Tag Archive for: food tasting

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

FOOD THE ROCKS 2023

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

Tickets are Officially on Sale for Food That Rocks, Presented by Taste of Atlanta All-inclusive Eatertainment Event Returns June 8 Showcasing Sandy Springs’ Delicious Culinary

Communities, Wine, Beer, Craft Cocktails, Live Music and More

Tickets are officially on sale for the eighth annual Food That Rocks, presented by Taste of Atlanta, Visit Sandy Springs, and the City of Sandy Springs. The carefully curated gourmet gathering takes place on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Recognized as Sandy Springs’ premier food and drink tasting event, Food That Rocks brings an incredible energy to City Green at City Springs for one-night only where attendees will sip, savor and celebrate the community’s vibrant culinary scene. A treat for your tastebuds, this “ultimate eatertainment experience” features unlimited tastes of mouth-watering food from 25+ of Sandy Springs’ best restaurants, a decadent dessert bar, wine, beer & craft cocktails, live music and an array of interactive experiences.

Tickets for Food That Rocks are all-inclusive, providing an all-access foodie fest full of craveable bites and beverage tastings for adults 21+. General Admission and VIP Tickets are now available and can be purchased at FoodThatRocks.org. VIP ticket holders get early access to Food That Rocks from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., a special welcome cocktail and VIP goody bag (one per household) and cost $125 per ticket. General admission is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and tickets cost $85 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.

“I’m incredibly proud of Sandy Springs’ growing restaurant scene. There’s always something new to check out along with favorite spots to re-visit. If you’re having trouble picking one restaurant over another, Food That Rocks lets you sample from some of the City’s most popular dining destinations all in one night,” says Rusty Paul, Mayor of Sandy Springs.


FOOD THAT ROCKS HIGHLIGHTS
• One Night Only, 7-10 p.m.; VIP Early Access 6-7 p.m.
• Eat and greet with local chefs
• Bottomless tastes of a variety beer, wine and craft cocktails
• Unlimited signature bites from 25+ of Sandy Springs best restaurants and top chefs
• Live music by The Geek Squad, cooking demonstrations, plus other exciting entertainment


PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
• Big B’s Fish Joint
• Breadwinner Café
• Brooklyn Café
• Chef Rob’s Caribbean Café
• CityBar.
• City Barbeque
• Colonial Kitchen & Bar
• Da Vinci’s Donuts
• The General Muir
• Gus’ World-Famous Fried Chicken
• Hearth Pizza Tavern

• il Giallo Osteria & Bar
• McDaniel’s QN2
• Nothing Bundt Cake
• Nowak’s
• SabaRaba’s
• The Select Restaurant + Bar
• Southern Bistro
• Tailgate Taqueria + Bar
• Tupelo Honey
• Under the Cork Tree
• Yalda


*Check Food That Rocks’ website often for most up-to-date restaurant list


“We are thrilled to bring Food That Rocks back to City Springs for the eighth year. This year we will take over City Green for one night only. Our mission is to provide a true eatertainment experience for attendees and unite the community with the amazing Sandy Springs’ chefs and restaurants. It is a wonderful way for people to try new restaurants and revisit old favorites, all in one location and for one ticket price. We promise that the event will truly be a one-of-a-kind culinary celebration,” says Dale DeSena, Founder of Food That Rocks and Taste of Atlanta.

Event goers will eat their music loving hearts out with live tunes from a violinist and popular Atlanta band, The Geek Squad, a lively group is an energetic, get-up-and-dance band, performing all the best Motown, jazz, funk, hip-hop, and Top 40 Hits. In addition to musical talent, Food That Rocks features one jam-packed evening of other captivating entertainment including live cooking demonstrations by some of Sandy Springs’ rockstar chefs, a tarot card reader, caricature artist, 360 photobooth and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite food and drink at the event. One restaurant will be deemed “best taste” and one drink tasting will take home the “best beverage” and go down as this year’s Food That Rocks crowd- selected favorites. With community connection always in mind, Food That Rocks is a true party with a purpose providing attendees a way to contribute to several area non-profits including Community Assistance Center, The Giving Kitchen, Second Helpings Atlanta, and Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities.

ATLANTA FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL IS BACK FOR 2022 WITH NEW PROGRAMMING

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

Tasting tents return alongside brand new events and programming – Sliced & Cluck’d – celebrating Southern culinary talent and traditions

The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival (AF&WF) returns for its 11th year from Thursday, September 15, through Sunday, September 18, with various programming throughout Atlanta and tickets will officially go on sale to the public Thursday, June 23 – with a limited amount of tickets available with early bird pricing through Thursday, June 30. A celebration of Southern culinary culture, attendees can prepare to revel in creations from an array of the finest chefs the South has to offer – from Texas through Georgia, and all the way to D.C. – with proceeds benefiting Children of Conservation’s school lunch program, providing nutrient-dense meals for children in Africa.

