OCTOBER 2011 ISSUE

October 2011 Issue

TASTES, TRENDS & FLAVORS

'Best Late Night Finds' and '50 

Fit For Foodies' list local eateries

San Francisco-based OpenTable, the online restaurant reservation system, has compiled a ‘Best Late Night Finds of 2011’ list as part of the annual Diners’ Choice awards.  The service polled nearly 10 million of its users to create the list of the country’s 50 best restaurants for after-hours eats.  Those making the list in Atlanta include Cafe Circa on Edgewood Avenue, Hobnob Neighborhood Tavern on Piedmont Avenue, Loca Luna on Amsterdam Avenue and Shout in Midtown...  On another OpenTable list, ‘50 Restaurants Fit for Foodies,’ Anne Quatrano and Clifford Harrison’s two-year-old  Abattoir restaurant on Howell Mill Road, was the only Atlanta eatery to make the list among other notable restaurants across the country. “We’re very honored to receive this award and to represent Atlanta on this list,” says Josh Hopkins, executive chef and partner of Abattoir. “We’re happy and appreciative of OpenTable and the diners who voted because we, too, are big fans of many of the restaurants on the list, such as Fig, Ad Hoc and Gather.”...  The Eatocracy blog over at CNN recently ran Kate Krader’s (Food & Wine’s restaurant editor) suggestions on finding burgers across the country and Atlanta’s FLIP Burger Boutique made the cut. Here’s what Krader had to say: “Among the less conventional toppings that ‘Top Chef All-Stars’ winner Richard Blais puts on the burgers at his Flip chain in Atlanta and Birmingham: Swiss cheese foam; seared foie gras; Coca-Cola ketchup. (Not all on the same patty.) Then there’s the steak tartare burger, a mix of hand-chopped filet mignon with garlic, chilis, pickled shallot, smoked mayonnaise and a 6-minute egg.”... Wine Spectator magazine has recognized Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Dunwoody with its ‘Awards of Excellence.’   “Wine is a huge part of the Fleming’s dining experience, and we strive to make recommending or selecting a wine for dinner easy and fun.  Our progressive lists are organized first by grape varietal, then by flavor intensity within that type.  This gives our guests a road map for making their selections,” says Fleming’s Director of Wine Maeve Pesquera... The next season of Bravo’s ‘Top Chef’ is set to premier in November (this season is set in Texas) and two of Georgia’s chefs will be vying for the title.  Chef Janine Falvo, representing Briza in the Marriott Midtown and chef Whitney Otawka from the Greyfield Inn on Cumberland Island.  Otawka has worked previously at Hugh Acheson’s Five & Ten in Athens and Atlanta’s Restaurant Eugene and Holeman & Finch.  She was also named one of the ‘Atlanta chefs to watch in 2011’ by Besha Rodell of Creative Loafing. Chef/owner Hugh Acheson will also be making an appearance this season on Top Chef -- at the judges table... Executive chef/partner Kevin Gillespie from Woodfire Grill recently lent his voice to a character based on himself on an episode of the Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim show, ‘Squidbillies.’  We gotta hand it to him; it’s a novel way to take an apron break. (Image courtesy of Adult Swim)

Happenings...

With strong drinks, loud music and a continuous party, The Family Dog on N. Highland Avenue offers more than a typical neighborhood bar. Combining passion for food and drink with the love of music, chef Ron Eyester offers guests live music and good times every weekend. On Saturday,  Oct. 1 ~  Charlie Wooton Project; Oct. 2 ~  Mike Geier Trio; Oct. 6 ~ Frankie’s Blue Mission; Oct. 8 ~ Deep Blue Sun; Oct. 13 ~ McNary; Oct. 15 ~ The Barry Richman Band; Oct. 16 ~ The Jacob Deaton Quintet; Oct. 20 ~ Drop; Oct 22 ~ The Amazing Mongooses; Oct. 23 ~ Joe Gransden Trio; Oct. 27 ~ CC Booker III feat. Will Scruggs; Oct. 29 ~ DJ; and Oct. 30 ~ Gwen Hughes Quartet. For more info, visit www.thefamilydogatlanta.com or call 404.249.0180.

•Oktoberfest takes over the Luckie Marietta District this fall as Der Biergarten and STATS team up for the ultimate celebration of Germany’s famed beer festival.  The restaurants will transform into Munich-inspired eateries (both inside and on the patio) with each room offering a different German draft beer and themed with authentic décor.  Live bands will add to the atmosphere and reusable beer boots will be available for purchase.  Guests can bring back their boots for special pricing on refills during the Oktoberfest season continueing every weekend through October 30th. Der Biergarten will also showcase classic German cuisine – including brats, wursts, strudels, pretzels and mustards – and will debut its new rotisserie for fresh, authentic roasted meat. Visit www.derbiergarten.com or www.facebook.com/derbiergarten. 

•The second annual Morningside Mile race and block party benefitting Atlanta’s oldest fire station is scheduled for Sunday, October 16. The race begins at noon in Virginia Highland and ends with a block party at Doc Chey’s in Morningside Village shopping center (1424 N. Highland Avenue). Runners and non-runners alike will enjoy an afternoon of festivities from noon to 3 p.m. including live music, food and family fun provided by Atlanta firefighters and other Morningside Village businesses. For more information, visit www.vhfirecompany.com or www.MorningsideMile.com. 

