Savory Stories

Latest Episodes:

Barbecue (Part I) Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Savory Stories, we embark on a journey through the rich history of barbecue, tracing its origins from Native American traditions to the pitmasters of modern-day Atlanta. We’ll explore how the art of barbecue has become an integral part of America's social, cultural, and political fabric.

Hosts Akila and Asata celebrate Atlanta's longstanding barbecue institutions, giving shout-outs to some of the city’s oldest and most beloved BBQ joints. This episode is so tasty that we’ll continue exploring barbecue’s ingredients, sauces, and cultural significance in Part Two.

Tune in for a mouth-watering episode that blends history, culture, and culinary artistry!

Restaurants mentioned:

Pig-n-Chik

Daddy D’z BBQ Joynt

Shane’s Rib Shack

Mr. Pig’s Smokehouse and Barbecue

Fat Matt’s Rib Shack

Photo references:

Thomas Harriot, an artist who went on Sir Walter Raleigh’s 1590 expedition through Virginia

A Southern Barbecue

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Sandwiches Aug 14, 2024

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We hope you enjoyed a tasty lunch as we dive into the country’s favorite midday meal: the sandwich. Who are we kidding? Sandwiches can be enjoyed any time of day! In this episode of Savory Stories, we explore the fascinating world of sandwiches. What truly defines a sandwich? Is it the variety of bread, or is it the flavorful fillings that make it irresistible?

From the classic ham and cheese to the carefully crafted seafood bánh mì and oyster po'boys, sandwiches have long been a beloved food, especially in the bustling, railroad town of early Atlanta. Did you know that sandwiches were a popular choice at local depots, serving as a quick and convenient meal for travelers?

Join us as we journey through the diverse history of sandwiches, from their origins to the mouthwatering eateries that now define Atlanta’s food scene.

Highlighted Atlanta Sandwich Favorites:

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Peaches Jul 31, 2024

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Sink your teeth into another juicy episode of Savory Stories. Today, we're peeling back the layers of Atlanta's rich history with peaches, giving a special shoutout to "The Georgia Peach" by William Thomas Okie.

Discover when peaches first arrived in Georgia and explore their ancient origins tracing back to China around 6,000 BCE. Learn about the Indigenous Cherokee and Muscogee tribes of Georgia, master agriculturists who cultivated large, juicy peaches by the 1700s.

Peaches also played a crucial role in the escape of enslaved people, offering sustenance during their perilous journeys to freedom.

But how did Atlanta earn the nickname "The Big Peach"? We'll delve into the history behind peach street names, peach jam contests, and the iconic peach logos on Georgia's license plates.

Join us as we uncover the fascinating true story behind these sweet fruits and Akila’s favorite peach treats picks in the Atlanta area:

- Revolution Doughnuts (Peach donuts)

- Ritz-Carlton Atlanta (Chef Katrina Pagan's peach cake with compressed peaches and fresh mint crème anglaise)

- Paschal’s (peach cobbler)

- Butter and Cream (peaches and cream ice cream)

- Papa’s Puff’s (peach candy)

For Fresh Peaches:

- Lane Peaches

- Pearson Farm

Tune in for a delectable deep dive into the legacy of Georgia's beloved fruit!

For more delicious stories and tips, head to https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/savory-stories.

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Atlanta's Iconic Food Franchises Jul 17, 2024

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Welcome to another delicious episode of Savory Stories. Today, we're diving into the rich and tasty history of some of Atlanta's most beloved food franchises. From their humble beginnings to becoming icons in the culinary world, we'll explore the fascinating journeys of these eateries that started in ATL and changed the food industry forever.

Join us as we uncover the stories behind your favorite chains like Chick-fil-A, Waffle House, and Great American Cookies. Ever wondered about the pivotal moments that transformed these single-location restaurants into nationwide sensations? Or the vision and determination of their founders? You're in for a treat!

And speaking of treats, we've got something special for all you home cooks out there. Chef Asata is sharing her favorite copycat recipes, so you can recreate some of these iconic dishes in your own kitchen. From the famous Chick-fil-A chicken sandwich to a classic cookie cake, these recipes are sure to get a chef's kiss from everyone at your table.

Ready to dig in? Tune in to Savory Stories for a flavorful journey through Atlanta's culinary history.

Bon appétit!

Recipes to Try at Home:

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Biscuits Jul 03, 2024

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Welcome to another delicious episode of Savory Stories, the podcast where we explore Atlanta's rich cultural identity through its vibrant cuisine and food history. Today, we're diving into an iconic Southern staple that has long been the hallmark of a great cook: the biscuit.

Join us as we trace Atlanta's love affair with biscuits from its historical roots to the present day. We'll uncover the journey from the first biscuit to the innovative creation of baking powder, which revolutionized biscuit-making.

In true Savory Stories fashion, we'll also shine a spotlight on some of Atlanta's biscuit havens, where you can savor these fluffy and flaky delights.

Featured Atlanta Biscuit Hotspots:

- The Real Milk and Honey

- Bomb Biscuit

- Flying Biscuit

- Early Girl Eatery (located in Asheville, NC)

Tune in to savor the rich history and mouth-watering present of Atlanta's buttermilk biscuits. It's a culinary journey you won't want to miss!

