Friday, June 6, 2014

What’s New on Pinterest: Refreshingly Fruity


Watsonia Farms organic strawberries are rosy and ready at local farmers markets. Blueberries, blackberries and watermelons want to go home with you, and before you know it, peach season will be here! Our Refreshingly Fruity Pinterest board provides incentive to plan, pick and prepare these summery gems!

Spoons Up! Peachtree Road Farmers Market Hosts Annual Slow Food Ice Cream Social on June 7




Here’s the sweet and savory summer scoop we’ve all been waiting for -- the date of this year’s Slow Food Atlanta Ice Cream Social at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market is Saturday, June 7. A limited number of tickets are available for the 12:15-2 p.m. event at the market behind the Cathedral of St. Philip. Those in attendance will be able to sample veggie-themed ice creams created by Atlanta’s top chefs. Shaun Doty, chef/owner of Bantam + Biddy and Chick-a-Biddy, and Chrysta Poulos, pastry chef at King + Duke and St. Cecilia, are both participating. Come see what their chosen frozen flavors will be. Buy tickets online in advance: $15 for adults, $5 for children five to 10 years old and free for the under-five set. Proceeds benefit the Peachtree Road Farmers Market and Slow Food Atlanta. Remember, this is a BYOS (bring your own spoon) event so buy your tickets then start choosing and shining your spoon.

Whether You’re Into Beef or Not, Downtown Steak Week is a Meaty Proposition June 9-15



Carve out a lunch or dinner slot in your June 9-15 agenda to fork into Downtown Steak Week, presented by Central Atlanta Progress and Creative Loafing. Downtown restaurants will feature specialty steak dishes that showcase their talents and unique attributes. Glenn’s Kitchen will offer flat iron steak and smoked Gouda potato gratin and broccolini ($25) at both lunch and dinner. Enjoy dinner then venture up to SkyLounge atop the Glenn Hotel for a city view. Ray’s in the City is known for its seafood that’s flown in fresh daily, so they are serving up a seafood stuffed swordfish ($28), along with a Manhattan strip steak ($29), a 32-34-ounce tomahawk rib eye steak for two ($65) and stuffed Portobello mushroom appetizer ($12). Ted’s Montana Grill in downtown Atlanta’s Luckie Marietta District stakes claim to Ted’s bison filet ($32), bison Delmonico ($29) and bison Kansas City strip ($28). Available at lunch and dinner, Ted’s hand-cut bison steaks are gently seasoned and seared in olive oil then finished with lemon butter and a choice of vegetable and potato. Be sure to jump on this rare event.

Thursday, June 5, 2014

#Foodgram: @atlantafoodie


If you can’t stand the heat of a hot kitchen in summer, do the digital thing and look at the hot food photos from @atlantafoodie. This Atlanta-based foodie also posts chill-factor shots of cold beers and oysters on ice.

Live at SkyLounge Raises the Bar on Friday and Saturday Night Entertainment


Sunset skyline views, live entertainment, small bites and $5 signature infusions fill Live at SkyLounge forecasts every Friday and Saturday night through summertime. If you’re looking for a weekend high point, SkyLounge rooftop bar at the Glenn Hotel packs in the vibe from 5-10 p.m. Fridays and 6-11 p.m. Saturdays. Share small bites such as roasted warm pecans with sea salt, farm-fresh deviled eggs, sweet potato chips with blue cheese fondue, smoked trout dip with lavash crackers, pimento cheese, marinated and spiced olives, bacon-wrapped dates with Parmigiano-Reggiano, an artisan cheese and charcuterie plate or a Southern Sampler for indecisives or dabblers ($1-$16). Cap the night with coffee or a liqueur and flourless chocolate cake or blood orange panna cotta ($8). For updates on who's performing check Facebook. See why SkyLounge was voted one of the “Top 23 Best Rooftop Lounges in the World” by ABC.com.

