The Night the Lights Went Out in Atlanta

I have never really considered myself a tree-hugging environmentalist, but, lately, it’s been very hard to ignore the signs that something is wrong with Mother Nature. From the devastating drought that our state is enduring, to the atypical tornado that struck Downtown Atlanta in the early part of March, the warning signs are everywhere and getting less and less subtle. Something that really opened my eyes to what was going on in the world OTP is the mini-series Planet Earth on the Discovery Channel. I found myself glued to the screen each time a new installment was released and realized that inside me, there may just be a “green” girl in waiting trying to escape.

This past weekend, Atlanta, along with several major cities across the globe, took a stand against global warming by turning out the lights for one hour during Earth Hour 2008, the brainchild of the World Wildlife Fund. According to Georgia Power, that one hour added up to a 4% savings in power! The 7.05 megawatt-hours saved is enough to power over 1,700 homes. Just one hour. It’s so easy to say that one person can’t make a difference, but what if we worked together? What if we did this once a month? Could we each do our part to contribute to the greater good?

I attended the Earth Hour reception, held at the Wachovia building, which was themed “green.” No kidding; green carpet, green drinks (the 360 Martini was deelish), even the cupcakes were green! (Pictured below) The guest list was a who’s who of media, business leaders and politician. WXIA broadcasted live throughout the evening, Mayor Shirley Franklin spoke and American Idol finalist Alexandrea Lushington graced us all with a few songs. I even met the WWF Panda! (Pictured bottom right) Several companies participated in the event in unique ways. Whole Foods Market, for example, hosted "green" cooking demonstrations, Chipotle Mexican Grill turned out the lights in all of their Atlanta area locations and Marlow's Tavern had an "In the Dark" party.

The dark city was amazing. There was only one building in the entire skyline which did not participate :-( . It was fun whatching watching each building go dark and trying to guess which one would go next. Over 400 buildings went dark within 10 seconds.

When you think about it, this is the only planet we have; once we destroy this one, we won’t get another. We each need to do our part to protect the environment and ensure that the Earth our children inherit will not be fatally flawed. The most recent step toward finding a solution to the challenges the Earth faces was Earth Hour, simply powerful. When the lights went off in Atlanta, a light came on inside of me. There’s got to be more we can do?

The Lights Will Go Out In Georgia...For One "Earth Hour"

Exclaiming “What a turn off!” can have benefits. The lights will be turned off in Atlanta from 8 – 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, as Mayor Shirley Franklin honors the World Wildlife Fund’s charge to join cities around the world in Earth Hour 2008. Going powerless for an hour is a powerful way to demonstrate commitment to finding a solution to the climate change issue. Millions of concerned consumers in one city for each global time zone -- from Bangkok to Copenhagen, Sydney to Tel Aviv, and Atlanta to San Francisco -- will douse the lights from 8 to 9 p.m. local time as a historic, international gesture that’s in essence a world-wide wave with lights off. Dozens of major Atlanta landmark buildings in Downtown, Midtown, Atlantic Station and Buckhead will go dark in honor of the event, as will neighborhoods across the city. City officials, local police and fire departments, electrical utilities such as Georgia Power, and private and public organizations have all become involved to coordinate logistics in Atlanta. Georgia Power will measure the drop in electricity use during the event and will provide additional logistical support and assistance. In the long run, benefits will come as participants and readers like you replace older light bulbs with highly-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, pledge to take actions to reduce their energy consumption on a daily basis.

During Earth Hour, see light in a new way as these Atlanta restaurants honor the pledge:
At least one cocktail will glow in the dark during the In the Dark party at Marlow’s Tavern Midtown. Out go the lights at 8 p.m., replaced by candles and backed by live music and drink specials. Glow sticks anyone? 950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.

Outdoor lights are ttfn (ta-ta for now) during the eight o’clock hour at all 12 Atlanta Chipotle Mexican Grill locations on March 29. The Earth Hour mission and serving “Food With Integrity” go hand-in-hand at the fresh-is-best burrito haven. Power down your own kitchen and light up your dinner with a made-to-order burrito, taco or bowl at your nearby Chipotle!

