DECEMBER 2012 ISSUE
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Friday, September 28, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
Thursday, August 2, 2012
TASTES, TRENDS & FLAVORS
BLTs, cocktails, 'poptails' and
Pizzeria Vesuvius resurrected
JCT. Bar (located above JCT.Kitchen on Howell Mill Road) has updated its ‘Burger and Beer’ special to suit the season – tomato season, that is. Instead of a burger, the rooftop bar is now offering a BLT with local heirloom tomato, house smoked bacon from Gum Creek Farms, arugula, and pickled jalapeno mayo paired with a Southampton Biere de Mars (it is cool fermented and aged to give it a clean, smooth, lager-like character) for $10 every Tuesday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more info, 404.355.2252 or visit www.jctkitchen.com... Alon’s Bakery & Market in Dunwoody recently installed a new wood burning pizza oven and now offers weekly all-you-can-eat pizza nights from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Monday. For $12 per person (adults) and at no cost for children four years and younger, guests will receive unlimited pizza. Alon’s is located at 4505 Ashford Dunwoody Road NE, 678.397.1781. For more info, visit www.alons.com... Bring back the tradition of Sunday night dinner with family and friends at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Guests enjoy a three-course Prime Rib Dinner at a price of $29.95 each, every Sunday evening through Labor Day Weekend. New this season is the pairing of wine to complement -- B. R. Cohn North Coast Silver Label Cabernet Sauvignon 2008/2009 -- priced at $40 a bottle. Fleming’s is located at 4501 Olde Perimeter Way, Atlanta, 770.698.8112... Haven Restaurant on Dresden Drive in Brookhaven has also added wine to its Sunday Suppers Family Night by offering carafes (full liter $20) and half carafes (half liter $10). Each month will feature a new Italian region (www.havenrestaurant.com)... Also on Sundays, beginning August 5th, Cibo e Beve on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs will be serving a Brunch along with a selection of inspired cocktails. Executive chef Linda Harrell has created show stopping dishes, complete with a selection of housemade preserves and fresh baked breads, a lobster frittata and even an ‘Adult Pop Tart,’ (fried dough filled with homemade fruit preserves, mascarpone and vanilla walnuts.) Complimentary Prosecco will be offered throughout the inaugural Brunch on August 5th, 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Call 404.250.8988 for reservations, www.ciboatlanta.com... RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown ushers in the first of August with two icy heat beaters. The Frozen Fuzzy Momo Bellini is a slushy take on the Italian cocktail blending sparkling white wines, Cruzan Rum, yuzu and peach and strawberry purée. RA’s Frozen Red Bull Cherry Bomb is a wild ride of Red Bull, Three Olives Cherry Vodka, TY KU Soju, orange juice and a splash of Monin Cherry. The chill-thrills are $8 each. Call 404.267.0114 or visit www.rasushi.com for more... Inspired by the cocktail but a bit cooler, the neighborhood bar Corner Tavern (East Point, Edgewood, Little 5 Points and West Midtown) and King of Pops celebrate summer with a new tropical treat: the Mango Mojito ($5), the King’s latest ‘Poptail’ flavor containing rum, mango and a splash of mint. Visit www.thecornertavern.com for more info.
Happenings...
MORNINGSIDE FARMERS
MARKET/GARCIA DINNER
August 1 ~ Wednesday
•Rosebud ~ N. Highland Avenue
Executive chef/owner Ron Eyester of Rosebud Restaurant is kicking off Farmer’s Market month with a benefit dinner for the Morningside Farmer’s Market. August 1st is also the date of the annual Garcia Dinner, a celebration of the late Jerry Garcia’s birthday. www.rosebudatlanta.com
END OF SUMMER BBQ
August 4 ~ Saturday
•Canoe Restaurant ~ Paces Ferry Rd.
Canoe restaurant joins forces with SweetWater Brewery and the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (CRK) to conclude SweetWater’s Save the Hooch Campaign, as well as to celebrate the end of summer and the restaurant’s 17th year in operation. Attendees will come together in the gardens on the banks of the Chattahoochee River from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. http://tinyurl.com/CanoeEndofSummerBBQ
3RD ANNUAL SOUTHERN
CHEFS POT LUCK
August 5 ~ Sunday
•The Inn Serenbe ~ Chattahoochee Hills, GA
Renowned chefs such Hugh Acheson and Linton Hopkins, Steven Satterfield, Anne Quatrano, Kevin Gillespie and Ford Fry will gather for a casual Sunday supper to benefit Wholesome Wave Georgia. In addition, guests can enjoy local beer, wine and cocktails as well as a live auction for a one-of-a-kind chef experiences. Tickets are $125 per person. http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/251283
25TH ANNUAL GREAT
CHARACTERS OF ATLANTA
August 7 ~ Tuesday
•Georgia Rib Company ~ East Cobb
6:30 - 10 p.m., 770.635.7578 for info.
