Atlanta News You Can Eat

News You Can Eat has moved!

2009-07-31T05:00:00.000-04:00

Our News You Can Eat blog has moved to its new home at www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com. Please bookmark the new site.

Manuel's Turns 53!

2009-07-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Years ago, on August 6th, 1956, a man called Manuel Maloof opened a tavern in town that would become host to hundreds (maybe even thousands) of good times and many a brilliant mind throughout the years.

Now, Manuel's Tavern is popping open a cold one to celebrate its 53rd birthday on August 6th. Head over to the tavern that day around 6 pm to toast to the Tavern's success with a glass of beer from the cask of Terrapin Rye Pale Ale with whiskey and dark oak brewed especially for the occasion.

If you can't make it on the 6th you'll have to miss out on the one-night-only beer offering, but you can still take part in the festivities by taking advantage of drink and food specials that will be running all weekend.

Whole Foods Named #1 in Humane Food Survey

2009-07-28T06:00:00.000-04:00

The World Society for the Protection of Animals has unveiled the results of its 2009 Humane Food Survey, revealing that Whole Foods Market has been named #1. Whole Foods is the nation's largest organic and natural grocery store and, according to the survey, offers twice as many humanely labeled products per store as the supermarkets underneath it on the list. Consumers can shop at Whole Foods in good conscience!

News You Can Eat Blog Change This Friday!

2009-07-27T10:37:00.000-04:00

When we launch our new website on July 31, our blogs will be incorporated into our new site at www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com. We will still be updating News You Can Eat on a regular basis with special events, new restaurant openings, menu specials, chef news and much more. Our new website will be a daily one-stop to find out what's happening in the community, tips and information on living green, updates from the real estate community, links to all the stories that appear in our monthly print edition and you can follow our Twitter feed from there, too. Bookmark www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com now and get ready for a whole new experience coming Friday!

WaterHaven's New Drink Specials

2009-07-27T06:00:00.001-04:00

WaterHaven is complimenting its farm-to-table menu with nightly happy hour drink specials. Stop by after work for Happy Hour offers of half-price appetizers in the bar on weeknights from 4 until 7 pm. In addition, Waterhaven is proud to offer Mojito Mondays, with $4 mojitos and a featured flavor mojito for $5, Tuesday and Thursday Vine Days with $5 glasses of the evening's chosen wine, Absolut Hump Day on Wednesdays with $5 Absolut martinis, and Fifth Street Fridays with $4 Fifth Street Fizz.

WaterHaven is located at 75 Fifth Street, Suite 170. For reservations, call (404) 214.6740.

Morton's The Steakhouse Beer Dinners

2009-07-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

Morton's The Steakhouse will highlight Belgian Style Ales at its beer dinner on Tuesday, July 28th at 6:30 pm.

For $75, patrons will be served a five-course meal featuring some of Morton's signature dishes paired with fine Belgian-style ales. The event includes a 6:30 pm reception followed by dinner at 7 pm.

Morton's The Steakhouse-Buckhead is located in the Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road. To reserve your place, contact Sarah Foss at sarah_foss@mortons.com or (404) 816-6545.

Atlanta Botanical Gardens Welcomes Aqua Blue to Cocktails in the Garden

2009-07-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

Atlanta Botanical Gardens' Cocktails in the Garden Thursday night events have grown in popularity over the years, with monthly themes that delight attendees. In accordance with this month's theme, "Passion Vine and Pina Coladas", the gardens will welcome special guest restaurant Aqua Blue on July 23rd. Aqua Blue will provide complimentary appetizers to accompany the pina coladas being served.

Admission is $15 for nonmembers and free for Garden members. Full cash bar.

Taste Tour of Cheshire Bridge

2009-07-21T10:21:00.002-04:00

The community along Cheshire Bridge Road is giving visitors a unique opportunity to take a trolley tour of the street, stopping in for tastings at some of Atlanta's most renowned restaurants and shopping at numerous specialty stores. The first Taste Tour of Cheshire will take place from 6 - 10 pm, July 21-23 and will feature tastings from more than 30 restaurants and businesses as well as raffles and silent auctions at the stores along the road.

Tickets can be purchased at Antiques and beyond, ChocoLate Coffee, Flora Dora, Las Margaritas, New Baby Products, Nino's Italian Restaurant, Rich Vision, and Topaz Salon, all located on Cheshire Bridge Road. $15 will get you a one-night ride, while $30 will gain you access to all three nights aboard the trolley. Children seven and under are admitted free of charge! All proceeds will go to benefit project Open Hand, a non-profit organization providing nutrition for people living with HIV/AIDS, the homebound and critically ill, and seniors.

Alon's Now Offers Summer Picnic Boxes!

2009-07-20T06:00:00.000-04:00

To make use of those warm summer nights, Alon's Bakery and Market now offers picnic baskets that they will put together with plastic and papergoods, as well as a freshly baked baguette. Customers can choose from three pricing options, each with a variety of entrees, sides, and desserts to choose from.

Group A
Choose one of the following entrées for $16.99:
· Salmon Cakes: Two perfectly seasoned cakes served with spicy remoulade
· Chicken Breast: Grilled, tender chicken served with tarragon mayonnaise

Group B
Choose one of the following entrées for $18.99:
· Salmon: Grilled salmon filet served with lemon aioli
· Shrimp: Grilled shrimp skewer served with spicy remoulade
· Lamb: Handmade lamb skewers served with yogurt mint sauce and a miniature goat cheese sandwich
· Chicken: Bamboo skewers of marinated grilled chicken served with peanut sauce

Group C
Choose one of the following entrées for $22.99:
· Beef Tenderloin: Herb-crusted, medium rare tenderloin served with brandied mushrooms
· Crab: Two crab cakes on pain de mie buns with lettuce, tomato and spicy remoulade
· Tuna: Seared sliced tuna served with sesame soy sauce and marinated mushrooms

Each group includes a choice of two sides and a dessert
Choose two of the following side dishes:
· Fingerling Potato Salad
· Green Apple Coleslaw
· Fresh Fruit Salad
· Sundried Tomato Pesto Pasta Salad
· Black Bean and Corn Salad
· Israeli Cous Cous Salad
· Chickpea and Feta Salad

Choose one of the following desserts:
· Heathbar-Crusted Brownie
· Shortbread Fruit Bar
· Chocolate Chunk Pecan Bites
· Double Chocolate Chunk Bites
· Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Bites
· Krakovski Bites
· Chocolate Sable Cookies

Orders must be placed online or by phone 48 hours in advance for pickup the day of your picnic or event.

Aqua Blue Summer Menu and Offers!

2009-07-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Aqua Blue has made some significant changes to its menu to accomodate those hot summer nights. The new menu features nineteen taste plates and salads priced $3-$15. Sushi is done well at Roswell's port for fresh seafood, with sixteen varieties of handmade rolls available, starting at $6 each. In addition, if you can't choose between succulent seafood or delicious meat, Aqua Blue offers a personalized surf and turf option!

Wednesday night is Ladies Night at Aqua Blue! That's right - the restaurant now offers special deals for ladies like $5 appetizers and drinks on Wednesday nights!

Aqua Blue is located at 1564 Holcolm Bridge Road. For reservations, call (770) 643.8886.

LIT Kitchen is now 433 Bishop

2009-07-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

LIT Kitchen has officially changed its name to 433 Bishop. The name change comes as the result of a new partnership and in recognition of some of the other changes that the restaurant is undergoing.

433 Bishop's catering division will be headed up by Chef Sheri Davis of Dish. In addition, the folks at 433 Bishop have added a garden patio for outdoor celebrations. Everything that you love about LIT Kitchen will remain the same, with some aesthetic improvements made to transform it into 433 Bishop.

Concentrics Restaurant Week!

2009-07-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

Concentrics Restaurant Week is an annual event that gives Atlantans the opportunity to experience 3-course meals at some of Atlanta's top restaurants for a fixed price of $25 at all participating restaurants.

This year, Concentrics Restaurant Week is scheduled to begin on Saturday, August 22 and to last all week until Friday, August 28. Participating restaurants include: ONE.midtown kitchen, TWO urban licks, Trois, Tap, Parish, Murphy's, Lobby at Twelve, ROOM at Twelve, STATS, 30 Tables, and Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria (which will offer its 3-course menu at a special price of only $15!).

For more information on Restaurant Week or Concentrics Restaurants, visit www.ConcentricsRestaurants.com.

Changes Coming to News You Can Eat

2009-07-14T12:08:00.001-04:00

Buckhead Chef Brings the Restaurant Home for Seniors

2009-07-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Chef Bob Brinson of Gourmet Innovations, Inc. is helping aging Atlanta residents by delivering fresh, personalized meals to their homes.

For seniors who choose to age in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes, nutritional meals can be difficult to come by. The demand for companies that provide prepared meals that can be tailored to the medical needs of seniors (e.g. diabetic, low sodium diets) and offer home delivery is growing.

A key aspect of Chef Brinson's success are those concerned children who do not want to place their elderly parents or relatives in assisted living facilities but cannot always be at home to help them in the kitchen. These children can rest easy knowing that their parents are receiving nutritious and tasty meals.

Smoothie King Sponsors 11th Annual Metro Atlanta Project

2009-07-10T06:00:00.002-04:00

Smoothie King has announced that it will donate 300 smoothies to the 11th Annual Metro Atlanta Project (M.A.P.), a nonprofit group organized by Northside United Methodist Church that encourages teens to reach out to low-income senior citizens by repairing the rooftops of their homes, on July 12th to provide refreshments for volunteers.

For one week each summer, M.A.P. organizes teams of volunteers to help re-roof the homes of Atlanta seniors who are sick and whose homes are at risk of being condemned. This year, from July 10th through 16th, M.A.P. has plans to repair 16 homes. Since the organization relies completely on donations, the contribution of nutritional smoothies from the Smoothie King store located at 1000 Northside Drive is a major help. In addition to their donations, Smoothie King will offer coupons and special offers to participants.

Atlanta Wine School Classes

2009-07-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Atlanta Wine School, the largest wine education institution in the Southeast, is offering new classes for July.

The classes include:

Monday, 7/20-Wednesday, 7/22: Spanish Wine Certification Program, 7 pm. A three class series presented by the Wine Academy of Spain. The cost is $465 per person and includes tastings of over 50 wines. Use promo code "atlanta20" for 20% off.
For More Information About This Class:
WEB: http://www.spainwines.es/en/registration.php?id=64
PHONE: 770-668-0435 (Atlanta Wine School)
EMAIL: Info@AtlantaWineSchool.com
Wednesday, 7/22: American Wines, 7 pm. A tasting of 10 wines from 10 states. The cost is $50 per person.
For More Information About This Class:
WEB: http://www.atlantawineschool.com/courses/usawine.php
PHONE: 770-668-0435 (Atlanta Wine School)
EMAIL: Info@AtlantaWineSchool.com

The Atlanta Wine School is located at The Wine Room, 1570 Holcolm Bridge Road in Roswell. For more information, please visit: www.AtlantaWineSchool.com. To see a course guide and instructor biographies, click here.

Christmas In July at the Georgian Terrace

2009-07-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

The Georgian Terrace Hotel will celebrate Christmas in July on July 23rd from 4 to 7 pm in the Grand Ballroom to demonstrate how suitable the venue is for holiday celebrations.

The hotel's Mitchell Ballroom accomodates up to 80 for a truly intimate affair, while the newly renovated Grand Ballroom holds a seated dinner for up to 225 and the Piedmont Ballroom accomodates a seated dinner for up to 200 for larger gatherings.

The holiday experience will feature a DJ, holiday decorations, pictures with Santa, and holiday cuisine by the restaurant's famed Chef Mennie. Stop by for some Christmas fun in the summer sun!

The Sun Dial Has New Summer Offerings

2009-07-07T06:00:00.001-04:00

Alanta's famous Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar, and View is adapting its menu for the summer months with new fresh, farm-to-table ingredients for seasonal dishes.

The lunch menu will now feature Crispy Crawfish Tails, Fried Green Tomatoes, and Shrimp and Crab Cocktail. Executive Chef Christian Messier has also added a slew of refreshing soups and salads, including Chilled Tomato Consomme, Sweet Corn Bisque, and an Heirloom Tomato Salad. New sandwiches and entrees include a Vidalia Burger, Blackened Prime Rib, Lime and Garlic Grilled Shrim, and Grilled Shrimp Ceasar.

Changes to the dinner menu include a Crawfish and Grits appetizer, a cheese course with three American Farmstead cheeses, a light Crab Bisque, Country Ham Melon and Fig Salad, and Carmelized Georgia Peach and Goat Cheese Salad. Ashley Farms Peacn Smoked Chicken, an Australian Lamb Half rack, and Bacon and Horseradish Salmon are just a few of the new entrees available for evening diners.

For reservations or for information about dining hours, call (404) 589.7506 or visit www.SunDialRestaurant.com.

National Tequila Day at Uncle Julio's!

2009-07-06T06:00:00.000-04:00

On Friday, July 24th, Uncle Julio's Casa Grande will pull out all the stops for National Tequila Day. The much-loved beverage is one of Uncle Julio's most popular ingredients, featured in a variety of margaritas and other drinks as well as in many recipes. Uncle Julio's even sends its managers to "tequila training" at Patron's production facility in Guadalajara, Mexico each fall.

Uncle Julio's has released these tips for enjoying tequila straight:

Take your time. Sip, don't shoot.
Before you taste, notice the color and aroma.
Taste, notice the body and the finish.
If you are comparing different tequilas, save some time to compare.
Sip water between tequilas to refresh the palate.
Licking lime or salt is not necessary before or after the salt, especially with better tequilas, because these things will mask the drink's flavor.

Uncle Julio's Casa Grande is located at 1860 Peachtree Road NW. For more information about Uncle Julio's and its tequila offerings, visit www.UncleJulios.com.

Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week Exends Deals

2009-07-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week, an event which gives Atlantans the opportunity to experience some of the city's finest dining at a special, fixed price, will run even longer this year to accomodate more diners. The event is scheduled for July 27 - August 9 and will feature more than twenty restaurants.

$25 at each restaurants gets you a three-course meal including an appetizer, entree, and dessert. The participating restaurants this year are: 0 Tables, Atlanta Grill, Avanzare Steakhouse, Cafe Circa, Django Gypsy Saloon, Durango Steakhouse, French American Brasserie, Hard Rock Cade, Il Mulino, Legal Sea Foods, Max Lager's American Grill and Brewery, Morton's The Steakhouse, No Mas! Cantina, Pacific Rim Bistro, Peasant Bistro, Ray's in the City, Rise Sushi Lounge, Room, Sear,Stats, Terrace on Peachtree, Thrive, and Trader Vic's. No tickets are needed, but reservations are suggested. The fixed price does not include beverages, tax, and gratuities.

For more information, or to view the restaurants' menus, visit www.AtlantaDowntown.com/HavingFun_RestaurantWeek.asp.

