Peep the Great American Beer Festival's Top Beers and Ciders of 2024!

 

GABF was lit!

I just got back from the Great American Beer Festival (GABF) and it was arguably the most memorable and exciting one yet! I had a blast with the National Black Brewers Association, fellow homies I have met throughout the years, and the great people who are a part of the industry as a whole. Below are the winners of numerous categories in both beer and cider styles sent directly from the GABF competition, the largest in the nation! Here is the complete list as well.

Cheers!

The Great American Beer Festival® Announces the Top Beers and Ciders of 2024

The nation’s largest professional beer competition awarded 326 medals to 273 breweries and cideries

The Brewers Association (BA) revealed the top beers and ciders of 2024 at an awards ceremony during the Great American Beer Festival (GABF). In partnership with the American Cider Association, the prestigious competition bestowed awards in five new cider categories. With more than 1,200 cider producers in the U.S., the GABF competition keeps consumer drinking preferences and trends at the forefront of the event.

This year, 273 breweries and cideries earned 326* medals. The Great American Beer Festival judge panel evaluated noteworthy brews and ciders across 102 beer categories (including 170 subcategories), five new cider categories, and the Pro-Am and Collaboration competitions.

The competition was made possible thanks to more than 250 volunteers who facilitated the multi-step judging process and 285 beer experts who evaluated 8,836 commercial beer entries, 233 commercial cider entries, 95 Collaboration entries, and 52 Pro-Am entries. Judging occurred in three phases over seven days and included brewery entries from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.

“The Great American Beer Festival continues its commitment to recognizing exceptional beverages from across the country in the 2024 competition,” said Chris Williams, competition director for the Brewers Association. “With the addition of five new cider categories, we’re pleased to recognize the best of the best in beer and beyond. Congratulations to this year’s winners!

The awards ceremony, live streamed on The Brewing Network on Saturday, October 12, 2024, was held at the Bellco Theatre in Denver as part of the Great American Beer Festival.

Check out the 2024 winners here!

GABF COMPETITION STATISTICS

·         38th edition of the GABF competition

·         8,836 beers judged

·         1,869 breweries & cideries in the competition from all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico

·         285 judges

·         250+ volunteers

·         Average number of beers entered in each category: 85

·         Category with the highest number of entries: Category 102 - Juicy/Hazy IPA (349 entries)

·         326 total medals awarded

·         273 medal-winning breweries

·         280 first-time GABF competition entrants

·         25 first-time GABF competition winners

·         Five new cider categories

TOP 5 MOST-ENTERED BEER STYLE CATEGORY WINNERS

Category 102 | Juicy/Hazy IPA (349 entries)

GOLD: Professional Human Being | Ambitious Ales | Long Beach, CA

SILVER: Groundswell | Single Hill Brewing Co. | Yakima, WA

BRONZE: Crash of Rhinos | Movement Brewing Co. | Rancho Cordova, CA

 

Category 100: West Coast IPA (292 entries)

GOLD: Codebreaker | Trademark Brewing | Long Beach, CA

SILVER: Pacific Portal | Alma Mader Brewing | Kansas City, MO

BRONZE: IPA for Aliens | Masthead Brewing Co. | Cleveland, OH

 

Category 101: American-Style IPA (217 entries)

GOLD: Competition | Highland Park Brewery - Chinatown | Los Angeles, CA

SILVER: One Way | Old Caz Beer | Rohnert Park, CA

BRONZE: Lexical Gap | Pollyanna Brewing Co. | Lemont, IL

 

Category 50: Dortmunder or German-Style Oktoberfest (210 entries)

GOLD: Festbier | Glenwood Canyon Brewing Co. | Glenwood Springs, CO

SILVER: Festbier | Northwoods Brewing Co. | Northwood, NH

BRONZE: The Cushman | Morgan Territory Brewing | Tracy, CA

 

Category 52: German-Style Maerzen (195)

GOLD: Pleasantbräu Oktoberfest | Soul Brewing Co. | Pleasantville, NY

SILVER: Marchtoberfest | Galveston Island Brewing | Galveston, TX

BRONZE: Oktoberfest | Left Hand Brewing Co. | Longmont, CO

 

MOST-ENTERED CIDER CATEGORY WINNERS

                                                                                                                   

Category 203: Fruited & Botanical Cider (74 entries)

GOLD: Blackberry Cider | McMenamins Breweries | Portland, OR

SILVER: Ozark Strawberry Rhubarb Cider | Ozark Beer Co. | Rogers, AR

BRONZE: Pacific Pineapple | 2 Towns Ciderhouse | Corvallis, OR

 

MOST-MEDALED BREWERIES

Apogee Brewing Company | Grover Beach, CA

Gold, Lucy Loves Rye, Category 76: Specialty Saison

Bronze, Aurora, Category 73: Belgian-Style Ale or French-Style Ale

Bronze, Monks on the Moon, Category 78: Belgian-Style Strong Specialty Ale

Bronze, Monks In Space, Category 79: Belgian-Style Abbey Ale

 

Highland Park Brewery - Chinatown | Los Angeles, CA

Gold, Competition, Category 101: American-Style India Pale Ale

Gold, Baseball, Category 40: Contemporary American-Style Lager

Gold, Timbo, Category 91: American-Style Pale Ale

Gold, DDH Pillow, Category 98: Juicy or Hazy Imperial India Pale Ale

 

COLLABORATION COMPETITION (95 entries) See criteria here.

