Peachfest at Peachtree Center is more than just an event—it’s a celebration of Georgia’s beloved peaches, local agriculture, and culinary excellence. With a focus on sustainability, Peachfest brings together top chefs, beverage professionals, and esteemed sponsors to offer guests an unforgettable gastronomic experience. The atmosphere is vibrant, and the weather, though this year hot, adds to the summer charm. Arriving early, we narrowly missed the rain that came later, setting the stage for a perfect afternoon of indulgence.
Atlanta’s Peachfest includes live music throughout the event
Gourmet Delights and Whimsical Treats
Our first stop at The Woodall was a treat for the senses. We were greeted with peach cotton candy that transported us back to childhood with a gourmet twist. Their peach granita, an icy delight that melted in our mouths, left us craving more. Known for its sophisticated southern luxury, The Woodall set a high bar for the day. We have it on our list for a future date night. We then moved on to VinoTeca, where a curated selection of wines perfectly complemented the peach-themed dishes. Each glass enhanced the rich, sweet undertones of the peaches, making our tasting experience even more memorable.
The Woodall with a pair of whimsical treats
Seafood, Brews, and Barbecue
Cudaco impressed us with their oysters served with a peach and peppercorn mignonette. The briny oysters paired with the zesty mignonette created a delightful blend of oceanic freshness and peachy sweetness. Moving from the sea to the land, Hop City Beer & Wine introduced us to peach-infused brews. The Peach Radler captured the essence of a sun-drenched summer day in every sip, making it the perfect accompaniment to the warm afternoon.
We couldn’t resist the peach BBQ ribs from Marcus Bar and Grille. Adorned with peach confetti, the ribs were succulent and flavorful, with a delightful tangy-sweet twist that made each bite a symphony of southern comfort. Bar Diver offered a refreshing Vietnamese cucumber salad with peach and herbs, a perfect palate cleanser amid richer offerings.
Smoky, Savory, and Sweet
The smoky applewood smoked chicken thighs from The Mill Kitchen and Bar were a highlight. Paired with N’duja potato salad and pickled peaches, the combination was simply divine. We continued our peachy adventure with a stop at Wrecking Bar Brew Pub, where inventive peach-themed beverages like the Peach Bellini with Lyer bubbles added a delightful twist to our day.
Desserts were no less impressive. Piastra served Mama Betty’s fresh peach pie, a nostalgic dessert that transported us back to simpler times with its flaky crust and luscious peach filling. Sweet Cheats impressed us with shortbread bars and macarons, both featuring brown sugar bourbon peach pecan jam, creating a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
The Ultimate Peachfest Experience
The dish that stole the show for me, though, was from Chef Lamar Moore of Bronzeville Winery in Chicago. His honey habanero grilled ribeye, paired with a peach tomato and Maytag blue salad, was the best of the afternoon. The ribeye was perfectly seared, with a sweet and spicy glaze that complemented the succulent meat. The salad, with its creamy blue cheese and juicy peaches, was the perfect accompaniment. This dish alone made the trip worthwhile. Unfortunately, if we want to visit its creator, we’d have to visit Chicago. Maybe later this year?
The Kamado Joe section had quite a few wonderful bites, however one really stood out.
Our runner up from Peachfest was the cocktail from Yakitori Kona. It was so enticing that we decided to dine at their restaurant a couple of days later. We enjoyed a range of dishes, including chicken-lemongrass gyozas served on a bed of cabbage, and yakitori featuring chicken dark meat and American wagyu steak. The sushi was a highlight, with yellowtail crudo, a fresh hamachi roll topped with tuna and avocado, and a salmon and eel roll. Each dish was meticulously prepared and bursting with flavor.
The cocktails were equally impressive. The “F U Eddy” with grapefruit-infused vodka and egg white was a delightful start. The “Pina Aquavita” with toasted coconut aquavit and clarified pineapple juice was refreshingly unique. “The Albatross” combined Bacardi Ocho, coconut-infused Campari, and grilled pineapple juice, while “All the Feels” with reposado tequila, blood orange, and ginger beer was a perfect blend of bold flavors. This visit, capped off by a quick stop at a charming independent bookstore next door, made for a memorable evening.
Peachfest isn’t just a celebration of Georgia’s peaches; it’s a showcase of culinary innovation and a commitment to sustainability. Each dish was a work of art, crafted with passion and respect for the environment. We left Peachfest inspired, our hearts and bellies full, eagerly anticipating our return next year. For anyone looking to explore the best of Atlanta’s dining scene, Peachfest is an experience not to be missed.
