If you ever check into the Columbus Georgia Foodies on Facebook, you know about local recommendations for all types of food from barbecue to banana pudding and burritos.
In honor of the 250th Anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence, the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries are celebrating our history, heritage, and culture via the power of cuisine.
Nationally known experts, authors, and television personalities, will be featured in the keynote speaker series and include dozens of movies, genealogy classes, recipe digitization events, exhibits at all branches of the Chattahoochee Valley Libraries.
The Food and The Soul of America series began in January with two-time James Beard Award-winning author Adrian Miller. Georgia Author and Archivist Valerie J. Frey led a lecture/workshop on how you can save and explore family history through recipes.
Each of the keynote and Georgia History series features edible samples of foods being discussed in that particular program. In addition, each author’s books will be for sale at their events, with opportunities to meet and get autographs from the speakers after each program.
Here is what you can enjoy this month:
AUTHOR/TELEVISION HOST JOHN T. EDGE Thursday, February 5 at 6:00 pm in the W.C. Bradley Reading Room.
The beloved host and writer of the ESPN/SEC Network hit TrueSouth brings his legendary expertise on the history and power of food in the American South. This multiple award-winning writer and storyteller was the longtime director of the Southern Foodways Alliance and one of the important voices who raised the nation’s consciousness on the glory of grits, collards, and cornbread.
CLASSIC COUNTRY COOKING: A TALK WITH MELINDA NEWTON, “THE CHICKEN LADY” OF MINNIE’S UPTOWN RESTAURANT, Tuesday, February 10 at 6:00 pm in the library Auditorium
Join us for an evening of local history and cuisine as Melinda Newton, aka “The Chicken Lady,” shares her story. Growing up surrounded by good southern cookin’ and local restaurateurs, the inheritor of Minnie’s Uptown Restaurant has learned more than a thing or two about bringing a classic recipe to life, being a local business owner, and sharing the joy of a warm plate of comfort food.
Minnie’s CEO, Melinda Weeks Newton says, “I am honored they would select me to be a part of this event. The library and CSU have been supportive of creating a treasure trove of recipes from my family.”
Minnie’s is a local favorite and has been around since 1987.
VERY VERA!, Tuesday, February 17, at 6:00pm at the W.C. Bradley Reading Room
Vera “Very Vera” Stewart, the Augusta entrepreneur who turned her catering business into a social media empire, will give this delightful address about present day Southern Food and Culture. Known for her many food-oriented businesses as well as for defeating Bobby Flay during one of his “Throwdown with Bobby Flay” episodes, she’ll bring her unique perspective and captivating personality.
Like Melinda Weeks Newton, Vera Stewart is a food force of nature.
HISTORIC GEORGIA RECIPES, Thursday February 26, at 6:00 pm at the Synovus Meeting Rooms A&B
Georgia Author and Archivist Valerie J. Frey returns to explore sources of recipes in Georgia and the South before World War II. She will highlight various cookbooks and recipes, including Verstille’s Southern Cookery, the 1866 cookbook by occasional Columbus resident Ellen Jane Verstille. At the end of her presentation, she’ll offer samples of some of the food items discussed, all to be washed down with Temperance Punch from a 1909 recipe.
The speaker series runs through March 4. They are free and open to the public. Displays will be set up through April. Enjoy and if it makes you hungry, you’ll know what to do.
For more information, click here.
