallops my friend Michael gets every time (his mother insists on dining there when she visits, and for good reason), the potato pancakes that I just had to try, a duck pate that was awesome, and a number of other items that I'll be trying next time. THIS time, we were here for the soup. All that I will say is that the French onion is worthy of the reputation that it's gotten on the island, and my brother loved it, but the creamy mushroom and herb "off menu" was so unbelievably good when I had it this night on the Tour that I had to get it again Friday. It was everything I had dreamed about for days and more. I even posted a video that showed the steam rising from it as I scooped these beautiful mushrooms out of the hot umami packed cup of soup that both brought me back to my childhood memories of cream of mushroom soup, back to my late father-in-law who probably loved mushrooms as much as I do, and forward again to today when I can see clearly what we've created with this promotion and why it's so important to spotlight such amazing food that elicits such emotion. Don't walk, RUN to Alfred's. As satisfying a meal I've had. Period.

Maine is my home away from home. My in-laws live in the Portland area and my brothers-in-law own a cheese shop in Biddeford called "Nibblesford." Every year until this year I've been able to spend a week with them and indulge in everything New England cuisine has to offer. While I wasn't able to make it up there this year, I'm lucky to have a lovely restaurant like Maine Cafe , which serves most of the northeastern delicacies that I've had an affinity for since my best friends moved there after college and I traveled to Bangor a few times a year to visit them. So yes, the state of Maine will always hold a special place in my heart. And as long as I'm able to dine at this restaurant and enjoy these delicious soups, lobster rolls, and other amazing seafood dishes I will be able to enjoy many of the things I look for when I'm able to return there and create more memories with my family. Thanks to Donna Mello and her team for their participation in #SoupDuTour, for bringing this outstanding addition to the Moss Creek Shopping Center, and for their patience with us as we ran into a couple of hiccups while creating nearly 40 of these spotlight videos to share with you. We still have one or two more, and we hope it was worth the wait for a taste of Maine!

I've been honest and transparent since day one about Radici Bluffton, both about my friendship with the owners, who I'm eternally grateful to for their kindness and continued support, and the simple fact that this is a restaurant that I am passionately and emotionally invested in. But at the end of the day, I am an Italian by heritage, and I've loved Italian food for my entire life. And to have the opportunity to be around such amazing chefs and even better people such as Mattia Bianchi and Giandomenico Prestopino (same goes for front-of-the-house direttore della cassa, i.e. "The Face That Runs The Place," Camilla Eula), who bring their culture, expertise, and tradition from their homeland to our home has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Call it hyperbole if you want, but that's how great it feels for me to have access to an incredible outlet for such creativity, precision, and overall culinary excellence, and that's a privilege I don't take lightly in this epicurean universe I've somehow been given direct access to. I knew they would bring something special to #SoupDuTour, just like they do with every special event and wine dinner, and every tasting menu (which is next on my list, and Mattia knows that!), and they still blew me away with this Cacciucco (seafood and tomato broth) with shrimp, that takes HOURS to prepare and is served in the most luxurious way possible. The town of Bluffton struck gold when these three wonderful human beings came here of all places to pursue the American dream, and their food is what my dreams are made of. And the roots from which they come are the same I'm proud to honor whenever I have the chance. Buona salute, la mia famiglia.

Holy Tequila's been a pretty popular spot since it opened outside the gates of Sea Pines in the Park Plaza Shopping Center, but ever since it was purchased by Mike Rishel and Julia Porter, the menu and restaurant have been elevated to another level... Chef Mike Beeler is cranking out some awesome dishes here, and this Chicken Tortilla Soup is no exception. I'm told that customers ask for it all the time, and after trying it, I totally understand why. This has not only become a place for great Mexican food, but a fun destination for Buffalo Bills fans and sports fans in general. They crank out great deals and specials every week, and host some of the most fun events you'll find in the Hilton Head food and beverage scene. Go check them out, order some of this outstanding soup, and tell them The Indulgent Islander sent you... Oh, and don't forget, Go Bills!

One of the few things I miss from living back in NJ other than my family and friends is "my deli." When I first started sharing videos on my pages I introduced "my new deli," which remains to this day five years later to be the greatest find I've had since moving here... Southern Spice Deli & Catered Events is in a location you wouldn't expect a great deli and restaurant to be, tucked into a small strip of offices in a commercial/industrial park off of Argent Boulevard. I've been a fan since day one, when I needed some lunch after getting my car serviced, and as a result many of my family members and friends have as well. In addition to great sandwiches, salads, and prepared, ready to reheat foods available Monday through Friday, they have some of the best soups around. Their "stock" soup that's available daily is Chicken Corn Chowder, one of my favorite soups PERIOD... But every week they have another soup that's on special. For #SoupDuTour, they started out with Turkey Vegetable before switching to this delicious She Crab Soup last week, and finishing out with "Zuppa Toscana," a creamy Italian soup with sausage that I'm just going to have to get back over there to enjoy this week! Go check them out on Facebook or Instagram, head over there for breakfast or lunch five days a week, and keep them in mind for your catering needs, because they put together one hell of a spread! Thanks to Lisa and her team for giving me place that makes my new home feel like my old home! #EnjoyEverySandwich

Believe it or not, you'll find some of the best Mexican food in the lowcountry at a food truck currently out in Hardeeville called El nopal. I'm working my way through this menu one item at a time, and recently on a Sunday I tried menudo for the first time. Not only did I REALLY enjoy this, but I was proud of myself for trying something a little out of the ordinary for me, beef stomach. If that's too adventurous for you, you can get "Sopa de Res," or beef vegetable soup on the #SoupDuTour. Either way, I highly suggest you try as many of these delicious authentic dishes as you can!

