Aria, Ormsby’s, Gunshow and Milton’s Ambush Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival July 17

The stockpile is deep and ripe. Chefs, mixologists and farmers exchange code words like “Green Zebra,” “Mr. Stripey” and “Cherokee Purple” and strategies such as juice, dice, slice and fry. It’s time to roll. The Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival is going down Sunday, July 17, at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park, and chefs from Aria, Ormsby’s,Gunshow and Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails are elbow deep in the action. Who will contrive the tastiest tomato dishes and the best adult elixirs during the 1-5 p.m. battle backed by live music? One way to find out: Buy tickets to this eighth annual bombardment benefiting Georgia Organics. General admission tickets are $45 each; Georgia Organics members pay $40 per person; Garnish & Gather AKTF package is $70 per person. Buy tickets at Xorbia through July 16 (small service charge added at checkout).

Grand Zinfandel Tasting May 12

From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, Zin lovers and those who want to learn more about the richness and versatility of the wine get the opportunity to taste from more than 30 wineries at the The Grand Zinfandel Tasting. The event will be held in The Piedmont Room at Park Tavern overlooking Piedmont Park where guests can chat with winemakers and winery owners and nosh on wine-complementing hors d'oeuvres prepared by chefs from Haven, iGourmet.com, Park Tavern, Taverna Fioretina, Valenza and other noteworthy Atlanta restaurants.

This evening is hosted by Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP) and sponsored by iGourmet.com, the Irish Dairy Board and the Atlanta Wine School. Advance purchase tickets start at $45 per person and are $50 at the door; tickets for ZAP members are $37 each.

The Piedmont Room at Park Tavern: 500 Tenth Street, NE; 404-294-0001.