If you missed Taste of Atlanta…

Blondies from METROTAINMENT BAKERY

With all the restaurants to choose from in Atlanta, a foodie’s list of eateries to try can get pretty long. Although I enjoy going to new restaurants, it can be difficult deciding which to go to next. Taste of Atlanta helps make this decision very easy by bringing together dozens of fantastic restaurants and placing them in a festival setting which I consider an epic event each year. The fact that it happens during my favorite season is just icing on a big beautiful cake.

Arancini Siciliani (Rice Puffs) from FIGO PASTA

This year the festival was organized by neighborhood. I loved this idea because so many Atlantans dine near their work or homes. It helps to know which restaurants are close.

Turkey with Gouda Cheese, Chipotle Aioli, Avocado, Carmelized Shallots and Arugula on 9 grain bread from METROTAINMENT BAKERY

Croque Monsieur (Ham and Cheese Sandwich) from SALT YARD

There were over 90 restaurants taking part in the three day festival with 2 to 3 dishes each so imagine the choices available to choose from. It was wonderful! Festival-goers entered the event armed with a map, taste tickets and eyes bigger than their stomachs. The food looked so delicious we wanted to try everything but had to be pretty strategic in our approach.

Pistachio and Sausage Pizza from DON ANTONIO by Starita

Seasoned Grilled Artichokes with Aioli from BRICKTOP’S

Ribs from JIM ‘N NICK’S BAR-B-Q

Grilled Corn JIM ‘N NICK’S BAR-B-Q

Aside from stuffing our faces, there were also cooking demonstrations, musical performances, hands-on learning experiences and cooking show downs. I was able to catch Francine Reed singing her heart out during the Gospel Brunch at the Chef’s Table tent. She’s just awesome.

Sweets from METROTAINMENT BAKERY

Strawberry Pomegranate Vitamin Burst Iced Beverage by KEURIG 2.0

Shrimp Ceviche with red onions, avocado, tomato, cilantro and mango by MI COCINA

Albondigas Slider (Spanish Meatball Slider) with Manchego and Romesco from WHOLE FOODS

If you missed Taste of Atlanta, do what I do at the beginning of each year. Go to the month of October (2015) in your calendar and make a save the date notation in your Notes column. Then, follow @TasteofAtlanta on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram so you’ll get the official date as soon as it is set along with a lot of other foodie goodness.

Assorted Cupcakes from SPRINKLES

The event this year was perfected by great weather, happy food lovers and great energy. I’m already looking forward to next year and hope to see you there.

Disclosure:  I received complimentary admission and taste tickets to Taste of Atlanta.  I was not compensated for this post.  All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.  You can view my full Disclosure Policy here.