Foodie Event at Epicurean Atlanta Celebrates Vibrant Restaurant Scene in Midtown

10/6/2022

Taste of Atlanta Founder and CEO Dale DeSena

BY BRIAN CARR

Dale DeSena’s Taste of Atlanta event has been a mainstay in the metro region for two decades and counting. The expo that brings people and restaurants together has staked out a presence in many Atlanta neighborhoods over time, including Midtown. But in a similar fashion to many local restaurants that are still climbing out of pandemic and economic challenges, DeSena and her team have adapted their programming for current times.   

“This year, we decided to hit the road and create hyperlocal, all-inclusive tasting experiences in different communities around Atlanta,” said DeSena, who is Taste of Atlanta’s Founder and CEO. “These events are smaller and more intimate, where patrons can discover new and established restaurants in their neighborhood. We are very excited to have in-person events again and to continue to support recovery for our restaurant partners.” 

The event series will make stops in Midtown and Chamblee after having already visited Alpharetta and Sandy Springs this year to celebrate the neighborhood enclaves where unique restaurants reign supreme. The October 20 Midtown “Grand Tasting” event includes some exhibiting restaurants from Greater Midtown that have been around for a long time. Others are newer to the scene. View the lineup here.

Epicurean Atlanta: Perfect Fit for Foodies

“Grand Tasting” lands at a venue tailor-made for dining, drinks and hospitality. 

“For us, Taste of Atlanta is a perfect partner for this type of event,” said Epicurean Atlanta Marketing Manager Lauren Kuzminsky. “Hosting the Grand Tasting and celebrating Taste of Atlanta’s anniversary at our food- and beverage-themed hotel is the perfect pairing. This is literally what we’re built for.”

According to Kuzminsky, bookings for the hotel have seen a healthy increase heading into the fall, with business travel demand beginning to heat up. 

DeSena says the “Grand Tasting” event will bring together the best of local food and drinks in a more intimate setting, and that the entertainment will add some punch. Guests will hear the unique stylings of the Mad Violinist and music trio Lilac Wine. Attendees can also sit down with Georgie Harris from Ponce City Market’s Modern Mystic Shop for a tarot card reading. 

Attendees also get to meet the chefs and mixologists in the Epicurean’s specially-designed, state-of-the-art culinary theatre, where there will be demonstrations featuring wine, beer and spirits partners. Especially for Midtown Alliance members, DeSena is offering a 10% discount on “Grand Tasting” General Admission tickets. Enter code MidtownATL at checkout.

Kuzminsky also shared that the partnership with DeSena’s group will continue into November with a series of Taste of Atlanta micro-tasting events at the Epicurean Atlanta. Tickets are now on sale for the first event of the series here.

Doing Good with Good Food

The “Grand Tasting” has special ties to a community give-back that continues to come through in a big way for both food industry workers and those experiencing food insecurity. A portion of the net proceeds from the event will benefit Giving Kitchen, which provides emergency assistance and support for people who work in the food business. And during the month of October, Epicurean Atlanta is participating in Giving Kitchen’s “Dining with Gratitude” campaign. A portion of proceeds from food and beverage purchases at the hotel go to support Giving Kitchen’s mission. Learn more about their work here.

“Restaurants are still having issues and need our support more than ever," DeSena said. “They are the glue that binds a community together. And we want to do all we can to help them.”

In addition, Second Helpings Atlanta is participating as an onsite partner at the “Grand Tasting” event to recover unused food and redirect it to people in need. Second Helpings Atlanta is seeking volunteers to help fulfill their mission by collecting food from grocery stores and restaurants for redistribution to communities battling food insecurity. Learn more about their work here.   

More to Discover at Epicurean Atlanta this Fall

The late-October “Grand Tasting” is just one of many upcoming events that people can look forward to at the Epicurean Atlanta this season. Here’s a rundown of what else is happening inside the hotel:

• Reverence: live music and Sunday brunch specials
• Office Bar: live music, festive cocktail specials for Atlanta Pride, Sidelines Social promotion for Monday Night Football, and a Boo's Bash on Halloween night
• The outdoor Aerial Kitchen and Bar closes at the end of October for the season
• In the culinary theatre: Sushi making class, plus mezcal, wine and coffee classes coming up (note: theatre classes book early, so be sure to buy tickets in advance)

“These are open to everybody in Midtown,” Kuzminsky said. “You don’t need to be a hotel guest. People can just walk over from their residences or office buildings and have fun.”

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