Food is at the heart of Atlanta, and here discover iconic dishes, notorious restaurants, and the rich culinary history of this Southern city. Atlanta’s cuisine has always been an integral part of its identity. From its Native American agricultural roots to the South’s first international culinary scene, food has shaped this city, often in unexpected ways. Trace the evolution of iconic dishes like Brunswick stew, hoecakes and peach pie while celebrating Atlanta’s noted foodies, including Henry Grady, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nathalie Dupree. Be transported to the beginnings of notable restaurants and markets, including Durand’s at the Union Depot, Busy Bee Café, Mary Mac’s Tearoom, the Municipal Market and the Buford Highway Farmers Market. With fourteen historic recipes, culinary historian Akila Sankar McConnell proves that food will always be at the heart of Atlanta’s story.
Akila McConnell has been sharing stories of Atlanta’s food and history for more than a decade. She has written for Conde Nast Traveller, USA Today, About.com and National Geographic Books. In 2015, she launched Atlanta Food Walks, which has become Atlanta’s most popular food tour company, focused on telling the unexpected story of Atlanta through its food. Akila lives in Decatur, where you’ll find her hunting for sweet corn and peaches at farmers’ markets with her husband and two micro-foodies.