12TH ANNUAL DECATUR BBQ,
BLUES & BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL
August 18 ~ Saturday
•Harmony Park ~ Decatur
DINING OUT FOR KIDS
August 23 ~ Thursday
•Agave Restaurant ~ 242 Boulevard SE
A nationwide network working in public schools to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. www.agaverestaurant.com or www.communitiesinschools.org
PIZZERIA VESUVIUS: Partners Matt Rupert from Noni’s, the owners of Grant Central and Thumbs Up and Chris Lopez, one of the former Bureau owners, debuted their Pizzeria Vesuvius concept in December of 2009 on Edgewood Avenue in the Sweet Auburn district downtown. In April of this year, the pizzeria was shuttered with a note on the door citing ‘closed for street car construction.’ Turns out, the folks over at P’Cheen on Highland Avenue, Alex Friedman, Keiren Neely and chef Mike LaSage, liked Vesuvius so much, they bought it. Revamping the space a bit and adding the Edgewood Speakeasy (which is tucked away behind a hidden bookshelf in the back and serves up prohibition-era inspired cocktails), the trio has reopened offering Vesuvius’ menu with a few added dishes from P’Cheen including a Bone Lick BBQ pizza with pulled pork (they are also awaiting the opening of their latest venue, Bone Lick BBQ on Huff Road on Atlanta’s Westside). Chef driven, the made-from-scratch menu not only includes NY-style and Neapolitan pies but also offers calzones, slices, subs and salads as well as house cured cold cuts and sausage. Pizzeria Vesuvius is located at 327 Edgewood Avenue.
Wednesday, August 1, 2012
UPCOMING IN THE AUGUST 2012 ISSUE(available Aug. 1st in print or pdf)
•Waffold
•F & B (Food & Beverage)
•Cafe Agora
•Kiri Ricebar
•The Greater Good BBQ
•Senor Patron
•Chicken And The Egg
•Meat & Potato Kitchen & Bar
•White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails
•Chocolate South
•Dough Bakery
•The Dunwoody Bakery
•Heavenly Desserts & Cafe
•U Swirl
•Asylum
•Spiral Bar & Grill
•Blue Good Bar & Kitchen
•Sledge Lounge
•Organix Food Lounge
•Dragon Gate Chinese & Sushi Bar
•Barberito
•Vesuvius Pizzeria
•Meehan's Public House
•Pricci
•Marlow's Tavern
(PLEASE NOTE: We are a paid-subscription, printed monthly publication. This blog will not be updated with the CURRENT month's issue until the very end of the month.)
Monday, July 30, 2012
Monday, July 9, 2012
•Twin Peaks now open in Buckhead
•Over 70 of Atlanta's Favorite Restaurants Confirm Participation in 2012 Taste of Atlanta
•Athens' famed burritos, Barberitos, rolls into Buckhead tomorrow
•Ali's Cookies Announces 'Free Cookies For Freedom"
Ali’s Cookies is getting in the spirit of the Olympics by treating guests to a complimentary cookie on the day of the 2012 Olympics opening ceremonies, Friday, July 27, 2012, at both their Marietta and Dunwoody locations. All day, customers can choose one of five selected delectable flavors in honor of the five Olympic rings.
•Atlanta's First Cocktail Festival, September 1 & 2, 2012
•Senor Patron has opened in Midtown
•Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week July 21 - 29
•Over 70 of Atlanta's Favorite Restaurants Confirm Participation in 2012 Taste of Atlanta
•Athens' famed burritos, Barberitos, rolls into Buckhead tomorrow
•Ali's Cookies Announces 'Free Cookies For Freedom"
Ali’s Cookies is getting in the spirit of the Olympics by treating guests to a complimentary cookie on the day of the 2012 Olympics opening ceremonies, Friday, July 27, 2012, at both their Marietta and Dunwoody locations. All day, customers can choose one of five selected delectable flavors in honor of the five Olympic rings.
