Page 40 - Cityview_May_June_2014

around town

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COnVERSATIOnS

with angelique medow

Sam Beall

Proprietor of Blackberry Farm,
commissary of connectedness,

devotee of sustainable living—and
dedicated husband and father of five.

S
a m B e a l l (pronounced “bell”) was born in the foothills of the Smokies— have actually never seen one! however,
and after college, culinary school, and work in the Napa Valley, he returned to his my thoughts would be that they are great

family’s own Blackberry farm, just 25 minutes from Knoxville, to live, work, and as they have influenced Americans (in
raise his children with his wife, Mary Celeste. An award-winning Relais & Chateaux some cases) to be interested in cooking

property—the brainchild of Sam’s parents, Kreis and Sandy—continues to expand, and and dining beyond fast food again.
today, in addition to the inn, includes a restaurant, a residential living community, a

working farm and hunting grounds, tennis courts, a spa and wellness center, and an AM: You recently published a new
event center. here, Angelique Medow and Beall discuss priorities in a busy life, eating cookbook entitled The Foothills Cuisine

well—and share a blush on the Blackberry farm experience.
of Blackberry Farm: Recipes and Wisdom
from our Artisans, Chefs, and Smoky

Mountain Ancestors. What inspired you
to write the new book?
AnGELIqUE MEDOW: how would you in fact, Kelly Clarkson had her wedding

describe a day in the life of Sam Beall?
here last fall, as did Pistol Annies’ Ashley
SB: There was so much more story to tell, Monroe (who married Chicago White

particularly about the process and arti- SAM BEALL: Same priorities every day: Sox pitcher John Danks). how has
sans that make this place tick, as well as family, health, work. With five kids going Blackberry adapted from the early days

diving deeper into some of the old ways in different directions and a business of a six-room, country inn to becoming
of our South, before they are forgotten.
driven by guests’ agendas, I stay flexible. the high-profile inn of the stars?

Somewhere in there, I make time for
AM: food and family are inseparably some physical activity, five days a week. SB: We have just stayed the course.

intertwined. What is the key to making I also maintain a list of weekly meetings guests appreciate and enjoy the genuine
an intimate family dinner that everyone with my team: senior leadership, food qualities of our character.

will enjoy?
and beverage, special events, marketing,
brewery/distillery, development, and AM: What do you think about food shows
SB:
getting the family involved in menu- farmstead meetings.
such as Emeril Live or Iron Chef America
planning, harvesting product from the or even Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives?
AM:
garden, chopping, mixing, plating, and Politicians, movies stars, and top
beverage selection.
musicians are at Blackberry all the time—
SB: I certainly know of these shows, but

38 cityviewmag.com may june 2014