Hey Darlings! Tonight was the official start of this weekends Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. I was invited to join the region’s elite culinary experts for an extraordinary tasting journey through the South. Sounds like a Southern Belle’s dream night right? The 2019 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival kicked off at The Stave Room at American Spirit Works for their Destination Delicious: Night Market event presented by The Local Palate. The evening featured delectable chef creations, libations and live music. Literally everything that makes for an amazing event.
The very moment that I entered the venue was filled with food and wine lovers from all over the world. Everyone was excited to jump aboard for the ultimate Southern road trip headed by amazing Chefs serving up a few of their delicious creations and fantastic libations. Just in case you were unaware the South has some amazing destinations and signature dishes that would absolutely melt inside your mouth.
The event represented twelve Southern States that ranged from Georgia to Mississippi to Texas. Trust me my palate was in Awe as I savored exquisite Southern bites and exotic drinks. There were so many dishes its hard list then all seperately by name but I will share some amazing snapshots of them that I captured during the event. Since this was my first time attending I didn’t know what to expect after all I have attended tasting before but not on this level. It was a great experience. I had to select a favorite but if I had to pick one I would say that the Mango sticky rice and coconut dumpling was mine.
Let’s talk about the creativity of the drinks. The smoked Lemonade made in Mississippi is my top choice. OMG! Close your eyes and imagine lemons smoked to perfection. Can you see it? Now add lemons and vodka smoked to perfection creating one the most uniquest yet mesmerizing drink that has ever touched your palate. Y’all know that I’m no vodka drinker but I was definitely all on board with this innovative Southern treat.
My second favorite drink would be the mixed Markers Mark which gave the appearance of a cocktail and I was instructed to add two spoonfuls of blackberry jam, close it with the lid, shake it like my life depended on it and add mint. Whew! Listen ya girl is a light drinker and by light I mean light. This drink was so strong I let my ice melt and it was still burning my throat! LOL!
Of course there were some desserts that had ya girl going back for seconds. LOL! I feel in love with Caroline’s Cakes (pictured above) and also with this amazing Chefs blackberry creation (pictured below). He was so amazing and his dish reminded me of my grandmother sending me out to pick some blackberries to top a fresh slice of butter poundcake with vanilla bean ice cream. I asked him what the dessert was call but he insisted that it had no name and I am very incline to believe him. Name or no name his dish was delicious.
As the evening continued so did the amazing food and drinks. I can’t recall one person that I chatted with not in great spirits. Literally! I thoroughly enjoyed my first experience serving as a member of the press for the 2019 Atlanta Food & Wine Festival and if tonight is any indication of what tomorrow festivities that are in store than I absolutely can’t wait. I urge you to join me via Instagram stories, Twitter and Facebook Live for day two as we continue another adventure in our Southern Hospitality Series.
