BETSY CLAY

Shugart & Spice

Betsy Clay Silverfork

Contributor Q&A

What currently fills your days and can you tell us a little bit about your journey to get there?
My day starts early - I generally workout at 5:30am because it's the most quiet time of day around our house & I can run all the stop signs to get there on time (kidding!). I have 2 boys - ages 6 & 3 - that fill the day with fun & chaos. Once they are out the door to school, my day job as the Sales Director for a luxury jewelry company, Penny Preville, gets going. After sitting at the computer or traveling for work, I love to round out each day with a 20 minute Peleton ride, home cooked meal, time with my family, followed by loungewear & a Yogi bedtime tea while I finalize content for my Instagram account, Shugart & Spice. True story - my middle name is Shugart (pronounced, SUGAR), so it's only fitting I was born to love food & cooking!


Who or where do you look for inspiration?
I love cooking & have tons of family recipes I love to make & reinvent - often with the goal of a healthier version. I also love a good old fashioned cookbook to get inspiration or guidance on what or how to cook something. Oh & Instagram provides so many fun ideas for cooking - it's a culinary rabbit hole that can be hard to get out of!


Where will you be on your next day off?
If in Atlanta - working out at Fit 9 or Stellar Bodies into the Remede Spa @ The St. Regis into a late lunch/dinner at Houston's with the spinach dip trio (of course!) & the thai steak & noodle salad. If we're not in Atlanta we're on the white sand beaches of the Gulf taking in turquoise waters, ice cold beer & lots of local seafood!


What is Atlanta’s food scene missing?
Atlanta's dining scene has certainly become more & more robust in the 11 years that I have lived here. I would love to see more off the beaten path, hole-in-the-wall restaurants that have both charm & amazing food. Think of all the quaint little dining spots in NYC that make it unique, special & interesting - more of those little culinary hideaways down here.


What elements do you look for in a great dining experience?
SO many things to consider when dining out! If it's just adults, I want to be able to grab a cocktail (martini, extra dirty, blue cheese olives) at a beautiful bar before we are seated. The ambiance & acoustics are super important - I love the buzz of a crowded restaurant but I also like a little space between tables so you're not on top of your neighbor. I also want to conversate & laugh without yelling! If we're dining out with kids - anywhere that will tolerate our circus! Usually somewhere casual, with simple foods for the kids & an element of entertainment for them (game machines, popsicles for dessert or chips & cheese dip)!


Last meal?
Cobb salad with red wine vinaigrette @ Howell's on Howell Mill. My favorite hearty (but healthy) salad!

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Silverfork Club is a culinary platform that offers editorial opinions, a restaurant review aggregator and color from proven insiders on how to find the best experiences in the city. Our focus is on cutting through the clutter to deliver an uncomplicated and objective experience for those who enjoy eating and living well.