Episode 26

It all began with a message through Instagram from Wright Thompson. At the time, we had no idea he was a renowned writer and producer of TrueSouth on ESPN. To us, he was simply a guy who reached out asking if he could visit our farm. Naturally, we were happy to oblige.

When Wright came out to tour the farm, it didn’t take long to realize he was our kind of people. Low-key, friendly, and genuinely interested in our story, Wright made an impression on us immediately. We enjoyed showing him around, sharing our journey, and talking about our datil peppers. At the end of the visit, he mentioned he’d love to have us on a show he was involved with. Little did we know that the show was TrueSouth, and just how perfectly we fit into its concept.

Fast forward nearly two years, and Wright returned to the farm. This time, he brought along TrueSouth host and James Beard Award-winning chef, John T. Edge. Having them both visit was an incredible honor, and the day they spent with us was nothing short of extraordinary.

Scott was tasked with cooking for Wright and John T. Cooking for someone who is a James Beard winner would be daunting for anyone, but Scott stepped up with his famous Perlow. He used St. Johns River shrimp that he and Troy had caught, combined with sausage to create a dish steeped in local flavor. The guys seemed to enjoy it, even going back for seconds, which was the highest compliment Scott could have received.

We spent hours visiting, sharing stories, and discussing our motivations, our love for datil peppers, and our place within the local community. During the day, Troy also shared the fascinating story of how his great-grandfather had helped to map the Ocklawaha River. The very map his great-grandfather created was featured in the episode, adding a deeply personal and historical layer to the show.

It wasn’t just a day of filming; it was a day of connection, laughter, and shared passion for the South’s rich food traditions and unique culture. To say it was a great day is an understatement. Being part of the TrueSouth story has been a humbling and unforgettable experience, and we’re excited to share this journey with all of you.

Thank you TrueSouth for helping us

Save The Datil!