Leap for Joy! Leap Year's Extra Day Turns Into An Extra Night To Dine Out!

There are two things you can do in Atlanta only once every four years: vote in a national election and dine out on February 29. True, November’s a few months off, but February 29 is this Friday! Carpe diem and dine on at these Atlanta classics and newcomers:

Aria – Executive Chef Gerry Klaskala’s slow food is an appropriate pick for this bonus day. And Aria has other bonuses – sexy environs, very attentive staff and Pastry Chef Kathryn King’s captivating desserts. 490 East Paces Ferry Road; 404-233-7673. http://www.aria-atl.com/

Canoe - Slow down and savor the extra hours amid the serene Chattahoochee setting of Canoe in Vinings. Award-winning regional menu, wine list and service. 4199 Paces Ferry Road, NW; 770-432-2663. http://www.canoeatl.com/

Morton’s – Steak out the extra hours…or choose succulent lobster at this American classic steakhouse known around the world for its prime, aged beef, fine wines and impeccably trained staff. Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Downtown: 303 Peachtree Center Avenue in the SunTrust Plaza Building; 404-577-4366. http://www.mortons.com/

South City Kitchen® – This bustling hub for Southern hospitality and new-South favorites has exhibition kitchens and friendly faces at both locations. Reservations suggested. South City Kitchen Midtown: open daily for lunch and dinner, and Sunday brunch at 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358. South City Kitchen Vinings: open for dinner nightly and Sunday brunch at 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700. http://www.fifthgroup.com/

Allegro – Time stands still when you’re dining on authentic Central Italian fare rich with the flavors of local and imported ingredients. Buon appetito! 560 Dutch Valley Road in the Belvedere condominium building; 404-888-1890. http://www.allegroatlanta.com/

Marlow’s Kennesaw – What more of an excuse do you need to meet friends for a signature cocktail and hearty tavern fare at this congenial gathering place? 745 Chastain Road, NW, Suite 1160; 770-425-8777. http://www.marlowstavern.com/

Trilogy – Food, drinks, entertainment…it’s a leap year party waiting to unfold at this suburban hot spot with an urban edge. 4930 Davidson Road behind the Parkaire shopping center in East Cobb; 770-971-4770. http://www.trilogydining.net/

Cast Off on a Cocktail Dinner Cruise at Food Studio

Come Thursday, February 28, Food Studio® will shake things up by sailing right by the wine cellar for more exotic ports of call: cocktails of the world. Fifth Group Restaurants’® unique Westside dining destination offers a one-night-only, Around the World in Four Courses cocktail dinner. The culturally enriching, four-course meal paired with handcrafted cocktails comes at a prix fixe cost of $65 per person. Reception starts at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be seated at 7 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 404-815-6677. While the regular dinner menu will be available, we’re onboard for this globally inspired menu:

• Coldwater raw oysters, served with grapefruit and Campari granita in a parmesan-cucumber and ginger mignonette, are paired with the Latin Lover, a cool citrus cocktail.


• Red snapper with leeks, daikon and pea shoots in a Meyer lemon-ginger broth, paired with the sweet Geisha Girl (candied ginger vodka, sake and lemongrass).


• Pastrami pork tenderloin with rye gnocchi and pickled cabbage in a Russian dressing, paired with a Blue Grass Cherry Bomb cocktail (Woodford Reserve bourbon, Kirschwasser, amarena cherries).


• Coffee “cup” cake served in a tuile coffee cup with chocolate ganache and vanilla sabayon, paired with a soothing Molinillo Aztec coffee containing cognac, spiced hot chocolate, fresh espresso and chantilly cream.

Serving lunch weekdays and dinner Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Located in the King Plow Arts Center at 887 West Marietta Street, Studio K-102. http://www.fifthgroup.com/

Got A Goat Cheese Feta-ish? You Just Well May After Taking This Class At Whole Foods Market - Marietta!

Goat's milk is worth the obsession. It parallels cow's milk in calories and protein content, yet is easier to digest than cow's milk and has much less cholesterol and sodium. If you're still aghast at the thought of a glass, try a slice or spread of one of the many types of goat cheese that will be up for tasting in this month's free cheese-tasting class that takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27. Game? Sign up at Customer Service. Whole Foods Market - Marietta is located at 70 Powers Ferry Road, SE; 770-578- 4400.

Yelpin' It Up At Marlow's Midtown

Monday night, Marlow's Tavern in Midtown hosted a very cool group of Atlantans... Yelpers! I give Yelp the cool stamp not just because I'm a member, but because it really is a great group of people. If you don't already know what I'm talking about, definitely go to the website and find out. If I had to describe the world of yelp, I would say it's a mix of citysearch, facebook and awesomeness.

Monday night was a happy hour meet up for all yelpers in the Atlanta area and Marlow's was a great venue for us socialites. There was free parking (big plus in Midtown), specialty drinks, complimentary appetizers and plenty of room for the almost 200 people that came out. Pictured above are a few friends I met at the event; Deanna J., Aanal P., Tavis N. and Sean M. I'm not one to just go to an event alone and chat with strangers, but yelp is different. I felt like I already knew everyone after reading their reviews the past few months. It was such a diverse crowd, too. I met a pre-law student, a CNN producer, an actress, a computer IT worker at Emory and a couple that just moved here from Orlando. Thanks to Marlow's for accommodating us all and to Deanna J. for setting the whole thing up. Now sign up for Yelp, Atlantans!

Check out all these people you could meet ------->

La Tavola Trattoria's "La Grassa" Menu Will Have You Licking Your Plate!

I decided to make this past Sunday night an all-out culinary celebration by trying the special “La Grassa” (which means “the fat one” in Italian – a nickname for the city of Bologna) menu at La Tavola Trattoria before hunkering down to watch Atlanta’s very own Kevin Rathbun battle Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America. The evening turned out to be a double victory! Beginning with a round of drinks off the restaurant’s cocktail menu, my friend and I tried the Limonada and the Rose Marie Martini (pictured left to right) – both are extremely refreshing.
We started out with the blood orange salad and the tagliata di manzo (seared, thinly shaved beef with Parmigiano-Reggiano, arugula and balsamic vinegar). The beef – a very meaty portion I must say! – was amazing, and the salad was a nice, fresh way to whet the appetite. We also sampled the capellacci (sweet squash ravioli in capon broth) and boccocini (chicken, sausage, cipollini onions, potatoes, rosemary and balsamic vinegar). The boccocini (pictured at the top of this post) was my favorite dish – hearty and comforting with just a hint of sweetness. For dessert, the cinnamon and clove budino (similar to custard) is a light and flavorful way to end the meal without feeling like you need to be rolled out of the restaurant! This special menu (available a la carte or as a prix fixe option) will be offered through this Saturday, March 1 and should not be missed! For those of you who want to commemorate the experience - or if you find yourself a bit larger on the way out than when you first sat down to dinner – I spotted La Grassa t-shirts available for sale at the hostess stand! If you aren’t able to make it to the restaurant by March 1, you can watch Chef Craig Richards’ instructional video on how to make the boccocini at home.

