December 2011

CHRISTMAS IN DIXIE   The flavors and aromas suggests evergreens and berries, good cheer and great joy. It’s everyone’s favorite time of the year, our celebration of miracles and the fulfillment of hope. For a few days, we gather to share food, song, wine, spiced cider and lots of magic. This is the 19th year of “A Celtic Christmas,” perhaps the best celebration of the music, dance, poetry and camaraderie that we have today. The production has always been under the creative leadership of Emory University’s professor James Flannery, one of the country’s most renowned Irish tenors and Chairman of the W. B. Yeats Foundation. The performances are in the majestic Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts on Emory’s campus, but this year, Georgia Public Television is showing this as a seasonal delight for everyone to enjoy at home. For a sneak preview, click photo on right. The Georgia Governor’s Mansion is open at certain times for the public to enjoy the decorations including the lovely Christmas Tree and when you’re through with this tour, the nearby homes are among the most beautiful in the South.The 2011 Christmas Mansion tour begins today, Dec. 5 through Dec. 15 and the schedule is December 5 - 16, Monday - Friday, 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Saturday, December 10, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and Sunday, December 11, 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. Call 404.261.1776 for reservations or further information. The Governor's Mansion is a drop-off location for Toys for Tots.  Not far from there, near the Fernbank Museum of Natural History is Callanwolde, and the annual “Christmas at Callanwolde” is one of those celebrations that have a firm place in Southern traditions. “One of my special Christmas Eve memories,” recalls Doc Lawrence, “is sitting down with a few friends and family to enjoy oyster stew.” This is a tradition today in many Southern homes and Doc selected a very simple recipe by Georgia’s own queen of Southern cuisine, his friend Paula Deen. “It’s easy to prepare but be sure to buy those oysters early because they sell out everywhere on the 24th. There are festivals galore this time of year and click here to find some of the best in Wines Down South. Blessings include the songs of the season, the laughter of children, the exchange of meaningful gifts, an abundance of pretty smiles and the meaning of these precious days. Let us join together and pray for peace on earth, good will toward men and celebrate the season with love and gusto, readying ourselves for 2012. MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Friend Us! Follow Us! Share Us! Celtic Christmas Is On GPB. ClickHere To See Preview! PAULA DEEN’S OYSTER STEW Ingredients 2 green onions, chopped, plus additional slices for garnish 2 tablespoons butter 12 ounces fresh raw oysters undrained 1 quart half-and-half or whole milk 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper Crackers, for serving Sliced green onions, for garnish Directions Saute onion in butter until tender. Add remaining ingredients. Cook over low heat until edges of oysters begin to curl and mixture is hot but not boiling. Serve stew with crackers and garnish with sliced green onions. DOC’S WINE PAIRING Oyster Stew will be even more wonderful with a dry or semi-dry Riesling from Germany or Alsace or one from our few Southern wineries that produce this like Biltmore Estate. A Cru Beaujolais will pair well for those who prefer a red wine. And this time of year, don’t hesitate to serve Champagne or a quality sparkling wine, preferably a rosé.

RITZ-CARLTON BUCKHEAD ATLANTA HOSTS ESQUIRE’S CHEFS

CHEFS “TO WATCH” COOK TO CELEBRATE

"One cannot think well, love well, sleep well,
if one has not dined well."
                         ~ Virginia Woolf, "A Room of One's Own"

By Doc Lawrence

Esquire'es John Mariani (L) with Chef Todd Richards

Esquire'es John Mariani (L) with Chef Todd Richards

They gathered at Atlanta’s Ritz-Carlton Buckhead, celebrating the good fortune of four chefs with food, wine and cocktails. Atlanta has evolved as a gourmet destination, reaching well-deserved heights and there’s no getting around the tireless effort by the Ritz-Carlton to maintain its position as the best here.

 This was a special dinner inspired by Esquire Magazine’s selection of Ritz Chef Todd Richards and three other masters as chefs to watch, rising stars who produce, as the magazine feature said, “The Best Food in America.” Introductions and commentary were from the magazine’s highly regarded food critic John Mariani who selected the four chefs for Esquire.

