Kevin Mitchell and David S. Shields, co-authors of Taste the State Georgia, featured on Good Day Atlanta

September 17, 2025 | by uscpress

Chef Kevin Mitchell and culinary historian David S. Shields discuss their new book, Taste the State Georgia, on Good Day Atlanta.

Shields explains that Georgia was the first state to define local food in 1913 when the Chamber of Commerce invited every county and hotel in Georgia to serve a menu based exclusively on local ingredients. In Taste the State Georgia, Mitchell and Shields trace the rich cultural history of Georgia’s signature foods and present 65 food profiles (of foods like catfish, country ham, pimento cheese, and possum and taters), historical illustrations, and vintage menus.

During the segment, Mitchell prepares Fried Okra Fingers, one of his 14 original recipes included in the book.

Watch the Good Day Atlanta news clip. Video length (9 minutes 26 seconds).