food Archives | Adventures in Atlanta

Tag Archive for: food

PUNK FOODIE FEST VOL. 2

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/4/23

Chef pop-ups, DJ performances, craft beer and more are coming to the dynamic indoor-outdoor culinary destination

On Saturday, June 10, Westside Motor Lounge, the indoor-outdoor restaurant, bar, beer garden and live music venue at Echo Street West, will host Punk Foodie Fest vol. 2, a culinary celebration hosted by Punk Foodie with live DJ performances, specialty craft beer and 16 restaurant pop-ups. From noon to 5 p.m., attendees are invited to enjoy over 45 dishes representing a wide range of cuisines from a variety of local Atlanta pop-up chefs. Proceeds from the event are expected to support charity Flavor Forward’s production of at least 500 fresh, chef-cooked meals for individuals experiencing food insecurity. Tickets are now available for purchase.

“Punk Foodie Fest Vol. 2 is an incredible way to bring the community together to celebrate the underground Atlanta food scene while also supporting a great cause,” said Kelly Campbell, Partner at STHRN Hospitality Co. and Southern Culinary & Creative, the company behind Westside Motor Lounge. “Westside Motor Lounge and Punk Foodie have similar missions of discovering unique talents in the music and food scenes, and we couldn’t be more excited to partner and spread awareness of some of the best in Atlanta’s culinary scene.”

Punk Foodie Fest Vol. 2 is an all-ages event. Each ticket includes access to Westside Motor Lounge and the 16 pop-up chef concepts, all DJ performances and one complimentary smoked fruit Berliner Weisse beer or nonalcoholic alternative. The list of attending chefs is available here. Children ages 13 and under are free to attend and furry friends are welcome. Costs for food, beverage and vendor goods will vary. Free parking is available at Westside Motor Lounge or Guardian Works at Echo Street West.

“We have carefully curated the list of 16 chefs and 45 dishes to help showcase the wonderful ways in which pop-up chefs are redefining the restaurant landscape in Atlanta (a third of Eater’s hottest restaurants were originally pop-ups),” said Sam Flemming, founder Punk Foodie. “These chefs everyday are painting pictures of the new South, not with paint on canvas, but with local and global ingredients served in Styrofoam take-out boxes from borrowed kitchens and 10×10 tents with tabletop fryers all over the city.”

Founded by father and son team Sam and Leo Flemming and powered by Punk Foodie, Flavor Forward is a community giving platform that provides local chefs with the tools and facilities to prepare warm meals for those experiencing food insecurity. Last year, Flavor Forward delivered over 5,000 meals to local organizers Camp Peace, Intown Cares, The Cathedral Towers, Second Helpings and Free99Fridge.

Punk Foodie is the ‘go-to’ platform for diners to discover unique, local experiences from the Atlanta underground dining scene. The platform hosts a database of over 900 Atlanta area pop-up chefs and manages a calendar of over 200 culinary events per week. At the festival, Punk Foodie will launch the new Punk Foodie app and the official Punk Foodie beer, smoked fruit Berliner Weisse, a collaboration between Round Trip Brewery and Secret Pint BBQ.

Additionally, Westside Motor Lounge will host Skyway Man on Friday, June 9 and the “Girls Love To BAMBA” Day Party on Sunday, June 11 from 4 to 10 p.m. In partnership with Girls Love Ama + Bamba Tuesdays, Westside Motor Lounge will be transformed into an extravaganza of Amapiano, Gqom, Bacardi, Afrohouse, and more. The musical lineup includes DJ Tag, DJ Kash, Danger VYBZ and Xavier Blk. The day party is an ages 21 and up event, and tickets are now available for purchase.

For more information about Westside Motor Lounge and the events schedule, follow @Westside_Motor_Lounge on Instagram or visit www.westsidemotorlounge.com. For the latest news, project updates and more, follow Echo Street West, follow @EchoStreetWest on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or visit www.echostreetwest.com.

