Venkman’s BBQ and Bluegrass Festival took place a few weeks ago and I was excited to be in attendance. The event was held behind Venkman’s, for a backyard get together type of feel. As I walked up, that delicious smell of meat cooking on the grill surrounded me. Mmmmm. Six amazing Atlanta chefs were all working their magic on the Big Green Egg, using product from the festival’s sponsors, Cheshire Farms and Brasstown Beef.
Featured Chefs
Terry Koval-Wrecking Bar
Judd Foster-South of Heaven BBQ
Rusty Bowers-Pine Street Market
Hector Santiago-El Super Pan
Nick Melvin-Venkman’s
Bennett Hollberg-Fox Brothers BBQ
To be honest, I am not a beef or pork eater, but as a Food Blogger professional I felt it was my duty to at least taste everything. 👀 I mean, how was I going to vote for my favorite if I didn’t taste anything? I had several favorite tastes that eventually turned into portions. Don’t judge me!
Fox Bros came through with the creamiest grits ever, topped with a very smokey pork belly. Yes! Tasted just like home! So good! Most unique, to me at least, went to the Wreaking Bar with their Szechuan Beef Neck with Garlic Chives, Baby Celery, & Wrecking Barn Farm Collard Flowers. Who knew there was a such thing as collard flowers?? Not me, but I’m a fan now! I was totally in love with South of Heaven BBQ’s Smoked Barbacoa Tacos. These delightful tacos were topped with Mexican corn, cojita, and pickled onions. Yummmy!!
To wash all this delicious BBQ down, festival goers sipped on crafty cocktails made with Bulleit Bourbon. There were two choices, a Bulleit Smash, made with strawberry, lemon, mint, & simple syrup and a Brown Derby, made with grapefruit & honey. Both very tasty and the perfect accompaniment to a day of great food.
Guest were treated to live performances from Sailing to Denver and Smokey’s Farmland Band and a chance to win a Mini Max Egg. All proceeds of the raffle went to one of my favorite non-profits, The Giving Kitchen.
Click to photo below for the photo recap of this most awesome day!!
Venkman’s BBQ AND BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL Photo Recap
About Venkman’s
Venkman’s, opened in September 2015, is the dining and entertainment development from Yacht Rock Revue front men, Nicholas Niespodziani and Peter Olson, and renowned local chef and Doux South Pickles founder, Nick Melvin. Housed in the renovated NuGrape Soda Factory in Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward district, Venkman’s offers guests a curated experience of expertly crafted food and live music ranging from up-and-coming acts to household names. Executive Chef Nick Melvin’s menus demonstrate his creative yet approachable style of cooking. Venkman’s is open for dinner and late-night service Tuesday – Saturday and brunch on Sunday. Venkman’s is open for dinner and late-night service Tuesday – Saturday and brunch on Sunday. Venkman’s is located at 740 Ralph McGill Boulevard, Atlanta, Ga. 30308 and can be reached via (470) 225-6162. For more information, visit venkmans.com and follow Venkman’s on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Shana Was Here 