•Atlanta's First Cocktail Festival, September 1 & 2, 2012
•Senor Patron has opened in Midtown
•Downtown Atlanta Restaurant Week July 21 - 29
Monday, July 2, 2012
TASTES, TRENDS & FLAVORS
Attack of the Killer Tomato Fest,
puddin' pops and BBQ & Beer
Back by popular demand, Chef/restaurateur Ford Fry and JCT. Kitchen & Bar play base camp for the ‘Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival’ forces -- the South’s best chefs, farmers and mixologists -- and their arsenal of all types of tomatoes for recipes and cocktails. Who’s to judge? Celebrities such as John Mariani, well-known national restaurant writer, actor David Miller, who played Mason Dixon in the original “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes” movie, and others. The Spazmatics and Fry’s chef band Five Bone Rack crank up the live music. Last year’s “Attack” brought together 34 chefs, 12 mixologists and more than 1,000 attendees. This year’s fourth-annual event takes place from 1 - 5 p.m. on Sunday, July 22. Tickets cost $70 per person and can be purchased online through www.xorbia.com/e/gao/killertomato12... Long known as one of the most popular dishes in the world, especially the American South, fried chicken has even claimed its own day. In honor of National Fried Chicken Day, July 6th , Food 101 in Sandy Spring will be paying homage to the recipe that has been on its menu since the day the restaurant opened more than 12 years ago, buttermilk fried chicken with whipped potatoes, green beans, cole slaw and chicken gravy. Executive chef Justin Keith will also showcase other special dishes throughout the day including fried chicken skins with white barbecue sauce, crispy chicken wings served with Louisiana Hot Sauce and celery, cornmeal crusted chicken livers with herb buttermilk dip, a crispy chicken sandwich with smoked gouda, arugula, tomato and truffled honey mustard and a fried chicken salad with pickled peaches, cucumber, goat cheese, almonds and white balsamic vinaigrette. Food 101 is located at 4969 Roswell Road. Visit www.food101.com or call 404.497.9700 for more details... Each month, HAVEN and Valenza restaurant chefs Stephen Herman and Matt Swickerath will take turns preparing a dinner that will highlight what guests would find at the Brookhaven Farmer’s Market during that month (the eateries host the market in their parking lot each Saturday). The next dinner will be at HAVEN on Wednesday, July 25 featuring tomatoes from Noring Farms and the following dinner will take place at Valenza on August 22 featuring pork and Happy Hogs. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m. and is followed by dinner at 7:00 p.m. The three-course meal is $35 per person plus tax and gratuity (wine pairings will be available for an added cost of $20). A generous percentage of the proceeds will go to support the Farmer’s Market. Seats are limited, for reservations, call HAVEN ~ 404.969.0700 or Valenza ~ 404.969.3233.
Now serving...
Grilled cheese every Thursday. Summits Wayside Taverns in Snellville, Cumming and Woodstock offer 10 innovative versions of ‘not your mom’s grilled cheeses’ with a cup of home-style tomato soup. Think roasted pork belly, bacon, pimento cheese, deep fried mac ‘n cheese, chopped sirloin and Granny Smith apples as ingredients. Visit www.summits-online.com for full menu... Through Monday, July 23, Atlantans can indulge in an array of patriotic plates at all eight Marlow’s Tavern locations with its “Red, White and Brew” menu. It includes, among several other dishes, beer and cheese soup served with a ciabatta crisp ($6); Firecracker deviled eggs with firecracker sauce ($3/$5); watermelon, feta and arugula salad ($9); red, white and bleu burger with American fries ($11); backyard blackened swordfish with red, white and blue potato salad ($14); honey glazed grilled chicken with chili-slathered corn on the cob ($16); and grilled skirt steak with house made chimichurri, summer squash and jumbo Vidalia onion rings ($18). Check out www.marlowstavern.com for details... Newly opened Watershed restaurant is now serving lunch at its new home in The Brookwood in Buckhead. Chef Joe Truex serves a Southern-inspired farm-to-table menu Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Notable dishes include: Pork belly wraps with hot pepper slaw, cane syrup and Dijon mustard; poached heart of palm with country ham, egg salad and garlic aioli; fried pimiento cheese sandwich with tomato basil soup; steak and panzanella salad with baby spinach, red wine vinegar and olive oil; and a crabby shrimp burger with slaw, lettuce, tomato, remoulade and fries.
