A dish called “Whole Nine” at Thompson Brothers BBQ in Smyrna was recently listed in the 2016 state culinary guide called Georgia Eats, as one of 10-must-try menu items.
The Georgia Department of Economic Development’s Tourism division released the 2016 state culinary guide, Georgia Eats recently, according to an article by Smyrna-Vinings Patch.
“Georgia Tourism’s second annual culinary guide features the popular “100 Plates Locals Love,” 10 flavor tours, inspiring feature stories, exclusive recipes from local chefs, popular food festivals and much more,” the article reads. “The ‘Whole Nine’ was listed as one of 10 must-try items by writer Jennifer Hill Booker. ‘Order the sampler featuring hickory wood–smoked chopped brisket, spare ribs, beef sausage, and bologna (yes, bologna),’” she wrote according to Patch.
It’s estimated that tourism expenditures on food services in the U.S. topped $201 billion. According to the University of Florida report: “A Flash of Culinary Tourism,” 39 million U.S. leisure travelers chose their vacation destination based on culinary options.
“Georgia Tourism created “100 Plates Locals Love” as a way to provide visitors with locally sourced suggestions, the same way we would recommend restaurants to our family and friends,” the article reads. “Chefs and restaurants across the state have access to Georgia’s rich and flavorful bounty, enticing them to create unique dishes that showcase local produce and products.”
Nearly 600 “plates” were nominated via ExploreGeorgia.org. The nominations were collected in November 2015 and evaluated by a panel of judges, who selected the 2nd annual list of “100 Plates Locals Love” featuring local favorite dishes from across the state. The Georgia Eats culinary guide is available at the state’s 12 Visitor Information Centers across the state and on the state’s consumer tourism website ExploreGeorgia.org.
The second annual Georgia Restaurant Week is July 18-24 at participating restaurants throughout Georgia. Patrons will be able to explore numerous dining options throughout Georgia for a special price and sample locally grown products.