Tag Archive for: food festival

SWEET AUBURN BARBECUE PRESENTS THE FIRST-EVER GOOD LUCK SMOKESHOW

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/18/25

Nationally Renowned Asian Chefs and Pitmasters Unite in Atlanta for a Flavor-Packed Food Festival Benefitting Asian American Voices for Education

Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 5 p.m.

On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, Sweet Auburn Barbecue is shutting down the street and firing things up for the first-ever Good Luck Smokeshow — a one-night tasting event honoring Asian American stories, flavors, and firepower. Timed with AAPI Heritage Month, this outdoor celebration brings together acclaimed chefs from across the country to throw down in Atlanta with food, drinks, lion dances, live music, and a community that shows up.

Hosted by Anita and Howard Hsu— siblings, second-generation Chinese Americans, and pioneers in Atlanta’s hospitality scene. What started as a family-run food truck in the Sweet Auburn Curb Market has grown into two beloved brick-and-mortars and a reputation for redefining what Southern barbecue can be. The Hsus have always led with their roots, and Good Luck Smokeshow is an extension of that legacy: a gathering of chefs who aren’t just making great food — they’re telling their stories on their own terms.

The lineup features heavy hitters from James Beard-recognized talent to rising voices, including:

– Nikko Cagalanan (Kultura, Charleston): A 2024 James Beard finalist, Chef Nikko Cagalanan blends his Filipino heritage with fine dining experience to create soulful, inventive dishes. His Charleston restaurant, Kultura—opened in 2023 with his wife and business partner Paula Kramer—was named South Carolina Restaurant of the Year and earned national acclaim. 

– Quy Hoang & Robin Wong (Blood Bros. BBQ, Houston): James Beard nominees and Texas Monthly Top 50 BBQ honorees, Blood Bros. is led by pitmaster Quy Hoang and brothers Terry and Robin Wong. Their smoked meats are a bold blend of Texas tradition and Southeast Asian flavors, rooted in their Vietnamese and Chinese heritage.

– J Chong (Asheville): Chef J Chong is known for heartfelt, straightforward Cantonese cooking that connects people through food. Through pop-ups and private dinners, she brings an authentic taste of Cantonese cuisine to Western North Carolina. A proud queer Asian activist, J uses both her voice and her food to advocate for LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and AAPI communities.

– Peter Nguyen (Lê Madeline, Boston): Named Eater Boston’s 2024 Chef of the Year, Peter Nguyen brings a fresh, modern perspective to Vietnamese cuisine. His food is rooted in heritage, delivered with precision, and never loses its edge or authenticity.

– Thai Changthong (P Thai’s Khao Man Gai and Noodles, Austin): Born in Bangkok, Chef Thai Changthong brings bold, street-style flavors and deep family roots to every dish. At P Thai’s Khao Man Gai and Noodles, he channels the spirit of Bangkok’s Chinatown with unapologetic, tradition-driven Thai-Chinese cooking.

And that’s just the start. Local Atlanta favorites including Leftie Lee’s, Soupbelly, Brian So (Spring), Salty Smiles, So So Fed, and Hapa ATL will also be bringing the heat, alongside show stopping performances, rooftop tunes and standout cocktails powered by Minhwa Spirits and Sweet Auburn Barbecue.

Expect lion dances, kung fu demos, community vendors, and a room (or block) full of people who know what’s up. Tickets are $125 and include all tastings, drinks, and full access to the experience and can be purchased at www.sweetauburnbbq.com/events-1/good-luck-smokeshow. A portion of proceeds benefits Asian American Voices for Education, supporting more inclusive curriculum in Georgia schools.

SIP BROOKHAVEN RETURNS APRIL 12TH WITH EXCITING NEW FOOD AND DRINK PAIRING STATIONS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/17/25

Presented by Explore Brookhaven and the City of Brookhaven 

Mark your calendars and prepare your taste buds for the return of Sip Brookhaven 2025, happening on Saturday, April 12, at the Quad at Oglethorpe University. This year, the highly anticipated event is taking indulgence to a new level by introducing food and drink pairing stations, where the best local restaurants and chefs team up with top-tier beer, wine, spirits, and craft cocktail brands to showcase unforgettable flavor pairings. 

