Bryan’s Team Hidi 2023 Auction Cheat Sheet

Welcome! We’ve been working on the 2023 Team Hidi live and mobile auction for over a year (some of these lots have been gestating for years) - so i wanted to put together a cheat sheet for the auction as you plan your Team Hidi strategies. It’s time to start forming alliances and building teams to bring home the bacon, errr … exclusive, curated, one-of-a-kind, award winning experiences.

PS: these are my personal notes and live auction descriptions, click the link for the official record.

PPS: this is about half of the mobile auction lots - we still have a dozen more in the hopper + smaller gift cards. Pre-register for the mobile auction here!

PPPS: all the know before you go details for Team Hidi here.

Live auction (real lot names in parentheses):

EVERY SHOW AT THE EASTERN FOR A YEAR!!! (Golden Ticket for Two to The Eastern)

Sorry, was I yelling? I love music and I also love being a dad. Those two forces are often opposing … so, the idea that i could walk into The Eastern - best mid-sized music venue in the Atlanta - any night of the week for any show performing - it hits doubly hard. The Eastern is about to drop their summer and fall schedule and it’s AMAZING. We just can’t tell you how amazing it’s going to be. You have to trust us. https://thegivingkitchen.org/teamhidi2023/auction/eastern

Bad*ss whiskey trip to Louisville with Woodford Reserve (Woodford Reserve Barrel Selection): VIP, behind the scenes, curated Woodford Reserve and Old Forester visits, lodging and meals. A full day selecting your perfect barrel. I’ll be there to raise a glass and make sure everything goes smoothly. Can you imagine having 150 bottles of your own whiskey to put out on your bar, give to friends and store for later? Props to Guy Leone and the team at Brown-Forman and United for making this lot possible. August 22-24. https://thegivingkitchen.org/teamhidi2023/auction/woodford-reserve

GK Takes Manhattan - might be the single coolest food lot I’ve ever put together (NYC Like a Local): We’ve worked our tails off on this. My favorite lot in this years auction. To me - this is what it’s all about - exclusive access and opportunities you can’t pay for. Three days of curated food experiences put together by the folks who know - New Yorkers. Props to Chef Marc Murphy, Jamie Hyder, Caroline Hatchett, Grace Young, the Mott Street Girls and the James Beard Foundation. September 21-24. https://thegivingkitchen.org/teamhidi2023/auction/nyc

An “are you fing kidding me” RRV wine experience (Russian River Valley Experience): All credit goes to Elizabeth McDonald for putting together this amazing lot to Russian River Valley - this lot is a banger. The wine, the accommodations, the vineyard, the private and intimate experiences winemakers. I’m stunned and also sad i couldn’t find away to write myself in to this one … Upon completion of this lot i opened a bottle of Sam Lando pino noir i’d been sitting on for years because i was so jealous of whoever wins this experience. https://thegivingkitchen.org/teamhidi2023/auction/russian-river-wine

Brag to your friends about “that dinner” every time you watch a Braves game (Dinner at the Diamond): We’ve been cooking on this one for a few years, ever since i met Danielle Bedasse, Executive Director, Atlanta Braves Foundation. Dinner on the field at sunset at Truist Park … as a lifelong Braves fan this makes my heart skip a beat. Imagine if you will … for the rest of your life thinking “oh that’s where i dropped my napkin” when the outfielder makes a spectacular grab. The fact that the President(s) of the Braves - Mike Plant and Derek Schiller - decided to join us for cocktails at ASW - takes this lot to another level. See you at the ballpark! https://thegivingkitchen.org/teamhidi2023/auction/braves

Summer Breeze Rooftop Banger with the Boyz (Yacht Rock at The Electric Room): The best of the best of the best of the best. One of the coolest new venues in Atlanta run by the team at The Electric Room paired up with two of Giving Kitchen’s biggest fans playing beautiful tunes. We seriously can’t say enough about Nick and Pete and their love for GK. The food is going to be incredible. The drinks incredible. The view incredible. The music incredible. Just bring 50 incredible people and that rounds out the best party ever! October 22 only. https://thegivingkitchen.org/teamhidi2023/auction/yacht-rock

