Habersham County’s Glen-Ella Springs Inn has made it onto the list of “100 Plates Locals Love” in Georgia’s official 2016 State Culinary Guide.
Now in it’s second year, the guide is published by the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Tourism division.
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 featuring local favorite dishes from across the state.
Glen-Ella’s rack of New Zealand lamb made the cut. One fan commented, “The New Zealand rack of lamb is fantastic! Combined with the scenic ambiance of this historic inn, it’s the ultimate in romance and elegant dining.” —Jeanne B.
Hofer’s Bakery and Café in Helen is also on the list. The restaurant’s biscuits and bratwurst gravy dish is marked as a “must-try” dish by culinary expert Jennifer Hill Booker. It features Nuremberg-style bratwursts cooked into a creamy gravy and poured over hot buttermilk biscuits.
Yum!
Hungry for culinary experiences
“Culinary tourism has been on the rise over the last few years as consumers are looking for unique food and beverage experiences while traveling,” says Deputy Commissioner for Tourism GDEoD Kevin Langston, . “Georgia offers visitors unique culinary experiences in every corner of the state making it easy for visitors and locals to taste the many flavors of Georgia with locally grown products, award-winning local chefs, notable food festivals and much more.”
In 2012, it was estimated that tourism expenditures on food services in the U.S. topped $201 billion, nearly a quarter of all travel income.
Other local dishes that made the cut
The 2016 Culinary Guide features dishes from all over Georgia. Here are some other local restaurants whose dishes are named on this year’s “100 Plates Locals Love” list:
- Wild Chanterelle Filled Ravioli with Wild Mushroom Sauce, Beechwood Inn, Clayton.
- Gorgonzola Shrimp Linguine, Back Porch Oyster Bar, Dahlonega.
- Fried Shrimp Po Boy, Atlanta Highway Seafood Market, Gainesville.
- Crispy Portobello Mushrooms, The Chophouse, Hiawassee.
- Two Lump Crab Cakes, Fleur-de-Lis, Braselton.
- Cuban Sandwich, Coco’s Cuban Restaurant, Cumming.
- Roast Beef Sandwich, Market 50, Hartwell.
- New York Strip Sandwich on Homemade Bread, Commerce Sports Bar and Grill, Commerce.
- Pecan Caramel Pie, 211 Main Street Restaurant, Lavonia.
Click here for an online version of the Georgia Eats culinary guide.
Published copies of the guide are available at the state’s 12 Visitor Information Centers and can be ordered online through the state’s consumer tourism website ExploreGeorgia.org.