Happenings...
2012 DOWNTOWN ATLANTA
RESTAURANT WEEK
July 21 - 29 ~ Saturday to Sunday
•Downtown Atlanta Restaurants
Three course dinner after 4 p.m. for $25 & $35 per person.
BBQ & BEER CELEBRATION
July 3 ~ Tuesday
•Woodfire Grill ~ Cheshire Bridge Road
Chef Kevin Gillespie’s three-course dinner for $38. Proceeds benefit ‘Save The Hooch.’
TREND OF THE MONTH
HOMEMADE PUDDIN’ POPS: Powered by DBA Barbecue on N. Highland Avenue and brining puddin’ pops into the 21st century. DBA has taken their famous banana pudding and stepped it up a notch offering it in frozen form in assorted flavors that rotate weekly. Flavors include peanut butter banana, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, strawberry cheesecake, chocolate thin mint, banana, candied bacon banana (pictured) and chocolate dipped banana.There will also be a DBA Puddin’ Popsicle Cart, stationed in various spots throughout the Virginia Highland neighborhood as well as ‘coming soon,’ adult pops with booze. www.dbabarbecue.com
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Wednesday, June 27, 2012
WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON...
UPCOMING IN THE NEXT ISSUE
JULY 2012 (available July 1st in print)
To Subscriber and receive the issues (printed or pdf available) the first of the month, click here.
•Seven Hens
•Arepa Mia
•BGR: The Burger Joint
•Le French Quarter Cafe
•Tin Lizzy's
•Kouzina Christos
•Twin Peaks
•Scalini's
•Gino's NY Pizza
•Southern's Best Cafe
•Harold's Chicken & Ice Bar
•Grecian Gyro
•East Paces Tavern
•Stagecoach
•Dogfather's Hotdogs & Brats
•Yumbii & Cafe at Pharr
•Hammerheads Seafood & Sports Grille
(PLEASE NOTE: We are a paid-subscription, printed publication. Our website, www.thehudspethreport.com and this blog will not be updated with the CURRENT month's issue until the very end of the month.)
To Subscriber and receive the issues (printed or pdf available) the first of the month, click here.
UPCOMING IN THE NEXT ISSUE
JULY 2012 (available July 1st in print)
To Subscriber and receive the issues (printed or pdf available) the first of the month, click here.
•Seven Hens
•Arepa Mia
•BGR: The Burger Joint
•Le French Quarter Cafe
•Tin Lizzy's
•Kouzina Christos
•Twin Peaks
•Scalini's
•Gino's NY Pizza
•Southern's Best Cafe
•Harold's Chicken & Ice Bar
•Grecian Gyro
•East Paces Tavern
•Stagecoach
•Dogfather's Hotdogs & Brats
•Yumbii & Cafe at Pharr
•Hammerheads Seafood & Sports Grille
(PLEASE NOTE: We are a paid-subscription, printed publication. Our website, www.thehudspethreport.com and this blog will not be updated with the CURRENT month's issue until the very end of the month.)
To Subscriber and receive the issues (printed or pdf available) the first of the month, click here.