Greatest outdoor adventure in the world (Okefenokee Experience): I’m a biased fan when it comes to the Okefenokee. A Georgia boy who has led Georgia trips for over a decade. But with my hand to my heart i will tell you the Okefenokee is one of the most beautiful places in the county - on par with Yellowstone, Monument Valley, Glacier. One of the best parts of my job at Giving Kitchen is bringing together my old life with my new friends from the kitchen. At Team Hidi, on stage, listen to the way Terry Koval and Todd Mussman describe the Okefenokee. It’s like magic. It’s truly a wonder. And these guys feel the challenge to step up and match the experience with incredible food and drink. You’ve never had an outdoor experience like this - truly world class food, drink and music - with one of the most beautiful places in the world as a backdrop. There is nowhere else in the world we’d rather be when we all get together in the swamp and we hope you join us. https://thegivingkitchen.org/teamhidi2023/auction/okefenokee

Mobile Auction:

In the no-so-distant past our mobile auction was the island of lost and forgotten toys That is no longer the case! There are at least ten lots in here that in the past would have been show stoppers in the live auction. There are also lost of deals, dinners and dimes in here for all budgets. Happy bidding! Pre-register for the mobile auction here!

Athens Georgia UGA / Ole Miss Experience: Everything you need for the best Athens trip ever - game tickets, lodging, fine dining, fridge stocked with beer and VIP access to Creature Comforts Taproom. UGA vs. Ole Miss Experience includes: 

  • A private home for the weekend: four bedroom, 6 bed, 2.5 bath house located in the Bel Air Heights neighborhood of Athens, 4 miles from downtown (try finding a private home on airbnb for this weekend). 

  • Four tickets in Section 129 to see the 2021 and 2022 National Champion University of Georgia Bulldogs take on the Ole Miss Rebels on November 11th.

  • A welcome to Athens package - including an autographed Brock Bowers jersey - to be picked up at Creature Comforts on your way in to town 

  • A chef's table dinner at Five & Ten with five courses and wine pairings on Friday, November 10th 

  • VIP pre-game “tailgate" experience at Creature Comforts Brewing Company taproom that includes a private shaded hangout spot, “skip the line” access to beer and drinks, unlimited bar tab, special service and the worlds greatest tailgate snack plate served up by The National restaurant.

  • Post game, in home, chef prepared, steak dinner for four with Sam Herndon, Director of Culinary for Hugh Acheson. Please note - if the game is scheduled for the evening, Sam will prepare lunch before tailgating.

A food lovers dream tour of Asheville - April 14-16

A curated trip for two to Asheville, NC to experience the best of the Western North Carolina has to offer: food, drink and nature. 

Food and drink: Guests will be welcomed with an exclusive experience at Curate, 2022 James Beard Outstanding Hospitality Winner, including chefs tasting menu and wine pairings. 

Saturday lunch explore the beer side of town with a special visits to Burial’s Forestry Camp Taproom for a tour, beer and delicious food.

Saturday afternoon take a one of a kind tour of Asheville with Chef Meherwan Irani, owner of Chai Pani, 2022 James Beard Award Winning Most Outstanding Restaurant in the United States). 

Spend Saturday afternoon enjoying a guided tour of Downtown Asheville's top food destinations. Bring your appetite! You'll start by meeting up with Chef Meherwan Irani (founder of Chai Pani and Spicewalla) at the Grove Arcade. He'll help you fill your shopping basket with a selection of spices, blends, and snacks at the Spicewalla retail store, while you sip a warm cup of chai. Next, take a stroll over to La Bodega by Cúrate for light bites and drinks, while Chef Irani shares recipe tips for your new spice collection and stories of his most recent trip to India. Finally, you'll walk back over to Chai Pani for dinner. Chef Irani will briefly guide you through the daily menu, then leave you in the expert hands of the Chai Pani team to enjoy signature dishes like Okra Fries, Sloppy Jai, Butter Chicken, and more.

Lodging: Guests accommodations at Wrong Way River Lodge and Cabins - a “forest in the city" campground that acts as your base camp for exploring Asheville. It’s literally a well appointed mountain cabin and campground - in the middle of town. Guest will receive a two day voucher for an A-Frame cabin with opportunity to upgrade or extend the visit. 

