PRESS RELEASE: The Food Section and Bear's Books challenge Macon food enthusiasts to Stir the Pot in an epic contest of Southern food book knowledge

Macon, Georgia--Two of Macon’s women-owned businesses have teamed up to sponsor Stir the Pot, a Battle of the Books-style competition for readers interested in the history, culture, and significance of Southern food and drink. Teams of four will be tasked with reading six titles selected by The Food Section as examples of outstanding food writing, with all books available for purchase from Bear’s Books.

In June, participants will compete in a series of Quiz Bowl-like contests held at bars and restaurants around town, giving them a chance to show off their recall and command of all things Southern food.

“No food lasts forever, but we can continue to savor great writing on the topic,” said Hanna Raskin, founder of The Food Section. “We’re looking forward to doing just that collectively--and, admittedly, competitively.”

The six books on the required reading list are John Shelton Reed’s On Barbecue, Tommy Tomlinson’s The Elephant in the Room, Anela Malik’s American Soul, Monica Truong’s Bitter in the Mouth, Jacklyn Weldon White’s Whisper to the Black Candle, and Wayne Curtis’ And a Bottle of Rum.

Registration at thefoodsection.com/bookbattle is $10 per person, with proceeds supporting The Food Section’s independent food journalism from and about the American South. All adult readers are eligible for the program, and invited to register as a team or individually. The registration deadline is Friday, March 20.

The Food Section is an National Magazine Award-winning daily newsletter for readers who want to better understand the South and its people through food. Bear’s Books, owned by Margaret Harrington, is the city’s leading independent bookshop. The store is located at 835 Forsyth Street.

For more details on Stir the Pot, photos, or other supporting materials, email raskin@thefoodsection.com