GOLD: Twenty-Fold Sword | New Zealand-Style IPA | No Boat Brewing Company and Obelisk Beer Co. | Snoqualmie, WA

SILVER: Stupid Sticky Fingers | Wood & Barrel Aged Imperial Stout | Werk Force Brewing Co. and Rocky Reef Brewing Co. | Plainfield, IL

BRONZE: Spudweiser | American Pilsner | Live Oak Brewing Company and Hold Out Brewing | Del Valle, TX

 

PRO-AM COMPETITION (52 entries) See criteria here. Sponsored by Briess Malt & Ingredients Co. & White Labs

GOLD: Piwo Grodziskie | Kansas City Bier Co. and Mike & Stephanie

Butler | Kansas City, MO

SILVER: Rising Sun | Crooked Lane Brewing Co. and Matt Hall | Auburn, CA

BRONZE: South of Helles | Starr Hill Beer Hall & Rooftop - Richmond and Joel Miller | Richmond, VA

*Out of 327 possible awards, 326 were conferred. Bronze was not awarded in Category 15 for Amber to Dark Non-Alcohol Beer.

Editor’s note: Photos for media use are available on the GABF website. Members of the media are encouraged to contact brewerspr@backbone.media with any questions.

The 2024 Great American Beer Festival was made possible in part by the generous support of its sponsors and in partnership with the American Cider Association.  

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About the Brewers Association 

The Brewers Association (BA) is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to small and independent American brewers, their beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents 5,000-plus U.S. breweries and more than 30,000 homebrewers. The BA’s independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers by small and independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events, including the World Beer Cup®, Great American Beer Festival®, Craft Brewers Conference™ & BrewExpo America®, Homebrew Con™, National Homebrew Competition, and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The New Brewer® and Zymurgy® magazines, and Brewers Publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the U.S. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the dynamic world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com® and about homebrewing via the BA’s American Homebrewers Association®. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, or marital/familial status. The BA complies with provisions of Executive Order 13672 and the rules, regulations, and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.

 

Sweet Auburn and ATL’s culinary scene host Asheville Hurricane Relief Dinner October 7th!

It’s this coming Monday, October 7th, beginning at 5 p.m. Tickets are $50 per person, with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit World Central Kitchen. Pull up!

Cheers Everyone!

As many of you know, I try to go to Asheville, NC, at least three times a year to explore one of the most concentrated craft beer cities in the country. I’ve hosted my Piano Keys events alongside New Belgium like this, a BrewGether tour with Sierra Nevada here, and beers with brewing icon Oscar Wong and Highland Brewing here to name a few moments this past year. Well, with the recent devastation the city has suffered from Hurricane Helene, it’s time to give back. One of my favorite backyard spots, Sweet Auburn Barbecue, has teamed up with a long roster of other Atlanta restaurants to host a Asheville Hurricane Relief Dinner, with all proceeds benefiting World Central Kitchen—a nonprofit organization committed to providing meals during humanitarian, climate, and community crises throughout the world—on Monday, October 7th, beginning at 5 p.m., in Poncey-Highland (656 N. Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306).

For a mere $50, a ticket will get you a buffet-style dinner featuring Smoked Peruvian Chicken by Howard Hsu (Sweet Auburn Barbecue) and James Beard-nominated Chef Arnaldo Castillo of Tio Lucho’s, plus a gang of sides from other renowned chefs throughout ATL.

Below is all the info you need straight from the source. Pull up! I will be there!

Holler!

SWEET AUBURN BARBECUE RALLIES TOP ATLANTA RESTAURANTS FOR ASHEVILLE HURRICANE RELIEF DINNER

Local Chefs and Restaurants Join Forces for Collaborative Dinner Benefiting World Central Kitchen. Tickets On Sale Now for Monday, October 7th, Beginning at 5 p.m.

Sweet Auburn Barbecue is stepping up to help Asheville recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. On Monday, October 7th, starting at 5 p.m., the beloved Poncey-Highland barbecue spot will host the Asheville Hurricane Relief Dinner, bringing together some of Atlanta’s top chefs and restaurants for a night of incredible food, all for a great cause. Tickets are $50, with 100% of the proceeds going to World Central Kitchen, a nonprofit dedicated to providing meals in response to humanitarian, climate, and community crises around the world. At the event, where every plate supports Ashville’s recovery, guests can expect a buffet-style feast featuring Smoked Peruvian Chicken by Howard Hsu of Sweet Auburn Barbecue and James Beard-nominated Chef Arnaldo Castillo of Tio Lucho’s. The collaborative dinner will also feature a wide variety of delicious sides from Atlanta’s favorite spots including Miller Union, Georgia Boy, Southern Belle, Gigi’s Italian Kitchen, Buttermilk Kitchen, Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q, Carmel, Poco Loco, Breaker Breaker, Del Bar and many more. For those who prefer to eat at home, to-go boxes will be available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.sweetauburnbbq.com, call 678-515-3550 or click the direct link here. 

