ATLANTA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES STELLAR LINEUP OF CHEFS, MIXOLOGISTS FOR THE EVENT’S HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED RETURN SEPTEMBER 9-12

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/15/21

Tasting Tents to Feature New Live Culinary Demos, Barbecue Competition & 

Ultimate Sunday Tailgate

Festival Discounts Tasting Tent Tickets For First Responders

Celebrating the rich culinary traditions of the South, the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (AFWF) is thrilled to announce its stellar lineup of chefs and mixologists, along with new programming this year. Tickets are on sale now for both tasting tents and the intimate dinner series, taking place between Thursday, September 9 and Sunday, September 12. 

The festival’s highly anticipated Tasting Tents will return to Historic Fourth Ward Park on Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12, and feature wine pop-up stations, a cocktail garden, live music and an interactive food and beverage pairing area. For the first time in the event’s decade-long history, revelers can experience the soon-to-be announced live learning experiences presented by Publix in the form as culinary demos as part of the signature Tasting Tents. Culinary Demos will feature a mix of visiting Southern and local Atlanta culinary personalities who will be educating and entertaining guests during the two days. 

To kick off festival weekend, AFWF will be hosting its first-ever barbecue battle competition, where some of the top Georgia hotspots will compete for the title of “best barbecue bite” on Saturday. On Sunday, guests can enjoy the ultimate tailgate party surrounding the big game pitting Atlanta versus Philadelphia. Guests can enjoy a bevy of offerings including elevated football bites prepared by the likes of Top Chef alum John Tesar (Knife), Bruce Kalman (SoulBelly BBQ), Alex Seidel (Mercantile), Giorgio Rapicavoli (Luca Osteria) alongside pit master all-stars Leonard Botello (Truth BBQ), Burt Bakman (Slab BBQ) and more! Throughout the weekend, the Tasting Tents will host a curated Yelp Atlanta spotlight section featuring a variety of their favorite local spots.

AFWF takes pride on its extensive weekend of programming and events where guests can eat, drink and explore the South’s best talent. Intimate live and in-person culinary experiences include a festival collaboration dinner with Lazy Betty’s Ron Hsu and Aaron Phillips, A Taste of España dinner at John Castellucci’s Cooks & Soldiers, Sunday Supper at Deborah VanTrece’s Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, Southern Revival Brunch at The Woodall with Chef John C. Metz, Italian Sunday feast at Colletta Atlanta, The Ultimate Omakase experience at O-Ku Atlanta, curated dinner at 5Church with Chef Mark Alba and — back by popular demand – South Main Kitchen’s Taste of NoLa dinner with live musical entertainment! 

Atlanta has embraced this amazing event for more than 10 years,” says Brett Friedman, Partner and CEO of Agency 21, which owns and operates Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. “Even during the pandemic when we could only operate at a limited capacity, the city’s talented chefs remained vigilant in their support for us. We’re so grateful to be back and to focus the attention where it always belongs, on the people throughout the hospitality industry.” 

Continuing with last year’s commitment to give back to the restaurants that helped build this incredible event, a percentage of proceeds will support two local charities. AFWF will be supporting Children of Conservation, with proceeds dedicated to the conservation of endangered species through education, habitat preservation and wildlife sanctuary. In an effort to curb hunger and reduce food waste in the Metro Atlanta area, AFWF will be partnering with Second Helpings Atlanta to collect fresh, surplus food from each of AFWF’s activations to donate to local hunger relief agencies. 

In an effort to honor their dedication and drive throughout the pandemic, AFWF will offer 50% off tickets to Tasting Tents for Sunday to frontline workers. In order to redeem the discount, email a21events@squadup.com with proof of profession to be sent a private discount code.

In 2019, Agency 21 acquired AFWF with the intention of making last year’s 10th anniversary celebration the best yet. The pandemic changed everything, but not the spirit of Southern hospitality. AFWF will stay true to its origins, offering a celebration of the South.

Tasting Tent tickets are on sale now. General Admission One Day Passes are $150 with VIP tickets priced at $250. General Admission Weekend Passes are $275 with VIP priced at $450. Prices will increase on August 13. 

For more details and to purchase tickets, visit www.atlfoodandwinefestival.com.Interviews and photography are available upon request. If you are interested in covering/attending this year’s festival, please apply here.

