Wine Enthusiast's Toast of the Town event was held in Atlanta on April 17th, at the Georgia Aquarium in the Oceans Ballroom, an amazing venue. The ballroom was packed with beautifully-dressed food and wine aficionados. It was definitely the place to see and be seen for Atlanta's social set that evening, as guests sampled the unbelievable smorgasbord of delectable beverages and cuisine. Here are some photos I took of the event, as well as some thoughts about the offerings from vendors and local restaurants. VIP status was an option for some guests, who arrived early and were treated to many perks.Here is the description of the VIP package:
The VIP Tasting is a private pre-event tasting of reserve and estate wines. Includes a complimentary Wine Enthusiast Wine Master 2008 pocket electronic wine buying guide, tasting glass, tasting notes booklet and admission to Grand Tasting.
Throughout the ballroom were tables stocked with refreshing Saratoga spring water, like the bottle this very nice lady is holding here. You can begin to understand how many tables, wine bottles, and chefs there are by looking at the background.
Here are some more guests enjoying themselves at Toast of the Town. There were so many drinks and foods to taste that conversation was not a priority, although the woman here seems to be taking a break from the sampling.I tried lots of wines and champagnes, all excellent. Some brands I liked best were Freixenet, Henriot, San Pedro, Piper Heidsieck, and Sebeka.
Here is one of my favorite dishes of the evening -
Tataki Roll from Nakato Japanese Restaurant on Cheshire Bridge Road, (404) 873-6582. The servers were wearing kimonos, and this roll was simply delicious. The outside is seared sirloin with wasabi mayo and sweet ponzu sauce.
Another favorite here may not look like much in the photo, but trust me, it was the best! I don't know why, but pasta always turns out great at catered events!This was Prosciutto and Four Cheese Ravioli in Marsala Sauce from the Village Tavern in Alpharetta, (770) 777-6490. It was scrumptious - great prosciutto flavor with creamy and buttery sauce.
This was a yummy dish - Aged cheddar grits with barbeque beef brisket and green tomato relish from Atlanta Grill on Peachtree Rd., (404) 221-6550.
We had awesome views of the whale sharks and beluga whales! I believe the above dish is the Shaved Housemade Tasso Ham with Butterbean Hummus and Micro Basil, which I noted as scrumptious, delicioso, beany? (Can't read my writing). Anyway, it's from the South City Kitchen in Vinings, (770) 435-0700.
Ray's in the City, (404) 524-9224, produced this yummy Parmesan Crusted Sea Scallop. Ray's restaurants always have fantastic seafood!
On the left is the Serrano Crostini from Eclipse di Luna on Miami Circle, (404) 846-0449, and below are the delectable Bacon-wrapped Medjool Dates, Marcona Almonds, Smoked Sea Salt, and Vincotto from Repast on Glen Iris Drive (404) 870-8707.
Of course, there were lovely desserts from several restaurants as well. I tried two options from Seasons 52 (already reviewed on this blog) - the key lime was amazing, as was the mango cheesecake on the left, and I had the sample plate from The Melting Pot, which I have also already reviewed. I should have tried the White Chocolate Bread Pudding from Feast, but I will just have to go there or wait till next year.Toast of the Town was a huge success. A wonderful time was had by all, and I can't wait to attend again next year!
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