Wednesday, October 20, 2010
October 2010 Issue
Friday, October 1, 2010
FALL'S FESTIVALS & FAIRS
Enjoy Fall's festivals, fairs & food before Fall colors fade into winter
Georgia's mountain regions offer vistas of ever changing scenery, lakes, roaring rivers, music, good food and celebrations. October is the month to journey to north Georgia for the leaf change. Alot of the region's towns offer festivals celebrating everything from crops, heritage, the gold industry to centuries past. You will find bluegrass music, hog calling contests, clogging and buck dancing and even a liar's contest. Artists, crafts, musicians and parades are staples at many of the fairs. Find your favorite festivals in our list below and enjoy October's many views and celebrations before the days shorten, the weather cools and Fall's colors fade.
•Kangaroo Conservation
Enjoy an outback adventure in the picturesque North Georgia mountains. Kangaroo Conservation Center has the largest collection of kangaroos outside of Australia. Restricted to adults and ages 5 or above. Friday & Saturday only and last tour is Oct. 30th. Dawsonville, GA, 706.265.6100. www.kangaroocenter.com
•78th Annual North Georgia State Fair
Through October 3rd ~ As the largest fair in metro Atlanta, the North Georgia State Fair attracts nearly 300,000 people and features live music, free attractions, shows, farm animals, flower shows, blue ribbon competitions, local square dancers, fair foods, games and rides at one of the largest carnival midways in the United States. A covered arena guarantees free concerts rain or shine. Jim R. Miller Park, 2245 Callaway Road, SW, Marietta. 770.528.8989, www.northgeorgiastatefair.com
•Atlanta Greek Festival
Through October 3rd ~ Music, dancing, singing, food and wine demonstrations. $3; ages 12 and younger $1. Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2500 Clairmont Road N.E., Atlanta. 404.633.7358, www.atlgoc.org/festival.htm
•Oktoberfest
Through October 31st, Helen, GA ~ nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains on the Chattahoochee River, is a re-creation of an alpine village complete with cobblestone alleys and old-world towers. Sundays in October free admisson. www.helenchamber.com
•Enchanted Maize Maze
Through October 31st ~ A cornfield labyrinth of trails. Located at the foot of Lookout Mountain in Georiga. For hours, prices and directions 706.820.2531. There are also hayrides, a kiddie hay maze, a hay pyramid, pumpkin patch & good cookin.’ www.enchantedmaze.com
•Netherworld
Through November 6th ~ 7 p.m. - 11 p.m. at the Georgia Antique & Design Center at 6624 Dawson Blvd., Norcross. The Travel Channel has called it “the most elaborate haunted house in America” that “makes Hollywood creature features look like Bambi.” The Today Show says, “Here, goose bumps are guaranteed. AOL City Guide warns that it “brings screams, goose bumps, and unthinkable horrors.” And, for the last few years, Netherworld has been considered one of the Top Haunted Houses in the World. 404.608.2484, www.fearworld.com
•Uncle Shuck’s Haunted Maze
Through November 22nd ~ Returning attractions will include the large cornfield maze, one haunted maze section (October only), one soybean maze in the Kiddie Corner activity area, hayrides along the Etowah River, bonfire area and the pumpkin patch. A two-acre sunflower field will be added, with the large yellow blooms available for purchase. In addition, an “Amazing Scarecrows” exhibit area and contest will be featured with the pumpkin patch. Dawsonville, 40 minutes from metro Atlanta, two miles West from the North Georgia Premium Outlet Mall on Georgia Hiwy. 53. www.uncleshucks.com
•Leaf Watch 2009
Through early November ~ Autumn’s arrival means multicolored leaves. To help leaf peepers plan their autumn escapes, Georgia’s state parks has launched “Leaf Watch 2010” to track fall color as it moves across the state. Found at www.GeorgiaStateParks.org/leafwatch throughout October and early November, travelers can get updates on fall color and make reservations for the many campsites, cottages and lodge rooms offered at Georgia’s state parks. 1.800.864.7275.
