Tag Archive for: atlanta

FOOD THAT ROCKS 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/8/22

Food That Rocks Returns August 19-20 to Celebrate Local Restaurants at City
Green in City Springs, Presented by Taste of Atlanta
Popular event includes bites and bevs, chef demos, and live music creating unique tasting experiences with local flavor

Food That Rocks, a tasting event celebrating the diverse and vibrant restaurant scene in Sandy Springs, celebrates its seventh year. Food That Rocks returns on August 19-20 with food, wine, beer and cocktails from more than 20 local participating restaurants. Food That Rocks is hosting three sessions for guests 21-and-up to taste and sip from top-rated Sandy Springs restaurants. Food That Rocks includes chef cooking demonstrations during the day and live music at night for entertainment.


FOOD THAT ROCKS SESSION DATES AND TIMES
SESSION ONE FRIDAY, AUGUST 19 7-10 PM
SESSION TWO SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 12-3 PM
SESSION THREE SATURDAY, AUGUST 20 7-10 PM


Tickets for Food That Rocks are all-inclusive, providing unlimited bites and beverages. Tickets can be purchased beginning July 18, 2022, at https://foodthatrocks.org/. Tickets are $85 per
person per session. Tickets are $100 per person when purchased at the event. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended. Ticket sales at the gate are subject to availability.

“Food That Rocks in Sandy Springs was created to bring together community and entertainment for a cause. For our seventh year, we are reimagining this tasting event with multiple sessions over two days. Food That Rocks is providing three smaller, intimate tastings to expand options for our guests and restaurants. We believe our seventh year hosting Food That Rocks will have a great turnout. This year we are offering multiple sessions with unlimited bites, beverages and entertainment for our guests,” said Dale DeSena, the event creator and founder of Taste of Atlanta.

Foodies and drink enthusiasts are invited to taste and sip all Sandy Springs dining offers. The outdoor event will be held in City Springs located at 1 Galambos Way in Sandy Springs. Food
That Rocks is a rain or shine event. No refunds. No exchanges.

FOOD THAT ROCKS HIGHLIGHTS
• Three, three-hour-long sessions over two days
• An all-inclusive ticket to taste and sip from top-rated Sandy Springs
restaurants
• Signature bites from Sandy Springs’ top chefs and cooks
• Refreshing beer, wine and cocktails to satisfy your thirst
• Watch local chefs cook and serve your favorite bites at cooking demos during the day and
rock on to live music at night
• Support your community and learn more about getting involved in the restaurant
industry with Culinary Job Bank


PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
• Battle & Brew
• Breadwinner Café and Bakery
• Buttermilk Sky Pie
• Casi Cielo
• Chef Rob’s Caribbean Café
• City Bar
• City BBQ
• Clean Juice
• Colonial Kitchen & Bar
• Flower Child
• Flying Biscuit
• The General Muir
• Hearth Pizza Tavern
• Henri’s
• il Giallo
• Kid Cashew
• La Parrilla
• McDaniel’s QN2
• Nam Kitchen
• Nothing Bundt Cakes
• Nowak’s
• Southern Bistro
• The Select
• Thos. O’Reilly’s Public House
• Three Sisters
• Tre Vele
• Tupelo Honey
• Under the Cork Tree
*Check Food That Rocks’ website often for additional restaurants.


Each restaurant is bringing a “taste” of its delicious foods prepared by top Sandy Springs chefs. Every session will allow eventgoers to vote for the “Best Taste” award and deem that
Chef’s bite as the greatest. Attendees will get a taste of many musical genres from GlowBand and The Geek Squad Band’s performances showcasing the 60s, Motown, Jazz, Hip Hop and
even today’s Top 40 hits.

“Food is a powerful tool in creating strong cities. It brings people together, and a thriving hospitality industry contributes to the overall economic health of a community. Food That Rocks has added significantly to our efforts to elevate our dining scene while creating an entertaining event fun for the community,” said Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul.