And joining Mr. Mariani at The Café in the Ritz Buckhead were the four chefs.

The reception featured a touch of North Georgia elegance, flutes of Wolf Mountain Blanc de Blanc, served with The Ritz-Carlton Buckhead’s Chef Todd Richards’ canapés: duck croquette with duck sauce, local apple, pork belly with acorn squash puree, plus seared scallop with chorizo crisp, lemon sabayon, and Blue Ridge Mountain trout roe.

More than a few guests clamored for something original and daring.  Mixologist magician Christa Sladky answered, serving her “Buck Stone” Sidecar, a knockout cocktail welcoming everyone to Atlanta.

Chef Sachin Chopra came from All Spice in San Mateo, California to prepare the first course, roasted mini-pumpkin with truffled wild mushrooms, fingerling potatoes, spicy pumpkin spread. The gifted Sommelier Linda Torres Alarcon poured her delightful white wine selection, Chanson Mathier, “Les Cabotines,” Montlouis, from the Loire Valley of France, and it seamlessly blended with everything on the plate.

Next was Chef Tyler Brown who commands Nashville’s crown jewel, The Capital Grille in the legendary Hermitage Hotel. His second course of capers glade clams was served with “dirty” Anson Mills faro and paired with Ms. Alarcon’s delightful choice, a Gruner Veltliner from Austria.

The third course was Mangalitsa pork neck with braised radish, pesto, cardamom and chickpea prepared by another Esquire rising star, Scott Anderson, the acclaimed Chef at Elements in Princeton, New Jersey. It was time for a light, fruit-filled red wine and the generous pours of Chiroubles, a Cru Beaujolais, magnified the majesty of this dish.

Chef Todd Richards heads the gourmet kitchen at the Buckhead Ritz, and is among Atlanta’s food elite, that upper echelon who sets the standard for epicurean excellence. The event pièce de résistance was his dessert, a maple panna cotta with a touch of Bourbon. The accompanying wine was Cocchi, Barolo Chinato from Italy’s Piedmont.

In his comments, John Mariani observed that Atlanta and Nashville, represented in Esquire by Chef Todd Richards and Chef Tyler Brown, “show how far southern cooking has come without losing what made it great in the first place.”

Four rising star chefs, three courses, one dessert, a new cocktail, five classic wines and a trove of priceless memories.

We dined well. 

MUSEUM OF THE CHEROKEE INDIAN

EMISSARIES OF PEACE

By Doc Lawrence

CHEROKEE, N.C.- As part of American Indian Heritage month, the highly-respected Museum of the Cherokee Indian launched a series of new programs showcasing Ostenaco's and Henry Timberlake's historic journey to each other's countries as Emissaries of Peace two hundred and fifty years ago. The Museum of the Cherokee Indian will celebrate their stories and explore their two cultures-Cherokee and British-with seven events in four states in through the new year.. 

"We are looking forward to these exciting events, and taking this story of two cultures to a wider audience," said Ken Blankenship, Executive Director of the Museum and a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.  In 2006, the Museum created the exhibit, "Emissaries of Peace: 1762 Cherokee and British Delegations." It was designated a "We the People" exhibit by the National Endowment for the Humanities.  This designation is awarded to projects that encourage and strengthen the understanding of American history and culture and that advance knowledge of the principles that define America.

During 2012, seven events and a public television broadcast will tell this story to new audiences.  A battle re-enactment, festivals with eighteenth century Cherokee living history, scholarly symposia, a television broadcast and a trip to London take place from Memorial Day through November. Additionally, a smaller version of the Emissaries exhibit will be on display at Fort Necessity National Battlefield in Farmington, Penn., and at the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum in Vonore, Tenn., while the original exhibit resides at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian in Cherokee, N.C.

Performances throughout the year bring history to life. Henry Timberlake and Ostenaco will provide first person historical interpretation.  The Warriors of AniKituwha, a traditional Cherokee dance group sponsored by the Museum, will be performing at all venues.  As official cultural ambassadors, this group has been at the center of cultural revitalization for Cherokee people. They have inspired pride in a little-known period of Cherokee history when Cherokees took part in global events. Timberlake's description of the War Dance that welcomed him is the basis for their revival of this and other traditional Cherokee dances. Research used in the exhibit has inspired and helped create cultural revitalization in traditional dance, Cherokee clothing, pottery, fingerweaving, feather capes and more. 

