Tag Archive for: food

TASTE OF ATLANTA PRESENTS GRAND TASTING

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/29/22

Grand Tasting Takes Over the Epicurean Atlanta Hotel for Epic Foodie Fête

Thursday, October 22 6-10pm

Epicurean Hotel


Fans of fabulous food and drink can indulge their appetites for both at Taste of Atlanta’s Grand Tasting—an all-new signature tasting event featuring Atlanta’s best restaurants on Thursday, Oct. 20. The Epicurean Atlanta Hotel, an impressive new food-focused destination in Midtown, will serve as the backdrop for the tasting experience. Eat, drink, be merry and enjoy the all-star lineup of local chefs, top restaurants, beer, wine and spirits brands—with a variety of all-you-can-eat bites, an abundance of unlimited beer, wine, and cocktail tasting options, along with culinary theatre programming and live entertainment throughout the evening.

GRAND TASTING HIGHLIGHTS

● Taste unlimited delicious bites from Atlanta’s best restaurants
● Discover new restaurants and revisit the many neighborhood favorites
● Sample dozens of cool cocktails, wines and beers
● Meet top chefs up close and personal
● Culinary Theatre Programming
● Live music by Lilac Wine, The Mad Violinist and other special entertainment
● Vote for the “best taste” of the evening from your favorite restaurant

Tickets to Taste of Atlanta’s Grand Tasting are now available and can be purchased at
Grand Tasting | Taste of Atlanta.

GRAND TASTING TICKET OPTIONS

VIP TICKET: $150 (plus tax and fees)
● Entry 6:00pm – 10:00pm
● Complimentary Valet Parking
● Complimentary Glass
● Opportunity to Attend Exclusive Cocktail Reception
● Exclusive Access to Culinary Theatre programming
● VIP Goodie Bag for the first 50 ticket buyers
● Unlimited Food & Beverage Tastings
● Meet the Chefs Up Close and Personal
● Special Live Entertainment
● Limited VIP Tickets Available


GENERAL ADMISSION: $100 (plus tax and fees)
● Entry 7:00pm – 10:00pm
● Complimentary Glass
● Unlimited Food & Beverage Tastings
● Meet the Chefs Up Close and Personal
● Special Live Entertainment
● Limited General Admission Tickets Available


ABOUT GRAND TASTING
Taste of Atlanta celebrates 21 years as the city’s most anticipated annual food and beverage festival showcasing the best “tastes” our local restaurant chefs have to offer. This year’s Grand Tasting event will reintroduce many favorite restaurants and renowned chefs who have participated over the past 20 years as well as some amazing newbies who will offer their most craveable dishes paired with bottomless wine, beer and cocktail tastes and live music. The Grand Tasting will be one night only from 6-10pm with a scrumptious epicurean experience for 21 and older presented by Taste of Atlanta. For tickets and additional information, visit Grand Tasting | Taste of Atlanta. Location: The Epicurean Hotel Atlanta, 1117 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309

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.

COBB FOODIE WEEK 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/5/22

September 10 – September 17

Taste the best of what Cobb County has to offer during Cobb Foodie Week! This week-long culinary celebration hosted by Cobb Travel & Tourism highlights the endless dining options available in Atlanta’s Sweet Spot to both visitors and residents. 

From September 10 to September 17, food enthusiasts can redeem exclusive digital coupons to enjoy meal deals from more than 40 restaurants around Cobb County. From discounts and giveaways to coupons and prix fixe menu options, Cobb Foodie Week is the best time for residents and visitors to eat their way around the county, while saving money and supporting local restaurants.

Participation is 100% free to restaurants, and there is no app to download or password to remember, just discounts to be unlocked! Visit cobbfoodieweek.com for more information.

Various restaurants in Cobb County, including:

  • 1885 Grill – Acworth
  • Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar Marietta
  • Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar Smyrna
  • Big Shanty Smokehouse
  • Broken Anchor Winery
  • Camp’s Kitchen & Bar
  • C. Ellet’s Steakhouse
  • Catfish Hox
  • Cinco Mexican Cantina
  • Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar
  • Four Fat Cows
  • Forno Vero
  • FruiTea Bubbles Café
  • Honeysuckle Biscuits & Bakery
  • J. Christopher’s Smyrna
  • J. Christopher’s Roswell Rd. Marietta
  • Marietta Perks
  • Marietta Pizza Co.
  • McCray’s Tavern East Cobb
  • McCray’s Tavern Smyrna
  • MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes
  • Old Vinings Inn
  • Naija Cuisines, African Restaurant & Bar
  • Papa Roy’s Louisiana Kitchen
  • Pie Bar
  • Red Top Brewhouse
  • Rooted Trading Co.
  • Seed Kitchen & Bar
  • Silla Del Toro
  • SGC Chicken & Seafood
  • Southern Baked Pie Company
  • Stockyard Burgers & Bones Marietta & Vinings
  • Taqueria Tsunami East Cobb
  • Taqueria Tsunami Marietta Square
  • The Melting Pot Kennesaw
  • The Poke Company
  • The Third Door
  • Tin Lizzy’s Cantina East Cobb
  • Twisted Kitchen Smyrna
  • US Café
  • VeGreen Burger
  • Williamson Brothers BBQ Marietta

New restaurants are added every day to cobbfoodieweek.com as they submit their meal deals. 

TASTE BROOKHAVEN 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/31/22

Sample your way through the amazing food of Brookhaven on and explore the newly renovated space at Villa Christina,while benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta

September 15th

“Taste Brookhaven” is returning to provide an evening of food, signature cocktails, and live entertainment celebrating the best of Brookhaven – more than 15 featured restaurants – while benefiting the worthy cause of the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation.