In partnership with Visit Sandy Springs and the City of Sandy Springs, Food That Rocks is for 21-and-up only and is presented by Taste of Atlanta. You must have a photo ID to enter. Food
That Rocks is also sponsored by Your Atlanta Area BMW Centers and Emory Saint Joseph’s Hospital.


Rideshare is preferred. Drop off and pick up are located at Johnson Ferry Road and Blue Stone Road. Parking is limited. If available, deck parking is $10. Please be safe. Do not drink and
drive. For more information, visit www.FoodThatRocks.org. Pets, chairs, umbrellas, outside food or beverages, coolers, drugs, weapons, fireworks, and glass are prohibited.

THE CLASSIC CENTER TO HOST BALLOONIVERSITY EVENT IN ATHENS GA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/29/22

Free event is open to the public for the first time ever, inviting the guests to view the one-of-a-kind balloon displays and help raise money for charity

Sunday, August 14 2-5pm

 

The Classic Center is proud to host Ballooniversity®, an industry convention created by burton + BURTON® for balloon and floral professionals; and for the first time, burton + BURTON® is inviting the public to view the one-of-a-kind balloon display at their 40th anniversary Ballooniversity® event on Sunday, August 14, from 2–5 p.m. An out-of-this-world exhibit with more than 100,000 balloons will be on display in the Grand Hall at The Classic Center during the Balloon Showcase which will also include live entertainers that children of all ages will love.

Admission to the Balloon Showcase is FREE. Donations are appreciated and will benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of Athens and Extra Special People (ESP). 100% of all donations will go directly to these charities. burton + BURTON will make a charitable contribution to both organizations and deliver balloon art to their local headquarters.

Each Ballooniversity® features an exciting theme, and for 2022, that theme is “The Future Is Ours”–a celebration of space and exploration. Balloon designers from around the world will create space-themed balloon art, from planets to rocket ships to aliens.

To reserve a time to visit, go to ClassicCenter.com/BalloonShowcase.

BULLY BOY CELEBRATES NATIONAL OYSTER DAY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/29/22

Friday, August 5th

National Oyster Day is on Friday, August 5th and oyster lovers are invited to enjoy a shucking good time at Bully Boy. In addition to menu favorites, Boss Gibson oysters and Devil’s Bandit oysters, Chef Dung will be serving three special offerings in honor the occasion. For $15, guests can also explore the Chef’s Oyster Plate featuring three oysters, each with its own topping including Hokkaido Bafun uni, ikura, and caviar. Bully Boy’s full dinner menu and its expansive list of sake, wine, beer and signature cocktails will also be available. For more information or to make a reservation, visit, www.bullyboyatl.com, or call 678-904-5607. Located just off the Atlanta BeltLine at 828 Ralph McGill Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30306, Bully Boy is open for dinner at 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday

404 FESTIVAL TO CELEBRATE ALL THINGS ATLANTA, AUGUST 13TH AT PULLMAN YARDS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/21/22

Artists Announced Include Big Boi, Travis Porter, $2 Fabo, Rickey Retro, Hedonistas, and more
A 12 hour celebration of Atlanta Featuring Atlanta-based Artists, Vendors, History, Fashion, Sports, and more
Produced by Atlanta Sport and Social Club 
Paying homage to a day Atlanta can truly claim as its own, Atlanta Sport and Social Club have announced the 404 Festival, an event dedicated to community inclusion, growth, and appreciation of the city of Atlanta, its unique culture, and all that comes with it. Taking place August 13, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Pullman Yards, 404 Fest- Atlanta’s first (and best) area code, will showcase Atlanta-based local and national acts, local artists, muralists, vendors, history, fashion, sports, and of course- the music!
Stretching across the Pullman Yards grounds and featuring distinctly A-Town acts, the 404 Fest lineup includes Big Boi from Outkast, Travis Porter, $2 Fabo, Ricky Retro, Hedonistas, and more. In addition to supporting local businesses, this family-friendly event will showcase Georgia-based brands, restaurants, and purveyors of fine beverages in its Artisan and Chef markets, which are found throughout the venue- indoors and out.
General Admission is on sale now for $60, before fees. Couples GA tickets with access for two are on sale for $110, before fees. General Admission entry gives access the all live performances, food from local restaurants, including vegan and gluten-free options, sponsor activations, and experiences, and all bars and concessions. VIP tickets are currently $125 before fees and include everything a GA ticket includes, plus a complimentary welcome beverage, dedicated entrances, VIP lounge, preferred stage viewing, private VIP cash bar, complimentary VIP food concessions, private restrooms, and a commemorative 404 Festival t-shirt. All ticket levels will increase August 1, 2022; walk-up tickets will be sold based on availability. All ticket types are available online at www.the404Fest.com. 404 Fest is an all-ages event.
Visit www.the404Fest.com for the most up-to-date information. Stay connected on Instagram at @the404Fest and Facebook at www.facebook.com/the404Fest. 404 Festival is produced by the Atlanta Sport and Social Club.

