Tag Archive for: atlanta

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 Veganis 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.

BUTTERFLIES AND BREWS, A PART OF ANNUAL BUTTERFLY EXPERIENCE AT DUNWOODY NATURE CENTER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/20/21

Anticipated Annual Butterfly Experience Returns to Dunwoody
with New Adults-Only ‘Butterflies & Brews’ Component

Three-Day Festival Takes Place August 19-22 at Dunwoody Nature Center

Discover Dunwoody, the destination marketing organization (DMO) representing one of Atlanta’s most thriving suburbs rich with unique attractions and community events, today announced the return of its beloved Butterfly Experience. Taking place August 19-22 at the Dunwoody Nature Center, this year’s festivities will include several days of family-friendly fun, along with a new adults-only component, Butterflies & Brews .

“We’re thrilled to offer something different for our guests this year at the Butterfly Experience with Butterflies & Brews,” said Kimberly Franz, marketing director for Discover Dunwoody. “This annual event is well-loved by the community, so we are excited to have the opportunity to partner with a local restaurant for a brand-new event that will give guests the chance to enjoy a night out filled with delicious food and the unparalleled beauty
found at Dunwoody Nature Center.”

For families, the traditional Butterfly Experience is the perfect place to get up close and personal with butterflies at the Dunwoody Nature Center while learning about this delicate species from educators. The newly added Pollinator Pathway will lead guests station-to-station throughout the park and offer activities, crafts and educational experiences for everyone. Tickets for this local favorite will be sold in 20-minute time slots and can be purchased at DunwoodyNature.org for $10 per person, with children 3 and younger admitted for free.

On August 20 from 5-8 p.m., the new adult-only Butterflies & Brews event will include live music along with food and a bar by Porter Brew and Que. Tickets for the event are $30 each including two drink vouchers, access to a buffet complete with vegetarian options, and entry to the butterfly tent. Visitors who attend this part of the event can spend the evening exploring the wonders of nature, relaxing while listening to live music and indulging in delicious cuisine and signature brews with friends.

For more information on the Butterfly Experience, visit DiscoverDunwoody.com. For tickets to Butterflies & Brews, visit DunwoodyNature.org/Butterflies-and-Brews/

85TH ANNUAL ATLANTA DOGWOOD FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/20/21

Friday – Sunday, August 6-8, 2021

Piedmont Park

 Just in time to have fun again, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is back! This beloved outdoor event welcomes attendees for three days of fine art, live music and family fun. Usually held in the spring, the 85th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival shakes things up and will take place this summer from August 6-8.  

Hosted by the festival’s nonprofit organization and held in Piedmont Park, this annual event has remained a favorite with metro-area residents and visitors for many decades. In fact, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is the city’s largest and longest-running fine arts festival and the third oldest in the country.

FESTIVAL

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is a fine arts festival and so much more. Each year, attendees head to Piedmont Park to enjoy this annual tradition, just as they have for nearly a century.

Due to financial constraints from the COVID-19, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival is requesting a donation of $5 at the gate.  This donation is needed to sustain the financial viability of the 85-year-old event. Those donating in advance will receive priority entrance into the festival.

WHEN & WHERE

85th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival
Piedmont Park – Charles Allen Dr. and 10th Street, Atlanta
Friday, August 6 through Sunday, August 8, 2021
www.dogwood.org

ARTIST MARKET

Featuring the top 200 artists selected from more than 1,000 entries each year, the juried, fine art Artist Market at the Atlanta Dogwood Festival welcomes art lovers to peruse and purchase.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival offers a variety of live entertainment throughout the weekend. From local bands and dance troupes to international performers and children’s choirs, there is always something exciting to see and hear on the Coca-Cola Main Stage. Adults can take a break from art collecting and kick back in the Corona Light Beer Garden.

MIMOSA 5K

Following a course through the beautiful and historic Midtown neighborhood, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival Mimosa 5K welcomes runners and walkers to start festival Saturday off right. The morning race ends with an OJ & Cupcake Vineyards bubbly toast in Piedmont Park after which registered runners can stay and enjoy the festival FREE.

HIGH SCHOOL ART

The award-winning Atlanta High School Art Exhibition (AHSAE) offers Atlanta-area high school students the chance to take part in a real artist competition. More than 700 submissions are received each year, and a panel of professional judges selects the top works to exhibit in the park’s Community Center during the festival.

