2011 Taste of Atlanta

Taste of Atlanta turns 10 this year and to celebrate they’re doin’ it up big in Technology Square. Festivities begin on Thursday, so here’s what’s goin’ down and how you can get in on it:

Taste of Atlanta’s Best Sommelier Competition Finals Thu., Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m. The competition will be held at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse where finalists will compete in four sections: food-wine pairing, service skills, wine IQ and wine identification. The competition will be hosted by Master Sommelier Michael McNeil and Certified Wine Educator Eric Crane. The event will be emceed by Gil Kulers, certified wine educator and Atlanta Journal-Constitution contributing writer. Tickets will be available to the first 100 guests for $20 at the door.

The Big Grill - A Midtown Block Party Fri., Oct. 21, 7:30-10:30 p.m.

The festival kicks off on Friday night with TOA’s first ever block party: The Big Grill. Attendees will enjoy access to the city’s best grilled grub. Food Network’s Aarón Sánchez joins local celeb chefs such as Kevin Rathbun for a fun, food-filled evening. Fifteen select restaurants will be onsite with samples to showcase their signature cuisine. Tickets are all-inclusive and are only good for Friday night. General admission tickets, $50. VIP tickets are $65 and offer early, priority access. Tickets on sale now from ticketalternative.com

On Saturday and Sunday, more than 80 Atlanta restaurants and chefs will be serving up their specialties at this year’s festival. From international cuisine to under-the-radar eats, Taste of Atlanta spotlights the diversity of Atlanta’s food scene. Here’s a complete list of participating restaurants. A TOA rep told us that the focal point of the festival will be the Home Plate Main Stage, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed, we suggest you start there.