Baconfest '08

As we have posted before, we here at MLA are big fans of bacon. We even enjoy a sprinkle of Bacon Salt on our munchies and salads from time to time just to taste that delicious bacon flavor. So naturally, I was really excited when I saw on RowdyFood.com that Baconfest '08 is coming up this weekend! It's a fundraising event for Dad's Garage Theatre Company (they are a non-profit organization) where bacon, beer and fun are the only things on the agenda.

Ticket info:

VIP BaconFest Tickets: $35- Includes admission to BaconFest from 2-6pm, 12 game tickets, UNLIMITED BEER & BACON, admission to Samurai Davis Jr. and Dim Sum’s Super Mega Happy Fun Time Improv Show at 6pm, and reserved seating.

Full-On BaconFest Tickets: $20 - Includes admission to BaconFest from 2-6pm, 8 game tickets, 2 Sweetwater draft beers, 2 fistfuls of bacon, and admission to Samurai Davis Jr. and Dim Sum’s Super Mega Happy Fun Time Improv Show at 6pm.

Fest Only: $10 – Includes admission to BaconFest from 2-6pm, 8 game tickets, 2 Sweetwater draft beers, and 2 fistfuls of bacon.

This unique event is sponsored by the The Vortex Bar and Grill, so when you’re done scarfing down bacon – head over there and hit some of their delicious hamburgers!

Baconfest is on March 29, 2008 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dad's Garage Theatre located at 280 Elizabeth St NE, Atlanta, GA. For more information call (404) 523-3141.

The High Museum Wine Auction Kick Off

Today is the day! Winemakers, wine lovers, and chefs all come together for this weekend's High Museum Wine Auction at the tents of Atlantic Station. The party starts with today's industry tasting event for winemakers and restaurateurs. Tomorrow and Saturday's Vintner's Reception and Live Auction are totally sold out this year, but, fear not; you can still dine at the same restaurants that will be participating: Aria, Canoe, La Tavola Trattoria, Ecco and Woodfire Grill.

There are also still a few tickets available for The Big Finish, the Wine Auction's grand finale wine tasting and dance with live band music. Wine tastings will be offered from 7 – 9 p.m.; music and dancing until 11 p.m. Austin Hope, a third-generation California farmer and a first-generation winemaker for Treana Winery and his own Austin Hope Winery, will serve as special guest at The Big Finish. Georgia's own Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery will be on hand to pour tastes of their locally made wines. Additionally, Marlow’s Tavern and Aqua Blue, along with other terrific Atlanta restaurants, will balance the wine with dine. Stay tuned for pictures and a recap of The Big Finish on Monday!

Today is National Pecan Day!

No matter how you like to say it (puh-KAHN or pee-KAN) today is National Pecan Day. March 25 is the day on which George Washington planted pecan trees at Mt.Vernon and we're celebrating! Did you know that the Pecan tree is the only nut tree native to North America? Another crackin’ good reason to go nutty over the pecan dishes at our favorite Atlanta restaurants!Aqua Blue tops a butter lettuce cup with caramelized pears, pecans and gorgonzola dressing ($7). 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.

Aria starts the meal with an elegant oak-grilled lamb tenderloin appetizer with warm pecan-crusted goat cheese and sweet onion pipérade ($15). 490 East Paces Ferry Road; 404-233-7673.

Canoe piles a wealth of health on a plate of grilled Atlantic salmon with spaghetti squash and carrot sauté, pecans and wilted baby spinach ($22.95). In Vinings at 4199 Paces Ferry Road, NW; 770-432-2663.

South City Kitchen indulges guests with individual pecan pies with buttermilk caramel and vanilla ice cream ($6.75). South City Kitchen Midtown: Open for lunch and dinner daily 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.

Woodfire Grill dresses Newborn, Georgia’s own Crystal Organics Farm lettuce with the native nut, Mt. Vikos goat feta, watermelon radish and Sonoma trio vinaigrette for a savory salad ($9). 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

VITA is open for dinner!

VITA is now open for dinner! After a week of
serving lunch only and a weekend of dinner sans
liquor license, VITA is now ready for a "real" opening. My friends couldn't wait to get together to go check it out!

We had a great time trying a lot of different things. The mussels are outstanding - plump and juicy. I had the marinara preparation but I hear the white wine with gorgonzola is to die for. Ah, next time.

Tonight I enjoyed a yummy house side salad and the linguini with meatballs. I had promised one of the girls a bite of meatball, but guess what? Didn't happen. They were too good for sharing!

