2012 Atlanta Chef's Expo - tickets available now!

Atlantans can now purchase tickets for the inaugural Atlanta Chef’s Expo, the city’s ultimate taste test event set to take place Sunday, February 19, 2012, at the Foundry at Puritan Mill. This inaugural culinary event will include menu tastings from local chefs, cooking demonstrations and more, benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure of Greater Atlanta.

“We are exited to put our distinctive stamp on Atlanta’s already outstanding roster of foodie events,” Atlanta Chef’s Expo founders Alisha Nesbitt and Cheryl Hasting said. “It is our goal to create an affordable, family-friendly environment for event goers to enjoy some of the city’s finest culinary talents and to showcase additional chefs that aren’t always in the spotlight, including acclaimed caterers and pastry chefs.”

The highly-anticipated epicurean expo will highlight Atlanta’s greatest in restaurant dining and catering opportunities including tastings from restaurants such as Thrive and Marlow’s Tavern; sought-after caterers including reMARKable Meals and Wolfgang Puck Catering; and sweet treats from local pastry chefs including Dr. Sweet’s Cake Emporium. To help Atlanta foodies navigate through the plethora of tastings, the expo will be broken into categories including “Restaurant Row,” “Catering Alley,” The Sugar Shack” and “The Chef’s Table.” Popular blogger Broderick Smylie, known as Savory Exposure, will judge each category and select a “Most Creative” while guests can choose their “Fan Favorite.” Additional judges for the event include Holly Firfer from Star 94 and Atlanta on-air personality Tom Sullivan.

Between tastings guests can enjoy cooking demonstrations from beloved local chefs throughout the day. Featured guest chefs include chef Ginny McCormack, an expert in Southern hospitality; one of the most sought after private chefs in the country, chef Dwayne L. Hairston; one-time “Chopped” winner and co-owner of The Hungry Peach, chef Suzanne Vizethan; and pastry chef Juanita Threlkeld who designs weddings cakes.

Guests can also enjoy cocktails from presenting sponsor ABSOLUT Vodka, along with musical entertainment from Joel Rabe of Lethal Rhythms. Tickets are now on sale. General admission tickets are $25 and VIP tickets are available for $50. The expo is also seeking sponsors for the event in support of Susan G. Komen. Packages range from $500 Silver Sponsors to $2,000 Platinum Sponsors.

For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit www.atlantachefsexpo.com.

Enjoy with ABSOLUT RESPONSIBILITY®. ©2011 Imported by Absolut Spirits Co., New York, NY. Valid ID required 21+ to be served alcohol at the Atlanta Chef’s Expo.

Aquavino at Georgia Aquarium - Thursday October 13

Georgia Aquarium will be holding its 6th Annual Aqua Vino this Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011. Enjoy and sample more than 200 fine wines from around the globe, gourmet fare from Atlanta's premier restaurants, a live, silent and wine auction and live music. All proceeds from Aqua Vino support the Aquarium's Veterinary Services through the Correll Center for Aquatic Animal Health. Click here for more information or to purchase tickets.

For a limited time discount tickets ($150) are available here.

Check back after the event for full coverage by Amy on Food.

PP Event at Buckhead Westin

Calvin's new favorite celeb: Lizz Winstead.

Calvin and I were lucky enough to attend the Planned Parenthood Living Legends Celebration at the Westin - Buckhead. In addition to a lovely meal, we were treated to the hilarious political comedy of Lizz Winstead, co-creator of Comedy Central's "The Daily Show". Boy was she funny and I think Calvin has a new favorite celebrity!

We were served a delicious dessert including an edible chocolate cup that I found blog-worthy.

Slow Food Atlanta 5th Annual Ice Cream Social

Amy on Food has been practicing her homemade ice cream making and will be at this event with a special flavor! You should plan to compete or buy tickets and taste.

Fifth Annual Ice Cream Social
Saturday, June 18, 12:30 – 2 pm
I Scream, You Scream…!

Slow Food Atlanta is seeking contestants for the
Fifth Annual Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Social fundraiser! There Slow Food’s fans will get the opportunity to vote for the most delicious homemade, not-necessarily-traditional ice cream or sorbet flavor!

The Ice Cream Social, which is in conjunction with the Peachtree Road Farmers Market, will take place in the garden of St. Philip’s Cathedral at 2744 Peachtree Road on Saturday, June 18 from12:30 pm to 2:00 p.m.

The contestants will include renowned local chefs and ambitious amateurs.

The skinny:
Contestants provide homespun ice cream made from fresh ingredients. Slow Food Atlanta will provide cups and utensils (all compostable or recyclable), signage, and an eager ice cream-eating public. Last year’s event drew almost 200 hungry Atlantans of all ages. This year, we will cap the ticket sales at 300 people.

Tickets will be $15 each, and will earn Slow Food fans a taste of each flavor and a ballot. (Children ages 5 – 10 are $5 and children under 5 are free) Proceeds benefit the Atlanta Chapter of Slow Food International and the Peachtree Road Farmers Market.

To sign-up as a participant, email slowfoodicecreamsocial@gmail.com by June 1.

Mrs. Butterworth Visits Piedmont Park

WHAT: Family Breakfast Ball at Piedmont Park - families get a sneak peek of Mrs. Butterworth's limited edition spring bottles and downloadable wardrobe collection as well as a free pancake and waffle breakfast.

WHEN: Sunday, March 27, 2011 - 9:30 AM to noon

WHERE: Piedmont Park's Magnolia Hall Lawn - 400 Park Dr. NE Atlanta, GA 30306

COST: FREE!