New Chef at The Ritz; Killer Tomatoes Attack; More

WEST MIDTOWN – JCT. Kitchen’s Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival will be July 22 this year. From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. chefs like Jay Swift, Ryan Smith and Drew Belline will provide tomato dishes they created (using locally farmed tomatoes) for attendees to sample. Mixologists such as Clay Webb of Bacchanalia and Stuart White of Miller Union will create unique cocktails as well. Tickets are $70, and the money raised will benefit Georgia Organics. [EaterWire]

BUCKHEAD – There’s a new chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead; Franck Steigerwalk has taken helm in the kitchen and is eager to incorporate ingredients from Atlanta’s farmers markets and specialty shops. “To fill my refrigerator at home takes a whole day in my car,” Steigerwald said in a press release. “I drive to the place for the best French cheese, then go to the place for the freshest fish on the day the shipment is received, then to the finest vegetables and meats and on and on until I have it all and I’m excited to go home and cook.” [EaterWire]

GRANT PARK – Corks & Forks has released a partial restaurant lineup for the Summer Shade Festival tasting event August 25 and August 26. Included are Bhojanic, Cake Hag, Campagnolo, Peasant Bistro, Six Feet Under, SOHO, Spice Market, Sweet Georgia’s Juke Joint and The Melting Pot. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. [EaterWire]