The service was friendly, helpful, and always there. Our server had the wine in her hand before we even ordered it. Talk about anticipating your needs!

We had a dessert platter that was gone before I could take a picture. YUM. That's all I can tell you.

VITA is in the old Mick's location on Peachtree at Bennett St. It's open for lunch and dinner Monday - Saturday. You will undoubtedly meet Tony LaRocco, the owner. Enjoy!!

Love is in the Air

Brunch was a cherry on top of what was a gorgeous Easter Sunday afternoon. La Tavola Trattoria in Virginia-Highlands has one of the best patios in town, so we decided to head there for our first patio meal of the season. Since Allen and I had our first date at the very same table where we dined, the entire experience was chick flick sentimental. Memories from that first date were at the center of our attention – until the food came!

I had the chicken sausage, which is served over potato-leek hash with poached eggs and a spicy cherry pepper chutney ($9.95). The sausage was juicy and full of flavor, but stood out even more when blended with the spicy potatoes.

Allen ordered the Pork Milanese, which is breaded pork scallopine, served with arugula-tomato salad and a poached egg ($12.95). I can always tell when he likes something, because he always eats that last. I could tell he was having a hard time deciding what to eat first – including the tomatoes, which I have never seen him eat.

For dessert, I had the mascarpone cheesecake and he had the free form tiramisu. I fell in love again at La Tavola, but this time it was with the food.

March Into Trilogy For This Month's Specials

Run or drive if you'd rather, just don't miss Trilogy's March specials! So hearty, even those who come in hungry as lions will leave as content as lambs. Trilogy's complete menu and entertainment calendar are available on the restaurant's web site.

Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, all martinis and wine by the glass are half price, and $2 Coors Light makes a bargain quencher!

Bottomless pasta bowls fill Monday night diners for a mere $8.95. Choose linguini, orchetti or penne pasta and your favorite sauce: marinara, meat, alfredo or tomato basil. Sop up sauce with warm, crusty bread and enjoy a crisp, tossed salad.

Tuesdays are shrimp steamer nights! Finger foodies will love this: $10.95 brings a full pound of steamed shrimp with warm garlic butter, red skin potatoes and corn on the cob to your plate!

Mama Martin's meatloaf comforts chow hounds on Wednesdays. All-you-care-to-eat Southern- style meatloaf cozies up to green beans, mashed potatoes and pan gravy for $9.95.

Trilogy: 4930 Davidson Road behind the Parkaire shopping center in East Cobb; 770-971- 4770.

Whole Foods Market In Buckhead Goes Green For Girl's Night Out On March 20

Did you commit the fashion faux pas of forgetting to wear green on St. Pat’s? Be prepared to view the “wearing of the green” in a fashionable, environmentally conscious way when you and the girls green out at Whole Foods Buckhead’s Girls’ Night Out at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 20. It’s keen to go green with the gals while taking in an organic fashion show and noshing on hors d’oeuvres and drinks featuring “green” ingredients. Each guest gains a “Go Green” goodie bag. Sign up at Customer Service by March 19 to reserve your spot. 77 West Paces Ferry Road, NW; 404-324-4100. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

tsp spices makes the most of marjoram in march

Folklore has it that seductively scented marjoram was first grown on Mount Olympus by beautiful Aphrodite, goddess of love. She was definitely on to something - this gentle cousin of oregano still kisses foods with flavors of Riviera and Grecian coasts. Marjoram has traditionally represented happiness, and the CardaMoms at tsp spices are happy to share info, recipes and savings on their website. During March, use the code "majorana" at checkout to save 20% off the Savoir Fare twin tin set of organic marjoram and sage. Here's an easy, to-dye-for way to use marjoram and that abundance of decorated, hard-boiled Easter eggs:Deviled eggs with marjoram

1 dozen eggs, hard-boiled or use guidelines below
2 tsps. Dijon mustard
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp. minced onion or shallot
2 packets tsp spices marjoram
Salt and pepper
Paprika

To hard boil the eggs, fill a large saucepan half- way with water and gently add the eggs. Cover the eggs with at least an inch of water. Add a teaspoon of vinegar and a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat, cover and let sit for 12-15 minutes. Drain hot water from pan and run cold water over the eggs. (At this point if you crack the egg shells while the eggs are cooling, it will make it easier to peel the shells.) Let sit in the cool water a few minutes, changing the water if necessary to keep it cool.

