This Black History Month, I sit down with my friend Tie Whittaker, owner of Buttermilk Boutique. A professional pastry chef with over 13 years of experience, Tie blends her Southern roots and culinary expertise to create stunning pastries and elevated Afternoon Tea experiences that are redefining hospitality in North Carolina.

Afternoon Tea may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Southern food, but Tie is transforming it into a space for nostalgia, storytelling, and exquisite flavors. Inspired by her grandmother Angel, whose baking was legendary in her community, Tie has turned family recipes into works of edible art, bridging the gap between heritage and innovation.

In this episode, we explore her journey from political science to pastry, how Afternoon Tea is more than just an event—it’s an immersive experience that celebrates culture and connection—and what it takes to build a brand that blends luxury with legacy.

As a Black woman in pastry, Tie has carved her own path in an industry that hasn’t always made space for chefs like her. Now, she’s not just making room at the table—she’s setting it with elegance and intention.

This is episode 300 of Eating at a Meeting! After five year and 300 episodes, one thing is clear—food and beverage are never just about what’s on the plate. They’re about safety, inclusion, transparency, and creating experiences where everyone feels valued.

For this milestone episode, I’m bringing back some of the most insightful and impactful guests to unpack the biggest lessons we’ve learned about making food and beverages safer, more accessible, and more sustainable.

Join me and Tess Vismale, Erin Malawar, Ewan Phillips, Suzanne Morrel, and Laurel J. Francoeur as we dive into:

✅ The biggest event F&B challenges we still need to fix
✅ Why transparency in ingredients, labeling, and service matters more than ever
✅ What event planners and venues must do to create safer dining experiences
✅ How food allergies, accessibility, and ADA compliance are evolving
✅ What’s next for the future of food and beverage

After 300 conversations, what have we learned? And where do we go from here?

If you’re an event planner, hospitality professional, or food service provider, this episode is packed with expert insights and actionable takeaways to help you serve food and beverage that truly works for everyone.

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour wasn’t just a cultural phenomenon—it was also a showcase of unforgettable food and beverage experiences. For the last three U.S. stops and her grand finale in Vancouver, Sodexo Live! delivered the perfect menu to celebrate the end of an era, crafting mocktails and drinks as iconic as the music itself.

This week, Tracy is thrilled to welcome Sam Stewart, Senior Director, Beverage Alcohol for Sodexo Live!, to talk about the magic behind those drinks and what event planners can learn from their success. From the themed beverages that struck the right chord with Swifties to the innovative strategies that turned mocktails into must-have menu items, this episode will be packed with insights.

Sam will share:
🍹 How Sodexo Live! brought Taylor’s vision to life with mocktails at the final tour stops
🍹 Creative ways to use themed drinks to enhance the attendee experience
🍹 Tips for balancing inclusivity, innovation, and style in your event menus
🍹 Why mocktails are a key ingredient for modern event success

Whether planning a corporate gala, a concert, or a small gathering, these lessons will help you create beverage menus that captivate and delight you and your attendees.

🎧 Tune in to discover how Sodexo Live! turned Taylor’s finale into a beverage experience worth remembering—and how you can do the same for your events!