Pacci Offers New Sustainable Seafood Options

2009-06-30T06:00:00.002-04:00

Pacci Ristorante is going eco-friendly with its new EarthCare program, featuring new innovations like sustainable seafood dishes that are in accordance with Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program. The Seafood Watch program prepares a list of seafood to "Avoid" for Pacci to abide by, and the restaurant trains its waitstaff to be knowledgable about seafood choices.

The sustainable seafood dishes offered include sea scallops with wild mushroom risotto and sweet pea nage, P.E.I. mussels with garlic, basil, cherry tomato, corn butter, and crostini, shrimp fettuchini with creamy pancetta sauce, sweet peas, and fried eff, Alaskan halibut with corn, fava beans, heirlook cherry tomatoes and olives, and frutti di mare (seafood stew) with basil and lobster broth.

In addition, by January 2010 30% of the restaurant's wines will be eco-friendly, and in-house purified water will be available through a partnership with Natura® by this July. Each bottle sold will include a contribution to The Nature Conservancy. Other EarthCare initiatives include back-of-the-house recycling, fryer oil reuse, and low-flow plumbing.

For more information about Pacci Ristorante, call (678) 412-2402 or visit www.PacciAtlanta.com.

Dogwood Celebrates Its One Year Anniversary

2009-06-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

Monday, July 20 will mark a special occasion for the Midtown restaurant Dogwood. To commemorate the restaurant's one year anniversary, owners Scott Black and Shane Touhy have prepared a special five-course dinner menu that's sure to please, along with a tasting of award-winning Falcor Winery wines. A wine maker from the Napa Valley winery will be present at the event to formally present the tasting to be paired with the anniversary menu.

Ten percent of the proceeds made July 20th will benefit Breast Friends, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization that provides support and information for breast cancer patients and their families.

The event till begin with cocktails at 6:30 pm, with dinner to be served at 7 pm. Guests should call ahead to reserve their spots for the meal, which is tagged at $70 per person.

Dogwood is located at 565 Peachtree Street, Suite A, in the Reynolds condominium building. Valet parking is available and all major credit cards are accepted. For more information, or for the restaurant's regular hours, visit www.DogwoodRestaurant.com.

Woodfire Grill Celebrates July 4th

2009-06-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

Woodfire Grill's Executive Chef Kevin Gillespie will prepare a traditional Southern BBQ pig with his special Terminus City sauce served alongside mounds of cornbread to commemorate July 4th in Southern style.

A special 3-course menu will be offered for $35 per person, not including tax or gratuity. Woodfire Grill wll also offer all-you-can-drink Sweetwater Road Trip and Sweetwater 420 draught for a $5 donation to Save the Hooch.

Woodfire Grill is located at 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road. For more information or to make reservations, go to www.WoodfireGrill.com or call (404) 347.9055.

Attack of the Killer Tomato Fest!

2009-06-27T06:00:00.002-04:00

JCT. Kitchen & Bar's first annual Attack of the Killer Tomato Fest will take place on Sunday, August 9th from 1 pm to 6 pm. The event will feature some of Atlanta's best chefs, farmers, and mixologists and will benefit Georgia Organics.

Each featured chef will be paired with a farmer to create a tomato tasting dish for guests to sample. Paticipating chefs include Ford Fry, owner and executive chef of JCT. Kitchen & Bar, Gerry Klaskala of Aria, Keira Moritz of Pacci Ristorante and AltoRex Rooftop Lounge, Kevin Maxey of Craft, Joe Truex of Repast, Linton Hopkins of Restaurant Eugene and Holeman & Finch Public House, Anne Quatrano of Abbattoir, Bacchanalia, Star Provisions, Flotaway Cafe and Quinones, Steven Satterfield of Miller Union, Jay Swift of 4th and Swift, Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill, David Larkworthy of 5 Seasons Brewing Company, Hugh Acheson of Five and Ten and The National, Scott Serpas of Serpas True Food, Hector Santiago of Pura Vida, Gerry Mennie of Livingston, Billy Allin of Cakes & Ale, and Shaun Doty of Shaun's.

Meanwhile, mixologists Lara Creasy of JCT. Kitchen & Bar, Daniel Morrison of Watershed, Miles Macquarrie of Leon's Full Service, Regan Smith of Holeman & Finch, and Cara Laudino of Miller Union will create signature coctails featuring Patron Resposado Tequila, Distillery 209 Gin from Georgia Crown, and Square One Vodka.

At the end of the event, an award will be presented to the best dish and beverage, chosen by a panel of high-profile judges.

In addition to cocktails, beer from 5 Seasons Brewing and free Bionade (an organic soda from Germany) will be available. The event will also feature live entertainment from The Spazmatics.

Tickets are $50 per person, $40 for Georgia Organics members, and a VIP pass for $90 will garner access to the event as well as its open bar. Approximately 500 tickets will be available for the event and can be purchased at www.GeorgiaOrganics.org.

JCT. Kitchen & Bar is located in Atlanta's Westside Urban Market at 1198 Howell Mill Road, Suite 18.

Celebrate 4th of July in Midtown

2009-06-26T11:18:00.001-04:00

Looking to party with a purpose this Independence Day? Celebrate Fourth of July in the heart of Midtown on Peachtree Street, and spend the day with The Melting Pot, Gordon Biersch and Livingston! Guests will enjoy block party festivities including; live music, great food, and a chance to win great prizes.

In honor of the holiday, all three restaurants will feature $4 drinks and $4 menu specials, and The Melting Pot will take a “fourth” off your entire bill (25 percent off) when you purchase any four-course fondue dinner for two! No need to worry about driving home, as The Georgian Terrace is offering a special $114 “Race, Play & Stay” room rate. Convenient Marta access makes viewing Centennial Olympic Park’s fireworks show easy. Head back to the block party on Peachtree after the fireworks and party with us until midnight! Whether you’re looking for a party after the Peachtree Road Race or a place to spend the day with friends, Red, Wine and Brew is for you!

Tickets will be available for purchase the day of the event from 11a.m. – 5 p.m. at The Melting Pot Midtown for $10 or $5 with your 2009 Peachtree Road Race t-shirt or number. All ticket sales will be donated to Bert’s Big Adventure. For advance ticket purchase information, visit www.bertsbigadventure.com.

Panera Bread Introduces New Summer Options

2009-06-26T06:00:00.001-04:00

Panera Bread has expanded its menu to feature new summer flavors in its Chopped Cobb Salad and Strawberry Poppyseed Salad. Panera strives to integrate fresh produce and carefully paired flavors in summer menu items that are sure to refresh and satisfy.

The chain's new Chopped Cobb Salad features all-natural, antiobiotic-free pepper-mustard chicken, Applewood-smoked bacon, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, fresh tomatoes, hard-boiled egg, and crisp romaine lettuce seasoned with herb vinaigrette dressing.

The Strawberry Poppyseed Salad is an old favorite, made from romaine lettuce, pecans, fat-free reduced sugar Poppyseed dressing and an assortment of fresh fruit. It is great for the health-conscious diner.

Panera is also introducing summer drinks to beat the heat, including a Low-fat Strawberry Smoothie, made with organic yogurt and a full serving of fruit, as well as a new Frozen Lemonade. The restaurant will also offer a Frozen Mocha with Belgian cocoa, vanilla extract, and whipped cream.

Top Chef Hosts Interactive Demonstration

2009-06-23T10:29:00.002-04:00

This Saturday, June 27th, Top Chef and Atlantan Richard Blais will host an interactive cooking demonstration at the Variety Playhouse in Little Five Points. Chef Blais will use and demonstrate his unique expertise in gastronomy for the audience, featuring liquid nitrogen and a slew of other unconventional "gadgets", to prepare a three-course meal and lead a discussion on gastronomy and the future of fine dining.

The demonstration will take place at 3 pm at the Variety Playhouse at 1099 Euclid Avenue, Atlanta, 30307. $25 tickets are available online at www.ticketmaster.com, www.variety-playhouse.com, or at the Variety Playhouse Box Office.

Record Number of Restaurants to be Represented at Taste of Atlanta

2009-06-22T06:00:00.000-04:00

As of June 14th, more than fifty restaurants have signed on to be a part of the 2009 Taste of Atlanta event. The two-day festival is scheduled for October 10th and 11th.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.TasteOfAtlanta.net.

Participating restaurants as of June 12th include:

5 Seasons Brewery
Atlanta Fish Market
Amazing Cakes Bakery
Blue Moon Pizza
Buckhead Diner
C&S Seafood
California Dreaming
Cellar 56
Chef Rob’s Caribbean Café
Cookie Studio
Crepe Revolution
Desta
Dolce
Dogwood
Genki Noodles and Sushi
Geisha House
Highland Bakery
Il Mulino
Jim n’ Nick’s
Johnny Rockets
Joli Kobe
Joey D’s Oak Room
La Grotta
Legal Sea Foods
Market W Buckhead
Mary Mac’s Tea Room
Max Lager’s
Mediterranean Grill
Morelli’s Gourmet Ice Cream
Mosaic
New York Prime
Nirvana Café
Olive Bistro
ONE. midtown kitchen
PARISH
Parkers on Ponce
Paschal’s
Sal Grosso Brazilian Steak House
Sambuca
Savu at W Perimeter
Spice Market W Midtown
Six Feet Under
Sogno Gelato
Steamhouse Lounge
Straits Atlanta
Sun Dial
Sweet Auburn
Taco Mac
TAP
Tin Lizzy’s
The Grape Wine Bar & Bistro
The Melting Pot
The Tavern at Phipps
Vickery’s
Waffle House
West Egg
Wolfgang Puck

Corks and Forks at Historic Grant Park

2009-06-21T06:00:00.000-04:00

This summer's Corks and Forks Fine Food & Wine Event, a part of Atlanta's Seventh Annual Summer Shade Festival, will take place in Historic Grant Park the weekend of August 29th from 1 - 5 pm. The two-day affair will feature dishes from Atlanta's top chefs complemented by international wine pairings and beer tastings.

Restaurants participating in the 2009 Corks and Forks event include:

Babette's Cafe
Bhojanic
Cabot Creamery
Canoe
Dolce
ENO
Food 101
Geisha House
JCT Kitchen
Murphy's
ONE Midtown Kitchen
PARISH
Peasant Bistro
Rathbun's
Redfish: A Creole Bistro
Six Feet Under
Tap
The Melting Pot
The Shed at Glenwood
The Sun Dial Restaurant, Bar and View
Trois, and
TWO Urban Licks

Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 at the door. To purchase tickets in advance, visit www.SummerShade.org. Historic Grant Park is located at 537 Park Avenue, Atlanta, 30312 at the intersection of Park Avenue and Berne Street.

TROIS Dining Room to Undergo Renovations

2009-06-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

To better please guests, Concentrics Restaurants will close the main dining room of TROIS restaurant for renovations to be completed by summer's end.

The Bar at TROIS will remain open Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30 pm until close and will served a dinner menu by Chef Todd Ginsberg. The restaurant's event space will also remain open. A new restaurant concept is scheduled to take over all three spaces in September 2009.

Renovations to the restaurant come in response to focus groups and guest surveys that indicated that TROIS was not meeting guest expectations. The new concept, featuring new decor and menu selections, has not been completely solidified.

Local patrons of TROIS are encouraged to visit The Bar at TROIS and any of the other ten Concentrics Restaurants in Atlanta while the dining room is being renovated.

Yoreka! Grand Opening

2009-06-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

Yoreka! Frozen Yogurt will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, June 20th from noon until 5 pm. Although Yoreka! is currently open, it will mark its grand opening with a special celebration at which everyone will recieve a complimentary medium yogurt with three toppings of their choice. The event will also feature live music and entertainment.

Flavors currently on the menu at Yoreka! include original, mango, blueberry, and pomegranate, but other flavors like green tea, strawberry, green apple, and raspberry will be offered in rotation. As for toppings, current offerings include kiwi, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, blueberries, pineapple, wafer cookies, mango, coconut, almond slices, granola, walnut, cookies and cream, Fruity Pebbles©, Cocoa Pebbles©, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and mochi.

With less than 20 calories per ounce, frozen yogurt is the latest in healthy snacking. That means that a 5 oz (size small) serving at Yoreka! is only 97 calories. In addition, the yogurt offered at Yoreka! is made with pro-biotics (including L.bulgaricus and S.thermophilus), made with rBGH milk (meaning it comes from cows raised without growth hormones), and every serving contains the required level of live active yogurt cultures.

Visit www.Yoreka.com for more details.

Food 101 Morningside To Become Rosebud

2009-06-17T06:00:00.000-04:00

After purchasing Food 101 Morningside early this year, Executive Chef Ron Eyester has announced that come July 6, 2009, the restaurant will officially become Rosebud, Eyester's image of the "perfect neighborhood restaurant."

The new name comes from the name of a custom guitar belonging to Jerry Garcia, a tribute to Chef Eyester's love of music.

Aside from a few aesthetic changes, Chef Eyester and his staff maintain that the soul of the restaurant will remain the same: friendly, comfortable atmosphere with the familiar great food that patrons have come to love. While favorites like the Springer Mountain fried chicken and Wild Georgia shrimp and grits maintain their premium spots on the menu, new recipes like vanilla and sage grilled Riverview Farms pork loin medallion with smoked bacon-creamed cabbage and grilled cobia with "corn off the cob," citrus chive slaw and peach BBQ jus will highlight the restaurant's dedication to reinventing American classics with local ingredients.

As for those minor aesthetic changes? These updates include a fresh coat of paint, refinished floors, and a new banquet. Chef Eyester would like Rosebud to be an "evolution" of Food 101 Morningside rather than a departure from the original concept.

Rosebud will be open for lunch Monday through Friday from 11:30 am until 2:30 pm. Dinner is served from 5:30 pm until 10 pm Monday through Thursday and until 11 pm on Friday and Saturday. The restaurant also offers a weekend brunch on Saturday from 10 am until 3 pm and Sunday until 4 pm.

For more information about Rosebud, visit www.RosebudAtlanta.com.

Ri Ra Authentic Irish Pub To Open In Midtown

2009-06-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Restauranteurs and Irish natives David Kelly and Ciaran Sheehan are bringing their latest masterpiece, an authentic Irish pub called Ri Ra, to Midtown.

Ri Ra is an Irish phrase that translates as "Celebration and Good Fun", and that's exactly what Kelly and Sheehan are seeking to provide for Atlantans. The new pub, built from the remains of Irish pubs that have been restored, disassembled, shipped to Atlanta and re-constructed under Sheehan's watchful eye, will offer various nightly specials and live events, including Tuesday Pub Quiz trivia nights, Wednesday "jam sessions", where locals will be invited to play Irish music, live acoustic music on Thursday nights and live bands on Fridays and Saturdays at 10 pm.

Ri Ra will also have a private party room, called Ri Ra Beag (literally "Small Ri Ra") that will be designed as a mini Irish pub of its own.