Participating restaurants and partners include:

·         Heirloom BBQ

·         Tio Lucho’s

·         Miller Union

·         Georgia Boy 

·         Southern Belle

·         Carmel

·         Bakers Hatt

·         Pure Quill Superette

·         Kamayan ATL

·         Breaker Breaker

·         Dhaba BBQ

·         Owens & Hull BBQ

·         Double Zero

·         Soup Belly

·         Poco Loco

·         Gigi’s Italian Kitchen

·         Buttermilk Kitchen

·         Wood’s Chapel BBQ

·         Leftie Lees

·         Evergreen Butcher and Baker

·         Salty Smiles

·         So So Fed

·         Kinship Butcher & Sundry

·         Gezzo’s Coastal Cantina

·         Delbar

·         Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q

·         El Santo Gallo

·         Minwha Spirits

A full bar featuring signature and seasonal cocktails, zero-proof options, beer and wine will also be available for purchase. Tickets are available at Sweet Auburn BBQ’s website, and space is limited. Sweet Auburn Barbecue is located at 656 N. Highland Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30306. For more information, visit www.sweetauburnbbq.com or call 678-515-3550. Stay connected on Instagram and Facebook at @sweetauburnbbq. 

 

The Climbing Kites THC beverage brand is here!

 

Former beer executives (and homies) Chris Herron and Seth Herman add THC sparkling water to their roster and it just hit Georgia on October 1!

Cheers Everyone!

Being involved so long in the beer industry—we’re talking almost three decades, but no need for counting—I have met a lot of great people. Chris Herron, the co-founder and former CEO of Creature Comforts Brewing Company, is one of them, and now he is making major moves that's not involving beer. Herron, alongside one of my other true homies I actually made the second round of Ale Max with, Seth Hermon—a former executive at Diageo, SweetWater, Creature Comforts, and IndieBrew—linked up and started BevStrategy, LLC. Under this company's umbrella, they will oversee the sales and marketing of a THC sparkling water brand called Climbing Kites throughout the South. And while this is not an ale or lager, it is definitely a thirst quencher that will get you nice and relaxed. THC drinks are booming right now, so it only makes sense for these beverage vets to find success with this business venture. 

Besides the dope cans posted above, their website is www.climbingkites.com for more info, plus, I posted the official press release straight from the source below. I am looking forward to trying these joints, chill out, and woosah. (Plus, my palate needs a short a break from my favorite beer style right now, West Coast IPAs.) Definitely support these gents; Chris and Seth are no joke when it comes to quality product, so these THC joints from Climbing Kites promise to be on point.

Cheers!

 

Creature Comforts Co-Founder and Former CEO Chris Herron Helps Launch Climbing Kites Premium THC-Infused Sparkling Water in Georgia

Herron lending expertise to grow the THC beverage brand and fledgling adult beverage category; Georgia rules governing hemp-derived THC beverages become effective October 1

Chris Herron, co-founder and former CEO of Creature Comforts Brewing Company, along with his long-time business associate at Diageo and Chief Commercial Officer at Creature Comforts, Seth Herman, recently founded BevStrategy, LLC. The company was launched to oversee the sales and marketing of the Climbing Kites premium THC beverage brand across the South.

BevStratgy, a strategic consulting and execution company, began after Herron met with long-time friend and Climbing Kites co-founder Scott Selix. According to SPINS data, Climbing Kites is the fastest-growing retail premium THC brand in the country and is number one in its home market, the North Central Region. The U.S. cannabis beverage market reached $3.9 billion in 2023 with Expert Market Research forecasting the cannabis beverage industry to multiply in value to $27.8 billion by 2032.

Climbing Kites is entering the Georgia market with its THC/CBD infused social beverage lineup beginning Tuesday, October 1, based on the passing of SB 494 and forthcoming rules from the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Consumers are invited to sample a variety of Climbing Kites beverages at a launch event on Thursday, Oct. 3 from 5-7 at Westside Motor Lounge (725 Echo St NW).

“Building brands during their early stages has always excited me,” said Herron. “The ability to work closely with Scott and the team at Climbing Kites is a tremendous opportunity. During its brief existence, Climbing Kites has positioned itself to lead the retail cannabis beverage market category during this period of unprecedented growth.”

During the partnership’s first two months, BevStrategy has already signed nearly 20 Anheuser Busch distributors across the South and are managing the active sales for Climbing Kites across Tennessee, North Carolina and Georgia with Florida, South Carolina, Alabama, and more Southern states to follow shortly thereafter. The brand’s portfolio of beverages will be available in numerous traditional adult-beverage retail outlets throughout Georgia.

