Photo Courtesy of Euphoria
The end of summer is an unofficial kick-off to food festival season. Some are definitely worth a road trip. One of those road trip-worthy festivals is Euphoria, which is now in its 13th year.
In a couple of weeks, many of Atlanta’s most talented chefs will pack up their knives and head to Greenville, South Carolina for the festival. “Yeah, that Greenville” – see what we did with their slogan?
It all began when musician Edwin McCain and restaurateur Carl Sobocinski thought up a plan to give back to the community in a way that “educates, entices, enlightens, and entertains.” The four-day festival draws sold-out crowds to the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.
Everything kicks off on Thursday, September 19 for food, wine, music, and a whole lot of getting to know Greenville.
Tony Schmidt of Performance Food Services is instrumental in Thursday’s kick-off Songwriter’s Recipe beginning at 6:30 p.m. It’s Greenville’s welcome party with small bites, musical performances, and a cocktail reception.
On Friday, September 20, Christopher Grossman, Executive Chef of Atlas in Buckhead, will be one of 15 chefs creating a dish based on their interpretation of the idea of Southern cuisine. This dinner also features performances by Drive-By Truckers and The Vagabonds. Saturday, September 21 is the Feast by the Field, where Grossman will be part of Shepherd and Friends Chef’s Table.
Photo Courtesy of Euphoria
Craig Rogers, whose nickname is “Shepherd,” will gather his chef friends to cook small plates paired with wines. It’s part comedy, part cooking demo, and very much a 5-course lunch. There are four seatings on Saturday, September 21 at 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, and 3:00 p.m.
Rogers owns Border Springs Farm just north of the North Carolina border at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Patrick Springs, Virginia. He raises grass-fed lamb on 60 acres of pastured land as he says, “where all the sheep have names and the dogs have jobs.”
On Saturday, September 21 at 7:00 p.m., Michael Bertozzi, who oversees the wood-fired kitchen at TWO Urban Licks, will participate in “Party in the Park” at Trailblazers Park in Travelers Rest. This event features acclaimed southeast chefs preparing bites for a feast under the stars. Accompanying music comes from Steel Toe Stiletto. There will also be beer, wine, cocktails, and libations from Slush Buddies. Best part—transportation is provided for ticket holders.
Nick Leahy, chef-owner of the two new Westside hotspots AIX and Tin Tin, will be a part of Grillin’ on the Green on Saturday, September 21. Larkin’s Sawmill is a century-old converted sawmill with a rustic sawdust silo and large lawn area. Guests will sip on cocktails while some of the South’s best chefs grill their dinner with products from Springer Mountain Farms and Certified Angus Beef. Everyone sits down to a five-course dinner and hopefully a beautiful sunset.
Matt Marcus, chef-owner of Watershed in Buckhead, brings his creative A-game to Sunday Brunch: Fired Up! at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 22. This is one event where many of the chefs work overnight. Pitmasters present their best ‘cue along with brunch staples bloody Marys and mimosas. Sunday morning tunes played by My Girl My Whiskey and Me. This event is family-friendly.
Jonathon and Justin Fox, brothers and partners in Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q are also smoking meats for Sunday Brunch: Fired Up! They add a certain Texas flavor. During Sunday Brunch, don’t miss the 5th annual Healthy Lunch Throwdown. This cooking competition features home cooks ranging in age from 8 to 18. A Michelin-starred chef will assist each participant. The winner’s recipe will be a part of the lunch menu for Greenville County Schools.
For schedules, tickets, and more information visit www.euphoriagreenville.com.
