ATLANTA, June 20, 2008 – “Where Is The Soul Food?” a question asked by many Atlanta visitors and tourists.
“I didn’t know there was a soul food restaurant in that area.” A statement made by many Atlantans. Although there are many food providers often, they are not known to the masses. To address this, AtlantaSoulFood.com has launched to inform and to satisfy one’s soul-filled culinary curiosity.
This new online directory highlights the soul food of American, Caribbean and African restaurants, caterers, personal chefs and food product manufacturers located in Atlanta and the surrounding 10-county metropolitan area. From the site, one can submit a review, view image galleries, menus, coupons, weekly specials, get location directions, review video overviews, watch patron testimonials and purchase food products direct from the manufacturer. In addition, one can send family and friends a SoulVite; an electronic invitation to eat at a soul food restaurant.
“Via my family, friends and travels, I have been exposed to foods from different cultures and have found delight in soul food from America, the Caribbean and Africa”, said Tasha Williams, Founder/Creative Director for the site. “From being in the graphic/web design industry for over 11 years, I have become very observant of advertising mediums and noticed that the places where I like to eat aren’t highly visible in print and online media”, she said. “With AtlanaSoulFood.com, the goal is tri-fold. We wish to inform millions about Georgia’s soul food options, help aide economic development by providing rare online multimedia exposure and to provide non-profit organizations a platform to inform the public about their causes”, she added. AtlantaSoulFood.com’s community outreach component provides non-profit organizations with a free advertising listing where they can post a detailed profile and sell their fundraising items online. In addition 15% of proceeds from the site benefit area non-profits.
AtlantaSoulFood brings a new flavor to the online restaurant directory circuit.
Have a good time with your soul food search.
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June 16, 2008 Blue Seas Restaurant Opens In Southwest Atlanta :: Close
ATLANTA June 16, 2008 – In May, along the Delowe corridor in Sowthwest Atlanta, huge blue and white balloons swayed and
music willowed like the trees. What was the occasion? The grand opening of Blue Seas Restaurant.
Upon entry, everyone was pleasantly acknowledged and seated. Their noses were immediately caressed by the aroma of food that was to be served.
Prior to the tasting everyone mingled, pictures and videos were taken and the professional staff of well mannered young men kept the beverages flowing.
After the introduction of the restaurant by the announcer, the tasting began and everyone dug in. Foods consisted of navy bean soup, eggplant parmesan, seasoned potatoes, lamb and bean pie a la mode.
"The bean pie a la mode is delicious", said Marchia Mickens with Trendsetters 2 Trendsetters Magazine. "I enjoyed the food and the service." said Clarence Jackson of Global Equity Lending.
Even Atlanta's former city councilman, Derrick Boazman likes their food. "I have to go to Blue Sea's to get some fish!", he said on a Friday during his daytime talk radio show.
From the general consensus, Blue Seas gets 3 UHMs.
Uhm. Uhm. Uhm.
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Articles
2008
June 16, 2008 What is Soul Food?
By Melanie McQueen
Soul is the essence of creativity, intuition and uniqueness.
For example, one may have cabbage and just add water and eat it and then the next person may take the cabbage add some olive oil, seasonings and bell pepper
and have a totally different flavor. This is the soul. The soul allows one to use the energy and inspiration passed down from one's family and in many cases consists of divine inspiration.
The soul allows serves as an universal communication system that has no need for phone wires or cell phone towers. It's that same soul that enlightens one to take four basic food ingredients and create over 5 different meals that all tastes different.
Wherever the people have "soul" there exists an abundance of Soul Food!
June 12, 2008 Cultural Food Commonalities
Exploring Cooking Methods and Foods
By Tasha Williams ::Close
From eating the food of many grandmothers, mothers, fathers, grandfathers, cousins and friends and from interacting with various cultures, I have noticed the following commonalities:
Practices
Toothpick after dinner - America
Wooden tree sticks used to clean teeth - Africa
Apple sauce after eating pork to kill the worm
American soul practice by elders
Watermelon after pork to kill the worm
Ancient American soul practice by elders
Moros Y Cristianos - Caribbean Soul (Cuba)
(Moros means Moors,
representing the black
beans and Cristianos
means Christians
representing the white rice)
Jambalaya - American Soul
Paella - Caribbean Soul
Cook-up Rice - Caribbean Soul
In summary, it seems like wherever there is fresh food, vegetables and herbs, the people
utilize them to put their soul and creativity into preparing foods that have
scrumptious flavor.
May 30, 2008 Does Your Restaurant Have the Five Elements?
By Ann-Marie McCoy
With my work, I travel extensively throughout Atlanta so, I eat out daily. Of course, I have developed a favorites list. They only way a restaurant gets on my list is if they meet the 5 elements.
Presentation
Fist, I look to see if the windows are clean and look at the sidewalk to see if the cement is level. Is the exterior door is on all the hinges? Is the building freshly painted or if it’s chipping off? If the restaurant has signage, I check to see if it’s appropriately attached to the poles or building. Once I am inside, the first thing I notice is the floor to see if it free of dust and food. I also observer the he tables, seating and lighting. Some may say that I am too picky. For me, I get a psychological vision of how comfortable I will be while enjoying my food. The bathroom must be spotless and have hot water. Roaches are an absolute no no.
The Weather
It’s best to have a comfortable temperature so that I can concentrate on the food; not the goose bumps on my arm or the sweat on my forehead.
Customer Service
I like when people acknowledge me immediately to let me know that they are happy and ready to serve.
Food
The food must be warm to hot and well seasoned. Color has to be right. For example, I went to a restaurant and ordered plantains. The plantains were very lightly colored as if they weren’t cooked all the way. I also take notice of the layout of food on the plate. When proportions are in alignment the food looks more appetizing.
Price
The rates must be competitive so that I can afford to patronize the business often. What good is it to have great food if one can only afford to eat there once every 2 months?
So in short, if a restaurant has presentation, good weather, excellent customer service, fair pricing and tasty food. I will be back!
Ann-Marie McCoy is a contributing writer for AtlantaSoulFood.com. It is a premier guide to American, Caribbean and African soul food restaurants, caterers, personal chefs and food product manufacturers.
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