Burgers, barbecue, Greek delicacies, fine dining and beer — October promises something for almost everyone with taste buds, as a host of food (and drink) festivals pop-up all over Atlanta. Here’s a glimpse of six of the best places to get out and chow down in the month ahead.
Battle of the Burgers — Oct. 1
Snooty foodies may grouse that burger wars are so 2009. But don’t tell that to the throng of omnivores poised to descend on Virginia-Highland’s John Howell Park on Saturday for Battle of the Burgers. Last year, the judges’ best burger award went to Kaleidoscope Bistro and Pub (meat) and Grindhouse Killer Burgers (meatless), while the people picked the Nook (meat) and Atkins Park Tavern (meatless). This year, look for chefs manning the grills from Cypress Street Pint & Plate, Farm Burger, New York Butcher Shoppe and many more. For guilty gluttons, there’s a 9 a.m., 5K race to get the metabolism stoked, with some adventurous runners donning burger costumes. Best of all, the tasting supports Embraced, a nonprofit organization that collects and shares gently-used medical equipment with people in need. 11 a.m. -- 8 p.m., John Howell Park, Virginia Avenue and Barnett Street, Atlanta, battleoftheburgers.com
Atlanta BBQ Festival — Sept. 30 and Oct. 1
What could be better than the aroma of wood smoke wafting through the autumn air? Maybe a whole bunch of professional and backyard competition teams using that smoke to flavor the likes Texas, Carolina, Memphis, St. Louis or Kentucky-style barbecue. The Atlantic Station festival welcomes thousands to feast on samples, learn about a variety of barbecue techniques from the pit masters, and vote in the people’s choice contest, while the teams vie for $10,000 in cash and trophies. Live music, a kids village and a market with goodies for barbecue enthusiasts add to the festive atmosphere. For bigger bites of brisket, chicken, pulled pork and ribs, local barbecue restaurants, including Fox Bros. Jim ‘N Nicks, JD’s Bar-B-Que, and Williamson Bros., will be selling sandwiches and plates on-site. 4-10 p.m. Friday and noon-8 p.m. Saturday. Atlantic Station, 1380 Atlantic Drive, Atlanta, atlbbqfest.com
Atlanta Greek Festival — Sept. 29-Oct. 2
The Greek Orthodox Cathedral’s four-day fall festival has become annual tradition for food lovers. The crowds gather for a taste of classic dishes like moussaka, pastitsio, souvlaki and spanakopita, plus sandwiches and Greek pizza. But there’s also that sense of “opa,” which roughly translates to “yeehaw — let’s party.” Greek bands, singing and dancing get people grooving like Zorba. For a more laid back pace, hang out at the Greek-style coffee house and enjoy honey loukoumades and other pastries or take in one of the cooking demos. Shop for Greek sailor hats, icons, jewelry and handcrafted items at the market. And learn about Greek Orthodoxy and religious art during lecture tours of the Cathedral. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. 11 a.m. -- 7 p.m. Sunday. Greek Orthodox Cathedral, 2500 Clairmont Road, N.E., Atlanta, atlantagreekfestival.org
Atlanta Beer Week — Oct. 8-16
In 2010, craft beer finally got its own week in Atlanta. The second annual Atlanta Beer Week switches seasons from spring to fall and seems to have lost a bit of momentum along the way. But it’s bolstered by a couple of October beer festivals, Hoptoberfest on Oct. 1 and the Decatur Craft Beer Festival on Oct. 15. Among the bars and restaurants participating with tasting events, the Brick Store Pub in Decatur has its Hop Harvest on Oct. 8 with a bounty of hoppy American and Belgian ales, and on Oct. 10, Local Three in Atlanta hosts a beer dinner with Victory and Left Hand Brewing. Four brewpubs, Five Seasons Westside, Twain's, Max Lagers and Wrecking Bar are joining forces to create some unique cask ales. Look for more Beer Week events Oct. 8-16 all over metro Atlanta: atlantabeerweek.com
Jazzoo at Zoo Atlanta — Oct. 15
The Jazzoo at Zoo Atlanta is combination glitzy costume charity ball, tasting festival and roaring-good night of music and dancing. The fourth annual incarnation features some 30 Atlanta restaurants, including Bhojanic, Highland Bakery, H. Harper Station, P’cheen and Spice Market, serving up signature dishes. Grab drinks at 20 open bars and party at four stages of live music, capped by a command performance by wild-style am gold band, Yacht Rock Revue. Celebrity co-chairs, WSB’s Jovita Moore and the Bert Show’s Jeff Dauler host the festivities, and all proceeds benefit Zoo Atlanta. 6:30-11 p.m. 800 Cherokee Avenue S.E., Atlanta, jazzooatlanta.org
Taste of Atlanta — Oct. 22 and 23
Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Taste of Atlanta has changed venues over the years and upped the culinary ante to become a lively street festival around Tech Square that eats like a food festival. Highlights this year include the VIP Barcraft competition, where bartenders compete and serve up samples, and the Home Plate Main Stage, where some of Atlanta’s best chefs battle head-to-head with secret ingredients and special challenges. More than 80 Atlanta restaurants will be on hand, including Bocado, Double Zero, Fritti, JCT Kitchen, Pura Vida, Rathbun’s, Serpas, and Top Flr. VIP tasting areas include beer, wine and spirits tastings and seminars. There’s a separate ticket ($50) for the Big Grill evening block party on October 21, with guest chefs, including Food Network’s Aaron Sanchez and Atlanta’s Kevin Rathbun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tech Square at Spring Street and 5th Street, Atlanta, tasteofatlanta.com.
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