The beverages have zero sugar, zero calories, and zero alcohol. Climbing Kites tests all its products by an accredited and independent lab to guarantee dosage and quality of THC/CBD within each product and that they are free of pesticides, herbicides, microbes, and any other potentially harmful materials. The lab results are publicly available via the Company’s website.

“Climbing Kites’ innovative team helped create a retail category that didn’t previously exist,” said Selix. “Introducing the first nonalcoholic beverage, which can be a trusted intoxicating alternative to alcohol, into Georgia and the South is a huge opportunity. These are highly social products that fit into the same settings as traditional alcohol, but with far more transparency and significantly fewer calories.”

Climbing Kites recently won two silver medals for its Pineapple Passion Fruit and Mixed Berry sparkling waters in the 2024 L.A. Spirit Awards. All Climbing Kites waters have zero sugars, they are gluten-free, vegan and use 100% naturally derived Delta-9 THC & full spectrum CBD. Current flavors include Orange Mango (2.5mg THC/2.5mg CBD), Peach Prickly Pear (5mg THC/5mg CBD), Pineapple Passionfruit (5mg THC/ 5mg CBD), and Mixed Berry (10mg THC/10mg CBD). Climbing Kites is currently available in Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin with numerous additional states to be added in the near future.

Consumers must be 21 years and older. Please drink responsibly. For more information about Climbing Kites, please visit www.climbingkites.com or follow on facebook and instagram.

It’s a ‘Big Night Out’ at Atlanta’s Old Fourth Ward this Saturday!

World-renowned music group CAKE will be performing for free at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark this Saturday, September 28!

Cheers Everyone!

I’m beyond excited that a live music event is happening right in my O4W neighborhood! This Saturday, September 28, CAKE will be performing live as part of Big Night Out, a fantastic series of concerts under the stars in public spaces. This time, it’s taking place at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark. Rival Entertainment is truly bringing something special to Atlanta, and I hope we see more unique events like this in the future. There’s nothing better than great music and community coming together.

See you there!

Andrea Janise

Staff Lifestyle Writer

Here is the official press release with all the info...

RIVAL ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTS AN EVENING WITH CAKE AT HISTORIC FOURTH WARD SKATEPARK, SEPTEMBER 28

The Event is Part of Big Night Out- a Series of Concerts Under the Stars in Public Spaces

Atlanta festival producer Rival Entertainment is presenting an Evening with CAKE September 28 at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark. Self-described as Hank Williams Sr. and Sly Stone having a party and playing  AC/DC records backward, CAKE is better known as the antithesis of grunge behind the half-singing/half-speaking lyrics of lead John McCrea, trumpeter Vince DiFiore, guitarist San McCurdy, bassist Daniel McCallum, and drummer Todd Roper. Hits such as "Rock' n' Roll Lifestyle," "The Distance," the Gloria Gaynor disco classic "I Will Survive," "Short Skirt/Long Jacket," and others have fueled the platinum-selling rock outfit past the grunge era to a new wave of fans.

The evening is being presented under Rival Entertainment's Big Night Out brand- a series of concerts under the stars in public places, which hints at similar events in the future from the acclaimed live event producer. Located at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark on the Atlanta Beltline Eastside Trail, Big Night Out - An Evening with CAKE is encouraging fans to take advantage of the proximity of the venue to several landmarks such as Inman Park (.3 miles), Ponce City Market (.5 miles), Krog Market (.6 miles), and Piedmont Park (1.2 miles). While the event will be walkable for many, there will also be a complimentary bicycle valet, ride-share drop-off locations, and nearby parking.

Limited General Admission tickets for an Evening with CAKE are still on sale through the official website, www.BigNightOutATL.com. VIP is sold out, no additional VIP tickets will be released, and fans are asked to be cautious as tickets being resold outside of tickmaster.com could be fraudulent. This is an all-ages event. Free admission for children under seven with a ticketed adult.

Big Night Out - An Evening with CAKE is produced by Rival Entertainment. Visit www.BigNightOut.com for the most up-to-date information. Stay connected on Facebook @RivalEntertainmentATL and Instagram at @RivalEntertainment. Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark is located at 830 Willoughby Way, Atlanta, Georgia.

ABOUT RIVAL ENTERTAINMENT

Rival Entertainment has produced concerts and festivals in Atlanta since 2004 and produces many of Atlanta’s most acclaimed special live events including Georgia State Stadium’s Inaugural concert featuring Foo Fighters, ONE Musicfest, the infamous three-day Outkast ATLast reunion, and Prince’s last live concert performance. Rival Entertainment is based in Midtown Atlanta and manages the historic Center Stage Theater The Loft & Vinyl. For more information www.rivalentertainment.com, and follow Rival on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

They're baaaaack! The NETHERWORLD HAUNTED HOUSE is here!

