Atlanta Food & Wine Festival 2019 Recap| #knowthesouth #afwf19

Many from miles around drove and flew in to be in town for the 9^th Annual Atlanta Food and Wine Festival. Where was it? Loews Hotel Downtown Atlanta of course and for the 1^st time, the Tasting Tents were at Historic Fourth Ward Park. Why you say? Where else would you go if you are a food and cocktail connoisseur. It is only the most anticipated events in Atlanta during the Summer. It is the kick off of all kick offs when it comes to festivals in Atlanta.

I have been 3 years in a row and have not been disappointed by the activities, only by the fact I could not afford to bring all my friends with me. It is truly a phenomenal event, that started on Thursday with Destination Delicious and ended on Sunday with the tasting tents.

Destination Delicious:

1^st Stop for Me, now trust me, there were a lot of things going on especially if you were Connoisseur. But anyhow, destination delicious, presented by The Local Palate, was at The Stave Room and I was indeed in for a treat. Never had I had the opportunity to attend Destination Delicious and after witnessing it first hand, I really felt deprived. I had truly missed out by not attending in past years. Lots of libations (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), dancing (the dj was on point) and delicious chef creations from all over the South, GA of course, Mississippi, Arkansas (wait until I show you how they impressed me), as well as other Southern states.

Off the ‘Eaten Path #afwf19 #knowthesouth

After some needed rest after dancing, eating and drinking the night away, we attending a wonderful breakfast in the Connoisseur’s Lounge in the Loews Hotel, entitled, Off the ‘Eaten Path where chefs shared with us their stories and were able to showcase flavors and destinations one probably did not think of including small to large establishments (including places you would never think of). What a learning experience and what some have to go through to share their talents and love for food and of course, we had the chance to mix and mingle with them as well.

Friday Lunch: Summer Sizzle

After that wonderful time of interacting with some great people, we awaited our chance to attend the Friday Lunch: Summer Sizzle session on the Grilling Terrace, which had cold libations, wonderful flavor creations and more from where, of course, the South’s best chefs. So many tasty drinks and eats that it was so hard to pick a fave, because all of them were winners, but I honestly kept going back to Chef Deborah VanTrece’s plate of yumminess (pic) and the Hayman’s London Dry Gin drink.

Now if after that you were not full, shame on you because there was plenty for all to enjoy.

Classes

Now if you purchased a day pass, there are learning classes that you can choose, but make it quick because they fill up fast. I was able to sneak in the South X FRANCE and the SOUTH X ITALY classes and they showed how the “South” is not just found in the South, but all over the world and how other regions and cultures make an impact on us here.

Break time. Time to go back to your hotels and recoup right quick because the main event is on at 7:30 pm. Hubster and I stayed at a hotel nearby so we left and rested a bit and then came back out to prepare for the nights festivities.

I have to share again about the Connoisseur Experience and you are asking what is the big deal about it? Well to be quite frankly, they have their own events separate from others. For instance, while lots of us were at the Tasting Tents at Historic Fourth Ward Park, they were at the Atlanta Bicycle Barn or a dinner at the Loews Hotel.

Tasting Tent

Can you say that we did not get to everything!! We were having so much fun at some of the tents and exhibits that we were so exhausted and full by the time we went down one side of the park and made our way back up to the other side. Moving this portion to Historic Fourth Ward Park was a wonderful idea; it was beautiful and much more sidewalk space just in case it did rain. If you were there last year then you would know what I am talking about. It rained so bad last year on Friday during the event that a lot of us had rain boots and muddy shoes:)

There were so many wonderful food choices that it was very difficult to select just one so I selected two favorites (the sandwiches from Hattie B’s which shame on me for not visiting them b/c they are near a section of town that I am in at least once a month, in little five points where my favorite theatre is, Horizon Theatre. My second choice and I need to say shame again on me. Hubby and I were there last year for my birthday, Beau Rivage Hotel and Casino in Mississippi. Totally stayed there and did not eat there. We have to go back especially after hearing that Kristian Wade won #PNCBestoftheFest competition. That daggone burger with the fried oyster on top was TOPS!!!

As we walked away full of joy and full of food and drink, we shared with each other our favorites but right before we did that, we had to sit on that Red Eye Rye Motorcycle (this time I was in control) and sip some Rye and Coffee which was actually pretty good.

I was invited to the Connoisseur Breakfast where I was able to Savor Arkansas, #savorarkansas and can you say I did not realize that I was in for such a treat. Everything and I mean everything was wonderful, from the representatives to the chefs and bartenders. I even met some fellow Michiganians who have a wonderful restaurant in Arkansas. I could not leave without sharing some pictures and it ended with a surprise swag bag at the end. Way to go!! So sad it had to come to an end for me, but not for thousands of others who were able to enjoy the rest of the weekend’s festivities.

You talk about a ball. Next year cannot come fast enough, so to make sure you are in the know and stay in the know, feel free to follow me at any of my social media channels, just search for God4bandme as well as checking out atlfoodandwinefestival.com for all the details you will need for next year’s event.

What is your favorite Spring Festival to attend?