Food That Rocks & Drink Fest at City Springs
Around a thousand satiated “foodies” sampled a variety of unlimited tastes at Food That Rocks.
After 37 years with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and now with the AJT, , Jaffe’s focus is lifestyle, art, dining, fashion, and community events with emphasis on Jewish movers and shakers.
Food That Rocks, presented by Taste of Atlanta, returned for its ninth year on Thursday night, June 6. As a one-of-a-kind food and drink festival, it showcased Sandy Springs’ diverse restaurant scene for this one night at City Springs and brought in more than 25 of the area’s best restaurants and top chefs together for the ultimate “EATertainment” experience.
Food That Rocks was an evening of unlimited tastes, beverage tastings, decadent desserts, and live music by Oxford Soul. Over 1000 attended, some stood in line a bit to enter, but crowd control and security flowed well, as the grounds layout was spacious and the food was easy to access. Rain or shine, the event staff took a sigh of relief when that day’s scattered showers turned to calm skies and temperate breezes like a night at the piazza.
VIP ticket holders got early access from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., a special welcome cocktail and a VIP “Gotta Have It” swag bag. As a “Party with a Purpose,” Food That Rocks partnered with the Community Assistance Center (CAC), The Giving Kitchen, and Second Helpings Atlanta to support local charitable initiatives. Attendees were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to win a culinary prize package, with immediate needs including rice, spaghetti, dry beans, and canned meats.
The festival is about more than just food and libations. Publix handed out lime green coozies, portable fans, and ice-cold smart water. A popular resting spot was with Jaron Solomon, Solomon Brothers Jewelers, who had two assistants courtesy cleaning rings and such, where diamonds came out sparkling.
Solomon said, “We have been a part of FTR for the past seven years. This is our community, and we love being here.”
Solomon Brothers recently expanded to Sharpsburg (Coweta County) in addition to its Buckhead and Alpharetta stores.
Tre Vele had a clever presentation around a Parmesan cheese wheel which is displayed at the restaurant and takes credit for starting the wheel trend.
Zambawango beat the heat by serving sugar free yogurt push up popsicles.
Guests were asked to vote on their favs as “best taste.” One drink tasting took home the “best beverage” award; one sweet treat won “best dessert;” and all will go down as this year’s Food That Rocks crowd-selected favorites.
Dale DeSena, Founder & CEO, Taste of Atlanta, concluded, “Food That Rocks presented by Taste of Atlanta had Sandy Springs rockin’ another year! We are so proud to showcase the many fantastic restaurants in this community. I look forward to this event every year as we love to support Community Assistance Center, Giving Kitchen, and Second Helpings Atlanta, who got their start in Sandy Springs. “
Food That Rocks is presented by Taste of Atlanta in partnership with the City of Sandy Springs and Visit Sandy Springs. The next Taste event is in Alpharetta at Avalon.
Participating Restaurants
Banana Leaf Thai Bar
Baraonda
Breadwinner Café
Buttermilk Sky Pie
Chef Rob’s Caribbean Café
City Bar
City BBQ
Crave Well Café
Cubano’s ATL
Da Vinci’s Donuts
Genki Noodles & Sushi
Gus’ World-Famous Fried Chicken
Hearth Pizza Tavern
Henri’s Bakery
Hopdoddy Burger Bar
il Giallo Osteria & Bar
McDaniel’s QN2
NaanStop
Nothing Bundt Cake
The Select
Southern Bistro
Taco Mac
Thos. O’ Reilly’s
Tre Vele
Under the Cork Tree
Yalda
Zambawango
Zanzi Bar
Award Winners
Best Taste — City BBQ
Best Dessert — Henri’s Bakery
Best Beverage — Aviation Gin
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