The staff of Ri Ra is particularly excited about their menu, which will be a step above traditional pub fare and will feature traditional Irish and regional favorites with contemporary twists. Highlights include Irish soda bread baked fresh in-house daily, Pan Seared Potato Cakes served with balsamic reduction and sour cream, the Guinness BBQ Burger with the restaurant's signature Guinness BBQ sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and onion rings, and Ri Ra's signature Reuben sandwich with Boar's Head corned beef or turkey, crisp sauerkraut, melted Swiss cheese and Marie Rose sauce on grilled rye. The menu will also please those looking for dishes with unchanged traditional Irish flavor with Fish and Chips, Shepherd's Pie, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Irish Boxty (a scallion and potato pancake available with smoked salmon, capers, mushrooms, red onion, and traditional parsley sauce), Beef and Guinness Stew, and the Traditional Irish Breakfast of eggs, bangers (sausages), rashers (bacon), pudding, grilled tomato, and Ri Ra beans.

Ri Ra plans to make its debut in Mid-July at 1080 Peachtree Street at the intersection of 12th Street and Crescent Avenue. The restaurant will be open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. Lunch will run from 11 am-4 pm, and dinner will be served Sunday through Thursday from 4 - 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 4 until 11 pm. Ri Ra's bar will be open until 12 am Monday through Wednesday, until 1 am on Thursday, until 2:30 am on Friday and Saturday, and until 11 pm on Sundays. The restaurant will also offer a special "Happy Hour" menu Monday through Friday from 4 until 7 pm, and Brunch on weekends from 11 am - 4 pm on Saturday and 10 am - 4 pm on Sunday.

For more information, please visit www.RiRa.com.

Lenox Square Grill Opening Fall 2009

2009-06-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

Lenox Square has announced plans to add another signature restaurant to its already impressive list. The new Lenox Square Grill is a concept from CentraArchy, the company that brought Atlantans The Tavern at Phipps, Joey D's, and New York Prime.

The full-service restaurant will offer breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily in a stylish, classic atmosphere appropriate for family gatherings and casual business meetings alike. The menu will feature classic comfort foods, and evenings will showcase a lively atmosphere and signature cocktails.

Lenox Square Grill is expected to open in Fall 2009 at the main entrance of Lenox Square Mall in the space formerly occupied by the Clubhouse. It will feature seating for more than 300 guests, an extensive outdoor patio, and private dining rooms.

Alon's Summer Sip, Savor and Stroll

2009-06-07T06:00:00.000-04:00

On June 16th from 6 to 8 pm, Alon's will offer up tastings of some of its new summer meats, side items, and desserts. It costs only $10 to indulge on some of the restaurant's new grill-ready meats, summer salads and sides, roasted summer vegetables, homemade breads with a variety of dips, and refreshing summer sweets.

An extra $5 will get you three wine samples, $10 provides for six wine samples, and beer will be sold for $2.50.

In addition, guests will receive a 15% discount on purchases made during the event.

Tickets can be purchased at the door or online in advance at www.Alons.com.

Capital Grille Master Wine Tasting Event

2009-06-05T15:00:00.000-04:00

For six weeks, beginning on Monday, July 13th, Capital Grille will be giving its guests the opportunity to sample 11-12 wines hand-selected by the restaurant's master sommelier George Miliotes during their meal. The tastings will feature wines from four of the world's most renowned wine regions: Argentina, South Africa, Spain, and Napa Valley.

The Executive Chef and service team will guide guests through the tasting and suggest menu selections to complement each wine selection.

In addition, guests who participate in the wine tasting event will be given the opportunity to win one of two week-long trips to world class wineries. Miliotes, who is one of only 170 people worldwide to be given the title of master sommelier, will act as the winners' guide.

The event's first three weeks (July 13 – August 2) will include Argentinian wine from the Catena family, including selections from the famed Mendoza wine-growing region, most notably Catena Malbec, which received a 91 (out of 100) rating from Robert Parker, and wine from Spain's world-famous Rioja, Ribera del Duera, and Jumilla regions, featuring selections form vines dating back to the turn of the century.

The second three weeks (August 3 – 23) will feature Napa Valley's Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet and Chardonnay selections, both rated 92 by Robert Parker, South African wine from the Winelands of the Western Cape, including celebrated Cabernet, Syrah, and Chardonnay varietals, and other South African specialties like Chenin Blanc and Pinotage.

Winners of the week-long, personalized wine trips will go behind-the-scenes and participate in the wine-blending process, even blending their own case to ship home. Winners will also enjoy some of the finest restaurants and hot spots in each featured region.

The first insider’s wine experience in Argentina will include three days in the Mendoza region touring vineyards, dining in the cellars, and working hand-in-hand with the Catena family to blend a Malbec to take home and enjoy. In addition, two days will be spent touring Buenos Aires.

The second insider’s wine experience in Napa will include vineyard tours, dinners at different wineries, massages, biking tours of the region and a private blending experience at the Beringer winery, where winners will make their own case of Beringer Private Reserve Cabernet.

The tasting experience is $10 during lunch and $25 during dinner. For more information, contact Jodi Bannerman at 212.871.3020 Ext. 107 or at jbannerman@jgordonassociates.com.

Facebook Readers' Favorite Burgers

2009-06-03T11:42:00.008-04:00

We asked our friends on Facebook about their favorite burgers as part of our June cover story. You can read the full burger round-up at www.AtlantaINtownPaper.com. Here's what they had to say:

John Shimer (student and former INtown intern): Universal Joint...the best in the area...atmosphere is superb.

Susan Kay Asher (public relations): It's been years since I've had a veggie burger, but Houston's had the best in town.

Lisa Dewberry Thrower (personal assistant ): Houston's veggie burger is fantastic. The Chubby Decker at Zesto's is amazing - very classic. The Lamburger at FLIP Burger Boutique is delicious - for something different. Atkins Park Cheeseburger mmmmmm - nice charred flavor.

Cal Gough (librarian): Best veggie burger I know of (at least, within striking distance of where I live and work) is Cafe di Sol's on Highland next to the Highland Inn. Runner up for best veggie burger: The Vortex (the one in Midtown on Peachtree - haven't tried the one in L5P).

If you're on Facebook and not a member of the Atlanta INtown group, please join us.

Making Dining Out Count!

2009-05-31T06:00:00.001-04:00

On Thursday, June 18 in honor of World Refugee Day, six Atlanta restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds to the International Rescue Committee. The six participating restaurants are Apres Diem, Carpe Diem, Cafe Alsace, Imperial Fez and Ibiza Restaurant and Lounge, Mezcalito's Cantina, and the Carroll Street Cafe.

The International Rescue Committee provides emergency relief, rehabilitation, protection of human rights, post-conflict development, resettlement services and advocacy for those uprooted or affected by violent conflict and oppression. The IRC provides aid to refugees in 42 countries and helps to resettle them in the United States trough 24 regional offices. IRC Atlanta, located in Decatur, is the largest resettlement agenct in Georgia. Since its opening in 1979, the office has resettled more than 18,000 refugees from more than 35 countries. IRC helps to provide basic housing, food, clothing and transportation as well as counseling, job placement, English language classes, youth programs and community orientation services.

For more information, please visit www.theIRC.org/Atlanta.

Follow Us On Twitter

2009-05-28T14:34:00.004-04:00

You'll notice in the sidebar that we are now posting our Twitter updates. While not every tweet is food related, we regularly post specials, deals and food news from local restaurants on Twitter as we receive it, so subscribe to our Twitter feed or check the News You Can Eat blog regularly to see what's happening Intown. www.twitter.com/ATLINtownPaper

4th Annual Wine and Dine

2009-05-27T06:00:00.002-04:00

Atlanta's Fourth Annual Wine and Dine event will take place on June 6th at Smyrna Market Village from 1 to 5 pm.

Over 50 fine wines will be available for tasting, accompanied by cheese samples provided by Cabot Creamery, and the event will include sample dishes from a variety of local restaurants, including Atkins Park, Chow Baby, Crepe Revolution, Taverna Fiorentina, and others.

Blues legend Francine Reed will perform at 2 pm.

Tickets are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. A portion of proceeds will go to benefit Mustard Seed Communities.

For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.wineanddineevents.com.

Local Chef Could Be The Next Food Network Star!

2009-05-23T06:00:00.001-04:00

Atlanta Chef Jamika Pessoa has been selected as one of the top ten finalists to compete on the newest season of the Food Network show "The Next Food Network Star." Pessoa's unique spin on Caribbean cooking and her sassy personality made her stand out from the rest in auditions for the show.

This season's ten finalists are: Brett August (Washington Heights, N.Y.), Katie Cavuto (Philadelphia, Pa.), Melissa d'Arabian (Keller, Texas), Teddy Folkman (Alexandria, Va.), Eddie Gilbert (Los Angeles, Calif.), Jen Isham (Orlando, Fla.), Debbie Lee (West Hollywood, Calif.), Jamika Pessoa (Atlanta, Ga.), Michael Proietti (City Island, N.Y.), and Jeffrey Saad (Los Angeles, Calif.).

The show premiers Sunday, June 7th at 9 pm on the Food Network. In its fifth year, Iron Chef Bobby Flay will head up the judging committee, which will analyze each contestant's performance for culinary quality as well as TV-worthy personality. Tune in to see if Chef Pessoa will take home the grand prize: her own show on the Food Network!

Sprouts Green Cafe Opens in Atlanta

2009-05-21T06:00:00.002-04:00

Sprouts Green Cafe will celebrate its Grand Opening in Emory Village on North Decatur Road this Friday, May 22nd.

The hip new eatery, developed by Georgia entrepreneur Keith Gross, will offer a variety of dishes, including some vegan selections. Rice bowls, paninis, sandwiches, soups, salads, house-made juices (including home-grown wheatgrass) and smoothies are just a few of the items on the menu. The restaurant focuses on natural foods and minimal processing, and obtains as many of its ingredients as possible from local sources. Forget about phosphates, nitrates, or antibiotics! The great-tasting menu items are healthy and affordable.

Sprouts Green Cafe is located at 1579 North Decatur Road, Druid Hills. Business hours are Monday-Friday 7 am to 11 pm, Saturday 8 am to 10 pm and Sunday 9 am to 10 pm. For more information, call 404.474.2207 or visit www.sproutsgreencafe.com.

La Tavola Trattoria Turns 10!

2009-05-20T06:00:00.002-04:00

To celebrate 10 years of business, Fifth Group Restaurants' La Tavola Trattoria is offering a special prix fixe menu from Friday, June 17 through Saturday, June 27. $29 per person will unlock a collection of old favorites and some new classics. The menu will also be available à la carte.

The special menu includes such items as seared scallops with polenta and spinach, sage and ricotta ravioli, fregola and little neck clams with Calabrian chiles, and warm apple bread pudding with rum raisins, caramel, and vanilla semifredo. It will be offered in addition to the regular menu during dinner hours (Monday-Thursday and Sunday, 5:30-10 pm; Friday and Saturday, 5:30-11 pm.)

La Tavola Trattoria is located at 992 Virginia Avenue. Make reservations by calling 404.873.5430 or by visiting www.fifthgroup.com.

J. Christopher's Expands to John's Creek

2009-05-17T06:00:00.001-04:00

J. Christopher's breakfast and lunch chain has opened its 22nd location in John's Creek. This new restaurant is the second of the chain's 2009 openings to feature its new design and energy-efficient kitchen equipment.

The John's Creek location is open from 7 am until 2 pm.
It is located at 11720 Medlock Bridge, Suite 100, John's Creek, GA 30097.

Dressed Offers Curbside Service

2009-05-15T06:00:00.000-04:00

Dressed, the gourmet salad bar in Buckhead, now offers the ease and convenience of curbside pick-up. Now it's as simple as one, two, three! First, call the Buckhead location to place your order. Next, pay over the phone. Finally, head toward Dressed, call when you're moments away, pull into the curbside drop area and someone from Dressed will bring your salad right to your car; there is no need to get out!

The menu at Dressed features more than 70 gourmet salad ingredients, including five different greens, seven cheeses, countless vegetable, fruit and nut toppings and fresh grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, and 24 different salad dressings made fresh daily. Guests can create custom salads that are made-to-order or choose from one of several "chef designed salad" favorites,
and any salad can also be wrapped in fresh flatbread and served sandwich-style. In addition, Dressed offers a variety of homemade specialty soups that change daily.

Dressed is a fast-casual restaurant serving "Salads with Style." For more information, please visit the web site at www.dressedsalads.com. Dressed is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and closed on Sundays.

Blues, Brews, and BBQ Festival

2009-05-13T06:00:00.004-04:00

South City Kitchen Vinings is hosting a three-day Blues, Brews, and BBQ festival the weekend of June 5th. The celebration will feature live blues performances from local bands, a special barbecue menu, and a selection of local Sweetwater beer.

The recipes prepared by South City Kitchen's innovative chefs include a variety of smoked and barbecued meats and fish. Offerings include a fourteen hour smoked beef brisket with picked Vidalia onions, spiced Coca-Cola jus and a side of garlic collards and barbecued Mahi Mahi with white cheddar grits and barbecue butter.

Performance Schedule:
Friday, June 5: Chick Willis
Saturday, June 6: Mudcat
Sunday, June 7: Breeze kings
All performances will begin at 6 pm.

For reservations at South City Kitchen Vinings, call 770.435.0700 or visit www.fifthgroup.com. South City Kitchen Vinings is located in One Ivy Walk at 1675 Cumberland Parkway, Atlanta, GA 30080.

Real Men Cook for Charity

2009-05-11T06:00:00.000-04:00

Real Men Cook for Charity is a father's day celebration filled with food tastings, clowns, face painting, music, and more. On Father's Day, Sunday, June 21, at the Georgia Railroad Depot come with your family to celebrate fatherhood while supporting another good cause: partial proceeds will benefit the Boy Scouts of America, Atlanta Area Council Communities in Schools of Georgia and Real Men Charities

Highlights include a chef demonstration stage, entertainment by gospel singer Canton Jones and Wanda Trent Phillips and the R & B Group, Silk. Expect everything from barbecue grilling by Waffle House and milkshakes from Johnny Rockets to more than 100 men cooking dishes from appetizers to main dishes and desserts. There is sure to be something for the entire family.

Visit www.realmencook.com. Tickets are $20 in advance for adults and $10 for children ($5 more at the door).

Call 404 344-8496 for more information

Atlanta in Print: Love at the Pub

2009-05-09T06:00:00.003-04:00

The new book "Love at the Pub," chronicling stories from Decatur's own Brick Store, is to be released in late June. It's being called "A true local tale—an All-American story." In 1997, three fresh-faced young men opened a bar on a small southern town square in poor commercial health. The Brick Store Pub became an overnight sensation and thrives to this day along with the award-winning City of Decatur, Georgia, “Where Mayberry meets Berkeley,” six miles due east of downtown Atlanta.

Told through more than 200 local and national voices, this historical and cultural narration reveals the runaway success story of the “heartbeat of Decatur” that went from underdog bar to national rising star. There’s never a recession at the Brick Store Pub, an authentic, world class beer bar (top ranked by Forbes, BeerAdvocate, and Rate Beer) that feels like your favorite brother’s living room—a place where you can relax and let down your hair.

In an era where community ties and business ethics can feel weak and cold, Love at the Pub is a warm breath of fresh air that blows down the doors of mediocrity, pointing society in the right direction. It reminds us how to foster neighborly fellowship, employee loyalty, and good, clean, fun.