The exhibit has been viewed by more than two million people since its opening in 2006. It was the first exhibit created by an American Indian tribe to be displayed at the Smithsonian, opening in 2007 at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. It has been on display at the Frank McClung Museum in Knoxville, Tenn., the Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Okla., and the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville. 

For more:http://www.cherokeemuseum.org/. 

STONE MOUNTAIN POWWOW

CEREMONIAL DANCES--A RETURN HOME 

By Doc Lawrence

The forests around Georgia’s Stone Mountain Park, one of the most well-maintained and popular urban parks in America, have Indian paths. The Cherokee Trail is fairly well marked; the Hightower (Etowah), which is the boundary between Gwinnett and Dekalb counties is mentioned on a few historical monuments, and there are others you will find only by some expert searching with a local native. I have one guide, a friend who is part African, part Creek, part Blackfoot and knows what he’s doing.

Each year, Native Americans gather here at the park facing the Confederate memorial carving of Jefferson Davis, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson, and for a few days perform dances accompanied by drums, chants and very informative introductions. I come over from my house to enjoy the color, children, and photo opportunities and to absorb all the irony.

This was once their land. Period. Stone Mountain has spiritual and heritage importance to Indians. One, my friend Howard, an elderly and very pleassant man who lives in nearby Shermantown, once told me to “walk up the mountain without shoes.” He explained that the mountain has healing powers. He also has spring water from a deep well he drilled in his yard adjacent to the mountain. When I feel a little down, I trade Howard a bottle of wine for a gallon. It’s a Southern tradition.

He’s convinced me it’s the best water in the South.

The event is top notch and due to the absence of all alcohol is family friendly and completely safe. The tom-toms kept up a pulsating beat, the chanters stayed on track and the dancers kept going until everything came to a close.

You leave and wonder why in heaven’s name native people were treated so badly? They honor this land that was once theirs.

ESQUIRE MAGAZINE’S RECOGNITION

HEADED BY CHEF TODD RICHARDS, SUPERSTARS COOK FOR ATLANTA

By Doc Lawrence

I met Todd Richards while he was the Executive Chef at Louisville’s Oak Room in the Seelbach Hotel. When he assumed the gourmet helm at Buckhead’s Café at the Ritz-Carlton, I quickly booked a reservation and dined, confirming glorious memories of my previous dining experience and realized that Richards was rapidly advancing his seemingly unmatchable wizardry with food.

Now, here’s some great news for Atlanta. Chef Todd Richards was just named one of four new “Chefs to Watch” in the November issue of Esquire. For those who haven’t experienced his menu, Richards, along with the other three "Chefs to Watch,” will gather at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead for a first-ever collaboration to create lunch and dinner on Monday, November 14.

Each chef will prepare one course of a four-course menu. Adding even more to this event, acclaimed sommelier Linda Torres Alarcon will be pairing wines. For lunch, the courses will be slightly different and smaller, and the wine pours will also be appropriate to the portions.

Esquire lavished praise for Chef Richards: “Following European masters at the Ritz, Richards, an American, shows his own sumptuous style in dishes like foie gras with huckleberry gastrique.” This recognition follows Richards’ well-received recent appearance and lively cooking demonstration with Al Roker on NBC’s TODAY.

The other chefs are Tyler Brown The Capitol Grille, Nashville, Sachin Chopra, All Spice, San Mateo, California and Scott Anderson, Elements, Princeton, N.J.

This is a historic culinary event for Atlanta and the Southeast. I hope to see you there.

Lunch begins with a reception 11:30 a.m. with seating at 12 Noon and $65 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuities The Dinner reception is 7 p.m., with seating at 7:30 p.m. $85 per person, exclusive of tax and gratuities.

