[From Left to Right: Mayor Kasim Reed, Boris Kodjoe, Ericka Liles, Stevie Wonder, Wanda Ski, Frank Ski, Kevin Liles]

This weekend Atlanta’s On-Air Personality, business mogul and restauranteur Frank Ski held his annual Celebrity Wine Tasting. The event, which was held at popular nightlife adorning Frank’s name was the spot. And, celebrities from the likes of Boris Kodjoe, Stevie Wonder, Young Jeezy and more were in the building.

From Conjure Cognac, to State Farm and Carrabbas in between. Mr. Ski had some pretty impressive sponsors. Let’s break down the event shall we.

[Mr. Frank Ski]

The Good: For Frank to be in his 9th year of this illustrious affair, and has be able to utilize his brand to help his generous Frank Ski Kids foundation is a big plus. With the economy still remaining in limbo, its difficult to find a community, business or otherwise, to dig into their pockets in an effort to, “give back,” so that alone is always a major feat. The food, of course, was amazing. From short rib, crab cakes, Cami Cakes and the aforementioned Carrabbas, I was in culinary heaven. And to get a chance to interact with music icon Stevie Wonder was a very nice surprise.

[Caught the Mayor arriving w/ a small entourage]

["House of Payne" & "The Rickey Smiley Show" Demetria McKinney]

[Side view of Stevie Wonder. It's the best I could do. The groupies were in full effect.]

The Bad: I miss Frank Ski’s sprawling mansion! Call me crazy, but when Mr. Ski, and his lovely wife Tonya, invite people into their private home out in the greater part of Atlanta the environment felt more intimate. Gone are the days when you could literally engage with Frank’s celebrity friends. I remember fondly of kicking it with E. Lynn Harris in Frank’s living room, or having a laugh with Malik Yoba. I have even fonder memories of Lady Gaga’s self-proclaimed discoverer Devyne Stephens throwing down crazy cash for a prized horse that was outside in Frank’s motorcar.

The delicate balance of enjoying the evening, while also respecting one’s home, was always a great element that’s been lost now that the wine tasting is held at a venue. I didn’t get a chance to get any up and close pictures of any celebrity in attendance. Most were closed up in a small side wine cellar-like room, with the blinds drawn, until photo opps. And the swarm of “groupies” that descended on them was too much for me bare. Maybe I’ve lost my ability to fight for a picture the way I used to. It’s disappointing all around for both my camera and of course you guys.

All in all the evening raised a lot of money for Frank’s foundation, so at least we can all rest a little bit easier knowing that this money will go to the kids — and possibly keep a future robbery at bay.

I just wish we could go back to the good ole days of Frank’s REAL “Celebrity Wine Tasting.” Check some of the pictures here. Though you won’t find any amazing video of some celebrity shelling out top dollar ala Diddy circa 2007, but it’ll do. And, the more on Instagram: G Y A NT.

Until Next Time..

TAGS: Events, Frank Ski, The Scene

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