What’s Cooking? With Natalie and Drew French

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What’s Cooking? With Natalie and Drew French

Name:  Drew and Natalie French
Family: Daughters Anna (5) and Scarlett (3)
Hometown: Alpharetta, Ga.
Current Town:  Athens, Ga.
What Years at UGA: 2001-2005
School/Degree: Drew- Marketing, Terry College of Business ; Natalie- Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Environmental Sciences; Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine
Profession: Co-Founders Your Pie Franchising

Five ingredients always in your pantry:

1. Everything But the Bagel Seasoning from Trader Joes
2. Homegrown canned Roma tomatoes from Natalie’s Parents
3. A high quality (3 or 4 leaf) balsamic vinegar
4. Extra virgin olive oil
5. Garlic

Five Ingredients always in your Fridge:

1. Cheese … all the cheese
2. Eggs
3. Your Pie Ranch Dressing
4. Prosecco
5. Strawberries (our girls love strawberries!)

Favorite local seasonal produce right now and why?

Georgia Peaches- it is the start of peach season here in Georgia and the unofficial start of summer! Peaches are such a versatile fruit. You can use them in a salsa, a delicious dessert, on a savory pizza and of course freshly picked from a Georgia peach tree!

If you had to choose one last meal, what would it be and why?

Spaghetti and Meatballs made by Natalie’s 92-year-old Italian Great Aunt, Francesca.

What is your “Signature Dish?”

“The Nat” pizza: Pizza Dough, Basil Pesto Sauce, Shredded 50/50 Mozzarella and Provolone, Feta cheese, Sundried Tomatoes, Spinach, Cooked Chicken Breast

How did you get into the culinary business?

I began cooking in late middle school when my parents were working late to provide a good meal for my family. I majored in marketing at UGA knowing I wanted to be in the restaurant business, but needed the marketing expertise to help promote my culinary efforts.

What do you wish you had known going into the culinary business?

Don’t try to overcomplicate food. The best food is when individual ingredients are allowed to shine.

If you could take over an Instagram account for the day, who’s would it be and why?

Airstream- because our family would be on an adventure somewhere.

If you could ask one person or brand to take over YOUR Instagram account, who would it be? Why?

Kirby Smart- he knows what it takes to win at the highest level.​

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Cheri Leavy is a connector, cheerleader and marketing consultant for fellow entrepreneurs. Constantly on the lookout for the newest talent in the South, Cheri has a passion for helping entrepreneurs create and share their brand storytelling through her endeavors - The Southern Coterie • guide2athens • Bulldawg Illustrated