Peel the eggs. Using a sharp knife, slice each egg in half, lengthwise. Gently remove the yolk halves and place in a small mixing bowl. Arrange the egg white halves on a serving platter.
Using a fork, mash up the yolks and add mustard, mayonnaise, onion, marjoram, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Spoon egg yolk mixture into the egg white halves. Sprinkle with paprika. Makes two dozen deviled eggs.

Vodka Wishes and Caviar Dreams at Morton's Buckhead

Friday night Morton's in Buckhead hosted a vodka and caviar tasting. Yep, you read correctly - vodka and caviar. Would you expect me to say anything other than it was truly a night of decadence??

The evening started on the right foot when I spied the four gorgeous Mortinis offered for the evening. Morton's made a brilliant decision by offering half pours of each Mortini so you could try each one: straight up, raspberry, lemon thyme or cucumber. As bizarre as it may sound, the cucumber was by far my favorite, served with a salt and pepper rim with tiny bits of muddled cucumber floating in vodka. It was a great flavor combination.

The vodka being featured during the tasting was Imperia vodka; I know, I had never heard of it either. The distributor assured me it was an ultra-premium Russian vodka, and, after a side by side comparison with Grey Goose, I was sold. It put Grey Goose to shame!

Hors d’oeuvre included Petrorussian caviar on toast points, tiny spoons of cream cheese topped with caviar, sliced smoked salmon, tuna tartare canapés and sliced tenderloin on crostini. All in all, it was a completely delicious and decadent evening!

Invita Them in for Lunch at New Vita in Buckhead

Tony LaRocco’s new Italian eatery to open for dinner soon!

Full of life, vim and vigor, Atlanta restaurateur Tony LaRocco is back with VITA, his new family-style Italian restaurant that opened for lunch today in the former Mick’s location on Peachtree at Bennett Street in Buckhead. VITA means “life” in Italian – a double entendre referring to both the lively eatery and LaRocco’s second chance at life after battling leukemia for two years. Chef Javier Munoz’s 70-item menu bursts with real New York Italian fare and many of the dishes may be ordered on platters to share. Lunch prices are in the reasonable $9 to $10 range, which provides even more incentive to get out and savor life with friends!

VITA will be open for dinner soon . . . stay tuned for more skinny on the penne. Open Monday through Saturday at 2110 Peachtree Road and Bennett Street; open Sunday beginning in May 2008. 404-367-8482.

Canoe Joins “Tap Project” To Make Sure We Don’t Take Tap Water For Granted

UNICEF Project Hopes to Raise $1 Million During U.N. World Water Week


Georgia’s water shortage is flooding the news these days. Even so, when we twist the faucet handle, clean water gushes forth. It’s hard for us to imagine that the lack of drinking water is the second-largest worldwide killer of children under age five, but that’s reality for so many around the globe. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is launching the Tap Project on World Water Day to note our privilege while raising funds to provide safe drinking water for children worldwide. In 2007, NYC Tap Project restaurants raised more than $100,000 in one day by encouraging diners to pay $1 for their “free” tap water. This year, the Tap Project will extend through United Nations World Water Week, March 16 – 22. Riverside dining destination Canoe and other Atlanta restaurants, as well as restaurants across the U.S. will be participating. Find out more about the Tap Program at http://www.tapproject.org/.



The goal for Atlanta is to recruit more than 100 volunteers, help sign up 250 restaurants and raise more than $250,000 during the week. See who’s participating in Atlanta here.

Atlanta Taverns and Restaurants are "Dublin" Up on Irish Delights for St. Patrick's Day

Green beer, green guac, Guinness drafts and Guinness brats – there’ll be plenty o’ spread to keep Irish eyes a smilin’ and Irish wannabes reveling this St. Pat’s Day in Atlanta! Green attire? That depends on if you want to add a pinch or two!

Marlow’s Tavern in Vinings starts the party at 11:30 a.m. and jigs on through midnight with green beer, Guinness brats and Irish cheddar tots at lunchtime and classic Irish cuisine during dinner hours on Monday, March 17. 2355 Cumberland Parkway; 770-432-2526.