•7th Annual Virginia Highlands ‘Rocktoberfest’
October 1st ~ 5 p.m. - Midnight. Music begins at 6 p.m. The First Big Oktoberfest of the Year! $5 cover. 822 N. Highland Ave., Atlanta - 404.874.7147 (Back Parking Lot & Inside Limerick Junction & Blind Willie’s), www.usaentertainment.net/vahirock.html
•Fadoktoberfest
October 2nd ~ 2 p.m. to close. There are only a couple of times a year Fado takes the party to the streets in Buckhead and the annual Oktoberfest celebration is one of them! So, strap on your fanciest lederhosen and sexist dirndl skirts and head down early. The outdoor street festival starts at 2 p.m. Day includes a Polka Band, bratwurst eating contest, strongman stein holding competition and live music. Advance tickets $5. 273 Buckhead Avenue, 404.841.0066, www.fadoirishpub.com/atlanta/fadoktoberfest
•Alpharetta Scarecrow Fest
October 2nd ~ A gathering for the entire community celebrating scarecrows and the spirit of the fall harvest. Over 50 lively scarecrows created by school children line Hwy 9, downtown hayrides, fall crafts, farmer’s market, live music, food and fun. FREE. For info: 678/297-6000 x-1008 or www.alpharetta.ga.us.
•Hotoberfest Beer Festival
October 2nd ~ 1 p.m. - 8 p.m. Beer tasting of 110+ craft brews 1 p.m. - 6 p.m. Earth • Beer • Music... on the grounds of the Glenwood Park community. www.hotoberfest.net to win free tickets
•2nd Atlanta BBQ Festival
October 2nd ~ Noon - 8 p.m. 1 day, 10 restaurants, 50 BBQ teams. Blues & bluegrass music and kid’s area. $6 advance/$10 day of and 12-and-under free. Atlantic Station special events area, www.atlantabbqfestival.com
•Crossroads Antiques & Art
October 2nd ~ A tradition since 1969, Crossroads at Crabapple Antique and Art Festival, Mayfield Road in Milton. An old-fashioned festival with musicians, food & fun under old oak trees surrounded by buildings dating back to the 1800s. This one-day festival features 50 Antique dealers from 6 states and 50 juried artists as well as children’s activities. 770.448.3860, www.cityofmiltonga.us/
•Rock N’ Ribs Fest
October 2nd ~ 1 - 9 p.m. On the Square in Downtown Lawrenceville. Sponsored by 97.1 The River with live music, a kid’s zone, ribs & sandwich plates from area restaurants (McCray’s Tavern, Texas Roadhouse, California Dreaming, Spiced Right BBQ, Oyster Bay & Heavenly Dreams Q) and a beergarten by McCray’s Tavern. www.rocknribsfest.com/home.html
•Historical Rock Hike
October 2nd ~ 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Join Tallulah Gorge staff for a hike to see rock formations that were named during the Victorian era. The hike is very strenuous, off the beaten trail. . Bring lots of water and a snack. Space is limited so please call and sign up in advance. $5 parking.706-754-7981. Tallulah Gorge State Park, Hwy. 441, Tallulah Falls. www.gastateparks.org/info/Tallulah
•Indian Summer Festival
October 2nd & 3rd ~ $6 Advance, $8 at the door. Arts, Crafts, barbeque, hot dogs, hamburgers, cotton candy, a turkey shoot, pony rides and live band with country square dance. Woody Gap School (Georgia’s smallest public school), GA Highway 60, Suches, GA. 706.838.5378. www.suches.com/festivalinfo.htm
•Norcross Arts Fest
October 2nd & 3rd ~ Art, live entertainment, children’s rides, silent auction & food on the streets of historic downtown Norcross. 678.641.2686, splashfestivals.com
•Appalachian Jam
October 2nd & October 9th ~ 2 PM - 5 PM. Come listen to the sounds and songs of yesteryear. North Georgia’s mountain music singers and pickers will appear on the grounds of the historic Dahlonega Gold Museum. Enjoy acoustic and old-time strings as the sounds of yesterday fill the air - 465 Riley Road, Dahlonega, GA , 706.864.3513. www.dahlonegadda.org
•Sunday In The Park
