This story is from Side Dish, a weekly newsletter about Atlanta’s dining scene. Subscribe for free via the Newsletters tab at the top of this page.
Marcus & Friends returns next week for a neighborhood block party-style event in O4W at Marcus Bar & Grille. On Wed., Aug. 28 from 4-8 p.m., join Chef Marcus Samuelsson and Executive Chef Gary Caldwell for a special menu featuring New Realm Brewing Co. beer.
The Creole Food Festival kicks off its Atlanta celebration this weekend at Atlanta Utility Works in East Point. Starting at 2 p.m. Sat., Aug. 24, and Sun., Aug 25, the national multi-city food festival celebrates the cuisine of the Southern U.S., Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin and South America. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit here.
Get ready to kick off N.E.W. Charity Weekend with a music night and tasting event on Fri., Sept. 13 at Monday Night Garage. Hosted by The Roots Community Assistance Fund the New Orleans-themed evening will feature bites from a number of restaurants including Lazy Betty, Little Rey, Giallo, Mick’s Kitchen, and more. Proceeds will benefit FreeRentATL. Visit here to purchase tickets and see further event information.
Ben’s Friends, a national support group for people in the hospitality industry struggling with addiction, launched in Atlanta this month. Weekly meetings will be held on Mondays from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at Pricci Restaurant. The chapter welcomes anyone who has found, or is struggling to find, sobriety while working in the food and beverage industry. For more details and updates, follow their Instagram here.
Send off tomato season with Kinship Butcher & Sundry’s (pictured) Bat Boy BLT featuring beef bacon, homemade basil mayo, and local tomatoes fresh from Woodlands Garden. For more details see their Instagram here.
An A+ for barbecue deals! Now through Aug. 22, Sonny’s Barbecue is rewarding teachers with a free Big Pork Deal, which includes a sandwich of choice, a side, and a drink. Visit here to verify your teacher status and learn how to redeem your coupon code.
The countdown is on! The Grant Park Conservancy Summer Shade Festival kicks off at 10 a.m. on Sat., Aug. 24, and Sun., Aug. 25. Get ready for food trucks, craft beer, and live music. More details can be found here.
South African restaurant brand Nando’s PERi-PERi will open its flagship Atlanta location on Tues., Aug. 27. Located in Perimeter’s High Street, Nando’s will feature flame-grilled chicken dishes, signature hot sauces, and more.
Time to break out that famous chili recipe! Applications are now being accepted for the annual Atlanta Chili Cook Off on Nov. 16 at Brook Run Park in Dunwoody. Registration for entries closes Oct. 1, so check out more details and get your tickets here.
Chef Jared Hucks will lead a seafood-focused cooking class on Tues., Aug. 27 at 6:30 p.m. at The Alden. Part of his monthly class series, this session will focus on shellfish (Bangs Island Mussels), flat fish (flounder), and round fish (red snapper). For registration and details visit here.