“Love at the Pub tells is an uplifting community love story and a shot of good news,” says author and tenth hired Brick Store employee Mary Jane Mahan. “Professors, carpenters, CEOs, artists, Christian ministers, parents, retirees, eloping couples all love the Pub.”

Love at the Pub will be released in late June 2009 through www.loveatthepub.com and in select Atlanta Barnes and Noble stores. To be notified of the release and book signing party, share a story, or reach the author, contact maryjane@maryjanebrain.com or 404-286-1490.

Cafe Mims Now Open

2009-05-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

Cafe Mims is now open in the Georgian Terrace across from The Fox Theatre on Peachtree St. The cafe is part of the Livingston restaurant and bar complex now inside the hotel. www.livingstonatlanta.com

Total Wine Opens Third Local Store

2009-05-07T15:00:00.002-04:00

Total Wine & More, America’s leading independent source of fine wine, announces the opening of its third retail location in Atlanta. Located at 380 North Point Circle in Alpharetta, the 20,388 sq. ft. store will carry an amazing 8,000+ varieties of wine. In addition to its wine offerings, Total Wine & More also carries more than 1,000 beers, from America’s most popular beers to hard-to-find microbrews and imports, and more than 2,000 spirits from every price range. www.totalwine.com.

Atlanta's Own Finalist in The Next Food Network Star

2009-05-04T06:00:00.000-04:00

The stakes are higher than ever when The Next Food Network Star returns this summer with a star-studded fifth season on Food Network. As television's most challenging food fight, the series provides 10 hopeful TV chefs the chance to compete for the ultimate dream job: his or her own Food Network show. Iron Chef Bobby Flay leads the selection committee that ultimately decides the winner's fate and launches one lucky person into a food and television celebrity. The series kicks off on Sunday, June 7th at 9pm ET/PT as the finalists cater Food Network's "Sweet 16" party with network talent and media there to judge.

The 10 finalists include: Brett August (Washington Heights, N.Y.), Katie Cavuto (Philadelphia, Pa.), Melissa d¹Arabian (Keller, Texas), Teddy Folkman (Alexandria, Va.), Eddie Gilbert (Los Angeles, Calif.), Jen Isham (Orlando, Fla.), Debbie Lee (West Hollywood, Calif.), Jamika Pessoa (Atlanta, Ga.), Michael Proietti (City Island, N.Y.) and Jeffrey Saad (Los Angeles, Calif.).

Jamika Pessoa, 30 (Atlanta, Ga.), a certified personal chef and businesswoman, loves exploring international cuisines in the kitchen. Family, friends, and clients rave about her bold twists on traditional dishes, especially those of her Caribbean heritage. Innovative style, sassy personality, and inspiring tenacity are Jamika's key ingredients to the magic she produces in the kitchen. Tune in and support Atlanta!

Food 101 Hosts Dinner in Athens

2009-05-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

Chef Ron Eyester and Food 101 Morningside are hosting a special Farm Dinner at Woodland Gardens in Athens on Sunday, May 17 at 3 p.m. The dinner, a partnership between Food 101 and Woodland Gardens (a favorite farm of Food 101¹s), will offer guests a farm tour, cocktail
reception and a family-style dinner featuring fresh produce from the farm.

Proceeds from the dinner will benefit Grow A Farmer, a non-profit organization dedicated to
teaching new organic farmers. During the dinner, guests will enjoy sharing platters of all the following dishes:

Sliced Beefsteak Tomatoes
Fried Capers, Micro Arugula, Cypress Grove Cheese & Vanilla-Balsamic
Reduction
Marinated Cucumbers & Baby Fennel
Cracked Olives, Oregano & Orange-Honey
Shaved Radishes
Champagne Vinegar, Peppercorns & Fresh Scallion
Baby Shrimp Cocktail
Strawberries, Jalapeno & Aged Red Wine Vinegar
________________________
Chilled Carrot Soup
Pickled Beets & Leeks
__________________________
Sweet Tea Brined Local Organic Chicken
Maple-Lemon Jus
Whole Roasted Bay of Fundi Salmon
Salsa Verde
Braised Greens & Fingerling Potatoes
Spiced Tomato-Garlic Broth
____________________
Strawberry Shortcake
Assorted Cheeses From Sweet Grass Dairy

The dinner is $75 per person, including pre-dinner cocktails and wine. Reservations are required and can be made by calling Food 101 Morningside at (404) 347-9747.

http://www.food101morningside.com

Max's Opens in Marietta District

2009-05-02T06:00:00.000-04:00

Concentrics Restaurants is proud to announce the opening of its newest restaurant Max's Coal Oven Pizzeria in late spring 2009. The third Concentrics venture in downtown Atlanta's thriving, walkable Luckie Marietta District, Max's will wow Atlantans with the simple and authentic pizza that New Yorkers have loved for years, courtesy of New York native and pizza lover Chef Nick Oltarsh. The restaurant's signature feature, the only genuine coal-burning oven in Georgia, enables Max's to serve perfectly crisp and piping hot pizzas, creating a unique taste and texture that has been a hallmark of New York City pizzerias for more than a century. Embracing the traditional art of pizza making, Max's invites guests to enjoy a taste of the Big Apple's best paired with Atlanta's Southern hospitality.

Max's is all about the pizza, and the pizza is all about the crust. And Max's has created the perfect dough, light with some spring to it, yet crusty with a chewy and elastic quality. Atop this foundation sits Max's secret recipe red sauce, an Oltarsh family favorite. House-made mozzarella, classic meats and fresh vegetables supply the finishing touches. From sausage and pepperoni to peppers and onions, simple yet flavorful combinations define the menu at Max's.

In addition to traditional 14-inch and 18-inch pizzas, Max's offers a selection of classic salads, pastas, hot and cold Italian sandwiches and signature coal-oven wings. A daily chef's choice of pasta and pizza available by the slice highlights the season's freshest ingredients. For a sweet end to any meal, guests can indulge in homemade gelato made fresh daily with changing flavors. With convenient to-go and delivery options, Max's specialties are meant to be enjoyed throughout the city. Conveniently situated next to STATS in the burgeoning Luckie Marietta District, Max's to-go orders make for the ideal picnic in Centennial Olympic Park, while sports fans can take Max's to-go to enjoy while tailgating before a big game. Max's delivery and to-go orders are also a great way to gather the family around the kitchen table.

Max's bar offers the perfect approachable beverage selection to match the menu. Max's pizza pairs perfectly with one of four cold beers on tap including local favorites. Another selection of beers is offered by the bottle, and six reds and six whites comprise the wine list. Max's also offers a full liquor bar.

www.maxsatl.com or www.concentricsrestaurants.com

Looking Forward to Fall and Taste of Atlanta

2009-05-01T06:00:00.002-04:00

Don't miss Taste of Atlanta's 8th birthday celebration as we take the street festival concept to a whole new level on October 10 and 11, 2009. Experience the fabulous flavor of change when Taste of Atlanta returns this fall to an all new location, amidst the bustling streetscapes of Midtown.

Technology Square is the perfect location to enjoy an abundance of tastes, expert culinary advice, interactive kids‚ activities, lessons in sustainable eating as well as a full schedule of live entertainment.

You can also indulge in dishes from more than 70 of Atlanta's favorite restaurants while lingering in music cafés or sitting front row for cooking demonstrations by some of the nation's most acclaimed chefs. www.tasteofatlanta.net

Atlanta Local Food Foward

2009-04-30T06:00:00.003-04:00

The Atlanta Local Food Initiative (ALFI), a coalition of citizens and organizations, has begun a grassroots movement to reconfigure our food system to promote the health of our people, our economy, and our environment. Join us on May 1, 2009, from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm at St. Philip's Cathedral located at, 2744 Peachtree Road, NW Atlanta, GA, 30305.

We invite you to participate in a one-day event to create an action plan for achieving the vision outlined in "A Plan for Atlanta's Sustainable Food Future"

Atlanta Local Food Forward! will gather key stakeholders from the Atlanta community including representatives from government, NGOs, business, agriculture, education, advocates, funders and interested citizens. The day includes an address by keynote Dr. Bob Randall from Houston's Urban Harvest, networking, working group sessions, and a "harvest" of ideas and next steps. Expected outcomes of this meeting are:

* New strategic partnerships collaborating on Atlanta's sustainable food future
* Action commitments focused on plan elements
* Identification of opportunities to use stimulus funds for the food agenda
* Recommendations to sustain the coalition of stakeholders moving forward.

Registration is $25/person and includes a local, organic lunch. Sponsorships are available for $100 which includes logo recognition opportunities online and at the event and one registration.

www.georgiaorganics.org

Bone Garden Cantina Hosts Supper Club

2009-04-30T06:00:00.000-04:00

Bone Garden Cantina invites customers to take advantage of its newly-expanded courtyard seating as the warm spring weather finally arrives in Atlanta. Enjoy the ritual of outdoor dining when Bone Garden hosts the Atlanta Community Food Bank's Supper Club on Tuesday, May 12.

Supper Club is a monthly event that allows diners the convenience of enjoying a meal at some of Atlanta's hottest restaurants while supporting their community. Each month, a different restaurant serves as host, and 20 percent of the evening's proceeds benefit Atlanta's Table, the prepared food rescue project of the Food Bank.

Bone Garden isn't a typical Americanized version of a Mexican restaurant. Instead, the restaurant features traditional Mexican dishes made from scratch daily, using the freshest ingredients available. No "combo-plates" here. The "a la carte" menu allows you to put together a meal that matches your own particular tastes and appetite. It's also fun to share with friends.

Start out with a bowl of the spicy Queso Dip or the Chunky Guacamole. Then create a tasting for the table or make your own meal by choosing from a number of side items and the list of tacos, empanadas, enchiladas, tamales, sopes, burritos and quesadillas. Got a sweet tooth? Try the almond flan or banana empanada.

Bone Garden Cantina is located in the Lumber Yard at 1425 Ellsworth Industrial Boulevard, Atlanta, GA 30318. Open Monday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. -10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. -11 p.m. For more information, call 404.418.9072 or visit
www.bonegardencantina.com.

Waterhaven Makes a Splash in Midtown

2009-04-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Owner Joe McCarthy is pleased to announce the arrival of his new restaurant, WaterHaven, in Technology Square in Midtown Atlanta. Opening on Tuesday, May 12 at dinnertime in the former GLOBE space, WaterHaven will offer a welcoming retreat from the hustle and bustle of Midtown's urban activity.

WaterHaven¹s sustainable practices are evident in both the front and back of house, including the use of local, sustainable ingredients in the kitchen; an intensive recycling program throughout the restaurant; use of biodegradable disposables for takeout; and participation in Sysco's extensive program for green products.

Executive Chef Chris Lee, a Memphis Culinary Academy graduate who has worked under such culinary heavy hitters as Master Chef Jose Gutierrez, Wolfgang Puck and Gary Danko, will be heading up the kitchen at WaterHaven.

At WaterHaven, Lee will be serving contemporary American fare that highlights local farms and purveyors. His menu features seasonal dishes that display the restaurant's farm-to-table philosophy. Lee lets his local ingredients shine for sustainable and regionally-inspired meals. His menu includes items such as Painted Hills hanger steak with house cut fries and crispy caramelized Vidalia onions; fresh Georgia trout wrapped in applewood smoked bacon; and fresh herb pasta layered with mushrooms, onions and hand dipped ricotta in brown butter. An additional lite fare menu will be offered throughout the day, and a quick to-go lunch option will be available on weekdays. Lunch prices range from $8 to $14, while dinner prices range from $14 to the mid $20s. Small plates are $6 to $12, and desserts are $2 to $5.

Wine is a significant component of WaterHaven, evident by the wine storage found on in the main dining room and the wine list that will offer 50 to 75 different selections by the bottle and 10 wines by the glass. The list focuses on varietals from California, South America and Australia. Bottle prices are good values, ranging from $25 to $75, while all wines by the glass will be priced under $10. The bar will also feature a specialty cocktail list, a mostly domestic bottled beer selection and three different draft beers.

WaterHaven is located at 75 Fifth Street NW at the corner of Spring Street. Lunch is served Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner is served Monday through Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. A separate small plate menu is available all day until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and the restaurant is closed on Sundays. Complimentary valet parking is available after 6 p.m. in front of the restaurant, and free parking is available behind the restaurant in the Centergy visitor parking deck after 5 p.m. daily and during weekends. One hour of validated parking is available in the Centergy deck during lunch. All credit cards are accepted, and wireless internet access is available throughout the restaurant and on the terrace.

http://www.waterhavenatl.com

Graveyard Tavern Hosts Farm-to-Table Dinner

2009-04-28T14:13:00.000-04:00

Get closer to the dirt at The Graveyard Tavern's farm-to-table dinner celebrating the opening of the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market. On May 13th from 7 to 9 p.m., up-and-coming chef Cristy Nolton will create a $35 local foods dinner featuring produce grown by the market's farmers. There will also be hand-selected beer pairings.

Live swing music by The Gravediggers starts at 9pm. For reservations, contact Justin@graveyardtavern.com

East Atlanta Village Farmers Market operates on Thursday evenings, starting in May.

www.graveyardtavern.com

Upcoming Events at Steinbeck's

2009-04-26T06:00:00.003-04:00

Steinbeck's Ale House Art Night w/ Jen Singh, May 7th at 7:00pm. Jen Singh paints a curious world full of childhood nostalgia, dreams, and travels. Her mixed media work is full of bright, vivid color and layers of bold textures. Simple compositions combined with loosely drawn line work and collages are used to create alluring and thoughtful works of art.

Her latest collection of mixed media works on wood and canvas; "Imaginary worlds" speak from the memories of a child.

Steinbeck's Ale House is located at:

659 East Lake Drive, Suite B
Decatur, GA 30030
Steinbecksbar.com
(404) 373-1116

The Universal Joint Lobster Boil complete with a live band and beer specials is taking place Saturday, May 30th at 1pm and 4pm. There are only 2 seatings so reserve your spots today. Tickets are $20 and include lobster, corn and potatoes. The Universal Joint is located at:

906 Oakview Rd.,
Decatur, GA
Ujointbar.com

Opening of 30 Tables on May 1

2009-04-25T06:00:00.003-04:00

Concentrics Restaurants, in partnership with the Glenn Hotel and Legacy Property Group, is proud to announce the opening of its newest restaurant, 30 Tables, on Friday, May 1, in the heart of downtown Atlanta. The restaurant launch coincides with the introduction of the Glenn's signature rooftop space 11 Stories, which was re-designed under the direction of Concentrics Restaurants. For their second restaurant located in the burgeoning Luckie Marietta District, Atlanta's acclaimed restaurateurs Bob Amick and Todd Rushing welcome the partnership with the Glenn to forge an inspired destination perfect for business travelers, vacationers and locals alike. 30 Tables features American contemporary cuisine infused with sustainable and seasonal ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner and manages room services for hotel guests from a kitchen of Southern-influenced sophistication. Located on the roof of the Glenn Hotel, 11 Stories provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline, masterfully handcrafted signature libations and flavorful small bites.

