Tastemaker Contents Chef Richard Ingraham photographed here and on the cover by Darnell Wilburn at Vino Venue.
37 08 Contributors Page 10 Editor’s Note 13 Belle Butter
Founder Tasha Burton on why Belle is here to stay
14 Girls Inc.
“I am Smart” Contest Winner Vet Vandiver
16 Coco Rae Cosmetics
Polish inspired by Atlanta Bloggers
2 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
23 Solo Noir
Organic grooming for men
24 Fabulous Footwear
Step into Spring with Flats, Wedges, Heels
25 Shop Trends
Metallics, Prints and Transparents
28 Hideoki: Bespoke for Men 34 From WNBA Baller to Author Tammy Sutton- Brown shares her new love
Discover a World more BASIC for Straight and Curly Beauties
Get the BASIC Hair Care Solution! A revolutionary hair care system containing gentle amino acids derived from Quinoa– a natural protein containing all nine essential amino acids for the best hair conditioning you’ve ever had whether straight or naturally curly! www.basichaircaresystem.com www.facebook.com/basichair
3 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Contents | March/April
35 Black Girls Radio
Host Stacii Jae makes a comeback
36 Cake Cafe Atlanta
Atlanta’s yummiest bakery is poppin’
37 Cover Story:
Cooking with Celebrity Chef Richard Ingraham
41 Strictly Business
Rapper Xzibit’s new tasty deal
43 Chocolate Madness
Chocolate Madness at Atlanta’s Four Seasons Hotel
44 Dishcrawl Atlanta Owner of Atlanta’s Bespoke Boutique Hideoki; Dedrick Thomas
28
4 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
The city’s unique foodie neighborhoods
46
Drink, Snack, Share
Buckhead’s Newest Chip Shop
47 Chef Marcus Samuelsson on style, best dishes in the world, and his advice for budding Chefs
Kristina Ross Makeup www.Kristina-Ross.com | 678-755-2501 | kross@kristina-ross.com
5 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
49 Restaurant Review:
Farm-to-table brunch at the Family Dog
51 2013 South Beach Food & Wine Festival
Behind the scenes of the season’s most scrumptious festival
53 How to Transition from the Corporate World
5 things you should know!
Atlanta Style Blogger Allison Pregner of The Style Pundit; Shot at Iwi Fresh Spa in Atlanta; Photo by Wilburn2013 6 TASTEMAKER Darnell | April/May
15
55 Atlanta’s Hidden Treasure:
Freedom Park and Trail
Hosted by two of the blogosphere’s most savvy and influential community leaders, The Takeaway: No Fluff is Tyler New Media’s and Justice Fergie Lifestyle Media’s answer to the myriad social media conferences that offer more ‘talking’ than ‘doing.’ This 1-day, hyper-focused workshop will feature 5 successful industry leaders to facilitate hands-on sessions in areas of most importance to social media-savvy business owners. The goal of The Takeaway is to empower bloggers and small business owners with the digital tools to build a brand, increase customers, and generate revenue. You will learn: -Which social media platforms are most effective for particular campaigns. -Specifics on how to package yourself and your business as a compelling brand. -Strategies for expanding your customer base and generating more revenue. To learn more and to register visit: http://socialmediatakeaway.com 7 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
TASTEMAKER
Magazine
PUBLISHER
Tiffini Gatlin @theatlgo2girl
editor@tastemakermag.com
LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Andrea Janise @atlfoodwriter ajanise@tastemakermag.com
HEALTH EDITOR
Monica L. Ponder @freelollipops mlponder@tastemakermag.com
Pitch Us: submissions@tastemakermag.com Contact Us: 404-844-8296 8 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
CONTRIBUTORS Ruksana Hussain
TaĂŠ Chivon
Carmen Blakely
Mecia Boone
Bernetta Knighten
Chanda Scott
@RuksanaWrites
@lipstickfashion
@Bernettastyle
9 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
@theconglamerate
HR Director
Photographer
A trip to Iwi Fresh Garden Day Spa Photo by Darnell Wilburn
Oh Hey Spring, I Love You! I’ve never been more excited about Spring as I am at this moment. Spring is the delicate balance between cool and warm and gives me every excuse to show off my perfectly manicured toes and bask in any peek of sun I can catch through the clouds! Spring in Atlanta is also the perfect time to sit outside and dine at a few awesome restaurants in the city. Since this is our culinary issue you’ll find amazing stories from well known Chefs like celebrity Chef Richard Ingraham, who graciously gives us a glimpse of what it takes to cater to his NBA superstar client Dwyane Wade (p. 37). Aside from food, we know
staying on trend and finding the right fashions to fit your budget is important, so we’ve created a trend report of fab footwear as well as a guide on how to wear metallics, prints and lucents (p. 24). So, be sure to try something new. I did, when I put my 5 month baby bump on the runway in a Jody Davis couture dress (very different for me). You’ll also love stories from Atlanta locals, tips on keeping your career in check, and how to stay healthy--free! Remember every issue is created with you in mind, so I hope you enjoy! Feel free to email me your thoughts.
10 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Tiffini Gatlin
Bumping the runway at Baby Bash & Bling
Unleash The Power of Your Natural Beauty!
A full line of indulgent, texture-loving products that help prep, maintain and style natural hair. Serious moisturizing formulas help strands “coil without toil” so you can be the natural woman nature
©2013 Namasté Laboratories L.L.C.
meant for you to be.
11 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Curlsunleashed.com
Nature got it right the first time!™
www.curlmart.com
and Fine Beauty Supply Stores
12 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
[ Beauty Buys ]
WHIPPING Beauty into Shape
Founder of Belle Butters Tasha Burton
By: Carmen Blakely I had a chance to chat with Tasha Burton, founder and creator of Belle Butters. Check out why she’s here to stay and how tastemakers everywhere can learn from her.