Eric Solomon Wine Tasting at Ecco

The wine tasting at Ecco last night was muy bien! We tasted six Spanish wines from Eric Solomon's collection. Included were:

Gramona, "Gran Cuvee" Cava (shown here); Gessami, Bianco, Penedes, Spain 2005; La Pobla De Cervoles, Costers Del Segre 2004; Closa Batllet, Gratallops, Priorat 2003 (my fave); Ombra, Monsant, "Barrica" 2005; and Espelt, Saulo, Emporda 2004.

Additionally, we had some delicious nibbles from Chef Micah Willix of Ecco. They always do such a nice job. There were cheeses, cured meats, croquettes, pickled carrots and olives, and my favorite dish on their menu - the fried goat cheese with honey. It was funny to see my new friend "Dirty" (check out his wine blog) following on the heels of the server as she carried them from the kitchen to the dining room. The man has good taste in food too! It was great to meet his fellow blogger and friend "Rowdy" (great food blog) too.

Spicy Chocolate Easter Bunny Contest

Chocolate Easter bunnies have it bad. They're low on the chocolate scale, they have horrible wardrobes and they are usually thrown in with the Halloween candy months later (yuck!). Rachel Rifat of Chocolate Snob has a great contest to encourage creativity and help out the bunnies. Spice up your chocolate Easter bunny and win great prizes from tsp spices.

Here are the rules:


1. dress your chocolate easter bunny to "spice it up" (it can still be in the wrapper).

2. put it in front of a backdrop, national monument, or a homemade scene.

3. take a picture of your spicy bunny.

4. give your picture a clever title.

5. you may eat the bunny ears off but you may not do it in photoshop.

Send a high-res jpg of your spiced up bunny to contest@chocolate-snob.com. Use the subject line "spicy bunny". Contest ends on March 20, 2008!!

Voting: The panel consists of complete snobs. Remember to be creative and imaginative. Email your favorite posted bunny by March 17 to determine the fan fav.

Prizes (from tsp spices):



Grand Prize Winner (most creative spiced-up bunny) prize: tsp 'spice basics' and tsp 'sweet basics' spice collections, valued at over $80


Most Green (this bunny must be environmentally sensitive) prize: tsp 'green basics' spice collection, valued at over $40

Fan Favorite - prize: tsp 'savoir fare' spice collection, valued at over $15

Best Use of Spices - prize: tsp 'sweet heat' spice collection, valued at over $15

Most Imaginative - prize: tsp 'sun shine' spice collection, valued at over $15

Check out some examples from past years at Chocolate Snob. Everyone is talking about it! (Got Art, Redondowriter's Sacred Ordinary)

Pop the Cork and Open that Bottle!

DON’T LET “THE FAT ONE” GET AWAY! LA TAVOLA TRATTORIA SERVES “LA GRASSA” MENU THROUGH MARCH 1
Intimate and cozy La Tavola Trattoria is big on Bologna! The capital city -- and culinary capital -- of Emilia, Romagna in northern Italy has been dubbed “la grassa” or “the fat one.” Sounds like a huge inspiration for this Fifth Group Restaurant’s “La Grassa” dinner menu presenting some of the region’s best flavors Wednesday, February 20 through Saturday, March 1. Ragù, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Modena’s balsamic vinegar all claim Bologna as home and hold their own on the La Grassa menu ($6 - $21), which includes:

Antipasti -bomba di riso, rice timbale filled with peas and braised duck ragù with a salad of dressed frisèe; tagliata di Manzo, seared, thinly shaved beef with Parmigiano-Reggiano, arugula and balsamic vinegar; lentil soup with parsnips, butternut squash and a dollop of herbed ricotta; and a blood orange salad with mâche, grana padano cheese, shaved red onion and saba.
Primi- options range from saffron risotto with braised veal and beef ragù to lasagna with braised rabbit and wild mushrooms to capellacci, a sweet squash in capon broth.
Secondi - selections include bocconcini with chicken, sausage, cipollini onions, potatoes, rosemary and balsamic vinegar; grilled pork chop with radicchio, pears and vin cotto; and a roasted monkfish with potatoes, fennel, Taggiasca olives, thyme and Meyer lemon.
Dolci- delights with a cinnamon and clove budino with blueberries and saba.

The La Grassa dinner menu will be offered prix fixe or à la carte during regular dinner hours. Wine pairings selected by Fifth Group Restaurants’ Beverage Director Vajra Stratigos will be available for an additional cost. 992 Virginia Avenue; 404-873-5430. http://www.fifthgroup.com/

Virtual voyeurs will want to tune in to this online exhibition video of La Tavola Trattoria Executive Chef Craig Richards preparing a roasted chicken and mild Italian sausage dish.

CANOE FEATURES EYRIE VINEYARDS AT RIVERSIDE WINEMAKER DINNER ON FEBRUARY 21
The staff at Canoe thinks of everything: Riverside setting, heated dining tent, four gourmet courses and delightful wines from Eyrie Vineyards, one of the first wineries in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. David Lett founded the winery in 1965 when he planted Oregon’s first Pinot Noir and America’s first Pinot Gris vines. In 1980, Eyrie’s 1975 Pinot Noir competed successfully with French Burgundy in a Paris tasting. This week, on Thursday, February 21, guests can mingle and sip at the 6:30 p.m. hors d’oeuvre reception before settling down for dinner at 7 p.m. Eyrie Winemaker and Manager Jason Lett, son of Eyrie founder David Lett, will be there to share knowledge, and Executive Chef Carvel Grant Gould’s menu will feature wine-complementing meats and seafood dishes. $125 per person (tax and gratuity included). For reservations, call Laurie Vance at 770-436-9292.

Can’t make the dinner? Eyrie wines will be featured through February 21 along with Canoe’s renowned cuisine. 4199 Paces Ferry Road, NW; 770-432-2663.

WE’VE BEEN MEANING TO OPEN THIS BOTTLE FOREVER! THANK BACCHUS, FEBRUARY 23 IS “OPEN THAT BOTTLE NIGHT!
”Perhaps you know of this condition. . .that of the special bottle waiting quietly on the rack for an occasion worthy of its corkage. Get the corkscrew ready, the night is here! Saturday, February 23 is “Open That Bottle Night,” a time to celebrate good memories, favorite wines and the gifted sommeliers and beverage directors who steer us through Atlanta’s wine and beverage lists!

Would you buy a drink from a bareboat captain? Matt Bradford, Wine Director at Canoe, is that man!
After chartering a 43-foot boat through the Southern Caribbean and hiking for two months on the Appalachian Trail, selecting the perfect wine alongside the Chattahoochee River is a piece of cake for avid outdoorsman and Canoe Wine Director Mike Bradford! From the outside in, Bradford is a natural for the job. Bradford is at home managing both front-of-the-house wine and beverage operations and educating the staff so they can help patrons make wise beverage selections. The UGA alumnus, who has also served and bartended at Canoe, continues his own education by pursuing certifications from The Court of Master Sommeliers and then passing on his new knowledge to his staff. Canoe: 4199 Paces Ferry Road, NW; 770-432-2663.