Chef Daniel Chance couples more than 15 years experience in the city's restaurant industry with innovative and youthful ideas that will infuse the food and atmosphere of the latest Concentrics Restaurants venture with energy. Chance began working at Concentrics Restaurants in 2003, and has contributed to the kitchens midtown kitchen, urban licks and TROIS. Prior to joining the Concentrics team, Chance worked with the Buckhead Life Group from 1996 to 2002. Wasting no time launching an impressive career, Chance rose to the position of sous chef with the Buckhead Life Group by age 20. Chance also spent time working on a commercial fishing boat in Kodiak, Alaska, during which time he learned much about seafood, helping guide him in purchasing top quality products. Referred to by mentor chefs as "The Sponge" because of how much information he absorbs about the food industry, Chance has established a career defined by relentless education and self improvement.

Chef Chance creates a menu of modern American fare highlighted by sustainable and seasonal ingredients that reflects the restaurant's Southeast influences and refined candor. For breakfast, lunch and dinner, the menu highlights the season's best ingredients simply prepared with vibrant flavors and textures. Fresh herbs are snipped daily from the 11 Stories rooftop garden, contributing an essence of freshness to each dish and greening the urban landscape.

Acclaimed design and architecture firm ASD adorns the 30 Tables space with deep wood, rich leather and earth tones that lend classic stylishness. The center of attention is the Glenn's lobby, where the lively bar welcomes neighbors and travelers with chocolate leather bar stools and a petrified wood backdrop to relax and savor seasonal hand-crafted cocktails and a variety of wines while enjoying 30 Tables menu offerings. In the front of the lobby along Marietta Street, tables constructed of cherry wood and surrounded by plush leather chairs seat guests in a comfortable and causal environment ideal for enjoying breakfast or light bites. Then in the dining room, shades of terra cotta lined with black Bettina wood mirrors and natural light from the many windows facing Downtown's Spring Street all illuminate the paramount communal space a 17-foot gathering table. Brown leather-wrapped banquette seating winds along the dining room walls, where artwork sketched by young Swedish children in the 1940s is on display for all to see. Meanwhile, at 11 Stories, whether you are lounging at the outdoor bar, relaxing in comfortable soft seating or taking in the downtown Atlanta view amid swaying olive trees, visitors and locals alike can agree this is Atlanta's top rooftop gem.

30 Tables and 11 Stories are located in The Glenn Hotel at 110 Marietta St. The restaurant serves breakfast Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily; and dinner Sunday through Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The rooftop patio, 11 Stories, is open Monday through Sunday from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. The restaurant also manages room service for hotel guests. For reservations please call (404)-469-0700

http://www.concentricsrestaurants.com

Flat Creek Lodge cheeses at St. Philip's Cathedral

2009-04-25T06:00:00.000-04:00

This year's Grand Award Winner of the Flavor of Georgia food products contest Flat Creek Lodge will be heading to Atlanta every Saturday morning with plenty of cheeses and other goodies available for purchase at the St. Philip's Cathedral Farmers Market. It's a great chance to try some of the Swainsboro artisanal dairy's creations and talk to the folks who produce them. Seasonal produce like fresh berries will also be found in the Flat Creek Lodge stand.

The Market will be held in the parking lot of The Cathedral of Saint Philip on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. now until the fall.

Flat Creek Lodge cheeses can also be found at a variety of retails spots (like Whole Foods and Savor in Atlanta and Sawecki's in Decatur) and restaurants throughout Georgia and the Southeast. This month, Destiny Produce - the only Certified Organic distributor in Georgia began distribution of Flat Creek's line of artisan cheeses. The cheeses are also available online anytime at www.flatcreeklodge.com

The Cathedral of Saint Philip
2744 Peachtree Road, NW
Atlanta 30305

Celebrate Guinness' 250th Anniversary with Fado!

2009-04-24T06:00:00.003-04:00

2009 marks the 250th year since Arthur Guinness signed the lease on St. James Gate Guinness Brewery in Dublin, Ireland. Toast to the man who started the phenomenon and join Fado in Buckhead for the launch party of the new, limited edition Guinness 250 Anniversary Stout.

The Event will begin TONIGHT, Friday, April 24, 2009 at 5p.m., but the official launch will be at 5:59p.m. (That's 10:59 Ireland time -- the exact time Arthur Guinness signed the famous lease good for thousands of years on St. James's Gate Brewery.)

www.fadoirishpub.com/atlanta

Admission is free. Fado's Friday night DJ will provide entertainment, and other surprises throughout the evening.

Metrotainment Cafes, Inc. Recruits Todd Semrau

2009-04-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

Metrotainment Cafes, Inc., one of Atlanta’s oldest and leading hospitality companies serving the Atlanta area for over 18 years, has announced the recruitment of Todd Semrau as Managing Partner of Einstein’s, its flagship restaurant in midtown Atlanta.

A graduate of Georgia State University, Todd stayed close to campus when he opened Heaping Bowl and Brew, Eureka and The Automatic. Semrau also co-founded Six Feet Under Pub & Fish House, which is now under separate management. Todd has championed the revitalization of in-town neighborhoods through the development of community-focused restaurant concepts since 1995. His restaurants contributed to the smart growth of East Atlanta Village, Cabbage Town, Grant Park and Oakhurst.

Metrotainment Cafes, Inc. has been in business since 1991 and it’s properties include Einstein’s, Cowtippers, Joe’s on Juniper, Joe’s on Sullivan, Cheyenne Grille, Metrotainment Bakery, Garrison’s Broiler & Tap locations in Vinings and Johns Creek and Hudson Grille locations in Alpharetta, Brookhaven and Perimeter Mall.

www.metrocafes.com

Chocolate 2009 Funraiser for Cystic Fibrosis

2009-04-22T06:00:00.001-04:00

On Thursday, June 18, Chocolate! 2009, one of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest fundraisers, will be held again at Villa Christina in Dunwoody from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $65 in advance and $75 at the door. The exclusive evening will feature live jazz, a chocolate martini bar, full dinner buffet, silent auction and, of course, all-you-can-eat chocolate treats. These delectable confections will be prepared by some of Atlanta's most outstanding restaurants, bakeries, vintners and caterers including:

The Melting Pot
Silk Restaurant
City Grill
Dailey's
Canoe
Kheesekakes by Kelli
Bold American Events and Catering
Veni Vidi Vici
Rathbun's
Max Lager's Wood-Fired Grill & Brewery
The Land of 1,000 Hills Coffee
Villa Christina
Jim N' Nicks
Kozmo Gastro Pub
The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton Buckhead
Aqua Blue

Chocolate! 2009 is a unique Atlanta event that expects 1000 attendees and has a goal of $100,000 net for cystic fibrosis research. The event will be sponsored by VitaminWater Ten ®, and will feature witty cocktails and a silent auction.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was established in 1955 to assure the development of a cure and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease. Cystic fibrosis is an aggressive, genetic disease that affects approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. Successful events such as Chocolate! and the generous contributions of volunteers and sponsors are responsible for funding this state-of-the-art scientific research.

For more information and to place ticket orders, visit www.chocolateforcf.org, or contact CFF at 404-325-6973

Shane's Celebrates BBQ Month

2009-04-20T06:00:00.006-04:00

For the second year in a row, Shane's Rib Shack is celebrating May, the official BBQ month, by giving away free ribs to the first 100 friends who stop by, camp out or run in on Saturday, May 16. The first 100 friends at every Shane's will each receive a free ½ rack of baby back ribs and a large Coca-Cola Zero. In addition, the first 100 will also receive an official numbered "Shaniac" Jersey T-shirt (# 1 - 100), indicating their place in line.

For those who don't make the first 100, Shane's will offer consolation prizes, certificates to "Treat Your Friend to Shane's" with a special buy one get one free offer for the next 250 guests. Shane's is distributing these special certificates to allow friends to celebrate and dine together
during the summertime BBQ season.

www.shanesribshack.com

Jersey Mike's Brings Subs & Spirit to Atlanta

2009-04-19T06:00:00.002-04:00

Jersey Mike's Subs will officially open its doors in Atlanta next week. Jersey Mike's owner, Hadi (Tony) Saraj, knows the importance of community relations and will celebrate his new ties with the area when he holds his grand opening on Wed., Apr. 22.

To commemorate the grand opening, the new restaurant, located at 1000 Northside Dr., will help raise funds for Georgia Tech University's Mobilizing Opportunities for Volunteer Experience (MOVE) initiative for the benefit of "Taskforce for the Homeless." Special fundraising coupons will be distributed on campus and anyone who brings one in and donates $1 to MOVE will receive a free regular sub.

Reaching out to the community is a key component of Jersey Mike's mission. All franchise owners find ways to support their neighbors and employees are encouraged to volunteer their time and talents as well.

MOVE exists to serve the community as a whole by facilitating service activities by Georgia Tech's faculty, staff and students that will increase the participants' self worth, leadership abilities, value of diversity, and motivation to be involved in the community at large while at the same time meeting the needs of the community at large.

Store hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week. You can contact this store directly at (404) 724-0760. www.jerseymikes.com.

Livingston Restaurant to Open

2009-04-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

Fremont Realty Capital, in partnership with Puccini Group and Crescent Hotels and Resorts, announces the opening of Livingston Restaurant and Bar on April 24, 2009. The restaurant is located across the street from The Fox Theatre and offers Atlantans an innovative, bold reflection of local flavor and history under the culinary direction of Executive Chef Gary Mennie.

The new dining destination takes its name from Livingston Mims, who served as Atlanta's mayor during the early 20th century. Known as a consummate entertainer with a passion for wine and fine food, Mims' two-story residence was located on the northeast corner of Peachtree Street and Ponce de Leon Avenue. With its opening, Livingston Restaurant and Bar proudly claims this same location and pays homage to the strong legacy of Atlanta's spirit and history at this address.

Acclaimed Chef Gary Mennie is at the helm of the Livingston kitchen. He has been an established Atlanta favorite for many years and debuted on the city's culinary scene in 1995 when he was hand-picked to lead the opening team at Canoe. During his tenure there, Mennie's performance garnered him a Mobil Four Star rating. After leading Canoe for 10 years, he opened his first solo venture, the highly praised Taurus restaurant.

At Livingston, Mennie prepares inventive local cuisine, drawing inspiration from his passion for fresh ingredients and innovative dining. The menu focuses on straightforward, yet refined, American classics that incorporate a modern culinary style. The menu features an abundance of fresh-grown produce and seasonal ingredients supplied by local and regional vendors and artisans. Inventive dishes will include the following items: White Oak Pastures Flat Iron Steak, Short Ribs and Crispy Gnocchi; Georgia Mountain Trout with Braised Artichokes and Spring Peas; and Riverview Farms Berkshire Pork with Vidalia Onion Tart.

Offering five distinctive atmospheres, Livingston Restaurant and Bar provides a comfortable and urbane culinary option for every guest. As the city's premier pre- and post-theatre destination, show patrons can enjoy signature cocktails at The Bar at Livingston, small plates in the lounge or a multi-course meal in the main dining room. In addition, the upper level of the restaurant, known as The Loge at Livingston, offers a quieter dining experience perfect for downtown business lunches or other intimate occasions, while still in view of the action below. Livingston offers an intimate, tucked away private dining room that can accommodate up to 16 guests for cocktail and dining events and boasts great views of Peachtree Street and The Fox Theatre. Finally, the expansive columned terrace overlooking Peachtree Street features one of the most unique outdoor dining options in Atlanta. Complimentary valet parking rounds out the easy dining experience and is ideal for patrons attending shows at The Fox Theatre.

Livingston Restaurant and Bar is located across from The Fox Theatre at 659 Peachtree St. NE. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner seven days a week. Lunch is available 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. seven days a week and dinner is served Sunday to Thursday, 5 to 10 p.m. and Friday through Saturday, 5 to 11 p.m. Breakfast is available Monday through Saturday, 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and Sunday Brunch from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Complimentary valet parking is located on Peachtree
Street. For reservations, please call 404.897.1991 or visit www.livingstonatlanta.com

Rock Bottom Gets an Upgrade

2009-04-17T06:00:00.004-04:00

Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group, operator of 37 restaurants in 18 states, including Rock Bottom Buckhead, will open their 28th flagship branded Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant in late July. The company will be re-branding the Buckhead Place Rock Bottom location to their more upscale Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant concept.

As part of the re-branding, the restaurant will receive an extensive remodel. The remodel will take approximately three months and include patio enlargement, bar area restructuring and addition of a private dining area. The restaurant will close April 20th and is planned to re-open in late July. In addition to extensive restaurant modifications, the brewery will also be significantly upgraded to accommodate the unique style of lagers brewed by Gordon Biersch.

The Gordon Biersch brand offers an upscale casual menu, authentic German lagers and an eclectic, sophisticated décor that distinguishes itself from other brewery restaurant concepts. The Gordon Biersch menu offers a wide variety of compelling flavors influenced by international, as well as American, cuisine. Popular items include Shrimp and Chicken Potstickers, Southwest Egg Rolls, Garlic Fries, Cedar Plank Salmon, Tuscan Chicken Pasta and Steak Frites. When it comes to the Gordon Biersch brewing process, nobody puts more effort into adhering to the highest quality standards. Gordon Biersch primarily brews lagers, unlike 90% of the brewpub industry that focus on ale beers. Furthermore, Gordon Biersch follows the guidelines of Reinheitsgebot (Rine-HEIGHTS-g(shwaw)-boat), the 1516 German Purity Law which mandates the use of only malt, hops, water and yeast in the brewing process.

The Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group is based in Chattanooga, TN and currently operates 37 restaurants. The flagship Gordon Biersch brand currently includes 27 locations in 18 states, as well as licensee operations in numerous airports and Taiwan. Other branded concepts operated by Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group include Big River Grille & Brewing Works, Bluewater Grille, A1A Ale Works, Seven Bridges Grille, and Ragtime Tavern. Regardless of brand, each operation features fresh, made-from-scratch menu items, freshly brewed beer and a strong service and hospitality culture that illustrates the company’s dedication to providing a unique and exceptional dining experience. The restaurants promote an inviting atmosphere, where attentive and friendly service complement fresh food and extensive beverage offerings.

www.gordonbierschrestaurants.com

Magic Hat Beer Dinner at the Shed

2009-04-17T06:00:00.003-04:00

The Shed at Glenwood is excited to announce it's Magic Hat Beer Dinner on Thursday, May 21st at 7:00pm. Executive Chef Lance Gummere has put together a deliciously innovative menu that is as wacky as the beer! Come enjoy a pint reception and 4 courses of craziness for $40 per person. Craig Maule of Magic Hat will be hosting the event. Make your reservation today!

What's on the menu?

Magic Hat Wacko Summer Ale
"Wacko" Antipasto
Salmon Pastrami
Deviled Quail Egg
Local Goat Cheese
Marinated Artichoke
Bresoala

Stay afterwards and enjoy $2 Pints of Magic Hat #9 and keep the glass! Wear a crazy hat to the event and be entered in a raffle for a $50 gift certificate for your next visit!

