Looking to be fully fed? We’re talking beyond mere good food – to a place of nourishment of body mind and soul. Award-winning author and journalist Toni Tipton-Martin launched a national “talk and eat” dinner series to coincide with the release of Jubilee: Recipes from Two centuries of African American Cooking and Atlanta is one of a few stops across the country.
Tipton-Martin, founding member of Southern Foodways Alliance and James Beard Award winner, was the first African-American food editor of a daily American newspaper.
Jubilee! A Celebration of African American Cooking Dinner Series is hosted by her and her non-profit, The SANDE Project. Her goal is “to celebrate black excellence in the food industry and raise awareness by providing experiences that promote African-American food history as a means of reducing race prejudice, increasing economic independence, and encouraging good health.”
On Monday, November 18 guests gather at Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours for an evening of good food and meaningful conversation. At 6:30 p.m., a welcome reception commences with small bites and cocktails. Plated appetizers and salad are followed by a family-style dinner.
Chefs and special guests for the evening bring a wealth of experience and knowledge of history. These include Deborah VanTrece, chef/owner of Twisted Soul and Todd Richards, Culinary Director of Jackmont Hospitality, and author of Soul: A Chef’s Culinary Evolution in 150 Recipes. Tiffanie Barrier, known as “The Drinking Coach” will develop cocktails and drink pairings. Special guest Fawn Weaver is the founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. She will speak to her work celebrating the life and legacy of Nearest Green, America’s first African American master distiller and mentor to Jack Daniels.
Each will speak to the elements of Jubilee they represent. The book draws from a myriad of resources, including Tipton-Martin’s vast cookbook collection. Beyond the 125 recipes, the prose included seeks to create bridges between the past and the present. The book builds on her historical cookbook research for The Jemima Code, crafting recipes for the modern kitchen. Well beyond soul food, this cuisine created by African-Americans both enslaved and free, takes inspiration from around the world and is the backbone of what we call “American Cuisine” today.
The evening draws to a close with desserts and a farewell cocktail. Each guest goes home with signed copies of both Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking and The Jemima Code: Two Centuries of African American Cookbooks.
Tickets are available here for $175 each, including tax and gratuity.
Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours (1133 Huff Road, Atlanta; 404-350-5500, twistedsoulcookhouseandpours.com)