Awwww man! Clowns?!! I'm still going. Eff it!

Cheers and Fears Everyone!

As many of you know, I hit up Netherworld—one of the nation’s most scary and revered haunted houses—every year and it gets better and… I mean scarier and scarier! Well, it back on in 2024 and all the info is below straight from the source. As a matter of fact, I’m going to tonight for date night. This year, they have two new themes for us to brave out: WAKE THE DEAD and MR. GRENDEL’S BIRTHDAY PARTY OF HORRORS. In WAKE THE DEAD. Located in Stone Mountain right off Highway 78, the parking is free and here is the address: 1313 NETHERWORLD Way, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. The phone  contact for NETHERWORLD at 404-999-FEAR.

Here is the official description…

What Netherworld says: Lords of the NETHERWORLD have howled the ancient hymns and rung the iron bells to Wake The Dead, unleashing an army of spectral horrors who aim to turn the entire world into realm of shadows! Scare-lovers will face vampires, ghosts, and zombies as they battle with a force of apocalyptic warriors to control powerful elemental energy.

In MR. GRENDEL’S BIRTHDAY PARTY OF HORRORS, Mr. Grendel, an ancient flesh-eating ogre disguised as a clown, gathers a band of savage jesters who end up in a battle with The Lord of Nightmares himself – The Boogeyman! Those brave enough to enter will be met with a myriad of monsters that could only come from nightmares, and perhaps the scariest beings of all, demented clowns!
Dammit, I saw “clowns” in the Mr. Grendel description and immediately remembered how haunting the original Poltergeist was! Oh well, being a glutton for punishment, I’m there! Hope to see you too!

Cheers!

WHAT: NETHERWORLD Haunted House 2024 Season
WHERE: 1313 Netherworld Way, Stone Mountain, GA 30087
WHEN: Sept. 20-21 and 27-28, Oct. 3-6, 9-14, 16-20, 22-31, Nov. 1-3, 8-9 
TIME: Open nightly at 7 p.m., closing times will vary
TICKETS: Regular tickets and speed passes for expediated entry are available for purchase. More details can be found below. Attendees are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance at www.fearworld.com.  
Official Description: For lovers of fear, fright, and all spooky things, the best time of year is officially here! NETHERWORLD Haunted House is making its terrifying return this Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21, putting thrill-seekers in the middle of two thrilling new tales. As one of the longest-running immersive experiences in Atlanta, NETHERWORLD takes guests on a journey full of twists, and turns, packed with nightmarish creatures from beginning to end. Along with the new haunts, NETHERWORLD delivers more spine-tingling fun with the festival-style Midway, a monster museum featuring rare movie props and a collection of NETHERWORLD memorabilia, and five epic escape rooms.
Those who manage to escape both haunts will have access to NETHERWORLD’s Halloween-drenched Midway. Packed with frightful fun, the Midway features towering jack-o'-lanterns, spooky games, creepy photo ops, and plenty of monsters roaming the area, ready to give guests more thrills or an Instagram-worthy moment. Dodging creatures can famish guests so, NETHERWORLD offers a variety of food and beverage options, including mini donuts with tasty and indulgent toppings, hot dogs, vegan corn dogs, Dippin’ Dots, nachos, gourmet popcorn with collectible buckets, pretzels, bratwurst and more. By popular demand, NETHERWORLD is also bringing back the fan-favorite beverage station: Dr. Octane’s Bizarre Beverages, where the twisted mad scientist Dr. Octane serves several flavors of colorful, bubbling non-alcoholic drinks now served in an optional collectible light-up glass. New this year, the haunted attraction will also offer light-up cotton candy and “Blood Bags” featuring tasty drinks guests can sip like a vampire! NETHERWORLD is bringing back its infamous Zombie Rampage Energy Drink, the classic beverage strong enough to wake the dead and available once again to fans after a decade-long hiatus.
 
