The Bartow History Museum is honored to welcome Anne Stiles Quatrano, one of the South’s most celebrated chefs, for a special evening lecture. This event will also serve as the opening reception for the museum’s newest temporary exhibit, Essential Ingredients: The Joy of the Cookbook, on Thursday, September 25, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Quatrano – the visionary behind Bacchanalia, Star Provisions, and W.H. Stiles Fish Camp – has shaped Atlanta’s culinary landscape for more than three decades. Known for her steadfast commitment to locally sourced ingredients, she was among the first chefs in the region to champion sustainable, farm-driven cuisine. Her restaurants continue to set the standard for excellence: Bacchanalia was recently awarded both a Michelin Star and a Michelin Green Star, the latter recognizing a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable gastronomy. A graduate of the University of Vermont and the California Culinary Academy, Quatrano refined her skills in fine dining establishments from San Francisco to New York before putting down roots in Georgia. Much of the produce featured in her restaurants comes from Summerland Farm in Cartersville, which she operates with her husband and business partner, Clifford Harrison. Together, they raise vegetables, fruits, nuts, chickens, and horses – reinforcing her deep connection to the land and its harvest.
In addition to her culinary achievements, Quatrano is a passionate advocate for the food community. She has served on the Boards of Georgia Organics, Women Chefs and Restaurateurs, and the James Beard Foundation, where she also chaired the Awards Committee and co-founded Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice. During the evening, guests will enjoy: A lecture by Anne Quatrano reflecting on her culinary journey and the evolution of Georgia’s dining and farming culture A reception featuring chef-prepared snacks, thoughtfully curated for the occasion Door prizes, including copies of her cookbook, Summerland: Recipes for Celebrating with Southern Hospitality An exclusive first look at the museum’s newest exhibit, Essential Ingredients: The Joy of the Cookbook This special event celebrates not only the opening of a new exhibit but also the enduring legacy of a chef who continues to shape the story of Southern food.
