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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.

DRAGON CON NAMES ITS 2021 ARTIST AND LITERARY GUESTS OF HONOR

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/26/21

Convention Retains Big Brothers Big Sisters as its Official 2021 Charity

 

Dragon Con, Atlanta’s internationally known pop culture, fantasy, sci-fi, and gaming convention, has named American fantasy artist William Stout and American fantasy and science fiction writer John Scalzi as its 2021 Artist and Literary Guests of Honor.

The convention also announced that Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta will remain the official charity for this year’s convention. BBBS had previously been announced as the 2020 charity partner, but no fundraising effort was made last year after the convention, responding to the pandemic, shifted to an all-virtual format.

Now in its 35th year, Dragon Con 2021 runs from Thursday, Sept. 2 to Monday, Sept. 6 with events and activities across five host hotels – Hyatt Regency Atlanta, Marriott Marquis, Hilton Atlanta, Westin Peachtree, and Sheraton Atlanta – and AmericasMart Buildings #1 and #2.

Since 2013, the convention has consistently raised more than $100,000 for each of its annual official charities, including a dollar-for-dollar match from the convention up to an additional $100,000.  Funds are raised through convention-based auctions, special merchandise sales, special events, and the convention match.

The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Nearly half a million children in Metro Atlanta live in communities with low or very low child well-being. The organization’s vital mission is to recruit volunteers to become mentors to children facing adversity, with a goal of matching each child with an adult who will ignite their full potential.

“Every kid is a bundle of potential, and we love Big Brothers Big Sisters because they help kids unlock that potential and find their right path. We’re proud to have them as our official charity this year,” said Rachel Reeves, convention co-chair.  “We are equally delighted to have William and John join us as our Guests of Honor this year. Their creative output has fascinated and entertained science fiction and fantasy fans for a generation, even longer.”

Beginning with its first convention in 1987, Dragon Con has recognized an author and an artist whose creative contributions to the realms of fantasy and science fiction are widely recognized as among the very best as Literary and Artist Guests of Honor. Both Stout and Scalzi will be recognized throughout the event for their contributions to their individual fields, and will be on hand to meet fans and participate in panels to provide insight into their success and love of fandom.

Stout is an artist of exceptional breadth, ranging from fantasy-oriented comics, graphic novels, magazines, and movie posters – as well as the longest running Dragon Con logo – early in his career to production design work for 30 feature films, including Buck Rogers in the 25th Century and two Conan films. In the 1980s, he created a ground-breaking reconstruction of dinosaurs leading to a book and six-year travelling paleoart exhibit that served as an acknowledged influence on Michael Crichton’s book Jurassic Park, while also working on the creation of theme park attractions for Walt Disney and Universal Studios as well as rock band ZZ Top’s Recycler tour. In the late 1990s, William dedicated himself to explaining the complex beauty of Antarctica through art, leading to a traveling exhibit, an award-winning book, and ongoing work as a natural history muralist. For more information, see www.williamstout.com.

Scalzi, a multiple Hugo Award winning science fiction novelist best known for his Old Man’s War series of novels and his popular Whatever blog. In addition to 23 novels and novellas, he has written short fiction, non-fiction books, and columns on diverse topics such as finance, video games, films, astronomy, writing, and politics, and served as a creative consultant for the TV series Stargate Universe. His total output has garnered a score of awards, including a 2020 Dragon Award for Best Science Fiction novel for The Last Emperox. Scalzi served as president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America from 2010 to 2013. At 2020’s Dragon Con Goes Virtual, he was one of the most popular guests, leading fan discussions, bringing fans (virtually) into his kitchen to make burritos, and spinning tunes overnight with his deejay skills.  For more information about Scalzi, visit whatever.scalzi.com.

About Dragon Con

Dragon Con is the internationally known pop culture convention held each Labor Day Weekend (Sept. 2 -Sept. 6, 2021) in Atlanta. Organized for fans, Dragon Con features more than 3,500 hours of comics, film, television, costuming, art, music, and gaming over four days. For more information, please visit www.dragoncon.org and follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

THE FANDEMIC DEAD WALKS INTO ATLANTA SEPTEMBER 17-19

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/26/21

Comic-Con Brings “The Walking Dead” Celebrities, Cosplayers and Fans
Together for a Weekend of Excitement
WHAT:
Fandemic Dead
WHEN:
Friday, Sept. 17 through Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021

WHERE:
Georgia World Congress Center Building A
285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW
Atlanta, GA 30313

TICKETS:
Three-day General Admission Passes, as well as individual day passes, are currently for sale here. Fans can also purchase VIP Admission, Autograph and Photo Op tickets.