Backyard MTH Pizza Party w/ Scofflaw Brewing: Pizza and brew with two fly dudes: Todd Mussman (MTH Pizza) and Seth Herman (Scofflaw Brewing) collaborating on the best backyard pizza party of all time. 15 guests enjoy cold beers and delicious pizza in your own backyard. Todd will bring his portable pizza oven and make pizzas to order for guests. Seth will bring coolers of the freshest Scofflaw brews (and a few special surprises too). Pass Seth the aux cord and he will even play the tunes. Mutually agreed upon date. Metro Atlanta only. 

Brick Store Beer Garden Party with Good Word Brewing: Garden party for 25 in Brick Store’s beautiful Beer Garden (located behind the famous pub) featuring a tap takeover from Good Wood Brewing, Brick Store Pub food favorites, a limited selection of wine and spirits and live music. Garden Party experience includes a visit to Brick Store’s secret / exclusive underground cellar for auction winners (limited to four guests) with Brick Store co-owner Mike Gallagher,  Brick Store Beer Manager Neil Callahan and Good Word owner and brewer Todd DiMatteo to sample and pick out selection of rare cellar beers to be enjoyed at your Garden Party. Sunday only. Mutually agreed upon date. Cellar experience: 11:30 AM. Garden party 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM. 

B-side Bagel Class: B-Side “Bagel class and brunch party” - A bagel class and brunch for 20 at B-Side and Deer and Dove: Four guests show up early for a cooking class with James Beard Foundation “Best Chef: Southeast” nominated Chef Terry Koval. Go through the step-by-step process for making fresh hand-rolled, wood-fired bagels. Once the bagel making is complete, it’s party time! 20 friends will meet you next door at Deer and Dove for a private brunch where your bagels take center stage - alongside breakfast fixings, meats and cheeses - and, of course, a batched cocktail, bubbles, and a selection of delicious Bearded Iris beers (guests are encouraged to bring their own bottles of wine if desired).

LOA Brunch + Champagne: Champagne Brunch and Cabana Party At Rooftop LOA for six at one at Atlanta’s latest and greatest rooftop destinations. You and your party will be escorted to your table where your LOA experience will begin. LOA service and culinary team will take you on a Leave Of Absence journey like no other. Your group will be given a private tour of Rooftop LOA before you sit down for Brunch. While you and your group are finishing brunch you will be introduced to our Pool Club concierge. They will help you gather your belongings and escort you to your private poolside Cabana. Your will have access to lockers and showers if needed for changing clothes.

Lot includes:
A magnum of of Runiart Blanc de Blanc
A magnum of Dom Perignon
Brunch and Pool Culinary Experience
The winner of the Slater Hospitality Experience and our culinary director will work to curate your culinary experience for your group.

Fly Fishing North GeorgiaFull day float trip from Fly Fishing North Georgia: Join them for a full day chasing trout from a deift boat, Their guides consistently put on an amazing trip in public waters. The river they guide on on have a strong population of brown, rainbow, and black trait.
Includes 2 Anglers for a "Full Day" = 7-9 hours with lunch and drinks included. Guides also provide an additional cooler with ice for your food or beverage not already provided by Fly Fishing North Georgia.

Cocktail making class at 12 Cocktail Bar Private for 12 People: The winner of this experience will work with our beverage director to curate a unique cocktail experience for you and your guest. Our beverage director will help you with the direction of the class. You can do old classics, new classics, cocktail centered around tequila/mezcal, or another spirit. This is one reason this is a unique experience. The other reason is each person attending will have a chance to go behind the bar and make cocktails. Yes, you will be shown all the tools used by our team at 12 Cocktail Bar. You will be given the recipes for the cocktails from the class. Class has never been this fun. 12 Cocktail Bar will provide snacks for your delight as well. Available Monday - Saturday with a 5pm start time. 21 and up