In the business since age 10. . .Vajra Stratigos, Fifth Group Restaurants®’ Beverage Director
An enthusiasm for all things liquid has propelled Vajra Stratigos through the beverage world more forcefully than ice in a blender. Being born into a family of Greco-Italian restaurateurs gave Vajra an early start in the field at the age of 10. Over the years, Stratigos has racked up many professional milestones of his own: certifications from the International Wine Guild, Court of Master Sommeliers, The Wine and Spirits Education Trust and The Society of Wine Educators, and being distinguished as a “Rising Star Sommelier” by Starchefs.com. His favorite poet, Kahlil Gibran, wrote, “Work is love made visible.” Thus, Stratigos is poetry in motion. . . at his restaurants, charity events and when giving out wine advice and cocktail mixing how-to’s on his blog. Fifth Group Restaurants owns and operates Ecco, Food Studio®, La Tavola Trattoria, South City Kitchen® Midtown and Vinings and Bold American Catering®.

Cocktail chemist welcomes all! Michael Stachura, Marlow’s Tavern Director of Beverage Operations
The word “tavern,” as in Marlow’s Tavern, conjures up images of a seasoned beverage master, well-versed in the ways of welcoming guests. With a decade of experience in the hospitality and beverage industry in his glass, Michael Stachura has poured this mix into his role as Director of Beverage Operations for Marlow’s Tavern since 2004. Stachura is one part cocktail chemist and one part business: The FSU grad creates Marlow’s signature drink recipes, including the one for Atlanta’s first pomegranate martini, and develops beverage programs for Aqua Blue and High Life restaurants. On his shelf, management and development experience at East Andrews Café and Andrews Upstairs, The Tavern at Phipps, The Clubhouse, Dantanna’s and Twist. Marlow’s Tavern locations: In Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; and Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526.

Hooked on French Champagne -- John David Harmon, Whole Foods Markets’ Specialty Coordinator for Wine and Cheese
John David Harmon learned two lessons at an early age: that bread was the staff of life as he earned $1 a night plating bread for his chef father, and celebrations such as New Year’s Eve call for French champagne. Years later, the UGA grad is still hooked on sparkling wine and has traveled the globe delving into wine and food. He’s written a monthly wine column for Barcelona Metropolitan while exploring the Spanish wine country and living in Spain. He earned an MBA-IM at Thunderbird, The American Graduate School in International Management in Arizona, then moved to La Paz, Bolivia as a consultant while honing his now fluent Spanish. With visions of wine and cheese still haunting him, he returned to Atlanta as cheese monger and buyer for Star Provisions before making his home at Whole Foods Market. Here, the world explorer is content to explore a seemingly endless world of new wines, beers, cheeses and chocolates. A toast of French champagne seems appropriate!

Seven locations of Whole Foods Markets in Metro Atlanta:
Buckhead: 77 West Paces Ferry Road, NW; 404-324-4100
Briarcliff: 2111 Briarcliff Road; 404-634-7800
Duluth-Johns Creek: 5945 State Bridge Road; 678-514-2400
Sandy Springs: 5930 Roswell Road; 404-236-0810
Ponce: 650 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE; 404-853-1681
Harry's Farmers Market in Alpharetta: 1180 Upper Hembree Road; 770-664-6300
Harry's Farmers Market in Marietta: 70 Powers Ferry Road, SE; 770-578-4400

VP and GMs value knowledge of the vine at Morton’s The Steakhouse
There’s more than one expert behind the wine lists at upscale Morton’s in Buckhead and Downtown: Vice President Wine and Spirits Tylor Field, Assistant General Manager-Downtown Jon Strudthoff, and Assistant General Manager-Buckhead Tim Thurman. Tylor Field began his career with Morton’s in Boston in 1990 and has since held positions of General Manager, Regional Manager-West Coast and Regional Manager-East Coast. Field, who is on the Court of Master Sommeliers (1st Level) and Millennium Board, oversees all purchasing, marketing, training and development of Morton’s beverage programs and acts as a national media spokesperson for the restaurant group’s wine and spirit program. Knowing that Morton’s guests know their wines, Field insists that all wine managers at all 78 Morton’s locations pass the Master Sommelier “Introductory Sommelier Course.” Assistant GM’s Strudthoff and Thurman have completed this in-depth Master Sommelier course of study covering wines and wine regions around the world, spirits, beer and cigars. In 2007, the Guild of Sommeliers awarded Fields the “Distinguished Service Award,” one of only eight awards given out in the world. Did we mention he conceptualized and implemented the World’s Largest Wine Bottle for the Guinness Book of World Records in 2005? That’s no trivial pursuit! Morton’s in Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Morton’s Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

‘CUE & A: WHERE CAN YOU FEAST ON GRASS-FED BEEF AND BERKSHIRE PORK BARBEQUE? AT SOUTH CITY KITCHEN’S SUNDAY NIGHT BBQ!
The mantra behind the meat at South City Kitchen Sunday Barbeque Nights is “from Georgia farms to Georgia’s tables.” Chew ‘cue smoked with pride from Berkshire pork and grass-fed beef worth boasting about, raised the natural way right here in north Georgia on small, family-owned and operated Riverview Farms. Savor slow-smoked beef brisket, molasses and spice-crusted pork shoulder and country-style ribs all served with Carolina-style mustard sauce, vinegar sauce and sweet red sauce. Barbecue and sides are served family style. $19.95 for adults, $9.95 for children 12 and under.

South City Kitchen Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358. South City Kitchen Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700. http://www.fifthgroup.com/

VAJRA STRATIGOS TO POUR HIS FAVORITE PICKS AT THE OSCARS OF WINE, BENEFITING THE HIGH MUSEUM OF ART
Pour one for the paparazzi! Wines will star at the 9th Annual Oscars of Wine, benefiting the High Museum of Art, from 4 – 7 p.m. at TROIS on Sunday, February 24, 2008. Before the five categories of winning wines make it to the “envelope please” phase, they will have been selected for the event by an elite group of wine connoisseurs, judged for “Judges’ Choice” by a team of celebrity judges, and voted on for the “People’s Choice” Oscar by event patrons. Twisting the cork even further, it turns out that the wine selectors -- Fifth Group Restaurants®’ Beverage Director Vajra Stratigos, The Wine Store’s Chris Hinton, Atlanta’s Wine Maverick Rick Stack and Quality Wine and Spirits’ Michael McNeill -- are vying against each other with the hopes that their selections will be voted tops by the participants and celebrity judges!

Tickets for the Oscars of Wine are $45 per person in advance or $50 at the door. Call 404-815-3337 to make reservations.

Oscar voter or not, you can pick up beverage insights and how-to videos from last year’s expert panel winner, Vajra Stratigos, on his new blog. Become more familiar with Vajra’s selections at Fifth Group Restaurants around Atlanta: South City Kitchen® Midtown, South City Kitchen Vinings, Food Studio®, La Tavola Trattoria, Ecco, and Bold American® Catering. For more information, call 678-302-3251 or visit http://www.fifthgroup.com/.

AND WHILE WINNING WINES ARE ON OUR MINDS. . .MEET & GREET ACCLAIMED WINE IMPORTER ERIC SOLOMON AT ECCO FEBRUARY 25
Ecco invites you to come meet internationally acclaimed wine importer Eric Solomon of European Cellars at an exclusive reception from 6 – 8 p.m. on Monday, February 25. Sample Eric’s newest releases, rub elbows with industry insiders and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Wines available at the reception include:

Artadi, “Orobio,” Rioja, Spain 2004
Castano, “Hecula,” Yecla, Spain 2004
Mi Nina, Tempranillio, Spain 2004
Mustaguillio, “Mestizaje,” Spain 2004
Pago Alto Landon, Manchuela, Spain 2004
Paisajes, “Paisajes IX,” Rioja, Spain 2004
Rafael Palacios, “Louro do Bolo,” Valdeorras, Spain 2005
Tikalo, “Kios,” La Mancha, Spain 2003
Vidanueva, Rueda Blanco, Rueda, Spain 2006
Mas Que Vinos, “Ercavio Blanco,” Spain 2005

Tickets for the VIP reception are $20 and can be applied toward dinner at Ecco that evening. For reservations, call Ecco at 404-347-9555. 40 7th Street in Midtown.