October 3rd ~ Historic Oakland Foundation is proud to present the 31st annual Sunday in the Park from Noon – 6 p.m. The Victorian street festival began in 1979 and offers fun, food, and entertainment for all ages. Enjoy delicious food from Six Feet Under, The Varsity, Tin Lizzy’s, Doc Chey’s, Pallookaville and more. There will be a variety of live musical entertainment, an artists market, living history demonstrations, storytellers, Irish dancers and a scavenger hunt.The suggested donation is $5. Admission for children 3 and under is free. Free parking. 248 Oakland Avenue, SE, Atlanta, 404.688.2107, www.oaklandcemetery.com
•Cumming Country Fair and Festival
October 7th - 17th ~ Amusement rides and games, fireworks, a heritage village with a working saw mill, corn mill and more, family shows and concerts included in the admission price. $7; $3 for 5 to 18, under 4 free. Cumming City Fairgrounds, 235 Castleberry Road, Cumming. 770.781.3491, www.cityofcumming.net
•GA National Fair
October 7th - 17th ~ Exhibits, midway rides, games, concerts and nightly fireworks. $8; $7 seniors; free for children 10 and younger. Georgia National Fairgrounds, 401 Larry Walker Pkwy., Perry, GA, 1.800.987.3247, www.georgianationalfair.com
•GA Mountain Fall Fest
October 8th - 16th ~ Country music stars, crafts and exhibits - mountain style. 1311 Music Hall Road (Park Road at U.S. 76), Hiawassee. 706.896.4191, www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com
•37th Annual Lilburn Daze
October 9th ~ Arts & Crafts Festival with 200 booths, crafters and food concessions. Children’s play area with a big slide, moonwalk, pony rides, clowns, train ride and a rock-climbing wall. 770.982.4808, 76 Main Street, Lilburn. Free admission & parking. www.cityoflilburn.com
•Oakhurst International Arts and Music Festival
October 9th ~ 10 a.m.- 7 p.m. An artists market with more than 75 artists plus children’s activities & live music. Free admission. Harmony Park, East Lake Drive at Oakview Road. 404.371.9583, oakhurstartsandmusicfestival.com
•41st Sorghum Festival
Weekends October 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th ~ The culture of the Mountains. Activites include Sorghum Parade, car show, biskit’ eatin’ contest, square dancin’, pole climbin’, log sawin’, rock throwin’, and horseshoes throwin’, 706.745.5789 - Fort Sorghum, in Blairsville. Free admission, free parking. www.blairsville.com/sorghum.asp
•Prater’s Mill Country Fair
October 9th & 10th ~ A family-friendly jaunt through history, the festival is centered around the old water-powered, still-operating gristmill which was built in the mid-1800s near Dalton, GA. For more information 706.694.MILL (6455). Admission $5, children under 12 free, free parking. www.pratersmill.org
•39th GA Apple Festival
October 9th & 10th, 16th & 17th ~ North Georgia’s apple harvest with arts and crafts, parade, car show and bushels of apples. $5; children younger than 10 free. Lions Club Fairgrounds, Old Ga. Hwy. 5, Ellijay. (Shuttles available from schools). 706.635.7400, www.georgiaapplefestival.org
•10th Little Five Points Halloween Festival
October 15th & 16th ~ Live local bands, costume contest, parade, children’s activies in Davis Plaza noon - 5 p.m. Hours: 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. Oct. 16; noon-10 p.m. Oct. 17. Free admission. Little Five Points, Atlanta. 404.230.2884. www.l5phalloween.com
•St. Mountain Highland Games
October 15th & 17th ~ Athletic events, dancing, music, piping and drumming. Food, vendors. Sounds of bagpipes, fiddles and harps. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $15 Saturday, $13 Sunday, children $4; Stone Mountain Park, U.S. 78 East, Stone Mountain. 770.521.0228, www.smhg.org
•Great Decatur Beer Tasting Festival
October 16th ~ Noon - 5 p.m. $35. 100’s of local & international beers, live music and food, Decatur Square, 404.371.9583, decaturbeerfestival.org
•Fall Hoedown
October 16th ~ 2 - 9 p.m. Celebrate autumn’s arrival with line, square and round dancing, hayrides and campfire stories. $5 parking. Vogel State Park, Blairsville, GA 706.745.2628. www.gastateparks.org
•34th Harvest Square Fest