More bone-chilling details on this year’s haunt themes: 
WAKE THE DEAD: The Lords of The NETHERWORLD have howled the ancient hymns and rung the iron bells to Wake The Dead! A spectral army now marches from beneath the mountain to steal a source of endless elemental energy and turn the entire world into a blighted necropolis. That is unless a small force of apocalyptic warriors can use this energy to defeat the dead and seal the gateway to the NETHERWORLD forever!
Featuring: The Corpse Army, The Shock Bridge, The Primordial Prisoners, The Death Machine, The Church of Horrors, Servants of the Witches, The Nest of Vampires, Bats in the Belfry, Demons in the Walls, The Deadly Claw, The Fortress of Nergal, The Cyclopean Death Knight, The Massive Mind Numbing Eater of The Dead, and more flesh-eating, blood-drinking, bone cracking undead action than you can possibly comprehend. Live your last few moments in incomprehensible horror if you dare to Wake The Dead!
MR. GRENDEL’S BIRTHDAY PARTY OF HORRORS: Mr. Grendel, the ancient flesh-eating ogre disguised as a clown, has discovered that eating Cryptids gives him unimaginable powers. As he and his merry band of savage jesters rampage throughout the secret facility called the BOX on a Cryptid eating spree, they unexpectedly step into the tormented world of the Boogeyman – the most powerful Cryptid of all. As the battle rages between the Lord of Nightmares and the cantankerous carnivorous clown, the only question that remains is who will have the last laugh?
Featuring: The Ghastly Gateway, The Train of Terrors, The Puppet Show of Pain, The Mongolian Death Clown, The Jesters’ Feast, The Odditorium, The Laughing Room, What the Clown Saw, Mothman's Misery, Enter the Hellmouth, The Fanatical Freakshow, Dark Ride Doom, The Hospital of Horrors, Chupacabra Chaos, and more terrifically twisted terror than the human mind could ever understand. Get ready for the most fun you’ve ever had while being savagely hunted by clowns in Mr. Grendel's Birthday Party of Horrors! 
NETHERWORLD’s haunted houses are just some of the fun the attraction has to offer! Those who crave even more mystery and adventure can also enjoy NETHERWORLD’s five incredible escape rooms! Each room features immersive environments, intricate storylines, and mind-bending puzzles that will challenge even the most seasoned escape room veterans. Groups of up to 10 players can unlock the mystery with five thrilling adventures, including Tiki Island: Attack of the Shark God, Sasquatch: Bigfoot’s Revenge, Nosferatu: Van Helsing’s Secret, Haunted: Curse of the Night Hag, and the latest addition, Alien Terror: Doom of the Dark Horizon. Think you can escape? Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.escapethenetherworld.com.
The NETHERWORLD experience isn’t complete without taking a look inside the gift shop, which features one-of-a-kind merchandise and collector’s items, and the House of Creeps Monster Museum, which highlights iconic NETHERWORLD memorabilia, screen-used movie props, and more.
NETHERWORLD Haunted House is located at 1313 NETHERWORLD Way, Stone Mountain, GA 30087. Contact NETHERWORLD at 404-999-FEAR.
About NETHERWORLD: Created in 1997 by Billy Messina and Ben Armstrong, veterans in the film and television industry, NETHERWORLD is Atlanta's most popular self-guided, dark attraction featuring two haunts and a carnival-style Midway. Recognized as one of the most highly acclaimed haunted houses in the world, NETHERWORLD is known for its over-the-top special effects, award-winning make-up, elaborate costuming, skilled stunt actors, and unusual themes. Since relocating to Stone Mountain in 2017, NETHERWORLD has expanded its offerings to include five year-round escape games, known as Escape the NETHERWORLD, as well as a monster museum called House of Creeps. Over the years, NETHERWORLD has garnered local and national attention from media including CNN, “The Today Show,” “The Early Show,” The Travel Channel, Buzzfeed, Parade, O, The Oprah Magazine and Wall Street Journal and has been voted the top haunt in the nation by publications such as Hauntworld Magazine, Dread Central, Fangoria and USA Today. NETHERWORLD’s innovative horror experiences and attractions continue to draw in generations of thrill-seekers eager to see what new nightmares have been unleashed! For more information, visit www.fearworld.com or call 404-999-FEAR. Keep up with all things spooky by following NETHERWORLD Haunted House on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.    

Harlem Hops opens in ATL this weekend!

 From left to right, welcome The CAU Collective and founders of Harlem Hops; Dalen Spratt, Stacey Lee Spratt, Kim Harris, and Danielle Scarborough

Cheers Everyone!

Well, it looks like my hometown of Atlanta is getting its beer scene blessed with another Black-owned brewing company and I am all for it! While Hippin’ Hops and Atlantucky have been holding it down for the last two years, my homie Kim Harris and her team are bringing Harlem Hops just blocks from the West End. With already two locations in Manhattan— Harlem and Chelsea—their third location opens their doors officially on September 22^nd inside the burgeoning Lee + White Food Hall. And they won’t be alone! Dough Boy Pizza will be opening right next to them at the same time!

What’s really dope is the owners of Harlem Hop—Kim, Danielle Scarborough, Stacey Lee Spratt & Dalen Spratt—are all graduates of neighboring HBCU Clark Atlanta University, and they proudly call themselves The CAU Collective. The story is an inspiration, and I will have more on this posted on my Instagram after checking them out as soon as possible. In the meantime, the official press release is below for more information. I am definitely looking forward to welcoming them back to the stomping grounds of their college years. 

Cheers!

HARLEM HOPS CRAFT BEER BAR TEAMS UP WITH DOUGH BOY PIZZA TO OPEN ATLANTA LOCATION NEXT MONTH

James-Beard Award Nominated Craft Beer Bar is Teaming Up with Technology Driven Pizza Restaurant to Launch Concept on September 22 at Lee + White Food Hall

Dough Boy Pizza, an innovative fast-casual pizza restaurant, is excited to announce a partnership with Harlem Hops to open their second Atlanta location at Lee + White Food Hall on September 22. This franchise location will be owned and operated by Kim Harris, Danielle Scarborough, Stacey Lee Spratt & Dalen Spratt  ---proud HBCU graduates of Clark Atlanta University, who call themselves: The CAU Collective.

