Veterans Day is a time of reflection and remembrance. My father served as a foot soldier in World War II under George Patton’s 3rd US Infantry. He was awarded a Bronze Star but despised war.
Jim Sanders was a renowned Atlanta restauranteur and his Top ‘O Peachtree was my first introduction to fine dining in my home town. Sanders earned the title as Georgia’s “Father of French Wines,” and owned legendary wine shops in Atlanta.
The Menu at Jim Sanders Renowned Restaurant.Photo byDown South Today
Sanders, a bear of a man, was well-educated and a remarkable raconteur and teacher. I was fortunate to be one of his many students in his popular wine class, learning about the “Glory of the Grape.”
What Jim Sanders was most proud of was his service in the U.S. Army in WW II. After graduating from Emory, he volunteered and saw combat in the Pacific. He was wounded five times. After the war, Sanders traveled to France, bicycled the countryside, learned the language, French cooking and French wines.
His cookbook contains a special recipe that is appropriate for Veteran’s Day.