Each week, we give you a calendar of upcoming dining events to help you navigate the week’s culinary festivities.
Friday, April 16–Thursday, April 22
FARE FROM FRIULI
La Tavola will host Italian chef Luca Plett for the week as he prepares authentic dishes from his native region of Friuli. Entrees will be inspired by rich culinary traditions of Friuli, known especially for its smoky flavors and use of wild game. The week will end with a five-course dinner on Thursday, April 22 at 6:30 for $65 per person. Reservations are suggested; call 404-873-5430.
Saturday, April 17
FOOD BLOGGERS BAKE SALE
Give back by picking up some sweet treats at the First Annual Food Bloggers Bake Sale. Held from 9 a.m to 1 p.m. at Cabbagetown Market, the fundraiser will feature goods from local bloggers and bakeries in coordination with Share our Strength, the national organization that works to eradicate childhood hunger. (Tami Hardeman of Running With Tweezers is organizing the local branch of this national event.) Parking is available down the block at Agave restaurant, which will also give a $10 off coupon to the restaurant with any bake sale purchase.
SOUTHERN CHEESE TASTING
Join Star Provisions and cheese monger, Tim Gaddis, from noon to 4 p.m. to sample some of the Southeast’s finest cheeses. And while you’re there, explore the store’s other departments for homemade baked goods, charcuterie, and gourmet goodies.
Saturday, April 17–Sunday, April 18
SWEETWATER 420 FEST
The two-day music and arts festival kicks off with a 5K road race and will continue with entertainment from thirteen different live bands, environmental forums, food, and of course, Atlanta’s own Sweetwater beer. Admission is $5 for a wristband to purchase beer and free for those who are under twenty-one or who don’t wish to purchase beer. A portion of all proceeds will be contributed to improvements of Candler Park.
Sunday, April 18
COCHON 555
The touring competition pulls into Atlanta, pitting five Southern chefs (including two Atlantans: Kevin Rathbun of Rathbun’s Restaurants and Todd Mussman of Muss & Turner’s) against each other as they cook a whole heritage breed pig. A host of judges (farmers, food media, activists) choose their favorites, and the crowds get to sample the results as well as sip wine and sample cheese. The event starts at 5 p.m. at the W Atlanta-Downtown. Tickets start at $125.
Tuesday, April 20
TOP CHEF: THE TOUR
Bravo’s 2010 Top Chef Tour will make a stop at the Westside Urban Market off of Howell Mill Road from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Interact with hometown “chef’testants” Richard Blais and Kevin Gillespie as they present live demonstrations, food tastings and cooking tips. Admission is free, and seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Wednesday, April 21
FLAVORS OF ATLANTA
Twenty-five of the area’s leading chefs come together to benefit the American Liver Foundation at the twelfth annual Flavors of Atlanta gala. The night includes an opening cocktail reception, four-course dinner with wine pairings, and both a silent and live auction. The surprise of the evening is that guests won’t know which chef prepared their meal until they arrive. Tickets can be purchased for $250 by calling 404-633-9169 or by visiting the website.
Thursday, April 22
EARTH DAY AT PACCI
Continuing its efforts in sustainability, Pacci Ristorante is celebrating the fortieth anniversary of Earth Day with a special three-course menu at $35 per person. Menu items include local greens salad with candied pecans, Sweet Grass Dairy goat cheese croutons, and a Georgia peach vinaigrette; grilled plantation quail with corn pudding and arugula pesto; peanut-crusted mountain trout; porcini-dusted pork tenderloin; and peanut butter mascarpone cheesecake with Savannah tupelo honey.