Summerfest Intown Bike Ride Celebrates Warren Bruno and Helps Leukemia & Lymphoma Society on June 8


Over the weekend of June 7-8, Virginia-Highland Summerfest has something for bikers along with the annual festival’s art, music, food and family activities. Start the day one June 8 with the Warren Bruno Summerfest Celebration Ride. Bruno, who owned the flagship Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland and Ormsby’s on Atlanta’s Westside, was a Summerfest founder and avid cyclist. He never missed an opportunity to spin through the city he loved. Though Bruno fought cancer with optimism and courage, he lost his eight year battle in 2012. 

Hit the saddle for him at 8 a.m. Sunday morning when the ride takes off from North Highland Park and courses through Little Five Points, the Old Fourth Ward, the Atlanta BeltLine, Piedmont Park and Ansley Park before ending in Va-Hi just in time to take in day two of Summerfest’s artist market, musical entertainment and delicious food for sale. Swing by Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar to refuel after the race and festival. Loop short (9.5 miles), long (19 miles) or middlin’. Register online: $5 for children and $20 for adults. Using the same link, make a donation to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Georgia Chain Gang team fundraising efforts.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Dine With Dad This Father's Day at the Best Atlanta Restaurants


Tired of gifting dad with another generic tie? Treat him to an unforgettable meal at one of Atlanta’s best restaurants on June 15.

A Sunday in Midtown leads to the Dad's Day brunch buffets at 10th & Piedmont and G's Midtown on June 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Brunch is $24.95 per person. For reservations, call 404-602-5510. 

Article 14 is cooking up specials just for dad on June 15. Enjoy a lobster bake for two that includes two-pound Maine lobster and two draft beers ($55). To make reservations, call  404-443-8432.

Diners in the Virginia-Highland neighborhood can take dad to Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar for brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The Father's Day weekend specials include Green Egg smoked beef brisket sliders, white cheddar, tomato BBQ sauce and watermelon salad ($10); two house made shortrib hot dogs, spicy chili, shredded cheese and vidalia onion rings ($10); and smoked prime rib, vidalia onion mashed potatoes, garlic green beans and horseradish cream ($24). If dad's a night owl, visit the Virginia-Highland staple for dinner. For more information or to make a reservation, call 404-876-7249.

Let dad relax on Father's Day and leave the cooking up to Bantam + Biddy. Call in for the family meal, which serves three to five people ($48). The take-out-only meal includes dad's choice of whole roast chicken, meatloaf or pork loin served with a family sized organic green salad with choice of dressing, cornbread, three family sized sides and a half-gallon of freshly brewed tea. Call at least 30 minutes ahead of time to prepare. For the Ansley Mall location, call 404-907-3469 and for the Midtown location, call 404-835-6450.

Nestled in the heart of Virginia-Highland, Bar Meatball is offering a Father's Day deal that can't be passed up. From sandwiches to classic meatballs, dad can enjoy a free meal (up to $20). For more information, call 404-228-2901.

Some dads won't be able to pull themselves away from World Cup action. Der Biergarten offers authentic German food plus a sportsmanlike atmosphere. Bring the whole family to share the Konig Ludwig platter, which serves six hungry people or 10 people as an appetizer. Normally, this hefty helping of jagerschnitzel, wiener schnitzel, schweinshaxe, sausages, sauerbraten, potato salad, sauerkraut, braised red cabbage and spatzle is $96, but it's only $60 on Father's Day. For more information, call 404-521-2728. 

If dad's a pizza guy, bring him by Hearth Pizza Tavern between 11 a.m.-10 p.m. for the perfect pie. Order an eight-inch triple-meat pizza for a personal feast, topped with pepperoni, sausage, chorizo, truffle oil and fresh torn basil ($9) or opt for the 12-inch size to share ($16). For more information, call 404-252-5378.

Father's Day at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern includes bottomless mimosas for $16.95, live music on the patio from 1-4 p.m. and a brunch menu that indulges with apple-cinnamon pancakes topped with candied pecans or hits a lighter note with a healthy frittata. Book a reservation by calling 404-968-2288.

Treat dad to a fancy meat and three at JCT. Kitchen & Bar this Father's Day. From 5-9 p.m., the whole family can enjoy gourmet comfort food for $26 per person. Each diner chooses one meat, such as black skillet fried chicken, and the table agrees on three side dishes to share family style. Every table receives deviled eggs and warm biscuits with apple butter to begin, as well as a helping of farm stand salad. Round out the meal with the dessert of the day. For more information or to make a reservation, call 404-355-3500. 