THE HALL AT ASHFORD LANE GRAND OPENING – FRIDAY, MAY 26

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/22/23

Friday, May 26th – All Day

The Hall at Ashford Lane is proud to announce its grand opening as Dunwoody’s premier destination for food enthusiasts. This innovative establishment brings together nine food stalls along with multiple full-service options. The Hall at Ashford Lane is set to revolutionize the local dining scene, offering an unmatched experience for residents and visitors alike. The Hall at Ashford Lane is located at 4550 Olde Perimeter Way Atlanta, GA 30346 and will be open to the public beginning May 26, 2023. For hours and more information visit explorethehall.com. Reservations can be made through the Resy app.

Wahoo! Grill

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/21/23

Nestled in a secret garden off College Ave, Wahoo! Grill has been serving Decatur for 18 years and we know why they love it. The moment you walk in the door you’re greeted with an indoor-outdoor vibe, in the main dining space, while outside a large patio that feels secluded. On the menu, a wide variety of options abound from Wahoo fish to lamb to southern staples, as well as a great cocktail menu and desserts. Let’s explore.

Starting with their signature Grilled Wahoo Sofrito that’s tender yet meaty and topped with a tomato forward Spanish sofrito sauce, earthy, crunchy asparagus, and an earthy, seasoned savory risotto underneath. OR go for their new menu item, the grilled half rack of lamb, our favorite bite of the day! Succulent and tender, well-seasoned lamb, the rhubarb sauce underneath is sweet and juxtaposed the savory meat. Then, paired with a sharp and herbaceous potatoes au gratin and earthy asparagus!

Plus, Wahoo! Grill’s cocktail program is “perfection” with this Pina en la pina is a fresh and tangy pina colada style drink with a great tang, cream, and dash of nutmeg. And for the finale, make sure to sample the bread pudding; it’s grandmother’s recipe! It is warm and rich, stuffed with raisins topped with a creamy bourbon glaze. OMG!

Other menu highlights include the Pimento cheese Fritters! They are sinful crispy bites stuffed with pimento cheese inside then a sharp and a sweet spicy tomato sauce underneath! Also, their solid fried green tomatoes that are crispy, perfectly breaded outside, slightly crisp yet tender tomato inside, then a balsamic drizzle for brightness and cool goat cheese to round out the bite. They typically come with shrimp, but we got without.

Fried chicken, a staple of Wahoo! Grill’s menu, is plump and tender, and has a great crunch outside. Paired with collard greens that are rich, spicy and savory, as well as crunchy warm fries. Finish it off with, A crime of passion, an herbaceous and floral gin cocktail mixed with juicy passion fruit and lime, then a rose petal rim to dress it up!

FOR THE LOVE OF VEGETABLES GARDEN DINNER SPROUTS AT MILTON’S ON JUNE 11

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/14/23

Treasured Crabapple Eatery Announces Return of Special Vegetarian Edition of its Beloved Garden Dinner Series

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails invites guests to a special one-of-a-kind vegetarian dining experience on Sunday, June 11. For the Love of Vegetables is a special edition of Milton’s beloved garden dinner series that focuses on vibrant, fresh flavors paired with biodynamic wines to create an unforgettable evening.

Dinner begins with a reception of passed hors d’oeuvres and libations in Milton’s Acre, where attendees receive an exclusive tour of the garden. Guests then retire to a beautiful outdoor four-course dinner with vegetables front and center, paired with biodynamic wines.

Tickets are $140 per person (including wine, tax and gratuity) and can be purchased online in advance. The garden dinners are rain-or-shine events.

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.

Bazati Atlanta

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/20/23

The moment you step in the delightful Pan-Latin restaurant Bazati on the Atlanta Beltline you’re immersed in vintage French decor, marble, luxurious lighting, and a beautiful bar area with leather seats and lounge area! Upstairs is Estrello Rooftop with more pastel, light Latin vibes, vibrant patio, and mezcal behind the bar. This one-two punch of Latin dining is exquisite! Everything is elevated from their sensational cocktails like the floral Houdini, decadent decaf Tequila me Softy espresso martini, and the all-new tangy Wren’s Nest. Then, phenomenal small plates from their loaded charcuterie board, creamy polenta, or their bright Strawberry Maple salad. Their entrees are sure to wow with their earthy Double Stuffed Ravioli, flavorful Brazilian Picanha, and our favorite, the juicy Pork Osso Bucco. Let’s take a trip.

