For those of you who have loyally followed me on my culinary journey through the first four Markets, first of all, you rock. Second of all, I have some bad news: my camera died during the last Market. So, the last few photos of the event were taken with my iPhone and are therefore horrible quality. I'm ashamed...mostly because it doesn't do your incredible food justice! If your cuisine is featured with an iPhone photo in this post, I am truly sorry. It doesn't mean I love you any less! And I promise to make it up to you at future foodie events if you'll let me :)
As I was saying, our approach to the Goat Farm was beautifully rustic.
Once inside, I began with a pork belly taco from Everyday Chef.
The meat was tender, and had just the right amount of kick! The cool sauce and lettuce felt great, as the evening was already a bit warm.
Next, I had Masa Beef in a peanut sauce from Kwashe's, a catering company specializing in South African cuisine.
The Masa was flavorful, but very spicy! The coolness of the accompanying ginger juice evened it out nicely, though.
I was really impressed with Kwashe's display. All of their food looked so beautiful.
Next, I visited Teranga, which features Senegalese cuisine. I tried some grilled lamb, a roasted chicken drumstick, some jasmine rice, and, best of all, hibiscus juice. I don't know if I've ever even imagined what hibiscus juice would taste like! It was refreshing, and more fragrant than sweet. It would have been awesome with some rum in it poolside. :) I also tried a very unique onion and olive sauce. It was tart and crisp, like Vidalias, but it had the smoothness of olives. It was definitely a new (and incredible!) kind of flavor for me.
"Teranga" means "hospitality" in Wolof, and owner Cheikh Ndiaye serves up just that. His cuisine is inspired by a world of flavors, and I'm not exaggerating. I had the wonderful opportunity of chatting with this passionate and personable chef, and he explained to me that he draws inspiration from Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, and North Africa. Somehow, all of these flavors still marry well when they come together. To me, this is what an event like the Atlanta Underground Market is all about.
I then switched it up from savory to sweet, as I tried some peach-buttercream whoppie pies with a peach-basalmic reduction from Dr. Sweets.
You may recall from the chocolate event that Dr. Sweets specializes in gluten-baked goods. I'm usually not a fan of gluten-free treats (What can I say? I'm a purist.), but I really love his creations. I asked what the secret was, and he informed me that most gluten-free items are baked with chick pea flour. This can give off a bitter aftertaste. The chef at Dr. Sweets only uses rice flour or potato flower...voila! No bitterness!
Finally, we tried some fudge pie from Darden's Delights.
They handed out these little free samples which were just enough to get you to buy the whole slice! They were absolutely delicious. Best of all, the purchase of these pies benefits local organizations for developmental disabilities. Darden is actually the owners' daughter, who was born with Down syndrome in 2005. I love the idea of creating something enjoyable while giving back...it's just a whole lot of good!
Last but not least, I ran into two of my favorite Tweeps! Sure, the lighting was bad and we were sweaty, but I love these girls and needed a photo.
Will I run into you at the next AUM?
19 comments:
You forgot the Hibiscus juice at Teranga!
That was easily my 2nd favorite thing that I ate that day (after the fudge pie from Darden).
Thanks for the love! We've had so much fun participating in these events - and converting some gluten-ites to go gluten-free once in a while!
So fun!!! But. I have to know....is it usually that miserable? It was so hot, it was difficult to enjoy. Are the AUM's held outside more often? Not sure that I could do that again....it was stifling.
I didn't try Dr. Sweet's whoopee pies but the chocolate chip cherry cookies were AMAZING. I ate mine the next day and wished I had bought as many as my purse could hold.
That fudge pie from Darden was the stuff of my dreams...I'm ordering them for all family events. SO good.
LOVE the pic! We sure are hot and sweaty, but it was awesome seeing you! Can I steal for my blog?
Thanks for the shout out and pic of the Pork Belly Tacos! I wish I would have made more, but it was hot in there.
Layla, Michaela here from the underground market. We had planned to do it outside, all around their coffee shop, which would have been perfect.
Unfortunately, all the websites predicted possible rain, even though I kept looking for different opinions. So, at 3.30 I made the decision to set up inside to keep everyone from getting wet, as it would have been difficult to move after we had all set up.
I had a blast at my first AUM but agree with Layla that it was uncomfortably hot. Hopefully the next one will be better.
It looks like I missed a ton of great food. I'll have to try some of these booths at the next one.
I also love the pic! Hopefully I'll be less sweaty in the next one! See you soon!
Ha! You totally caught me and one of my BFF's standing in front of the Cake Balls by Nikki stand in that picture of the inside of the AUM. Of all the places, why am I not surprised I was caught THERE! :)
Michaela - thanks for the response! I totally understand the reasoning. I hope the next event is able to be outside, fingers crossed for no rain!
OMG! This looks like so much fun!!! I can think of so many abandoned locales that we could do this at around here...
Husband, I CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT THAT JUICE! Edited :)
Layla & Kelly, Agreed...hopefully we'll get some open air next time?
BlissfulLife, Who could possibly blame you? :)
Actually, the next AUM, AUG 6th, is going to be outside at a really cool space with lake and waterfall - yes, that's ITP ;-).
And there is no plan B, if it rains
Ok New York officially needs these things. I am drooling.
WHAT?
SUPER excited for the next one! I have no idea where it's at, but that sounds awesome!! :)
Amanda,
New York had one, that got shut down by the Health Dept. last summer
Arepa Mia had a great time at the farm... I understand that it was hot but like Michaela said, it was a hard decision to make...I still thank you Michaela for putting all this together, I know this takes a lot of work. I love to have the oportunity to introduce The venezuelan arepas! Something that I grew up with. I take pride in serving them because my mom used to have a little stand back in Venezuela and I learned from her. Now My dream is to introduce My mom's arepas to Atlantan people! that is were Arepa Mia was born..I hope you guys Enjoy! gracias!
Layla, of course you can borrow the picture!
Michaela, thanks for your comments! I'm psyched for the August 6th AUM! But I'm curious as to where that waterfall might be...
Arepa Mia, you're one of my absolute favorites! Thanks for introducing me to such a delicious snack :)
AUM members: Thanks for the very encouraging comments on all of the great work that all of us plate for your enjoyment and discovery. You can easily taste the cultural pride, the passion and creativity that we all infuse as a first and last ingredient to each item we serve.
Michaela, thanks for this bright concept and especially a nice execution. The volunteers are most helpful too!
Julia, Kudos for taking it to the next level by sharing and allowing others to do the same.
I can't wait for the next AUM!
Cheikh
Teranga without borders
Teranga without borders will be serving a pop-up lunch this Saturday July 2nd at a new multi-use event facility that will host the opening of paintball events. View more @ http://www.dosserworks.com/. It is open to the public and lunch will be served from 11:30 on...Hibiscus juice, ginger juice, mini lamb sliders with sweet Hawaiian rolls, slow roasted leg of lamb meat, homemade tahini sauce and some other works!
Hope to see you there!
terangawithoutborders@gmail.com
is there an event between august 26 and sep 5?
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