This Friday, the Georgia Chapter of the March of Dimes will hold its annual Dining Out fundraiser, with more than 40 restaurants providing a three-course meal with wine pairings for a table of 10 people.
Since the event began 27 years ago, the March of Dimes has raised about $1.4 million to support its mission to help prevent birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution asked Steve Alterman, owner of Horseradish Grill, to talk about the restaurant's commitment to the charity that's been around since 1938.
Q: Horseradish Grill has been participating for the past decade. Why is this an important mission for your restaurant?
A: One of our corporate goals is to be an exemplary part of our community, and we believe that includes helping out where we can. Whether it be through donations or volunteer work, we are always trying our best to help those in need.
Q: For many people, this annual event offers an opportunity to try out a restaurant they’ve been wanting to visit. Can you give us a sneak peak of what diners can expect Friday night?
A: Diners can expect a dining experience in which they can not only enjoy the best of what our region's cuisine can offer but also be treated with sincere and attentive service and an atmosphere where our guests feel like they are always welcome as a guest in our home.
Q: What impact do you think Southern dining will have on the rest of the country in the next few years?
A: Southern cuisine in itself has already made more of an impact on the country’s cuisine than people might think. It is the oldest of American cuisines, with influences from African, Spanish and Native American cultures, to name a few. When we opened 17 years ago, we pioneered what people now call “farm to table” here in Atlanta. Our guests have really caught on to our philosophy that “what grows together, goes together.” I think chefs in other areas of the country are learning that each region can offer its own unique cuisine, and they can take advantage of that by buying the freshest local ingredients and best products available.
To host a table at this year's event, visit www.marchofdimes.com/georgia or contact Liz Taussig at etaussig@marchofdimes.com or 404-720-5308.
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