Brookhaven Brunch Festival 2016

I attended Brookhaven Brunch Festival 2016 this past weekend. This was the 3rd event of Atlanta Beer Festivals thatI have attended. And it's Official. Atlanta Beer Festivals hosts the most outstanding social gatherings in Atlanta. Ash Said It so it must be true!

Each event caters to every attendee. That’s why so many look forward to it season after season. I met a group of 20 somethings that religiously attend most Atlanta Beer Festival events. They were young women that attended Georgia State years ago. They attended these events as freshmen and continue to attend now that they have graduated. Talk about dedication.

This event was set in beautiful Brookhaven Park. The temperature was just right for this outdoor gala. There were two types of tickets. VIP and General admission. VIP got more perks than general admission. They were admitted at 11am, had an exclusive food tent, received unlimited drinks and were allotted 3 food vouchers. This company always takes care of their VIP guests. General admission was opened at noon. They only get 1 food voucher. All other samples are $3 each. This is the cheaper route and you don't get any extras.

I received my commemorative cup at check in along with a map. I was famished and ready to fill my tummy with some goodies. My first stop was at the VIP Tent. Aromas from D.B.A. Barbeque filled the tent as a line assembled. I'm vegetarian so I realized that my options would be limited to some extent. Little did I know they had me covered. Their scrambled eggs were AMAZING! They were cooked to perfection with cheese, herbs and spices throughout. It was so good.

The Kickapoo table was decorated in my favorite color. Green! I stopped and got some info on their brand. They're relatively new but quickly saturating the cola market. It’s a carbonated drink with both sugar and caffeine. It only contained a few ingredients so I was willing to take a wager. OMG! I'm so glad that I did. The Malibu is a pina colada inspired drink. The coconut pairs with the pineapple flavor harmoniously. I'll be looking for them in stores.

I see Meehan's Public House every time I'm in Sandy Springs but I've yet to stop. After meeting General Manager Robert E. Wesling Jr., I now have a reason to give them a try. We spent quite some time talking about what made their establishment different from the rest. The shrimp and grits had me sold!

The next stop was at SkyHouse Buckhead. They are a luxury high-rise apartment brand in Buckhead. Their amenities include 24 hour concierge, hardwood flooring in living areas, a pet spa, a rooftop lounge with billiards and so much more. I want to live here! If only I hadn't just moved into my new spot. SkyHouse Buckhead sounds like a dream. And it happens to be walking distance away from Phipps Plaza.

Natalie's Orchid Island Juice started off with the idea of creating a fresh squeezed juice. This brand is not only recognized in 30 states but it can be found I over 24 countries worldwide. I tried the Orange Beet. It was Awesome! The beets didn't overpower the orange and it was a refreshing drink. I hear that they are in Publix Supermarkets so I am going to look for them.

Mighty Mango won me over at the Naked Juice tent. It has no preservatives, no added sugar and its comprised of my favorite fruits. Mango, banana, orange, apple and a hint of lime. I've seen this brand in every convenience store cooler. Would it taste as good as it sounds? It was better! I Love Mango! This blend made me love it even more.

Stephanie Pilger had a space set up for United Way LINC. She was absolutely ecstatic to talk about their event this December 3rd. Their HoliDay of Service will spread cheer by helping 6 community agencies within the metro Atlanta area. This is a beautiful way to give back. For information on how you can help that day Click Here.

Stewart Simmons creator Shene Simmons was brimming with pride as she described her brand. Her company provides quality collegiate attire for women. She left her corporate job early this year to fulfill this dream. Stewart Simmons is certainly a brand to watch!

Did the Atlanta Burger Truck have options for me? Yes they did. Their french toast casserole was out of this world! I simply loved it. It was seasoned just right and wasn't too sweet. The fresh maple syrup made this dream complete.

I had plenty of sugar in my system by the time I go to the Bon Glaze tent. Bacon butterscotch, apple cider and candied were the doughnuts on display. Kelly and Kenny Keith literally went out on a mission to find the perfect doughnut. They tried all of the major cities and could not find that memorable experience they sought. Bon Glaze came from their imagination of a perfectly crafted doughnut.

I've been looking forward to trying Dominic's NY Pizza for some time. Being a native New Yorker and growing up around REAL Pizzerias, I am very critical of restaurants that use 'New York' in their title. One cheese slice from Dominic's took me back to summer afternoons in the Bronx. He captured the essence of what its like to eat a True NY slice.

Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop had a full display of sweet delights. Owner Kimmie Chung was full of energy and very passionate about her pies. One slice of pie brought back fond memories of gatherings with friends for her. She was so impressed with their pie that she wanted others to experience it as well. She is conveniently located in Sandy Springs and insisted that I visit the shop. I'm not passing on that!

Mellow Mushroom Brookhaven is phenomenal. They gave me pizza, a cup and a bowl of laughs. With so much negativity in the media, it was nice to make a few friends. If you're ever in Brookhaven, stop by Mellow Mushroom and tell them that ASH SAID IT sent ya!

Petite Cakes owner Priscilla, had an elegant display. It was as if I had opened up a page of The Atlantan. Red velvet, caramel apple and rum mini bundt cakes. She spoke about how her love of baked treats started in her childhood. Her father would bake a lemon butter pound cake and the aromas would greet her when she got home from school. She's taken those childhood memories and crafted a baked brand that speaks for itself.

Banjo Cold Brew Coffee has a brewery based in Atlanta. What makes their coffee so different? Several things. They use 100% organic, fair trade and locally roasted coffee. Their beans slow steep for 24 hours in order to release its ultimate flavor. Coffee enthusiasts love that its natural with very low acidity. People love that its mild on your stomach.

Drunkin Cupcakes intrigued me. These were not liquor cupcakes. The cupcakes were actually crafted to taste like certain drinks. With over 7 years of experimenting as a mixologist/baker the creator of Drunkin Cupcakes has created a brand new delicacy. I had the margarita cupcake and it did in fact taste like a margarita.

Olde Blind Dog had a brunch menu to make your mouth water. From corned beef hash to pecan French toast there is something for everyone to enjoy. They're not the typical pub and they strive to make your experience a lasting one.

Delights by Dawn is a name that is in circulation around the metro Atlanta area. Owner Dawn Belisle has created a recognized brand that can be seen at many parties, receptions and sporting events. Although the alcohol infused desserts are widely popular, they do offer non-alcoholic options.

Eclipse di Luna bragged about their Sunday Spanish Brunch. They've been voted best tapas by Creative Loafing for the past 15 years. Atlanta Magazine rated them "Best Place to Take a Date". And the AJC ranked them among the Top 50 Restaurants. With those accolades, they must be doing something right.

Sweet Auburn Bread Company changed my life with that biscuit. It's not just a biscuit. It was a sweet potato biscuit that sandwiched a salmon croquette. Sheer heaven. I've never had such a food melody dance in my mouth. I really didn't want it to end. But it did. Bravo Chef Sonya. You did that!

I had a marvelous time at Brookhaven Brunch Festival 2016. I didn’t get to visit all the vendors but adored the ones that I did. Atlanta Beer Festivals are the premier events of Atlanta. If you have not been to one yet you need to. Sign up for their email and get notified of upcoming festivals. I will unquestionably be at the next big gathering. Stop me in my tracks to say hi.