Attendees will enjoy a culinary journey through Brookhaven’s vibrant food and drink scene,  savoring small bites from beloved local eateries paired perfectly with premium beverages. This  unique twist adds an elevated experience for foodies and drink enthusiasts alike, making Sip  Brookhaven the must-attend event of the spring. 

Details at a Glance: 

• What: Sip Brookhaven 2025 

• When: Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.  

• Where: The Quad at Oglethorpe University 

• Tickets: Early bird tickets are $65 through February 28. Prices increase to $75 on  March 1, and tickets will be $85 at the gate on the day of the event. 

• Purchase Tickets: Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite at  

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sip-brookhaven-tickets-1021722979937?utm campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm term=listing&utm-source=cp&aff=ebdsshcopyurl. 

“Sip Brookhaven has become a signature celebration of our community’s culinary excellence  and dynamic atmosphere,” said Renee Areng, President & CEO of Explore Brookhaven. “This  year’s food and drink pairing stations will bring an exciting new dimension to the event,  highlighting the creativity and talent of our local chefs and beverage partners.” 

Whether you’re a foodie, a craft beverage enthusiast, or simply looking for a lively weekend  activity, Sip Brookhaven has something for everyone. Attendees will also enjoy live music, a  festive atmosphere, and the opportunity to mingle with fellow food lovers on the lawn in The  Quad at Oglethorpe University. 

Tickets are expected to sell out quickly. Purchase yours today to secure your spot and save with  early bird pricing. Follow Explore Brookhaven on social media for event updates, participating  restaurants and beverage partners, and other announcements. For more information about Sip Brookhaven 2025 or other events in Brookhaven, visit Explore  Brookhaven’s website.

CREOLE FOOD FESTIVAL MAKES COMEBACK TO ATLANTA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/6/24

Festival Returns To Atlanta After Hiatus with Stellar Lineup of Chefs

Festival to Showcase Chefs of Color from Multiple Continents

Saturday, 8/24 – Sunday, 8/25

The two-day Creole Food Festival is back for its 6th year after a brief hiatus due to the Pandemic. The festival will return to Atlanta on Saturday, August 24, and Sunday, August 25th at Atlanta Utility Works, 2903 N Martin St Ste R, East Point, GA 30344. This year’s festival will showcase top Creole chefs of color from multiple continents over an immersive culinary experience with authentic dishes from the Caribbean, South America, Africa, Latin America, and the Southern United States. This year’s festival has expanded and will occur in five major US cities: Miami, New York, Atlanta, Washington, D.C. and New Orleans.

“The Creole Food Festival uses culinary excellence as a unifying thread amongst chefs and restaurants from Africa, South America, the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Southern United States,” Fabrice J. Armand, Co-Founder of the Creole Food Festival said. “We founded the Creole Food Festival to provide a platform for Black and Brown chefs to display their talent and creativity while adhering to the authenticity of their respective regions.”

The usually sold-out event has brought hundreds of guests together for the last five years to experience the best Creole celebrity chefs, cuisines, and beverages worldwide. Guests will be able to sample various dishes and interact with the chefs.

WILD HEAVEN BEER HOSTS SECOND ANNUAL CRAB TRAP & TAP

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/24/24

Summer Bash Will Feature Fresh Maryland Blue Crabs, a Low Country Boil, EDB Micheladas, Live Music and More

All-You-Can-Eat Tickets Are On Sale Now

Saturday, July 13th 1pm to 5pm


Summer at Wild Heaven is not just for cracking cold beers; it’s also for cracking apart delicious, freshly steamed Maryland blue crabs. On Saturday, July 13th, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wild Heaven Beer is throwing an all-out summer bash in The Garden Club at West End. The second annual Crab Trap & Tap, a lively feast inspired by the time-honored Maryland tradition of gathering around a table covered in newspaper, armed with mallets and knives, and savoring the succulent, sweet meat of freshly steamed crabs. 

