I’m always happy when food is involved, but even more so when it’s made by several of my favorite chefs from the region. Like at the Appalachian Food Summit Dinner at 21c in Lexington earlier this month. So much good food. Such a gorgeous space. So little time. Literally can’t say enough good things about my first Fork + Bottle Dinner at 21c, but I can say that it will definitely not be my last.
Lexington is certainly a city that is growing in both size and impact in the region. I’m finding myself making the short drive West of Louisville more and more often as of late. Louisville’s little sister is finally growing up, and the region is lucky to have her.
The Appalachian Food Summit Dinner was the perfect reminder of the food I grew up eating in my grandma’s kitchen, and of the culture that went along with it. A culture that is seeing a renaissance of sorts as chefs begin to embrace comfort food in all it’s iterations. I felt incredibly blessed to be at a table of fellow Southerners sharing food much like generations before us would have done.
Those moments are the ones I cherish most. Sitting at a table full of strangers that become friends before the night is over. Because after all we’re all connected in one way or another. Whether that be our love for food, where we call home, or how much we love Pimento cheese. If you have a chance to attend one of the 21c Fork + Bottle Dinners I highly urge you to do so. You will leave a happy camper with a full belly. I can promise you that much, and if you’re lucky, like myself, new friends. New friends that will be double your age but able to make you laugh all night long.