Friday, June 1, 2012
TRENDS, TASTES & FLAVORS
TRENDS, TASTES & FLAVORS
Anniversary celebrations and
the 'No Kid Hungry' pledge
After a full year surrounded by neighbors clinking pints, savoring craft pub food and sharing a love of great beer, the Wrecking Bar Brewpub is celebrating their first anniversary beginning on Friday, June 15. Resident brewmaster and owner Bob Sandage has been fervently mashing, boiling, fermenting and conditioning for months to release a bevy of one-of-a-kind brews, which will be pouring from each of the 16 taps. Also, on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 17, the brewpub is offering much-deserved Hops for Pops with a special Randalized beer. 292 Moreland Avenue, Atlanta 30307, 404.221.2600, www.wreckingbarbrewpub.com... The 10th anniversary celebration continues at Ted’s Montana Grill this summer with its fundraising efforts for Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry and the introduction of new menu items, including the special anniversary ‘No. 10 Burger (a new take on Ted’s classic cheeseburger),’ and private label wines. This year, the company has pledged to raise $150,000 for No Kid Hungry to help end childhood hunger in America. During the May-June fundraiser, May 21 - June 17, guests can also take the pledge to help end childhood hunger and donate at a new online giving portal and receive a special $2 bill from Ted’s in return. They can also round-up their checks to benefit No Kid Hungry at any of Ted’s 44 restaurants. Visit http://nokidhungry.org/join-no-kid-hungry-movement-4 to take the No Kid Hungry pledge... “Growlers Give Back” has returned. The charitable campaign created by Hop City owner Kraig Torres kicked off in March with the Humane Society and Smutteynose Brewing Co. This month Hop City Craft Beer & Wine will team with Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (UCR) and SweetWater Brewing Company to raise money for SweetWater’s 8th annual “Save the Hooch” campaign through July 4th. For the entire month of June, 99¢ of every growler and growlette purchased will be donated to the “Save the Hooch” campaign. Visit www.hopcitybeer.com or call 404.350.9998 for details... Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub is now offering chef’s counter seating for guests to experience chef Joey Riley’s work station up close and personal the last Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. The Brookhaven restaurant created four seats overlooking the kitchen and the next dinner will take place June 28th (four-course menu, $50 per person). Optional alcohol pairings are available and guests are welcome to bring their own for a $15 corkage fee. Call 404.474.9600 to reserve a seat, 1410 Dresden Drive in Village Place Brookhaven, www.k-pub.com... Zagat has released its latest update on Atlanta eateries and those ranking in the ‘Top 10 For Food’ include Bacchanalia, Antico Napolentana, Aria, Bone’s, Chops, La Pietra Cucina, Star Provisions, Restaurant Eugene and Sotto Sotto. The ‘Top 5 Newcomers’ are Local Three, Heirloom Market BBQ, Chicken & The Egg, No. 246 and Cibo e Beve.
Happenings...
7TH ANNUAL 97.1
WING & ROCK FEST
June 2 & 3 ~ Saturday & Sunday
•Woodstock City Park
4TH ANNUAL ARTLANTIS
ARTS & MUSIC FESTIVAL
June 2 ~ Saturday
•Ponce De Leon Avenue
2ND ANNUAL ROCK-N-RIDE
June 23 ~ Saturday
•Peachtree Street, Downtown
TREND OF THE MONTH
FIRE IN MY BELLY: Southern charm, heated passion, natural obsessions and dry humor. “Fire in My Belly” (www.amazon.com) by Kevin Gillespie, the “Top Chef” star and executive chef of Woodfire Grill, has 356 pages of steamy substance, including 120 hip recipes so you can cook up your own heated stories. Find your inner chef in chapters such as “My Version of Southern Food” or “Food You Thought You Hated.” Pre-order the cookbook (to be released in early October) then start gathering fresh, sustainable, organic and local ingredients for the desire in your belly. www.amazon.com
Monday, May 28, 2012
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
TRENDS, TASTES & FLAVORS
In search of artwork, Cinco De
Mayo and other happenings
The Optimist and The Oyster Bar at The Optimist, chef Ford Fry’s next anticipated concepts on Atlanta’s Westside, is asking future patrons to be a part of the restaurant’s oceanic culture. The soon-to-open eatery is looking for images of guests enjoying fun in the sun and the sea. Guests who have photos to share can email their digital files to theoptimistatlanta@gmail.com or mail printed photos to Kimberly Powell’s attention at JCT. Kitchen & Bar, 1198 Howell Mill Road, Suite 18, Atlanta, GA 30318.
Happenings...
CINCO DE MAYO
May 5 ~ Saturday
•5 Seasons Brewing ~ Westside
3rd Anniversay Celebration
•Agave & Karma Tequila
242 Boulevard SE, 404.588.0006
•Tin Lizzy’s
3 Locations ~ Grant Park,
Midtown, Buckhead
•AtlantaCincodeMayo.com
•Buckhead Saloon
•Twisted Taco ~ Six Locations
•Virginia Highlands ~ Pub Crawl
•3 Sheets ~ Sandy Springs
•Red Pepper Taqueria
•Churchill’s
•PubCrawl.com
•Tequila Crawl
EATS & BEATS CHARITY
May 7 ~ Monday
•Benefits Children of Conservation
FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
May 10 - 13 ~ Thurs. - Sunday
•Located in Midtown
SUMMERFEST BLOCK PARTY
May 12 ~ Saturday
•The Pool Hall, Buckhead, Est. 1946
DUNWOODY ART FESTIVAL
May 12 & 13 ~ Saturday & Sunday
•Across From Dunwoody Village
MOTHER’S DAY
May 13 ~ Sunday
•Cibo E Beve
•Double Zero Napolentana
•Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse
•Haven Restaurant & Bar
•La Tavola Trattoria
•No 246
•Ra Sushi
•Ray’s Restaurants ~ 3 Locations
•South City Kitchen ~ 2 Locations
•Valenza Italian
•Woodfire Grill
TUNES FROM THE TOMBS
May 19 & 20 ~ Saturday & Sunday
•Historic Oakland Cemetery
35TH ANNUAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
May 26 - 28 ~ Sat., Sun. & Mon.