The Shed at Glenwood serves dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 4:00-10:00pm, Friday and Saturday until Midnight, and Sunday until 9:00pm. Come enjoy Saturday and Sunday Brunch from 10:00am-3:00pm.

For reservations call 404-835-4363 or visit the website at www.theshedatglenwood.com

HIghland Tap Celebrates 20th Anniversary

2009-04-16T06:00:00.000-04:00

Highland Tap is proud to celebrate its 20th Anniversary with a week long party full of nightly specials and events starting Monday, April 27th through Sunday, May 3rd. To commemorate the special occasion, Executive Chef Bert Chapman will feature different $20 signature dishes as well as $20 wine pairing each evening of that week. Some examples include Baby Back Ribs with Fairvalley Sauvignon Blanc and Petite Filet with Clos Du Bois Marlstone. Beverage specials include a bucket of four Sam Adams high gravity beers, two Grey Goose Vodka or Bulldog Gin Martinis in a shaker priced at $20 each. Plus, Sam Adams Drafts are $2 and guests can keep the pint glass.

Executive Chef Bert Chapman's cutting edge style and unique presentation have been apparent in Highland Tap's kitchen since he took the helm in 2008. He brought his wealth of experience from Bacchanalia where he was Chef de Cuisine. Previous to that appointment, Chapman was Executive Sous Chef at Buckhead Diner and Sous Chef at Pricci.

A local haven since 1989, Highland Tap's award-winning menu features slow roasted prime rib, hand-cut wood grilled steaks and fresh seafood as well as burgers, salads and sandwiches. Additionally, Highland Tap's martini has been voted Best in Atlanta for 20 years. Highland Tap is a timeless venue perfect for any occasion. Nightcap Food Spirits owns Highland Tap along with Fontaine's Oyster House, Vickery's Bar Grill Midtown and Glenwood Park and Steamhouse Lounge in Atlanta as well as two additional Vickery's and Gene's Haufbrau in Charleston, SC.

For more information, visit www.highlandtapatlanta.com

Food Bank Fundraiser Tonight @ Leon's

2009-04-14T11:04:00.002-04:00

It hasn’t taken long for Decatur residents and food lovers across metro Atlanta to embrace Leon’s Full Service, the latest eatery to open in Decatur’s thriving restaurant scene. Perhaps diners are drawn to the sense of community at Leon’s as much as they are to the great pub fare you can find there. A self-described “community-driven restaurant and bar,” Leon’s will stand by that motto when it hosts the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Supper Club on Tuesday, April 14.

Supper Club is a monthly event that allows diners the convenience of enjoying a meal at some of Atlanta’s hottest restaurants while supporting their community. Each month, a different restaurant serves as host, and 20 percent of the evening’s proceeds benefit Atlanta’s Table, the prepared food rescue project of the Food Bank.

Leon’s serves up its Belgian-inspired pub fare in a former gas station on the corner of Church Street and East Ponce de Leon in Downtown Decatur, hence the name Leon’s Full Service. The menu features such Belgian favorites as pub frites with a variety of dipping sauces and “leige” waffles, along with a variety of other starters and snacks including: crispy rabbit tenders with lemon caper relish, and currywurst and grilled local beef frankfurter with madras curry catsup.

If you’re in the mood for a light meal, combine a sandwich or salad with a side or enjoy the full dining experience by choosing from a variety of mains including: niman ranch pork osso bucco with roasted butternut squash, braising greens and Gordon DIPA jus; oven fried all natural Ashley farms ½ chicken with stone ground grits and brown ale-mushroom jus or p.e.i. mussels in witbier and lemongrass broth among other delicious options.

Like its counterpart The Brick Store Pub, Leon’s has a full bar featuring a number of European beers to pair with your meal or enjoy all on their own. Specialty cocktails and a variety of wines are also available.

Leon’s is located at 131 E. Ponce de Leon, Decatur 30030. Open for dinner Sunday through Thursday, 5 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. – 2 a.m. For more information, call 404.687.0500 or visit www.leonsfullservice.com.

Supper Club was created in the late 1990s to celebrate the partnership between Atlanta’s Table and Atlanta’s hospitality community. Atlanta’s Table, a project of the Food Bank, provides approximately 40,000 pounds of prepared food for Atlanta’s hungry each month. With sponsorship from Ethic Inc., Jezebel magazine, TrendCRM and 92.9 dave fm, Atlanta’s Table Supper Club generates funds to ensure continued operations of the project. For more information about Supper Club, visit www.ACFB.org , or contact Daphne Hill at 678.553.5996

The Mercantile Opens Doors for Small Businesses

2009-04-14T06:00:00.007-04:00

Concurrent with The Mercantile's six month anniversary in business, the Candler Park shop is finally popping open the Pinot Noir in celebration of their winning battle. On Monday, March 16th, the Atlanta City Council passed an ordinance that puts specialty food shops, such as the Mercantile, into a special classification of their own so they may acquire a liquor license allowing them to sell wine and beer regardless of a shops proximity to a package store that sells alcohol.

Shop owners, Janea Boyles and Samantha Enzmann, will eternally be known as "that shop" that opened doors of opportunity for fellow and future business owners of Atlanta. Boyles and Enzmann are credited for leading the charge regarding this new addition to the city's ordinances for alcohol licensing. A year long battle consisting of meetings, petitions, community campaigning and good old fashion banding together with other metro Atlanta specialty shop owners sparked the win.

The legislation was authored and sponsored by City Council woman Natalyn Archibong. It was approximately 11 months from the date the legislation was introduced to the date it finally passed. Boyles added, "I sensed that our city council members understood the urgency we small businesses were experiencing and wanted to move forward. I am so grateful to our city
leaders for working so hard on this effort on behalf of small business."

What does this legislation do for small business?
· This is a great step for small business in Atlanta. There were already definitions in the current ordinances allowing larger businesses exceptions but now, the smaller neighborhood shops have the chance to profit and thrive
· The ordinance paved the way to make it easier for specialty shops to open doors in Atlanta. This causes a domino effect - more shops can open in more neighborhoods increasing walkability and improving quality of city life
· Also granted, an allowance for specialty food shops to legally hold wine tastings alongside the specialty wine shops that already enjoyed that privilege in Atlanta. Wine tastings are a crucial part of the fine food and beverage industry and now Atlanta can be entered into the ranks along side other cosmopolitan cities.
· Why is the simple ability to sell wine and beer such a big deal? In the food and beverage industry, alcohol sales of any kind hold the highest profit margin and provide businesses with a revenue stream that profitability is based upon. Additionally, the profit margin on any food and grocery sale is traditionally low and narrow. It is next to impossible to be in the food business without a wine and beer component.

www.TheMercantileAtl.com

Nick Melvin Brings Creole Flare to Inman Park

2009-04-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

Concentrics Restaurants’ Bob Amick and Todd Rushing are proud to announce that New Orleans’ native Nick Melvin has assumed the lead of Executive Chef of PARISH: Foods & Goods. With a passion for food and all things pure and local, nationally acclaimed Chef Nick Melvin will create New Orleans-inspired dishes with modern influences at the Inman Park neighborhood restaurant and market.

Prior to taking the helm at PARISH, Melvin was the executive chef at the Farmhouse at Serenbe, where he created a prix fixe, weekly-changing chef’s choice menu that featured seasonal dishes that incorporated the freshest ingredients from the Serenbe Organic Farms. His approach to local, sustainable and organic farming and cooking was featured nationally in the New York Times and on the Travel Channel, as well as locally in The Atlantan. Melvin began his culinary career with Concentrics Restaurants as a sous chef, working at Murphy’s, Room at TWELVE and TAP.

Melvin graduated from Le Cordon Bleu at Scottsdale Culinary Institute in 2003, during which time he held an externship at Hotel Jerome in Aspen, Colo., and Dickie Brennan’s Steakhouse in New Orleans, La. He perfected his culinary skills while staging with Chef Susan Spicer at New Orleans’ Bayonna and Frank Stitt of Highlands Bar and Grill in Birmingham, Ala. Born and raised in New Orleans, Melvin quickly developed a love and appreciation for the wonderful food of the Crescent City. He spent many afternoons cooking with his mother, who first introduced him to Alice Waters’ principles of using fresh and local ingredients in cooking.

PARISH: Foods & Goods, defined by three concepts including PARISH Restaurant, PARISH Market and PARISH To-Go, boasts simple design and a symmetric scale giving it an elegant approachable feel. The bi-level eatery’s theme and purpose draws on the influences that make New Orleans’ cuisine and culture one of a kind. Located at 240 North Highland Avenue in Atlanta, Ga., PARISH is open seven days a week. For reservations and more information, call 404.681.4434 or visit PARISHatl.com.

Hard Times Hit Harry Bissett's in Buckhead

2009-04-11T06:00:00.005-04:00

A note from Harry Bissett's

Harry Bissett's in Buckhead regrets to inform Atlanta patrons of its recent closing. Due to hard financial times, and the reluctance of people to try new places during times of uncertainty when they rely on familiar comfort food (or less expensive, home-cooked food), the restaurant wasn't able to brave the infamously difficult first few years of business, a difficulty which exists even in times of economic prosperity.

"We wanted to thank everyone who helped us along the way, including our investors, vendors, and excellent staff. And we also wanted to thank our customers for coming in and we hope that they enjoyed our place while it lasted. We would like to especially thank the Buckhead Baseball community and the University of Georgia Alumni Association for being so great to work with.

Lastly, we want to thank Jim and Kim White who own the Harry Bissett's business in Athens. We are most deeply grateful for the opportunity to bring their concept to Atlanta and they have been incredibly supportive and great to work with in our project, even when it did not work out. We hope that you will be sure to frequent their Athens locations when at all possible."

Peasant Bistro Welcomes Executive Chef Hays

2009-04-10T06:00:00.006-04:00

Russell Hays has joined Peasant Bistro as Executive Chef. Located in downtown Atlanta across from Centennial Olympic Park, Peasant Bistro has quickly become a favorite of savvy Atlantans and visitors looking for a chic downtown dining experience. With impressive culinary experience and creativity, Chef Hays will continue to raise the bar on the fine cuisine at Peasant Bistro.

Most recently Sous Chef at Joel restaurant, Buckhead, Chef Hays’ roots in the Atlanta culinary scene run deep. After receiving a degree from the Atlanta School for Culinary Arts, he headed to Paris, France to apprentice at the three-star Michelin restaurant Guy Savoy. After several months there he began his Atlanta career working with the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group at 103 West.

Chef Russell accepted an offer from Brasserie Le Coze in Buckhead where he worked at several stations. After a few years there Russell was lured across the street to the Ritz Carlton-Buckhead by the Executive Pastry Chef Frederic Monti, where he learned the art of a pastry chef as well as being Garde Manger and Banquet kitchen manager. Hays was tapped by Ritz Carlton to be on the opening teams for Ritz Carlton Sarasota and Ritz Carlton Reynolds Plantation.

In 2003 renowned chef Joel Antunes lured him to Joel in Buckhead as Event Chef, and he also oversaw ordering of weekly import shipments from France. After two years at Joel, Hays became Sous Chef at Murphys and was on the opening team of Trois, two Concentrics restaurants. He then returned to Joel as Sous Chef.

The experience Chef Hays brings to the Peasant Bistro as Executive Chef will assure long time followers and newcomers to Atlanta the quality, originality and fine cuisine that the Peasant Group signifies.

Peasant Bistro is located at 250 Park Avenue West cross from Centennial Park and is open daily for lunch and dinner. For reservations, call 404-230-1724 or visit www.peasantatl.com

Danneman's Offers "Chai of Relief"

2009-04-10T06:00:00.004-04:00

Wave goodbye to that looming cloud of tax misery, and get a "Chai of Relief" at Danneman's coffee shop in the Old Fourth Ward on Tax Day- Wednesday, April 15. The lovely folks at Danneman's are offering all customers $1.00 off of any size Chai Tea all day long. Because, let's face it, we all need to relax!

Open daily and a free WiFi hotspot, Danneman's serves locally roasted coffee, freshly baked breads and breakfast foods, a selection of sandwiches and salads, and a variety of other tasty treats. With a spacious 1,100 square-foot second floor that overlooks the corner of Boulevard and Edgewood Ave., Danneman's also hosts an array of events and art openings, modern dance classes, Tango milonga's, open-mic nights, DJs, live music and much more! The second floor is also available to rent for special events and private parties.

www.dannemans.com

The Flying Buscuit Comes to Sandy Springs

2009-04-08T06:00:00.004-04:00

Raving Brands announced the opening of its first Sandy Springs location of The Flying Biscuit Cafe at 5975 Roswell Rd, Suite G-25 in on Monday, March 23, 2009. Currently with six Metro Atlanta locations, the eclectic neighborhood restaurant is an Atlanta institution nationally recognized for its natural, hip cuisine and charming atmosphere.

Local franchisee Barbara Juhan is pleased to bring the renowned restaurant to Sandy Springs. "We expect the combination of quality food for breakfast, lunch and dinner with the unique character of The Flying Biscuit to be a welcome addition to the Sandy Springs dining scene," says Juhan.

Since its opening in 1993, the Flying Biscuit has become known for its non-stop breakfast menu featuring The High Flyer, the Smoked Salmon Scrambler and Egg-Ceptional Eggs as well as popular lunch and dinner favorites – Turkey Meatloaf & Pudge, Love Cakes, Vegan Southern Style Burrito and Fried Egg Salad to name a few. All dishes are accompanied by fresh, fluffy biscuits.

Flying Biscuit’s Founder and Chef Delia Champion, enthusiast and caregiver of food, believes she offers consumers a little “taste of heaven.” Champion plays an integral role in the franchising of the Flying Biscuit Cafe, a concept that draws travelers, personalities and the music elite thanks in part to the Atlanta music scene’s adoption of the Flying Biscuit as a local gathering spot.

The Flying Biscuit Cafe in Sandy Springs is located at 5975 Roswell Rd, Suite G-25 in Sandy Springs. Operating hours are 7:00 a.m. – 10 p.m., seven days a week.

For more information on The Flying Biscuit Cafe, call (404) 252-1182 or visit www.flyingbiscuit.com

Paces 88 to Open at St. Regis Atlanta

2009-04-06T06:00:00.003-04:00

The St. Regis Atlanta proudly announces the opening of its signature restaurant, Paces 88. Providing a fresh approach to dining, Paces 88 offers guests traditional comfort and inviting
cuisine prepared by an uncompromising culinary staff. Located inside The St. Regis Atlanta at Eighty-Eight West Paces Ferry Road, the restaurant offers tailored American dishes with distinctive local influences at one of the best addresses in the world.

The menu at Paces 88 aims to transport diners to the familiarity of American traditional fare with a personal touch of innovation. Inspired by the exceptional tastes of Chef de Cuisine Mark Alba, Paces 88 is a local interpretation of a global bistro. Each dish features simple components, allowing the flavor essence to fully emerge, and creativity appears in the form of imaginative pairings and unique presentations.

