DC’s lucky to have some great Southern food—and lots of fans. And we were lucky to be among 2,000 of them for the 32nd Annual Taste of the South. Organized by reps from the 13 Southern state societies, it's a celebration of the region’s cuisine and culture. Each society had its own space at the Washington Hilton to recreate home state favors, decor, and food. While many have items flown in, local restaurants get into the mix as well. Louisiana reps turned to Foggy Bottom's Bayou DC and Arlington's Bayou Bakery for authentic jambalaya—with sausage and chicken—and pralines, respectively.

For Georgia, it was all about the shrimp. Eventgoers flocked to far side of the ballroom to try Georgia-based Rich Product's shrimp scampi served atop parmesan grits with a tomato butter sauce from Eastern Market's Puddin' restaurant.

Known for its barbecue, particularly in Memphis, Tennessee didn't disappoint with pulled pork sliders from Gordon Biersch, baked beans, and riblets with a Jack Daniel's BBQ sauce (pictured) from Blackfinn. Chattanooga Bakery's Moon Pies and Goo Goo clusters poured out of nearby wooden crates for those with a sweet tooth.