•Piedmont Park
MEMORIAL DAY
May 28 ~ Monday
•Jam Session
Sandy Springs Amphitheater
TREND OF THE MONTH
Atlanta Food Truck Park & Market: The city’s first permanent street food park will host a variety of the city’s food trucks seven-days-a-week for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night noshing on a three-acre space located at 1850 Howell Mill Road. A number of outdoor activities will be available to guests along with a live music series held weekly on Thursday evenings. In addition to the fare and entertainment, the park will feature a weekly farmers market every Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., showcasing local farmers and artisans.
www.atlantafoodtruckpark.com
Friday, April 20, 2012
Monday, April 2, 2012
TASTES, TRENDS, FLAVORS
Cudos to the locals, happenings
& Spring festivals around town
CNN recently released a list of the ‘50 Best Chinese Restaurants in the U.S.’ and two local eateries made the list. Canton House Chinese Restaurant on Buford Highway in Atlanta: “This Cantonese restaurant serves dim sum for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Talk about commitment to craft.” And, Tasty China on Franklin Road in Marietta: “Once you’ve tried the spicy fried eggplant with the numbing beef roll at this Sichuan restaurant, you probably won’t have enough sensation in your tongue to go for more.”... Atlanta-based High Road Craft Ice Cream has been selected as the ‘Grand Champion’ of the 2012 Flavor of Georgia Food Product Contest. Husband and wife team Nicki and Keith Schroeder have been producing their small-batch ice creams since April 2010. Their products are featured at Whole Foods markets throughout the Southeast and will be in Fresh Market stores nationwide in April... The 2012 James Beard Awards have announced this year’s nominations and Atlanta is well represented. For ‘Best Chef: Southeast,’ three local chefs made the cut. Hugh Acheson for Five and Ten restaurant in Athens (he also owns Empire State South locally and The National in Athens), chef Billy Allin of Cakes & Ale in Decatur and chef Linton Hopkins of Restaurant Eugene. Acheson also has a book in the Cookbook category. Chef Kevin Gillespie from Woodfire Grill made the nomination for ‘Rising Star Chef of theYear’ and in the ‘Outstanding Pastry Chef’ category, chef Aaron Russell (Restaurant Eugene) and chef Cynthia Wong (Empire State South) were both added. In the ‘Outstanding Restaurateur’ category, look for Mike Klank and Eddie Hernanadez from Taqueria Del Sol. And lastly, making the cut for ‘Outstanding Bar Program’ both Holeman and Finch Public House and The Porter Beer Bar were nominated.The winners will be announced in early May... Chef Linton Hopkins’ Restaurant Eugene was also the only Alanta restaurant to make this year’s Gayot (guy-oh) Restaurant Issue as one of the ‘2012 Top 40 Restaurant in the US. And, chef Ford Fry and Drew Belline’s No. 246 in Decatur made the cut on Gayot’s ‘2012 Top 10 New Restaurants in the US.’... Food & Wine magazine’s award for ‘The People’s Best New Chef’ is selected by the public and in the ‘Southeast’ category this year, four local chefs are in the running: Guy Wong of Miso Izakaya in Atlanta, Ryan Smith of Empire State South in Atlanta, Steven Satterfiled of Miller Union in Atlanta and Peter Dale from The National in Athens... Travel & Leisure magazine has published a list of ‘America’s Best Wine Bars’ and Atlanta is represented by Barcelona Wine Bar on N. Highland Avenue: “This wine bar goes for a contemporary look — wood-plank walls, airy kitchen — with a wraparound patio that’s loosely inspired by La Rambla, the famous tree-lined main street of Barcelona.”... Sublime Doughnuts on 10th Street in Midtown, has been nominated by Bake magazine for ‘America’s Best Bakery.’ Sublime is the creation of Atlanta native, chef Kamal Grant, known for offering handmade, high-quality, gourmet pastries to the doughnut addict. The winner will be announced in May... Earlier this year, Southern Living magazine asked its readers to vote for the ‘Best Food Destinations in the South.’ Decatur, Georgia was on the very short list of 10 cities. Here’s why Decatur is one of the Tastiest Towns in the South: “Known as a progressive little pocket of Atlanta, Decatur is ‘like Oakland is to San Francisco,’ says Billy Allin, chef/owner of Cakes & Ale Restaurant and Bar, which serves smart, sophisticated fare. ‘It has its own identity but is considered a part of Atlanta. People here are well traveled but love our small-town vibe,’ he adds. Expect laid-back spots such as Brick Store Pub and Farm Burger that, ‘in a very casual way, are doing it right,’ says Billy.”... And Open Table’s ‘2012 Best Service’ list is ready with the Top 100 restaurants being recognized. Three local restaurants were honored: Bacchanalia on Howell Mill Road in West Midtown; Bones on Piedmont Road in Buckhead; and Woodfire Grill on Cheshire Bridge Road.