Decant more knowledge about Eric Solomon Selections at http://www.europeancellars.com/.

WITH NEW GM AND LUX VIEWS ON THE NORTHSIDE, IT HAS TO BE AQUA BLUE
For the past six years Aqua Blue Restaurant & Bar has drawn diners looking for affordable luxury and global cuisine to its Roswell location. Ready for a new face and look, owners John C. Metz Jr., Tom DiGiorgio, Richard E. Rivera and Hank Clark brought General Manager Brian Longacre to the Aqua Blue scene, which, by the way, has been redesigned and decorated. Steeped in the business of hospitality, Longacre knows well the nuances of generosity and attentiveness that turn a neighborhood restaurant into an extension of the home. Longacre comes to Aqua Blue with managing experience at Ray’s in the City in Atlanta, Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse, and several country clubs including Olde Towne Athletic Club, The Georgian Club and Brookstone Golf & Country Club here in Georgia.

On the décor side, take a look at the new patio, the dining room’s new deep blue hues and a private event room that’s ideal for up 30 guests, corporate events and the restaurant’s upcoming winemaker dinners. Open for dinner nightly; live entertainment on Thursdays and Fridays. 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.

GET AN INSIDE LOOK AT TRILOGY KARAOKE NIGHTS
If you’re wondering what Trilogy’s Wednesday Karaoke nights are like, check out this video for an inside look at all the fun. Even if you didn’t quite make the cut for “American Idol” or “Singing Bee” (perhaps “America’s Funniest Home Videos” is more your style), you can belt it out with the best of them at Trilogy every Wednesday night beginning at 8:30 p.m. for karaoke. There’s no cover charge, and the fun is open to anyone and everyone. Make a night of it by coming earlier for dinner or for libations to loosen up those pipes and douse any vestiges of stage fright! You’ll find Trilogy in East Cobb at 4930 Davidson Road; 770-971-4770.

SECOND HELPING: TSP SPICES BANISHES BLAND BLOGS!
We’ve all clicked on them, blogs that sound so enticing. . .yet turn out to be nothing but yada, yada, yada. Not this thyme, blog.tspspices.com posts more than a dash of spice history and facts, uses, recipes and more from the “cardaMoms.” We’re sure The Seasoned Palate of the “cardaMoms” can one-teaspoon-up spice girls any day!

Groundhog Day at Black Bear Tavern

I recently attended the annual Groundhog Day party at Black Bear Tavern. Not only was the beer flowin' and band crankin', this little fella was shakin' it all night long to the tune of, "Get Down Tonight" by K.C. & The Sunshine Band. He must have been quite excited about his prediction of 6 more weeks of winter -- he came dressed in Mardi Gras attire.

Hotdog Heaven: Chicago Cuisine with a Southern Twist

Although I was born in Chicago, I can’t truly call myself a Chicagoan. I only lived there for a year and obviously don’t remember much. My father, on the other hand, is a Chicagoan through and through. He was born and raised there and truly loves that city. He loves the history, the sports teams (especially the Cubs) and of course, the food. One of his favorite things in the world is going to Wrigley Field, watching the Cubs play and having a real Chicago-style hotdog. So, for his 53rd birthday my mother planned a trip to Hotdog Heaven (pictured above), a cute little restaurant that promised to offer real Chicago-style hotdogs.

Located in downtown Canton, Hotdog Heaven is an adorable little place with a swinging screen door and a smiling face to greet you as soon as you walk in. Owner Beck Wentzel makes every customer feel at home and takes your order at the register while her husband, Barney, cooks in the back. They offer more than just hotdogs, though. They have all types of sandwiches, burgers and even steak dinners.

At my dad’s birthday celebration, the 9 of us took up a big part of the tiny restaurant. Becky greeted us as we came in and had even gone out of her way to get my father a birthday cake. She was so excited to have us. We each ordered our hotdog to our liking along with an array of cheese fries, onion rings and deep fried potato chips (pictured right).

I ordered, as my dad did, their Chicago Polish Dog (pictured left) with all the fixin’s. For those of you who don’t know, Chicago –style dogs come a little differently then your average hotdog. They are usually topped with pickles, tomatoes, sweet relish, onions, peppers and mustard. It’s almost a cardinal sin to put ketchup on the dog; you just don’t do it. It’s too much on this already wonderful delight and takes away from the flavors that the other toppings bring. My hotdog was perfect and brought me back to many a summer vacations visiting Chicago with my family (we always made time to get a hotdog on our trips back).

Overall, the birthday party was a success. Hotdog Heaven was the perfect mix of Southern hospitality and authentic Chicago cuisine for my dad. He was happy to get to spend time with his family, enjoy one his favorite foods and go back to his favorite city in the world, even if it was just for dinner!

Cinnamon .. the real deal

I'm about to make a confession. I am addicted to cinnamon. No one knows this. Well, until now. If a restaurant dish (sweet or savory) has cinnamon in it then I'm ordering it. I sprinkle cinnamon on my cereal instead of sugar. I pour it in my coffee at Starbucks when no one's looking. It's great in soups and chili. Cinnamon flavored candy wins out over chocolate in my book every day. I know, weird.



Every now and then I'll read an article about some health benefits of cinnamon and I give myself a little pat on the back for this healthy habit, while ignoring the articles about how bad Diet Coke is for you! But I really never stopped to think about cinnamon and where it came from and where you get the very best. TSP Spices has a great product that packages teaspoon size packets of organic spices in a beautiful silver tin for cooks and kitchens. Of course I bought the "Sweet Basics" package with "true cinnamon" in it. Their recent blog entry talks about why they chose this title and gives some fun facts about cinnamon. I enjoyed it immensely.

SIP The Political Experience

I don’t remember politics being so prevalent in the news (and everywhere you turn) in the past. So, when my favorite french pressed java joint, SIP, announced that it would host a fundraiser for presidential candidate, Barack Obama, I decided to see what all the hype was about. The turnout was great! I saw lots of important looking people, so I decided to whip out my camera so I could look more important. I met and took pictures of several people, including Kimmy Cantrell (pictured left). An enormously talented sculptor, Kimmy was gracious enough to donate several pieces to the event’s live auction, which are valued at over $10,000. The crowd was enthusiastic and the lavendar pistachio hot chocolate was heavenly! It was easy to see how people get into politics; especially with those cute “Obama Mama” baby t-shirts, which were sold out early in the evening.

Old Mick's Peachtree Location Becomes VITA in March!

Finally! The old Mick's eyesore on Peachtree has gotten a facelift. If you ride by you can already see a lot of the changes outside - the awnings should be up this week. I was lucky to get a tour inside and it's beautiful! The new restaurant, owned by Tony LaRocco, will be called VITA and is set to open March 17.