Make sure to listen, subscribe, rate, and share. Find more at wabe.org/savorystories.

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Chinese Food Jun 20, 2024

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Atlanta is a melting pot of diverse cuisines, with Chinese food playing a significant role in the city’s rich cultural and culinary landscape. In this episode of Savory Stories, we dive into the delightful world of Chinese cuisine and explore the history of Chinese immigration to Atlanta, dating back to the 1800s with the construction of the railroad. From dumplings to stir-fry to smoked duck and more, we've got you covered on where to eat, shop, and indulge in delicious Chinese food in ATL.

ATL Chinese Restaurants and Businesses Mentioned:

- Jia

- First Oriental Market

- Chinese Southern Belle

- Golden Buddha

- Northern China Eatery on Buford Highway

Chef Asata’s Dumpling-Making Tips:

- Keep the dough moist:

Prevent tough, dry dumpling skins by keeping a damp towel over the dough or wrappers as you work.

- Don't overstuff them:

Fill each skin only two-thirds full to avoid splitting during cooking and ensure perfect pleats.

- Chill the filling before wrapping:

For meat fillings, chill them to keep the fat from rendering too quickly, maintaining juiciness and preventing tears.

- Draw the moisture out of your veggies:

Salt and sweat watery vegetables like cabbage or bok choy to remove excess moisture before adding them to the filling. You can also use cornstarch or breadcrumbs to soak up any additional water.

For more delicious stories and tips, head to https://www.wabe.org/podcasts/savory-stories.

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Westview and West End (with Special Guest Victoria Lemos) Jun 05, 2024

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On today's episode of Savory Stories, we delve even deeper within the history of Atlanta’s people through its cuisine and more.

Today, Victoria Lemos of the Archive Atlanta podcast joins us as we embark on a culinary tour of the Westside of Atlanta, uncovering its rich and captivating history. This journey takes us through the evolution of transportation, the diverse religious and spiritual landscape, housing developments, and the unique role of the Westview Cemetery for the area’s development. We also explore a list of local legendary food spots, some with roots in the neighborhood for decades and other newcomers who’ve quickly become community favorites.

Special thanks to Victoria Lemos, local historian and host of the Archive Atlanta podcast (give it a listen if you haven’t already!).

Check out some of the iconic eats in the area mentioned:

- Slutty Vegan

- The Beautiful

- Tassili’s Raw Reality

- Wadada Healthy Market & Juice Bar

- Augie’s

- Soul Vegetarian

- Spice House

- Oreatha’s at the Point

- Westview Corner Grocery

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Waffles May 22, 2024

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Welcome to another delectable episode of Savory Stories! Today, we're indulging in the delightful world of brunch, with a spotlight on everyone's favorite breakfast item—the waffle.

Waffles may seem like a modern invention, but they actually have a long and fascinating history. Dating back to medieval times, waffles have evolved into the thick, grid-patterned delicacies we know and love today.

Fun fact: Here in Atlanta, after the Civil War, the introduction of baking powder revolutionized waffle-making, resulting in loftier and thicker waffles that became a Southern staple. But it would not be a true Atlanta history lesson without mentioning the story of Waffle House. We also have to highlight some Atlanta favorites such as Waffle Bar, South City Kitchen, Java Juice (and their gingerbread waffles), FolkArt, The Original Pancake House, and other beloved staples.

Join us as we delve into the rich history and evolution of waffles, from their humble beginnings to their status as a brunch sensation. It's a waffle-lover's dream come true!

Find more at wabe.org/savorystories

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Presenting: Just Sat with Maximilian Hines May 09, 2024

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A podcast experience that will hit the spot. Just Sat with Maximilian Hines features Atlanta chefs, farmers, mixologists, and everyone else involved in the restaurant industry sharing their stories of opening a new spot, mixing the perfect drink, and those times when everything freezes in the kitchen.

The first episode is out now! wabe.org/justsat/ or on the app you're using right now to read this.

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Wings May 08, 2024

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Indulge your taste buds in another mouth-watering episode of Savory Stories! Today, we're delving deep into the rich and flavorful world of wings in Atlanta.

Just as pizza is synonymous with New York, wings hold a special place in Atlanta's heart—an iconic dish deeply ingrained in the city's culinary identity.

Join us as we unravel the captivating history and cultural significance behind Atlanta's beloved wings. From the bustling poultry industry to the backyard chicken explosion during the pandemic, we'll trace how chicken has been a cornerstone of Atlanta since the city’s inception in 1847, shaping its very essence.

So grab a napkin and prepare to savor some delicious tales as we dive into Atlanta's wings culture like never before.

Restaurants Highlighted in Atlanta:

- Dugans

- Taco Mac

- JR Crickets

Asael’s (Chef Asata’s son) Atlanta’s Best Wings List:

(In no particular order):

- Powder Ranch Touchdown flavors at Touchdown Wings on MLK Drive

- Sweet n Sassy at Strikeout Wingz in Downtown Atlanta

- Honey hot/lemon pepper combo or the hot lemon pepper combo at American Deli

- The Unicorn wings at Firepit on Memorial across from Oakland Cemetery

- Honey hot wings at Dream Wings on Glenwood in Eastlake, specifically