We will kick it off with the trio of cocktails we tried: Houdini, Tequila me Softly, and Wren’s Nest. The Houdini will disappear before your eyes as it is herbaceous, floral up front and balanced with bright and tangy on the back. So good! If you’re looking for a new cocktail to try, go for the Wren’s Nest that will be on their spring menu. It is boozy bourbon that starts warm and ends tangy and bright, slightly sweet watermelon shrub and a hint of ginger. It’s complete. The favorite cocktail of the night was the DECAF Tequila me Softly espresso martini. Decadent and dark chocolate, bitter and creamy, this is sure to please all those coffee lovers out there. You couldn’t tell it was decaf at all and no jitters! We will be back for more!

On to the small plates that John and I shared from the charcuterie board, crispy polenta, and Strawberry Maple Salad. Starting with the loaded Charcuterie board that is stuffed with three meats with different flavor profiles, an array of cheese from soft to hard, salty, crispy almonds, sweet honeycomb, mixed berries, and crackers. After that we got the Crispy Polenta, which is our favorite of the small plates with a gamut of flavors from creamy to buttery to tangy to earthy and bright. The polenta bed itself is creamy and buttery with a crispy top, then it is topped with creamy and sharp cheese. A dollop of olive tempade gives it a slight earthiness to finish out the bite. Love. For our salad, we got the Strawberry Maple, which starts earthy and crunchy with the lettuce, and then is sweet from the maple, tangy from the strawberry. It is finished off with crunchy almonds and sharp blue cheese.

In between the small plates and our entrees, we were treated to the seriously divine Double Stuffed Ravioli. Holy Truffle! Tender Handmade in-house ravioli stuffed with earthy mushroom and enveloped in a sea of creamy, truffle-forward sauce that will definitely WOW you. This is a must try dish bursting with flavor!

Of the entrees, we got the phenomenal Pork Osso Bucco that is meat heaven with tender, fall off the bone pork, perfectly seasoned and surrounded by a moat of rich, savory jus and stuffed with eggplant, celery, and other root vegetables. It was the favorite dish of the day! John got the Brazilian Picanha that is flavorful and well-seasoned meat topped with a bright chimichurri, bright onions, and paired with crunchy fries. On the side we got two very good sides, one being the baby carrots and the other seasonal fiddle heads. The baby carrots are super sweet and candied and laid on a bed of creamy and sharp Greek yogurt. It is sweet and creamy and sharp, a winning combo. Then, fiddle heads are something neither of us had ever had before. They’re naturally foraged tops of ferns that have not blossomed yet. They taste a lot like asparagus but have a flowery, fluttery texture up front with a good crunch on the end. They’re amazing! These are cooked with butter and oil and really taste fresh and light!

Finally, we got a pair of delicious desserts, the Tres Leches cake and the Tiramisu. The Tres Leches is super moist and mellow with a delightful light frosting, topped with fruit. The tiramisu is seriously rich and creamy, dark chocolate notes, boozy, drenched lady fingers with so much flavor. We’d recommend you stay for dessert.

HIGHLY ACCLAIMED PIZZERIA VARUNI NAPOLI LAUNCHES VARUNI CASA, A NEW ONLINE ITALIAN MARKET

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/18/23

Pizzeria Set to Offer Three Best-Selling Pies, As Well As Italian Market Staples
Via ChowNow, Platform Launches Today

Maestro pizzaiolo Chef Luca Varuni of Varuni Napoli (recently featured on ABC’s “Good Morning America” and named a Best Restaurant in Atlanta by Atlanta Magazine) announced the Neapolitan pizzeria is partnering with online food ordering platform ChowNow to expand local delivery offerings. The new extension of the Varuni Napoli brand, Varuni Casa, will begin services today within a 6-mile radius from the Varuni Napoli flagship location in Midtown (1540 Monroe Dr NE, Atlanta, Ga. 30324).

