By: Shana Basnight
Atlanta’s culinary landscape is about to witness something extraordinary. The New South, the city’s groundbreaking all-Black chef collective, is set to showcase the power of collaboration and cultural celebration through their highly anticipated dinner during The Atlanta Food and Wine Festival.
A Revolutionary Approach to Dining
What sets The New South apart isn’t just the exceptional talent of its members—it’s their revolutionary approach to an industry traditionally defined by competition. Founded by visionary chefs who recognized the transformative power of unity, this collective has become a cornerstone of Atlanta’s dining scene, proving that collaborative strength creates culinary magic that transcends individual achievement.
The upcoming dinner represents the next evolution of this acclaimed series, bringing together some of Atlanta’s most respected culinary artists for an unforgettable showcase of creativity, culture, and community. For this team of celebrated chefs, this marks their one-year anniversary of hosting transformative dinner events across the city of Atlanta.
An Exceptional Lineup of Culinary Talent
The New South Dinner will feature an impressive roster of Atlanta’s culinary luminaries, each bringing their unique perspective and expertise to the collaborative experience:
The collective includes Demetrius Brown and Chryss Lewis from Bread & Butterfly, Robert Butts from Auburn Angel, Charmain Ware-Jason from Tiny Lou’s, Gary Caldwell from Marcus Bar & Grille, Carlos Granderson from Southern National, India Johnson from Sauce Queen Kitchen & Pantry, and Jon’nae “Jaye” Smith of GourNae Eats.
Rounding out this stellar lineup are Rodney Smith of SouthernChild Supper Club, television personality and private chef Christan Willis, and culinary philanthropist Dene Lewis—each contributing to a dining experience that promises to be both culturally significant and gastronomically exceptional.
More Than Just a Meal
“The idea was to highlight a group of chefs showcasing culture and cuisine in a beautiful, modern way,” explains Robert Butts, one of the collective’s founding members.
This sentiment captures the essence of what The New South represents, not just a dining experience, but a cultural statement and a platform for recognition. What began as Rodney Smith’s vision to collaborate with exceptional chefs has evolved into something far more significant: a movement that fills a crucial void in Atlanta’s dining landscape while celebrating the rich culinary traditions and innovations of Black chefs.
Honoring Tradition While Pushing Boundaries
Each volume of The New South offers diners an exclusive opportunity to experience the combined talents of Atlanta’s most respected Black chefs. The carefully curated menus honor traditional flavors while fearlessly pushing creative boundaries, resulting in dishes that are both rooted in heritage and boldly innovative.
This approach reflects the collective’s broader mission to elevate and celebrate Black culture and cuisine through collaborative dining experiences that showcase the depth, diversity, and sophistication of their culinary artistry.
Rounding out this stellar lineup are Rodney Smith of SouthernChild Supper Club, television personality and private Chef Christan Willis, and culinary philanthropist Dene Lewis—each contributing to a dining experience that promises to be both culturally significant and gastronomically exceptional.
A Testament to Collective Power
The New South stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when talented individuals unite with a shared purpose. By choosing collaboration over competition, these chefs have created something that transcends individual restaurant success. They built a platform that celebrates, elevates, and gives proper recognition to Black culinary excellence.
Their upcoming dinner during the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival represents more than just another high-end dining event. It’s a celebration of culture, a showcase of innovation, and a bold statement about the power of unity in creating extraordinary culinary experiences.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, September 11
Time: 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Location: Auburn Angel
Tickets: Available at atlfoodandwinefestival.com
For Atlanta’s food enthusiasts and anyone interested in experiencing the cutting edge of collaborative cuisine, The New South Dinner promises to be an unforgettable evening that celebrates not just exceptional food, but the power of community, culture, and collective vision in the culinary arts.
Author: Black Restaurant Week
Content Team