Sponsored and supported by the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, the AHSAE provides prizes and scholarships for top submissions.

VIP EXPERIENCE

This year attendees have a new way to enjoy the festival in high style. With a primo view of live music, the Atlanta Dogwood Festival VIP Experience is the best spot in the park, complete with culinary events 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.

FOR KIDS

The festival includes plenty of pursuits to keep young attendees entertained. In the Kids Village presented by Visit Tallahassee, children can enjoy hands-on activities, while the Midway offers rides and inflatables for young and old.

DISC DOGS

A festival staple for more than two decades, the onsite disc dog competition hosted by The Greater Atlanta Dog & Disc Club amazes onlookers with the feats of super-talented canines. This AWI and Skyhoundz World Qualifier has grown to be one of the most prestigious competitions in the world today and a favorite with festival attendees. New this year, there will be Freestyle and Toss-and-Fetch competitions on both Saturday and Sunday of the festival.

2021 is all about the staycation! Locals (and visitors) can make it a festival weekend and receive discounted rates with the Atlanta Dogwood Festival hotel partners – W Atlanta Midtown and Atlanta Marriott Suites Midtown. https://dogwood.org/about/hotels/ 
The 85th Annual Atlanta Dogwood Festival takes place in Piedmont Park in Midtown
Friday through Sunday, August 6 – 8, 2021.  www.dogwood.org 

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

BLACK-OWNED NOURISH BOTANICA KICKS-OFF PHASE TWO FUNDING CAMPAIGN IN TIME JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

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

Atlanta’s first greenhouse eatery dedicated to food justice and healing for communities of color relaunches fundraising efforts with pop-up events and online programing

Founded by social entrepreneur Quianah Upton, Nourish Botanica launches phase two of its fundraising campaign to drum up new excitement for the project and give Atlantans a glimpse of what’s to come. Kicking off on Juneteenth, Upton will host a farm volunteer day at Gratitude Botanical Farm with partners Lisa Says Gah and sweetgreen to honor the land and the importance of ownership for the Black community. Throughout the rest of the fundraising campaign, Nourish Botanica will create programming that demonstrates the social mission of the organization through virtual storytelling and conversations, as well events that honor the Black experience and create pop-up space for gathering and storytelling. Additionally, they are offering weekly floral arrangements lovingly made by Upton on Flower Friday’s at Con Leche, Little Tart Bakeshop, Hodgepodge Coffee Shop and flora/fauna.

“My hope with our renewed crowdsourcing campaign efforts is to remind the community that we’re still here, and we’re still relying on their support to build a healing space together,” said Quianah Upton, Founder of Nourish Botanica. “And the need is now — A child born into poverty in the city of Atlanta currently has less than a 4% chance of reaching the upper middle class, and more than half will remain in poverty their entire lives. The good news though, is that metro-Atlanta has a passionate and committed community of leaders, farmers, businesses, nonprofits, and agencies who are fighting these inequities everyday, and Nourish Botanica aims to provide a platform for them to continue the work.”

Nourish Botanica has raised $70k of the $200k goal with over 1,100 individual donations as well as sponsorships and collaborations with local businesses and national brands. The renewed efforts will go towards acquiring land by Winter 2021, and breaking ground in Summer 2022. Upton has assembled an all-womxn collective of support: Lead architects Martin Rickles Studio, who will oversee the entire building project; Interior designers Jamie England-Cooper and Caryn Grossman; Permaculture Designer Brandy Hall of Shades of Green who will design the sustainable outdoor space. For those interested in donating, getting involved and learning more, visit www.nourishbotanica.cafe.

About Nourish Botanica
Founded by social entrepreneur Quianah Upton, Nourish Botanica will serve as Atlanta’s first greenhouse eatery dedicated to food justice and creating a healing place for Black and Brown communities to gather through storytelling. Through fresh food, plants and herbal remedies grown sustainably on-site, the Black-owned café will feature Caribbean & Southern plant-based menu offerings, rerouting food waste through a partnership with Umi Feeds to feed the unhoused. The café will also provide sustainable green space for events and a healing space for Black womxn fighting against food and economic injustice. Upton is also the founder of Nourish in Black, an Atlanta-based sustainable events and food storytelling company dedicated to raising social consciousness. Find out more and become a part of the Nourish Botanica community at www.nourishbotanica.cafe and on Instagram.