Blackberry Farm in Walland, TN near Knoxville is a wonderful place to begin the new year. This Taste of the South weekend is in early January and brings together a collection of interesting people from across the country who place southern food traditions a major part of their learning and experience. This weekend is led by John T. Edge, writer and director of the Southern Foodways Alliance http://www.southernfoodways.com , and Sam Beall, second generation owner and host of Blackberry Farm. This is my southern food “think tank’ and I have grown in my knowledge of food, wine, bourbon and most importantly, in relationships with artisans, chefs, farmers and people who just love food and all the expressions that result from this common thread.
Here is an example of food and art combined…
Great friends like the Stitt’s from Birmingham and the Van Winkle’s from Louisville
Tuck Beckstoffer’s wine tasting at 10 in the morning is great way to start the day
A wild game lunch featuring venison medallions
A simple apple pie with vanilla ice cream…takes the cake…
An afternoon fly fishing trip with hand tied flies from the very helpful guides
Pastoral views and walks
A collection of the best chefs in America
And personal vintage collection from the best wine makers
And a great final evening complete with Rathead Riley’s contribution to funding the Southern Foodways Alliance by leading the live auction and not singing!!!
This experience is very rewarding for Anne Marie and me.
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