INAUGURAL GATHER ‘ROUND FOUR DAY CULINARY ARTS FESTIVAL TO TAKE PLACE AT THE EPICUREAN OCTOBER 14-17

70+ of the South’s Top Chefs to Showcase Talents Through Masterclasses, One Night Only Collaborative Dinners, and Four Unique Culinary Events.

Proceeds to Benefit Giving Kitchen

Atlanta, GA - Earlier this Summer Southern Culinary & Creative announced it had created an all new culinary arts experience unlike any other with Gather ‘Round October 14 – 17th, 2021, at presenting sponsor Epicurean Atlanta. Today the inaugural event is pleased to announce the top-notch collective of Southern talent for its inaugural celebration of food, drink, music, and art. The festival will celebrate the diversity and culture of the South with a roster of over 70+ talented chefs, beverage experts, and artists, creating a guest experience that uniquely reflects the creative interests of the community itself. Produced and curated by Southern Culinary & Creative, the weekend will generously support Giving Kitchen and the Hambidge Creative Arts Center giving back to people and places who nourish the region the most.

"When Kelly and I set out to create a new culinary event, we knew it had to be unlike anything out there. Beyond showcasing our collective passion for the industry through the artistic abilities and talents of our friends, colleagues, culinary artists, and creative minds- it also had to give back," says Southern Culinary & Creative Partner Elizabeth Feichter. "What we've been able to create with Gather 'round is a celebration of curiosity and education that is sure to engage even the most discerning culinary explorer. We are excited to share this rare adventure in culinary discovery, one not offered anywhere else in the South."

FEATURED CHEFS: Mimmo Alboumeh (Silver Fork Restaurants), Ferrell Alvarez (Rooster and The Till) Brittanny Anderson (Brenner Pass), Thip Athakhanh (Snackboxe Bistro), Cory Bahr (Parish Restaurant), James Briscione (Angelena’s), Robert Butts (Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours), John Castellucci (Cooks & Soldiers), Erika Council (Bomb Biscuit Co.), Raul Dominguez (Bar Mercado), Justin Dixon (Humble Mumble) Shai Fargian (Yafo Kitchen), Jonathan and Justin Fox (Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q), Sofia Garcia (Lupe’s Eatery), Brent Gauthier (Luminary Hotel), Jocelyn Gragg (Jardi), Michael Gulotta (Maypop), Habteab Hamde (Bern’s Steak House), Cleophus Hethington (Ebi Chop Bar), Adam Hyatt (Elevage Soho Kitchen & Bar), Chad Johnson (Haven Tampa), Ryan Lachaine (Riel) Kaley Laird (Noble Foods and Pursuits), Nick Leahy (Nick’s Westside), Jiyeon Lee (Heirloom Market BBQ), Carlise Lopez (Bern’s Steak House), Claudia Martinez (Miller Union), Eric McHugh (Fenway Hotel), Kevin Mitchell (Culinary Institute of Charleston at Trident Tech), Dean Neff (Seabird), Pat Pascarella (The White Bull), Chrysta Poulos (Rocket Farm Restaurants), Ming Pu (Brooklyn and The Butcher), Matthew Raiford, Craig Richards (Lyla Lila), Savannah Sasser (Sasser Culinary Insights), Michael Sullivan, Belinda Smith-Sullivan (Chef Belinda LLC), Alan Sternberg (Iozzo's Garden of Italy) Whitney Thomas (5Church Atlanta) Hannah Thomas (Bern’s Steak House) Drew Van Leuvan (Ecco Buckhead), Deborah VanTrece (Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours), Shuai Wang (Jackrabbit Filly), Ewart Wardhaugh (Epicurean Atlanta), Ryan Westover (Pizza Grace) Chris Wilkins (Root Baking Co.).

BEVERAGE: Kjell Anderson (Metzger Bar & Butchery), Chris Belk (Haven Tampa), Eric Bennett (Continental Drift), Alex Brashears (Lyla Lila), Sophie Burton (Jojo’s Beloved Cocktail Lounge), Navarro Carr, Gary Grunkleton (The Crunkleton), Jacob Gragg (Santa Margherita), Miles Macquarrie (Kimball House), Keyatta Mincey Parker (A Sip of Paradise Garden), Erika Moore (Whiskey and Rosemary), Bob Peters (CocktailClass.com), Sarah Pierre (3 Parks Wine Shop), Raquel Ravenell (Whiskey and Rosemary), Eric Renaud (Bern’s Steak House), Greg Sinadinos (Whiskey Culture), Kellie Thorn, Jose Medina Camacho (Automatic Seafood & Oysters).

ART AND MUSIC: Curated by Hambidge Creative Arts Center, Friday night’s Tomorrow’s Table event features artists: Aryanna Allen (Dancer), Robin Bernat (Poet), Jessica Bertram (Choreographer), Jon Cilberto (Poet), Zac Denton (Poet), Joseph Dreher (Visual Artist), Mike Jordan (Author), Jimmy Lo (Poet), Deisha Oliver (Musician), and Jada Willis (Dancer)

"I connected with the Southern Culinary & Creative team at a buddies pop-up, and since that time, I have had the chance to do some cool things with them," says Humble Mumble owner Chef Justin Dixon. "Being a part of Gather 'round and with an awesome group of chefs and bartenders having an opportunity to highlight our voices and stories is dope AF."

Tickets are available now with multiple ways to enjoy this indulgent 4-day weekend. Check out our Signature Events, Masterclasses, or local Collaborator Dinners by visiting www.gatherroundatl.com/get-tickets to learn more. Tickets to multiple events throughout the weekend are available for a more curated experience here. For an exclusive limited-edition indulgent weekend pass, the Founder’s Club combines masterclasses in the Epicurean Atlanta’s Culinary Theatre with food, drink, music, and art experiences for one price. Purchase of the Founder's Club pass supports Giving Kitchen, which helps food service workers and the hospitality industry that nourishes and cares for us.

Gather ‘Round is produced by Southern Culinary & Creative. Visit www.gatherroundatl.com for the most up-to-date information. Culinary enthusiasts are encouraged to stay connected for updates on Instagram at @GatherRoundATL, and Facebook at www.facebook.com/GatherRoundAtlanta.