Three awesome events in ATL starting today!

The Brick Store goes hop-crazy during their Blind Flight IPA tournament!

The Brick Store, SouthBound and Food 101 throw down!

Whaddup!!!

I just got back from an awesome trip to Baltimore seeing all my people and getting my culinary touring on; I hunted down the best crab cakes in the world (look up #crabcakehunt on Instagram), had a magnificent brunch at Miss Shirley’s (look here), and visited my second home—Max’s Taphouse here. Upon my return home, I was welcomed by some awesome events popping off starting this Tuesday, followed by the ridiculously dope, five-chef dinner I am helping host at Food 101. Here are three can’t-miss events you need to strikingly consider hitting up if you lucky enough to be in Atlanta.

Brick Store Pub’s Epic Blind Flight IPA Tournament Part 2

Tuesday, November 10, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

125 E Court Square, Decatur, GA 30030

One of the best beer bars in the world, the Brick Store, is hosting the second round of their "Epic Blind Flight IPATournament" tomorrow. Co-owner and homey Dave described it for ya here:

“We need YOUR help to determine one the best IPA's in the land. Here's how it works. We are going "Blind Flight" style again for this From 5:00 to 7:00. Five Beers each Tuesday beginning next Tuesday the 3rd, followed by the 10th and then the 17th. The top 2 from each of these weeks will move on to the "Top 6 IPA Showdown" on Tuesday the 24th.”

Last Tuesday, Round 1 of the IPA Blind Flight included Bell’s Two Hearted, Sierra Nevada Torpedo, Great Divide Titan, Creature Comforts Tropicália, and Dogfish Head 60 Minute. The Tropicalia beat Bell's by a sip to be ranked #1, but they both will be poured in the semi-finals on Tuesday November 24. This is dope idea for hop heads (like me), right? Cheers to the Brick Store. Oh, their food is official too! Here are the remaining entries…

Avery IPA
Ballast Point Sculpin
Boulevard Single Wide
Cigar City Jai Alai
Founders Centennial
Jekyll Hop Dang Diggity
Smuttynose Finest Kind
Stone IPA
SweetWater IPA
Terrapin Hopsecutioner
Three Taverns A Night On Ponce
Victory Hop Devil
Wicked Weed Pernicious

Southbound hosts a wine tasting with six food pairings!

Southbound Restaurant will host a Northern Italian wine tasting with winemaker Mario Andrion of Castello di Verduno

On Tuesday, November 10th from 6:30 pm–8:30 pm, Southbound restaurant will host a Northern Italian wine tasting with winemaker Mario Andrion of Castello di Verduno. Wine tastings will include Barolo, Barbaresco, and the unique Basadone, along with food pairings by Southbound’s Chef Bethany Colvin. Please see menu below, and guests can reserve their spot here.

Menu

NV Castello di Verduno Brut Rosé 'S-ciopét' 

Salmon Mousse, cucumber

2012  Langhe Nebbiolo

Lamb Lollipop, huckleberry gastrique

2012 Verduno Basadone

Foie gras torchon on sourdough cracker

2010 Verduno Barbaresco

Mushroom Duxelle Roulade

2009 Verduno Barbaresco - Faset Vineyard

Smoked Catfish Brandade in piquillo pepper

2006 Verduno Barolo - Massara vineyard

Smoked Short Rib Rillette, toast

And of course, there is my event with Food 101 on Thursday Night!

Food 101 is turning 16!

It’s the "Ghost's from Chef's Past" celebration featuring past and current chefs, equaling five courses paired with beer and a cider I helped pick! Here are the details. It starts at 7 p.m. so book your tickets here asap!

See you soon!

Ale