Tag Archives: Atlanta GA

National Chicken and Waffle Day

Posted on by

 

National Chicken and Waffle Day: A Soulful Celebration of

Stock photo Chicken and Waffles

Sweet and Savory

Every October 20th, we honor a dish that defies culinary boundaries. It brings together the best of breakfast and supper: it’s National Chicken and Waffle Day! This beloved pairing of crispy fried chicken and golden waffles is more than just comfort food. It’s a celebration of Southern soul and cultural fusion. While no one knows exactly who first dared to marry syrup and spice, we do know that chicken and waffles trace their roots to both African American and Pennsylvania Dutch traditions. It’s a dish steeped in history, flavor, and heart.

Atlanta, GA — Somewhere in the Dim Past

My own introduction to this iconic combo came many moons ago during a visit to Atlanta. I’d seen an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featuring a soul food restaurant owned by none other than music legend Gladys Knight. Since I was already in town visiting friends, we made a beeline for the place.

We slid into plush red booths, shared our story, and received Southern hospitality in return—plus a surprise plate of fried green tomatoes.(A tasty treat, not the movie!) The main event soon followed: crispy, golden fried chicken nestled beside fluffy waffles, all served in a space adorned with photos and memorabilia celebrating Gladys’s storied career. It was casual, soulful, and absolutely delicious.

Fried Green Tomatoes- stock photo

 

And That’s All She Wrote

Sadly, the restaurant is no longer with us. In 2017, it was renamed World Famous Chicken and Waffles, and Gladys stepped away from the business amid legal troubles involving her son. But while the restaurant may be gone, the dish lives on—still sizzling in kitchens and hearts across the country.

So today, let’s raise a fork to chicken and waffles. Sweet, savory, and soulfully satisfying—it’s a tradition worth celebrating.

 

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s must do attractions.

Posted on by | 2 Comments

Georgia Aquarium

The Georgia Aquarium is one of Atlanta’s must do attractions. As you approach, the  huge aquarium presents the silhouette of a ship’s prow. The majestic building sails across the the northern end of Centennial Olympic Park. Georgia Aquarium is the largest public aquarium in the Western Hemisphere. Its mission is to drive conservation, education and economic growth. 

Dinner at the Aquarium

As part of Redferno attendees were invited to an after hours dinner at the aquarium. Exhibits were kept open and we were free to roam among the exhibits all while indulging at the generous buffet tables. Servers circulated with trays of bite sized appetizers. Free-flowing drinks included all types of wines and beer So with drink in hand or a plate of chicken fingers we explored the massive aquarium. 

 

The Georgia Aquarium Experience

Right off the entrance we spotted the sweet, playful otters and typical fish galleries but exploring deeper is where the magic happens. If you don’t scuba dive have you ever wondered what it would be like to be able to swim with sharks and rays and fish big and small? Well this is the place to be. Welcome to the Ocean Voyager Tunnel.  There is no other way to put it. You are standing in a protected tunnel with water and marine creatures all around you. They swim beside you and over you. Yes look up. They are above you too. 

Shark! Shark!

Right now sharks swim in the huge tank along with the rays, groupers and other smaller fish. The Tunnel tank also provides a home  to the magnificent whale sharks but there is more coming. Georgia Aquarium is expanding. The construction zone around the aquarium will soon  be a new home for sharks. The saltwater gallery will feature stunning floor to ceiling acrylic windows to give guests an up-close and personal view of these majestic animals. This new experience will help guests have a deeper appreciation for the important role sharks serve and inspire them to join conservation efforts to protect our oceans. The new exhibit is scheduled to open in the fall of 2020.

 I may have to plan a long weekend back to Atlanta this fall!

Whale Shark at Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta. Original image from Carol M. Highsmith’s America, Library of Congress collection. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.

 

 

 

Marvelous Marvin- Atlanta

Posted on by | 2 Comments

Marvelous Marvin has Arrived

Marvelous Marvin arrived on my doorstep earlier than expected. He actually made it in time to go to Atlanta, GA with me. He must have galloped across Alaska’s Tundra to make it to the post office in time.Moose scrambles up the bankHis ETA was Friday 1/10 but on Tuesday 1/7 my doorbell rang and there he was. He didn’t even have time to say hello to cousin Merle before I had him packed away for Atlanta.

Marvin at the Marriott

We were staying at the Marriott Marquis. What a huge hotel! But even with 20+ floors not all of the attendees could be accommodated . We had folks in the OMNI Hotel at the CNN Center, the Sheraton, The Hyatt Regency and The Westin Peachtree Plaza. As you can see this was a very big deal. Our closing dinner and Party was so huge it had to be held in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium!

The Atmosphere was Electric

This was my 5th Redferno (that’s the name of the annual convention) and Marvin’s first. The energy was vibrating like it was about to explode. So many people that all embraced the same corporate culture here in one place, together, to celebrate our success and get a peek at the future. Music blared from every meeting room. The joint (as they say)was rockin’ . People were cheering. Its like being dropped into the middle of an Amway convention. It can be quite a culture shock. It was for me the first time I came. I was interested to see how my team mates would feel about a moose in their midst.

Marvin at Thrive

I chose to introduce Marvin at a smaller venue. Our Boston Market dinner was Wednesday evening at a restaurant called Thrive. I was more comfortable introducing Marvin to just my team before any of the other teams found out about my stowaway. Marvin immediately charmed everyone. Of course Marvin couldn’t go to the meetings but he would be able to join us again for the really big send off party on Friday.