ATLANTA HARD SELTZER FESTIVAL 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/30/21

Guardian Works

Saturday, August 21 at 1 pm

Atlanta Beer Festivals and Spiral Entertainment are co-hosting the 1st annual Atlanta Hard Seltzer Fest to be held on Saturday, August 21st from 1-5pm at Guardian Works. There will be a variety of hard seltzers as well as a selection of wine, beer, mimosas, and ready-to-drink cocktails to choose from. Come out to hear live music performed by Davis and the Love as well as DJ Q-Tip spinning the dance tunes. Food will be available for purchase and the beverage list will be added to the website soon! Tickets are now on sale: $45 in advance, $50 after August 12th, $60 at the door. More details and the link to tickets can be found at our event website: https://spiralentertainment.com/atlanta-hard-seltzer-festival/

ATLANTA WINE WALK 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/30/21

Atlanta Wine Walk

The Battery Atlanta

Saturday, Aug. 21st

VIP 3pm & GA 4 pm

Hosted by Sports & Social, Chateau Ste. Michelle presents the Atlanta Wine Walk benefitting The Braves Foundation. Guests and VIPs will enjoy wine and food pairings, a souvenir glass, live entertainment, shopping and more as they uncork and unwind! Tickets are $60 for general admission and $80 for VIP. VIP includes exclusive pouring stations and food vouchers on top of the wine tastings. To register for the event, guests can visit axs.com.

ATLANTA DOGWOOD FESTIVAL VIP EXPERIENCE INCLUDING PEACHFEST 2021!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/21/21

The 85th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival is excited to introduce new concepts for the VIP Experience, including a version of Georgia’s popular Peachfest. These ticketed culinary events are held throughout the weekend overlooking the Coca-Cola Main Stage. Guests will be treated to fabulous food from local chefs plus wine, beer and cocktail tastings throughout the weekend. Each event is an all-inclusive culinary experience with private restrooms and a great view of the stage. Limited tickets and reserved tables with umbrellas are available. All Tickets here.

All VIP Experience tickets include $5 General Admission Donation to the Atlanta Dogwood Festival.

Friday, August 6

4:30pm – 8:30pm
TICKETS: $65.00

At Friday night’s Baja Fish Tacos & Argentine BBQ event, the fighting spirit of the restaurant industry is celebrated as guests enjoy endless Corona and Modelo beer paired with sustainable fish tacos and an Argentine-style BBQ. Tickets are $65 and include select cocktails featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbon and red and white wines from two of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions, Ribera del Duero and Rueda.

Saturday, August 7

4:30pm – 8:30pm
TICKETS: $75.00

Beauty & the Beasts is an experience filled with locally raised beef and heritage pork alongside sustainable seafood dishes like ceviche and poke. Tickets are $75 and include the chance to vote on Buffalo Trace’s “Best of the Batched” bartender competition sporting a summer-time, cocktail-crushing theme. Guests will enjoy craft beers and wine pairings from two of Spain’s most prestigious wine regions, Ribera del Duero and Rueda. A not-to-be-missed event.

Sunday, August 8 – PEACHFEST

1:30pm – 5:30pm
TICKETS: $75.00

This 2021 version of Peachfest is an epic peach event for foodies appreciating local farmers and chefs who support community-based agriculture. Tickets to this year’s smaller adaptation of the successful event are $75 and include a menu of local plants and proteins paired with the state’s signature fruit: the Georgia peach. Guests will enjoy peaches and meats grilled over all-natural charcoal from Royal Oak, plant-based bites and sweet nibbles from a handful of the South’s notable tastemakers. Barkeeps will create hand-made, all-mighty peach cocktails featuring Buffalo Trace Bourbon, while wine professionals spotlight Spanish red and white wines of Ribera del Duero and Rueda. If you love peaches, this event is for you.

INAUGURAL BROOKHAVEN RESTAURANT WEEK, 8/2-8/8

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/21/21

More than 15 Brookhaven restaurants offering prix fixe meals, August 2 – 8.

The inaugural Brookhaven Restaurant Week, featuring 15+ local restaurants, will take place August 2 – 8, 2021.

Brookhaven features an amazing lineup of locally owned, chef-driven restaurants ready to dish up mouth-watering culinary experiences during Brookhaven Restaurant Week.