Tasha’s Story
After experiencing severe breakage and skin allergies in 2008; Tasha transitioned to natural (again). While shea butter helped, she felt that it wasn’t enough and began mixing oils and different cocktails to suit her needs. It was in 2009 that she opened up shop. Her first product was whipped shea butter, and to date her most popular product is the Unyevu (Swahili for moisture) butter- the yummy mixture includes shea and avocado; neem oil (relieves an irritated scalp), apricot kernal oil and sunflower oil. A close second is the Double Agent butter; Shea, avocado and acai butters are blended with Camelina and Cranberry seed oil. During New York Fashion Week fall of 2011 Tasha was extended the amazing opportunity to host a couple of events and meet area beauty bloggers. 13 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
She made many connections and met people who would become her biggest supporters. That provoked me to ask her, how exactly social media has affected her business. Tasha responded “I LOVE social media”, she has found that Twitter has been nothing short of amazing. Is everything always sweet at Belle Butters? Absolutely not. Just last year she says that the business got really hard. Tasha remarked that she “kept getting signs that she was doing something right.” Speaking of doing right; she holds a class every Spring for parents on how to care for their children’s multi textured hair. They learn techniques, and insight on proper products. Tasha’s advice for women going into business for themselves, “Let go of fear. Don’t let people tell you that you can’t. You can’t satisfy everyone. Don’t forget to give back to the people who supported you in the beginning.” -bellebutters.bigcartel.com
A Few of Tasha’s Beauty Faves
Sonia Kashuk eye palettes
Occupation: Georgia Tech Student/Author
Location: Atlanta, GA
“I consider myself SMART because I shared my college experience while also encouraging other young girls to pursue higher education by writing and publishing a book full of helpful tips. I titled the book, “Single Black Female Addicted to College.”—Vett Vandiver; 2013 Girls Inc. ‘I Am SMART’ Winner
14 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
15 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
[Beauty |Special ]
The Coco Rae Tastemaker Collection
Presented by Atlanta Bloggers Iwi Fresh Garden Day Spa | Photos By Darnell Wilburn
16 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
The Tastemaker Collection: L-R Catherine Lee, Courtney Vine, Allison Pregner, Tiffini Gatlin, Eboni Ifé, Jemimah Scarlett What girl doesn’t love a fresh coat of pretty polish? When we first learned of Coco Rae, an eco-friendly polish line based out of the D.C. area, we were in love! Coco Rae’s owner, Courtney Vines, gives each luscious color a funky name reminiscent of some of her best friends and family. Immediately our wheels started turning and the Tastemaker team approached Courtney with a fun idea of having a few of Atlanta’s most influential bloggers inspire an entire Spring/Summer collection called the Tastemaker Collection--Courtney agreed! It’s not easy finding the perfect color to introduce to the world as the season’s “it” color, but our group of esteemed bloggers chose a color that fit their personality and named their bottle after their blogs. We put each color to the test during a sneak preview polish party at Fab’rik in Buckhead, with celebrity nail stylists Terrence Terry and Priscillia Parker.
17 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
a Priscilli ith w g paintin body “Every oco” Loves C
Take a closer look at each color on the next few pages as we indulged in a fun and colorful photo shoot at Iwi Fresh Garden Day Spa in the historical Castelberry Hill district. If you purchase a bottle from the Tastemaker Collection be sure to take a picture and tag us on instagram with #tastemakercollection for a possible feature in an upcoming issue. Each bottle is $10.00 and is available exclusively at lovecocorae.com
Owner Courtney Vine created the perfect lilac with a hint of shimmer. You’ll go mad for Everybody Loves Coco.
18 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Atlanta Style Blogger Allison Pregner makes The Style Pundit a fiery red polish you’ll covet all year long!
19 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Atlanta Lifestyle Blogger Jemimah Scarlett goes for a vibrant and punchy orange with Glossy Mimi. 20 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
An ode to her twin sister Lar, Atlanta Lifestyle Blogger Catherine Lee gets spicy with a minty green called Asian Cajuns. 21 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Atlanta Fashion Blogger Eboni IfĂŠ presents The Fashionista Next Door for the girl who does it all with so much poise and style!
22 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
23 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Jonathan Slocumb The new face of organic grooming products for men By Tiffini Gatlin Actor and Comedian Jonathan Slocumb has a new gig as the national spokesperson for Solo Noir, an organic mens grooming line for ethnic men. After being introduced to the line by friend and makeup artist J.K. Hunter at the 2013 Trumpet Awards, Slocumb says the sleek packaging is what first caught his attention and once he found out that the 2-in-1 grooming product was created by a woman, he decided to try it. “Once I tried the moisturizer it was great, it made my skin really soft, so I went online to check it out and discovered there was an entire line of products-- I knew I had to be involved. A woman with a black owned business from my favorite city; Chicago--it was a no brainer.”
24 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Slocumb says some grooming products he’s used in the past simply lacked performance. “I like product lines that can clean my face properly and follow up with products like after shave, toner, an incredible shaving cream and of course a great moisturizing cream- all of which I found in Solo Noir.” If what turns you off about a mens grooming product is its potent smell, Slocumb says that’s what has deterred him from buying most grooming products. “Often times what turns a man off from grooming products is the god-awful smell of cologne, which a lot of men’s products smell like. So if you used that product along with your favorite cologne--it’s going to clash. Solo Noir has a clean smell to it but it will not overtake the cologne you like to wear.” Slocumb admits that prior to his discovering Solo Noir he had become lazy with his grooming process. “I didn’t have all the confidence in what I was previously using. My wife lays next to me and likes to rub my bald head, and when her face rubs my face she doesn’t scar herself anymore. She’s pleased. She’s one of many women who want their significant other to be fresh and clean. This lets them know that they care about themselves and the one they are with.” Slocumb’s new endorsement deal also comes with social responsibility. Slocumb has committed himself to reaching out to young males in high school and colleges about proper grooming and caring for themselves respectfully, a selfless act he calls necessary. “I didn’t have that coming up, my father was a workaholic so he didn’t have the time to emphasis those things to me. I have a nine-yearold son and I think it’s important that these young men learn early on and be concerned about cleaning themselves properly.” In addition to his desire to urge men to become more stringent about their personal hygiene, Slocumb is staying busy as the new host of Aspire TV’s new series “Groundbreaking Comedy”. He also hints at a summer tour with a legendary female musician. To find out more about Solo Noir visit solonoir.com
[Style Trends ]
Step into Spring with Fabulous Footwear By: TaĂŠ Chivon
Flats:
Click
on any shoe to purchase
Wedges:
Heels:
25 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Shoe Watch: Celebrity Stylist June Ambrose launched her shoe collection with HSN March 22nd! What are you waiting for... shop now!
[Style Trends ]
Metallics
Add shimmer & shine this Spring with these colorful metallics!
By: TaĂŠ Chivon
Clockwise from left: Michael Kors Sweater; DVF Lips Clutch; Giuseppe; Boutique 9 Wedge Sneakers; Giuseppe Zanotti Green Heels; Adidas Studio Track Suit; Ciate Nail Foils; American Apparel Siren Dress.
