Taste of Atlanta = Tastes for Every Palate

What a glorious day for the 10th Anniversary of Taste of Atlanta, the annual showcase highlighting the incredible verve and diversity of Atlanta's amazing food scene. Sonny and I started by strolling through looking at all the options, stopping to chat with volunteers at the Community Coffee booth and sampling their coffee with chicory.

With so many amazing choices, Sonny and I had a difficult time selecting from all the delectable morsels available for tasting. Sonny started with a chipotle chocolate chip cookie from Pura Vida, and was then lured by the wonderful scent of St. Louis-style ribs being grilled at the Ribs n' Blues table. I was intrigued by Famous Chuck’s roast beef po’boy and had to see if it rivals our homemade version. We walked through the organic market featuring honeys, preserves, fresh vegetables and other homemade goodies, and sat for a while to listen to Sonya Jones of Sweet Auburn Bread Company describe how to make her famous apple cider pie.

Being a huge fan of sushi, Sonny tried the crab and cheese spring rolls from Tin Drum, and Himalayan rolls from Genki and washed them down with a sample of Razzleberry tea from Peace Tea. Chef Tina Aleandri from Noche and Chef Phillip Strange of Shout (sharing a tent) were having such a grand time bantering with the crowd (and each other) that I had to stop and try their sumptuous “Albondigas” (spanish meatballs in tomato broth,) the most incredible warm chestnut soup, and equally stunning salmon rillettes on crostini that they were offering. By far, the best morsels of the day!

We stopped in the Silent Auction tent which was filled with loads of merchandise and offers for discount deals in the metro area. All proceeds from the Silent Auction will benefit one of our favorite charities; Share our Strength's Cooking Matters™. Cooking Matters™ is cooking-based program that teaches nutrition, cooking, and household budgeting with a focus on teen education.

While the fish and chips from Ri-Ra Irish Pub looked very tasty, the line was longer than a summer day on the equator. We elected instead for free samples of Chobani Champions’ “Honey-nana” Greek-style yogurt, and then while Sonny tried a lamb slider from Max Lager’s, I nibbled on some of their apple-caramel bread pudding.

Feeling satiated and having had our fill of people-watching, we started strolling in the direction of the parking lot when we both did a double-take: Sonny for a slice of oreo cheesecake and I for a freshly made Nutella banana crepe both being offered by Café Intermezzo. Using our last few tickets (and loosening our belts), we indulged in one last treat before passing through the exit gates of the festival.

So much food, so little time (and stomach capacity)! We will have to wait another year to enjoy so many flavor sensations in one metro-Atlanta location. We are counting the days… 365 (it is a leap year!)