Not only will guests enjoy fresh steamed Maryland blue crabs flown in from Harbour House Crabs, but they will be treated to a Low Country Boil featuring an all-you-can-eat feast of shrimp, Pine St. Market sausage, corn, potatoes, and other fun salty and sweet summer treats. Groove to live tunes from Nero Simon & The Sunsetters, bringing the mellow vibes of sunsets, sand, and surf. With community tables for enjoying shareables, the garage doors will be open for indoor and outdoor revelry, and a cash bar ready to serve the perfect summer drinks, including the iconic Old Bay rimmed EDB-Micheladas, and the regular lineup of Wild Heaven beers. For more information or to purchase tickets to Wild Heaven Beer’s second annual Crab Trap and Tap for $69 plus fees, visit wildheavenbeer.com or call 404.254.2232. Wild Heaven Beer West End is at 1010 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310. Stay connected on Facebook at www.facebook.com/beerwildheaven or on Instagram and Twitter at @beerwildheaven.   

GEORGIA ORGANIC’S 13TH ANNUAL ATTACK OF THE KILLER TOMATO FESTIVAL STRIKES AGAIN!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/10/24

July 28 3-6pm

Westside Motor Lounge

Georgia Organics’ longstanding fundraiser, the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival, is back! Join a lively crowd of over 1,000 of Atlanta’s most passionate local food enthusiasts on July 28 from 3-6 PM at Westside Motor Lounge as Georgia Organics dives headfirst into the 13th year of its epic tomato-tasting showdown. 

This iconic tasting festival features a carefully curated lineup of some of the Southeast’s most formidable chefs and bartenders showcasing their culinary prowess with dishes and cocktails crafted from tomatoes grown by Georgia farmers. Previous participating chefs include luminaries like Terry Koval (The Deer & The Dove, B-Side), Steven Satterfield (Miller Union), Deborah VanTrece (Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours), Hector Santiago (El Super Pan), and Ford Fry (Rocket Farm Restaurants). 

Attendees will traverse the festival grounds sampling dishes and cocktails, all while being entertained by live performances, including Djs, puppets, and roving musicians, A lively auction will feature coveted items – dinners, excursions, and more – curated for the food and farm lover. The event will culminate in a delightfully campy ceremony crowning the Tomato Champion of 2024. 

Among the culinary participants are chefs and bartenders from Georgia Organics’ Farmer Champion network – a growing roster of culinary professionals across sectors recognized for their dedication to purchasing from local and organic farmers. Launched in 2019, the Farmer Champion program supports professionals dedicated to sourcing locally and organically, thereby nurturing Georgia’s diverse patchwork of small farms. 

Natasha Paracha, Georgia Organics’ Director of Events states, “Through the celebration of local farmers and culinary artisans at the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival, we’re not just savoring delicious dishes, we’re cultivating a deeper connection to our community, supporting local regenerative agriculture, and nourishing the roots of Georgia’s rich culinary landscape.” 

Since 2008, this event has been Georgia Organics’ primary fundraiser, powering its mission to invest in organic farmers for the health of our communities and the land. True to this mission, all tomatoes at the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival are purchased from local farms who are recognized and honored at the event.

Tickets go on sale to the public at 12 PM on Monday, April 15. General admission tickets are $100. VIP tickets are $250 and include early festival entry, access to the exclusive VIP Lounge, specialty beverages, and a collectors’ “swag bag” upon entry. As in years past, tickets and sponsorships will sell out fast! For more information about tickets, sponsorships, and participating chefs and bartenders, visit: bit.ly/aktf2024. 

Follow the festival on Instagram @attackofthekillertomatofest or sign up for Georgia Organics’ e-newsletter The Dirt at bit.ly/thedirtnewsletter if you dare to keep up with AKTF news and more…  Because in the world of Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival, the only thing scarier than a killer tomato is missing out on the hottest food event of the year! 

