Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/28/21

Thursday, October 14 to Sunday, October 17

Epicurean Hotel and all over Atlanta

Gather ‘round, a celebration of Southern food, drink, music and art is launching ticket sales on Friday, July 16 for its inaugural weekend in Midtown Atlanta, October 14 – 17^th, 2021. Curated and produced by Southern Culinary & Creative, the four-day festival brings together the best of the region with 60+ talent, offering guests a chance to meet and eat with the South’s most prestigious chefs, beverage experts, artists, makers and entertainers.

“With a dedication to supporting the community and giving back to the people and places who nourish us, Gather ‘round is proud to champion the Atlanta-based hospitality organization Giving Kitchen as a beneficiary of the event and a primary nonprofit partner of Epicurean Atlanta. We wanted to curate an experience that encapsulates the full spectrum of culinary and creative interests in the community, and we’re working closely with some of the South’s top chefs, beverage experts and artists to bring this delicious adventure to life,” says Southern Culinary & Creative Partner Elizabeth Feichter. “We look forward to welcoming culinary enthusiasts for years to come, as Gather ‘round flourishes into an annual event cherished by the community.”

The soon-to-open Epicurean Atlanta, as the Presenting Sponsor, will play host to Gather ‘round. With a laser focus on delivering an authentic culinary experience to every guest, Epicurean Atlanta is the perfect venue for this celebration with its state-of-the-art Epicurean Theatre, 178-guest rooms and suites, and 1-acre rooftop events lawn. Epicurean Atlanta and its executive chef Ewart Wardhaugh are thrilled to collaborate with talent from its sister properties for the weekend including the team from Bern’s Steak House in Tampa, FL with chefs Habteab Hamde, Carlise Lopez, and Hannah Thomas and Wine Director Eric Renaud, as well as chefs Adam Hyatt (Élevage SoHo Kitchen & Bar, Epicurean Hotel, Tampa, FL), Chad Johnson and beverage manager Chris Belk (Haven, Tampa, FL).

Award-winning talent that call the region home will be featured throughout the weekend’s lineup including Ferrell Alvarez (Rooster & the Till, Nebraska Mini Mart, Gallito Taqueria, Tampa, FL), Brittanny Anderson (Brenner Pass, Metzger Bar And Butchery, Black Lodge, Leni, Richmond, VA), Cory Bahr (Parish, Monroe, LA), Rebecca Masson (Fluff Bake Bar, Houston, TX), Gerald Sombright (Knife & Spoon, Orlando, FL), Shuai Wang (Jackrabbit Filly, North Charleston, SC), and more.  In addition, Atlanta’s very own Justin & Jonathan Fox (Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q), Tiffanie Barriere (The Drinking Coach), Miles Macquarrie (Watchman’s, Kimball House), Claudia Martinez (Miller Union), Craig Richards (Lyla Lila), and Maricela Vega (Chicomecoatl) among many other local favorites will guarantee Gather ‘round will delight and inspire guests throughout the weekend’s events.

SIGNATURE EVENTS

Gather ‘round will feature four signature events held throughout the weekend inviting guests to break bread as Southern makers, artisans and creators of deliciousness bring their craft to life.  Each of the four signature events will be fully immersive, as the space, culinary offerings and details are woven thoughtfully together to tell stories of the South and deliver guests epicurean discoveries by the forkful. On Thursday evening, Awaken Your Senses will delight the palate with unforgettable dishes and beverage pairings to awaken the Epicurean adventure ahead.  On Friday, Tomorrow’s Table will offer modern takes on both Southern cuisine and craft, featuring rising and well-known talent from around the region with beautifully presented dishes, libations, paired wines, and engaging artistic performances and installations curated by the Hambidge Creative Arts Center. Sip will spotlight the bond between music and drinks, complete with the perfect bite to pair, celebrating classic Southern cocktails and curated Soundtracks playing to the musical culture of the South as guests enjoy a tasty Saturday night. To close out the weekend, Punch Brunch will toast to Sundays in the South with the ever-beloved and large-format concept of the Southern punch.  Combined with savory and sweet comfort food for this seated brunch service, we will top off this indulgent morning with a soulful Southern musical performance and delicious pastry bites featuring chefs from around the region while enjoying beautiful views from the Sky Terrace event lawn at the Epicurean.

EPICUREAN THEATRE MASTER CLASSES

Presented by The Local Palate, this entertaining, educational kick-off series of five interactive, deeply immersive seminars will take place throughout the weekend, acting as a forum for open discussion on a wide range of topics. Learn the latest in sustainability from two Gulf-seasoned chefs, explore the iconic dishes of Buford Highway, or taste the nuances of natural wine with these latest topics and trends in food media. Guests are sure to leave inspired and satiated with each delectable discovery.

TAKE COVER: A COLLABORATIVE DINNER SERIES

In this collaborative dinner series, award-winning guest talent from around the South will gather in Atlanta’s top restaurants to create unexpected collaborative menus, featuring dishes inspired by multiple cuisines and visiting talent’s culinary personas.  Each multi-course meal, complete with beverage pairings, promises a culinary cover guests won’t want to miss.  Among the experiences, get ready to join the Fox Bros. as they work alongside visiting chefs Ming Pu and Shuai Wang to interpret Asian flavors into Southern smoked favorites or partake in a music-to-your-mouth journey of European flavors during Craig Richards collaboration with Chrysta Poulos and recent Top Chef participant, Brittanny Anderson.

Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by visiting GatherRoundATL.com. Gather ‘round weekend rates are also available at Epicurean Atlanta and can be reserved here. For a full list of Gather ‘round talent, please follow the link here.

The well-being of patrons, sponsors, team members and talent is the event’s top priority. In preparation for Gather ‘round, the team will continue to closely monitor health and safety updates and recommendations from the CDC and the Georgia Department of Public Health as related to the pandemic and any other potential health risks to stay aware of. The team will evolve and adapt as needed to ensure the health and safety for all involved and will ensure the set up and guest and talent experience for the event is maintained at the highest standards.