This new location will uniquely serve as the Atlanta home of Harlem Hops, the first African American owned craft beer bar in Manhattan. The James-Beard Award Nominated Semifinalist Craft Beer Bar, which currently operates locations in Harlem and Chelsea (at the James Beard Foundation-curated Market 57), is thrilled to bring its fresh brews to Atlanta’s Lee + White Food Hall.

“Not only will customers enjoy freshly-made, authentic, Neapolitan-style pizza, but they’ll also have the opportunity to pair it with some of our in-house signature brews,” says The CAU Collective. “Many of the beers at Dough Boy Pizza x Harlem Hops will be made by local, small-batch, family-owned businesses, and, in some cases, by people of color.”

Dough Boy Pizza specializes in Neapolitan-style pizza with a thin crust, mozzarella cheese, and tomato sauce, offering both traditional toppings (such as pepperoni and sausage) and unique options (like short rib with caramelized onions and crawfish). A standout feature of Dough Boy Pizza is that customers order directly from electronic kiosks, with no cashiers, and everything is managed through digital screens.

“With Dough Boy Pizza’s concept, we’re helping franchisees control labor and food costs through our technology-focused approach,” says Erica Barrett, the Creator of Dough Boy Pizza, who initially gained national attention from appearances on Shark Tank, Food Network, and CNBC’s The Profit. “This concept is perfect for millennials who want to grab their pizza and go—we wanted to build a restaurant of the future.”

Famed radio host Ryan Cameron, of Radio One’s Ryan Cameron Uncensored, opened Dough Boy Pizza’s first franchise last year at The Gallery at South DeKalb.

With community service being a priority for Harlem Hops, the foursome is looking to launch the Atlanta branch of Harlem Hopes, a scholarship program for students looking to attend HBCUs. The Harlem Hops co-owners are hoping to continue inspiring not only future HBCU grads but also those in Atlanta neighborhoods and the Black craft beer industry.

For more information, please visit: http://www.harlemhops.com and https://www.doughboypizza.co.

Atlanta’s Burgeoning Summerhill Neighborhood is poppin’ in the fall!

Cheers Y’all!

Living in Atlanta, I am always exploring all this city has to offer, and I just received this information on what the burgeoning Summerhill neighborhood has on deck as the leaves change color. For the month of September, everything from eateries to sipping spots (including my Halfway Crooks homies), art events, and live DJs spinning during Crafts and Crates on September 21 are worth checking out! Here is all the information and dates straight from the source.

See you there!

SIP, SAVOR, AND CELEBRATE IN SUMMERHILL THIS SEPTEMBER

Photo: Brandon Amato 

Locals and Guests will Discover New Drinks, Art-Inspired Menus, and Festive Events Throughout the Month

As the vibrant Summerhill neighborhood welcomes the fall season, a series of exciting events and unique offerings will delight locals and visitors alike.

From refreshing new beverages to art-inspired menus, Oktoberfest celebrations, and Atlanta Streets Alive on Sept. 15, here’s what to look forward to in September:

·         During September, guests are invited to sip on the latest creation at Little Tart Bakeshop. The “Fram Boise” (fram-bwah) is a light and refreshing drink featuring raspberry green tea, local lime juice, and simple syrup, perfectly balancing sweet and tart flavors.

·         In collaboration with the High Museum of Art, Wood’s Chapel BBQ celebrates the “Giants” exhibition, showcasing art from the personal collection of Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. Menu highlights include:

·         Green Giant cocktail - a blend of gin, basil, lime, mint, cucumbers, elderflower, and grapefruit soda.

·         Vegetarian BBQ Butternut Squash with late summer succotash.

·         “Keys” Lime Pie - A vegan treat inspired by Alicia Keys.

·         This September, Junior’s welcomes back the “Return of the Mack” as the pizza of the month, featuring the iconic flavors of a Big Mac: beef, Thousand Island dressing, pickles, and cheese. Junior’s also hosts Wine Wednesday every other Wednesday with half-price pours on House Wine Malbec and Chardonnay and invites guests to join the fun for Drag Bingo on Sept. 11 and 25.

·         Press Shop has a full calendar of events for September. View the full events schedule online.

·         Sept. 11, 7-9 p.m.: Global Book Club - discussion of “Human Acts” by Han Kang.

·         Sept. 17, 7-9 p.m.: Floral Workshop with Full Bloom by Lauren. Tickets are on sale the first week of September.

·         Sept. 19, 7-9 p.m.: Artist Showcase with Brooke Reid featuring local Atlanta still life photography.

·         Sept. 23, 6-8 p.m.: Weaving Workshop with Woven Co. Tickets available at wovenco.studio.

·         Sept. 25, 7-9 p.m.: Fiction Book Club - discussion of “Liars” by Sarah Manguso.

