CULINARY – Saint Simons Food & Spirits Festival

It’s almost time for one of my favorite fall events, the Saint Simons Food & Spirits Festival, and lucky for me, it’s practically in my backyard! The nearly weeklong celebration features culinary talent and coastal cuisine, artisan and craft libations, and musical performances amid the natural beauty of Georgia’s Golden Isles. Only in it’s 3^rd year, the Festival has already been named an Allie Award winner as the Southeast’s “Best Public Festival” and is well on its way to becoming one of the South’s most-popular festivals.

Thousands of foodies and fun seekers will be treated to five days that will tantalize the senses with offerings of the finest in Southern cuisine which “celebrates the bounty of Georgia’s Golden Isles” all while raising money and awareness for Hospice of the Golden Isles. Featuring seven signature events with more than 20 popular chefs and area personalities scheduled to appear, the festival provides rare opportunities to interact with the chefs and professionals that make it happen, while under the direction of master of ceremonies Hugh Acheson, a six-time James Beard Award nominee (and 2012 winner), Food & Wine magazine’s 2002 “Best New Chef”.

Other high-profile participants in the festival lineup include event co-founders Griffin Bufkin and Harrison Sapp, of Southern Soul Barbeque; 20-time PGA TOUR winner and Golden Isles resident Davis Love III; and a full roster of the finest chefs and food enthusiasts from the area. Scheduled guest appearances include Libbie Summers, Pat Martin, Carey Bringle, Aaron Siegel, Justin & Jonathan Fox, and Matthew Raiford.

Long story short, you should be heading to the Golden Isles Oct. 1 – 5^th! For the play-by-play of each event, see the schedule and get your tickets. If you can’t make it this year, be sure to like the official Facebook page so you will know when next year’s festival will be held and mark your calendar to visit the Golden Isles at one of the loveliest times of the year!

For a sneak peek of some of the deliciousness that can be found at this year’s festival, see these recipes:

Pork Chop with Collard Greens, Bacon and Rutabagas with Pot Liquor Jus

Blue Cheese and Sweet Onion Gratin

Wild Georgia Shrimp and Grits

Georgia “Dirty” Oysters