Five Georgia culinary stars — blueberries, peaches, pecans, Vidalia® Onions and watermelons — are the magic ingredients in the tasty creations of select chefs scheduled to debut at the AtlantaFood & Wine Festival’s “Farm Fresh” Tasting Tent Trail, May 10 through 13, 2012.
TASTING SCHEDULES:
Friday, May 11 – 3:00-6:00 p.m.
Kyle Bailey,Birch & Barley (Washington, DC)
Peter Pollay,Posana Cafe (Asheville)
Saturday, May 12 – 12:30-3:30 p.m.Dave Larkworthy,Five Seasons Brewing (Atlanta)
Lance Gummere,The Shed at Glenwood (Atlanta)
Sunday, May 13 – 1:30–4:30 p.m.Guy Owen, The Blue Bicycle (Atlanta)
Clifton Holt,Little Savannah Restaurant & Bar (Atlanta)
Branding this arsenal of delectable crops collectively showcases and celebrates Georgia agriculture at it’s best. AtlantaFood & Wine Festival attendees will have a rare opportunity at the Farm Fresh Tasting Trail to sample recipes featuring all five commodities from the host state.
“We are looking forward to a great event at the AtlantaFood & Wine Festival with our five groups coming together under the ‘Georgia Grown’ banner,” states Charles Hall,executive director of the Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association. “This has been a tremendous promotion for our organizations to unite and work cooperatively as a festival gold sponsor, which none of us could have done, individually.”
For tickets to the AtlantaFood & Wine Festival and admittance to festival events, please visit www.atlfoodandwinefestival.com. The festival is held at the Loews Hotel in Midtown Atlanta.
The Georgia Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association provides programs and services to their membership designed to increase production efficiencies, provide educational opportunities, promote new markets, monitor legislation, encourage applied research and improve communications among GFVGA members and industry suppliers. To learn more about how to become a member, visit www.gfvga.org.
About Georgia Blueberry Commission
In 2009, the Georgia Department of Agriculture formed the Georgia Blueberry Commission as a program to support research, education and promotion on behalf of the state’s growers. Georgia claims the longest season in the U.S. lasting from mid-April through the end of July to enjoy fresh Georgia Blueberries – our very own “Sweet Georgia Blues.” For more information, recipes and background on Georgia Blueberries, log onto www.GeorgiaBlueberries.org.
About Georgia Peaches
Famous and beloved for its mouth-watering peaches, each year Georgia produces over 130 million pounds of the fruit between mid-May and mid-August. Delicious and nutritious, Georgia peaches are high in fiber and major nutrients, including vitamins A, C and potassium, and made up of 87% water.And, a real plus for calorie-counters, a medium-sized Georgia peach contains only 38 calories, fewer than comparable-sized apples or pears. Though peaches were originally planted in St. Augustine, Fla., Franciscan monks introducedthem to St. Simons and Cumberland islands along Georgia's coast in 1571. For more information, visit www.gapeaches.org.
About Georgia Pecan Commission
Founded in 1995, the Georgia Pecan Commission is comprised of all Georgia pecan growers with 30 acres or more of pecan-producing farmland. The Commission funds research, educational and promotional programs to increase awareness and raise demand for Georgia Pecans. Historically, Georgia produces more pecans each year than any other state in the nation. To learn more about Georgia pecans, visit www.AntioxiNUT.org.
About Vidalia® Onions
Vidalia® Onions are the pioneer of sweet onions and Georgia’s official state vegetable. Grown only in the mild climate and unique soil surrounding Vidalia, Ga., they’re loved by chefs and home cooks throughout the world. Vidalia® Onions are hand-planted and hand-harvested each year, with sweet, juicy bulbs available seasonally from late April to late August. Their mild, sweet taste makes Vidalia® Onions more versatile than stronger onions. And these Georgia sweeties are a low-calorie, fat, cholesterol, and sodium-free way to get a healthy dose of Vitamin C. For more information, visit www.VidaliaOnion.org.
About Georgia Watermelon Association
Georgia Watermelon Association’s (GWA) primary mission is to actively support the watermelon industry of Georgia. The membership represents growers, shippers, buyers and suppliers to the industry. GWA is proactive in addressing issues and challenges that face the industry and is committed to ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of Georgia’s watermelon industry. One of the primary objectives of GWA is the promotion and marketing of Georgia watermelons through the Queen program.
Source: Atlanta Food & Wine Festival