“I’m thrilled to begin offering our frozen pizzas, as well as other Italian market items that we use in our kitchen, to stock pantries around Atlanta,” said Chef Luca Varuni. “Since launching our frozen pizzas nationally on Goldbelly last fall, we’ve heard customer after customer inquire about easy access to our frozen pies locally. You asked, and we listened!”

Varuni Napoli will offer frozen versions of three of its best-selling pies via Varuni Casa, including the Margherita, the Oro Bianco, and the Bastardo. The Classic Margherita is made with DOP-certified San Marzano tomato sauce, DOP buffalo mozzarella, Pecorino Romano, and extra virgin olive oil (1-Pack, $20; 2-pack, $38; 3-pack, $56). The Oro Bianco is made with fresh mozzarella, buffalo ricotta, Taleggio cheese, pancetta, Pecorino Romano, black truffle oil, and black pepper (1-Pack, $23; 2-pack, $44; 3-pack, $63).
The Bastardo is made with DOP-certified San Marzano tomato sauce, fresh mozzarella, pepperoni cups, ‘nduja (spicy spreadable pork salumi in ragu sauce), and Pecorino Romano (1-Pack, $22; 2-pack, $42; 3-pack, $61).

Patrons on the hunt for those imported, specialty ingredients Varuni Napoli uses in its kitchen should look no further. Varuni Casa features market items Chef Luca sources himself from Naples. These items are then delivered via cargo ship straight from Italy twice a year. Selection may vary daily, but includes many imported favorites like:

La Molisana Pasta Spaghetti (10 lb, $23.99)
La Molisana Pasta Penne Ziti Rigate (10 lb, $23.99)
Caputo Chef’s Flour – Italian Double Zero 00 (1 kg, $6.99)
Carnaroli Rice (2.2 lb, $9.99)
Fresh Mozzarella (1 tub, 3 lb, $24.99)
Fresh Ricotta (1 tub, 3 lb, $14.99)
Italian Calabrian Peppers ($54.99)
Nutella (1 tub, 6.6 lb, $49.99)
Peppadew Sweet Piquanté Peppers (105 oz can, $49.99)
Quartered Artichoke Hearts (3 kg can, $19.99)
San Pellegrino Sparkling Aranciata Organic (6-pack, 330 ml, $12.99)
San Pellegrino Sparkling Limonata Organic (6-pack, 330 ml, $12.99)
Varuni-branded Pomodori Pelati San Marzano DOP Tomatoes ($16.99)
Varuni-branded San Marzano DOP Tomatoes ($24.99)

Varuni Casa is open on ChowNow Tuesday-Friday: 12-4:45 p.m. and closed Saturday-Monday. Photos and interviews with Chef Luca Varuni are available upon request. Stay in the know by following Varuni Napoli on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter and by subscribing to the pizzeria’s newsletter.

MEATBALL PALOOZA HOSTED BY MEATBALLERZ ON SATURDAY, MARCH 11

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/28/23

Mamma Mia! Meatballerz hosts first-ever Meatball Palooza on Saturday, March 11

Atlanta eatery and food truck will celebrate National Meatball Day with foodie event at Eventide Brewing

1-5pm, FREE!

Join local favorite Meatballerz on Saturday, March 11, at Eventide Brewing to celebrate National Meatball Day with authentic Italian classics, live cooking demos, food eating competitions, beer and more!

Whether you just love Italian cuisine or fancy yourself an amateur gurgitator, this is a foodie festival you don’t want to miss.

The “meaty” festivities will begin at 1 p.m., with competitive events kicking off at 2 p.m. Registration is open to the public until each event begins, and spectators can have a “ball” watching the fierce competitions from the sidelines.

First up are two warm-up events: a mozzarella triangle cheese pull and a meatball relay race.
The big showdown is a meatball eating contest featuring an envy-inducing grand prize for the first place winner…free Meatballerz Ball-in-a-Hole sandwiches for a year!

