Taste of the South May - June 2017

All across the South, folks are getting ready to whip up their must-have dishes for church picnics, backyard gatherings, and shared meals of all kinds. If you don’t already have your “go-to” potluck recipe, or if you’re looking to switch up your potluck game a bit, this recipe-packed issue is just what you need. First, the main event—barbecue! I’m excited to share our easiest barbecue recipes ever—no smoker required. All you need is a grill or skillet, and a slow cooker. Does it beat 24 hours of expertly tended smoking? You be the judge. I’ll just say it’s pretty durn good and a lot easier! Just like Thanksgiving, a good potluck is all about the sides. We’ve got all your favorites, plus a handful of fun new ideas, including a macaroni and cheese…

After working in restaurants around the country, Joe and Katy Kindred returned to his hometown of Davidson, North Carolina, and opened their namesake restaurant, Kindred, that put the small town on the culinary map. Their newest venture, a modern fish camp-style restaurant named Hello, Sailor, will open on the nearby shores of Lake Norman this summer. How did you come up with the name Hello, Sailor? It’s actually inspired by a real sailor’s tattoo! When people walk in and see the space and vibe we’re putting together, it will click. It sets the tone for a place that’s going to be fun. What's the biggest difference in the menus of your restaurants? First and foremost, our philosophy on sourcing the best ingredients will continue to be the number one focus. At Hello,…

MEMPHIS IN MAY Memphis, TN | May 5-28 This massive festival has countless can’t-miss events every year, but we can’t wait for the food-focused 901 Fest. Celebrating its second year, 901 Fest celebrates the best that Memphis has to offer, especially when it comes to local food. A few of their inaugural year vendors were Muddy’s Bake Shop, Central BBQ, and Mempops, so we’re setting our expectations high for their second showing. memphisinmay.org ATLANTA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL Atlanta, GA | June 1-4 More than your average food and wine festival, Atlanta Food and Wine showcases cuisine and chefs from Texas to D.C. and every stop in between. Drop by different tasting tents to experience flavors from around South, or brush up on your skills with technique and cooking classes. atlfoodandwinefestival.com NEW ORLEANS OYSTER FESTIVAL New Orleans,…

Easy ways to add instant flavor to suppers and sides 1. SCOUT HOT DATE CASSEROLE CARRIER Arrive at your next potluck in style with this casserole carrier. And it’s not just fashionable—SCOUT’s carrier keeps your favorite meals warm for 2 to 3 hours, and will keep those icebox desserts frosty for 3 to 4 hours, even in the summer heat. $33; scoutbags.com 2. PICKLED PINK PICKLES Crafted from family recipes passed down over a century, Pickled Pink’s products are jarred by hand with delicious fresh ingredients, and infused with flavor from peppercorns, cinnamon, and garlic. If that’s not enough to love, part of their proceeds go to Hunters Hotline, a nonprofit that raises awareness about issues affecting America’s youth. $5.99; pickledpinkfoods.com 3. THE VINTAGE TABLE TABLECLOTH Drawing from a childhood love of everything vintage, Karen Humphries…

Where to Stay HYATT REGENCY RIVERFRONT Tucked in downtown Jacksonville with views the colorful bridges spanning the St. Johns River, this hotel is smartly situated for exploring the city and its many neighborhoods. If you’re up for a field trip, the beaches are just 30 minutes away. JACKSONVILLE 1 Lunch & sweets CANDY APPLE CAFÉ Once a private club for the city’s well-to-do gentlemen, this bright and eclectic downtown restaurant is the perfect stop for upscale lunch, all-day brunch, and dinner, but be sure to visit the candy shop on the third floor to pick up a sweet souvenir. TRY: Pork Belly Flatbread, Candy Cherrywood Bacon 2 Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails Surrounded by chain restaurants, Moxie is delightfully local, and chef Tom Gray and his team know just how to make you feel at home. You must…

BLACKBERRY ICED TEA Makes about 3 quarts Mashed blackberries add a beautiful garnet hue to this refreshing iced tea. 3 quarts hot water 3 family-size tea bags 2 cups fresh blackberries, divided 1 cup sugar ¼ cup fresh lemon juice 4 slices fresh lemon 4 sprigs fresh mint Garnish: lemon wedges, fresh blackberries, fresh mint 1. In a large container, combine 3 quarts hot water and tea. Let steep for 3 to 4 minutes; remove tea bags. 2. In a medium bowl, mash 1½ cups blackberries; stir in sugar and lemon juice. Let cool to room temperature; refrigerate about 3 hours. 3. Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher; discard solids. Stir in remaining ½ cup blackberries, lemon slices, and mint. 4. Serve tea over ice. Garnish with lemons, blackberries, and mint, if desired. TIPS KEEP THEM FRESH Discard any bruised berries before refrigerating. Don’t wash…