Good Morning Darlings!

I have always been interested in searching the great outdoors for dinner.

Alack and alas, I don’t even camp. But I certainly love the idea of it.

For all of you who are like me and your idea of camping is packing a bag and heading to The Ritz-Carlton for the night, I have something special to share!

Chef Brian Jones, chef de cuisine of Atlanta Grill, presents the second in a series of demonstration-style culinary classes on October 18 at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta. Theme for the evening is Foraging through the Great Smokey Mountains, with key ingredients sourced from farms and producers located in and surrounding the Great Smokey Mountains.

Isn’t this swell? You don’t even have to get your hands dirty! You just sit back and relax with a glass of wine and pretend like you hiked all day to gather all these gorgeous fresh ingredients. I love to pretend! And eat! And of course, drink wine. Don’t judge me!

Guests will taste small plates from a three-course menu paired in with wines from Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery of Dahlonega, Georgia. Stephen Smith of Wolf Mountain joins Sommelier Brian White to present the wines. This will  be a two Brian + one Stephen night.

Foraging through the Great Smoky Mountains

Appetizers
Pumpkin Butter Glazed Pork Belly, Butternut Squash Mousse

Spinning Spider Goat Cheese with Pickled Garlic Scapes
Wolf Mountain Blanc de Blanc

Fish Course
Smoked Enchanted Springs Trout, Ellijay Apples,
Foraged Greens, Sorghum Vinegar
Wolf Mountain 2010 Plentitude

Main Course
Roasted Leg of Border Springs Lamb
Chanterelle Mushrooms, Butternut Squash Toasted Grits
Wolf Mountain 2010 Instinct

Dessert
Cornmeal and Apple Tart, Brown Sugar-Bourbon Ice Cream
Caramel Powder, Smoked Walnuts
Wolf Mountain 2010 Blanc de Syrah

Classes are $75 per person inclusive of taxes and gratuities. Foraging through the Great Smoky Mountains is presented on October 18 followed by Holiday Dining at Chef Brian’s House on November 15. Receptions start at 6:30 p.m., classes start at 7 p.m. and are limited to 16 guests. For reservations, please call Atlanta Grill at (404) 221-6550 or visit www.opentable.com  and putting “Cooking Class” in the comments section of the reservation form.

Will I be there? I sure will! I spent all day foraging for all these delicious ingredients (not really…don’t judge me!)

xoxo, Patti