From June 23 to June 30 (or until allotments sell out), early bird tickets for the signature tasting tents start at $85 for general admission per day – including unlimited food, wine & cocktails, alongside live chef demos presented by Publix & interactive experiences – and $125 for VIP, which offers priority access to the tents. After June 30, prices will increase to $99 for general admission and $150 for VIP. Tickets for a curated selection of intimate brunches, dinners, master classes and personalized chef experiences & collaborations will be available “a-la-carte,” including those for two new signature events, coming to Midtown’s latest events destination, Guardian Works:

Sliced: AF&WF’s Party by The Slice – Thursday, September 15, from 7 to 10 p.m.

Sweet, savory & everything in between, because we all know the filling is the best part – introducing Sliced: the first-ever party by the slice at AF&WF! Enjoy nearly every creation served by the slice you can think of – from pizza, pie and quiche to brisket, bread and good ole chicken pot pie, there’s something for everyone to enjoy by the slice. Tickets include unlimited bites, sips & entertainment for $110 through June 30, increasing to $125 on July 1.

Cluck’d: A Chicken & Cocktail Soirée – Friday, September 16, from 7 to 10 p.m.

You can’t have a Southern food festival without the star of the show – chicken! Whether served roasted, battered, baked, barbecued, grilled, sautéed, braised or fried, prepare to indulge in a variety of the South’s best birds by 15 of the top chefs of the South paired with signature Southern cocktails. Dig into some classic yet out-of-the-box poultry dishes from some of the best chefs east of the Mason Dixon. Tickets include unlimited dishes, sips & entertainment for $110 through June 30, increasing to $125 on July 1.

Additional featured restaurant and chef collaborations – honoring both our local culinary scene and the region’s – will be announced this summer. To stay up-to-date on the latest and to purchase tickets, visit www.atlfoodandwinefestival.com and follow along at @atlfoodandwine.

TASTE OF ATLANTA 2019

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/22/19

Featuring Over 100 Local Restaurants, Cooking Demos & Classes from Chefs Including Jonathan Waxman of Brezza Cucina & Chef Todd Richards of Chicken + Beer, Saturday Night Concert from Yacht Rock Revue & More
 
October 18, 19 & 20, 2019 at Historic Fourth Ward Park
 
Tickets Available Here

Taste of Atlanta, the city’s award-winning food, craft beer, wine and spirits festival showcasing the local restaurant scene, announces this year’s festival programming and restaurant lineup here. Taking place over three days from Friday, October 18 through Sunday, October 20, 2019 at Historic Fourth Ward Park, the 18th annual festival will feature more than 100 restaurants throughout the weekend. Plus, there will be a Friday Opening Night Party, on-stage cooking demos, cooking classes and new this year, Food Districts, a more expansive VIP Tasting Experience and a Saturday night concert from one of Atlanta’s favorite local bands, Yacht Rock Revue.

Opening Night Party (October 18): Kicking off on Friday with the Opening Night Party hosted by Chef-Owner Nick Leahy of AIX and Tin Tin, the evening will showcase a roster of well-regarded local chefs who focus on sourcing ingredients locally and cooking seasonally. From 7:30-11pm, participating restaurants, including Tiny Lou’s, Bellina Alimentari, KR Steakbar, Table & Main, Mission + Market and dozens more, will serve tastings alongside wine, beer, cocktails and live music from Moontower. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will support Georgia Grown’s restaurant partnership program.

Main Tasting Events (October 19 & 20): Bringing together chefs from neighborhoods across Atlanta and representing dozens of cuisines, Taste of Atlanta will serve as a destination to try bites from over 100 restaurants all in one place. General Admission featured restaurants include Barcelona Wine Bar, Joella’s Hot Chicken, Hawkers Asian Street Fare, Poke Burri, Sweet Spot and more. Among the restaurants in VIP Tasting Experience – an exclusive area of the festival offering all-inclusive tastings and pours from craft beer, wine and cocktail makers – are 9 Mile Station, Golden Eagle, STK, Casi Cielo and 5Church. Plus, this year’s Best Bartender Competition, presented by Bulleit Bourbon, culminates at the festival with finalists sampling their creations in VIP Tasting Experience as well as presenting alongside chefs leading cooking demos and classes.

Food Districts (October 19 & 20): This year’s festival will feature categorized Food Districts, including:

Buford Highway – Offering the international cuisines of Atlanta’s most diverse culinary corridor, this Food District presented by WeLoveBuhi will feature bites and sips from Northern China Eatery, Yi Fang Taiwan Fruit Tea and more.

Tailgating – Guests can check out game day bites from restaurants such as City BBQ, Shake Shack, Taco Mac and Three Dollar Café while watching the football games of the day! Plus, the Atlanta Falcons and 92.9 The Game will be there adding to the game day spirit.

