And the Top Tomato Honors Go To...

Photo By Gerlinda Grimes

This year's Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival, held on July 22 at JCT. Kitchen & Bar, was another smash hit! Creative juices flowed, and several chefs and mixologists were especially victorious in the quest for top tomato honors. Judges' Choice and Fan Favorite awards went to Donald Sargent of Morelli's Gourmet Ice Cream & Desserts for Best Dish. Paul Calvert of Pura Vida took home the Judges' Choice for Best Cocktail while Miles Macquarrie of Leon's Full Service won Fan Favorite for Best Cocktail. In a tough tie, Sprig and H&F Bottle Shop share recognition as Best Booth.

Just In Time For Summer: Morelli's Is Open!

Morelli's Gourmet Ice Cream & Desserts officially opened its doors in the Edgewood Shopping District on Saturday, June 18, no doubt leading kids to treat dads to the milkshake bar and sundae bar on Father's Day!(Did you hear the ice-screams of glee?)  Dads surely felt like kings perched on the ice cream sandwich banquette and ice cream cookie bar stools -- and you can, too.  

As does the original location on Moreland, the new Morelli's offers ice cream, gelato and sorbet flavors ($1.70 - $8.25) that change daily along with additional shakes and sundaes ($3.95-$6.99).  Three to four signature shakes, ice cream cakes ($39 and up), smoothies and juices ($5.49), frappés ($4.90) and ice cream to go by the pint ($8) or quart ($12.75) round out the Edgewood menu.  The menu also boasts seasonal shakes and sundaes created by Edgewood Morelli's Partner and Woodfire Grill Owner/Executive Chef Kevin Gillespie.  Look for the daily flavors on Twitter (@morellis).  The store is open from noon to 10 p.m. daily and offers complimentary Wi-Fi for guests.  

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, You Had Me At Food

The upcoming Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is so heady and rich in flavor that we can hardly condense its essence to a simple paragraph or two. Offering close to 200 ways to "sip, savor and enjoy the South," the May 19-22 festival overflows with learning experiences, tasting tents, street carts and a connoisseur lounge. Events and themes are divided into three categories: Old Traditions, New Traditions and Imports & Inspirations. Lest we become the proverbial kids in a candy shop, we are honing in on a dozen chefs, restaurants and food experts in particular. We're focusing forks on Owner/Executive Chef Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill, South City Kitchen Executive Chef Chip Ulbrich, Ecco Executive Chef Micah Willix, Fifth Group Restaurants Co-Founder Steve Simon, White Oak Pastures President Will Harris, JCT. Kitchen & Bar Owner/Executive Chef Ford Fry, Chef Nathan Lippy and his event at the W Atlanta-Midtown, Morelli's Gourmet Ice Cream & Desserts, Executive Chef Tracey Bloom of Ray's at Killer Creek, Executive Chef and Partner Drew Belline of No. 246 in Decatur, Spice Route Supper Club's Chef and Creator Asha Gomez, and Owner/Executive Chef Gerry Klaskala of Aria. Download the program schedule for complete event details. Tickets, ranging in price from $50 to $2500 per person, are available for purchase online.

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival this Weekend at Piedmont Park

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is back once again from Friday, April 15 through Sunday, April 17 at Piedmont Park! Several local restaurants are participating in the "Friends of Dogwood Pavilion" portion of the festival, including Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, Morelli's Ice Cream, RA Sushi and Spice Market, where guests can sample delicious foods, desserts and special wine offerings. Tickets for the "Friends of Dogwood Pavilion" are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. The festival opens at noon on Friday, April 15 and closes at 9 p.m. The festival continues on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., and finishes off the weekend on Sunday, April 17 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The artist market closes at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The Atlanta Dogwood Festival, the Atlanta History Center and Margaret Mitchell House are collaborating on the double anniversary. Both organizations have engaging festival activities planned, and festival goers receive free admission to the Margaret Mitchell House on April 16 and 17.