Happenings...
On Wednesday, April 25, 2012, the 20th Annual Dining Out for Life event, one of Open Hand’s largest annual fundraisers, will be hosted at more than 100 metro Atlanta restaurants. For diners, 20% or more of their total check will be donated to support Open Hand, which recently celebrated the delivery of its 20 millionth meal in Atlanta. Open Hand is a nonprofit and has grown to become the nation’s largest community-based provider of home-delivered meals – more than 5,000 meals daily across 17 Georgia counties. For a full list of participating restaurants, visit www.DiningOutforOH.org or call 404-419-3333.
More than 40 of Atlanta’s best chefs will gather to participate in Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation® Atlanta on Thursday, April 12 at the Georgia Aquarium. Celebrating its 24th anniversary, this gourmand food and wine event will feature specialty cuisine samplings; live, silent and beverage auctions; wine tastings and live entertainment. This year’s event will feature Bravo TV’s 2011 Top Chef Masters (season three) winner, chef Floyd Cardoz as its honorary chef. General Admission is $250 per person and VIP Admission is $350 per person. The VIP reception begins at 6:30 p.m. and doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.atlantataste.org or by calling 770.436.5151.
On April 5th, 5 Seasons Brewing on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs will be celebrating its 11th Anniversary. For the past 5 years it has been celebrated as The Jam for Dan. A crucial piece to the foundational family of 5 Seasons, Chef Dan Gordon passed away on March 28, 2008, he was also a drummer. Musicians within the 5 Seasons family and are now a part of the celebration. Each year the tradition has been renewed, growing larger in tribute. What was initially billed as The 5 Seasons House Band has evolved into two bands, Red Zeppelin and Blue Horizon. The event is free and open to the public with a big party, half-priced specials, appetizers, fun & games. The ceremonies will begin with a toast to Dan at 5:55 and the music will last until they’ve played all the songs they know. For more, visit www.5seasonsbrewing.com.
Canoe's outdoor music series, Song of the South, returns on April 18th at the outdoor River Bar on the banks of the Chattahoochee River. It will feature local artists every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the spring. Guests can relax in the riverside Adirondack chairs, gather around the River Bar, or enjoy appetizers or dinner from chef Carvel Grant Gould at garden tables. The 2012 spring schedule includes new musicians to the series including Wednesday, April 18th, Lauren Staley Morrow & Jason Morrow (from Whiskey Gentry), as well as Tim Brantley on April 25th. Visit www.canoeatl.com for the schedule through June.
Haven Restaurant and sister venue Valenza Italian invite you to join them for their Annual Neighborhood Patio Parties. Chefs Stephen and chef Matt will be grilling out on the Big Green Egg and serving up seasonal bites paired with a selection of beer and wine. Guests will enjoy live music by Gross, Hill and Callahan. Admission is $20 per person and includes food and beverages. Haven Restaurant & Bar will host on Thursday, April 5th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Valenza Italian will entertain on Thursday, April 12th from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 1441 Dresden Drive in Brookhaven. Visit www.havenrestaurant.com or www.valenzarestaurant.com.
Festivals & Fairs...
It’s that time of year and with an early Spring, everyone will be taking to the streets.
The Kennesaw/Big Shanty Festival features over 250 Arts & Crafts booths, 25 food booths, two entertainment stages, Civil War Encampment, a variety of children’s activities and live acoustic music throughout the weekend. Taking place Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, April 22nd in Downtown Kennesaw. Admission is free and a parade will kickoff the festival at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday. Call 770.423.1330 or visit www.kennesawbusiness.org.
