Louisville’s chef Annie Pettry of Decca was one of more than 60 women named to the first ever all-female advisory council at The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, which will be held May 31 through June 3.
“I am humbled and honored to have been selected for the Council and look forward to representing Louisville and collaborating with this great group of talented women,” said Pettry in a press release. “I am excited to highlight not only what we do at Decca, but in the rich culinary community of the south.”
Other chefs from around the south include Deb Paquette in Nashville; Asha Gomez in Atlanta; Kelly Fields in New Orleans; Michelle Weaver in Charleston; and Ouita Michael in Lexington. Also from Louisville, Stacie Stewart – beverage director for Milkwood and the soon-to-open Whiskey Dry – will be on the advisory council as well.
“This industry has been fueled by a lot of women for a long time,” she said, “and I’m very proud to represent my city and my organization with such an impressive group of key players in my field.”
According to a press release, the festival organizers stated that they had sought a female-lead council to assist with pushing the Southern food narrative deeper in order to continue showcasing the evolution of the region’s culinary diversity. They added that this includes featuring the many women who play an important role in Southern food and drink, yet are not equally represented in the industry.
The Atlanta Food & Wine festival brings over 10,000 people together from all over the South and country to attend classes and three days of tasting tents. The festival proudly acknowledges that over one-third of the three days is programming, allowing chefs and beverage professionals to bring more than just tastings to attendees.
Photograph of Chef Pettry above by Sarah Babcock
