MEET THE HOSTS OF THIS YEAR’S ATLANTA FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL PRESENTED BY INVESCO QQQ

We're turning up for the 16^th year of the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival presented by Invesco QQQ. From culinary icons to TV stars, our lineup is stacked. Get ready to meet the incredible talent locking down all six events.

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Monti Carlo

The Atlanta Standard: Thursday Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods - Thursday, September 10

The legendary Monti Carlo is officially hosting Opening Night: The Atlanta Standard. Between her TV runs, cookbooks, and her newest role as Senior Editor of Food & Dining for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, she’s deeply rooted to the city. Come see her mix up her signature fusion style with real Southern love all night long.  

Some of her accolades include:  

• Season 3 of Master Chef propelled her into food stardom.

• Carlo’s Puerto Rican “Spanglish” debut cookbook released in May of 2026.

• She is the Senior Editor of Food & Dining with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

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Andrew Zimmern

Flavors of Atlanta: Friday Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods – Friday September 11

Culinary icon Andrew Zimmern is returning to Atlanta Food & Wine Festival for the second year, to host the Flavors of Atlanta: Friday Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods. A quick glance at his track record shows his expertise at running kitchens and hosting major TV hits all while stacking up four James Beard Awards. You won’t want to miss it, Friday is going to be big.  

Some of his accolades include:

• Andrew Zimmern hosted the show Bizarre Foods on the Travel Channel for 12 years.

• He has authored four books and coauthored one book. They’re a mix of fiction and non-fiction.  

• Zimmern earned a James Beard Award for Outstanding TV Personality.  

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Shawn Osbey

The Southern Spread: Saturday Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods – Saturday September 12

Shawn Osbey is bringing major flavor to the table. This Food Network alum knows how to tell a story through every bite using global culinary techniques mixed with hometown passion, perfect for The Southern Spread.  

Some of his accolades include:

• Chef Osbey competed on Season 57 of Chopped on the Food Network.

• Based on his worldwide travels, Osbey has been known as the “Traveling Chef.”

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Ford Fry

Stacked: The Burger Social presented by Mike’s Amazing - Saturday September 12

As founder of Ford Fry Restaurants, Ford knows a thing or two about Tex-Mex and crafting the perfect burger. Join fine-dining chef Ford as we bring people together around the grill for Stacked: The Burger Social presented by Mike’s Amazing.  

Some of his accolades include:

• Owns and operates 27 (and counting) restaurants across the US.

• Fry’s European-inspired steakhouse Marcel received a Michelin recommendation in 2023 and maintained it in 2024.

• He temporarily served as Justin Bieber’s personal chef in the 2010s.

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Kardea Brown

The Homecoming: Sunday Tasting Tents presented by Goya Foods – Sunday September 13

Don’t miss two-time Emmy award-winning TV Host and New York Bestselling author, Kardea Brown at Saturday’s The Homecoming. As a contemporary Southern chef and advocate for her Gullah Geechee descent, she knows what it means to honor the heritage and food that raised you.  

Some of her accolades include:

• Hosts the Food Network’s Delicious Miss Brown and co-host of Kids Baking Championship.

• Won the awards for Culinary Instructional Series and Outstanding Culinary Host at the 52^nd Daytime Emmy Awards.

• Brown received the title of New York Time’s Bestseller with her book The Way Home: A Celebration of Sea Islands Food and Family with over 100 Recipes.

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Kelli Potter  

Southern Fried: A Chicken Affair: Sunday Tasting Tents presemted by Goya Foods – Sunday September 13

Kelli Potter does it all. She’s an author, celebrity chef, TV personality, and restaurateur known for her modern twists to Southern comfort food. When she’s not on your screen for Real Housewives of Atlanta, she’s running the show as the brains behind Nana’s Chicken & Waffles. There’s nobody better to host the final event of the weekend.  

Some of her accolades include:

• Nana’s Chicken & Waffles is inspired by Potter’s grandmother’s cooking.

• Potter released her debut cookbook, Kooking with Kelli: Kollection of Family Recipes from Nana's Chicken-N-Waffles in 2019.  

• She joined the season 16 cast of Real Housewives of Atlanta.