Treat dad to a royal feast at King + Duke in Buckhead on Sunday, June 15. The brunch menu is offered from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and dinner service lasts from 5-10 p.m. Dine inside or on the patio. For more information, call 404-477-3500.

Cater to dad's generous nature and treat him to a spot at The Last Brigade Supper at Gaia Gardens on Sunday, June 15 at 5:30 p.m. Benefitting Wholesome Wave Georgia, the evening begins with a pre-dinner reception and tour of Love is Love Farm with owners Joe Reynolds and Judith Winfrey. The dinner reunites talented chefs who have worked side by side at Canoe, including Brian Horn (JCT. Kitchen & Bar, No. 246, The Optimist). Tickets are $125 per person and include wine pairings with dinner. Clickhere to purchase tickets.

Just north of the city in beautiful historic Crabapple, Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails' chef Derek Dollar presents a Father's Day brunch menu. Brunch costs $32 per person for adults and $16 per person for children 12 and younger and is served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Celebrating dad later in the day? Reserve a seat for Milton's prix fixe dinner menu for $38 per person. Email heather@miltonscuisine.com to reserve a table. For more information, call 770-817-0171.  

Dear old dads rejoice! No. 246 teams up with Hop City for a beer dinner on Sunday, June 15 at 6:30 p.m. Enjoy five delicious courses paired with five unique beers from Rogue Ales and Spirits for $60 per person. To reserve a seat, call 404-350-9998.

Historic Old Vinings Inn offers a Father's Day "Man Brunch" buffet from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, June 15. Visit the action stations for sliced marinated flank steak and whole roasted suckling hog with all the fixins'. The hot buffet displays shrimp and grits, baked ziti with truffled pork and seared chicken over spring pea risotto. The buffet costs $35 for adults and $15 for children. For more information or to reserve a table, call 770-438-2282.

Celebrate dad one day early by sipping on saisons at Orpheus Brewing on Saturday, June 14. The tasting room doors open at 2 p.m. and close at 5 p.m., giving dads enough time to mull over dinner options in the nearby Virginia-Highland or Midtown neighborhoods. For $12, dad gets a Belgian-style glass and drink tickets.

Ray's Restaurants loves dad. On Father's Day, Ray's on the River in Sandy Springs is offering their award-winning buffet from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. that costs $39.95 for adults and $19.95 for children ages five to 10. Venture in for regular dinner service from 5-9 p.m. For preferred seating, call 770-955-1187. In Alpharetta, Ray's at Killer Creek is serving a buffet from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. for $26.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages five to 10. The regular dinner menu is available from 5-9 p.m. For preferred seating, call 770-649-0064. Take dad downtown to Ray's in the City for lunch or dinner service between 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Ã€ la carte brunch items are available during lunch. For preferred seating, call 404-524-9224.

Treat dad to one of the best burgers in town on Father's Day at Ted's Montana Grill. The chef-inspired menu features the finest cuts and best selection of bison, including high-quality, flavorful steaks and award-winning burgers along with a variety of other unique menu items. They also offer souvenir photos, so bring dad by to fill up and make a memory.

If dad's natural habitat exists behind the grill, pump up his barbecue bragging rights with ingredients from Whole Foods Market. Let dad kick back and relax and brush up on grill skills with WFM videos on grilling vegetables or using parchment packets. Fill a colorful and reusable bag with dry-aged burgers, freshly baked buns and a selection of gourmet cheeses. Swing by the beer aisle for ice cold craft beers to wash it all down.

Willy's Mexicana Grill loves dads, so bring them in for a buy-one-get-one offer. On Saturday, June 14 and Sunday, June 15, those who purchase a kid's meal or regular meal get a free entrée for dad. Extras aren't included, but patrons can't resist springing for extra chips and guacamole. To participate, show the Father's Day flyer on Willy's Facebook page to a cashier, or sign up for the Willy's Burritohead Club to get deals like this via email.