When we decided to launch the #SoupDuTour promotion, we hoped to learn about some of the extremely talented chefs that our area has to offer, and gave them the opportunity to showcase their creativity in one small type of cuisine. We never really could have imagined some of the soups that were concocted over the last several weeks, and this is one of the most shining examples. Chef Michael Fitzhugh of Cafe Al Dente Hilton Head Island drew on his past experience in the Rappahannock area of Virginia to present us with "Oysters and Dumplings," South Carolina oysters with ricotta gnocchi, leeks, veloute, guanciale, celeriac, and focaccia croutons. It's "kind of like" a pan roast, and quite frankly this knocked my socks off. I've had the opportunity to dine in and take out from this restaurant for both lunch and dinner, and all I can say is that it keeps me wanting to come back for more. The spirit of an authentic New York Italian restaurant woven into the fascinating assortment of influences that have shaped Chef Mike to inspire some of the most creative dishes I've seen and had the good fortune to enjoy. And now that they're coming out to Bluffton, my affinity for Cafe al Dente is only going to continue burgeoning with everything Mike brings us. Cheers to Damien and Yakshi Carlino for what's been a wonderful addition to the Hilton Head and Bluffton Italian food scene. Go check them out and #StayHungry, capito?

Just in time for Sunday dinner with the family and the incoming cold snap, Pomodori Italian Eatery brings their signature "Zuppa di Nonna," Owner Amanda Cifaldi's Grandma Cappy's take on Italian Wedding Soup to #SoupDuTour. I'm admittedly partial, as the grandson of a couple killer cooks myself, and wedding soup holds a very special place in my heart. I hope that you will enjoy this feature as much as I enjoy everything I ever order at Pomodori and Pomodori, Too! (Bluffton's best value for takeout food) and #StayWarm with some hot soup!

Lincoln & South Brewing Company has been one of my favorite places to enjoy a few tasty beers ever since they opened their doors several years ago. And while I've enjoyed several of their food items, they've raised the bar to a whole other level over the last few months, with Chef Craig Ryan really turning up the creativity (and the charcuterie!) with some of the most innovative gastropub style menus you'll find anywhere in the lowcountry. I was very thrilled when he threw in on the #SoupDuTour, and beer fans and foodies alike are benefitting from that as well, as they have the chance to enjoy an incredible bowl of Roasted Poblano & Kielbasa Cheddar Beer Cheese Bisque with a side of pretzel bites for dipping! This cheese soup is made with their own Fair Point ESP Lager, Vermont white cheddar cheese, poblano peppers, and tender kielbasa. I was blown away with the flavor and compatibility with those crispy little pretzel bites, and I'm sure you will be as well... Don't forget to grab a burger, sandwich, charcuterie platter and more while you enjoy some of the best beers in the area along with terrific local music!

If you follow me closely, you already know that Okàn Bluffton is one of my favorite restaurants not only in Bluffton, but in the entire lowcountry... James Beard nominated Chef Bernard Bennett brings some of the most incredible flavors you're going to find anywhere, and this Butternut Squash Soup with Pickled Apples, Suya Cashews, and Herb Oil was no exception. The apples brought a sweetness and a crisp crunch to a smooth creamy soup that was indicative of everything I've had thus far at Okan, which is simply unforgettable. Go check them out for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch (which I've heard is special, and it's on my short list), and even throw your dancing shoes on for one of their "Okan 100" nightlife offerings. The Bridge Collective was a fantastic addition to Calhoun Street, and Okan Bluffton anchors it as one of our best restaurants, period.

Bluffton locals and visitors alike will tell you that The Cottage Cafe, Bakery & Tea Room is one of the most iconic restaurants in Old Town, and for good reason... Their breakfast, lunch, and Sunday brunch (don't forget the afternoon tea!) feature delicious southern delicacies in what might be the most quaint environment our town has to offer. They recently expanded their dining area with a brand new room in the back, and that's where I got to sit and enjoy this delightfully silky French Onion Soup, courtesy of my friend, Chef Justin Ray King. The grilled cheese panini he put on the side was the perfect accompaniment, and it took every ounce of restraint I could muster not to raid their bakery counter after enjoying it. I'd call this a hidden gem, but to anyone that knows where the best food in Bluffton is, it's far from hidden! Go check them out, enjoy some of this savory soup, and make sure you don't forget to indulge in some dessert!

We were super pumped when Sea Sea's Honey Hole wanted in on the #SoupDuTour, even though they only serve food twice a week (lunch Friday, breakfast burritos Sunday)... Sea Sea made her special Chicken Noodle Soup for one day only last Saturday and it was such a big hit that she's doubling down THIS Saturday, the 13th with her Ham & Potato Soup! Thanks to my friend Campfire Tyler for meeting us last week for one of the best cups of chicken noodle soup I've ever had! Go check her out again this weekend!

We knew Chef Robert Colson of Michael Anthony’s Cucina Italiana would bring his signature creativity to the #SoupDuTour, and he delivered with this pumpkin sofrito soup with sausage, corn, goat cheese, and aged balsamic! The flavor is almost indescribable, but one thing's for sure... It's spectacular! We hope you enjoy another "behind the scenes" with Chef Robby! #StayHungry, my friends!

We've brought you quite a bit of content in collaboration with Gruby's NY Deli lately, and couldn't be more appreciative of your support on that... You had to know that #SoupDuTour would be returning for their fantastic soups, which are a New York deli staple! Go grab a cup or a bowl, and/or a pint or a quart to go like we do.

Revealing the WINNER of the 2025 #SoupDuTour and what he or she has won!!!

With 12 days left on the #SoupDuTour, it's time for a quick update on the contest!

Announcing the final list of entrants for the 2025 Soup Du Tour!