[Style Trends ] Counterclockwise from left: Rachel Comey belt; Alexis Barrell head scarf visor; Tory Burch oversized shades; Via SPIGA heels; BCBG Cynthia heels; Mango crystal necklace; Lena Erziak Apple Bag.
27 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Transparents
Let the sun shine through with these lucent finds!- By Tae Chivon
[Style Trends ]
Prints
Spring Fever? These daring prints are just what the doctor ordered. - By Tae Chivon
Clockwise from left: Matiko Platform heels; J. Crew top; Topshop trousers; Kate Spade bracelet; Mural Jacket; Nine West Julie heel; Amrita Singh earrings; A.L.C. silk top; Hermosa cross body bag; Fair + Trade peplum & shorts.
28 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
[Feature]
Distinguished Gentleman Dedrick Thomas, owner of Hideoki, an exclusive Bespoke boutique, creates a hideaway in Atlanta tailored just for men.–By Tiffini Gatlin Atlanta has an interesting mix of style, and with the heightened social progressiveness that has hit the city over the last few years, largely due to the influx of reality tv shows and movies being produced in the city, Atliens have stepped up their fashion game. However, in particular, there is one boss in town that could be considered the Richard Gere of Pretty Woman, turning Charming Charlie’s into Dapper Dans! Nestled in a quaint corridor in Buckhead, once famous for it’s vintage art pieces, Dedrick Thomas created HIDEOKI [Hi-Dee-Ah-Key], a fashion hideaway for the not so everyday gentleman, a place he calls a hidden secret with an element of surprise. “We wanted to create a space where no one would expect us to exist. We cater to a certain group of clientele, so once [they] get in, it’s like walking in Soho, and then you end up in this amazing location.”
29 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
As original as its name HIDEOKI, derived from Thomas’s middle name, each piece is created by his clients’ ability to push the limits on fashion, there is nothing says Thomas, that can’t be created. “It’s like couture for women. We aren’t here to change our clients’ lifestyle we are here to enhance their lifestyle to a point they never knew existed.” If you’ve never gone Bespoke before, Thomas says not to worry, he’ll focus more on your experience than trying to replace your entire wardrobe. Don’t expect to walk-in, because of his demand and attention to detail, you’ll want to make an appointment. If you’re into couples shopping, be sure to bring your lady with you, she’ll be equally impressed with the couture women’s line created by Project Runway’s Mychael Knight. The next time you see a well dressed man, you just might think he’s been to the hideaway--HIDEOKI that is!
“We put in this massive mahogany door for our big clientele, but mainly so when our clients get off the elevator they say hey there is something back there and something amazing is about to happen--it’s all in the details.”— Dedrick Thomas
30 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Once clients are greeted inside of HIDEOKI they are encouraged to order from the bar stocked with top shelf cocktails and seated on custom furniture--which can be designed, ordered and handmade in England to fit your persnickety taste. 31 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
32 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Everything is custom. Choose from over 500 swatches to create your wardrobe.
33 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Custom design your shoes from various leathers. Hideoki’s shoes are made in the same factory as Tom Ford.
34 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
[Feature ]
WNBA Champion Tammy Sutton-Brown Helps Kids Explore Through Travel By Tiffini Gatlin | Photos Courtesy of LPS Consulting PR At first glance one could assume that Tammy SuttonBrown was a model straight from the runways of Milan, however this 6’3” statuesque beauty used her height in the game of basketball. Being nearly 6ft in the 7th grade, Brown says she’s always been active in sports and her height somehow threw her into the sport of basketball. “I started playing and loved it. I went to Rutgers University on a basketball scholarship and from there went on to play in the league.” Brown’s decision to pursue basketball based on her height paid off. For the last 12 years Brown has played professional basketball, a career expectancy not achieved by many, and now holds the title as WNBA Champion with the Indiana Fevers. Originally from Canada, basketball has taken Brown all over the world, and subsequently added the title Author to her championship resumé, and given her another outlet to pursue full-time when she decides to retire from basketball. “I don’t know how many more years I will play, I leave that in God’s hands. I do know compared to male athletes, we don’t get paid what they do, so for us I think it’s
35 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
get paid the same as they do, so for us I think it’s important to find something that we can transition to in that next phase of life; and that’s kind of where I am. I don’t want to just stop and then think ‘What am I going to do now’? Although Brown is definitely still in the game, she’s winning over kids with her new children’s book series ‘Cree & Scooter Hit the Slopes of British Columbia’. Inspired by her love for children and the large family she hopes to have one day, the interactive series gives pre-school to 8-year-old kids, the opportunity to travel through the pages and adventures of 5-year-old Cree (an African-American little girl) and her friend Scooter (a chameleon stuffed animal). Brown’s new series is reminiscent of the Nickelodeon cartoon Dora The Explorer, but gives African-American children an opportunity to see someone that looks similar to them, travel the globe. “Basketball has opened my eyes to a world of different cultures, and I found out through my discussions with children, about my travels, they had no idea geographically where these places were. The thought of writing a book to educate kids on geography and cultural aspects through two characters, that kids could relate to, was key for me.” Taking her platform one step further, Brown enlisted the help of her celebrity friends and athletes to help reach 1.8 million people through social media with her Think of MeMom & Dad When You’re Texting and Driving, Think of Me, public awareness campaign to encourage parents to NOT text and drive with children in the car. “Basketball is what I do, not who I am” says Brown as she makes the point that when she’s on the court she’s playing the game of basketball and when off the court she likes throwing on a dress and heels and indulging in girly things like online shopping and spa treatments. For more on the Cree and Scooter series visit www.creeandscooter.com
[Feature]
Black Girls Radio host, Stacii Jae Johnson
Stacii Jae
Political and Entertainment Influencer Stacii Jae Johnson is back with Black Girls Radio. www.love860.com
Black girls do indeed rock and Stacii Jae Johnson, former Entertainment & Special Events Director in the office of Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed, is proving that with the launch of her most powerful project to date--the launch of Black Girls Radio on WAEC 860 AM in Atlanta. Despite allegations of DUI touted by local media last Fall, that led Johnson to resign from her position with the Mayor’s office and leaving her to refocus her life goals, Johnson has basically said “RIP” to all the rumors. Taking the advice of a friend and turning her gift of gab into a positive enterprise, Johnson debuted her first radio show on January 26th with guest Celebrity Stylist Derek J, notable for his appearances on The Real Housewives of Atlanta and Nicole Lyons, the first African- American to race in a major NASCAR series. Johnson’s radio station is what she calls an extension of every blessing she’s had to date. “The difference in me and
