Grand Tasting Midtown Enjoys Another Banner Year

In her delightful, unassuming manner, Taste of Atlanta founder Dale DeSena greeted old friends and new visitors as they mingled throughout the Grand Tasting Midtown, held on Oct. 17, at Epicurean Atlanta, a Marriott Autograph Collection hotel located in the culinary epicenter of midtown Atlanta.

With tickets completely sold out in advance of the event, Grand Tasting Midtown was spread through the inside and outside areas of the hotel, meandering through the ballroom, pool deck rooftop and Epicurean Theatre. In total, 29 restaurants participated, 14 different cocktails were sampled by guests and there were several wine and beer tastings as well. Guests sampled a variety of offerings from restaurants such as South City Kitchen, Tiny Lou’s, Chicheria Mexican Kitchen, Hattie B’s Hot Chicken, Yalda, Boqueria, Woody’s Cheesesteaks, and Two Urban Licks.

For those with a sweet tooth, several delectable desserts were shared. Scrumptious cake bites, brownies and strawberries waited to be dipped in chocolate from the Melting Pot. A variety of delicious doughnuts from Sublime, cake slices from Atlantans’ favorite cakes at Publix, and award-winning mini cupcakes from Cupcakin’ Bake Shop helped create a stellar offering of desserts at this year’s tasting. A mix of craft cocktails also flowed from sponsors such as Tito’s, Absolut, Aplomo Tequila, Grand Marnier, Primero Tequila, and St. Julian Winery at booths scattered throughout the event. In addition, for non-drinkers, Smart Water and Coke Zero cans were on hand for those desiring a less potent option.

The beautiful night helped set the stage for a perfect evening under the stars for the many attendees, who were clearly enjoying themselves with the unlimited food offerings and cocktails. Laughter and conversation were in the air, and the festive mood was enhanced by songs from Ethel Shotter, who has toured the world with such notables as Beyonce and Robin Thicke. Her soulful voice and lively band kept many guests on their feet for much of the night.

Guests also had an opportunity to register for a free trip to Jamaica through Delta Vacations and Visit Jamaica. And if anyone needed their diamond ring brightened, staff members from Solomon Brothers Jewelers were busy polishing any baubles offered up by guests. The sponsor list was wide and varied, including not only food and beverage companies, but also a notable list of Atlanta mainstays such as Emory University Hospital Midtown, Audi Atlanta, and Society Insurance.

The highlight of any tasting event is when the awards are announced. Voting was done by attendees in three categories. The winner of the 2025 Best Taste Award went to Chicheria Mexican Kitchen at The Works ATL in West Midtown for their Sweet Corn Esquites, made with roasted corn, chipotle crema, queso fresco, and lime. Best Dessert was awarded to Cupcakin’ Bake Shop for their assortment of peach cobbler, key lime pie, red velvet, and vanilla salted caramel cupcakes, and Best Beverage was won by Grand Marnier for their Grand Peach Margarita.

Coming up on her 25th anniversary next year as the creator of Taste of Atlanta, DeSena was elated about this year’s Grand Tasting Midtown event. “What an awesome night with delicious bites from some of the best restaurants in Midtown, along with the beer, wine, and craft cocktail tastings. The weather, crowd and live music were all first class, and we are so proud to showcase this Atlanta talent! We are planning some special additions for 2026 to celebrate our silver anniversary,” said DeSena as she shared her thoughts on the evening’s festivities.