TrueSouth Season 1 Episode 2 TrueSouth: Athens

TrueSouth is a travelogue and food show about the diverse cultures and cuisine of the Southern United States, hosted and produced by John T. Edge, noted food historian and director of the Southern Foodways Alliance. The season 1 episode 2, named TrueSouth: Athens takes us on a journey to Athens, a small college town in Georgia that is famous for its lively music scene, vibrant arts community, and delicious food.

The episode begins with John T. Edge exploring the town's numerous avenues that are influenced by R.E.M. - the American rock band that was formed in Athens. He interviews Peter Buck, guitarist and founding member of R.E.M., to get his insight into the town’s music legacy. Buck shows us an old Victorian mansion, which currently houses the famous music venue called the '40 Watt Club,' and shares some anecdotes about the R.E.M's early years.

After that, Edge shifts his focus to the food culture of Athens and meets Mimi Maumus - the owner of 'Mimi Maumus, Mother's Son,' a newly opened vegan restaurant in town. Maumus walks Edge through her restaurant's menu and explains how they focus on using locally sourced and organic ingredients to prepare vegan dishes that are not only healthy but also delicious.

Edge then heads to 'The National,' Athens's first farm-to-table restaurant, owned by the talented chef, Peter Dale. Dale, who grew up in Athens, wanted to create a dining experience that celebrated the local farmers, artisans, and ingredients that make up Athens's food culture. He introduces Edge to some of his signature dishes - 'grilled chicken liver pate' and 'slow-cooked pork shoulder.'

Next up, Edge meets Lisa Donovan, a pastry chef who has recently opened 'The Pasty Shoppe.' Donovan's specialty is making beautiful and tasty desserts that are often inspired by her southern upbringing. She explains that she believes in using ingredients that not only tastes good but also carries a story with them. She prepares for Edge her raspberry mousse cake infused with Chamomile tea and topped with homemade marshmallow.

The episode also features some other notable Athens hotspots like 'Trappeze Pub,' a gastropub famous for its extensive beer collection and pub-grub food. Edge meets the owner Eric Johnson, who walks him through some of their best dishes, including a delicious 'Banh Mi sandwich' and 'pork belly steam buns.'

Last but not least, Edge visits an Athens institution – 'Weaver D's,' a small but iconic soul food restaurant. Dexter Weaver Sr. started the restaurant more than three decades ago, and since then, it has become famous for its “Automatic for the People” motto. Weaver's passion for serving soul food with love and care is evident in the way he interacts with his customers, whom he treats like family. He serves Edge some of his popular dishes like “Barbecue chicken and Brunswick stew,” and "Pork chops and rice."

In conclusion, the Athens episode of TrueSouth takes us on a fantastic journey, showcasing the town's unique blend of music, culture, and cuisine. The episode is a testament to John T. Edge's brilliance in storytelling, as he captures the essence of Athens's charming character through the lens of its music and food scene. It is a great watch for anyone looking to explore Southern culture and its diverse cuisine.