KD Finds: Dinner Down South

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival kicks off today, showcasing the best talent and food and beverage traditions of the Southern region. With Southern eats popping up on menus across the country and cities like New Orleans, Louisiana, and Charleston, South Carolina, becoming foodie destinations, the Southern food frenzy has evolved into a bona fide culinary movement.

We love classic Southern staples like fried chicken and biscuits, but we're also excited about how chefs are taking Southern cuisine to the next level. From the revival and use of period-authentic ingredients in dishes to the fusion of international flavors with Southern flair, we can't get enough of all things South. Check out the slideshow above for our favorite Southern finds.