Peachapalooza Kicks Off Today

by Patch Staff

Atlanta's bartenders will put their best peach-infused libations against one another at the East Atlanta Farmers Market today in a peach cocktail competition.

While our favorite barkeeps work their magic, you can enjoy Farm Burger sliders and drinks from a peach beer cask, compliments of Terrapin Beer Company.

The competition is among a trio of events in Slow Food Atlanta's 2nd Annual Peach Jam this weekend.

On Saturday, June 30, from 10 a.m. to noon, Peachapalooza in East Lake pits amateur and professional chefs against each other, respectively, to create the most delicious and creative peach dishes.

Join a roster of judges including state Sen. Jason Carter and State House Minority Leader Stacey Abrams at 10 a.m. to vote for the best peach dishes in the Amateur and Professional categories in the contest, which will be at the East Lake Farmers Market at the corner of 2nd Ave. SE & Hosea L. Williams Dr. SE.

A $10 contribution gets you tastings of all entries and proceeds benefit the East Lake Schools Coalition. The amateur winner walk away with $100 and the professional winner gets bragging rights plus the Peachapalooza 2012 plaque.

Click here for an entry form.

After that, all are invited to Steinbeck's in Oakhurst Village for an after-party with live music, food, drinks and games for a benefit to support the ELF Market and Slow Food Atlanta.

Then, on Sunday, July 1, Grant Park Farmer's Market will host a Peach Cobbler Contest from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.