Making its debut this September, the Fandemic Dead tour is bringing “The Walking Dead” to life where it all began in downtown Atlanta. Produced by former CEO of Wizard World, John Macaluso, Fandemic Dead is a three-day event where fans will have the opportunity to meet their favorite celebrity cast members, producers, cosplayers, and artists, as well as learn more about pop culture as a whole. With more than 20 notable names and faces already announced on the weekend roster, Fandemic Dead is a fan dream for more reasons than just the lineup.

“Atlanta is the birthplace of ‘The Walking Dead’ series, so it only feels right to experience this here. I can’t wait to gather all of the cast members, creators and fans together in such a meaningful place,” said Macaluso, Fandemic Tour CEO. “Following Dragon Con, we’re excited to be one of the first, larger, in-person events back on the books for Atlanta. We can already feel the support especially from diehard fans who have already helped spread the word about our convention.”

After 11 seasons, four spinoff series and the announcement of a spin-off film, Fandemic Dead will bring current and former cast members of “The Walking Dead” back together for Q&A sessions, photo ops, autographs, and discussion panels to give fans an exclusive insight into “The Walking Dead” Universe. See the full list of already-announced celebrities attending Fandemic Dead below.

Norman Reedus
The Walking Dead, Boondock Saints  

Jeffrey Dean Morgan
The Walking Dead, Super Natural

Steven Yeun
The Walking Dead, Voltron

Michael Rooker
The Walking Dead, Guardians of the Galaxy

Tom Payne
The Walking Dead, Fear of the Walking Dead

Melissa McBride
The Walking Dead, The Mist

Michael Cudlitz
The Walking Dead, Southland

David Morrissey
The Walking Dead, Doctor Who

Bruce Campbell
Evil Dead

Jon Bernthal
The Walking Dead, Punisher

Chandler Riggs
The Walking Dead, A Million Little Things

Cooper Andrews
The Walking Dead, Halt and Catch Fire

Cassady McClincy
The Walking Dead, Ozark

Nadia Hilker
The Walking Dead, Allegiant 

Ryan Hurst
The Walking Dead, Sons of Anarchy

Sean Patrick Flanery
Boondock Saints, Saw

David Della Rocco 
Boondock Saints

Greg Nicotero
The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead

…and more to be announced.

Tickets for Fandemic Dead vary in price. See below for more details.

General Admission tickets are available at the following price points:
$40 — Friday Pass (Hours 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.)
$60 — Saturday Pass (Hours 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
$50 — Sunday Pass (Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)
$86 — Full Weekend Pass (admission for all three days)

Fandemic Fanatic VIP — $175 — (3-day pass, early admission, fast pass for photo ops/autographs (behind Celebrity VIP passholders), swag bag and VIP reserve seating at panels).

Fandemic Dead is also accepting volunteers, ages 18 and over, to assist with the convention. Applicants must be able to work a minimum of two shifts on two different days, one of which must be Saturday. Volunteers will not be paid but will be able to enjoy the show before and after their shifts and receive exclusive fan merchandise. For more information, please view the Volunteers section of the website.

Tucker Brewing Company

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

As you walk into the sprawling beer garden, the light wind blows through the boxes of flowers and greenery that dot the grounds. All around large umbrellas shade the large and long picnic tables where customers sip on flight of beer and a large pretzel hangs in the middle. One of Tucker Brewing’s biggest draws is its beautiful beer garden where you can watch live music on the large stage or just hang out with your friends. Beyond the beer garden, German-inspired eats like crunchy crispy sauerkraut bites, giant hot pretzel, gooey baked goat cheese and jam, fantastic dopple angus cheeseburger, and a classic, crunchy Pork Schnitzel, as well as perfectly paired lagers, pilsners, and more. Let’s check that out.