A lot of Atlantans know Tony as the guy who brought us Fratelli di Napoli. He brought "family-style dining" to Atlanta WAY before Maggiano's did! He eventually sold the wildly successful Fratelli restaurants and moved to Florida and we haven't seen much from him in a few years.

One day the word started spreading through the restaurant community that Tony was sick. Really sick. Turns out he had leukemia - the worst kind. Having known Tony since I did his opening PR for Fratelli back in 95 or 96, I knew he'd make it through. But it really didn't look good there for a while.

The good news for everyone is that Tony is completely recovered and is going to bring us a classic New York Italian restaurant which he named VITA for "life." And yes, for those of you who know to ask, he will be serving the famous and delicious rigatoni with vodka sauce!!! Yay!

Atlanta Restaurants Are Feeding Hungry Hearts

LET'S HAVE A HEART-TO-HEART ABOUT VALENTINE'S DAY
Here's some Valentine's advice straight from our hearts...go for a bite of give and a dash of take. If he treated you to the ultra-romantic night out last year, turn the tables and take him out for a meaty masterpiece. Last year, he brought Valentine's chocolate to your doorstep, this year show up with heart-shaped doughnuts. Went formal? Go comedy or country! If absence is making the heart grow fonder, send tokens of affection - we've listed some suggestions below!

KRISPY KREME HEART-SHAPED DOUGHNUTS ARE LOVE AT FIRST BITE
Why leave 'em guessing? Krispy Kreme heart-shaped doughnuts are sweet through and through! Unlike a box of chocolates, one always knows what to expect with Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The outsides are dazzling in white icing with pink, red and white sprinkles. Your beau will be heartbroken if you don't buy some of these luscious lovelies by February 14 . . . after that they're gone until next February!

Buy two-dozen doughnuts of any kind before February 14 and you'll receive 12 Share the Love Valentine's Day cards, each good for a free doughnut. Oh, and if you're sweet on lots of valentines, place your large order 48 hours in advance. Available at all Atlanta Krispy Kreme stores:

Atlanta - 295 Ponce de Leon Avenue, 404-876- 7307
Buford - 3387 Buford Drive, 770-831-1174
Duluth - 1550 Pleasant Hill Road, 770-717-5134
Lilburn - 4129 Highway 78, 770-985-2810
Marietta - 299 Cobb Parkway, South, 770-425- 0374
Riverdale - 6689 Highway 85, 770-997-6210
Roswell - 791 Atlanta Street, 770-998-0779

THERE'S SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR HEART-FELT SPONTANEITY - THEY'RE SAYING IT WITH HUMOR AT WHOLE WORLD THEATRE'S VALENTINE'S DAY IMPROV SPECIAL
Blackberry schedules and IM buzzes are so unromantic. Turn them off and turn on your date with the spontaneity of dinner, laughs and prizes at Whole World Theatre's Valentine's Day improv comedy special. The evening's in the hands of a fun-loving twosome: Front Page News-Midtown serves dinner at 7 p.m., and Whole World Theatre brings on the laughs at 9 p.m. In between, head for the dessert bar, complete with Krispy Kreme's heart-shaped doughnuts! Per couple: show only, $75; show and dinner (including a bottle of wine), $120. For reservations, call 404-817-PLAY. 1216 Spring Street in Midtown.

WAYS TO EAT TO YOUR HEART'S DESIRE WITH THESE ATLANTA RESTAURANT SPECIALS AND GOURMET GIFT IDEAS
A dinner of authentic central Italian fare from Allegro's special "Amore Mio" menu will steal any lover's heart. The four-course Valentine's Day prix fixe menu is $100 per couple (tax, gratuity and wine excluded). Choose one dish for each course on the Valentine's menu:

First Course
Pane Sardo -- toasted Sardinian flat bread with king crab, slow-cooked tomatoes, celery micro greens with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil
Carpaccio di Salmone -- smoked salmon carpaccio with blood oranges, cumin-flavored carrots, Pantelleria caper berries, basil micro greens

Second Course
Risotto al Balsamico -- butter and Parmigiano risotto topped with 12-year-old balsamic- marinated fresh strawberries
Cappellacci Cupido -- butternut squash cappellacci with cranberry compote and amaretti cookie crumbles

Third Course
Filetto Valentino -- grilled filet mignon with Brussels sprout au gratin flavored with horseradish and finished with black beef glaze
Branzino Casanova -- pan-seared Chilean sea bass served with crispy polenta topped with roasted tomato, capers and olive relish

Fourth Course
Dolcezza -- white chocolate and strawberry parfait
Tortino alla Nutella e Vaniglia -- chocolate and Nutella lava cake with vanilla gelato

Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. 560 Dutch Valley Road in the Belvedere condominium building; 404-888-1890. Buon appetito! www.allegroatlanta.com

Aqua Blue woos with courses featuring lobster, crab and chocolate on its Valentine's dinner menu: Charleston she crab bisque; Maine lobster and spinach salad; thyme roast tenderloin with lobster, jumbo lump crab Napoleon, winter vegetable fricassee and lobster knuckle sauce; and Aqua Blue Chocolate "Bomb" of dark and semi-sweet chocolate mousse with raspberry. $65 per person, $130 a couple, including two glasses of champagne. 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell; 770-643-8886.

Aria, known as one of Atlanta's most romantic dining destinations, serves a four-course prix fixe Valentine's Day menu that sings of romance. $90 per person (tax, gratuity and beverages not included). Serving dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. 490 East Paces Ferry Road; 404-233-7673. http://www.aria-atl.com/

Chipotle wraps up that extra something...a receipt worth a free burrito on February 13 or 14 for any guest who purchases a gift card for their valentine this month before February 12 (minimum $10). One free burrito per gift card purchased. Chipotle has 12 Atlanta-area locations.

Sweetheart, forget the frou-frou, "meat" your man for the Valentine's meal of his dreams at Fogo de Chão, a true Brazilian churrascaria. Give your gaucho the green light on table-side carving of 15 savory cuts of meat -- as much as your man wants. Voracious for veggies? Tour the sumptuous salad bar laden with vegetables, salads, fruits, cheeses, meats and more. Lunch (served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) is $29.50 per person; dinner (served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) is $46.50 per person. 3101 Piedmont Road;404-266-9988. http://www.fogodechao.com/

Food Studio, near the heart of the city, offers a Valentine's Day four-course prix fixe menu for $65 per person. Choose one item for each course from the special menu:

Amuse Bouche

First Course
Hammock Hallow field greens, fingerling potatoes, white asparagus with mustard vinaigretteSeared Maine diver scallops, parsnip- black truffle risotto
Grilled Carolina quail with caramelized onion tart and spiced fig compote
Butter-poached shrimp with cauliflower puree, grilled porcini mushrooms

Second Course
Grilled beef tenderloin, horseradish potatoes, Swiss chard, red wine reduction
Braised lamb shank, polenta, creamed escarole, braise reduction
Alaskan halibut, ricotta gnocchi, Brussels sprouts, hedgehog mushrooms
Spice-rubbed pork tenderloin with root vegetable hash, Tuscan kale, sherry jus

Third Course
Warm walnut tart with poached pears and rosemary sabayon
Valrhona chocolate-covered cherry bombe with sour cherry reduction.