Serving freshly-harvested ingredients paired with global elements, the menu will focus on seasonality and flavor. Paces 88 partners with vendors who share a commitment for exacting care in production methods, a philosophy of maintaining authentic flavors and a desire to deliver pure ingredients from source to table. While the selections at Paces 88 evolve with the seasons, the restaurant always offers an assortment of salads, fresh fish, meats and delectable desserts.

As a refreshing start to the day, diners can enjoy a mélange of traditional breakfast favorites with new inspiration. Menu items include Norwegian Smoked Salmon Panini with vine-ripened tomato and avocado, Skillet-crisp Georgian Trout with shirred eggs, pork belly cracklings and roasted pear compote, Mini Buckwheat and Cottage Cheese Flapjacks with fresh berry salad and warm Vermont syrup, Rosti Potato Cake with poached organic egg, maple-cured and smoked local pork loin with tarragon olive oil and Osetra caviar. In addition to mimosas and herbal teas, diners can sample freshly-squeezed juices and French-pressed coffee, espresso, lattes, and cappuccino. Guests can also enjoy Atlanta’s signature White Peach Bellini or the West Paces Mary, which are longstanding St. Regis traditions. Breakfast is served Monday to Friday, 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. and Saturday to Sunday, 7 to 11 a.m.

Ideally located to serve Buckhead’s finest businesses, lunch at Paces 88 creates an upscale atmosphere with the familiarity of traditional favorites. Entrées include reinterpreted dishes such as the SRA Beef Burger with cage-aged cheddar cheese, thousand island, pickled green tomatoes and truffle parmesan fries, Shrimp & Grits with duck confit, shrimp organic grits, wild mushroom stew and cabernet reduction, and a BBQ Pork Rib Sandwich on toasted potato bread with pickled Vidalia onion, pecans and slaw. The menu also features oven-warm breads and rolls, soups, appetizers, salads, pastas and legendary desserts, including dessert sharing plates. Hand-selected iced teas are the perfect completion to a flawless lunch experience. Lunch is available 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. seven days a week.

Paces 88 features a sophisticated menu that includes Tart of Sweet Grass Dairy Goat Cheese with caramelized onion, oven-dried tomatoes, wild arugula and truffle vinaigrette and Beef Short Ribs with shallot marmalade and port wine sauce. Sumptuous desserts such as Meyer Lemon Soufflé with ginger crème angalise and assorted cookies complete diners’ tailored experiences. Dinner is served at Paces 88 Sunday to Thursday, 6 to 10 p.m. and Friday to Saturday, 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

www.starwoodhotels.com

Cinco De Mayo at Uncle Julio's

2009-04-05T06:00:00.001-04:00

Uncle Julio's Casa Grande is giving Atlantans a great place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year. From the restaurant's electric atmosphere to the array of mouth-watering margaritas, Uncle Julio's makes this Mexican holiday unforgettable!

Diners can dig into Uncle Julio's authentic border-style dishes like smoky grilled fajitas, sizzling shrimp brochettes and marinated grilled quail. Uncle Julio's also packs the full flavor of freshly picked ingredients in their delicious roasted vegetables and spicy salsa. For those looking to
sip the night away, guests can take a seat at the bar and quench their thirst with Uncle Julio's signature Swirl (frozen margarita swirled with frozen sangria) or choose from more than 15 different tequila options to make their own Cinco de Mayo margarita. Uncle Julio's also offers an array of imported Mexican beers, the perfect accompaniment to all of their savory selections. As always, patrons may opt to have their Mexican holiday meal alfresco by sitting on Uncle Julio's pleasant patio.

For festive surroundings, an attentive wait staff and lively music, Uncle Julio's Casa Grande is the place to go this Cinco de Mayo. The restaurant is located at 1860 Peachtree Road North West. For more information call, 404-350-6767.

Pacci Ristorante Set to Open in May

2009-04-04T06:00:00.002-04:00

Pacci Ristorante is a Piemontese-style steakhouse that will offer the flavors and timeless elegance of Northern Italy amidst the bustling backdrop of Midtown Atlanta's stylish, urban surroundings. The restaurant is set to open in May, and will be adjacent to Hotel Palomar in Midtown. They will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner featuring robust dishes inspired by the rustic fare of Italy and created by Executive Chef Keira Moritz, formerly of Puccini & Pinetti in San Francisco.

This will be a homecoming for Moritz, who grew up in Georgia. Her menu of fresh, seasonal Italian cuisine and traditional steakhouse classics, combined with the majestic interior décor
created by The Puccini Group, will attract Midtown residents, businesspeople and travelers alike.

Moritz's menu at Pacci will be comprised of seasonal Italian cuisine alongside traditional steakhouse classics. Examples from Moritz's menu include Piemonte-style steak tartare, house-made ravioli with spicy lobster sauce and classic, house-aged beef steaks rubbed with a perfect blend of sea-salt, black pepper and fresh rosemary.

Guests may choose from an ample Antipasto selection such as basil cured tuna with potato caponata and Ligurian olives or an arugula salad with toasted almonds and Pecorino Siciliano croutons. The Pasta e Risotto section of the menu will feature a tempting assortment of house made or fresh pastas and flatbreads.

Entrée options include rustic Italian-inspired dishes such as duck confit with corona beans and dried fruit; flat iron steak with tomato-olive vinaigrette; and Bistecca Fiorentina, a classic Florentine porterhouse carved tableside. Breakfast, lunch and dinner price points are $14, $17 and $45 respectively.

Pacci will also feature an extensive wine list and an innovative cocktail menu, and the restaurant's bar area will offer guests another spot to enjoy small, shareable plates.

Pacci Ristorante is located at 866 West Peachtree Street NW, adjacent to Hotel Palomar in Midtown. The restaurant will serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; lunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and dinner is served from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The bar is open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reservations are accepted, and complimentary valet is available at the hotel. For more information about Pacci, call 678-412-2402 or visit www.pacciatlanta.com

Ron Eyester, New Owner of Food 101

2009-04-03T06:00:00.000-04:00

Food 101 Morningside's long-standing chef and partner, Ron Eyester, has purchased the neighborhood hotspot from current owners, 101 Concepts, and plans to reintroduce the restaurant as his own.

After working on a detailed business plan, securing financing and arranging a deal with 101 Concepts for the better part of a year, Eyester was able to sign the closing papers on March 3, 2009. Now, despite the tough economic forecasting for the restaurant industry, Eyester is taking over the reins and looking forward to continuing the successful restaurant's legacy.

Fans of Food 101 Morningside will be relieved to know that the heart and soul of Food 101 won't be changing. As chef of the restaurant since day one, Eyester has a great respect and knowledge of the space and what makes it unique. Understanding the history of the restaurant will allow Eyester the chance to turn a corner and avoid becoming stagnant without losing any of the qualities that make Food 101 Morningside a neighborhood favorite.

Eyester's dedication to local and regional suppliers remains unwavering and his commitment to cooking with the seasons has been reinforced since his progression to restaurant ownership. The menu of Food 101 Morningside has always been under Eyester's creative control so neighborhood favorites like Springer Mountain fried chicken, Riverview Farms pork ravioli and Wild Georgia shrimp and grits won't be going anywhere. Instead, diners will see a streamlined menu that continues to offer old favorites alongside a few new stars.

With a passion for music second only to his cooking, Eyester plans to continue offering musically-themed dinners more often than ever. Past successful dinners have included a tribute to Johnny Cash, James Brown and The Allman Brothers. Of course, the first dinner Eyester plans to offer as owner is an extended version of his annual Jerry Garcia dinner in late summer 2009.

Eyester is happy to retain his full staff as well as add some new faces to the team. Jason Chenette, Food 101's longtime bar manager, is being promoted to restaurant manager. Jeff Jackson will step in as bar manager and in-house mixologist, and Meryl Arnett will join the team as director of PR and private event coordinator.

Chef Eyester and his staff look forward to announcing the new name and inviting regulars as well as newcomers to the restaurant over the next few months to experience for themselves a renewed commitment to the restaurant, its farmers and its community.

For more information regarding hours of operation, menu details and location, call 404-347-9747 or, visit www.food101morningside.com.

Glenwood Farmer's Market Opens April 4

2009-04-02T06:00:00.001-04:00

Come join the community at Glenwood Park for its weekly All Weather Farmer's Market. Every Saturday from 10:00a.m. - 2:00p.m. and Sunday Noon - 4.00p.m. starting April 4th and 5th, rain or shine!

On a fine spring day, find the market in Brasfield Square, but on sweltering summer days or if it's raining, we will be keeping cool in our Air Conditioned space at 890 Bill Kennedy Way. Regular Vendors include Antico Mercante Artisan Cheeses, Johnston Farm Milk, Via Elisa Pasta, Hope's Pesto, Zio Micu's Garden, Yummy Spoonfuls Organic Baby Food, and Sweet Auburn Bread.

The Market will also host weekly feature events with activities for children, live music and a visit from the Easter Bunny on Saturday, April 11th.

Visit the Market Blog www.gpfm.blogspot.com for upcoming information on the markets as they approach. Also receive 15% discounts at all Glenwood Park Restaurants with a purchase from the Farmer's Market.

Morningside Market Chef Demos

2009-04-01T06:00:00.002-04:00

The Morningside Farmers' Market runs year round from 7:30 to 11:30AM. The Market features certified organic produce from Georgia Farms and features Chef Demos beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by tastings.

The demonstrations begin in April:

APRIL 4
RON EYESTER
FOOD 101

APRIL 11
BRETT BUSH
YOUNG CHEFS ACADEMY

APRIL 18
DAVID SWEENEY
DYNAMIC DISH

APRIL 25
BILL HOGAN
DANTANN'S

For more information about the market, visit www.morningsidemarket.com

Special Dinner at Dogwood

2009-04-01T06:00:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday, April 14, Executive Chef and Co-Owner Shane Touhy of Dogwood gives Atlantans
a sneak preview of the meal he'll be preparing at the James Beard House later that week in New York City. On this day, Dogwood is offering Touhy's full menu paired with Swanson Vineyards wines for the fixed price cost of $95 per person plus tax and gratuity.

At Dogwood, guests will savor a unique menu of American style dishes that reveal regional influences and showcase local products, and Touhy's seasonal selections for the James Beard House Supper with Swanson Vineyards uncover a similarly elegant approach to Southern cuisine.

The four course meal will feature cornmeal dusted oyster, pan seared Georgia mountain trout, sunchoke puree, marinated wild mushroom salad, charred rare venison tartare and brown butter-almond financière and crème brûlée ice cream with Grand Marnier-strawberry syrup paired with Swanson Luminous Gewürztraminer Ice

Guests must call (404) 835-1410 to reserve a table for Tuesday, April 14. For diners who wish to order the special James Beard House menu at Dogwood, all guests at their table must also order the same menu.

Dogwood is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and dinner Tuesday through Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The restaurant can also be reserved for special events. Valet parking is available and all major credit cards are accepted. Dogwood is located in the Reynolds condominium building at 565 Peachtree Street, Suite A. For more information, call 404-835-1410 or visit
www.dogwoodrestaurant.com.

Piece of Cake Anywhere in the Country

2009-03-30T06:00:00.003-04:00

Piece of Cake has been whipping up its mouth-watering layer cakes for more than two decades. But until now these made-from-scratch cakes have only been available at the bakery's two Atlanta locations and through metro-Atlanta delivery. This month, Piece of Cake begins shipping its famous layer cakes anywhere in the United States.

The layer cakes are shipped via UPS in the company's specially designed packaging. Cakes are usually delivered between one and two days. Piece of Cake is shipping its nine-inch, three-layer cakes for $32.50 (delivery is extra). Cakes come in eight tantalizing flavors including moist carrot cake with cream cheese walnut frosting, really red velvet cake with cream cheese frosting, and one of the company's most popular choices, wonderful white chocolate with cream cheese pecan frosting.

Customers can also try one of the "Cake of the Month" specials such as pineapple layer cake (available March-April), strawberry cake (June-August) and decadent peanut butter cake (September-October).

Order at (800) 9-CAKE-90, (404) 351-CAKE, or at www.pieceofcakeinc.com

Lunch Returns at Justin's

2009-03-30T06:00:00.002-04:00

Justin's Restaurant has reopened for weekday lunch service. Chef Jahleel Lambre's refreshed lunch menu will please patrons and meet the time constraints of busy weekday lunches, ensuring a timely meal.

Offering a full menu of both light and hearty options, Justin's latest lunch menu features a full range of appetizers, sandwiches, wraps, burgers, salads, soups and gumbos for an approachable price point.

"We wanted to create a menu that would appeal to everyone and bring back the true businessman's lunch. With an inexpensive price point and fresh take on lunch, Justin's should make lunch an easy option for Atlantans," says Solomon Fornie, Justin's General Manager.

For additional information or reservations call (404) 603-5353 or visit, www.justinsrestaurant.com

The Nook at Piedmont Park Now Open

2009-03-28T06:00:00.001-04:00

Partners Adam Gajadharsingh, Gabriel Greenberg and David Duley have joined forces to transform the former Prince of Wales space on Piedmont Avenue in Midtown into The Nook, at Piedmont Park. On March 20th, the first day of spring, The Nook will open to the public at 5 p.m. to offer Atlanta residents, Midtown businesspeople and Piedmont Park-goers a new and reliable gathering spot for lunch, brunch, dinner or drinks.

As longtime friends and fellow Emory University alumni, Gajadharsingh, Greenberg and Duley decided to start from scratch to achieve their vision for The Nook by completely gutting the restaurant that was formerly in place, installing, among other things, new electrical, plumbing
and woodwork for their tavern. The Nook features hand-made glass accordion doors that create an open line of sight from the tavern to the park and allow guests to walk from the restaurant onto the patio, which is covered by a brand new cedar trellis. The restaurant seats up to 150 guests between the dining room, bar and patio areas.

The Nook's owners believe it is important for restaurateurs to make environmentally responsible decisions, and their tavern has several green elements. In addition to much of the restaurant's woodwork coming from reclaimed wood, the kitchen has computer screens behind the line instead of the machine that prints out paper ticket orders, enabling the cooks to see each food order that comes in without producing any paper waste. The Nook is also the first restaurant in the city to install Dyson Air Blade hand dryers in the restrooms, which reduce paper waste and use, on average, only $30 worth of energy per year.

The Nook is a food-driven establishment with a menu featuring upscale tavern fare. Menu items range in price from $5.99 to $17. And, in addition to a full liquor and wine selection, The Nook's large bar offers 12 beers on tap with an additional 18 bottled beers. The affordable wine list contains three price tiers for wines by the glass: $6, $8 and $10. There will also be a specialty cocktail list.

Guests can also look forward to "Picnook Basket" options at The Nook in the coming months as the restaurant offers prepared picnic meals on weekends for guests to order and pick up for gatherings at Piedmont Park.

The Nook is located at 1144 Piedmont Avenue in Midtown. The restaurant will serve lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Operating hours are 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Thursday; 11a.m. to 2:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 11a.m. to Midnight on Sunday. The Nook only accepts reservations for large parties. Complimentary valet is available during dinner hours. For more information about The Nook, call 404-745-9222.