Participating Brookhaven restaurants will offer a special three-course dinner menu from $20 – $55 and many also offer three-course lunches for $15 – $30 (beverage, tax and gratuity not included). This weeklong event is the perfect time for guests to try a new spot or visit an old favorite.

“We are excited for the inaugural Brookhaven Restaurant Week,” said Renee Areng, Executive Director of Explore Brookhaven. “This is a great opportunity for visitors, as well as residents, to get out and support our fabulous, locally-owned restaurants as they continue on the road to recovery.”

The Brookhaven Restaurant Week participating restaurants currently include:

Arnette’s Chop Shop, Dixie Q, Haven Restaurant and Bar, HobNob Neighborhood Tavern, Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub, Lucky’s Burger & Brew, Marlow’s Tavern, Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub, Petite Violette, Pour. Kitchen + Bar, Pure Taqueria, Red Pepper Taqueria, Secreto Southern Kitchen, There, a Bar & Eatery, Urban Wok, and Valenza.

Reservations at restaurants are recommended. Browse the most up-to-date list of participating restaurants, menus and pricing at:  https://www.explorebrookhaven.com/restaurant-week/

Brookhaven Restaurant Week is produced by Flavors Magazine.

Enjoy other foodie events in Brookhaven like the Brookhaven Farmers Market  happening Saturdays 9 AM – 12 PM, March – November, and Taste Brookhaven on August 14, 2021.

For more information on where to dine, shop, stay, and discover in Brookhaven visit www.explorebrookhaven.com

HAAGEN-DAZS DAY BENEFITING BERT’S BIG ADVENTURE ON JULY 23RD

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/14/21

Haagen-Dazs Day

Friday, July 23rd

On Friday, July 23rd, participating Haagen-Dazs shops in Atlanta will donate 50% of sales to Bert’s Big Adventure. Bert’s Big Adventures is a nonprofit organization that provides all-expenses-paid, five-day adventures for children with chronic and terminal illnesses and their families to Walt Disney World. Participating Haagen-Dazs shops include Lenox Square, Perimeter Mall, Town Center at Cobb, Mall of Georgia, North Point Mall, Cumberland Mall, and Cumberland Festival Shopping Center. For additional details, please visit bertsbigadventure.org. 

RED’S BEER GARDEN HOSTS INAUGURAL HOT DOG EATING COMPETITION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/20/21

Supporting the Autistic Self Advocacy Network and Featuring Arches Brewery, Delicious Eats and More 

Saturday, July 3, 2021 at 2 p.m.  

For anyone who thrives off the nail biting experience of friendly competition, Red’s Beer Garden is teaming up with Atlanta’s own Arches Brewing to present the ultimate, local hot dog eating extravaganza during Independence Day weekend. The inaugural event is set to release the dogs at Red’s Beer Garden in Benteen Park on Saturday, July 3rd at 2 p.m.  Revelers, competitors, and their four-legged friends are invited to hang out in the newly expanded beer garden and sip on Arches Brewing craft beer.  Patrons are not only invited to embrace the aroma of Fripper’s hot dogs during the spectator-friendly competition, but can enjoy Red’s diverse selection of signature hot dog offerings, sandwiches, snacks, beverages and more.

Donating 10% of proceeds to the Autistic Self Advocacy, the opportunity to have fun in the sun for a great cause cannot be missed.  With Beer Bitch Podcast’s Caroline King as the Master of Ceremonies, the first place winner receives a $100 cash prize and the esteemed hot dog crown, the second place winner receives a $50 cash prize—both acquiring Arches Brewery beer and swag. With ten participation spots available, interested parties can register on Wednesday, June 23rd at 6 p.m. at www.redsbeergarden.com.  The entry fee is $25 for ages 21 and up.

THE DAILY DRAFT ALL STAR WEEK 1ST ANNIVERSARY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/6/21

ALL STAR WEEK LINEUP
The Daily Draft first-anniversary celebration is here, and we want to give you an exclusive preview of the action…

 

Mayweather vs. Paul Live Exhibition

Sunday, June 6th:
Join us to watch retired champ Floyd Mayweather get back in the ring to take on Youtube sensation Logan Paul. The fight begins at 8 pm- get here early to claim your seat!