The 3rd Annual Lake Lanier Islands Resort Arts & Craft Festival is planned for Saturday & Sunday, April 14th & 15th. The festival sight is located at the Islands Marina in Buford. It is filled with visual arts and crafts and will feature continuous entertainment. Kick back and listen to the sweet sounds of Scott Thompson. There will be a variety of food booths and a large interactive children’s area. The festival is woven into Georgia’s largest ‘in the water’ boat show. Free admission to the event with a $10 fee per vehicle to enter the Resort (discount coupons will be available). For more info, visit www.lakelanierislandsresortboatshow.com or www.facebook.com/lakelanierislands.
This year’s Smyrna Spring Jonquil Festival will feature over 175 arts & crafts booths, 15 food booths, an entertainment stage, and a variety of children’s activities. The festival is scheduled for Saturday & Sunday, April 28th & 29th at the Village Green in Smyrna and admission is free. Atkins Park and the Smyrna Market Village, adjacent to the Jonquil Festival, will also host its 10th Annual Crawfish & Shrimp Boil on Saturday & Sunday as well. Visit www.smyrnacity.com for more info.
The City of Cumming invites you to sample over 25 local restaurants from the Cumming and Forsyth County area at Taste of Cumming on April 7, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. The event will be held at the Cumming Fairgrounds on Castleberry Road. Sample your favorite restaurants for $1 - $4. There will also be a kid’s zone, free entertainment, an egg hunt, touch-a-truck, music and more. Admission is free. For a complete lineup of entertainment and participating restaurants, visit www.cummingfair.net.
Grape Crush Productions is ‘showering’ Buckhead with red, white and bubbles with its first annual Buckhead Wine Festival on Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 2 - 6 p.m. at the Andrews Entertainment District at 56 East Andrews Drive. As guests enjoy tasting a wide variety of wines from around the world, they’ll also have the opportunity to take part in wine seminars, shop at the pop-up market, savor tasty treats from local vendors and enjoy live entertainment. The event supports the Atlanta Community Food Bank with a canned food drive and monetary donations. Tickets are $25 advance/$35 door. Visit www.grapecrushevents.com for details.
The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is back April 20 - 22 in Piedmont Park. The Dogwoods will be in full bloom and hundreds of artists from around the country will set up their tents for the Festival. An Atlanta staple for more than 75 years, there is something for everyone. In addition to the fine art for adults and art collectors, there is a Kids Village featuring huge inflatables, arts & crafts and face painting for all ages, as well as the ever-popular 24-foot rock-climbing wall. Music has also become an essential feature of the weekend’s festivities with a wide array of diverse offerings filling the springtime air. Visit www.dogwood.org for all the details.
It’s the 27th Anniversary of The Georgia Renaissance Festival, April 14 to June 3, on Saturdays and Sundays plus Memorial Day, 10:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Inside the gates of the 16-Century Kingdom, you’ll find Knights and Maidens Faire, King Henry VIII and his Court, jolly pubs and a 32-acre World Bazaar of treasures created by artisans who also perform demonstrations of their crafts. Feast like royalty on a variety of delights including the popular giant roasted turkey legs. Endless entertainment waits with ten stages featuring juggling, music, comedic storytelling and feats of incredible physical skills. There is also a Petting Zoo and rides in a medieval amusement park. The Festival is located at I-85 and Exit 61- Peachtree City/Fairburn. Adults $19.95, Senior 60+ $17.95, Youth ages 6 - 12 $8.95, 5 and under FREE. For more info, call the Festival Hot Line 770.964.8575 or visit www.georgiarenaissancefestival.com.
Celebrate Mother Nature this spring at the 8th Annual SweetWater 420 Fest in Candler Park with a diverse lineup of talent and activities. Kicking off on '420' and continuing through Sunday, April 22, the weekend is jammed-packed with performances from regional and local artists, live comedy, a cask ale tasting, Planet 420, the kid’s zone and more. A portion of the proceeds raised will be donated to Park Pride – as part of the mission of the 420 fest is to leave the park in better shape than it was found. Admission is free with local art, food and SweetWater’s brews available for purchase. Adults, 21 and up with a valid ID are requested to purchase a $5 wristband. For more information, please visit www.sweetwater420fest.com.
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