Taste of Athens: South Kitchen and Bar
In light of Taste of Athens taking a more chef-focused approach in this year’s event, we have focused our conversations around the personalities behind the swinging doors. Tucked away in the old Georgian building at the corner of Jackson and Washington, South Kitchen + Bar has already made a name for itself garnering “Taste of Athens, Best New Restaurant, 2014.” I was excited to approach executive chef Chris Benson to find out more of his story, his passion for cooking, and his fave flavors (hint: florribean is a real thing).
Georgia born and bred, Benson’s love of soul food and Deep South cuisine becomes more of a backdrop to build flavors upon. He spoke of his penchant for the history of regional American cuisine, how immigrants and settlers of different food heritages “would smash all that up with local ingredients” and create something entirely new. His “fondness for many other regions…heavily influences menu design,” but all elements hold a distinctive Southern flare. In regards to seasonality, Benson focuses more on adapting his methods to changes in the weather. Winter brings “braising, frying, pickling, heavier sauces, more savory flavors.” Warmer temperatures bring lighter dishes, “grilling, steaming, more acidity, and more fruit sauces.”
What inspires him? “My guests. So many of people’s fondest memories are shared over meals and I really like that we get to be a part of that.” South prides itself as a respite from the bustling downtown dining scene and offers an incredible bang for your buck in regards to both outstanding food and drink. As a sister restaurant of Trappeze and Highwire Lounge, the kin designers have curated an expert cocktail menu and draught list to boot. The bar features “an excellent rotation of the most seasonal and sought after brews on tap lines,” in addition to a wide array of bottled options. With two private rooms, South is also an incredible location for all sized private events. A small private dining room seats 30-40 and the gorgeous Georgian Room ballroom seats 50-150. Having an onsite kitchen provides an element of freshness generally lacking in catered food.
Favorite dishes include a deviled egg trio of masala curry, cayenne blue cheese and pimento-bacon, and their to-die-for rosemary pork belly, grilled and served with truffled mac + cheese and fried pickled okra. Taste of Athens sampling will feature petite buttermilk biscuits stuffed with duck confit and asparagus tips, then topped with duck gravy. Chris, the self-described fat kid at heart, will be there to assist your noshing. Ask him who has the best burger and what food is inclusive in florribean…I know I will!
Find out more : www.southkitchenbar.com
And check out some of our other posts about Taste of Athens!
Taste of Athens: Just Around The Corner