 

Burger and Brews
Monday, June 7th:
Get a first look at Terrapin’s June flight of-the-month (5-9 pm)
Win a pair of Braves Tickets
$12 Burger + Brew special all day long


Trivia and Tequila
Tuesday, June 8th:
Enjoy tastings by CaliFino Tequila (5-9 pm)
Tap into your inner geek at Trivia Night
Win a CaliFino prize package, including a bottle of handcrafted tequila

 

Wing Challenge Round 1

Wednesday, June 9th:
Sponsored by Dry County Brewing Co.
Enter the spice challenge at 7 pm to win a FREE pint (brewery onsite 5-9 pm)
Wednesday Wing Challenge winner will go head-to-head against kickboxing pro and MMA fighter Warren Thompson in Round 2 on Saturday, June 12th at 2 pm
Win awesome Dry County swag!


Georgia Tech Night
Thursday, June 10th:
Meet-and-greet with Georgia Tech football All-Star MVP, Joe Hamilton (6 pm)
Kids eat FREE from 5-9 pm (with purchase of an adult entree)
One lucky customer will win a $50 gift card to Dick’s Sporting Good

 

FAN FRIDAY

Friday, June 11th:
Cheer on your favorite teams to victory with a brew in hand!
Scofflaw Brewing Co. will be onsite for tastings from 5-9 pm
Win a Scofflaw Brewing Co. signature hammock


Challenger Saturday
Saturday, June 12th:
Check out our home run derby at Noon for a chance to win a Daily Draft gift card.
Watch our Spice Challenge Round 1 winner go head-to-head against Warren Thompson to be named the 1st Dry County Brewery Wing Challenge Champion and win an exclusive VIP brewery tour and Dry County merch! at 2 pm
Show your strength in our Steiner Challenge and win a Dry County Swag Bag and Daily Draft gift card at 3pm
Aiden Turner will be making a celebrity appearance from 3-5 pm- pop in for your chance to meet a TV star!
Grab a bite and a brew on your way to Woodstock’s Summer Concert Series (or check out our hot dog cart at the concert for some mid-show munchies!)

 

MVP DAY

ft. All-Star Appearances & Grand Prize Giveaway
Sunday, June 13th:
New Realm Brewery will be onsite for tastings 6-8 pm
Join us on our final day of celebration as Coleman Rudolph makes an all-star appearance at 3 pm
Take your shot at the Grand Prize Giveaway, with prizes raffled off all day long!

FIREPIT PIZZA TAVERN HOSTS 3RD ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/2/21

Sunday, June 6, 2021 Beginning at 6 p.m. 
Firepit Pizza Tavern, a neighborhood staple located in the heart of Grant Park, is celebrating its 3rd anniversary on Sunday, June 6th beginning at 6 p.m.  Owned by Leslie Cohen, celebrity chef and winner of Food Network’s  “Cutthroat Kitchen”, and with acclaimed Executive Chef Shaun Whitmer at the helm of the kitchen, all ages are welcome to experience their Young, Wild & Three lively block party that includes an all-you-can eat buffet, cold brews courtesy of Wild Heaven Beer, music, free swag, and more beginning at 6 p.m.  Wristbands will be available to purchase for $20 upon arrival.

6TH ANNUAL FOOD-O-RAMA HEADS TO PIEDMONT PARK

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/1/21

Featuring More Than 50 Food Trucks, Cocktails, Live Music, Arts and Crafts and More 
Saturday, June 12, 2021 From 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.  
Atlanta Creative Events has done it again. On June 12, 2021, festival lovers can indulge in the 6th annual Food-O-Rama Festival. Descending upon picturesque Piedmont Park on June 12, 2021, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m., the annual food truck festival will host an array of savory and sweet offerings from all over the Southeast.  In addition to more than 50 food trucks, the festival will also showcase caterers, pop-up chefs, craft cocktails, local arts and crafts, live music, and more.  The festival is open to all ages and free to attend.  Guests ages 21 and up that would like to imbibe can purchase a wristband for $6.  A percentage of proceeds will go to The Street Food Coalition that gives grants to food truck owners facing medical emergencies and provides an up-to-date list of online databases, forums, and third-party service providers that assist with growing businesses.  For more information, visit www.facebook.com/Foodormamaevents or www.atlantacreativeevents.com.