Classes & Education

Well-Seasoned Chef Series

Join celebrated Atlanta chefs for an intimate and relaxing culinary experience. Learn as they prepare and discuss a four-part menu with wine selections to enhance the flavors of locally and garden-grown produce. 

The 2023 chef line-up will be announced online in late March, and open seats will be available to purchase starting on April 3 via the Outdoor Kitchen phone line. Registrations will be processed in the order they are received.

Please note that Circles Members receive advanced notification and early registration access, and these popular dinners often sell out during that period. For dinners that are already sold out by April 3, you may call the registration line to join the waitlist. To learn more about becoming a Circles Member, visit atlantabg.org/join.

2023 Well-Seasoned Chef Dinners:

SOLD OUT: April 18 Kevin Gillespie, Red Beard Restaurants
SOLD OUT: April 25 Thomas McKeown, Hyatt Regency Atlanta
SOLD OUT: May 9 Christopher Grossman, The Chastain
SOLD OUT: May 30 Holly Chute, Georgia Grown
SOLD OUT: June 13 Karl Gorline, The Woodall
SOLD OUT: June 20 Bruno Vergara, El Viñedo Local
SOLD OUT: August 22 Nick Leahy, Nick's Westside
SOLD OUT: August 29 Luis Guevara Salgado, Aziza
SOLD OUT: September 5 Jon Novak, Tiny Lou's
SOLD OUT: September 6 Blake Hartley, Lapeer Steak & Seafood
SOLD OUT: September 12 Bob Ryan, St. Cecilia
SOLD OUT: September 19 Philippe Haddad, Philippe's by PGH
SOLD OUT: September 26 Christopher Le Métayer, Brassica
SOLD OUT: October 3 Deborah VanTrece, Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours
SOLD OUT: October 10 Santiago Gomez, Palo Santo
SOLD OUT: October 17 Joey Ward, Southern Belle & Georgia Boy
SOLD OUT: October 24 Matthew Basford, Canoe

Schedule: Select Tuesdays, April - October, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Fee: $135 per dinner; $750 for six dinners
Registration: Call 404-876-5859 ext 2559


Well-Seasoned Chef Series occurs in the Edible Garden Outdoor Kitchen.

Well-Seasoned Chef FAQ's

Do I need an Admissions ticket for this class?

Pre-registration is required, and your registration fee includes Garden Admission. However, no paper or e-tickets are needed for this class; confirmed registrants will instead receive an email with arrival details a few days prior to the class.

Where do I park or get dropped off?

Navigate to the main entrance of the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Parking is available in the SAGE parking facility for an additional fee. Parking and rideshare information can be found here.

How do I check-in and locate the Outdoor Kitchen?

Check-in with the Admission attendant at the Hardin Visitor Center. Directional signs will be posted for guidance to the Edible Garden Outdoor Kitchen. Please allow at least 10 minutes to get there from the parking deck. Seating opens 30 minutes prior to the class start time.

Is the Outdoor Kitchen wheelchair and scooter accessible?

Yes, the paths to the Outdoor Kitchen accommodate wheelchairs and scooters, and counter-height seating is available. Please contact classes@atlantabg.org prior to your class to inform us of your specific needs and confirm accommodations.

How much food will be served?

Our dinner classes include a four-course, small-plates menu, served with select wines and non-alcoholic beverages. Please note that portions can vary by chef, and menus are typically not available in advance since they are designed based on seasonally available ingredients.

Can children attend dinners in the Outdoor Kitchen?

Adult education programs where alcohol is served are intended for adults 21 and up. Please contact us if you would like to discuss bringing a young guest with you to an adult program.

Can you accommodate food allergies or special dietary requests?

While we do our best, allergies and special dietary requests are honored at the chef’s discretion since they design and prepare seasonally-inspired, preset menus and have limited equipment and resources onsite. At least two weeks’ advance notice is helpful, though we cannot guarantee all needs can be met. We appreciate your understanding. Please email classes@atlantabg.org with any special dietary requests or questions.

What is the seating arrangement and party maximum?

Each guest is welcome to purchase up to 4 seats per class, and parties are seated together at a table or the chef’s counter on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that we cannot accommodate groups larger than 4 due to seating constraints in our Outdoor Kitchen. We thank you for your understanding.

What is your refund and cancellation policy?

Cancellations made 3 days or more in advance are eligible for a refund. Refunds are not given for missed classes without 3 days’ notice. Advance notice helps instructors to obtain materials and avoid food waste. The Garden may cancel programs due to insufficient registration, Garden closure, or inclement weather. Participants will be contacted prior by phone or email and receive a full refund for canceled classes.

Can I give my tickets to a friend if I registered but cannot attend?

You are welcome to send someone in your place if you are unable to attend a dinner. Please email classes@atlantabg.org if you plan to give your tickets to someone else so that we can make adjustments to our roster.

What if there is inclement weather?

Dinners run in most weather, as seating in the Outdoor Kitchen is undercover. Please dress comfortably for the forecast. If there is a threat of persistent, heavy rain or severe weather, we may cancel or postpone. Participants will be notified directly of weather cancellations or postponements, and a refund will be issued for any class that cannot be rescheduled.

Please contact classes@atlantabg.org if you have any additional questions or concerns.