We all know these tomatoes don’t stand a chance. However, the burning question remains: which of our culinary heroes will emerge the crowned and caped 2024 Tomato Champion? 

TASTE OF ATLANTA PRESENTS GRAND TASTING MIDTOWN ON OCTOBER 19 AT THE EPICUREAN HOTEL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/5/23

The Ultimate Eatertainment Experience Takes Over the Epicurean Hotel Atlanta

Thursday, October 19 at The Epicurean Hotel

Tickets to Taste of Atlanta’s final event of the year, Grand Tasting Midtown, can be purchased at Midtown.TasteofAtlanta.com.


Mark your calendars and get ready to sip, savor, mix and mingle your way through Atlanta’s culinary diverse and impressively-unique food scene at Taste of Atlanta’s premiere food & beverage tasting experience–Grand Tasting Midtown on Thursday, October 19, 2023, at Epicurean Hotel Atlanta (1117 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309). The Grand Tasting will entice foodies from all around Atlanta to experience the vast gastronomic offerings showcasing Midtown Atlanta’s finest restaurants, chefs, and bakeries. For one night only, the Grand Tasting will have all you can eat and drink from 6-10 p.m. for VIP ticket holders and from 7-10 p.m. admission for General Admission ticket buyers. For foodies
21+ the ticket provides an unbeatable array of the area’s best restaurants presenting delicious tastes along with beer, wine, and cocktail tastings to pair.

Tickets for Grand Tasting Midtown are all-inclusive, providing an all-access pass to unlimited food and drink tastings. General Admission and VIP Tickets can be purchased at Midtown.TasteofAtlanta.com or Here. VIP ticket holders get early access to the event from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., special cooking demos and cocktail tasting classes and VIP goody bag (one per
household) and are $125 per ticket. General admission is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and tickets are $95 per person. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended as tickets typically sell out prior to the event. Group ticket packages are also available at an exclusive special rate, contact Tickets@TasteofAtlanta.com to inquire.

GRAND TASTING HIGHLIGHTS
 Unlimited bites from Atlanta’s best restaurants
 Discover new restaurants and revisit neighborhood favorites
 Sample dozens of innovative cocktails, wines, and beers
 Special Cooking demo and cocktail tasting classes
 Meet top chefs up close and personal
 Immersive entertainment including live music by The Geek Squad, a caricature artist, and electric violinist
 Vote for the “best taste, “best beverage” and “best dessert” of the evening
 Giveback to Atlanta-area nonprofit partners


GRAND TASTING TICKET OPTIONS
VIP TICKET: $125.00 (plus tax and fees)
 Early VIP Entry 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
 Exclusive Swag Bag (limit one per household)
 Limited VIP Tickets Available
 Special Cooking demo and cocktail tasting classes


GENERAL ADMISSION: $95.00 (plus tax & fees)
 Entry 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
 Enjoy unlimited bites from Midtown’s best restaurants and chefs
 Meet the chefs up close and personal
 Unlimited wine, beer & cocktail tastings
 Live music and special entertainment


Event goers will eat their music-loving hearts out with live tunes from an electric violinist and popular Atlanta band, The Geek Squad, a lively, energetic, get-up-and-dance band, performing all the best Motown, jazz, funk, hip-hop, and Top 40 Hits. In addition to musical talent, Grand Tasting Midtown features one jam-packed evening of other captivating entertainment including live culinary demonstrations by some of Midtown’s rockstar chefs and mixologists, a caricature
artist, a 360-photo booth, and more!