October 16th ~ 9 a.m. til 6 p.m. Many local area artists and craftspeople. Exhibits include painting, pottery, woodwork, metal, jewelry, glass, fabric, floral designs and more. Also, Halloween Happenings and Scarecrows on the Square. Marietta Square, for more info, 770.794.5601. www.mariettaga.gov
•Gold Rush Days
October 16th & 17th ~ Fall colors peaking and celebrate Dahlonega’s 1828 discovery of gold. Over 300 art and craft exhibitors gather around the Public Square and Historic District in support of this annual event, 706.864.7247. www.dahlonega.org
•Full Moon Suspension Bridge Hike
October 22nd, 6 PM to 8 PM & October 24th, 7:45 PM to 9:45 PM. Join Tallulah Rangers an a moonlit hike down into the gorge. Register in advance. $5 plus $5 parking. Tallulah Gorge State Park - Tallulah Falls, GA 706.754.7981. gastateparks.org
•Sugar Hill Fall Festival
October 23rd ~ Free. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Carnival games, rides, petting zoo, face painting, parade at 10 a.m., arts & crafts, live music and more... E.E. Robinson Park, Level Creek Road, Sugar Hilll. 770.831.7413, www.cityofsugarhill.com
•Olde Town Fall Fest
October 23rd ~ 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Arts and crafts, continuous entertainment. Food. Free. Olde Town, Main and Commercial streets, Conyers. 770.602.2606, www.conyersga.com
•Candler Park Fall Fest
Octobert 23rd & 24th ~ 101th Anniversary: Francine Reed and League of Decency highlight the musical lineup of 15 acts at Atlanta’s most hospitable fall festival. Also: kids actvities, food, beer, and more than 90 artists will be featured at this year’s event — which also happens to be the 101th anniversary of this quirky intown neighborhood. www.candlerpark.org/fallfest
•43rd Annual Mountain Moonshine Festival
October 23rd & 24th ~ Visit an old Moonshine still; listen to stories from the “Tripper’s” and Revenuer’s. Friday night cruise-in. Sat: parade, crafts, food, entertainment, and bicycle tour 706.216.5273 - Toll Free: 877.280.8147, Dawsonville, www.dawson.org
•Fall Jonquil Festival
October 23rd & 24th ~ 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Vendors from across the Southeast offer arts and crafts. Food. Children’s activities include pony rides, inflatables, sand art. Free Admission. Village Green, 2800 King St., Smyrna. 770.423.1330. www.ci.smyrna.ga.us
•Taste Of Atlanta
October 23rd & 24th ~ An outdoor food festival held throughout the streets of Tech Square in Midtown. The event features more than 70 of the city’s best restaurants, live cooking demonstrations from national and local celebrity chefs, wine experience, live performances and more. For more info visit www.tasteofatlanta.com
•Halloween Hikes
October 23rd, 29th & 30th ~ Fundraiser 7 - 10 p.m., half mile of lighted trails with nature-theme characters. Gather around a campfire, face painting, crafts. $8 per person. Chattahoochee Nature Center. 770.992.2055 ext. 236, www.chattnaturecenter.com
•Goblins in the Garden
October 24th ~ 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Young goblins are invited to wear their favorite spooky costume for Halloween treats and fun. This is the culminating event of the month-long Scarecrows in the Garden. Pony rides $4, Ride-On-Train $2 (adults ride free with child under 3). Atlanta Botanical Garden, 1345 Piedmont Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404.876.5859, www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org
•Chastain Park Arts Fest
November 6th & 7th ~ This is the second year for this event on Chastain’s north end. Over 100 artisans, free admission. www.chastainparkartsfestival.com
TRENDS, TASTES & FLAVORS
Former Buckhead Life alum crowned Season 7 'Top Chef'