·         Sept. 26, 7-9 p.m.: Knitting Circle - bring a project and enjoy some fun wine. Free for all skill levels.

·         September is all about Oktoberfest at Halfway Crooks with five special beer releases, including the flagship Fest Marzen (traditional festbier) and ALL CAPS (modern festbier). Guests can look forward to Bavarian food specials, live music, and entertainment each Saturday:

·         Sept 14: The Normas at 4 p.m.; UCX Cycling Short Film World Premiere at 8 p.m.

·         Sept 21: Crafts and Crates at 3 p.m.; DJ Dainja, DJ Mafioso, Peppermint Gatty, and special guests.

·         Sept 28: Donna the Wolfman at 7 p.m.

For more information on these events, please contact the venues or the Summerhill neighborhood website.

 

Fork Life: Stellar Atlanta Restaurant Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails Celebrates Year One Big Time!

Check out Verdure’s special menu featuring cuisine from Western and African Countries the weekend of August 16 to  18 .

Photo credits: Bites and Bevs | Madelynne Grace

 Hello, my distinguished fork lifters!

As you know, only fire restaurants get love on this site, and I have heard so much about Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails located down the street from me in Midtown Atlanta on the Beltline. With them celebrating a year this upcoming weekend and looking at the amazing menu they are featuring listed below, I HAVE to go! Life has come at me fast since they opened, but there is still no excuse for me  missing out this long after seeing some of the dishes and hearing so much about them. (Doesn’t Executive Chef Jean-Louis Sangare’s fish dish look amazing?) 

And with that, read the official description below sent straight from the source listing all the details for Verdure's Year One celebration, including special entrees, small plates, and cocktails honoring the brilliance of cuisine from the African Diaspora. Book reservations asap! You know I am!

Cheers!

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VERDURE KITCHEN & COCKTAILS HOSTS FIRST ANNIVERSARY WEEKEND EVENT AUG. 16-18

Specially Curated Menu to Highlight Distinctive African Dishes Alongside Popular Favorites

August will mark one year since Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails opened its doors to the public. To commemorate the occasion, the celebrated Midtown restaurant, known for its creative fusion of dishes, cooking techniques, and cultures from Western and African countries, offers a special anniversary dinner menu from August 16 to 18. The à la carte menu features a variety of dishes complemented by a handful of guest favorites from the restaurant’s regular menu.

“We want to give our guests the chance to sample some authentic dishes from across the African continent,” says executive chef Jean-Louis Sangare. 

Among the unique entrees on the anniversary menu, guests can expect to see dishes such as (selections are subject to change):

·         Jollof Risotto with crispy plantains

·         Sauteed beef tibs

·         Cassava and sweet potato croquettes

·         Smoked salmon injera roll

·         Pan-crisped duck breast

·         Afriki spicy beef stew

·         Grilled peri-peri chicken

·         Ethiopian honey-glazed sea bass

·         Seared sea scallops

·         Shito filet mignon

·         Heritage braised beef short ribs

The menu will also feature these popular selections from the regular menu:

·         Kedjenou de Moules: (pictured below top) fresh steamed mussels simmered in an Ivorian-inspired bouillon and cooked with tomatoes, onions, garlic, ginger, scallions, and a hint of white wine.

·         Pan-Seared Loup de Mer: (pictured below middle) a flavorful, tender, flaky pan-seared and butterflied branzino stuff with heirloom tomatoes, onions, kalamata olives, thyme, and pepper, all enhanced by a tomato concasse sauce

·         Zanzibar Roasted Lamb Chops: (pictured below bottom) tender roasted lamb chops placed atop a flavorful medley of Yukon potatoes, tomatoes, green onions, garlic, smoked paprika, and green asparagus, accompanied by a perfectly blended Zunzibar sauce.

Rounding out the menu is a specially curated selection of small plates including cassava and sweet potato croquettes, jollof risotto and crispy plantains, crispy fried octopus, oysters, yassa chicken lollipops and grilled corn salad offered alongside a selection of crowd-pleasing appetizers. Each evening will also feature a traditional Ethiopian coffee service and African entertainment.

With Verdure’s recently opened oasis-like patio amongst Atlanta’s greenery, there are plenty of reasons to celebrate and hopefully start an annual tradition. For more information or to make a reservation, please visit verdurekitchen.com. Verdure’s regular dinner menu will not be available during the anniversary weekend celebration.

About Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails

Ideally situated just off the Atlanta Beltline in Midtown, Verdure Kitchen & Cocktails boasts an innovative fusion of culinary expertise with vibrant influences from Western and African countries. The restaurant’s carefully crafted menus harmoniously blend traditional African flavors and techniques with classic Western dishes, resulting in a dining experience that showcases the best of both worlds. The diverse management team, representing Ethiopia, Ghana, Nigeria, and the Ivory Coast, infuses every meal with authentic expertise and warmth, inviting guests on a culinary journey inspired by Africa's diverse flavors and traditions. For more information, please visit verdurekitchen.com.