November 2011 Enewsletter

A THANKSGIVING HOMECOMING It’s homecoming Down South. Even if just for a day, Thanksgiving has a sacred place in America. Families gather for the feast, often at some difficulty, but what does time and miles matter on this day of reunion? The hugs, laughter, tears of joy are genuine preludes to the biggest of all feasts. The dishes featuring traditional roast turkey, all those vegetables, casseroles and magnificent desserts generate aromas that blend perfectly with all the love and goodwill. We are generous people who don’t forget those who are alone for whatever reason. There’s room for them and their presence only adds to the spirit of this special day. Thanksgiving is truly ours. A sacred affirmation of sharing with family and friends. It is America at her best. This is year one of the four year Civil War Sesquicentennial. Doc Lawrence has already covered many events, commemorations and dedications in Georgia, Virginia, Kentucky, North Carolina and Tennessee and a growing number of his original stories are posted in our online magazine (click). For Thanksgiving, here is an eloquent prayer of gratitude that was found in the jacket of a dead Southern soldier during the Civil War:   I asked God for strength, that I might achieve, I was made weak, that I might learn humbly to obey. I asked God for health, that I might do greater things, I was given infirmity, that I might do better things. I asked for riches, that I might be happy, I was given poverty, that I might be wise. I asked for power, that I might have the praise of men,  I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things, that I might enjoy life, I was given life, that I might enjoy all things. I got nothing that I asked for - but everything I had hoped for. Almost despite myself, my unspoken prayers were answered. I am among men, most richly blessed.   Enjoy the exceptional persimmon-based dessert recipes and the three outstanding Southern wines Doc Lawrence selected for the All-American Thanksgiving feast. Also, we’ve included the video about some of Georgia’s highly acclaimed wineries. All you have to do is click on the announcement to the right. The great festivals gear up for the ensuing holidays, always a special time for us here at WDS. Click on our special sections from Festivals to Dining with Doc and you’ll find something special.  Even better, contact us (click) for recommendations including wines that pair with even the most esoteric foods. We invite you to visit our award-winning magazine and learn more about the South we all love. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Friend Us! Follow Us! Share Us! Winegrowers Association of Georgia Click for video College football's legendary Coach Johnny Majors (on right) serves as a judge alongside our Doc Lawrence each year at the most prestigious of them all, the Jack Daniel's World Championship International Barbecue Competition at Lynchburg, Tennessee. DOC'S WINE SELECTIONS FOR THANKSGIVING DINNER CAVENDER CREEK (Georgia) Estate Norton From its origins in Virginia to North Georgia, this all-American grape produces fruit forward wine with flavors of plum and black pepper.   CRANE CREEK (Georgia) TRAMINETTE Produced from the grape Traminette, a cross of the northern European grape Gewurztraminer and the 1860s French-American hybrid Seyval Blanc. This dry white wine is crisp with hint of fruit and beautiful floral nose. A match with all fish, turkey and particularly oyster dressing..   BILTMORE ESTATE (North Carolina)    Blanc de Noir NOVEMBER'S RECIPE Persimmon Pudding and Persimmon Fruit Cake Courtesy of Bethel Baptist Church, Statesville, North Carolina Click Here for your copy!

ELEVATED TAILGATING

By Doc Lawrence

The NFL has never before fielded more style-savvy players and colleges aren’t far behind. These professional guys are rocking tuxedos, making best-dressed lists, starting their own bowtie line. And yet, we continue to celebrate elevated style by decamping in a parking lot and guzzling pedestrian beer. It seems, well, wrong.

Lets class up the joint a bit.

To be sure, upscale tailgating is nothing new. Colleges like Virginia’s Emory & Henry and Hampton-Sydney, plus Kentucky’s Centre College have the fancy tailgate established as a long-standing tradition. Like something out of The Great Gatsby, men and their dates would spread across the grassy hills near the stadium and watch the action from there; all the while sipping cocktails while clad in bow ties and sundresses. Today, as more become mainstream spectators consuming their drinks and enjoying gourmet food in the parking lot like mere mortals, the rest of it stuck around: nice dress, nice drinks, nice food.  And, after all, why wouldn’t it?