36 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
someone else is that I allow myself the fearlessness to move when [He] tells me to.” The Spelman graduate has been known around Atlanta as a millennial who moves and shakes until something happens. She is using her show as a platform to give celebrities and local tastemakers a chance to share their triumphant stories, without the fabrications of the media. Black Girls Radio is fun and energetic, and gives remnants of girl power, a message Johnson often infiltrates through her community initiatives. Johnson takes the time to reflect back on her past that has ultimately brought her to this moment. “There were a lot of moments, after I left my previous position, that I literally had to fight to keep my mind in a positive place. The truth of what happened to me, is that God was trying to make me better.”—Tiffini Gatlin
[Feature]
Ardra Tipett Owner of Cake Cafe Atlanta where everything is made with love. www.cakecafeatlanta.com
There is no other place to satisfy your sweet tooth in Atlanta than Cake Cafe. Known for their made-from-scratch never frozen cakes, pies, and cobblers, Atlantans find passing up the New Orleans Mardi Gras colored structure off Candler Road in Decatur, GA a difficult habit to break. With all the cupcakeries, ice cream and popcorn shops around the city it’s a wonder how Cake Cafe has been able to last so long in the city, but owner Ardra Tipett says it’s no coincidence. “I think it’s fine that everyone decided to open up all of these cupcakeries, the problem is if owners really thought a cupcakery was a business and not just a trend that we were riding on. You have to know the difference between longevity and trend.” Tipett learned quickly that while cupcakes were a cute accessory to any party, cupcakes weren’t going to keep her around for decades. Tippett began to add homemade cobblers and pies that
37 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
reminded you of what your grandma would make for dessert after Sunday dinner.“I want to get in right where your sweet tooth lives. I don’t want to tell you what you want. When you enter Cake Cafe you thought you came in for one thing and you find out you want pralines, soft serve ice cream, caramel and cheese popcorn-there are endless possibilities here.” Those endless possibilities have put Tipett’s establishment in full demand with another location opening soon in Buckhead, Atlanta. Tippett says Cake Cafe’s attention to detail and commitment to deliver fresh baked goods attracts customers that turn into family. “We have a commitment to our community. The people in our community know they can come to us to support their functions, just as they support us, and as long as we keep that promise we’ll always be in business.”— Tiffini Gatlin
A Day i the Lif Celebri Private
RICHARD IN
Chef Richard Ingraham’s cover shoot/photos were taken at Vino Venue Restaurant /Atlanta Wine School in Dunwoody, Georgia. 38 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
in fe of ity e Chef
[Cover Story ]
NGRAHAM Chef Ingraham dishes on what it’s like cooking for NBA Superstar Dwyane Wade
We always wondered what a day in the life of a celebrity’s private chef is like, so we took notes when sitting down with Miami’s Chef Richard Ingraham, the man who’s responsible for keeping NBA Superstar and two-time championship winner Dwyane Wade fed with his top-notch cuisine. When Ingraham graduated from the Culinary Art Institute of Atlanta in 1997, he didn’t realize how far his culinary passion would take him. With classical restaurant training and specialized French pastry chef skills, this talented chef brings a full range of experience when crafting each and every meal with his self-described “eclectic American” cooking. From community service projects and new business ventures, to daily shopping trips and late night post-game meals, we find out how the 15year cooking veteran balances it all.
BY ANDREA JANISE PHOTOGRAPHY BY DARNELL WILBURN 39 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Tastemaker Magazine: How did you end up working for NBA Superstar Dwyane Wade? Chef Richard Ingraham: It’s funny. When I speak to people, I let them know the value of building relationships with others because you never know who can help you later on in life. One of my old clients had become Dwyane Wade’s manager. One day she called me up and said, ‘I hear you are a chef now. How would you like to cook for an NBA player?’ I said sure, who is it? She said, ‘Dwyane Wade!’ At this time, he was just coming into the league and I didn’t know who he was. She said to look him up on Google and call her back to let her know. I researched him on the internet and almost broke my hand to call her back to say I would cook for him. And now, I’ve been cooking for Dwyane for over 10 years— ever since he’s been in the league. TM: Cooking for a celebrity must be time consuming! What is a typical day like for you? Chef: Very time consuming; I give everything I have to my job. I am up at 4:30 a.m. every morning. I go in and cook breakfast for Dwyane and the family. Then I go about my day, which includes cooking for other major league clients and delivering food to them. Then I go shopping, I go to the gym, and then I am right back at Dwyane’s house to make sure that I prepare his food for pre-game. I’m there for dinner, and on game days, I’m there when he arrives home at 12:00 a.m. or 1:00 a.m. to prepare a meal for him post-game. After that, I go home and get about 4 hours of sleep, and then I’m up again to start all over. TM: What are some of Dwyane’s favorite meals? Chef: He loves pasta, so I do a lot of variations of pasta for him. He loves steak as well, and he loves these chicken wings that I do. We are actually in the process of bottling and trying to market the sauce for the wings. TM: Is there anything he doesn’t like? Chef: He doesn’t eat any seafood, and early on in his career he didn’t eat any vegetables, if you can believe that! But as he’s grown older and a little bit wiser, he now eats salad and a few vegetables here and there that I can sneak in. (laughter) TM: Does Dwyane have a sweet tooth? 40 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Chef Richard Ingraham and NBA Superstar Dwyane Wade Photo Courtesy of Chef Richard Ingraham
Chef: Yes! He loves my chocolate chip cookies. This year, I introduced him to black bean brownies that I make as well. They don’t taste like black beans because of the chocolate in them, but the benefit is that they are very high in fiber and a protein source as well. They are much healthier than your regular brownie. TM: Is there a glamorous side to the job? Are there perks from working with athletes? Chef: If I took advantage of it, it would be! But I don’t really take advantage of it; I try to keep it as professional as possible. My main goal is to make sure if we get to a game, then we win a championship… through my client. That’s how I keep it going from the standpoint of extending my client’s longevity in his sport. Tastemaker: So, you’re part of the team too! Chef: Exactly.
TM: So, what’s next for you, a cookbook or possibly a restaurant? Chef: Mr. Wade’s girlfriend, Gabrielle Union, and I are working on a book. We started a hash tag on Instagram called #getfitwithflavor, and those are meals with 500 calories or less. I am also working with Dwyane Wade’s stylist on a line of fashionable aprons and chef coats. As far as a restaurant, if we were playing chess, we would call that my end-game. Once you commit yourself to a restaurant, it takes 100 percent of your time. And that’s hard for me because my hands are in so many different things right now.