Congratulations to the Season 7 ‘Top Chef,’ Kevin Sbraga, a Buckhead Life Restaurant Group Alum. The anticipated season finale of Bravo’s Top Chef: DC had Buckhead Life Restaurant Group cheering for their former Chef de Cuisine. Since the season finale was taped in Singapore in late July, Kevin had to keep the big win from his family and friends. When asked, by Entertainment Weekly, about the difficulty of keeping such a juicy secret he said, “It’s very hard. You start to have a regular conversation, you almost bring up something that you’re not supposed to.” Before making his television debut, Kevin was the Chef de Cuisine at Pano’s and Paul’s under Gary Donlick who is now Executive Chef at Bistro Niko. With the hopes of opening his own restaurant in Philadelphia, Buckhead Life wishes Kevin the best of luck and a hearfelt congratulations... Another duo making a TV win are from the Old Fourth Ward’s Highland Bakery’s. Joshua John Russell and assistant Karen Portaleo won the Food Network Challenge recently with their version of a cake based on Disney’s ‘Beauty and the Beast.’ After the win, they were presented with a $10,000 check and Portaleo will be competing again on another challenge that is set to air on October 31st... Creative Loafing has announced their ‘Best of Atlanta 2010’ list and had this to say about the process: “This year, rather than trot out the same old favorites, we took a different approach. Our food and drink team asked, ‘What about this year made us excited, proud, hungry?’ We also changed our direction when it came to the huge decision of who would win Best Overall Restaurant. In years past, the honor has been bestowed on the restaurant with the highest ratings, the most formal service, and the most refined food. This year, all that was thrown out the window. Instead, we opted for the place we most want to eat. Crazy, huh?” The Loafing picked Holeman & Finch Public House on Peachtree Road in Buckhead as this year’s ‘Best Overall Restaurant.’ The gastro-pub is known for it’s ‘Burger Time’ tradition, when at 9:30 every night only 24 gourmet burgers are made and often sell out in under a minute. The publication’s readers decided Kevin Rathbun Steak on Krog Street in Inman Park should have the honor and chose Woodfire Grill on Cheshire Bridge as runner-up. Antico Pizza Napolentana on Hemphill Avenue in Atlanta received the staff’s vote for two categories, ‘Best New Restaurant’ and ‘Best Pizza,’ while the readers thought Miller Union on Brady Avenue on Atlanta’s Westside deserved the spot and elected Farm Burger on W. Ponce de Leon in Decatur as runner-up.... Men’s Magazine GQ also recognized Holeman & Finch in its October issue ranking them 10th in the nation for ‘Best Places to have a Cocktail.’ To compile the list of top 25, GQ traveled more than 30,000 miles, visited twenty-one cities, 102 bars and drank more than 400 cocktails... The Atlanta Business Chronicle also reported Antico Pizza Napolentana was named ‘Best Pizza in the United States’ for 2010 by the Festa Della Pizza in Naples, Italy. The Chronicle quoted owner Gianvanni Di Palma as saying, “This recognition in Naples for pizza is like winning an Oscar in Hollywood. We are beyond thrilled.”... Since 1969 guide-source Gayot has been telling folks where to visit, stay and eat. It recently released its list of ‘Top 10 First Date Bars in the US’ and Atlanta’s Livingston bar on Peachtree made the cut. Here’s what Gayot had to say: ‘Livingston’s bar area has upholstered seating in small groups, as well as access to a street-side terrace, providing several intimate seating options. A low noise level makes it easy to hold a conversation and seating arrangements are fairly isolated, enabling some conversational privacy. The high-ceilinged Georgian Terrace Hotel bar features a chandelier. The bar menu, besides inventive cocktails, offers small plates, and the respectable wine list has many good choices that go with the food. Daters can segue into the restaurant which features a Contemporary American menu, or Café Mims for more casual fare over coffee and tea. Its location across the street from the Fox Theatre makes it easy to take in a show before or after drinks.’
Celebrating...