Tres Sabores + Outstanding in the Field: A Tres Sabores Oustanding in the Field Weekend for one couple (two people) The gang at Tres Sabores winery is good friends of the M&Ts and L3 crews as well as now The Giving Kitchen. They put their heads together to present to us today a most unique experience for a couple (or two people). The heart of this lot is two spots at an exclusive Outstanding in the Field event on either May 27 or October 4, 2023**. If you select the May date, you'll enjoy housing for two nights at the casita on the Tres Sabores ranch, plus a private tour and tasting with the winemaker along with a special charcuterie presentation. You'll also receive a lovely instant cellar of Tres Sabores's finest vintages (six 750ml bottles) to keep. AND a bottle of library wine to enjoy at your table on the evening of Outstanding in the Field. The October dinner date will be presented by our other dear friends at Love is Love farm in Mansfield, Georgia (about an hour from Atlanta). Should you choose to book the Georgia dinner date, the Tres Sabores experience will still be available and good for your next trip to Napa for up to one year from the date of this auction. Chefs for both dinners will be announced in early March should that help to sway your selection of dates. **Winners need to select date for the OSITF dinner by April 15, 2023.

Table & Main 5-course dinner for up to 8: A 5-course dinner for 8 people in your home or at the restaurant with food from Chef Woody Back and paired beverage selections from our Sommelier Daniel Pernice, including something special by one of our favorite Roswell hometown breweries, Variant Brewing Co.

Deer and Dove Wine Dinner: Private Wine Dinner at The Deer and The Dove - The Deer and The Dove, located on the Decatur Square, has emerged as one of Atlanta’s most creative and adventurous restaurants. Committed to hyper-local, farm-to-table vegetables, meats and featuring their own charcuterie program - James Beard Foundation “Best Chef: Southeast” nominated Chef Terry Koval continues to raise the bar for fine dining in Decatur. The Deer and The Dove Private Wine Dinner hosted by Chef Terry Koval includes a five-course meal with wine pairings for 10 guests. Winner can choose between a private dinner on Monday evening (when the restaurant is normally closed) or a dinner during regular business hours on any nights but Friday and Saturday. Gratuity not included. (Dinner not available on Friday or Saturday or on holidays.)

Private Dining Experience with Affairs to Remember: Private Dining Experience with AFFAIRS to REMEMBER. Enjoy a private dining experience in our tasting salon for up to 6 guests, featuring our Chef’s season offerings. Includes appetizers and a three-course dinner and nonalcoholic beverages. Guests may provide their own alcoholic beverages to be served. - Pair with one of our Wine Donations?

Private in home cooking class with Chef Deborah VanTrece for 8: Private In home cooking class with Chef Deborah VanTrece for 8 guests. Learn new cooking techniques and brush up on old ones. Cocktails, food and wine provided. Together we will have fun preparing recipes from the Twisted Soul Cookbook and each guests will walk away with a autographed copy. This experience is about having fun and fellowship over a great meal and drink. And guess what? We even do the dishes.

DIY Ice Cream Social Kit from - Honey Suckle Gelato: Comes with 6 pints of your choosing, 30 cups and spoons, an ice cream scoop, napkins, 2 Honeysuckle Gelato stickers, and 2 free serving cards redeemable for a Good Day serving at any Honeysuckle Gelato retail location.

Buttermilk Kitchen Biscuit Cooking Class and Brunch Party for 6: Biscuit class for two guests, working one on one with Suzanne Vizethann - world famous biscuit star - Package includes Suzanne’s cookbook, jams and Buttermilk Kitchen hat and shirt for two - Brunch party for up to 6 - Brunch includes champagne and full breakfast of “Buttermilk Kitchen” classics served family style.

Palo Santo Chefs Table: Palo Santo is a supper club style restaurant and rooftop. Influenced by a Modern Mexican cuisine and Georgia ingredients, prepared from a wood fire kitchen. The experience will be a sharing style dining and a welcome drink for eight people at the Chef Table, the entire menu will be created and executed by Mexican Chef Santiago Gomez. Wines, cocktails and spirits are not included.

Creature Comforts Beer Dinner at The Third Space: A spectacular dinner for up to 20 guests at Chef Shay Lavi’s restaurant, The Third Space, located in the Studioplex building near the Atlanta Beltline. Guests will be served an incredible chefs tasting menu, using local, in-season, vegetables and meats. Dinner will be served family style and paired expertly with Creature Comforts Beers - including rare and hard to find beer from Creature Comforts’ special cellar. Guests choice. Thursday - Sunday. Guests are welcome to bring their own wine or spirits.