Chef Ingraham overlooks his Soul Food theme for the homeless with volunteers from the Seek Inc. Organization Photo via Instagram
TM: We know you are a busy chef, but somehow you manage to stay involved in the community. Tell us about some of the projects you are involved in. Chef: One of the biggest projects that I am a part of is the Michelle Obama obesity initiative [Let’s Move!], where I work with the Miami-Dade public schools. I go to the high schools and work with the cafeteria managers to try and prepare healthier meals for our children. There is a new initiative called the Urban Food School Alliance. It’s never been done before, but you get different school districts across the country [L.A., New York, Chicago, Dallas, Miami and Orlando] and they serve the same identical meal to the students across the country with a regional twist. But what happens with that, is we get $25 million of buying power to supply better quality food to our students. It’s an honor for me to be a part of that.
41 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Chef Ingraham prepares Jerk Roasted Yellowtail Photo via Chefrli Instagram
The world may have to wait a while before tasting Chef Richard Ingraham’s food, but seeing it is always an option. Follow Chef Richard Ingraham on Twitter and Instagram at @ChefRLI to get a glimpse of his daily dishes and stay connected at www.chefrli.com.
[Feature ]
When Xzibit released his first album, At The Speed of Life, he had no formal training on how to write music. He spoke straight from the heart and from his experiences allowing this album to be a raw expression of what was going on at the close of the millennium. Each artist has their own way of deciding what type of music they want on their album. Named after the chemical weapon that has a flame that can be diffused, his latest album Napalm is the result of what was going on in his life at the time of production. “I took a little time off for personal reasons and to get my life in order and that was what came out of me. I get very personal when it comes to displaying myself and I like to paint real pictures of my life for my audience,” said Xzibit. X to the Z is a big weapons fanatic and he incorporates that element into all of his record titles illuminating the essence of the dark picture he wants the audience to see.
[Strictly Business]
Xzibit wants to release 10 albums in total during his career and then he will be finished with the rapping aspect of his career. He would then like to transition into the production side of music as his next venture.
Xzibit may have been a little quiet over the years, but his recent business move has loyal fans buzzing about what’s next!
Influenced by his older brother, Alvin Joiner, better known for his stage name Xzibit, showed passion for music at a young age. However, living in a household with school teachers as parents, Alvin was not allowed to listen to hip-hop music because his parents had a strong disdain for the genre. Joiner was only nine years old when his mother died. He used rapping as a coping mechanism to deal with her loss and he secretly began writing his own lyrics so that he could master the craft that would eventually become his livelihood Her death caused some turbulence in the household that eventually lead to him getting into trouble and having to move out of his father’s house at the young age of 14. 42 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Dr. Dre and Xzibit at the Las Vegas Bonita Tequila Launch
While discussing the current state of music X said, “I think it’s more character driven than musically driven. Back in the day there was more diversity, now it just seems as if people want to imitate the success of others.” X initially had no interest in acting when he was approached by the studio for XXX2. “I could do music in my sleep but acting is different, it’s something you have to work at. I loved it so much that I wanted to take it serious so I took acting lessons and began focusing on being a good actor.” From rapper/actor to businessman, Alvin Joiner loves the space he is in right now. He was approached by his business partner Chris Brown, a retired autopilot about a business venture involving tequila. X was sold on the brand after his first sip and the rest is history. Bonita Tequila is a luxury tequila and is the only tequila in the world that is 5 times distilled and is very smooth. I should have done this a long time ago. It’s beautiful 43 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
being an owner and it doesn’t involve me being in front of a camera, which is good because it shows that I can be good at something else and that is incredible.” While X did not get into the hype of endorsing clothes, shoes, and colognes, he finally decided to endorse a brand that he is actually passionate about and believes in. The display is gorgeous. The tequila comes in a crystal bottle with beautiful script on it. It has its own unique box as well. From the taste to the display we are sure that Bonita Tequila is beyond perfection. -Briana Augustus For more information on where you can find Bonita Tequila go to www.bonitaspirits.com
[Lifestyle| Around Atlanta ]
Chocolate Madness March Means Chocolate Madness at The Four Seasons
Park 75 at Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta is hosting Chocolate Nights - a special chocolate menu featuring up to ten uniquely decadent creations. A not-to-be-missed menu item is Pastry Chef Charles Barrett’s signature Chocolate Bomb. The menu not only offers chocolate sourced from around the globe, but includes Park 75’s own “bean to bar” chocolate, created in-house from fair trade cacao beans. While the menu changes weekly, unique items to experience include pan-seared hominy and vanilla tart made with wild Bolivian milk chocolate; and dark chocolate sour cream cake made with Madagascar dark chocolate and served with black raspberry “caviar.” Executive Chef Robert Gerstenecker and the Park 75 culinary team have also created a four-course menu titled the Chocolate Experience, if you are interested in dinner before dessert, featuring three savory cocoa courses that conclude with the Chocolate Bomb. For a quick bite, try out the Chocolate Nights menu where guests have the option of choosing $5 for one taste, $12 for three tastes, or $18 for 5 tastes. For more chocolate madness, try out Chef ’s Chocolate Experience - $30 per person or $35 per person including one cocktail, and if you want the full chocolate ambiance, order the Four Course Chocolate Dinner - $65 per person or $95 per person with a wine pairing. Chocolate Madness at the Four Seasons is available in March. For information on the next Chocolate Madness call (404) 253-3840 or visit www.fourseasons.com —Ruksana Hussain Photo credit: Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta and Cliff Robinson Photography
44 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Dishcrawl Atlanta Dishcrawl Atlanta highlights the city’s unique foodie neighborhoods —BY ANDREA JANISE PHOTOS COURTESY OF DISHCRAWL
Dishcrawl, a walking food tour that has been held in cities such as San Francisco, New York, Montreal, Ottawa, San Jose, Toronto, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C., has made its way to Atlanta, luring food lovers citywide. Held once a month, Dishcrawl highlights the city’s most popular foodie neighborhoods by sampling several restaurants in one night on a progressive food tour. Bring a couple friends along or come by yourself; this walking tour presents guests the opportunity to meet fellow food lovers, learn about a historic neighborhood and try delicious bites at some of the best eateries that the area has to offer. Lifestyle Editor Andrea Janise sat down with Atlanta’s Dishcrawl Ambassador, Ellie Hensley, to find out how the brand made its way to Atlanta. 45 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
TM: What do you love about Atlanta Dishcrawl? EH: It’s a social event, and we really are trying to bring people together. You can come alone, with a date or a group of friends and still expect to have a great time. Having just moved here in August, I still feel very much like “the new kid in town,” and it’s wonderful to get out, meet some new people and become a part of the community.
