20th Annual Taste of Alpharetta Proves Some Things Get Better With Age

With a humble beginning in 1990, the Taste of Alpharetta has grown to the largest “Taste of” festival in the South. Four restaurants set up shop in Milton Square Park across from Alpharetta City Hall twenty years ago, starting a tradition that no family, foodie or festival-goer will want to miss. Spanning the width of Old Milton Parkway from Main Street (SR 9) to Wills Road and spilling into Wills Park, the 20th Annual Taste of Alpharetta promises to provide all the eats, treats, sights, and sounds one would expect from such a festival. Join us Thursday, May 13, from 5-10 pm to experience it all.

As always, local chefs are working to create appetizing menus in preparation to serve over 200,000 delicacies that night. Stop by to sample Krispy Kreme bread pudding, citrus French toast, crawfish etouffee, lettuce wraps, and bourbon pecan pie, just to name a few. With over 50 restaurants in attendance, you are bound to find something to your liking. The variety ranges from Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, to Nahm Thai Cuisine, to Vintage Pizza.

These and other participating restaurants serve up an amazing array of appetizers, entrees and desserts from their menus for just $.50 to $3 per sample. Tickets may be purchased on-site the evening of the Taste or pre-purchased at Alpharetta City Hall, 2 South Main Street.

“The Taste of Alpharetta, in its 20th year, promises to be the best yet,” said Mayor Arthur Letchas. “My wife and I would not miss it. Between the food, the chef’s competition and the entertainment, it is a perfect night out.”

Please save gas and use our free shuttle system. Park and ride shuttle options will be available at Alpharetta City Hall (on South Main Street), Public Super Market (on Old Milton Parkway at Haynes Bridge) and Milton Center (the old Milton High School at Milton Avenue).

Admission, shuttle and parking for the 20th Annual Taste of Alpharetta are FREE. Park and walk options are available at the Wills Park Equestrian Center (on Wills Road) and Alpharetta Community Center (on Roswell Street).

The Culinary Arts and Music Stage will feature chef competitions from 5 to 7 pm followed with live music from 7 to 10 pm. Come and spread your blanket for a full night of entertainment in Wills Park.

Top chefs pair against one another in contests for Best Appetizer/Salad, Best Fast Casual Entrée, Best Fine Dining Entrée, Best Dessert and Best Presentation. Judges will include local restaurant reviewers and food editors. Attendees can vote for their favorite restaurant at the Culinary Arts and Music Stage, designating one restaurant as the Taste of Alpharetta People’s Choice recipient. Additional judges will walk Restaurant Row to award the Best Booth presentation.

After dining at all of their favorite restaurants in one night, Taste of Alpharetta families can look forward to playing at Wacky World and on the dozens of fun inflatable activities, rock climbing wall, trains and more in the Fun Zone. By the Lion’s Club pavilion at Wacky World, the Reptile Wrangler will feature educational reptile shows all evening plus exhibits. Children can also try out wacky hair, face painting, balloon art, henna tattoos, and a full farmyard with pony carousal. Metro Atlanta radio stations will add to the evening’s entertainment.

The 20th Annual Taste of Alpharetta is proud to have the City of Alpharetta, Comcast and Publix Super Market Charities, Inc., as our Premier Sponsors; AT&T Real Yellow Pages and Appen Newspapers, Inc./Revue & News as our Platinum Sponsors; Alpharetta Convention & Visitors Bureau, ADP, DeVry University, Georgia Power Company, SunTrust Bank and Quantum National Bank as our Gold Sponsors; and BB&T, Costco, Flagstar Bank, GCAC of Georgia (Giving Children a Chance), NRG SVRS, LLC, Taylor Construction Company, Touchmark National Bank, and Vantage Card as our Silver Sponsors.

For more event information, visit www.alpharetta.ga.us , phone (678) 297-6000 ext. 1006 or email braymond@alpharetta.ga.us  Photos, event map and additional information available upon request.