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
 Alici Oyster Bar
 Aveline
 BK Lobster
 Botica
 Farm Burger
 Hartley
 Johnny’s Chicken and Waffles
 LaRayia’s Bodega
 LowCountry Steak
 Lure
 Mukja Koren Fried Chicken
 New Realm Brewing Company
 Nine Mile Station
 Nowak’s Restaurant
 Poke Burri
 Ponko Chicken
 Pretty Little Tacos
 Reverence at Epicurean Hotel
 Smoq’n Hot Grill
 Sukoshi
 Sweet Cheats Bakery & Coffee Shop
 Tandoori Pizza and Wing Co.
 Tiny Lou’s
 Umbrella Bar
 Yay! Beignet & Bistro

35TH ANNUAL STEAMHOUSE LOUNGE OYSTERFEST

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/5/23

Saturday, February 25 and Sunday, February 26

Atlanta’s Original Oysterfest Returns to Midtown for Two Days of Live Music, Cold Brews, Fresh Seafood and More Tickets Now Available; Benefiting Atlanta Leadership Club and Shells to Shore

Get ready for a shucking good time as the original Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest returns to Midtown Atlanta for its 35th year on Saturday, February 25th, and Sunday, February 26th. Produced by Rival Entertainment, seafood lovers can indulge in heaping buckets of roasted oysters, chargrilled oysters on the half-shell with garlic and butter, Steamhouse’s legendary lobster bisque, fried oyster po’boys, ice-cold beer, cocktails, and much more.

Located just two blocks from the Steamhouse Lounge’s iconic beach house on the corner of 11th and West Peachtree, Atlanta’s original Oysterfest will showcase musical talent from across the country in perfect tune with the vibe and soul of Atlanta’s favorite street party. Featured artists include, Saturday: Magnolia Express; Moontower; CoHost; Them Dirty Roses, and Funk You. Sunday gets started with Francisco Vidal; Kind Hearted Strangers; Sam Burchfield & the Scoundrels, and Frankly Scarlet (A Tribute to the Grateful Dead).

Weekend tickets to the 35th annual Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest are on sale now for $25, plus fees, and include two days of sun-soaking, live music, and fresh seafood from the Louisiana Gulf Coast. For revelers who can’t make it on Saturday, single-day tickets are available for Sunday at $15, plus fees. Advance tickets allow for express entry lanes and are available at www.steamhouselounge.com. The event is for ages 21 and up. Festival goers under 21 are permitted when accompanied by an adult. Oysterfest is cashless, and all transactions at the gates, bars, and restaurants will only accept credit or debit cards. Oysterfest encourages its patrons to be responsible and take MARTA to the 10th Street Midtown Station for maximum fun.

The 35th Annual Steamhouse Lounge Oysterfest benefits the Atlanta Leadership Club, which empowers strong leaders from underserved Atlanta communities, and Shells to Shore, an Athens-based oyster shell recycling project.

$25 for Satruday and Sunday

$10 for Sunday-Only

Tickets are available at www.steamhouselounge.com.

GATHER ‘ROUND FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS SEPTEMBER 29-OCTOBER 2

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/12/22

TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Taste the Soul of the South at the Second Annual Festival, Created to Celebrate
Southern Food, Drink, Music, and Art
                                 

 It’s time to eat, drink and dance your way through Atlanta’s top culinary and drink offerings. Gather ‘round, the food, drink, music, and art festival that debuted last fall, is returning for its second year this September, from Thursday, Sept. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 2. The four-day festival will be held in Atlanta’s west side at select locations of Lincoln Property Company’s Echo Street West including Westside Motor Lounge, Guardian Works and Guardian Studios, with each day packed with food, drink and culture, and proceeds benefiting organizations Speed Rack and Giving Kitchen.

Founded by Southern Culinary & Creative, Gather ‘round is a 4-day event full of intimate and collaborative food, drink, music, and art experiences. With music having a high seat at the table this year, guests are invited to gather and experience some of the South’s top culinary talent, along with artisans and creators of all kinds, through taste and sound. Proceeds from the weekend will benefit Speed Rack, a bartending competition aimed at empowering women in the bar industry, with funds raised being given to Giving Kitchen, the non-profit partner that provides emergency assistance for food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources, on their behalf.