Starting out as a brewery, Tucker has a ton of tasty beer options, so we began with a flight to taste several of them! We got the TKR Pilsner, Georgia Red Lager, The Irishman, and the Roaring Twenties Radler. Always a favorite, the Radler was the favorite with its refreshing lemon forward and tart taste that mellows on the back. Of the others, the TKR Pilsner is a good balance of hops and crispness. The Georgia Red is heartily malted up front with a slightly hop on the back of the taste for balance. Finally, The Irishman is a good dry stout with a toasty, smokiness in the same breath. All of them are super drinkable and good! Beyond the flight, we also tried The Export, a stronger Pilsner with the same elements as the TKR Pilsner, but with a little deeper color and flavor, as well as Tucker Lager, which was John’s favorite that was light and drinkable.

Tucker’s German-inspired beer pairs so perfectly with their bites. We opted for the Crispy Sauerkraut Bites, Giant Hot Pretzel Pretzel, and the Baked Goat Cheese and Jam. Starting with John’s favorite, the Giant Hot Pretzel. Perfectly presented hanging with a cauldron of tart and creamy beer cheese on the side, this one is unbelievably soft with a buttery and salty crust. Dip away in the mentioned beer cheese that adds creaminess and sharpness to the soft bread. Salty, buttery, sharp makes a great pretzel that is one of the customer favorites.

Speaking of cheese, we cannot speak highly enough about the Baked Goat Cheese and Jam. It is warm and gooey stuffed with tart and tangy strawberry rhubarb jam that is paired with earthy, rich, and creamy goat cheese. Being tart, sweet, rich, tangy, and creamy, pile it up on the bread around it for best bite.  With how good that appetizer was, Liz’s favorite was still the Crispy Sauerkraut Bites. Noticeably crunchy outside gives way to a rich creaminess that explodes in your mouth with the tart and crunch of sauerkraut and saltiness and heartiness of the ham. It’s a smorgasbord of flavors that are made even better when you dip it in the tangy, horseradish-forward sauce! Get your own set, you won’t want to share.

Staying in the German-themed food vein, we had to try the Pork Schnitzel. This fun take on a classic is crunchy with a myriad of seasoning and flavor on the outside, while tender and juicy inside. It is atop an authentic German potato salad that’s full of tender red potatoes and tender cooked cabbage. This German treat is earthy, crunchy, and hearty just perfection! Then, came that cheeseburger. Floored. That’s the word I used to describe what I thought of the Dopple Angus Cheeseburger. Recommended by our wonderful server, she was spot on in recommending this thing of beauty. It’s smoky and meaty and a total hot mess, JUST like we like it. It’s one-part gooey egg and bright, tangy sauce that just may run down your arm with a smothering of cheese, perfectly seasoned and juicy burger, then on the other hand oh-so crunchy with pickles and bacon. How can you say no to that? The French fries that accompany it are hearty and salty. This burger is just perfect, it doesn’t need any condiments or anything else!

Stuffed and happy is how we left Tucker Brewing. The atmosphere was just so great, and it’s been rewarded a they’re #4 in USA Today’s Top Beer Gardens, so go for a beer, a bite, and to watch live music!

BACK TO SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE PRESENTED BY THE PINKY COLE FOUNDATION AND THE BANDO PROJECT

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

Through August 27th

Event in Jonesboro on Saturday, July 24th

The Pinky Cole Foundation – the 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded by Pinky Cole, the founder and CEO of Slutty Vegan ATL and Bar Vegan – is teaming up with The Bando Project to host Back to School, a drive supplying around 400 middle and high school students in Atlanta with school supplies.

 

Through Friday August 27, the foundation will be accepting school supply donations from the public, including new book bags, headphones, folders, binders, notebooks, pencils, crayons, pens, highlighters, erasers, index cards, loose leaf paper, dividers, USB drives, lunch boxes, water bottles and masks, at the Jonesboro (164 N McDonough St) and Edgewood (476 Edgewood Ave SE) Slutty Vegan locations. $10 VIP cash donations will also be accepted through The Pinky Cole Foundation website here with proceeds donated directly to The Bando Project. 

 

On Saturday, July 24, Jonesboro Middle School (1308 Arnold Street) will serve as a pickup location for school supplies, from 2-5pm or until they run out, for any middle or high school students who come by. The event will also include a parents vs. kids football game hosted by the Clayton Trojans Youth Football Organization and activities for the whole family, like community games, slides and live music from a DJ.