Dinner hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. 887 W. Marietta Street in the King Plow Arts Center; 404-815-6677. http://www.fifthgroup.com/

Marlow's Tavern in Alpharetta, Kennesaw, Midtown and Vinings are all offering different, special three-course dinner menus on Valentine's Day (regular menu also will be available). A Sexy Singles Party at the Vinings location begins at 9 p.m. on Valentine's night and will feature drink specials in the bar area. Check individual locations for menu items and pricing information. In Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; and Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526. http://www.marlowstavern.com/

Morton's Steakhouse in Buckhead marries its signature steak and seafood together in one of the best Valentine's Day four-course menu deals around. For just $99 for two, each person enjoys a single-cut filet; choice of seafood options including Morton's jumbo lump crab cake, Shrimp Alexander or broiled sea scallops wrapped in bacon with apricot chutney; choice of Caesar or Morton's salad; and a choice of Morton's legendary hot chocolate cake or Key lime pie for dessert. Buckhead location ONLY, located in the Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. http://www.mortons.com/

Trilogy will have East Cobb swooning in the main dining room with a rose for each lady and menu specials. Entertainment room guests will be enamored with the Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain cover band and look-a-likes at 8 p.m. The entertainment room has a $20 cover charge per person. 4930 Davidson Road behind the Parkaire shopping center in East Cobb; 770-971-4770. http://www.trilogydining.net/

Wolf Mountain Vineyard and Winery is hosting the second of their Valentine Gourmet Dinners with wine pairings on Saturday, February 16 at 7 p.m. Cost is $80 per person, all inclusive. Dinner begins with a cellar reception featuring mini-smoked duck ravioli with ginger hoisin dipping sauce accompanied by 2006 Chanteloup. Dinner menu and pairings include:

• Stuffed jumbo shrimp with crab meat in a bed of baby mixed greens, walnuts, shaved Asiago and tossed in a roasted shallot vinaigrette; 2006 Chanteloup


• Sorbet


• Fried lobster tail and Chateaubriand duo drizzled in a rosemary demi glace with potato croquets and asparagus; 2006 Coupage


• Cheese course brings a sampling of artisan cheeses; 2005 Instinct


• Flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce garnished with fresh berries, served with gourmet Brazilian coffee roasted for Wolf Mountain Vineyards; 2005 Claret or 2006 Seyval Demi-Sec

For reservations, call 706-867-9862. 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega. http://www.wolfmountainvineyards.com/

If your Valentine loves you, and all things of food and vine, we've found some gifts to tickle their fancy:

tsp spices will spice up your relationship by delivering organic spices in perfectly-measured, freshly sealed, single-use packages. Spice gals and guys can now kiss kitchen chaos goodbye and embrace more flavorful foods at home! To learn more or to buy, visit http://www.tspspices.com/ -- and be sure to stop over at The Seasoned Palate Weblog for spicy revelations.

Even if you're not popping the question you can pop the cork on fabulous wines from Niner Wine Estates. Find your favorite on the list of high- quality varietals created from estate-grown fruit: Sauvignon Blanc, Barbera Rosato, Barbera, Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Available at several of Atlanta's top restaurants, Niner Wines are also available at Hinton's Wine Store located at 8455 Holcomb Bridge Road in Alpharetta; 770-641-1900.

Those passionate about their grills will cherish love tokens of Grill Wipes, Stainless Steel Wipes and the Steaming Grill Brush from Grate Chef®. Less time cleaning the grill means more time for thrills! Products are sold online at www.barbecue-store.com and in nationwide grocery stores, hardware stores and specialty stores. Grill 'em for more info at 877- 900-8415 or http://www.gratechef.com/.

CUPID SHOPS AT WHOLE FOODS MARKET!
The love-struck cherub knows less time spent driving, stopping and shopping means more time for romance! Whole Foods Market and Harry's Farmers Market have it all, from flowers to food. The rest is up to you!

Run for the roses as Whole Foods Market and Harry's Farmers Market locations in Georgia rise up with their annual Valentine's Day rose special: Two dozen roses for $19.99 through February 14! There's no excuse not to push the petals her way -- you can't miss the big outdoor wrapping tables.

Wake up to a romantic breakfast in bed for $24.99. Hit snooze and steal time for a boxed bounty for two, including mini quiches, fresh-baked muffins, healthy melon and OJ.

The Bundle of Love, $89.99, snuggles all of those Valentine's classics together for one quick pick up: Two-dozen roses OR 20 tulip stems arranged in a vase with baby's breath and greenery; Nicolas Feuillatte champagne; and Moonstruck all-natural chocolate truffles.

Seven locations are waiting to embrace you and your Valentine's Day needs:
Buckhead: 77 West Paces Ferry Road, NW; 404-324-4100
Briarcliff: 2111 Briarcliff Road; 404-634-7800
Duluth-Johns Creek: 5945 State Bridge Road; 678- 514-2400
Sandy Springs: 5930 Roswell Road; 404-236- 0810
Ponce: 650 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE; 404-853- 1681
Harry's Farmers Market in Alpharetta: 1180 Upper Hembree Road; 770-664-6300
Harry's Farmers Market in Marietta: 70 Powers Ferry Road, SE; 770-578-4400

ATLANTA FINE WINE FESTIVAL ON FEBRUARY 16 BENEFITS VISITING NURSE - HOSPICE ATLANTA
The 4th Annual Atlanta Fine Wine Festival on Saturday, February 16, ends Valentine's week on a compassionate note. As guests enjoy food from top restaurants, like Canoe, and sample and bid on fine wines such as Niner Wine Estates, they'll be helping raise funds for a loving cause, Visiting Nurse - Hospice Atlanta. This year's event takes place from 2 - 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 16 at Mason Murer Fine Art, located at 199 Armour Drive in Atlanta; 404-879-1500. Learn more about the event's charity, auction, sponsors, participating wines and restaurants, and ticketing information at http://www.atlantafinewinefestival.com/. Info number:404-520-3113.

TRILOGY HOSTS CHRISTIAN ROCK BAND SOULSTICE
Trilogy continues to wow the neighborhood with a diverse range of entertainment! Bring the family to hear rock with a mission as Christian band Soulstice takes to the stage with fast- paced praise music on Sunday, February 17. This is not your grandpa's music. $15 cover charge per person includes a pre-show hamburger/hot dog buffet at 5 p.m. followed by the band's performance at 6:30 p.m. 4930 Davidson Road behind the Parkaire shopping center in East Cobb; 770-971-4770. www.trilogydining.net. Sneak preview the band at www.soulsticeband.net.

GOT 4 MINUTES? VAJRA STRATIGOS HAS A VALENTINE'S VIDEO WINE "TASTING" FOR YOU!
His descriptions are so vivid you can almost taste them! Vajra Stratigos, beverage director for Fifth Group Restaurants® turns to YouTube to get the word out on the perfect wines for Valentine's. Garner his insight on bubbly through white, red and dessert wine suggestions. Click here to view . . . and the list:

Aubry, Brut Rosé, Premier Cru
Chateau Ste. Michelle, "Eroica," Riesling 2006
C. Joguet, "Les Varennes du Grand Clos," Chinon 2004
Turley Wine Cellars, "Duarte," Zinfandel Contra Costa County, CA 2005
Alvear, "Solera 1927," Pedro Ximénez Spain

Fifth Group Restaurants owns and operates Ecco, Food Studio®, La Tavola Trattoria, South City Kitchen® Midtown and Vinings and Bold American Catering®. For more information about Fifth Group Restaurants, visit www.fifthgroup.com. For more wine suggestions from Vajra, check out his blog, Vajra Straight Up.