“We couldn’t be more excited to bring back Gather ‘round to the Atlanta community this year,” said Elizabeth Feichter, co-founder of Southern Culinary & Creative. “We’ve worked closely with the South’s most creative culinary talent to put together a delicious weekend attendees will be talking about for years to come. From experiencing Atlanta’s pop-up culture and tempting your taste buds with Southern brewers while swaying to sounds that define the South to experiencing intimate, curated dinners and dancing the last day away on the Westside at a disco day party, there’s something for everyone. We can’t wait for you to Gather ‘round with us once again.”

Throughout each day, Gather ‘round has curated events that guests are invited to take part in. From the opening party on Thursday to dinners, drink tastings, seminars and music on Friday and Saturday, to the closing disco day party celebration on Sunday, there’s something for every Southern lover. Details on each day are below.

Thursday, Sept. 29: Soul of the South
Held at Guardian Works at Echo Street West from 7:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m., this kickoff party is not to be missed. Soul of the South will feature a showcase of Atlanta’s hottest concepts from the pop-up scene curated in partnership with Punk Foodie, a tasting experience with the region’s top breweries, a cocktail and DJ pairing exploring the classic cocktails and musical genres that define the South, and an art exhibition by Guardian Studios also at Echo Street West. With over 35 stations of food and drink, the night will be full of delicious offerings for all. This event is $100 per ticket and includes unlimited food, drink, music, and art, with a full line-up and details here.

Friday, Sept. 30 & Saturday, Oct. 1: Sound & Flavor Dinner Series
A collaborative dinner series blending sound and flavor.

El Ponce’s Cena de Remezclas, (Remix Dinner), held at La Palapa at El Ponce, will be a journey of sound and flavor, with ingredients remixed to highlight tastes that will delight and inspire a delicious evening. This creative, flavorful meal will find you dancing the night away after filling your bellies as you sway to the best of DJ Rasta Root and go on a journey through the rich history of Mexican cuisine, along with a spirits selection curated by local bottle shop Elemental Spirits Co. – Friday, Sept. 30. More details can be found here.

Nicks Westside: Music Meets Food dinner, hosted by Nick Leahy and featuring chefs Duane Nutter of Southern National and Bruce Moffett of Moffett Restaurant Group, will dazzle your taste buds with a curated menu and sounds from each chef’s hometown. The inspired multi-course lineup will showcase their favorite music from the South and will be paired with a cocktail and/or wine selection to compliment the evening. Tickets are $125 per person and all-inclusive. – Friday, Sept. 30. Details and tickets located here.

One Flew the Coop, a dinner hosted by Chef Cedric McCroery (One Flew South) and featuring Chef Demetrius Brown (Heritage Super Club), Chef Allen Suh (One Flew South), and Arield Powell & Ray Samson (Bar Vegan), will take guests on a culinary journey inspired by the Blues music of the Mississippi Delta. The creative Sound + Flavor dinner will offer an immersive food and beverage experience paired with the introspective, soulful blues music that pays homage to the land that brought this passionate and fiery music to life. The interactive evening will kick off with a welcome cocktail and passed bites created by each chef, followed by a four-course, seated menu. Tickets are $125 per person and all-inclusive. – Saturday, Oct. 1. Additional information can be found here.

South Got Something to Say, held at Westside Motor Lounge at Echo Street West, will feature an incredible lineup of award-winning chefs and barkeeps as they create an unforgettable 10-course meal paired with cocktails, wine and beer. With an all-star roster from across the South, including Brittany Anderson of Richmond, VA, Ferrell Alvarez of Tampa, FL, Michael Gulotta of New Orleans, LA, Rebecca Masson of Houston, TX, Erika Moore and Raquel Ravenell of Atlanta, GA, and J’Nai Williamson of New Orleans, LA, the evening will be a living example of the profound influence the South has had on food, drink, music, and culture. Along with the inspired meal, the evenings will celebrate the diverse culture of the South and soundtracks that define it, from jazz, blues, soul, funk, country, and rock and roll. Tickets are $125 per person and all-inclusive. – Saturday, Oct. 1. Additional information here. 