Atlanta Tastemaker Magazine: So, how did the Dishcrawl concept make its way to Atlanta? Ellie Hensley: Dishcrawl has been very successful on the West Coast, so the company decided to expand into other foodie communities and Atlanta is one of the cities that beckoned. The generally mild climate also makes it an ideal spot for walking tours. Beautiful weather is an improvement on any evening! TM: What can people expect when joining a Dishcrawl event? EH: They should expect to be surprised, because we don’t reveal the restaurants we’re visiting until two days before, when the meet-up location is revealed! At each of the first three restaurants, they’ll taste a trio of the chef ’s specialties, and then the fourth restaurant will serve dessert. They’ll get to meet the owner or chef of each place and learn a little about it. And practically speaking, they should wear shoes that are comfortable for walking, though we’ll be walking for no more than 10 minutes total.
46 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Find out more about Dishcrawl Atlanta by visiting their website at www.dishcrawl. com/atlanta.
DRINK, SNACK, SHARE
New “Chip Shop” and sharable menu at Buckhead’s Fadó Irish Pub
F
eaturing more shareable bites, and made from scratch with high-quality ingredients, Fadó, the great Buckhead gathering spot that offers something for everyone, has introduced small plates on their new Snack and Share menu. Some of the standout snack and share menu items include the stuffed cheese puffs-house made with jalapeno jack cheese filling and the Harp Lager mac and cheese with garden peas and a Parmesan breadcrumb topping. Perfect for an after-work bite and late night snacking, guests can also indulge in the new “Chip Shop” (fries) with an assortment of side sauces and toppings including Guinness mayo, red chili aioli, Marie Rose sauce, roasted garlic mayo, Guinness BBQ sauce, peppercorn sauce and curry sauce, among others. Part of the fun at Fado is pairing your bites with a refreshing pint of beer. A few craft and international draught beer options are available here - Smithwick’s Irish Ale (Ireland, 4.5% abv), SweetWater Festive Seasonal (Georgia, 8.6% abv), Newcastle Brown Ale (England, 4.7% abv), and Sierra Nevada Torpedo (California, 7.2% abv). Join Fadó online at www.fadoirishpub.com, and fadoatlanta on Facebook or Twitter for special offers and incentives to try out their new menu! —Ruksana Hussain Photo credit: Fado Irish Pub 47 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Winning Bravo’s Top Chef Masters and competing in Food Network’s Iron Chef Competition are pinnacle accomplishments alone, but Samuelsson wouldn’t stop there. He has cooked for President Barack Obama and the First Lady; authored several cookbooks including his own personal memoir entitled Yes Chef!; and established the popular Red Rooster Restaurant in Harlem to list a few more rungs on his ladder to stardom and culinary prestige. Lifestyle Editor Andrea Janise caught up with Samuelsson during his stop through Atlanta representing Macy’s Culinary Council, and giving his fans an up-closeand-personal opportunity to view a live cooking demonstration. Read on as we find out more about his favorite foods to cook at home, where he likes to dine in Georgia’s capital, and the secret recipe for his awesome sense of style.
Chef Marcus Samuelsson Chef Marcus Samuelsson’s story is truly unique. From being adopted by Swedish parents after his own mother died of tuberculosis in his native land of Ethiopia, to spending hours learning time-honored family recipes from his Swedish grandmother, Samuelsson honed those skills at the Culinary Institute in Gothenburg, Sweden, and soon became the youngest chef to earn a three-star restaurant review at Restaurant Aquavit from the prestigious New York Times. And that is just the very beginning of the accolades that continue to mount during the long, yet rewarding journey for this world renowned chef. 48 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Tastemaker Magazine: Being a highly sought celebrity chef, your job is to cook for other people. We want to know what your favorite foods are to cook for yourself and family when you are at home? Chef Marcus Samuelsson: I always try to cook something seasonal, so in the winter time, root vegetables are on the menu… and probably a chicken stew or something that is slow cooking. TM: It’s no doubt that people admire your culinary skills and would love to learn from you. What is your advice for budding chefs? Chef Marcus Samuelsson: Cooking is ageless for me, as long as it’s yummy and
delicious, and you cook from a special narrative and point of view; you can start at 21 or 61, it doesn’t really matter. When customers sit down, they want to feel your food; they want to feel your thought and your passion behind it. People have options and the key is to know that hospitality is a field for them and that it can teach [them] life skills.
Chef Marcus Samuelsson: New York City. It’s the best. It’s the most diverse by far! When I say New York, it’s not just Manhattan; Queens is probably the best food borough, and what’s happening in Brooklyn is amazing. What we are doing in Harlem is just exploding, so when it comes to a large city and diversity—which I look to a lot— nothing beats New York.
TM: It’s great to have you visit Atlanta through Macy’s Culinary Council. When you visit this city, what restaurants do you check out?
TM: We know it’s not easy to maintain a sense of style behind a chef ’s jacket, but you seem to always stay on trend. Where do you get your style inspiration from?
Chef Marcus Samuelsson: A friend of mine, Chef Marvin Woods, lives here, and he takes me around to a lot of different places. Last time I was here, I cooked at Restaurant Eugene with Linton Hopkins; I love what they are doing! The scene is constantly changing and some of my friends here keep me up to date. Atlanta has great Ethiopian restaurants; I think it’s fantastic that ethnicity has its place in every city. It’s a growing food town with an obvious history. Being in the South , you always have a strong Southern African-American heritage. TM: We agree! Speaking of historic food cities, where in the U.S. would you say is the best food city? 49 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Chef Marcus Samuelsson: My mother! Growing up, she always dressed us. She said, ‘You are going to be in front of people every day, so you have to look presentable.’ I follow that today and will for the rest of my life. You dress for yourself, but you always dress for others. We’ll be keeping our eyes on Chef Marcus Samuelsson to see what he’s up to next! Stay up to date with the talented chef through Twitter at @MarcusCooks and his website, www. chefmarcussamuelsson.com.—By Andrea Janise Follow Andrea Janise on Twitter at @atlfoodwriter.
