Savory Stories

With Thanksgiving and gratitude, we present a special episode of Savory Stories celebrating the rich flavors, history, and traditions behind one of America’s most cherished holidays. Starting with Thanksgiving's origins as a New England tradition, we explore the first feast between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag and the complex relationship between the two, as well as George Washington’s 1789 proclamation that set the foundation for the holiday we celebrate today.

We also highlight the profound existence of Native Americans, the unique history of Thanksgivings in Atlanta, and how these stories continue to shape the dishes we love.

Plus, we’re serving up recipe inspiration, including:

- Secrets for the perfect brine, sweet potato dishes, and creative cranberry recipes 

- Chef Matthew Raiford’s Citrus Candied Sweet Potatoes from Bress ’n Yam

- Toni Tipton-Martin’s decadent Sweet Potato Pie with Praline Topping from Jubilee

- Chef Jennifer Booker’s delicious Sweet Potato Crepes from Dinner Déjà Vu: Southern Tonight, French Tomorrow

Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or simply looking for new ideas to elevate your Thanksgiving table, this episode is packed with inspiration and gratitude.

For information, head over to https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/savory-stories.

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In this Savory Stories (Rewind), we revisit the powerful connections between soul food, activism, stereotypes, and the civil rights movement. From fried chicken sandwiches and black-eyed peas to the enduring symbolism of watermelon, they explore how food has fueled Black resistance and community building. 

While icons like Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. are well-known, we will spotlight the lesser-known heroes who championed civil rights through food entrepreneurship. From stories, such as Ransom Montgomery, who used his earnings to help build Big Bethel AME, a historic landmark in Atlanta’s Sweet Auburn district that played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. Other figures include Georgia Gilmore, who fed Montgomery Bus Boycotters; Robert and James Pascal, whose Paschal’s Restaurant became an activist hub; and Amiri Baraka, the writer who first coined the term "soul food." 

The episode also highlights modern Atlanta food activists and organizations, including Party at the Polls, Georgia STAND-UP, and celebrated chef Deborah VanTrece, who continues this legacy of community support and resistance. 

For more information about this episode visit: 

https://www.wabe.org/atlantas-savory-stories-shares-history-of-food-as-a-form-of-nonviolent-black-resistance 

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In this timely episode of Savory Stories, hosts Akila McConnell and Chef Asata Reld dive into the intriguing relationship between drinks and elections in the U.S., just in time for the 2024 election season. Whether it’s a cold beer, a sophisticated cocktail, or a refreshing non-alcoholic option, beverages have played an unexpected but important role in politics. Akila and Asata discuss everything from the well-known question, “Which candidate would you rather have a beer with?” to the way drinks have helped candidates connect with voters. They explore how our drink choices may influence political preferences and the way campaigns use this dynamic.

The episode also uncovers the history of “treating” and “cooping” in elections, the favorite drinks of U.S. presidents, and the quirky beer laws of Georgia. From mocktails that go beyond simple sparkling juice to the rise of alcohol-free spirits, the hosts share their favorite places and trends for election night drinks, whether you're toasting a victory or anxiously awaiting results.

Featured Restaurants and Breweries:

·       Southern Belle and Georgia Boy

·       Vesper in Glenwood Park

·       Monday Night Brewing,

·       Best End Brewery

·       Halfway Crooks:

·       Lucian Books and Wine:

·       Kimball House

·       Ticonderoga Club

·       Apres Diem

·       Cafe Intermezzo:

·       Manuel’s Tavern

·        Bacchanalia

Other Mentions:
White House Beer Recipe
Library of Congress: Black & White Photo

Tune in for a fun, informative episode filled with surprising stories, historical insights, and a celebration of the cultural role that drinks play during one of America's most important civic moments.

For information, head over to https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/savory-stories.

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Does food play a part in political campaigns?

Join us for an exciting episode of Savory Stories! Today, we explore the fascinating connection between food and politics. From George Washington’s 1758 House of Burgesses election barbecue to modern-day political stops at beloved food spots, we uncover how food has been used to influence voters. Learn how former President Trump and Vice President Harris made headlines with their visits to Chick-fil-A and Paschal’s, demonstrating that while politics may divide us, food has a unique way of bringing people together—especially in Atlanta.

We also delve into other iconic food moments in political history, from the White House dinners of President George W. Bush to Anthony Bourdain’s famous meal with President Barack Obama on Parts Unknown.

Join us as we explore how food continues to serve as a non-partisan bridge, connecting voters and leaders through shared meals.

Links Mentioned:

·   President George W. Bush’s White House Dinners

·   Parts Unknown* with Anthony Bourdain and President Barack Obama: Director’s Cut

·   George Bingam's "The County Election” (1852) shows the effects of the campaigns' "treating" the voters with alcoholic beverages

For more delicious stories and tips, head to https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/savory-stories.

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Does Atlanta have a customer service problem? Is fine dining the only way to experience top-tier service? Today, we’re diving into the hot topic of “tipping and customer service.” With recent social media buzz surrounding popular food bloggers, customer service, and hospitality in Atlanta’s food scene, we’re breaking it all down. From the history of tipping to the modern-day trend of auto-gratuity, and the infamous "grass wall" theories, we’ll explore what truly defines exceptional customer service.

Joining us is special guest Mike Jordan, Senior Editor on Black culture at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, co-host of “How Do You Atlanta,” freelance writer, and devoted Atlanta food lover.

Be our guest and tune in for another tasty conversation!