Mennie Named Chef at Livingston

2009-03-26T10:45:00.000-04:00

Fremont Realty Capital, in partnership with Puccini Group, announced that celebrated Chef Gary Mennie will serve as executive chef at Livingston, the new restaurant to open across the street from The Fox Theatre in April. An award-winning veteran of the Atlanta culinary scene, Mennie was selected for his extensive background in fine dining and his passion for preparing exceptional cuisine. These assets will be integral in introducing Atlantans to the vibrant atmosphere and high quality fare to be offered at Livingston.

Previous to his work at Livingston, Mennie received high accolades as the owner and executive chef at Taurus. He began his acclaimed Atlanta tenure with the opening of Canoe, garnering a Mobil Four Star rating as executive chef. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, Mennie has worked under some of the best chefs in the world, including French Master Chef Maxime Ribera, Chef Jean Francoise Meteinger, Chef Wolfgang Puck and Chef Gunter Seeger.

30 Tables to open at Glenn Hotel

2009-03-24T10:25:00.003-04:00

Concentrics Restaurants, in partnership with Gemstone Hotels & Resorts and Legacy Property Group, will soon debut 30 Tables. Located in the Glenn Hotel, the restaurant will present American Contemporary Cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as manage room service for hotel guests. The planning efforts for the street-level restaurant space are well underway, and the restaurant’s official launch is scheduled for late April 2009. In the meantime, the Glenn’s upstairs meeting space will serve as an interim dining room, serving a limited menu for all meal periods, ensuring that dining service for hotel guests and outside diners will not be interrupted.

30 Tables will be Concentrics’ second restaurant in the Luckie Marietta District, which has sprung from the streets to revitalize and connect an in-town urban experience with easy, accessible entertainment, hotel and dining offerings to fit all tastes and within walking distance. “Concentrics and Legacy have a long-standing successful partnership that I am eager to continue, as the Luckie Marietta District offers even more reasons for Atlantans and visitors to live, work and simply spend time in this section of downtown,” said David Marvin, founder of Legacy Property Group. “The Glenn is beginning a new chapter with Concentrics at the forefront, creating a beautiful restaurant, functional meeting space and a captivating rooftop which will soon be utilized and enjoyed to its full potential.”

Acclaimed design and architecture firm ASD will adorn the restaurant with rich wood, leather and earth tones. The space will be comprised of 30 tables for diners to savor classic American fare tinged with unique, seasonal ingredients and bold, yet familiar, flavors. At 30 Tables, Chef Daniel Chance, formerly of TWO urban licks, will shed light on how simplicity can lead to the spectacular. The restaurant will seat approximately 100 people, while the second floor will offer a private event and meeting space. Concentrics Restaurants is also revamping the Glenn’s signature rooftop space, named 11 Stories, which is slated to relaunch in April, as well.

"Concentrics Restaurants is excited to expand our already burgeoning Atlanta presence with restaurants such as ONE. midtown kitchen in Midtown, Murphy’s in Virginia Highland and PARISH in Inman Park, to name a few,” said Concentrics Restaurants’ owner and founder Bob Amick. “We currently have a successful partnership with Legacy Property Group via STATS restaurant, and our newest venture with Gemstone Hotels & Resorts and Legacy is already proving to be a creative collaborative effort. We are thrilled to bring a new exciting Concentrics Restaurants concept to the Glenn Hotel."

www.concentricsrestaurants.com

Flavors of Atlanta Fundraiser, April 22

2009-03-24T06:00:00.001-04:00

Mark your calendars for Wednesday, April 22, as the American Liver Foundation, Georgia Chapter, hosts its 11th annual Flavors of Atlanta event at Foundry at Puritan Mill. This year’s theme will allow diners to travel a gastronomic globe as 23 of Atlanta’s most celebrated chefs prepare a four-course culinary feast featuring their signature cuisine, each cooking as a private chef for a table of 10. In addition to the memorable dining experience, those in attendance can enjoy a cocktail reception and a culinary auction.

All proceeds will benefit the Georgia Chapter of the American Liver Foundation, and sponsorships for a tables of 10 and VIP tickets are available.

Tickets are still available for $250 a person. For tickets, please contact the Georgia Chapter of The American Liver Foundation at 404.633.9169 or visit www.liverfoundation.org/chapters/georgia.

Flavors of Atlanta is the signature fundraising event for American Liver Foundation chapters across the country.

Cacoa Launches In Atlanta

2009-03-22T06:00:00.004-04:00

Cacao is thrilled to introduce the exclusive Cacao bean-to-bar line of chocolates at their April 1 launch reception which will take place at Cacao's chocolate boutique and laboratoire at 312 C North Highland Ave (across from Fritti and The Grape). This initial local launch will ultimately lead to the final destination of the Love Bar in 2010.

Kristen Hard, Master Chocolatier and Proprietor of Cacao, will join a select cadre of American bean-to-bar chocolate makers who are sourcing their own cocoa beans and utilizing specialized equipment and knowledge to guide them through the process.

Few may know the real difference between a chocolatier and a chocolate maker. A chocolatier is someone who makes chocolate from couverture, pure solid chocolate most often bought from a different producer. Very few chocolatiers make their own chocolate. A chocolate maker is someone that buys and roasts cocoa beans and grinds them into chocolate.

Cacao will join the distinguished list of less than twenty large and small -scale chocolate makers in the United States and will be the first producer in the Southeast.

Each bar will have its own certificate of authenticity with the origin of the cocoa bean and the date of production.

Cacoa Atlanta is open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. For more information about the launch party or their hand-made chocolate line, call (404) 221-2626 or visit their website www.cacaoatlanta.com

Hop City Craft Beer and Wine Opening Party

2009-03-20T06:00:00.002-04:00

Hop City Craft Beer & Wine, Atlanta's first craft beer and wine store, is hosting a Grand Opening party on April 2 from 6-9 pm at 5 Seasons Westside on Marietta Street. The party will feature nearly 10 national and local brewers who will debut seasonal beers and answer questions from guests about any beer topic, including home brewing.

The party will include free beer samples and free food, live music, and giveaways. The event is open to the public. For more information, go to www.hopcitybeer.com

The Tasting set for April 2

2009-03-19T11:29:00.002-04:00

Wine and food mix for The Tasting, the annual fundraiser for The Zimmerman-Horowitz Independent Living Program that enables people with disabilities to choose creative living options. There will be a selection of wine and scotches to sample, along with food from 103 West, Area, AJA, Rathbun's, Serpa's and a silent auction. Tickets are available online for the April 2 event at www.thetasting.org.

Atlanta's Taste of the Nation

2009-03-18T06:00:00.001-04:00

More than 50 top chefs from the Atlanta area will participate in Share Our Strength's Taste of the Nation Atlanta, locally presented by Pulte Homes, on Wednesday, May 6, at the Georgia Aquarium. Celebrating its 21st anniversary, Taste of the Nation is applauded as the first-ever culinary benefit in the nation and a model for successful fundraisers throughout the country. One of many Taste of the Nation events held across the nation, the Atlanta event has raised more than $6 million since its inception and furthers Share Our Strength's dedication to ending childhood hunger in America.

This gourmet food and wine event will feature specialty food samplings, live, silent and beverage auctions, wine tastings and live entertainment.

Pano Karatassos, founder of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, started Atlanta's Taste of the Nation event in 1988 and has chaired the event each year since. He will also be joined this year by George McKerrow, President/CEO of Ted's Montana Grill, Laurent Tourondel, executive chef and partner of BLT Restaurants, will serve as honorary chef. Music icon Kenny Rogers and his wife Wanda will serve as honorary chairpersons.

In addition to sampling elegant food and wine, guests also will enjoy live entertainment. A live auction will feature a variety of items, including chef dinners, a pig roast for 50 people and a trip to South Beach in Miami including a hotel stay at The Mandarin Hotel in Miami Beach and dinner for two to Asia De Cuba and dinner for two at The Blue Door at The Delano Hotel. Sponsored by Bloomingdale's, the silent auction will feature unique wines, spa packages and other luxurious items.

Taste of the Nation is nationally sponsored by American Express, Sysco, Food Network, Brown-Forman and S.Pellegrino Sparkling Natural Mineral Water. Taste of the Nation Atlanta is locally presented by Pulte Homes. One hundred percent of ticket sales help ensure no kid in America grows up hungry.

Tickets for Taste of the Nation Atlanta cost $250 per person for General Admission and $350 per person for VIP Admission. A VIP reception begins at 6:30 p.m. with general admission to the event beginning at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.atlantataste.org or by calling 770.436.5151.

Alon's Presents Their 2009 Passover Menu

2009-03-16T06:00:00.003-04:00

Early April will be here soon bringing with it Passover 2009, seven of the most important days on the Jewish calendar. Since food is such a central element of this festival, you might be interested to know how one of Atlanta's best chefs prepares a menu for its observance.

Alon's Bakery & Market offers Atlanta a kosher option with its extensive special Passover menu. Leave it to Alon Balshan, a native of Israel who has been introducing authentic flavors to the palates of Atlantans for more than 15 years, create a properly prepared bounty. Mouthwatering appetizers followed by impressive main dishes, delicious sides and flourless desserts made with matzah and cake meal from Atlanta's gourmet destination fit the Passover dinner profile.

Proving that traditional and delectable are not mutually exclusive terms, Balshan creates feasts that are both unleavened and irresistible with several of the classic ingredients that symbolize the most important points of Passover including matzo, lamb, apple mixtures and red wine.

Alon's Passover menu can be found on their website www.alons.com and the last day to place an order will be Monday, April 6. Orders will be available for pick up on Wednesday, April 8.

Ted's Montana Grill Real Deal Options

2009-03-14T06:00:00.001-04:00

The Ted's Montana Grill "Real Deal," a three-course meal at a great price, has been satisfying cravings for classic American food so well that the restaurant company now features two separate Real Deal menus, one for lunch and one for dinner. The Real Deal was first introduced in Ted's Montana Grill restaurants last November. In the current economic climate, The Real Deal lunch menu is tasty and affordable, priced at $12-$13 per person.

Ted's Montana Grill was co-founded in 2002 by George McKerrow Jr. and Ted Turner, the media entrepreneur, environmentalist and philanthropist. Authenticity is a way of life at Ted's from the freshest quality food cooked to order, to a relaxed dining ambiance that evokes the feeling of being in a turn-of-the-century Montana grill and bar.

For more information, visit www.tedsmontanagrill.com

Home Restaurant Chef Hosts Cooking Class for Charity

2009-03-13T06:00:00.001-04:00

Chef Toledo of Home Restaurant and Bar will instruct a cooking class March 16 to benefit Atlanta's Table, an ongoing series of Atlanta Community Food Bank. The Simple Abundance Cooking class will feature fresh farm to table ingredients; with the help of Chef Toledo, guests will learn how to bring the same cuisine to their kitchen tables.

The course will demonstrate how to prepare crab cakes with brussel sprout slaw, duck breast with roasted parsnips and banana cotta with vanilla wafers. The evening also includes wine tastes sponsored by Sherlock's Wine Merchant and a chance to win tasty door prizes provided by Atlanta Beverage, Bella Cucina Artful Foods, Cabot Cheese and Via Elisa Authentic Fresh Pasta.

The course will take place Monday, March 16, from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Cook's Warehouse Brookhaven. The cost per person is $55, and 100% of the proceeds go to support Atlanta's Table, the prepared food rescue project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

For more information, call (404) 892-3333, ext. 1444 or register online for this class at www.acfb.org/events/simple_abundance

Dance Jig, Get Free Coffee

2009-03-12T11:05:00.000-04:00

Danneman’s coffee shop in the Old Fourth Ward is rewarding customers for showing off their Irish spirit this St. Patrick’s Day: anyone brave enough to do an Irish jig upon placing their order on Tuesday, March 17 will get a free medium cup of regular coffee! For the more timid consumer, all green tea will be offered at 50% off the regular price, to celebrate St. Patty’s Day and Danneman’s new loose-leaf tea selections. Favorite green tea options include the City Harvest Green (green tea with jasmine and apple), Mao Jian (Chinese green tea), and Fiji (organic green tea with pineapple and papaya). 466 Edgewood Ave. www.dannemans.com

St. Regis Atlanta Names Jerusalmy Executive Chef

2009-03-12T06:00:00.000-04:00

St. Regis Hotels & Resorts announced that Jonathan Jerusalmy as Executive Chef for the new St. Regis Atlanta. Jerusalmy brings 16 years of experience, including a recent tenure with The St. Regis Resort, Monarch Beach. St. Regis Atlanta will debut in the spring of this year.

Prior to joining St. Regis, Jerusalmy served as the Executive Banquet Chef and Executive Sous Chef at the Loews Miami Beach Hotel in Florida, where he acquired experience in menu development, event leadership and staff training.

As Executive Chef, Jerusalmy will design menus with seasonal ingredients to invent epicurean delights that will transform every meal into a memorable occasion. He will also establish relationships with local purveyors who are dedicated to organic and natural farming methods.

Committed to using only the finest local and artisan ingredients, The St. Regis Atlanta will feature a range of organic and exotic offerings, including Kobe beef and black truffles. Jerusalmy will also be responsible for training the hand-selected staff and Catering Specialists to ensure performances consistent with The St. Regis tradition. He will collaborate with The St. Regis Executive Pastry Chef and Sommelier to seamlessly incorporate their talents into The St. Regis dining experience.

For more information, please call (404) 563-7900 or visit www.stregis.com/atlanta

Hop City Beer and Wine Opens in Midtown

2009-03-10T06:00:00.004-04:00

Atlanta’s first craft beer store will open April 2 in the revitalized West Midtown area. Hop City Craft Beer & Wine carries nearly 1,000 unique beer brands, including hard-to-find craft beer, and more than 600 varieties of wine. The store also offers home brewing books, ingredients and equipment; Hop City-branded merchandise, drink and stemware; and gift packaging for both wine and beer purchases.

Hop City is located in the Brickworks on Marietta Street near the intersection of Howell Mill Rd. and is the latest opening in the city’s revitalized West Midtown area. The area includes restaurants like Food Studio and 5 Seasons Westside, coffee shops such as Octane, art galleries, and other popular retail.

The store opens at a time when craft beer sales are growing. While overall beer sales have been flat in the United States over the past decade, the craft beer industry has grown 12 percent per year, on average. In 2000, there were fewer than 800 microbreweries in the United States. In 2007 there were 463, including three in the Atlanta area (Sweetwater, Atlanta Brewing Company and Terrapin Brewing). In 2007, craft beer sales totaled $5.7 billion and accounted for 5.9% of the total domestic beer sales.

To celebrate its launch, Hop City is hosting a Grand Opening party next door to the store at 5 Seasons Westside on Thursday, April 2, from 6-9 pm. More than 10 national and local brewers are slated to be on-hand to debut their seasonal beers or to talk to guests about their beer and home-brewing questions.

For more information about Hop City Craft Beer & Wine, please visit www.hopcitybeer.com