Dinner With Georgia Grown, Chef Todd Richards, Chef Kevin Gillespie & Chef Virginia Willis

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A Georgia Grown farm dinner with Chef Todd Richards, Chef Kevin Gillespie and Chef Virginia Willis, under the summer sky

I recently had the opportunity, for three days, to explore the farms of Georgia and meet talented farmers and purveyors.  We wrapped up our trip by having a very special dinner prepared by award-winning and celebrity chefs and Author’s Dinner, Chef Todd Richards, Chef Kevin Gillespie, and Chef Virginia Willis.  I was so excited to see what these three had in store for our tastebuds.  

The Georgia countryside, where our farm dinner came together
The Georgia countryside, where our farm dinner came together.

Before dining, we had a stunning view as we enjoyed a fabulous cocktail hour.  We relished Three Sisters Vineyards wine and Juliette Wine.  My favorite cocktail was the “Edgewood Tailgate Punch, Adapted.”  This cocktail was presented by Old 4th Gin Old and was a combination of Raspberry-herb Citrus Stock, cured Oleo-Saccharum, Eagle Creek, and Adaptation IPA. 

Sunset over the water before dinner
Sunset over the water before dinner.
A refreshing poolside cocktail
“Edgewood Tailgate Punch, Adapted”,presented by Old 4th Gin, Raspberry Herb Citrus Stock, Cured Oleo Saccharum, Eagle Creek Adaptation IPA
Bubbly on ice for the evening
Three Sisters Sparkling Wine

The featured appetizers during cocktail hour were exceptional and did not disappoint.  I had some awesome hoecakes that were topped with pink-eyed peas and radish caviar with toasted pecan vinaigrette and black-pepper grilled quail rosette with Alabama white sauce. 

A first course from the chefs
Hoe Cake, Pink Eye Pea and Radish Caviar with Toasted Pecan Vinaigrette 

I devoured at least three hoecakes.  Each one had the ideal blend of sweet and salty.  The pink-eyed peas and radish caviar were a superb addition.  The black-pepper grilled quail was my favorite.  It was grilled on the Big Green Egg and dipped in Alabama white sauce.  

As cocktail hour came to a close, we headed to dinner, which was served al fresco style.  The weather was perfect, and we had a great view of the lake as we sipped plenty of Three Sisters Wine that paired with each course.

A menu card at every place
A menu card at every place.

While each course was being prepared, each chef discussed their inspiration and what local Georgia-grown produce was used in the dish that they were creating. The menu was as follows: 

1st Course Kevin Gillespie, Chef/Author, Red Beard Restaurants

A chef at the dinner, in the moment
A chef at the dinner, in the moment.
Shrimp and grits, Georgia style
Baby Vidalia Onions, Georgia Peanut Vadouvan, Onion Soubise, Charred Onion, Crispy Onion, Braised Peanuts Three Sisters Vineyards Georgia Cuvee ́

2nd Course Todd Richards, Chef/Author, One Flew South

Chef Todd Richards, all smiles
Chef Todd Richards, all smiles.
A bright, colorful seafood course
Collard Green Fried Rice and Chicken Eggroll Pickled Collard Green Stem, Springer Mountain Farms Chicken, Honey Mustard, “Sweet & Sour” Tomato Seeds Engelheim Vineyards Petit Manseng

3rd Course Virginia Willis, Chef/Author

Toasting the chefs and farmers
Toasting the chefs and farmers.
A seasonal main course
Peach and Dijon Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Baked Farro and Mushrooms, Squash Medley, Micro BasilCartecay Vineyards Law Man NV Three Sisters Unoaked Chardonnay 2017

4th Course Holly Chute, Senior Executive Chef,Georgia Grown

Dinner under the tent
Dinner under the tent.
A sweet finish with fresh blueberries
Spiced Georgia Citrus Shortcake, Candied Citrus Paulk Vineyards Juliette Coffee Service, Savannah Coffee Roasters

Everything was absolutely divine.  I really loved my exclusive experience of this intimate dinner.  We all loved how we had the chance to have one-on-one conversation with these talented chefs. 

The evening came to a close as we were each given a chef-signed copy of their cookbook.  I am really looking forward to my next Georgia Grown experience. Make sure to follow @iamgeorgiagrown on social media. 

If you would like to see more of our gatherings, revisit our Michelin-starred evening at Bacchanalia, our evening at Nàdair and our family-style evening at Kyma. Interested in conversation, community and connection? Learn more about the Eating With Erica Supper Club. For more inspiration, explore Top Atlanta restaurants for hosting private dinners, Most romantic restaurants in Atlanta, Banner butter brunch at buttermilk kitchen Atlanta with suzanne vizethann.

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About Eating With Erica

Eating With Erica is a digital media platform focused on culinary hospitality, celebrating the restaurants, tables and gatherings that bring people together. Founded in Atlanta in 2013, it is home to the invitation-only Eating With Erica Supper Club and How to Host.

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