The second event, including a school supply giveaway while supplies last, will be on August 29 from noon to 4pm at Slutty Vegan’s Edgewood location (476 Edgewood Ave SE). Mobil Beauty Boutique will be on-site offering complimentary back-to-school haircuts for boys and hairstyles for girls. 

 

“Since Slutty Vegan is lucky enough to have a strong following, we are using our platform to do good for our community,” says Cole. “We strongly believe that prioritizing education is a building block for eventual independence and liberation.”

 

The Pinky Cole Foundation strives to empower generations of color to win financially in life and in the pursuit of their entrepreneurial dreams while building generational wealth in the Black community. The organization’s entrepreneurship and financial literacy-focused education initiatives specifically target teens and young adults ages 13 to 22 in the U.S. 

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.

RED’S BEER GARDEN HOSTS PAWS ATLANTA DOG ADOPTION EVENT

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

Give a Pup a New Home, Enjoy Craft Brews, Hot Dogs, Bites and Much More for a Great Cause 
 
Saturday, July 24th, 2021 From 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Looking for the paw-fect weekend plan? Bring friends, family, and pups to celebrate finding four-legged friends a forever home at Red’s Beer Garden on Saturday, July 24th, 2021 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.  Located in Benteen Park between Grant Park and East Atlanta, the charity event will contribute 10% of all proceeds to PAWS Atlanta, a no-kill shelter that provides love, care and basic training to enrich the lives of orphaned dogs and cats until permanent, safe homes can be provided.  Guests can explore more than 300 beverages including craft beer, wine, ciders, hard seltzers and brews on tap that are handpicked by owner and beer expert Kristen Sumpter.  There are also plenty of tasty offerings, from hot dogs and sandwiches to sharable snacks.  Pups can also indulge in treats from the Four-Legged Foodie food truck. For more information, call Red’s Beer Garden at 770 637-2299 or visit redsbeergarden.com. Red’s Beer Garden is conveniently located in Benteen  Park at 1328 Boulevard SE Atlanta, GA 30315. Stay connected on Instagram @redsbeergarden and Facebook at  www.facebook.com/redsbeergarden.

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

ATLANTA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL 2021

ATLANTA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL RETURNS IN ITS TRUEST FORM
CELEBRATING SOUTHERN CULINARY TRADITIONS AND

BENEFITING TWO GREAT CAUSES
Tasting Tent Tickets on Sale NOW!

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (AFWF) returns to Historic Fourth Ward Park this year with its beloved Tasting Tents on Saturday, September 11 and Sunday, September 12. Honoring the rich tradition of Southern sustenance, attendees can savor the flavors of the South’s favorite chefs and mixologists as well as wine pop-up stations, a cocktail garden, live music, and an interactive food and beverage pairing area. A percent of proceeds from this year’s curated dinners, lunches and brunches supports local charities.

“We’re happy to be back, doing what we love, which is creating and executing first class events for our consumers, chefs and partners,” says Brett Friedman, Partner & CEO of Agency 21, which owns and operates Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. “This year especially, we are looking forward to showcasing creative cuisine with talented chefs from all 13 Southern states, as a tribute to returning to normalcy.”

After a pandemic pause, when the festival commenced in a virtual capacity, attendees can once again connect live and in-person in the Tasting Tents to indulge in the South’s finest flavors, featuring the up- and-coming as well as some favorite destinations and memorable brands.  New this year, the Tasting Tents will have a curated Yelp Atlanta spotlight section featuring a variety of their favorite local Atlanta spots.

In 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 hunger relief agencies. In addition, AFWF will also be supporting Children of Conservation, with proceeds dedicated to the conservation of endangered species through education, habitat preservation and wildlife sanctuary.

In 2019, Agency 21 acquired the 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. The AF&WF will stay true to its origins, offering a celebration of the South.

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival prides itself on having an extensive weekend of programming and events where guests can eat, drink and explore the South’s rich culinary traditions from the best talent in the Southeast. Tasting Tent tickets are now on sale with early bird pricing available until July 23. The festival’s lineup of intimate dinners, lunches and brunches taking place from September 9 through September 12 will be announced in the coming weeks.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.atlfoodandwinefestival.com.