Southern Cuisine Reigns Supreme
This past Saturday, D.C.’s fops and debutantes donned their black tie best for the 31st annual Taste of the South (TOTS), a celebratory evening of all things southern held at DAR Constitution Hall.
Photo Credit: Laura Armstrong
Southern hospitality
Put on entirely by volunteers, TOTS raised close to half a million dollars for various charities including featured charity Mercy House, a homelessness and poverty assistance organization based in Harrisonburg, Va.
Photo Credit: Laura Armstrong
Victuals
The 13-state southern delegation shipped in local ingredients to plate regional classics. The South’s expansive palate was well represented with everything from Louisiana seafood to Texas pork on the menu. Many states partnered with D.C. restaurants to prepare the food, making the event a down-home and inside-the-Beltway joint effort.
Fried Louisiana Alligator and Shrimp Cocktail
Photo Credit: Matt Torrenzano
Texas Bacon
Photo Credit: Matt Torrenzano
Photo Credit: Matt Torrenzano
Live Auction
Missouri Congressman Billy Long lent his 30 year auctioneering experience to TOTS’ first ever live auction. A fast talking politician if there ever was one, Long clocks in at a staggering 1,200 words per minute (“1,800 with a gust blowing”), a skill that once enabled him to sell off a Tiffany crystal punch bowl for $99,000. “And there wasn’t even any punch in it,” said Long.
After the eating, then the dancing. Bow ties were loosened and heels kicked off when Coast 2 Coast hit the stage. Their funky R&B stylings kept TOTS moving with soulful Motown classics and current radio hits.
Photo Credit: Matt Torrenzano
Ya’ll Come Back Now
As an establish D.C. spring time tradition, you can bet TOTS will be around in 2014, so keep it in mind for next April when Taste of the South shall rise again.
Richard is a freelance writer who enjoys building a healthy appetite with long runs around the city. When not logging the miles, he can be spotted training the palate at brunches, happy hours and food trucks.
