In the case of most trilogies, the third edition of a Hollywood picture series is often the weakest [See: Return of the Jedi]. Fortunately for foodies, festivals are not subject to that rule of thumb. As such, and to the delight of the masses, the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival returned yesterday in expanded form over at the Westside Provisions District. After a ragger of an event in 2010, I was all over this like a Cabbage Patch Kid in a tomato patch.
For those unaware, the festival is a slam dance mash up of booze, grub, and music that showcases both Atlanta chefs and that little round red ball of seedy goodness. Oh, hello belly … you are looking an awful lot like a tomato right now. Hosted by JCT Kitchen and sponsored by Georgia Organics, this year’s festival was the first to span both sides of the WPD bridge and went off in fine form. Despite young evil doers and their attempts to sway me with hints of pork festivals far far away, and obscene amounts of food, and a World Cup match to compete with, The Attack of The Killer Tomatoes was a whole lot of Deep South goodness.
Answer: Jay Swift, Anne Quatrano, Hugh Acheson, Chris Hastings, Kevin Gillespie, Bruce Logue. Question: Who are just a few of the awesome chef’s showing up at this years Attack of The Killer Tomato Festival?
Yes ladies and gents … it is that time again. Thanks to the good folks over at Georgia Organics, the Killer Tomatoes are back. Just like last year, the event will land at the Westside Urban Market, home to places like JCT Kitchen and Star Provisions. From 1pm – 5pm on Sunday August 8th, you’ll be able to indulge yourself in a sea of all things red.
To further wet your whistle, check out Savory Exposure’s recap of last years event. When you’re done with that, go check out Running With Tweezers flickr set. Tickets are $45 for Georgia Organics members and $50 for those of you who are not. However, prices go up this Saturday (to $65)… so I suggest you buy them now! Full details just after the jump!
In today’s edition of the NYT, Shaila Dewan decided to talk up the burgeoning art scene on the west side of Atlanta. Despite a few journalistic faux pas, it’s a nice summary piece on the neighborhood. What’s especially neat for us foodies is that Dewan took the time to point out some of the ‘hoods culinary adventures that have garnered so much attention locally.
In the spirit of the article, I must say that if forced to identify the in-town neighborhood with the most action, it would undoubtedly be the Westside. Centered around the intersection of 14th street and Howell Mill, you’ll find casual eateries, upscale dining options, and several of Atlanta’s hottest new restaurants. The article draws special attention to Octane, Flip Burger Boutique, Abattoir, Hop City Beer, and Sublime Doughnuts (with a nice quote from owner Kamal Grant).
The article is really just the tip of the iceberg. If you intend to spend anytime over in that neck of the woods, then you’ll also find the highly regarded Antico Pizza, sandwich shop Tiny Bistro, and popular breakfast spots like The West Egg and The Silver Skillet. And that list is far from exhaustive.
So if you’re a bit of a homebody and looking for something new … take some of your free time and donate it to the Westside.
A little busy/tired today – so here’s a sneak peek of some notations I’ll be making in the next few days.
Early this week, I made it over to La Pietra Cucina for the first time in a month or so. After hitting it up nearly 2x a week for a few months, it was a much needed fix. Chef Bruce Logue is still putting out some of the best food in the city, while the service and decor are still not up to snuff.
Hankook Taqueria has gotten some good attention and several people have already chatted this place up. After learning about it yesterday, Sparkplug and I decided to forgo our lunch date at Abattoir and hit up this new Korean taqueria.
Speaking of Abattoir, I hit that up again last night. After another mediocre experience at Bocado, we elected to go grab some drinks and snacks at the slaughterhouse. The chicharones where massive and delicious … the confit of mushrooms was a straightforward and simple delivery. The red wine reduction was top notch and the Star Provisions sourced bread was freakin’ sweet!
Yeah, after several meals at Bocado, I’m just not impressed. There’s potential, no doubt, but as it stands … this is a ho-hum, nice addition to the area. I’ll drop in over the weekend for a few quick hits/updates on the places.
This is a first impression if there ever was one. Thursday, May 21, 2009: the laptop closed, the door slammed, and I bustled my hustle over to Abattoir Chophouse just as soon as I could wrap up my 9-5. I’m such a restaurant whore! Thankfully, I had a little detour on the way over to the Westside of Midtown … I had to grab my dinner buds!
Abattoir is yet another in a long line of highly anticipated Atlanta restaurants looking to buck the economic trend. A down economy? Apparently, not here and not now. Abattoir, which derives from Francais, means Slaughterhouse. Sounds a lot more appealing, does it not?
The restaurant is backed by Anne Quatrano and the family that brought us Bacchanalia, Star Provisions, and Floataway Cafe. It seems to follow logic that the restaurant will be under the watchful eye of Atlanta gastronomes early and often. So, my little trio set off down the road, curious for what the night had in store. BTW, that horrendously obtrusive picture over yonder is a shot of the POS screen at the restaurant. It caught my attention from our table and I had to get a picture!
It’s late, I’ve knocked back a few, and there’s a game on … so I’m calling uncle for this evening. I just rolled back in from the opening night at Abattoir, the new restaurant from those behind Atlanta favs Bacchanalia and Star Provisions. The meal was knock me on my ass good.
This comes hot on the heals of last nights jaunt over at Pacci Ristorante. After my unplanned chat with executive chef Keira Moritz, I was really looking forward to checking out the restaurant. It didn’t disappoint. To kill some time until I get my first impressions post up, check out my post about that conversation. It was great to have a chat with a chef without having to worry about them knowing I might post something about it!
I’ll get at least one of the posts up tomorrow, with the other to follow shortly. In the meantime, enjoy this phallic adaptation of the potted chicken liver and foie gras. Topped with Armagnac and served with a side of grain mustard and a gherkin … it was freaking delish (though Paces 88’s take was a smidge better). The decision to insert said pickle into the pâté was Mrs. Harrell’s and not the kitchens!!!! Anyway, enjoy the eye candy … and a little peace from Adam’s better half.