Miller Union Tasting Menu: Enjoy a multi-course tasting menu Hosted by James Beard Award winning Chef Steve Satterfield as well as wine and drink pairings from their award winning beverage program for four people.

SEC Championship Experience for Two: Two “premium" seats to watch the action of the SEC Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday, December 2nd. The experience includes an exclusive pregame party with VIP access and unlimited food and beverages with Legacy Ventures and STATS in downtown Atlanta as well as Delta Club access in the game (the fancy part of the stadium where you can drink beer and eat till your heart is content. GK Executive Director Bryan Schroeder and Board Member Bill Ray (US Foods Area President) will be your hosts for the game - making sure the right doors are open and your cup is always full.

Seed Kitchen and Bar Chef's table experience for up to 4: Seed Kitchen and Bar Chef's table experience for up to 4 people by Chef Adam Olejniczak. Redeemable Sunday and Tuesday-Thursday evenings, availability permitting, and include wine pairings by Advanced Sommelier Brian Teague, good for up to one year after the auction. For setting it up, I will be the point of contact and they can reach me at mhart@eatatseed.com.

Muss & Turner’s Wine Dinner with Ryan Turner: Muss & Turners is a neighborhood gem and the birthplace of Giving Kitchen. It’s also home to many incredible meals with friends and family over the years. Hosted by Ryan Turner, this wine tasting is a unique and fun experience intended to break down the walls of pretense and get folks familiar and comfortable with what really matters in the world of wine. Ryan will be sharing some of his favorite wines from the current M&T wine list along with a nice assortment of charcuterie and cheese prepared by their chefs. Dinner for 8 people.

Hawks vs. 76ers + Courtside Warmup Access: Two Hawks tickets (sec 119 row AA) and exclusive pregame opportunity to view team warmups before the gates open to the general public. You will be able to sit courtside with a representative with the Hawks from 5:15-6:15pm to take in the energy and excitement. At 6:15 the gates will open and you will be able to enjoy the evening in your club space and seats form there!

Talat Market Private Cooking Class: 6 guests are invited to Talat Market for a one of a kind, behind the scenes, thai cooking class with Parnas Savang (Monday or Tuesday Only). Learn to make your favorite thai dishes - and some you’ve probably never heard of - with one of Atlanta’s rising star chefs. Cooking class includes dinner and drinks - we hope you’re a great student - because you will be enjoying a feast of your own creation.

Falcon tickets: 50 Yard Line Falcons VIP Club Level tickets, includes parking, food and beverages - home game of winner’s choice. Donated by Proof of the Pudding.

Chastain Park Concert Summer Series: Gather your friends for dinner and a show at the famous Chastain Park Amphitheater. Enjoy a four course dinner for six prepared by the wonderful chefs at Proof of the Pudding. This delightful meal will pair with any "table show" at the venue. "Table show" tickets are the responsibility of the purchaser. Performers for the 2022 season include The Indigo Girls, Yacht Rock Revue, and Josh Groban. (Tickets to show not included)

Brooks and Dunn: Thursday June 8th, 2023 at 7 P.M., includes a VIP Parking Pass, catered appetizers, dinner, desserts and a full bar. Donated by Proof of the Pudding.

Dinner for 12 with Proof of the Pudding’s Chef Vagn: Entertain in ultimate luxury and style in your own home while the team at Proof of the Pudding takes cares of all the details and work so you can enjoy the evening. Chef Vagn - a 50 year award winning chef will work with you to create a unique custom menu for your guests. Dinner includes private culinary and serving staff. Served with wine pairings.

Ventana’s Party and Beer Brewing: Two of the best kept secrets of downtown Atlanta - the craft beer program at STATS and the Ventanas event space ... and we're bringing them both together. Brew your own beer with gold medal award-winning Legacy Ventures brewmaster Austin Edwards in STATS Brewpub in downtown Atlanta. Once the beer is ready, get all your friends together for a “wings and beer” party for 100 people at the Ventanas rooftop event space.  

