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!)