•For its 10th anniversary, Taste of Atlanta will be featuring city favorites, novel newcomers and global eateries. The street festival welcomes more than 80 of Atlanta’s favorite dining destinations Saturday, October 22 and Sunday, October 23 in Tech Square. With gourmet grub, live cooking demos and more, Taste showcases the Barcraft Competition, the Family Food Zone, the Global Flavors International Stage adn the Home Plate Main Stage where renowned chefs battle it out and go head-to-head. For a complete list of participating restaurants, show schedules and tickets, visit http://tasteofatlanta.com/rests.php.

•The sixth annual Field of Greens festival returns to Whippoorwill Hollow Organic Farm on Sunday, Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Hosted in part by Rosebud and The Family Dog chef Ron Eyester, this popular festival features chef-prepared food grown locally and served in a fun, family-friendly environment. This year’s event includes the always popular festival market, where approximately 60 food artisans, green living organizations, live craft exhibitors and farmers sell their products and demonstrate their artistry. The Kid’s Village combines interactive farm and healthy food activities with the classic bouncy inflatable ride. Local bands will play on the farm stage throughout the day. Proceeds from the festival will once again be donated to Slow Food Atlanta, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a good, clean and fair food system. In the past, Field of Greens has raised over $12,000. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the gate. Admission includes unlimited tastings from the Chef’s Tent. Admittance is free for children 12 and under. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.fieldofgreensfestival.com. 

•P’cheen International Bistro & Pub will host a pumpkin carving contest fit for the whole family in the historic Old Fourth Ward on Saturday, October 22nd from 2 to 6 p.m. Arrive early, because pumpkins will be free for the first ten contestants. All pumpkins will be displayed for dinner at P’cheen later that evening. The winner will receive a $100 prize. And, don’t let the crisp autumn air keep you away - hot apple cider will be served during the carving. P’cheen is located at 701-5 Highland Avenue, Atlanta. For more info visit www.pcheen.com or call 404.529.8800.

•Canoe restaurant on the banks of the Chattahoochee River in Vinings has launched another Song of the South live music series at the outdoor river bar. The restaurant will feature live local artists every Wednesday evening from 7  to 10 p.m. Guests can relax in comfortable chairs lining the riverside, gather around the River Bar, enjoy a meal or libation and listen to local artists. Chef Carvel Grant Gould’s menu features fresh, seasonal dishes, and of course, the bar will serve a variety of local beers, signature river cocktails and wines by the glass. Additionally, the River Bar is open nightly Wednesday through Saturday, weather permitting. The Music Schedule includes Wednesday, Oct. 5 ~ Sam Thacker; Wednesday, Oct. 12~ Sydney Eloise; Wednesday, Oct. 19~ Lauren St. Jane; and Wednesday, Oct. 26 ~ Tim Brantley.

Birthday celebrations...

•It has been 11 years since Agave opened its doors on Boulevard in Atlanta’s Cabbagetown area becoming a local favorite.  In celebration of its Anniversary, the New Mexico-Southwestern cuisine  eatery is offering a Tequila Dinner featuring Tequila Revolucion on Tuesday, October 11 at 7 p.m.  Chef/owner Jack Sobel’s menu for the evening ($65 per person plus tax & gratuity) begins with a Tequila Revolucion Silver traditional Margarita served on arrival.  Served for Course 1 will be a grouper taco with a chile avocado dipping sauce; Course 2 ~ A shrimp & poblano soup with cirtus crema & chili dusted crostini; Course 3 ~ Spicy pork tenderloin medallions over a chorizo potato hash and seard maple apples; Course 4 ~ Seared chile rubbed wild bass; and Course 5 ~ Homemade peanut butter mousse pie with spicy pecans over a Belgian chocolate puree. A traditional raffle will take place following the dinner. For reservations, call 404.588.0006.

•On Saturday, October 15th, Krog Bar on Krog Street in Inman Park will celebrate its 6th Birthday Bash with wine, pig & paella.  The celebration begins at 6 p.m. and will continue until 11 p.m.  Cost is $25 per person inclusive of tax and gratuity.  The price includes one glass of wine, paella and pig. Additional wine can be purchased separately. The Bar’s regular menu will also be available. You can purchase tickets online at www.krogbar.com/krog-bar-party.html or call them at 404.524.1618 for details.

•Beginning Tuesday, October 4th through November 7th, Aqua blue restaurant in Roswell is honoring the other white meat with ‘Chop Month’  by featuring a menu dedicated to the versatile cut of pork along with its à la carte sushi menus.  A sampling of the offerings include a St. Louis-style Hoisin rib chop with jicama and apple slaw ($12).  Entrée features include Caribbean spiced pork chop with Maker’s Mark glaze, black currants and pineapple ($26); and Australian lamb chop with pistachio, horseradish crust, Madeira demi and mint ($30).  All entrées are served with a “loaded” crispy potato cake, sautéed spinach and jumbo asparagus. Aqua blue is located at 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770.643.8886.