Bocado, on Atlanta’s Westside, is celebrating its one-year anniversary on Wednesday, Oct. 6th from 5:30 - 8 p.m. Owner Brian Lewis will be throwing the Anniversary party on the porch featuring Svedka, signature complimentary appetizers, a cash bar and small bites previewing the fall menu. Bocado has enjoyed acknowledgements in its first year, including one of the ‘top 10 restaurants of the year’ from Atlanta Magazine, three stars and a mention for Chef Todd Ginsberg as ‘5 Chefs to Watch For’ from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and ‘Best New Chef’ from The Atlantan. Signature items include the Bocado burger, deviled eggs and a ‘BLT’ featuring blackened tuna. Bocado is located at 887 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. For more information, visit www.bocadoatlanta.com or call 404.815.1399... On Saturday, October 16th, Kevin Rathbun’s Krog Bar in Inman Park will celebrate its 5th Birthday with a ‘Pig & Paella Party.’ The celebration begins at 6 p.m. and continues until 11 p.m. Cost is $15 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity. The price includes one glass of wine, paella and pig. Additional wine can be purchased separately. Krog Bar is located at 112 Krog Street in Inman Park. For tickets visit http://krogbar.com... Toulouse on Peachtree in Atlanta is celebrating its 16th anniversary October 1st throught 10th with $16 entrées and $16 bottles of wines. Approximately 60 wines, normally priced at $50 or less, will be available during the 10-day celebration. Having a fall birthday, Toulouse is also focusing on reds from the vine with a ‘Fall Reds’ wine tasting on Sunday, October 3rd. Sample 15 wines and nibble on light appetizers in between. Tasting begins at 6:30 p.m. and costs $30 per person. Be sure there’s a seat for you by calling 404-351-9533... Grant Park’s Agave Restaurant is also celebrating this month with 10th Anniversary specials. Beginning Monday, October 4th through Wednesday the 6th, you can enjoy any entree on Agave’s menu for only $10. Reservations are recommended since the expect to be very busy. Call 404.588.0006 or visit www.agaverestaurant.com for more details.
Happenings...
If the extent of your tequila tasting includes a slice of lime and a shake of salt, then you have no idea what you’re missing. Taste the sweetness of agave and the elegant tone of oak barrels as mixologist Mike Cook shows you how to enjoy tequila at Bone Garden Cantina’s tequila tasting Saturday, October 23. The cost of $30 per person is a chance to try six premium tequilas with proper technique and form while also enjoying a selection of food pairings from the menu. Bone Garden serves fresh-from-scratch, authentic Mexican cuisine and is located at The Lumber Yard at 1425 Ellsworth Industrial Blvd., NW, Atlanta. Visit www.bonegardencantina.com or call 404.418.9072 for details... Join ROOM at Twelve, located on W. Peachtree Street, every Friday and Saturday for Prime Rib Night. Enjoy roasted prime rib of beef au jus with horseradish cream, yorkshire pudding and mashed potatoes for $19.95. Add a bottomless glass of featured red or white wine for an additional $10. For reservations, call 404.418.1250... Highland mainstay Murphy’s is joining the effort to support local charities and raise awareness about hunger in Atlanta by partnering with nearby ceramic shop, Wired & Fired, for the 4th Annual Empty Bowl Project. From Friday, October 1st to Sunday, November 14th, Wired & Fired will invite Atlantans to their Virginia Highlands store, to paint an unfinished soup bowl using colors, stamps and stencils. The bowls will be put on display ‘for sale’ in front of Murphy’s at 997 Virginia Avenue on Wednesday, November 17th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. All proceeds from the bowl sales will benefit Project Open Hand. Each guest’s chosen bowl will then be filled with a dish from Murphy’s special Empty Bowl menu and at the end of the meal, all bowls will be washed and returned to the guests as a memento. For more information, visit murphysvh.com or call 404.872.0904... Located in the 1010 Midtown building, RA Sushi will be celebrating Halloween on Sunday, October 31st with a night of freakish fun featuring spooky holiday decorations, food and drink specials, a complimentary tarot card reader and a costume contest ($100 gift certificate for winner, $50 for second place). Throughout the evening, rock cover band Mega Collider will be providing musical entertainment. There will be no cover charge for attendees. RA Sushi’s Flying Fish Lounge specials will be available from 8 to 11 p.m. “Potent Potions” include hot sake for $2, Pabst Blue Ribbon for $3, Chang Lager for $4, Uchi Red and White Wine for $5 and Chang Lager with Sake for $6. “Boo Bites” for the evening will include a variety of half-priced sushi and appetizers such as the Viva Las Vegas roll, pork gyoza, lobster spring rolls, grilled short ribs and