The Brewing: You and three guests will work with Austin to select your preferred beer style and flavor profile. Brewing day includes a lot of beer sampling (and a lot of pizza). The “pilot batch” of beer will produce a lot of beer, multiple kegs. Which begs the question: where to store all the beer? Don’t worry, Legacy has plenty of cooler space and you can come to STATS to pick up kegs over the life of the beer (about 6 months). The only tough decision you need to make: IPA or stout, lager or pilsner.  We suggest a juicy IPA like Giving Kitchen / STATS award winning collaboration. 

The Party: 100-person party at Ventanas, the legendary event space in downtown Atlanta, with jaw-dropping views of the city will be yours for a special “tapping party” that includes chicken wings and pizza from Max’s Coal Oven Pizza. Tapping party will include your specialty beer as well as an array of adult and non-alcoholic beverages.  
 
Ventanas party Monday - Thursday only and subject to availability. 

El Super Pan Party and Braves Game: Saturday Celebrate the boys of summer with the Giving Kitchen crew and award winning chef Hector Santiago with a pre-game party at El Super Pan at The Battery and 10 lower level tickets to see the Atlanta Braves take on the San Fransisco Giants on Friday, August 18th. Make sure you take Friday off work because the party starts at 2 PM ice cold beers and an incredible spread of El Super Pan specialties including arroz con pollo served paella style. Game time rolls around and we have ten lower level seats for you and your guests inside Truist Park. Go bravos!

DAS Bbq Pit Master Experience: Bring yourself and up to 3 friends to any DAS location for a Pitmasters Evening of hands-on eating, drinking and learning all things BBQ. Includes all food and spirits. We'll jam around the fires and talk about: proper wood selection, fire and smoke management, meat choices and prep, rubs and marinades, butcher paper vs. foil, tools for the job, art of pulling and resting, have fun creating sauces!

Postinio Wine Cafe Membership: An annual membership to Postino's premier wine club, Postino Wine Cult. This membership includes 4 seasonal releases that include 4 bottles of wine each, monthly perks at Postino WineCafe, and special discounts at Postino and partners.

Butter & Cream Experience: Butter & Cream is Atlanta’s hometown, small batch, premium ice cream purveyor, is pleased to offer you a "Create Your Own Ice Cream Flavor Experience."

This private event includes:

  • Collaboration with Butter & Cream’s ice cream experts to discuss flavor selections.

  • Access to an array of Butter & Cream’s fresh baked desserts, toppings, and sauces to create the flavor.

  • An ice cream making session for up to four at the Butter & Cream Production Kitchen.

  • Toppings, sauces, and supplies for an ice cream social featuring your custom creation for up to 10 guests.Canoe Restaurant 3-course dinner with wine pairings for 10 guests in our Wine Room.

  • Does not include gratuity.

Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails Garden Dinner: Join Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails on Sunday, May 7 for an unforgettable Garden Dinner. This special dinner celebrates the spring season and the Cinco de Mayo holiday. Executive chef Derek Dollar showcases his regionally inspired comfort food with bold, simple flavors. Local produce harvested from Milton’s Acre is highlighted in each garden dinner, as heirloom fruits, vegetables, and herbs share the spotlight with carefully selected meats and seafood. Dinner begins with a reception of passed hors d'oeuvres and libations in Milton’s Acre, where attendees receive an exclusive tour of the garden. Guests then retire to an outdoor, beautiful four-course dinner with wine pairings. Auction Item: All-inclusive Garden Dinner for four guests

Little Bear four course meal with drink pairings: Dinner and beverage pairing for four at Little Bear featuring the “Just F*ck Me Up Fam” four course prix fixe meals with 'Booze Pack' beverage pairings at Little Bear, not Including Gratuity for the Front of House Staff (to be added by recipient after dinner).

Private Cooking Class hosted by The Cook’s Warehouse for 20 guests: Get cooking with The Cook’s Warehouse! Let Chefs Nealey Thompson & Paul Zang design a custom class experience, whether you want to kick back and watch, or get your hands dirty in the kitchen.

*Private cooking class lasts for three hours

*Winner gets to choose between hands on and demonstration experience

*Includes all food & wine

*Must be mutually agreeable date, Monday-Friday