ANNUAL SHARE OUR STRENGTH GREAT AMERICAN BAKING CONTEST AND BAKE SALE!
. . . Or cookies, cakes, breads and secret recipes. Separate amateur and professional baker categories mean all that enter have a chance at winning bread while raising dough during Share Our Strength's Great American Baking Contest on Thursday, February 21 at The Cook's Warehouse in Midtown. The 7 - 9 p.m. bake-off kicks off the organization's Great American Bake Sale in Atlanta to help alleviate childhood hunger in America. Contest entry fees are $25/amateurs and $95/professionals. Atlanta Journal- Constitution Food Writer John Kessler will judge the pros, and a panel of pastry chefs will slice into the amateur chefs' creations. Samplings of desserts and wines are included in the event admission fee of $25 per person. Obtain contest specifics at www.strength.org/bakingcontest,or call Amy Crowell at 770-436-5151.

The Cook's Warehouse in Midtown is located at 549-I Amsterdam Avenue; 404-815-4993. http://www.cookswarehouse.com/

Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale®, presented by Domino® Sugar and C&H®, is a national campaign that mobilizes Americans to end childhood hunger by holding bake sales in their communities. www.greatamericanbakesale.org

GUESTS ARE GREETED WTH NEW MENU FORMAT AT WOODFIRE GRILL: OWNER/CHEF MICHAEL TUOHY MEANS BIG BUSINESS WHEN IT COMES TO SMALL PLATES
While Owner/Chef Michael Tuohy, a San Francisco transplant who has been at the forefront of the Atlanta dining scene for more than 20 years, has always been ahead of his time by offering a variety of small plates at his restaurant since opening in 2002 - Bon Appetit magazine even named Woodfire Grill as the spot for "Best Small Plates" in 2004. But now, he has further expanded this section of the Woodfire Grill menu to reflect the way Atlantans are eating today. Defined by the end of the entrée and the launch of a lifestyle of grazing among numerous flavors and textures, the focal point of Tuohy's menu is the enormous selection of little bites that give the diner complete control over his or her meal. Many of Woodfire Grill's previous entrée options have been made into smaller portions.

"I believe this change reflects the way guests want to eat when dining out," says Tuohy. "There is a convergence of diners young and mature that want to experience and share lots of flavors and tastes; it's a more communal approach. Diners want to move on from a dish after three to four bites, so an entree can be too much of a commitment," he adds.

Additionally, The Café at Woodfire's menu features artisan cured meats, artisan cheese selections with a wide variety of accompaniments and pizzettas to suit the mood of patrons. Several of these items are also available for purchase in The Café to take home. For those guests who are willing to put their meal choices into the capable hands of Chef Tuohy, a four-course vegetable tasting menu and a chef's tasting menu are featured on the backside of the regular menu to showcase the day's freshest locally grown organic produce and other seasonal offerings that are central to the restaurant's philosophy of ingredient-focused fair with a Northern California flair. Woodfire Grill is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and is located at 1782 Cheshire Bride Road; 404-347-9055; http://www.woodfiregrill.com/.


SECOND HELPINGS: SOCIAL DIVA DIVIES UP SCOOP ON ATLANTA
Social butterflies and event divas will see Atlanta's restaurant, happenings and retail scene bloom on Socialdiva.com. Part newsletter, part blog, there's plenty of eye-candy and meaty information to make clicking on this link worth your while!

Because Everthing Should Taste Like BACON!

I always bring a pretty boring salad to lunch so when I saw Bacon Salt in the breakroom I knew my meals were going to change. I like to sprinkle the peppered flavor (shown above) on my salad to give it a little kick. This is just one of three baconed possibilities; the other flavors include original and hickory. The slogan on the shaker reads "everything should taste like bacon" and I couldn't agree more. Who doesn't like bacon? Incase you're wondering, it's fat free, zero calorie, vegetarian and Kosher approved and it really does taste just like bacon. My veggies, baked potatoes, and Bloody Mary's will never be the same! Bacon love is even spreading to facebook where you can join the group Bacon Salt (which I did). Mmmm...BACON!

Mardi Gras Mania in Atlanta

LOOKING FOR LAGNIAPPE IN ALL THE WRONG PLACES? TRILOGY’S MARDI GRAS PARTY IS THE PLACE FOR YOUR “CREWE” ON FEBRUARY 5!
Outside Trilogy, the streets of East Cobb are quiet; inside Trilogy, it’s Carnival time! On Tuesday, February 5, Mardi Gras beads and balloons will be flying, the ZydeFunk band will play and dance through the crowds New Orleans style . . . and the food and drinks will have those saints marching in and chowing down before they boogie down! Coax your “crewe” out to celebrate by tossing out these Bourbon Street tempters: drink specials such as Hurricanes and Abita Purple Haze, and an a la carte menu of New Orleans favorites – gumbo, crawfish étouffée, muffalettas and more. Party starts at 7 p.m. and the band plays at 8 p.m. $20 cover charge. 4930 Davidson Road; 770-971-4770. http://www.trilogydining.net/

WE’RE SWEET ON YOUNG CHEF’S ACADEMY FOR VALENTINE’S TREATS!
We love anything having to do with the kitchen, whether it’s creating or consuming! If your young chef also wears his or her heart on their apron-sleeve, share the love by signing them up now for Young Chef’s Academy’s Valentine’s Treats workshops! Two time options are available to ease your scheduling dilemmas: Wednesday, February 6 from 1:30 – 4 p.m. and Saturday, February 9 from 4 – 6 p.m. Advance reservations are required, so BOOK EARLY to reserve seats! To hold your spot, e-mail youngchefs@bellsouth.net or phone 404-255-9263. Young Chef’s Academy is located in the Sandy Spring’s CityWalk Shopping Center at 227 Sandy Springs Place, Suite 368. http://www.youngchefsacademy.com/

WOLF MOUNTAIN WINERY POURS ON A LOVE OF FINE WINING AND DINING FEBRUARY 9
On the romantic dinner scale, a whisk to North Georgia’s Wolf Mountain Winery trumps a whisk in the hand. Why risk it? Our bet’s on the Wolf Mountain Valentine’s Day Wine Dinner on Saturday, February 9. $80 per person includes dinner and wine pairings. The evening begins at 7 p.m. with a cellar reception featuring mini-smoked duck ravioli with ginger hoisin dipping sauce and paired with 2006 Chanteloup before moving on to a menu of:

· Stuffed jumbo shrimp with crab meat in a bed of baby mixed greens, walnuts, shaved Asiago and tossed in a roasted shallot vinaigrette; 2006 Chanteloup
· Sorbet
· Fried lobster tail and chateaubriand duo drizzled in a rosemary demi glace with potato croquets and asparagus; 2006 Coupage
· Cheese course of artisan cheeses; 2005 Instinct
· Flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce garnished with fresh berries, served with gourmet Brazilian coffee roasted for Wolf Mountain Winery; 2005 Claret or 2006 Seyval Demi-Sec

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery is located at 180 Wolf Mountain Trail, in historic Dahlonega, Georgia; 706-867-9862. http://www.wolfmountainvineyards.com/

FELLOWSHIP OF THE FORK: ECCO’S FEBRUARY 10 SUNDAY SHARE IS A SUNDAY BEST BET!
In a month of Sundays, one Sunday dinner always stands out: the monthly “Sunday Share” communal table dining event at Ecco. Each month brings a new theme to the family-style dining table at Fifth Group Restaurants’ Mediterranean-inspired eatery Ecco, where a limited number of guests can enjoy getting to know each other, fork and spoon in hand. This month’s Sunday Share will take place at 6:30 p.m. on February 10. Crowned “All Hail the King,” the très special dinner is inspired by the legendary master of French cooking, Georges Auguste Escoffier. $25 per person covers the neighborly meal. Drink specials are available but are not included in the meal price. Sunday Share reservations are required and may be made by calling 404-347-9555.