spicy tuna roll. For more info call 404.267.0114 or visit www.rasushi.com... The first ever Battle of the Burgers Atlanta is taking place on Saturday, October 2nd for the 100% benefit of Embraced (a non-profit organization who collects gently-used orthopaedic equipment and redistributes them to individuals in need). The inaugural burger festival and competition will take place in Virginia-Highland featuring burgers, Sweetwater brews, Barefoot Wine and Bubbly, Whynatte milkshakes, photobooths, live music and fun. Eighteen Atlanta restaurants will battle for bragging rights to “Judges’ Choice Best Burger” and “People’s Choice Best Burger.” Participating restaurants are: American Road House, Atkins Park, Cafe di Sol, Cypress Street Pint & Plate, Diesel, Einsteins, Farm Burger, Grindhouse Killer Burgers, Highland Tap, Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub, Manuel’s Tavern, Murphy’s, The Nook, TAP Gastro Pub, Ted’s Montana Grill, The Warren City Club and West Egg. For tickets, visit www.battleoftheburgers.com... Water and wine come together at the fifth annual Aqua Vino, a food and wine event where guests can “Uncork Your Imagination” and explore the wonders of the ocean at the Georgia Aquarium on Thursday, October 14. Guests can sample among 200+ wines from around the world and fare from more than 30 of Atlanta’s restaurants, enjoy live music and bid for live and silent auction goodies. The money you spend supports the Georgia Aquarium’s Veterinary Services through the Correll Center for Aquatic Animal Health. A VIP Tasting ($225/person) is from 6 - 10 p.m. and includes access to the Grey Goose VIP Lounge and the opportunity to win raffle prizes; the Grand Tasting ($150/person) is from 7 - 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at www.georgiaaquarium.org... Serpas True Food serves up fashion on Saturday, October 9th with the second annual Fashion Plates event benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The event will start at 11:30 a.m. and run through 1:30 with endless champagne cocktails and a four-course brunch by Chef Scott Serpas. The must-have fall & winter fashions will be featured from Mitzi & Romano, Lila, Vitesse eXchange, Princess and Butch and Drea James Design with a special trunk show by elle g. Tickets are $45 per guest and can be bought by calling The Reynolds Group at 404.888.9348. Serpas True Food is located at 659 Auburn Avenue, Atlanta, 404.688.0040. Visit www.serpasrestaurant.com for directions... It’s that time of year again, Taste of Atlanta is a must-eat with more than 80 of the city’s restaurants at your fingertips. Throughout the weekend October 23rd & 24th, guests will taste numerous dishes, sip robust wines and beers, be entertained by chef demos and enjoy interactive sponsor experiences as well as family-friendly entertainment. The Taste will return to the streets of Midtown at Tech Square. Patrons who upgrade to one of the limited Taste of Atlanta VIP Experience tickets will receive exclusive access to one Big VIP Wine, Beer and Cocktail Tasting Tent with new features. There will be live entertainment, educational seminars including the return of Wine vs. Beer, the Barcraft Competition and complimentary tastes from the exclusive restaurant host. And don’t forget, the VIP Experience includes a gift bag filled with coupons and special treats for the first 500 VIP ticket holders that arrive at the festival each day. Taste of Atlanta continues to support the Atlanta non-profit community through partnerships with Share our Strength’s Operation Frontline, the Hospitality Education Foundation of Georgia and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Tickets can be purchased at www.TasteofAtlanta.com.
Traveling with Kevin...
Food enthusiasts hungry for a new travel adventure have the opportunity to experience a taste of Austria. Chef Kevin Gillespie, owner and chef at Woodfire Grill on Cheshire Bridge, and Travel Designer Tammy Zacks of Travel by Design, will explore culinary Vienna, its neighboring wine regions and Budapest from March 24 through March 31, 2011. Travelers will have an array of dining experiences from Michelin-starred establishments to Vienna’s most authentic and traditional restaurants. The trip also includes a hands-on cooking class in the Schoenbrunn Palace, visits to private wineries and a full day in Budapest, Hungary. “I think it is a great opportunity for food and wine enthusiasts to experience an insider’s view of Austria,” says Gillespie. “I have always been impressed with Austrian wines and want to share what I think is one of the world’s most brilliant wine regions. There is so much to see and experience – from the tradition of the Heuriger to the authentic coffee house culture to the traditional culinary artisans.” For more information or to make reservations, call 404.347.9055 or visit www.woodfiregrill.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)