ATLANTA SUMMER WINE FESTIVAL 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/21/22

Atlanta Summer Wine Festival
The Eastern
Saturday, August 13, 2022, 2 Sessions
Session 1: 12pm-4pm ; Session 2: 6pm-10pm
50+ Wines, small beer selection, live music, and DJ Qtip hosted by Atlanta Wine Festivals.
Tickets include entry, entertainment, souvenir acrylic wine glass, and all wine & beer samples
$45 advance, $50 after Aug. 4, $60 day of event. *Unless sold out.

LIVE! AT THE BATTERY TEAMS UP WITH TERRAPIN BEER CO. TO HOST SECOND ANNUAL BREW FEST

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/21/22

Will Feature Tastings of Over 100 Beers, Local Vendors, Live Music, Games & More

 

Held from 3-6pm on the Lawn Between Live! at the Battery & Terrapin’s Atlanta Brewery & Taproom 

 

 Live! at The Battery – the entertainment destination located in the heart of The Battery Atlanta – is teaming up with Athens-based brewery Terrapin Beer Co. to host the second-annual Brew Fest on Saturday, August 13 from 3-7pm at The Battery Atlanta. Bringing together beer enthusiasts and brewers, many local and craft-focused, the event invites attendees to taste over 100 beers, listen to live music on The Plaza stage, shop items from local vendors, play games and more.

Featured breweries – stationed outside at Live! at The Battery and Terrapin’s Atlanta Brewery and Taproom, plus on the lawn between the two – will include Terrapin Beer Co., Second Self Beer Co., Scofflaw Brewing Co., Gate City Brewing, Steady Hand Beer Co, Dry County Brewing Co, Monday Night Brewing, New Realm Brewery, Orpheus Brewing and many more. They will pour fan favorites alongside rare and experimental brews.

General admission ($30 early bird / $40 regular) and VIP ($60 early bird / $70 regular) tickets are now available here. Each ticket includes entry into the event, a souvenir tasting glass and unlimited beer tastings. VIP ticket holders will also enjoy exclusive access to a VIP area with an elevated buffet plus a swag bag. 

In 2017, Terrapin became the first craft brewery in Georgia to open a second location, with the opening of the Atlanta Brewery and Taproom at The Battery across from Live! At The Battery. In addition to producing many of its year-round and seasonal brands, Terrapin’s Atlanta brewery and taproom serves as its Research and Development pipeline, testing new beers to potentially go to market.

A one-of-a-kind place to catch sports, dine in style, sip cold beer and crafted cocktails, play games and do a bit of bull riding and line dancing, Live! The Battery plays host to some of Atlanta’s most fun food and drink events. Ongoing happenings include Girls Night Out with food and drink specials every Thursday from 8-11pm; Freedom Friday, which welcomes military personnel, vets, first responders and public service members to skip the line, get free cover (credentials required) and enjoy drink specials once a month; and Silent Saturday, inviting guests to grab a pair of headphones and get in the groove with beats from local DJs. 