Cornhole ATL Summer League Play Starts June 17 at Atkins Park in Virginia-Highland




Cornhole ATL summer league is here. Toast that with a cold brew or two. Cornhole ATL summer play begins the week of June 16, and Tuesday night action belongs to Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland starting June 17. Register teams online before June 15 and gather kernels of knowledge at Cornhole ATL and Atkins Park Facebook pages. Peanuts and Cracker Jack? Nah. Atkins Park game sustenance fields Guinness-dipped pretzels, smoked wings or pulled pork barbecue cooked on the Big Green Egg, grass-fed beef specialty burgers, hearty sandwiches, a full bar and dinner menu plus plenty of liquid refreshment.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Appetizing Aperture: Smokebelly Now Open


Smokebelly is now open and pleasing Buckhead smoked meat connoisseurs! Through sheer willpower and determination, we’ve managed to snap a picture of their mouthwatering pulled pork brisket and mac and cheese before devouring every morsel. Double dare you to do likewise! 

Ted’s Montana Grill Releases Summer Spirits and Adult Milkshakes


Ted’s Montana Grill adds another kind of spirit to the restaurant’s summer offerings. Three new handcrafted cocktails and Ted’s first spirited adult milkshakes are made in the shade for patio sipping. Ruby River soothes with Hendrick’s gin infused with fresh-squeezed lime juice, strawberries and mint. Buffalo 41 is a stampede of Buffalo Trace bourbon, Grand Marnier, fresh-squeezed lemonade and MONIN Wildberry fruit purée. Grand Agave sweetly plays Patron tequila with Grand Marnier, fresh-squeezed lime juice and organic agave nectar. 

While Ted’s Montana Grill already serves milkshakes, malts and floats, the restaurant now adds two adult-specific milkshakes to the mix, both made with Häagen-Dazs ice cream. Boozy Berry fortifies vanilla ice cream with Tito’s vodka, Grand Marnier and fresh-squeezed lemonade infused with MONIN Wildberry fruit purée. The Slide adds a wallop of Kahlua, Absolut vodka and Baileys Irish Cream to the traditional Mudslide base of vanilla ice cream and Hershey’s chocolate syrup. Whether you are looking for a cocktail, beverage or dessert, these three treats are sure to satisfy any craving.

Infused Vodka, Sparkling Sunsets and $5 Piroshki Top Evenings at Nikolai’s Roof


Atop the Hilton Atlanta, Nikolai’s Roof does more than pour some of the best labels above town - they create their own. Come up to the Point of View lounge on Thursday nights and sample vodkas infused in-house with flavors such as lemon, lime and cinnamon, peppercorn, tea and orange, peach and caramel. A flight of three samples is $19.95. Enjoy $6 Sparkling Sunset drink specials and $5 piroshki every Monday – Friday from 5-6:30 p.m.

Warren Bruno Summerfest Celebration Ride, Downtown Steak Week and More in This Week's Dish


Warren Bruno impacted plenty of lives around Atlanta as the owner of Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar and Ormsby's, but his courageous and optimistic fight with cancer inspired even more. On June 8, Virginia-Highland Summerfest goers can kick off the morning with a memorial cycle ride, an activity Bruno himself adored. Stop by Atkins Park to refuel afterwards the ride and stay for live music, art and food around the neighborhood. Meanwhile, Glenn's Kitchen, Ray's in the City and Ted's Montana Grill are teaming up with Central Atlanta Progress and Creative Loafing to bring you Downtown Steak Week starting June 9. All this and much more in this week's Dish!

Monday, June 2, 2014

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina in Buckhead Takes June 2-3 Off for Makeover, Reveals New Look at June 5 Party


Tin Lizzy’s Cantina in Buckhead will close for a rejuvenating break June 2-3. During the makeover days, Tin Lizzy’s staff will be busy lending a hand with Habitat for Humanity to give an Atlanta family a new home and a fresh outlook. On Thursday, June 5 Tin Lizzy’s will show off its new self with a “Buckhead Part 2” party. Fill up on Buffalo chicken, grilled chicken, barbecue chicken, veggie or fried fish tacos priced at $2 each. Chips and salsa and Dos Equis XX lager are $2 as well. There will be “22 Jump Street” giveaways such as screening passes for the soon-to-be-released action-comedy film, shirts, koozies and more!