“We are excited to announce that Taste Brookhaven is back and being brought to you by Explore Brookhaven,” shared Ron Eyester, executive director for the Taste Brookhaven organization. “As guests indulge in various treats being offered by our featured restaurants and chefs, they will be able to stroll through the stunning gardens and explore and appreciate the newly renovated space at Villa Christina.” Villa Christina (https://www.villachristina.com/) is a restaurant and private event space inside the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina.

This event supports Friends, the community volunteer organization of Children’s. Each year, its thousands of members throughout greater Atlanta raise funds for many essential programs to fulfill crucial needs and make an important difference in a child’s life. Proceeds from Taste Brookhaven will help meet the needs of Georgia’s rapidly growing pediatric population. Support enables Children’s to care for hundreds of thousands of patients and their families now and in the future.

“The evening promises to deliver an exceptional experience, showcasing the superior dining landscape that has evolved and developed throughout Brookhaven and its surrounding areas,” Eyester shared. “Thank you in advance for your consideration of this important and worthwhile cause. It is our sincere hope that everyone near and far will join us in supporting the 2022 Taste Brookhaven and, in turn, support this very important children’s cause.”

Tickets range from $100 to $175, of which $50 is tax deductible, and include food tastings, beer and wine. Sponsorship packages include a variety of special perks. Tickets, sponsorships and donations are available at https://give.choa.org/TasteBrookhaven.

“Taste Brookhaven” is from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., Thursday, September 15, at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta Perimeter at Villa Christina (4000 Summit Blvd NE, Atlanta, GA 30319).

For additional information or to become a sponsor, contact Eyester at ron@tastebrookhaven.com.

LABOR DAY BBQ ON THE BELTLINE AT TWO URBAN LICKS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/28/22

Celebrate the Unofficial End of Summer During a Classic Cookout on the Patio
Beginning at 12 p.m. on Monday, September 5, 2022


In honor of the unofficial end of summer, TWO urban licks is hosting a Labor Day bash, BBQ on the BeltLine, on its expansive dog-friendly patio on Monday, September 5th from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. In addition to TWO’s full menu of fiery American cuisine, Executive Chef Jay Swift will be serving tender smoked chicken, brisket, and BBQ pork with classic sides including collard greens, pasta salad, baked beans, cole slaw and more starting at $35. Diners can toast to the end of summer while sipping on TWO’s impressive wine, beer and cocktail offerings. To make a reservation or for more information, call 404.522.4622 or visit  twourbanlicks.com. TWO urban licks is located in the Old Fourth Ward at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30306.

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.

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

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.

PEACHFEST RETURNS TO PEACHTREE CENTER JULY 26TH

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

Festival organizers announce chefs and sponsors ahead of the all-inclusive event on July 26

Summer in Georgia signals the start of peach season and this year, Atlanta’s popular PeachFest returns to Peachtree Center after a pandemic pause. From 5:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 26, Peachtree Center will open The Plaza to Atlanta’s best food artisans, pastry chefs and barkeeps for the fifth annual peach-filled extravaganza for an all-inclusive guest experience.

During Peachfest, guests will be able to enjoy peach-centric dishes, beer, wine, peach-infused cocktails and more curated by leading influencers in Atlanta’s food and beverage industry. Offerings include chef-prepared dishes studded with the state’s signature fruit, the Georgia peach; crushable, peach-infused cocktails made with premium spirits; endless beers, including an exclusive peach beer from Wrecking Bar Brewpub, and the Vinoteca Wine Lounge featuring Ribera del Duero and Rueda, Spain’s most prestigious regions for red and white wines.

“As Downtown Atlanta’s cultural hub, we’re thrilled to welcome back PeachFest to Peachtree Center,” said Leslie Bland, Director of Marketing at Peachtree Center. “In celebration of the Georgia Peach, PeachFest will allow guests the opportunity to enjoy an intimate, first-hand experience with the city’s top chefs and mixologists in support of our long-term partner, Pearson Farms. We’re the perfect location to host this one-of-a-kind event and look forward to enjoying flavorful peach dishes and drinks alongside our community.”

This year’s culinary lineup will feature Atlanta’s best chefs and beverage artisans who are dedicated to supporting local farmers, including Stevenson Rosslow & Mikey Staniewicz of Wrecking Bar Brewpub, John Short of Pearson Farm, Drew Van Leuvan of Farm Burger, Jon Jackson of Comfort Farms, Nolan Wynn of Banshee, Casey Burchfield of The Burch, Tyler Edwards of Elsewhere Brewing, Davis King of Betterstaff Brewing, Jason Waters of Georgia Routes, Karl Gorline of The Woodall Westside, Natahsa Horton of Blended Family Spirits, and Grant Wallace of Our Apothecary, to name a few.

Event tickets can be purchased at www.peachfest.org. Each ticket includes entry into the event, food and beverages. With an extraordinary list of participating chefs and sponsors, the festival will also raise funds for Piggy Bank, a non-profit whose mission is to preserve and protect endangered breeds of heritage pigs and support family farmers by creating and sharing business plans that can help form sustainable processes. In times of need, Piggy Bank provides relief to heritage breed pig farmers struck by eco-disaster in an effort to avoid failure.

“PeachFest is a community event designed to build awareness and education around livestock and produce grown in Georgia including peaches and tasty heritage breed pigs raised by family farmers,” said Brady Lowe, volunteer director of Piggy Bank.