Revs & Riffs Weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/16/22

Drivers. Start. Your. Engines. If you’ve never been to a NASCAR race there isn’t anything like it. A chorus of cars buzzing, humming, singing in harmony so loud that it drowns out every other sound around you like a sing-son of motors and tires.  The rumble as the cars whiz by, the hot, road funk that pelts the front of the bleachers. The electricity, anticipation of the green flag, cars looking antsy waiting for the pace car to move out of the way. We get the fever in person, it’s palpable in the air.  That’s what we felt at Atlanta Motor Speedway during the Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart.

Beyond the chorus of sound, the behind the scenes to any Nascar race is incredible. The well-oiled machines of the pit crews endlessly getting tires and marking them, the stream of fuel in awkward canisters retrieved from the fuel center, the hot fire suits as they change a tire. It reminded us of a riding a bike, you get on it and it’s like second nature. They have it down. Then, when the tire comes off, or the engine overheats, or the unfortunate wreck, they’re right there in perfect harmony. Then, they have these elevated seating areas for sponsors, their families, race crew, and more to watch the race above the fray of the pit, above the hustle and bustle below. This is a site to be seen!

Another cool spot are the garages before a race. The cars getting ready for their big show with their tune-ups and last-minute safety checks! We got to see cars getting their wheels replaced, people looking under the engine and revving. Then, comes the parade of cars, one by one crew roll them out and walk them through the gates toward pit road. One after another, after another, their crew pushing and pulling to get them to their destination. They must contend with the spectators too outside the garage fencing, pictures snapped, waves, fanfare.

Outside the Motor Speedway, there is a dedicated fan zone with sponsor activations, drinks, and a stage for entertainment. From the Quaker State activation with a race car, to whatever was going on with that elevated car by a firetruck, to everything in between, you could win swag or enjoy a coke out there.

This year, something fun that Atlanta Motor Speedway did for entertainment, the introduction of Revs and Riffs Race Weekend. They added a concert line-up to the draw of the races. The two acts that we saw were a 90’s band that we remember seeing on MTV (when they had music videos), Candlebox, and rapper, artist, Flo Rida. Candlebox played an acoustic out in the Fan Zone on Saturday before the Alsco Uniform 250 Xfinity Series race. They’re in the same vein as your early 90’s grunge sound with reverb guitars and loud riffs, but with the acoustic set it was a little more mellow. To end the show they played their two big hits, You, which is lead singer Martin‘s favorite song he wrote when he was 18. Then, Far Behind that Martin quipped helps pays the bills. We met him after the show as he flocked to the fans on the side of the stage and graciously chatted and talked to each one of them, signing autographs or taking pictures.

Flo Rida took to the mic on the pre-race stage prior to the main Nascar Race, the Quaker State 400 presented by Walmart.  They’re heyday was late 2000s to early 2010s with hits like Low, which was performed.  Something you have to know about their performance is that is highly intense, dancing, jumping, interacting with the crowd. Even if you don’t know one word (which you will), you’d love every minute of the performance. And watch out, you might get sprayed with Korbel champagne like we did! All over us!

What a fun way to fill a hot close-to-home weekend! We will be back for more!

ATLANTA UNITED PUB CRAWL ON THE BELTLINE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/11/22

Atlanta Beltline

Saturday, July 30th

Tickets here.

The summer heat only fuels our hustle. From Inman Park to Piedmont Park, the Atlanta BeltLine features the best bars in town. We are teaming up with Atlanta United to create the ultimate Pub Crawl featuring an energy like nowhere else. ButterATL said it best, the live-est sporting event in the city is taking the party to the streets on Saturday, July 30th– JOIN US.
Tickets include up to (5) complimentary (alcoholic) drinks at participating locations along the BetlLine. Each bar will feature music, giveaways, and one-day only food/drink specials. The Pub Crawl will end with an Official Atlanta United watch party as the 5-Stripes take on Chicago Fire in the windy city.
Bar Line Up:
Park Tavern
Two Urban Licks
Rina
Guac y Margys
& More to be announced!
Tickets Include:
Up to (5) complimentary drinks at our partner bars.
Exclusive Atlanta United Pub Crawl Swag – Flag, cooling towel, and sunglasses!
Pricing:
Standard: $25
July 30th: $35
Ticket Bundle: Add on a $15 Atlanta United Match ticket
Up to (5) complimentary drinks at our partner bars
Souvenir Atlanta United Pub Crawl SWAG
Ticket to Atlanta United vs Seattle Sounders on August 6th
Pricing:
Standard: $40
July 30th: $50

EVENTIDE BREWING AND BUMBLE SUMMER SINGLES SOIREE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/11/22

Eventide Brewing
Tuesday
July 19th
6:30 – 9 p.m.

