How do you know when it’s really Summertime in Atlanta? When it’s time for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival that’s when! Yes, you can set your clocks and calendars by this event which takes place every Summer. This year it was from May 30th – June 2nd. It’s a time when Southern Chefs and Food Makers really show out with their culinary fusions and spin on traditional dishes. That plus Southern based liquors, beers and wine in abundance makes this a one of a kind event.
The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival was created in 2010 to shine an international spotlight on the rich food and beverage traditions of the southern US from Texas to the District of Columbia – Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Program
Atlanta Food – Destination Delicious: Night Market + Tasting Tents
There is so much to love about the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. This is my 3rd year covering this festival which is in its 9th year and every year I find something new to love about it. This signature Atlanta event has it all with immersive activities such as Wine Tastings, Master Classes, Cooking Demos, Themed Brunches/Lunches, Connoisseur Experiences and more.
This year I attended Thursday night’s Destination Delicious and the Friday night Tasting Tents with my friend Turkesha aka @naturalbabydol. Here we are posing under this lovely gazebo. I don’t know who was responsible for this years greenery but everything was lush and gorgeous. Along with Atlanta’s PERFECT weather it gave everything an almost tropical feeling.
The Destination Delicious: Night Market was sponsored by The Local Palate. It was the ultimate Southern road trip with delicious chef creations and southern libations. Southern street food fusions were well represented. We lit up the night from The Stave Room at American Spirit Works. Drinks were pretty and plenty and the food was good. Every station had delectable bites prepared for us to sample on the evening before the Tasting Tents. There were many cuisines represented. Proving that the South has become a culinary melting pot full of flavor! I didn’t taste anything that I didn’t like. Here are some of the bites that really stood out to me.
Elote – Mexican Street Corn
Good Ol Fashioned Smoked BBQ Ribs and Mac and Cheese.
This Maker’s Mark inspired treat included: Maker’s Mark Brown Butter Cake, Bourbon Soaked Blackberries, Makers Mark Cream and topped with Candied Saltine Crackers. It was spectacular!
Kanom Thom (A Thai “mochi” coconut dumpling dessert) and Purple Sticky Rice with Mango.
As you can see the food was also very pleasing to the eye. It was also very diverse. From the Thai flavors to the BBQ. You can get a glimpse of what I experienced at Destination Delicious – Night Market here.
#knowthesouth #afwf19 #destinationdelicious #foodie #atlanta https://t.co/v0s1H9Rw6L
— The SistahChick (@TheSistahChick) May 30, 2019
The Tasting Tents
I really enjoyed the new location of the Tasting Tents this year. The Old Fourth Ward Park was just perfect and we couldn’t have asked for better weather. There were a few snafus with the shuttles but I am sure that will be worked out in the future. As a member of press I got to enter the tents early to peep the lay out and see who was in the house.
It’s time for the #TastingTents!!! @atlfoodandwine #afwf19 #foodie #atlanta https://t.co/P20Xkyjuoh
— The SistahChick (@TheSistahChick) May 31, 2019
The best thing about “The Tents” is the people. The Atlanta Food & Wine Festival attracts people from all across the country. So you get to meet friendly folks from all walks of life.
The creative bites that were available at the Tasting Tents never cease to amaze me. Like these mini Charcuterie and Cheese platters. YUM!
Sliders topped with fried oysters!
As far as libations go, Knob Creek Kentucky Straight Bourbon and Rye Whiskey had the best cocktails!
At the end of the day the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is paradise for people who love to eat, drink and have a good time. This was my 3rd year and I haven’t been disappointed yet. It was four full days of the best that Southern cuisine has to offer I am happy to have had this experience. I look forward to next year.
I am sure that the planning for the 2020 festival has already started. For more information about the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival go to atlfoodandwinefestival.com
What do you love most about Atlanta Food & Wine Festival?
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