After a pandemic cancellation in 2020, the favored Atlanta Meals & Wine Pageant returned to the Southern meals competition calendar final yr, with a number of modifications to its profitable format. Gone had been the academic seminars on the Loews Resort in Midtown Atlanta, however the beloved tasting tents remained at Historic Fourth Ward Park throughout from Ponce Metropolis Market. Extra informal eating occasions had been added to the schedule, a mixture of brunch, lunch and dinners at eating places unfold throughout city.
That new format appears to have labored properly for the competition, as a result of they’re reprising it once more this yr. AF&WF has all the time been certainly one of my favourite culinary occasions, showcasing cooks from throughout the South together with many Center Tennesseans. The tasting tents are the definition of “a marathon, not a dash,” and I’ve left defeated many instances earlier than making it to each tasting desk I wished to attempt. Plan your consuming and eat your plan!
The competition begins Thursday, Sept. 15, and continues by way of Sunday, Sept. 18. The tasting tent location is straightforward to entry from the satisfying BeltLine greenway that connects a lot of Atlanta’s neighborhoods, or you possibly can all the time take a rideshare. Particulars are nonetheless coming collectively for 2 new signature occasions which can be held on the Westside at Guardian Works, 775 Echo St. N.W., however here is what we all know to count on.
Sliced serves because the opening occasion for the competition, an homage to pies of every type. Pizza, apple, rooster pot, and extra will cowl the candy and savory choices from apps to dessert, and there can be loads of drinks to accompany this all-you-can-eat pie fest.
Cluck’d is described as “a rooster and cocktail soiree” and can be held Friday night time, Sept. 16, from 7 to 10 p.m. Fifteen gifted cooks will collect to organize their greatest yardbird in nearly each method conceivable: buddy, barbecued, grilled, braised, baked — you get the image. There are additionally some extra intimate brunches and dinners deliberate, however particulars are forthcoming.
So why am I telling you proper now about an occasion that’s nonetheless months away? As a result of early-bird ticketing is out there for only one week, June 23-30, and the financial savings are fairly substantial for appearing now as a substitute of later.
Tasting Tent tickets are actually on sale for $75 for common admission and $110 for VIP with an additional hour of early entry for both Saturday or Sunday. Whereas $35 might sound a bit steep for an additional 60 minutes of gluttony, for those who can’t eat and drink your cash’s value throughout that hour with out longer strains within the tents, you’re not attempting onerous sufficient! On July 1, the costs leap to $99 and $150, in order that’s an honest incentive.
Early-bird tickets for Sliced and Cluck’d are $110, growing to $125 on July 1. In the event you’re keen to spend an additional $15 after the taking part cooks are formally introduced, that is fantastic, however bear in mind that AF&WF occasions usually promote out.
A portion of the proceeds from the competition will profit Kids of Conservation, a gaggle that feeds underprivileged kids in Zambia. All Atlanta Meals & Wine Pageant occasions are 21+, so carry your ID. No tickets for the Tasting Tents can be bought on the door — in actual fact, tents don’t have doorways, so don’t dawdle!