For more delicious stories and tips, head to https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/savory-stories.

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Welcome back to another episode of Savory Stories! We're continuing our deep dive into the world of barbecue with Part 2. If you haven’t already listened to Part 1, pause this episode and check that out first! In this episode, we explore the history of barbecue with a special focus on flavor, sauces, and regional profiles. 

 We revisit how barbecue originated with Indigenous people using barbacoas (wooden racks) and evolved into hand-dug pit barbecues by enslaved African Americans in the South. Now, we’re taking a deep dive into BBQ sauce—what makes a great one? What’s the preferred flavor in the South? And the age-old question: does great barbecue start with the perfect cut of meat, or is the sauce the star of the plate? 

 Sauces Mentioned: 

- Boss Sauce 

- AubSauce 

- The Hog Mop 

- Rodney Scott’s merch shop 

- Bryan Furman, formerly of B's Cracklin' BBQ   

For more delicious stories and tips, head to https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/savory-stories. 

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In this episode of Savory Stories, we embark on a journey through the rich history of barbecue, tracing its origins from Native American traditions to the pitmasters of modern-day Atlanta. We’ll explore how the art of barbecue has become an integral part of America's social, cultural, and political fabric. 

 Hosts Akila and Asata celebrate Atlanta's longstanding barbecue institutions, giving shout-outs to some of the city’s oldest and most beloved BBQ joints. This episode is so tasty that we’ll continue exploring barbecue’s ingredients, sauces, and cultural significance in Part Two. 

  Tune in for a mouth-watering episode that blends history, culture, and culinary artistry!  

Restaurants mentioned: 

• Pig-n-Chik 

• Daddy D’z BBQ Joynt 

• Shane’s Rib Shack 

• Mr. Pig’s Smokehouse and Barbecue 

• Fat Matt’s Rib Shack 

Photo references:

Thomas Harriot, an artist who went on Sir Walter Raleigh’s 1590 expedition through Virginia 

 A Southern Barbecue 

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We hope you enjoyed a tasty lunch as we dive into the country’s favorite midday meal: the sandwich. Who are we kidding? Sandwiches can be enjoyed any time of day! In this episode of Savory Stories, we explore the fascinating world of sandwiches. What truly defines a sandwich? Is it the variety of bread, or is it the flavorful fillings that make it irresistible?

From the classic ham and cheese to the carefully crafted seafood bánh mì and oyster po'boys, sandwiches have long been a beloved food, especially in the bustling, railroad town of early Atlanta. Did you know that sandwiches were a popular choice at local depots, serving as a quick and convenient meal for travelers?

Join us as we journey through the diverse history of sandwiches, from their origins to the mouthwatering eateries that now define Atlanta’s food scene.

Highlighted Atlanta Sandwich Favorites:

• Lee’s Bakery
• BeetleCat
• Humble Mumble
• Bona Fide Deluxe
• Zaddy’s: The Best Sandwich Shop on Ponce
• Lobster Banh Mi
• Fred's Meat & Bread
• Fishmonger

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Sink your teeth into another juicy episode of Savory Stories. Today, we're peeling back the layers of Atlanta's rich history with peaches, giving a special shoutout to "The Georgia Peach" by William Thomas Okie. 

Discover when peaches first arrived in Georgia and explore their ancient origins tracing back to China around 6,000 BCE. Learn about the Indigenous Cherokee and Muscogee tribes of Georgia, master agriculturists who cultivated large, juicy peaches by the 1700s. 

Peaches also played a crucial role in the escape of enslaved people, offering sustenance during their perilous journeys to freedom.  

But how did Atlanta earn the nickname "The Big Peach"? We'll delve into the history behind peach street names, peach jam contests, and the iconic peach logos on Georgia's license plates.  

Join us as we uncover the fascinating true story behind these sweet fruits and Akila’s favorite peach treats picks in the Atlanta area: 

- Revolution Doughnuts (Peach donuts) 

- Ritz-Carlton Atlanta (Chef Katrina Pagan's peach cake with compressed peaches and fresh mint crème anglaise) 

- Paschal’s (peach cobbler) 

- Butter and Cream (peaches and cream ice cream) 

- Papa’s Puff’s (peach candy) 

For Fresh Peaches: 

- Lane Peaches 

- Pearson Farm  

Tune in for a delectable deep dive into the legacy of Georgia's beloved fruit! 

For more delicious stories and tips, head to https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/savory-stories. 

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Welcome to another delicious episode of Savory Stories. Today, we're diving into the rich and tasty history of some of Atlanta's most beloved food franchises. From their humble beginnings to becoming icons in the culinary world, we'll explore the fascinating journeys of these eateries that started in ATL and changed the food industry forever. 

Join us as we uncover the stories behind your favorite chains like Chick-fil-A, Waffle House, and Great American Cookies. Ever wondered about the pivotal moments that transformed these single-location restaurants into nationwide sensations? Or the vision and determination of their founders? You're in for a treat! 

And speaking of treats, we've got something special for all you home cooks out there. Chef Asata is sharing her favorite copycat recipes, so you can recreate some of these iconic dishes in your own kitchen. From the famous Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich to a classic cookie cake, these recipes are sure to get a chef's kiss from everyone at your table. 

Ready to dig in? Tune in to Savory Stories for a flavorful journey through Atlanta's culinary history. 

Bon appétit! 

Recipes to Try at Home: 

• Chick-fil-A Crispy Chicken Sandwich Copycat 
• Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake 

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