The Rialto Center for the Arts at Georgia State University in downtown Atlanta often hosts stars on their glittering stage, but tonight, it was all about the culinary world's celestial bodies. Inside, a string quartet greeted guests as bites from Caviar and Petrossian coupled with Basil Hayden cocktails and wine provided by Wine Access set the evening's tone—elegant, yet buzzy.
As emcee Mara Davis, Discover Atlanta's Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer Andrew Wilson, and the MICHELIN Guide's Elisabeth Boucher-Anselin took to the stage, the audience was captivated by the history of the Guide before the evening's first awards were presented. Jason Furst of BoccaLupo won Exceptional Cocktail, Neal McCarthy of Miller Union took top honors for Service, Juan Fernando Cortés of The Chastain proved the power of the grape with his Sommelier honor, and Jarrett Stieber of Little Bear was the Young Chef of the night.
After pictures with Bibendum, it was time for the full selection to be announced with cheers cascading through the crowd over spots like Gunshow and Xi'an Gourmet House. Following this were the 10 Bib Gourmand spots offering incredible flavor at handsome value—think tasty Venezuelan dishes, hip New American menus, and southern bites with bite.
But the night came to a climax with the announcement of the Stars. The inaugural Atlanta class includes 5 One Stars and Two Green Stars—The Chastain and Bacchanalia. And while the energy in the room was electric, it was the final, bubbly toast that cemented the Big Peach's place in America's culinary fabric.
Hero image: Zach Hilty / BFA.com
All photos: Zach Hilty / BFA.com
