Festival season is in full swing in Atlanta.  Hooray!  On Saturday, Adam and I headed to the Art-B-Que in Avondale Estates to enjoy a little afternoon sunshine, bluegrass,

and local food.  We followed the happy sounds of the High Strung String Band to the festivities.  As we rounded the corner into the festival, we were greeted by Miles.

He was representing Kraken Chili, our friend’s company, in the bar-b-que contest.  We were immediately handed the most delicious little bbq slider

and realized we had shown up at just the right time.  The judges were busy eating all of the contestants’  offerings, and folks were passing out free meat left and right.

Without being biased, my vote went to Miles’ bar-b-que.  I found it to be the most tender, juicy, and flavorful pork that I tried.

Besides slow cooked meats, there were tons of food options.  Adam and I were excited to see all of the food trucks set up for the day.

The Pup Truck had a special dog in honor of Cinco de Mayo.

With a nice layer of bar-b-que in our bellies, we spotted our friend’s truck, The Mobile Marlay.

They’ve been on the pioneering end of this food truck movement in Atlanta, and their chips (aka fries) are unbelievable, so we didn’t even try to resist.

I couldn’t stop eating them and licking my fingers.  Mmmm.

We decided to try a Cuban sandwich

from Yoli’s too.

Crispy bread, melty cheese, heavy on the mustard.  Yum!

Not in a truck, but representing Decatur bar-b-que, was Burnt Fork.

Their meats and sauces are totally scrumptious.

We did actually stroll by all of the art too.

There was a wide variety of artwork- from jewelry, to large paintings, to metal sculptures.  I bet folks were buying gifts for their mamas!!!

The King of Pops was represented, of course.

People waited in line to grab an icy cold pop to help them cool off.

And then there was the Pallookaville Truck.

I mean corndog wagon.

Jim Stacy’s corndog business is booming, and his grit and humor are not lost on me, that’s for sure.

I’ve seen him on Georgia Public Broadcasting, eating at local restaurants and giving his commentary.  I like how he rolls.  Too bad for us, we had no more room in our bellies for any corndogs.  We’ve enjoyed them before though- in Little Five Points- and those dogs are masterpieces.  Super flavorful food on sticks.  Love.

Avondale’s Art-B-Que is a lovely little festival.  Not too crowded, very laid back, great vibe.  This is our second year  attending, and I’m pretty sure we’ll back next year too.  Good food, bluegrass music, sunshine, friends.  Yes, please.  It’s a great way to spend a Saturday.

Happy eating and festivaling to you!

ashli