Atlanta: Blues Galore and Culinary Magic
by Gabby Hyman
CulinaryEd Columnist

October 09, 2006

Atlanta is home to fried green tomatoes, sweet potato pie, okra, and barbecue served family-style at roadside diners. But it's also known to serve risotto baked with parmigiano, gorgonzola, and taleggio cheese, Oysters Rockefeller, fennel salads, and veal so tender you'll cry at the table. If you're attending one of Atlanta's culinary schools, prepare your palate--and your social life--for an adventure.

With temperatures in the 80s in summer, 40s in the winter, and crisp 70s in spring and fall, Atlanta is always the hotspot for culinary delights. Spend your classroom time at one of Atlanta's culinary schools studying classical French curriculum or a fusion-based program that combines traditional Southern cooking with international flavor. Spend your off-time frolicking in a city that never stops for a breather.

Atlanta Culinary Treats and Recreational Fetes

Combine culinary learning with direct restaurant experience while dining on organic meats and vegetables at Atlanta's legendary Woodfire Grill. Or dive into Italian faire you'd expect from Milan, New York, or Boston--but served amidst the charm of Southern kudzu and magnolias at Sotto Sotto.

In your free time, duck into one of Atlanta's renowned blues clubs, like Blind Willie's or the Northside Tavern. Or check out the non-stop play at Underground Atlanta, Centennial Olympic Park, and Piedmont Park. While you're studying Atlanta's culinary traditions, take in some of her historic offerings at the Margaret Mitchell House or at Stone Mountain Park, the Mount Rushmore of the Confederacy.

Atlanta's historic theatres, active professional sports teams, concert scene, and sizzling dance clubs should keep you busy while you're completing your Southern culinary school adventure.

About the Author
Gabby Hyman has created online strategies and written content for Fortune 500 companies including eToys, GoTo.com, Siebel Systems, Microsoft Encarta, Avaya, and Nissan UK.