Marion-based chef and Alabama native, Scott Peacock, was featured in a story in Mosaic, the magazine for the Alabama Humanities Alliance. Titled, “The Many Layers of Marion, Biscuiting in the Black Belt with Scott Peacock”, the chef talks about the Biscuit Experience he offers at Marion’s Reverie.
The story opens with writer Emily Blejwas summarizing some major historical points in Marion, and their complex relationships to one another. Peacock says, these complexities drew him to Marion. “How all these things could take place in such a small spot in the world,” said Peacock.
Peacock recounted his first meeting Marion native, Ethel Watie, at one of Waite’s “transformational tea” events held in her front lawn. There the two forged a connection on food culture and traditions. This began a greater connection to Marion for Peacock, which led the chef to share Marion with others. “It’s a gift to be able to share something that fascinates you,” said Peacock. Adding, “I’m certain that much of all this is me trying to understand it myself.”
Biscuits were a culture connection point, the Southern classic serving as a launchpad for exploring different stories from different people, “It’s emblematic, and it’s infinitely complex.”
In fact, Peacock blends two specialty flours together for his biscuits. Utilizing heirloom wheat varieties, milled in traditional processes, this mixture allows Peacock to reflect on the past and present, making the Biscuit Experience a unique blend of culture and history.
“The act of cooking is very grounding, especially if you’re not having to rush,” said Peacock. “I find it to be a very connective experience and connecting.”
Peacock reflected how the act of cooking, taught him to be present, and that presence of mind has transformed the way he views his own upbringing in Hartford, Alabama, and the relationship he had with his Grandmaw Peacock. “When she was cooking was really the only time she wasn’t frazzled. She was calm and seemed connected to something bigger,” said Peacock, adding “She is a heroic figure to me now.”
Throughout the piece, photographs by Jennifer Causey document Peacock making a batch of biscuits. Featured prominently was a shot of downtown Marion on the corner of Washington and Jefferson Streets.