Restaurant Review: Farm-to-Table Brunch at The Family Dog By Ruksana Hussain | Photos By Ale Sharpton “I dig eggs!” says Ron Eyester, The Family Dog’s Chef and Owner. Sure enough, the new brunch menu he has in store is proof – eggs with the hash brown casserole, shrimp and grits, and even the breakfast burrito. And he gets it right each time. Of course, 13 years of experience and a taste for culinary simplicities have a lot to do with it. Morningside’s own watering hole and cozy eatery offers up the perfect spot for a relaxed Sunday meal in the midst of the melee that is Virginia Highlands. Sit. Drink. Stay. Those three words are The Family Dog’s motto and are never easier to follow when you are brunching here. “Atlanta is a great brunch place. We are building a culture here. This is no gastropub,” remarks Eyester, as he describes his blue collar boutique experience offering creative farm-totable pub cuisine, and handcrafted beers and cocktails at this neighborhood haven.
50 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
If you haven’t visited The Family Dog yet, the space will be a breath of fresh air. Open, yet cozy spaces, a long bar area and even an open kitchen – everything is there for you to see and experience. The new brunch menu stars fresh, locally-sourced ingredients that are easy to share no matter what dish you pick. The pricing and portions are spot on, but even better are the flavors and textures that Eyester highlights with his innovative fare. Be it the waffle sliders or the homemade English muffins, Eyester’s mantra could not be simpler – keep it local. The breakfast burrito topped with a fried egg includes Georgia’s own Riverview Farms beef and sausage gravy while the crispy shrimp & grits topped with a soft poached egg and Old Bay crab gravy also have Riverview Farms grits – the flavor and
Yummy Fritters
Chef Ron
Waffle Sandwich
texture of the grits really stand out in the creamy gravy. The brown sugar and cinnamon doughnut fritters are fluffy and fresh, great as either a starter or a sweet end to your meal. For a hearty brunch, the hash brown casserole with smoked bacon, caramelized onions, jalapenos, cheese and a soft poached egg or the sopa de brunch (soup) featuring Berkshire ham, Carolina rice, avocado, smoked onion, Hamhock tomato broth and a soft poached egg would be just perfect. And while you are at it, don’t forget to order some organic French Press Café Campesino coffee! The Family dog is located at 1402 North Highland Ave, Atlanta GA 30306. For more information or to view their menu visit, www.thefamilydogatlanta.com or call 404.249.0180.
Ron’s Skillet 51 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
2013 South Beach Wine and Food Festival
By Andrea Janise| Photo Credit Ale Sharpton In its 12th year, the South Beach Wine and Food Festival proved to be another delicious weekend under the Florida sun. Taking over Miami’s South Beach February 21st through the 24th, the massive event pitched its famous tents along the most popular strip of Ocean Drive right along the sandy white beaches. The festival gave over 60,000 attendees the opportunity to sample great food from talented chefs in the region, while educating guests through cooking demonstrations and seminars taught by Food Network and Cooking Channel celebrities. With perfect weather and one-of a-kind experiences, this is a festival not to miss! The Amstel Light Burger Bash competition hosted by Rachel Ray was one of the highlights of the weekend. Thirty-four chefs competed for the title and the bragging rights that came along with it. From Chef Morimoto’s charcoal grilled burger and 3-time Burger Bash champ Chef Michel Symon’s French onion burger to Atlanta’s renowned Chef Linton Hopkins with his “Keep It Secret, Keep It Safe” burger, the competition was tough. . Lucky guests had the opportunity to taste each one and cast their vote for the People’s Choice Award, which eventually went to Bobby Flay for his Green Chile Burger: a ‘crunchified’ beef burger with queso sauce and 52 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
green chile pickle relish topped with crumbled potato chips. The Grand Tasting Tents were a day-long experience full of tasty bites, refreshing cocktails, wine tastings, vendor samples, culinary demonstrations, book signings and interactive food booths all set along South Beach’s glistening waters. Even evian water joined in on the fun by teaming up with Top Chef Richard Blais for an exclusive #evianeats Instagram photo contest. The fun continued throughout the evening for the Red Hot Night Party sponsored by Target which paid homage to Miami’s Latin flair complete with festive music, cuisine and cocktails. Moving into Miami’s Art Deco District, the Food Trucks on Midtown event hosted by Author and Bizarre Food Show Host Andrew Zimmern proved to be one of the most anticipated events of the festival. More than 20 trucks served up their popular dishes to long lines of happy festival goers. Favorite bites included Ms. Cheezious’ smoked BBQ pulled pork sandwich on Texas toast, Slow Food Truck’s beef short rib slider, and Mr. Zimmern’s gourmet hot dog topped with slaw and jalapeno peppers (AZ Canteen). To provide a happy ending for the numerous courses, absolutely no one could pass up the sweet treats from Contenti Cupcakes and HipPOP’s Handcrafted Gelato Bars. So if you are a foodie, love the beautiful South Beach weather, and simply want to be a part of something unforgettable, make your plans early for next year’s South Beach Wine and Food Festival set for Thursday, February 20th through Sunday, February 23rd, 2014. For more food adventures, be sure to follow Andrea Janise on Twitter, @ATLFoodWriter
53 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Before you decide to pursue your passion fulltime, here are some tips to keep in mind. 1. Be precise about what it is that you really want to do. In order to be successful in your new career you must be extremely clear about what you will be doing and how that will generate income for you – after all, a business that doesn’t make money is just a hobby. And you wouldn’t leave your job to pursue your hobby! Ask yourself the following questions: What exactly will I be doing? What will I charge? Who will buy my product or service? How am I going to market my new business? Answering these questions will help to shape your business idea and will also expose how much thought you have put into your business idea. If you struggle with answers to these questions, you may want to take some additional time to further research your idea and firm up your business plan before you leave your current gig.
Career Strategist Monique Eddleton
Before You Leap!
Five Things to Consider Before You Walk Away from Your Profession to Pursue your Passion. Many people dream of the day when they can quit their jobs and launch a business that is more in line with their passions, talents, and dreams. Yet making that transition can seem like such a daunting task! Even though, we see examples every day of successful entrepreneurs that have walked away from, sometimes very lucrative jobs, the thought of leaving a “stable” 9-5 gig can be overwhelming. 54 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
2. Develop your exit strategy. As you further develop your business idea, you will need to start planning for life without your 9-5. Calculate your monthly living expenses to determine how much money you need to set aside as you launch your business. I recommend that my clients have at least six to twelve months of expense money saved before they consider leaving their job. Calculating your expenses will also help you to develop a realistic timeline for your transition. How long will it take for you to reach your savings goals?