Cara and Cathy DeLalla, the mother-daughter duo behind Meatballerz, will host a live cooking demonstration of their beloved Mama’s Chicken Piccata.

If you’re hankering for a hearty meal, the Meatballerz food truck will be parked on site so attendees can enjoy a taste of Italy throughout the day. (Pro tip: dishes pair perfectly with Eventide Brewing’s Mozzafiato Italian Pilsner, which will be available for purchase!)

For more information, please visit the Meatball Palooza Facebook event page.

HOLI CELEBRATION AT NAANSTOP BUCKHEAD

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/28/23

Saturday, 3/11 from noon to 3pm

NaanStop, the fast casual Indian eatery, invites guests to its Buckhead location for an inclusive, family-friendly Holi celebration from noon until 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 11. This special event will feature complimentary Holi powder, DJ/live performance and light snacks. In addition, guests can order from NaanStop’s full menu of naan wraps, rice bowls, fresh salads and more.

Alici Oyster Bar Atlanta

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/20/23

The newest edition to Chef Pat Pascarella’s collection of sensational restaurants, Alici, whisks you away to the Amalfi Italian coast with pastel blue and yellow ornate floor tile, sprawling oyster bar, and stone worked wall. It all gives off a coastal, beachside vibe. This pairs well with the vibrant seafood dishes and sensational breezy cocktails that fills out the Alici menu. Everything from fresh raw crudos or sensational succos to easy drinking cocktails to crisp salads to mix and match fish and sauces and even a whole menu of fresh oysters. It’s just like spending a dinner on Italy’s coast. Let’s talk more about the menu.

Sipping our way around the cocktail menu, we found that we’re in love with it! One of the GM, Ashley’s favorite is a beautiful and bright The Spiteful Monk. It’s citrusy, bubbly, and a great balance of tart and tangy, not too sweet. It’s drinkable, breezy, and reminds you of a sunny beach day. But whatever you do, make sure to try the Midtown Daquiri, one of the best daiquiris we’ve ever had! It started sweet yet smooth, rich, creamy, then the booze hits you on the back! It is balanced out by the tiki bitters and a good sweetness. BLOWN AWAY.

To start, we opted for three very different seafood inspired dishes: the Polpo Socco, Grilled Baby Gem, and Tuna ‘Ndjua. the Polpo Socco is unforgettable with tender, charred, and smoky octopus, creamy, herbaceous caper-tarragon, earthy olives, and tangy red onions all on top of a savory, grilled pancake! On the flip side, the raw minced, savory Tuna ‘Ndjua, is a light, fresh fish dish! This is paired with delightful citrusy blood orange and an earthy, salted salad that adds extra flavor to the bite. Finally, we’re all in with warm, grilled salads right now and the Grilled Baby Gem didn’t disappoint. This is charred baby gem lettuce that’s smoky and earthy then topped with amazing, salty whole anchovies! Then, adding in bright lemon, a huge amount of cheese, and surrounded with a lemon aioli that add in a tang for a great bite.

For our main dishes, we had to at least try one of the house-made pasta dishes, so we got the Occhi with smoked fish. They also have a pick your fish and pick your sauce mix and match, so since we’d never had tilefish, we went for this fish with their bright salsa verde. The pasta was perfectly cooked ravioli style pasta stuffed with smoky fish and a mild cheese. Outside it is tender with a slight spice of jalapeno that juxtaposes with mild fish and pasta, bright crispy onions, and earthy olives. It’s doused in lemon sauce that’s rich with citrus notes, this goes well with the other flavors.

Now, on to our favorite dish of the meal, the tilefish! Hefty, mild, salty, crunchy skinned tilefish dressed up with a bright, earthy, herbaceous salsa verde that combines the richness of the fish with the tang of the herbs. We cannot get over the oil and herb sauce! Divine. To go with the fish, we tried their brand new cauliflower side. This is a good mix of tender yet crunchy that are both toasty and citrusy.

We need to go back to try more pastas, fish, and sauces!