Saturday, Oct. 1: Behind the Bar
Cocktail lovers unite. Behind the Bar, held at Westside Motor Lounge, includes tastings and technique masterclasses with premium spirit partners and top-shelf talent, including Kellie Thorn, Keyatta Mincey Parker, Lynnette Marrero, Meaghan Dorman, Tiffanie Barriere and more. Six beverage seminars and masterclasses will take place over three sessions. Topics include Cocktails + Confections, Throw It Back Y’all: Retro Cocktails, Get Low to Get Down: Low ABV, Everything That Sparkles: Mixing with Bubbles, The Soulful Spirits of Latin America, and The History of the Cocktail According to Gin. Session intermissions will include additional tasting opportunities, light bites, and shuffleboard and music from the expansive Westside Motor Lounge courtyard. A $125 ticket includes three sessions and is all-inclusive. Find more details here.

Sunday, Oct. 2: Apermoutho: A Disco Day Party
Closing out the Festival will be Apermoutho, an unforgettable disco day party from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Westside Motor Lounge and features the nationally recognized Speed Rack bartending competition. A $100 ticket includes unlimited light bites, Low ABC cocktails, natural wines and light drinking beer and a soulful disco soundtrack. The spectator-friendly Speed Rack competition is one of the most influential and community-connecting programs in the field and is aimed at empowering women in the bar industry. The weekend will come to a close with the crowning of the Atlanta bartender champ on this first of four regional tour stops. To purchase tickets, visit here.

Gather ‘round presenting sponsors are PNC and Lincoln Property Co., with many more organizations also sponsoring. For more details and tickets for this unforgettable weekend, head here. Interviews and photography are available upon request.

BARRELS AND BITES 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/21/22

Barrels & Bites

An Evening of

Wine, Whiskey, Tequila, and Bites

at The Village Dunwoody

Thursday, September 29, 6-10 pm

On Thursday, September 29, The Village at 5521 Chamblee Dunwoody Road will host Barrel & Bites, an elevated evening of bites from local hospitality owners plus music, wine, whiskey, and tequila, as well as a VIP hour. This ticketed event will be hosted by The Village owner, DASH Hospitality, and will take place throughout the expansive courtyard and parking lot. Each bite will be paired with a complementing wine, whiskey, or tequila cocktail. A portion of ticket sales will be donated to The Atlanta Community Food Bank. 

Barrels & Bites will be from 6-10 pm, with VIP ticket holders gaining exclusive entry at 6 pm, while General Admission ticket holders will gain entry at 7 pm.

VIP ticket holders will experience an exclusive whiskey tasting in addition to wine, whiskey, and tequila, plus one hour of passed bites at 6 pm compliments of Aussie Select, a commemorative gift upon exit, live music, and unlimited bites. ($120 per ticket +ticket fee, 21+ only)

General Admission ticket holders gain entry at 7 pm and will experience unlimited wine, whiskey, tequila, bites, and live music. ($85 per ticket + ticket fee, 21+ only)

“After the tremendous success of our first festival this past April, Green Eggs & Kegs, The Village team thought it would be enjoyable to host an evening event and highlight our incredible wine and whiskey vendors and our neighboring Dunwoody restaurant owners. We want to do as much as possible to bring our Dunwoody community together and support all the small, local business owners,” said David Abes, owner of Dash Hospitality Group and the newly opened The Village.

Popular restaurants will include Bar{n}, Cuco’s Cantina, Message In A Bottle, The Usual, Morty’s Meat Supply, Breadwinner Cafe, NFA Burger, Grand Champion BBQ, Chupito’s Azteca Grille, Southern National, Local Three, Nur Kitchen, and Renzo’s Fire, and many more.

Over a dozen wine and spirits sponsors will be paired with each participating bite and will include; Tres Agaves, Amador Bourbon, Old Forester, Coopercraft, Woodinville, Dalmore, Don Fulano, Shortbarrel, La Gritona, Stellum, Riboli Family of Wines, Redemption, Napa Cellars, Iron and Sand, Sonoma Cutter, Lake and Vine, Babylonstoren, Herradura, Bulleit, Champagne Nomine Renard, and more.

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.