Gypsy Kitchen Caravans to Buckhead Theatre for Taste of Buckhead September 24

Chefs from Gypsy Kitchen and other hot Atlanta restaurants will wow guests with signature dishes and bites at the 11th annual Taste of Buckhead converging on the Buckhead Theatre Thursday, September 24 from 5:30-9:30 p.m. Along with amazing morsels, guests will have the opportunity to sample more than 50 wine, beer and spirit tastings and browse vendor products. General admission tickets ($50 each) allow access to unlimited food, beer, wine and spirit tastings. VIP tickets ($75 each, only 100 tickets available) stack on a VIP reception with celebrity chef demos, VIP gift bag and exclusive tastings and specialty cocktails. Limited to ages 21 and over. Gas South presents this year’s event at Buckhead’s landmark theatre.

Aria hosts Chef Thomas Keller for Bouchon Bakery Book Tour and Tasting

Mondays during the holiday season are reminiscent of weekend shopping and cooking. Not many have motivation and plowing through work seems to drag out the day. Why not take a mid-morning break to meet and taste with one of America’s finest chefs, Thomas Keller (of French Laundry, Per Se, Ad Hock, Bouchon and Bouchon Bakery.) Aria was specifically chosen by Keller as his only Atlanta Bouchon Bakery book signing because of the outstanding baking abilities of Pastry Chef Kathryn King. This Monday December 3 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., sample a variety of pastries and desserts straight from the pages of the book , prepared by Keller, King and Sebastian Rouxel, co-author and executive pastry chef for Thomas Keller Restaurant Group. A perfect way to start your week, the midday meet and greet is $35 a person and includes sweet treats, coffee, and mimosas. Copies of the book are available for purchase for $50. Tickets are available online.

Acquire a Taste for Scotch at Atkins Park

Whether you already love Scotch or want to learn more about it, be sure to mark your calendar for January 27! Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland and Macallan Scotch will be hosting "Scotch Tasting Through the Ages" that night. You'll learn about Scotch from Macallan's ambassador while tasting Macallan Scotch at several points through its life.  You'll be reeling in the years with each delicious sip!

Your evening will also be enhanced as you enjoy your Scotch with some delicious, specially prepared bites from Atkins Park Chef Andrew Smith!  It all goes down Thursday, January 27 at 6:30 p.m. $35 per person. Seating is limited so make your reservations now!

Vodka Wishes and Caviar Dreams at Morton's Buckhead

Friday night Morton's in Buckhead hosted a vodka and caviar tasting. Yep, you read correctly - vodka and caviar. Would you expect me to say anything other than it was truly a night of decadence??

The evening started on the right foot when I spied the four gorgeous Mortinis offered for the evening. Morton's made a brilliant decision by offering half pours of each Mortini so you could try each one: straight up, raspberry, lemon thyme or cucumber. As bizarre as it may sound, the cucumber was by far my favorite, served with a salt and pepper rim with tiny bits of muddled cucumber floating in vodka. It was a great flavor combination.

The vodka being featured during the tasting was Imperia vodka; I know, I had never heard of it either. The distributor assured me it was an ultra-premium Russian vodka, and, after a side by side comparison with Grey Goose, I was sold. It put Grey Goose to shame!

Hors d’oeuvre included Petrorussian caviar on toast points, tiny spoons of cream cheese topped with caviar, sliced smoked salmon, tuna tartare canapés and sliced tenderloin on crostini. All in all, it was a completely delicious and decadent evening!