3. Build a support team. Going out on your own can be tough and sometimes lonely. Budding entrepreneurs need a support team to provide advice and encouragement as they embark upon this new journey. Consider seeking out the following people to add to your support team: a Coach (someone to provide unbiased business advice to you), a Mentor (someone within your desired profession with many years of experience), other Entrepreneurs (to share resources and network with) and a Supportive Friend (to vent to when you need an outlet, and you WILL need an outlet!). This is an extremely important time in your life and replacing naysayers with people that will fully support you will contribute greatly to your success and your sanity! 4. Fight the fear. As you begin to start building a business, it is inevitable that you may begin to feel apprehensive, doubtful, and even anxious. As these feelings begin to arise, try to determine the source of your emotions. Do you simply need access to more information or advice in order to quell these fears or deep down, are you just scared? It is okay to be fearful during this time. The entrepreneurial journey is destined to pull you out of your comfort zone from time to time. It will challenge your conventional thinking and force you to stretch and grow. Don’t let fear stop you from pursuing your dream. Author Susan Jeffers said it so eloquently, “Feel the fear, and do it anyway.”
5. Get specific on your “WHY”. It is key to understand WHY you want to start your own business. Your WHY will serve as a beacon of hope during long nights of business planning. Do you have a genuine desire to help people with a particular problem or are you JUST trying to make money? Do you want to start a business because you are truly passionate about the subject or do you have something to prove? The more authentic your “WHY” is, the more likely you are to be successful in the pursuit of the business of your dreams.— Monique Eddleton Monique Eddleton, CEO and Founder of Golden Parachutes, is a career strategist and consultant with more than 10+ years of business, entrepreneurial, and career consulting experience. Monique coaches and guides mid-career and senior-level professionals to help them identify and pursue career opportunities that best represent their passions, strengths, values, and goals. Assisting her clients to attract and build more fulfilling professional and personal lives is not just a goal of Monique’s, its her passion. www.goldenparachutes.com Monique’s client Stacey Ferguson knows all too well about the corporate leap! Ferguson shared earlier this year with mommynoire.com about her decision to take the plunge after a decade of practicing law for a private firm and the federal government in Washington, DC. Feguson called it a reinvention. “... I found myself embarking on what was quite possibly the biggest reinvention journey of my life to date. It was both a thrill and incredibly terrifying! When it came to my spirit and my sanity, the career change was 100% necessary; I was experiencing burnout at work from juggling family with career, and it was reflecting in my attitude and performance both on the job and at home – a bad look all around!” Feguson says many people believe breaking away from corporate structure is luck, but she says no. “Luck is where preparation meets opportunity.” I couldn’t agree more – laying the groundwork and then timing your reinvention thoughtfully is critical. Read more of Stacey’s story here.
55 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Atlanta’s hidden Treasure: Freedom Park and Trail —the largest urban park in the country— By Monica L. Ponder | Photo Credit: East Atlanta Patch + Calvin Lionel One of the most exciting years of my life (as an adult with real bills) was the taste of exploration I got when I left the suburbs and moved to a tiny apartment off of Freedom Parkway in downtown Atlanta. I won’t go into the details of the life circumstances that led to this move, but I can say that it was a very rewarding year. Unfortunately, I am now over the tiny apartment life – endless stairs, open parking, the noise of traffic 24/7, living next to random folks passing through just like you, and dormitory-style accommodations - and have vowed never to do that again, but through that move I learned more about my beautiful city than I had in the 10 years prior.
56 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
Amidst one of the most congested intersections in downtown Atlanta – and right at my backdoor - lay a tranquil retreat and national treasure. A nearly 200acre park spanning from the downtown connector (I75/85) to the west, Ponce de Leon Avenue to the north, and crossing Moreland Avenue to the east, Freedom Park and Trail is considered the largest urban park in the country and the city’s largest public park. In 1990, after years of protest against Atlanta’s plans for highway expansion, a scaled down road – now the modern day Freedom Parkway – was established. The leftover green space surrounding Freedom Parkway was used as a public space to build a sense of community and
preserve the natural landscape. The Park now connects many revived in-town neighborhoods like Poncey-Highlands and Little Five Points, the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site, the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum, and many artistic and cultural elements along its route. Freedom Park is also connected to Atlanta’s new Beltline, which allows park visitors access to a network of public parks, multi-use trails, and transit that connects 45 neighborhoods in downtown Atlanta. Miles of trails wind their way through the park and thousands of people use the park every week for exercise and relaxation. Like many areas in downtown Atlanta and despite all its value, the park is in need of a little TLC. As park regulars will attest, some parts of Freedom Park suffer from graffiti, broken and not enough lighting, and a lack of seating. There are some portions of the path that are more secluded than others, which has lead to safety concerns from the residents. On the days that I was able to experience the trail, I noticed that it is especially crowded in the evenings – almost to the point where it wasn’t enjoyable - but quite serene in the mornings. Like any park, you may have to navigate the unspoken rules of a multi-use trail in which cyclists, joggers, dog walkers, and walkers must share the precious space and The Freedom Park
Early morning and afternoon, you’ll find Brad Smith walking his dog, Lady, along the Freedom Park Trail in Old Fourth Ward. Source: East Atlanta Patch
Conservatory is committed to keeping the park sustainable. Perhaps the most unique feature is the seemingly sporadic placement of artwork that may casually interrupt an evening stroll. It is, in fact, a gallery of outdoor artwork that shares its own historical lesson about some of Atlanta’s leaders. Most notably, a statue entitled Homage to the King portrays Martin Luther King, Jr. outstretching his arms, and welcomes those visiting the King Historic site. The Bridge portrays congressman John Lewis’ “lifelong quest for civil and human rights”. Most recently, Atlantans joined activists around the world in a global movement called, One Billion Rising in February, which is commemorated through the Park’s latest artistic addition (see photo insert ‘One Billion’). The goal of this project is to demand an end to violence against women and girls. A sculpture in support of the movement was unveiled in Freedom Park, atop the hill east of Moreland Ave. The sculpture is a 12-foot tall, female figure intended to represent a woman rising in dance, which symbolically represents the message behind the One Billion Rising initiative. For an insider tip, if you are looking for a peaceful escape among the craziness and a bit of solace, take a few hours on a weekday morning to enjoy a stroll along Freedom Park. It is truly a national treasure and one that this city should be proud to own and share.
57 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013
58 TASTEMAKER | April/May 2013