Single and enjoy craft beer? Eventide Brewing and Bumble are hosting “Summer Singles Soiree,” on Tuesday, July 19, from 6:30-9:00 p.m. Meet other Atlanta local singles for a fun night of games, drinks and some speed dating!

For non-Bumble members, tickets are $10 and include one free drink. Bumble members get free entry and one free drink with a special code. Singles will be split into groups based on age  — so shake off the nerves and come ready to connect with others! Tickets available at https://www.eventidebrewing.com/merch/singles-soiree

ATHENS RESTAURANT WEEK 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/11/22

Visit Athens GA Highlights Unique Dining Venues

Ahead of Annual Athens Restaurant Week

The second annual Athens Restaurant Week will take place from July 11-17, 2022, offering residents and visitors a taste of the budding dining destination

 

Visit Athens GA, The Athens Convention & Visitors Bureau, is celebrating the upcoming Athens Restaurant Week by sharing unique dining venues and authentic culinary experiences that residents and visitors can enjoy in the destination. The week-long celebration taking place July 11-17, 2022 will offer curated menus and specials from the best local restaurants and taprooms.

“Athens Restaurant Week celebrates the resiliency of our vibrant restaurant community and encourages residents and visitors to support these businesses by dining local,” said Katie Williams, Director of the Athens Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Participating restaurants will offer various pre-fixed options for lunch and dinner at special prices all week long. Lunch specials will have at least two courses priced at $10 or $15 and dinner specials will feature at least three courses priced at $25 or $35. Local breweries are also getting in on the action by offering beer flights for $10. Additionally, dessert spots will have special creations for just $5.

“Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity for Athenians and visitors to experience the culinary creations of Athens’ talented chefs,” said Linda Ford, Director of Business Services at the Athens Downtown Development Authority.

Located 60 miles northeast of Atlanta, Athens has emerged as a top dining destination in recent years. James Beard winner Hugh Acheson helped put the destination on the map, first with his own Five & Ten, then with an ever-expanding list of restaurants opened by chefs who came up through the Five & Ten kitchen. Those participating in Athens Restaurant Week include:

  • home.made – Chef Mimi Maumus pulls from her New Orleans roots as well as her decades in Georgia for inspiration at home.made. The restaurant has drawn national attention from her inventive twists on old standards and local community ingredients. Earlier this year, Maumus opened a new bar space attached to home.made called Sidecar, which provides an outlet for her creativity in food and drinks, including non-alcoholic cocktails.
  • The National – This neighborhood gathering spot serves an expansive menu inspired by the cuisines of the Mediterranean and Spain, with seasonal influences from the bounty of farmers in Northeast Georgia. Founder Peter Dale (owner of Seabear Oyster Bar, Condor Chocolates and Maepole) brought together a team of brilliant hospitality professionals, including Chefs Jeremy Collins and Daniel Fetter, to deliver incredible food and beverage offerings at this local favorite.

In addition to fiercely independent restaurants, Athens is known for its award-winning craft beer scene. Recognizing the vibrant beer culture that has been fostered in Athens over the past two decades, Visit Athens GA launched The Athens Beer Trail in the fall of 2021. The trail takes visitors through the nine-mile area of Athens breweries, including Athentic Brewing Company, Normaltown Brewing Company and Southern Brewing Company which are participating in the upcoming Athens Restaurant Week.

To see a complete list of participating restaurants and breweries, please visit AthensRestaurantWeek.com.