October 2011 Newsletter

OCTOBER IS JACK DANIEL’S BBQ! The world is watching Lynchburg, Tennessee for one weekend this month. It’s the annual Jack Daniel’s International Barbecue Competition, the most prestigious of them all and the one with real meaning. There’s a cash purse for the winners and the competition is ferocious but friendly. Thousands from all over the world come to this historic city between Nashville and Chattanooga to tour the historic distillery, listen to Bluegrass, watch the great grillers from America and many other countries prepare pork, chicken, beef and more. Serving as a judge each year is our own American gourmet Doc Lawrence who describes “The Jack,” as it’s known, “my favorite festival, the core celebration of Southern hospitality showcasing great barbecue.” Doc will be headquartered at Parish Patch Farm and Inn in Normandy, Tennessee the beautiful resort in the rolling hills along the Duck River. “David and Claudia Hazelwood have one of the South’s finest treasures for visitors,” says Doc.   PICASSO IN ATLANTA Atlanta’s High Museum of Art unveiled Picasso to Warhol, exhibiting approximately 100 works of art created by 14 of the most iconic artists from the 20th century: Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Constantin Brancusi, Piet Mondrian, Fernand Léger, Marcel Duchamp, Giorgio De Chirico, Joan Miró, Romare Bearden, Alexander Calder, Jackson Pollock, Louise Bourgeois, Jasper Johns and Andy Warhol. The exhibition is one of the largest concentrations of modern art masterpieces to ever be exhibited in the southeastern United States, an event viewers will always cherish. Click here for a preview of this exhibition.   KENTUCKY JOURNEY We visited the Civil War sites in beautiful Kentucky. Places like Danville, Bowling Green, Perryville and many others and you’ll read about Doc’s intensive journey in the Bluegrass state, following the childhood paths of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis along with the raids and battles of John Hunt Morgan. Doc paid a special visit to the grave of Bennett H. Young in Louisville, who, almost 150 years ago led Kentuckians to raid St. Albans, Vermont from Montreal. And, then there’s Doc’s dinners at Louisville’s Vencinzo’s and the Seelbach Hotel’s Oak Room, both gourmet legends, plus an evening with Bourbon Hall of Fame member Michael Veitch at The Filson Bourbon Academy and an unforgettable afternoon with the incomparable Jimmy Russell, Wild Turkey’s Master Distiller, tasting his signature Bourbons. All this and more is in the October Wines Down South, our adventure into the fall season with a preview of the upcoming holidays Down South. Visit us at (click) and get ready for an October to remember.   Friend Us! Follow Us! Share Us! Chef Todd Richards of Atlanta's Ritz Carlton Buckhead recently joined Al Roker on the Today Show to cook a special dish. Enjoy this by clicking on. Click here for memories of last year's festival DOC'S WINE SELECTION RagApple Lassie's Syrah connects this Old World miracle with the soil, water and love of NC's Yadkin Valley   OCTOBER'S RECIPE SARAH MALLAS WAYMAN'S GREEK LAMB CHOPS RECIPE CLICK HERE   Girl Before A Mirror,1932, Pablo Picasso. Click here for information about the blockbuster exhibition, Picasso to Warhol at Atlanta's High Museum of Art

