ATLANTA — Nearly 30 years have passed since the Clean Show, formally known as the World Educational Congress for Laundering and Drycleaning, set its stage here at the Georgia World Congress Center in April 1987.
Then, the show was held in what is now the A building of the Congress Center, which has a total exhibit space of 340,000 square feet, according to show organizer Riddle & Associates.
Sponsors for the 1987 show included the Coin Laundry Association; the Institute of Industrial Launderers (which became the Uniform & Textile Services Association after Clean 1993, then merging with Textile Rental Services Association after Clean 2009); International Fabricare Institute (now the Drycleaning & Laundry Institute); the National Association of Institutional Linen Management (now the Association for Linen Management), Textile Care Allied Trades Association and Textile Rental Services Association of America.
After more than two decades and numerous changes—both from within the textile care industry and with the city of Atlanta itself—the Clean Show is making its return here April 16-19.
As part of its efforts in re-familiarizing the industry with the city, Riddle & Associates, in conjunction with the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB), held a two-day media familiarity tour here in early November.
This was my first time venturing into Atlanta. The tour itself not only provided a small sample of the Southern hospitality attendees can come to expect, but also a sneak peek of what’s in store for Clean 2015.
SERVING UP COMFORT
The media tour was packed with plenty to see, and trekking between one point of interest to the next can easily build up an appetite.
Thankfully, the ACVB presented a few unique local eateries suitable for hungry hounds and foodies (like yours truly).
TWO Urban Licks
A 15-minute cab ride from the Congress Center will lead visitors to TWO Urban Licks.
Situated on the Eastside BeltLine Trail, and housed in a restored warehouse, TWO Urban Licks serves up a fusion of both traditional dishes and unique eats, like salmon chips, lobster tostada and the addictive pimento cheese hush puppies.
Visitors will have plenty to feast on—both on their plates (as portions can be generous) and in the restaurant’s overall atmosphere.
The dimly lit ambiance provides a truly intimate setting, while live blues music plays amid the hustle and bustle of the restaurant’s open kitchen, which is centrally located, allowing diners to feast their eyes on their meal before it arrives at their table.
Glenn’s Kitchen
Set in a modern, upscale dining room, Glenn’s Kitchen is just minutes away from the Congress Center.
Despite its posh atmosphere, its lunch menu provides accessible favorites, like grass-fed beef hamburgers, short rib sandwiches and daily tacos.
Prosciutto-wrapped Georgia trout, sautéed sea scallops or Scottish salmon give those with a more refined palate even more options, while its warm bourbon bread pudding and spread of various truffles can easily satisfy those with a sweet tooth.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Call for a cab and venture roughly two miles northeast from the Congress Center and you’ll find true Southern comfort food at Mary Mac’s Tea Room.
Considered an Atlanta institution by many, Mary Mac’s has been serving locals and visitors stick-to-your-ribs favorites, like pan fried cube steak, meatloaf, chicken potpie and chicken fried chicken with white pepper gravy, which also come with side dishes like dumplings, collard greens, cheese grits and macaroni and cheese.
A true Mary Mac’s experience would be incomplete without Georgia peach cobbler for dessert, which is served nice and warm, and can be ordered with ice cream on top.
ADios Café
Before departing, I had the pleasure of venturing into the Castleberry Hill neighborhood of Atlanta, which is just a short drive from the Congress Center.
Nestled in this artsy neighborhood is ADios Café, a lively, eclectic breakfast restaurant, connected to an existing restaurant, No Mas! Hacienda & Cantina.
Adios Café dishes out Mexican-inspired breakfast platters, like quesadilla de huevos, blue corn hotcakes and “The ADios,” which features a chorizo potato pancake topped with two eggs and salsa verde served on a bed of black beans and avocado slices.
The restaurant is adorned with various art pieces from artists in Mexico, and also features a gift shop, which carries crafts and various wares from south of the border.
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY
Though it’s been years since the Clean Show made a visit to the city, Atlanta is packed with plenty to experience—from its various historical landmarks, to newly built attractions, and to the diverse mix of local eateries, sure to fill the appetites of attendees walking the sprawling exhibit floor.
Navigating the city’s hilly landscape can be daunting, but public transport through the Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA), and the newly built Atlanta Streetcar provide visitors with an accessible way to travel.
For those visiting the city for the first time, don’t fret, as, according to the ACVB—and speaking from first-hand experience—visitors are more than likely to be greeted with a “helping ‘How ya’ll doing’ hospitality.”
Missed Part 1 of this story? You can read it now HERE.
Have a question or comment? E-mail our editor Bruce Beggs at [email protected].