Just outside The Green at Canton’s historic Mill on Etowah, dozens of local restauranteurs presented exquisite samples of their cuisines during the inaugural Taste of Canton on Thursday, May 11.
The event was the shining star leading the way for those who like to try new venues and those who can’t decide where to eat.
Twenty-four beverage and restaurant vendors served their specialties at Taste of Canton, which also featured live performances from The Whiskey Holler Band and Brian Dyer. The Children’s Haven and Cherokee County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, local nonprofit organizations, raised funds by selling soft drinks, iced tea, water, and lemonade. The tremendous community turnout proved the event to be a hit as people enjoyed the warm evening and dazzling tastes.
Participating restaurants included 7 Tequilas Mexican Restaurant, A Cone to Pick, Atomic Biscuit, Bananas and Beehives, Bizarre Coffee, Branchwater, C’est la Vie, Community Burger, Dive Southern Coastal Kitchen, Downtown Kitchen, Fermented Wine Boutique, Four 41 South Barbecue, Goin’ Coastal, Joe’s Lonestar Tacos, La Catrina Tacos & Margaritas, Nava Southwestern Bar and Grill, Nina’s Pizza Kitchen, Paula’s Zzerts, Queenie’s Southern Restaurant and Bar, Reformation Brewery, The Salty Mule, Stout’s Growlers, and Whitetail Coffee Company.
Patrons purchased $1.00 tickets to use as currency at the restaurant vendor booths, which boasted a wide selection of tastes, including seafood, steaks, tacos, desserts, specialty ice cream, and scrumptious burgers, plus coffees, wines, cocktails, and brews on tap.
We checked in with a few attendees to find out their favorite items of the night.
Atomic Biscuit
MENU SAYS: Drunken Chicken & Waffles
Walnut and golden raisin Belgian waffle topped with crispy bourbon-maple syrup-dipped fried chicken and side of bacon butter
Atomic Biscuit
KATIE SAYS: No one cooks chicken and waffles better than my mother. Until I tried Atomic Biscuit (sorry, Mom!). I indulged in the perfect combination of savory and sweet with Atomic Biscuit’s homemade chicken and waffles. Crispy fried chicken and fluffy waffles were paired to perfection. Comforting and delicious, the dish hit all the right notes. After my first bite I decided I may turn into a morning person.
Holly Springs resident Katie Nix is a digital content creator and founder of Monarque Media and Cherokee Social (@cherokeesocial on Instagram).
Community Burger
MENU SAYS: Traditional Angus Beef Sliders
Angus beef sliders with signature sauce, American cheese, and grilled onions
Community Burger
LEE SAYS: My wife, Carrie, and I had so much fun at the Taste of Canton with our friends, Rory and Breelan. We loved getting to try a little bit of everything from each vendor. Community Burger’s sliders and onion rings with homemade ketchup were our favorite. We can’t wait for the next time Taste of Canton comes to The Mill.
Lee Oliver is the Community Manager at Thrive Coworking. A Kennesaw State University grad, he now lives in downtown Canton with his wife, Carrie.
Downtown Kitchen
MENU SAYS: Hanger Steak Wontons
Crispy wontons, tomato ginger relish, yum yum sauce, scallions
Downtown Kitchen
SHAWN SAYS: The wontons were crispy, and the hanger steak was very tender and full of flavor. Downtown Kitchen marinates its hanger steak in a secret sauce for twenty-four hours. If you haven’t tried the hanger steak wontons, do yourself a favor and check them out. They never disappoint.
Shawn Tolan is a member of Canton’s City Council representing Ward 2 and strives to help Canton continue to be an awesome place to live, work, and play.
Four 41 South Barbecue
MENU SAYS: Pork Belly Al Pastor Taco
Al pastor marinated Duroc pork belly with a drizzle of specialty sauce, topped with onions and cilantro on a scratch-made beef-fat tortilla
Four 41 South Barbecue
TONY SAYS: As someone who travels for great barbecue, I decided to come to Taste of Canton because of Four 41 South BBQ. Pitmaster Kevin Ward is one of the best at his craft. The pork belly taco was insanely good and next level. Great event—looking forward to next year!
Dallas resident Tony McGee is the founder of Ynot Georgia BBQ, an online community dedicated to sharing recommendations for all things Georgia barbecue.
Nava Southwestern Bar & Grill
MENU SAYS: Nachos Asada
Crisp corn chips topped with your choice of steak or chicken, plus queso, black beans, pico de gallo, fresh lettuce, and optional fresh jalapeños
Nava Southwestern Bar & Grill
BRITTANY SAYS: It may have only been a taste, but the chicken nachos I sampled from Nava Southwestern Grill during the Taste of Canton were full of flavor and crunch. The chips were nestled in a small tray and then piled high with chicken, cheese, sour cream, and spices. Definitely would recommend.
Brittany Anderson is a certified city planner for the City of Canton’s Community Development Department.
Stout’s Growlers
MENU SAYS: Printer’s Ale Dylux Lager
An American lager (4.2% ABV) from Printer’s Ale Manufacturing Co., a 20-barrel system production brewery & taproom based in Carrollton, Georgia
Stout’s Growlers
WILL SAYS: I had the Printer’s Ale Dylux lager from Stout’s Growlers during Taste of Canton. This beer did an excellent job of finding the sweet spot between a traditional light beer and an American lager. I would recommend this beer to anyone who enjoys the refreshment offered in a light beer but who wants more taste.
Will Cooper is known as the voice of Friday night football in Cherokee County. He leads the WLJA 101.1 FM Sports Broadcast team and hosts the Cherokee County Football Blitz podcast.
The Salty Mule
MENU SAYS: Jumbo Crab Cakes with Remoulade Sauce
House-made 100 percent colossal lump crab cake served atop bacon creamed corn and grilled asparagus
The Salty Mule
ROBIN SAYS: I have had the pleasure of dining at The Salty Mule on a couple of occasions, and its food is amazing. I had not had the opportunity to try the crab cakes, but had the privilege of doing so at the Taste of Canton. The Salty Mule had an amazing booth with several of its signature items. The crab cake is definitely something I will go to the restaurant to have again. It was very crispy with fantastic seasoning. The owners were also in the booth, and it was a true privilege meeting them.
Robin Barnes is an account executive for Tri-State Communications, representing WLJA 101.1 FM and Enjoy Cherokee Magazine.
The inaugural Taste of Canton welcomed thousands of attendees of all ages, many of whom have already expressed excitement for an even bigger event next year.
If you’re in the mood for terrific tastings and delectable drinks, this event is the perfect opportunity.
Next time bring the family or make it a date night and enjoy meeting friendly faces and eating delectable delights at this spectacular community event.
Taste of Canton was sponsored by Main Street Canton, The Mill on Etowah, Enjoy Cherokee Magazine, and Basil Hayden Bourbon.
See more photos from Taste of Canton 2023 in our photo gallery…
You May Also Like…
PHOTO GALLERY: Taste of Canton 2023
Hayden’s Review: Latitude Kitchen & Tap