September 2011 Enewsletter

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Autumn is in the air, college football has kicked-off, the Braves are fighting for a post-season slot and festivals are everywhere. Soon the land will be ablaze with the fall leaf season and the cooler weather will stir anticipation of the joys on the horizon.      Dublin, Georgia's international recording star E.G. Kight produced a musical photographic journey for Wines Down South and our readers. The song and the images are all about one of America’s most romantic city, Savannah. Click hereto enjoy her song from her new album and the spectacular images of this magnificent city the entire world seems to love.      Doc Lawrence journeys through the Civil War trails of Kentucky, visiting the birthplaces of Abraham Lincoln and Jefferson Davis while taking time to drop in at Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Buffalo Trace to taste Bourbon and say hello to old friends, followed by an arts, dining and heritage tour of Louisville, a full-fledged gourmet leader.      Stone Mountain Park’s annual Yellow Daisy Festival is one of the top five arts & crafts shows in the nation and a Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Event. Despite its growth over the past 42 years, the Yellow Daisy Festival continues to be a big September show with a small-town feel, connecting families and friends with fun, live entertainment and good food. With more than 400 artists and crafters from 38 states, you can enjoy daily live entertainment, clogging and crafter demonstrations as well as fabulous festival food. (Click for details)     Charlotte, North Carolina’s Queen City, hosts the BBQ & Blues Festival starting September 9. From food to music this tradition has become the official kickoff to the Fall season! Details at (click). Festival attendees get a crash course in BBQ madness as more than 90 teams compete for their piece of the $25,000 prize money. The festival is free!      Join us at Wines Down South to cheer on the Atlanta Braves, believing that this is the year our boys of summer reclaim their championship status. We’ve made it easy to do the Tomahawk Chop at home or work. Just click the Braves’ Banner and the rest is easy!   Remember to keep those Tailgatin’ recipes and photos coming! Click herefor details. Friend Us! Follow Us! Share Us! CLICK AND SING ALONG WITH E.G. DOC'S WINE PICK FOR SEPTEMBER Blanc de Syrah Brut from Georgia's Wolf Mountain, a terrific sparkling wine that incorporates a small amount of the winery's Howling Wolf Red. Great with food and promotes effective cheering.   TOMAHAWK TAILGATIN' KABOBS Click for Recipe CLICK.  CHOP.  CHEER!

HENDERSONVILLE-APPLES AND ANGELS

By Doc Lawrence 

HENDERSONVILLE, NC—Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina, this fabled city offers some of the best of today’s North Carolina adventures while maintaining strong ties to deep heritage and rich tradition. Hendersonville, an easy drive from large cities like Atlanta, is a top center for arts and crafts, local farm products, history, the live stage and dining of every style. But, it’s late summer and that means apple harvest here.

The North Carolina Apple Festival is held annually over Labor Day holiday weekend in Hendersonville. It has been Western North Carolina’s premier family festival for 65 years.

Start time is September 2 with four days of fun including one of the most best known street fairs in the Carolinas with just picked apples, handmade quilts and folk art, food and free entertainment at the historic courthouse on Hendersonville’s beautiful Main Street

The apple has been called the loveliest of all fruits. It is also one of the most important agricultural crops grown in bucolic Henderson County.  During a normal year it brings in an average income of $22 million dollars or more. Growing apples has been part of Henderson County's culture and heritage since the mid 1700s. Today there are approximately 200 apple growers here and Henderson County grows 65% of all apples in North Carolina. 

The Apple Festival’s non-stop entertainment throughout the festival is presented on a professional stage in front of the historic Courthouse, beginning Friday with the traditional and classical big band music of the Buddy K Big Band. If you love the music of Duke Ellington, Les Brown, Count Basie, Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey, put on your dancing shoes and swing.

Saturday features Steve Weams and The Caribbean Cowboys Band. For over 20 years they have provided wildly popular music and have a huge fan base. Following them are The Mighty Kicks! Ranked among the top echelon of entertainment in the South, it’s non-stop choreography, non-stop music and non-stop energy

Sunday is all day gospel followed in the evening by Still Cruzin', a dynamic rhythm section and an electrifying brass segment.  The sweet soul and Motown Revue of The Legacy closes out this year’s festival in grand style.

When you aren’t dancing, eating apple turnovers or dining in Hendersonville’s variety of outstanding restaurants, take time to visit a Connemara, home of America’s poet Laureate Carl Sandburg and a national shrine. Your soul will be replenished walking through the beautiful home and lovely grounds. Next-door is the fabled Flat Rock Playhouse, the state theatre of North Carolina with shows equal to Broadway. And about a block or so up the road is Saint John’s in the Wilderness, one of America’s loveliest and oldest churches with a church graveyard that reads like “who’s who” in Southern history.

 

The weather this time of year in Hendersonville is divine. With the French Broad and Green Rivers close to town, the fishing’s good. And the air is clean all the time.

Hendersonville’s Oakdale cemetery is a top attraction. Bring a camera. The white marble angel inspired the title of Thomas Wolfe’s “Look Homeward Angel.”

For more exciting festival and useful vacation news, visit www.winesdownsouth.com.