Hartsfield-Jackson Lounge – Attendees can swing by the lounge to get a taste of what the busiest airport in the world has to offer! Chicken + Beer, TGI Fridays, Atlanta Chophouse & Brewery and others will be serving tastes.

Brunch All Day – Festivalgoers can enjoy brunch all day, every day at Taste of Atlanta. Restaurants, including Waffle House, The Little Farmhouse Cafe and Simon’s Restaurant, will be dishing up the city’s best brunch dishes at this Food District presented by The Extreme Bean.

Chef Demos (October 19 & 20): Attendees will also get an inside view into the Atlanta culinary world at Chef’s Table and Home Plate Stages, where chefs will demonstrate how to prepare mouthwatering dishes and provide tastings of their creations. For a full demo schedule, please see here.

  • All Things Fall with Brezza Cucina’s Culinary Legend Jonathan Waxman & Executive Chef Andrew Cacioppo – The duo is teaming up at Taste of Atlanta to teach attendees all about cooking fall recipes with local and seasonal ingredients, including a Roasted Fall Salad with Maple Vinaigrette, Lamb Chops and a Warm Shrimp Salad. Plus, they’ll be serving a seasonal cocktail to pair.
  • Somms and Sous – While head chefs tend to receive the glory, the behind-the-scenes heroes who help keep kitchens running are the sous chefs. Taste of Atlanta is putting some of the city’s best sous chefs front and center as they demo how to prepare bites that are paired with wines selected by their restaurants’ sommeliers. Not only will attendees learn how to cook, they’ll get the chance to explore pairings with wines of Germany and Bordeaux.
  • Burger Brawl with Budweiser – There’s no doubt that restaurants all across Atlanta dish up tasty burgers, but who will receive the top honor at Taste of Atlanta? Guests are invited to watch as burger joints duke it out for ‘Best Burger.’

Cooking Classes (October 19 & 20): Sponsored by The Cook’s Warehouse, Garnish & Gather, Hammer Stahl and Sprouts Farmers Market, The Kitchen Workshop offers hands-on cooking classes led by Atlanta chefs, where cooks can learn to cook at individual stations. All classes are first-come, first-served and free to join with a Taste of Atlanta ticket. Please see here for the full list of classes.

  • It’s All in the Cookware! – Festivalgoers can join Mary Moore, Founder and CEO of The Cook’s Warehouse, and Bobby Griggs of Hammer Stahl in the kitchen as they prepare Wild Mushroom & Marsala Chicken with Angel Hair Pasta. Participants will learn how to make the classic Italian-American dish using the cookware brand’s latest products.
  • South Meets East – The brilliant chefs of Northern China Eatery will teach participants how to make Dan Dan Noodles with a peanut sauce made from Georgia Peanuts. Plus, Don Koehler from Georgia Peanut Commission will be on hand to talk shop about Georgia Peanuts in this awesome mash-up of South meets East.
  • Rue Po’ Boy – Chef Darrell Johnson, founder of creole and cajun bistro food truck NOLA Creations and winner of Food Network’s ‘The Great Food Truck Race,’ will take center stage with his famed Shrimp Po’ Boy. Attendees will learn how to prepare the fan favorite firsthand during this workshop.
  • Dinner at Home with Garnish & Gather – Atlanta’s local meal kit company Garnish & Gather invites Taste of Atlanta attendees to join them in cooking a farm-to-table recipe highlighting seasonal ingredients.

Georgia Grown Pavilion (October 19 & 20): Chefs, restaurateurs and food producers will welcome attendees to learn about Georgia Grown products and ingredients through food conversations, mini culinary demos and of course, recipe tastings. Programs include Cathy Conway of Avalon Catering demoing a recipe with Decimal Place Goat Cheese; Ellijay Mushrooms showcasing their passion for growing shiitake mushrooms; Chef Jennifer Booker highlighting local apples and honey; Author Rebecca Lang talking pecans and more.

Saturday Night Concert with Yacht Rock Revue (October 19): Taste of Atlanta will continue into the evening on Saturday, October 19 with a concert from one of Atlanta’s favorite local bands, Yacht Rock Revue. The famed seven-man band will be crooning classic hits and Halloween tunes. Plus, local food trucks, such as Che Butter Jones, YoJay’s Yogurt Treats and Zubi’s Taco Kitchen, will be selling bites for purchase alongside drinks from beverage tents throughout the concert. Gates open at 7pm, and tickets can be purchased here.

Tickets to Taste of Atlanta can be purchased here. Prior to the festival, ticket holders will receive wristbands equipped with radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, making Taste of Atlanta a cashless festival. The wristbands are pre-loaded with Taste Points which can be used for drink and merchandise purchases as well as food tastings, ranging from one to three points each. Wristbands track tastes sampled and provide attendees with a post-event tasting list, giving all ticket holders a customized roundup of restaurant recommendations for future dining out.