TAILGATING FEASTS AND BOOK FESTIVALS

COLLEGE FOOTBALL, BOOKS & GREAT FOOD

 By Doc Lawrence


ATLANTA-We debut the 14th season of Tailgating Down South this Saturday September 5 at the Georgia Dome in downtown Atlanta. It's a good match-up with the ACC's Louisville Cardinals taking on highly-rated Auburn, a perennial SEC powerhouse. Just a mile away, Georgia Tech opens its season with high expectations.

The game is important to fans, of course, but our focus is on what is being prepared and served under all those tents surrounding the stadium. What's really creative and flavorful for this early September feast? Are wines gaining in popularity here? What about cocktails that show some imagination?

Include the AJC Decatur Book Festival on Friday and Saturday for a full weekend. Saturday's food stage features the legendary Nathalie Dupree and the rising star TV celebrity Chef Lara Lyn Carter.

We'll have some favorites, lots of photographs and a couple of delightful recipes.

Tailgating, says Atlanta's Frank Spence the nationally respected authority on Southern lifestyles, "was born in the South, just like gospel, blues, rock and roll, jazz and country music. It's part celebration, part feast and always a great party."

We'll be at many games in many locations continuing into December. It will come as no surprise that this is more fun than anyone could reasonably expect!