Preserving the Culinary Treasures of the South: Glenn Roberts Honored at Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival

The Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival is set to honor a true champion of Southern culinary traditions, Glenn Roberts, founder of Anson Mills in Charleston, South Carolina. Roberts will receive the prestigious Frank Stitt Award for Industry Excellence, recognizing his significant contributions to celebrating, preserving, and enhancing the region's rich gastronomic heritage.

Celebrating the Culinary Custodians of the South

Preserving the Legacy of Southern Foodways

Southerners have long held their food customs in the highest regard, passing down cherished recipes and gathering for cherished Sunday dinners. It is this deep-rooted reverence for culinary traditions that has inspired the Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival to recognize individuals who have made a lasting impact on the region's gastronomic landscape. Glenn Roberts, the founder of Anson Mills, stands as a shining example of this commitment to preserving and elevating the flavors of the South.

Rematriating Lost Culinary Treasures

Roberts' journey with Anson Mills began in 1998, driven by a mission to revive the lost foods of the 18th and 19th century South. His efforts have led to the resurgence of Carolina Gold rice, a variety of African long-grain rice that once flourished in South Carolina. Today, Anson Mills offers a diverse array of prized wholesale and retail products, including native coarse blue corn grits, cornmeal, polenta, wheat and rye flours, oats, Sea Island red peas, and benne seeds.

Culinary Research and Innovation

Anson Mills' impact extends beyond the restoration of heirloom crops. The company's Culinary Research Lab provides invaluable support to pastry chefs, bakers, brewers, and distillers, helping them to harness the unique properties and flavors of these rediscovered ingredients. This collaborative approach not only enriches the culinary experiences of the region but also strengthens the connection between the community and its agricultural roots.

Honoring a Culinary Anthropologist

Frank Stitt, a renowned chef and restaurateur, has high praise for Glenn Roberts and his work at Anson Mills. Stitt describes Roberts as a "culinary anthropologist" who seeks out remote valleys where old-fashioned farmers have been preserving seeds for generations, and then works tirelessly to grow sufficient seed stock to bring these endangered varieties back from the brink of extinction. This dedication to unearthing and reviving the South's culinary heritage has earned Roberts numerous accolades, including the USA Artisan of the Year and National Pathfinder Award, as well as his role as a founder of the Carolina Gold Rice Foundation.

Strengthening Community Connections

Cathy Sloss Jones, the CEO/President of Sloss Real Estate and the Board President of the Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival, lauds Glenn Roberts' commitment to preserving the South's culinary heritage and supporting sustainable farming practices. She emphasizes the profound impact of Roberts' work, which not only enriches the culinary experiences of the region but also strengthens the community's connection to its agricultural roots. In the state of Alabama, where a rich history of farming endures, the festival remains dedicated to supporting sustainable practices that honor and continue this legacy.

Celebrating the Honoree at the Birmingham Museum of Art

The Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival will host a special reception on September 19th at the Birmingham Museum of Art to honor Glenn Roberts and his remarkable contributions to the culinary world. The event will feature passed bites crafted by acclaimed local and regional chefs, as well as signature drinks and wines curated by Thomas Price, Alabama's only master sommelier. This celebration of Roberts' legacy will undoubtedly be a highlight of the festival, which has already established itself as a premier destination for food enthusiasts, drawing visitors from 18 states in its inaugural year.

A Diverse Lineup of Culinary Experiences

In addition to the Frank Stitt Award presentation, the 2024 Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival will offer a diverse lineup of events and experiences for attendees. These include the FOOD+Heritage dinner, which will celebrate Birmingham's Greek food roots and flavors, and Southern Living's FOOD+Fire, a tasting event that pays tribute to the South's beloved barbecue and live-fire cooking traditions. The FOOD+Friends Dinner Series will also return, featuring surprise pop-up menus from guest chefs in participating restaurants across the city.With Glenn Roberts' recognition as the 2024 Frank Stitt Award recipient, the Birmingham FOOD+Culture Festival solidifies its commitment to honoring the custodians of Southern culinary heritage and inspiring a deeper appreciation for the region's rich gastronomic legacy. As the festival continues to grow and evolve, it promises to be a must-attend event for food lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, celebrating the flavors and traditions that make the South a truly unique and captivating culinary destination.