Art & Dining: Amelia’s Favorite Pastimes

Submitted by

Donna Paz-Kaufman

In addition to enjoying Amelia Island for its natural beauty, residents and visitors alike discover that the island is filled with talented artists, delightful bed and breakfast inns, and a variety of dining options. Memphis resident Joy Bateman, author of “The Art of Dining” series, saw potential for a new book in her series when she first visited Amelia Island.

“When local resident Mark Kaufman was at a conference in New Orleans and discovered one of my books, ‘The Art of Dining in New Orleans,’ he contacted me through my website and suggested Amelia Island as a worthy addition to the series,” notes Bateman. With a love of the beach, the sun, and shrimp, Bateman took a break from her sales position with Memphis Magazine to assess the potential.

“What I quickly discovered was a charming, delightful culinary town with more restaurants and great food than I ever imagined,” explained Bateman.

With a background in writing and illustrating, Bateman’s first project celebrated her hometown with “The Art of Dining in Memphis.” Spotlighting that city’s eclectic array of restaurants – from dry rub barbeque to fine dining – she began by observing the setting, the food, and the people, then captured that same spirit in artistic renderings. Later, she paired the artwork with recipes provided by the owners to create a two-page spread for each restaurant featured in the book. While visiting Amelia Island, Bateman savored her experiences visiting venues such as T Ray’s and LeClos, Baxter’s and Bar Zin – and points in between.  Bateman painted her way from one end of the island to the other, depicting shrimp boats and pirates, courtyards and front porches, plus numerous plates filled with culinary treasures carefully created by local restaurateurs.

“Perhaps because Amelia Island is so intimate, and unique, it has grown very dear to my heart,“ says Bateman. “The people make all the difference. Amelia Island has a community to be proud of – great cuisine and kind people. As a foodie and food writer, what more could one ask for?” The book she created as a result of her visit features choices for casual as well as fine dining, bed and breakfast inns, bakeries, and more.

“The Art of Dining on Amelia Island” will officially be released in mid-November when Bateman returns to Amelia Island for two celebrations. The Friends of the Library will sponsor a presentation and dinner at Slider’s Seaside Grill, one of the book’s featured restaurants, on Thursday, November 15 at 6 pm. The next night, Friday, November 16th, the Book Loft on Centre Street will sponsor a book release party, featuring food and wine from featured restaurants, from 5:30 to 8 pm. Bateman will be available to sign copies of her book at both events.

When friends and family receive a gift copy of “The Art of Dining on Amelia Island,” they’ll really look forward to visiting and taking in our culinary treasures.

Sidebar:

“The Art of Dining on Amelia Island”

Listen to Joy Bateman share her story of writing “The Art of Dining on Amelia Island,” an illustrated book that showcases our favorite island restaurants, when the Friends of the Library will host a dinner and author presentation at Slider’s Seaside Grill on Thursday, November 15th at 6 pm. Tickets are $30 each and may be purchased at the Fernandina Beach Library. Seating is limited.

On Friday, November 16th from 5:30 to 8 pm, the public is invited to a book release party at The Book Loft, 214 Centre Street. Come enjoy food from restaurants featured in the book and meet the author.

November 11, 2012 11:04 a.m.