The Atlanta Foodcast: A Food Podcast

Everyone. All of us together now: HELL YEAH.

The only thing I can think to say to kick off this episode of the show. Perhaps not the the type of chant you’d think about when it comes to talking about gluten-free baking, but Alejandra Luaces, founder of Hell Yeah Gluten Free, will turn around every idea you’ve ever formulated about gluten-free goods — complete 180º.

Cakes, doughnuts, biscuits, pop tarts, cupcakes, breads, pies, scones, cookies… I COULD GO ON. Alejandra is making things that are completely devoid of gluten that are better than their gluten-laden counterparts in the culinary world. Her pastries are absolutely beautiful. Seriously. Just follow her on Instagram. Look at the cakes!

Her story is wonderful and you’re going to love every bit of it. So, welcome to The Atlanta Foodcast Alejandra Luaces of Hell Yeah Gluten Free.

If you’ve been in Atlanta for any amount of time, you’ve more than likely made it in for a meal at one of the Fifth Group establishments. La Tavola in the Highlands, Lure, Ecco in Midtown or Buckhead, South City Kitchen, El Taco, or Alma make up the roster for this group and they’ve been a major part of the Atlanta dining community for over 25 years — and it all started with South City Kitchen in Midtown back in the 90s.

So, I wanted to catch up with three of the founding members of Fifth Group to hear how everything got started. Welcome Robby Kukler, Kris Reinhard, and Steve Simon to the show. I sat down with these three gents at the Ecco in Buckhead for a conversation and the ambiance of the restaurant was wonderful. We laughed a lot — you know podcasting jokes and stuff about starting fencing-themed bars — the usual. Enjoy.

Well, folks… it’s that time of year again. We’re inching closer to summer temperatures and yet another Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. This festival is packed with opportunities to learn from chefs throughout the region and country, experience incredible dinners, and see/meet friends old and new. This year’s theme is Off the Eaten Path — the under-told and lesser-known stories of the south — and especially the culinary south.

So, I caught up with a few folks you may know right here in Atlanta and all a part of this year’s advisory council — Meherwan Irani of Chai Pani Restaurant Group, Melissa Davis of Revelator and Hazael Janes, Jen Yee of Resurgens Hospitality Group, and finally the founder of AFWF — Elizabeth Feichter. I wanted to get their thoughts on this year’s festival, what they are looking forward to, and what to look for.

Here's a story for you folks: Four friends who met working in a bar open a restaurant that changes Atlanta dining. Forever. Oh, and they open another restaurant that does it all over again. Welcome Bryan Rackley, Jesse Smith, Miles Macquarrie, and Matt Christison to the Atlanta Foodcast.

These are the fine gents behind Kimball House and Watchman’s — two restaurants that have elevated Atlanta dining to new heights in way of incredible cocktails, innovative menus, and oyster service. You’re going to love this episode. You’ll laugh. A lot. — Probably as much as well all did when we recorded this. I won’t spoil anything for you. So, here they are — Bryan, Jesse, Miles, and Matt of Kimball House and Watchman’s.

Steve has spent his life in the restaurant industry. First, steeping his career in Charleston and then expanding to Atlanta. Then picking up the reigns with The Indigo Road, they expanded at an accelerated pace. Restaurants you’re more than likely familiar with — O-Ku, Donetto, Tiny Lou’s, anyone?

There’s another aspect of Steve’s story that you have to hear. Much of his career was met alongside of addiction. He found himself at a moment of intervention that would lead to the creation of Ben’s Friends — a non-profit organization offering hope to restaurant workers fighting substance abuse and addiction. I won’t jump to how Steve started everything, because you need to hear Steve’s story.

If you know anyone who may be battling addiction, may be depressed, or needs help and support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We’d be happy to put you in touch with people from Ben’s Friends. Also, Giving Kitchen recently announced FREE QPR Training and a National Stability Network. If you need help, or know someone who needs help, don’t wait. Please reach out.