The Sunday Share gatherings are available in addition to the restaurant’s regular menu. Ecco serves dinner starting at 5:30 p.m. nightly; the patio and bar open daily at 4 p.m. 40 7th Street at the corner of Cypress Street in Midtown; 404-347-9555. http://www.fifthgroup.com/

THE GLOBE – IT’S A WHOLE NEW WORLD
The GLOBE put a new spin on Midtown dining when it opened in 2005, and it continues to turn heads with its new deep red and burnt orange walls, olive and sage furniture and subtle creature comforts. Beneath the 31-foot zinc bar sits a new foot bar to put an end to dangling feet. Sofas cluster, as do guests, in the expanded lounge area. Terrace-view tables, sectioned off by a sheer curtain, are now a dining room option. A 120-foot window wall drenches diners in vitamin D, err, sunshine, while at night, a starry constellation of Jasper Morrison Glo-Balls sends the GLOBE into a soothing, softly-lit galaxy. The library lounge invites quiet gatherings and meetings amid its filled bookshelves and cozy chairs. Take your coffee or beer outside to view the hustle and bustle of Midtown from a perch on the outdoor terrace.

At this urban modern café, food does more than decorate plates. Lunch and dinner guests can look forward to dining on Chef Joshua Laban Perkins’ Mediterranean-style small and large plates, sophisticated sweets and a late-night lounge menu that’s truly inspired, not tired. Critics are still turning in rave reviews and accolades. And, Pimms Cocktails, organic margaritas, drink specials and a European wine list have glasses swirling in approval.

Open Monday through Saturday at 75 Fifth Street, NW in Technology Square; 404-541-1487. Valet parking is available on Fifth Street in front of the restaurant, and validated parking is available behind the restaurant in the Centergy visitor parking deck. Wireless internet access is provided inside and out. http://www.globeatlanta.com/

WHEN ONLY BACON WILL DO, BACON SALT BRINGS HOME THE BACON FLAVOR WITHOUT THE FRYING!
Last year, Justin and Dave were both bringing home the bacon from their jobs at a small technology company when their mutual cravings for the flavor of bacon turned them into “bacontrepreneurs.” Their brainchild, Bacon Salt™, has our squeal of approval as a fast, easy way to perk up everything from party mix to steak and mashed potatoes with the mouthwatering taste of bacon (and none of the prep mess). A sprinkle of Original, Hickory or Peppered Bacon Salt can make a tomato slice taste like a BLT. Unleash the power of bacon into plain ranch dressing and make a bacon-loving vegetarian go hog-wild. Celebrate National Snack Food Month with a sprinkle here and there . . . but first you’ll need to buy some. http://www.baconsalt.com/

RAISE A TOAST TO ALLI-ROYCE-SOBLE AT LA TAVOLA – VOTED BEST BARKEEP ON ROWDYFOOD.COM
When the blog is named “rowdyfood.com,” you know they’re up on their fave barkeeps! Mix up a tall order of service, knowledge and friendliness, garnish it with a smile and you have “Best Barkeep in Atlanta,” Alli Royce-Soble at La Tavola Trattoria. Alli is an essential ingredient at Virginia Highland’s neighborly Italian gathering spot -- come find out why!

Fifth Group Restaurants’ La Tavola Trattoria is located at 992 Virginia Ave., NE; 404-873-5430. http://www.fifthgroup.com/

SECOND HELPING: VAJRA STRAIGHT UP BLOG DISTILLS THE ESSENCE OF FIFTH GROUP RESTAURANTS’ RISING STAR SOMMELIER
When Fifth Group Restaurants’ Beverage Director Vajra Stratigos opens up, the wisdom of five generations of Greek and Italian restaurateurs pours out! An enthusiasm for “all things liquid” has propelled Vajra into achieving many professional milestones: certifications from the International Wine Guild, Court of Master Sommeliers, The Wine and Spirits Education Trust and The Society of Wine Educators, and being distinguished as a “Rising Star Sommelier” by Starchefs.com, an award-winning online magazine for culinary insiders. Vajra’s blog flows with wine insights, recommendations, where-to-buy info, Vajra YouTube links, Atlanta wine events and star chefs. Decant a red or white, sit down at the keyboard and enjoy! http://www.vajrastraightup.blogspot.com/.

Ecco: Cocktails, Cheese and Charles!

After hearing such great things about Ecco, I decided it was finally time for me to visit once and for all. My roommate (Whitney) and I decided to have dinner there Tuesday night for some much needed catching up. I was ready for amazing food, beautiful scenery and great conversation. Well, I got all that and more during my first visit to this popular Atlanta eatery.

First we ordered drinks. I decided even though I was not a big fan of gin, I had to try the award winning Long Live the Queen cocktail (pictured left). It was truly a wonderful concoction and a great way to start off the night. It surprised me with its sweet citrus flavor and a hint of mint. It didn’t have that overwhelming gin flavor that I presumed it would.

Our meal was delicious to say the least and our waiter, Charles (pictured right with Whitney), was truly one of a kind. He was so energetic and gave great recommendations from the menu. We hit it off with him right from the start and he even sat down and talked with us a few times.

After chatting with Charles, we decided to sample a few meats and cheeses, the fried goat cheese with honey (pictured left), the pork and beef meatballs, the sweet gem lettuce salad and lastly, we ended with a caramelized onion and white anchovies wood fired pizza. My favorite was the fried goat cheese; it was like a cloud of yummy cheese in a sweet funnel cake-type batter – truly heaven! Overall it was a great night at Ecco. I enjoyed the drinks, the food and Charles!

Fun Sips at Food Studio

Meryl and I decided to stop by Food Studio earlier this week to try out the restaurant’s new cocktail menu…we sampled the Nectarita (Partida Blanco Tequila with agave nectar and lime pulp), Rosemaya (Hendrick’s Cucumber and Rose Petal Gin chilled and served up with rose water essence) and New Fashioned (Makers Mark Bourbon and pomegranate molasses with the classic muddle). All three are $12. Meryl is the biggest margarita lover I know and she gave the Nectarita four thumbs up (yes, four - you will be seeing double after a few of these). My favorite was the Rosemaya – the rose water finish makes this one SO refreshing. Always friendly bartender Andrew and Beverage Manager Chris Dean will keep you entertained while you throw back some delicious drinks for a fun evening on the Westside. If you find yourself in need of sustenance as lavish as these libations, Chef Mark Alba creates the best foie gras dishes in the city. It’s currently being served with a mini biscuit and kumquat compote. Get it while you can - the kumquats come straight from Alba’s father’s backyard in Louisiana!