The GLOBE brings Emerald Isle lunch and dinner favorites to Midtown on St. Patrick’s Day: sheperd’s pie ($12), fish and chips ($14), corned beef and cabbage sandwich ($10) and bangers and mash ($13). Chase your choice with a $4 Guinness draught, all day long! 75 Fifth Street, NW in Technology Square; 404-541-1487.

Trilogy fills the hungriest leprechauns with meat pastry made with braised shredded beef, Guinness and onions; sheperd’s pie and house-cured corned beef and cabbage from 5 -11 p.m. Bar opens at 4 p.m. Toe tapping to Banks & Shane begins at 8 p.m.; $10 cover. 4930 Davidson Road behind the Parkaire shopping center in East Cobb; 770-971-4770.

Woodfire Grill offers a bit of orange, as in Irish cheese, to go with the green! On Tuesday, March 18, the restaurant’s Cheese Club will hold a cheese tasting of Irish artisanal and farmstead cheeses. $20 per person includes a glass of Irish beer. Taste and learn, come back to enjoy cheese at Woodfire Grill or get some to go. 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road. Reach the restaurant by calling 404-347-9055.

Chipotle locations will be stirring up big batches of their classic green guac for St. Patrick’s devotees who like to dip south-o’-the-border. A little leprechaun snatched up the recipe, and we’re happy to share it with you! Chipotle has 12 Atlanta-area locations.

SPICY GUACAMOLE
4 large ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
1 large serrano chili, seeded and chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt

Using fork, mash avocado with lime juice in small bowl. Add cilantro, chopped onion, chopped garlic, serrano chilies and salt and stir to combine. Makes about two cups.

Who's the Best?

Atlanta magazine's Best of Atlanta party was last night at the Cobb Galleria Centre, and, in terms of restaurants, it really was the best of Atlanta! All the hot spots were there, including Ecco, Fogo de Chao, the GLOBE and Watershed. Yum!

The Cobb Galleria isn't my first choice for an event like this; as my favorite GLOBE bartender said, "it has no soul." BUT, that certainly didn't keep the crowds away; by 8:30 p.m. most of the top restaurants were already out of food?!

Some of the standout dishes from the evening included GLOBE's Campari sorbet with homemade lemon sugar cookies, Via Elisa's sweet potato gnocchi, and Watershed's custard with blood orange sauce. I'm sure I would have loved Ecco's dish too, but it must have been everyone's favorite since they were totally out by the time I got there. Fogo served mini-bites of bacon-wrapped filet, lingucia sausage and beef ancho. The linguica sausage has always been my preferred cut of meat at Fogo, and it was just the right mix of salty and spicy to temper all the sweet treats of the evening.

Overall, it was a tasty evening out!

Allegro Blends Own House Wine - Now That's Italian!

A favorite house wine is an essential ingredient to the Central Italian dinner table. Genuine to the core, Allegro now has its own labeled house wine, a “Super Tuscan” blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Syrah. The palate-pleasing vintage 2006 blend comes from the estate San Marcello in Catignano, Siena, Italy. Looking ahead, the restaurant hopes to introduce its own true Sangiovese (100%) this fall. Good things are worth the wait! Meanwhile, come savor the fresh foods and flavors of Central Italy at Allegro, located on the ground floor of the Belvedere condominium building located at 560 Dutch Valley Road in Midtown; 404-888-1890. www.allegroatlanta.com

It's an Honor to "Cop Out" When You're a Cop on Top of a Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shop

We admit the view of hot, Original Glazed doughnuts rolling off the line inside Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shops is pretty tempting, yet these metro Atlanta “Cops on Doughnut Shops” insist the view’s much more spectacular from higher up on the rooftops. Could be because they’re seeing a bigger picture: raising dough for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® to help Special Olympics Georgia. Complete the scene by bringing a “dough-nation” by an area Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shop between 6 a.m. on Friday, March 7 and 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 9. You’ll receive a sweet treat for helping out -- could be a free Original Glazed doughnut or a complimentary doughnut party for donors of $1,000 or more. These cops have been eating, sleeping and playing on Krispy Kreme roof tops for six years! Last year they raised a record $93,874…this year they’re setting sights on $100,000! http://www.krispykreme.com/

Participating Krispy Kreme store locations are:

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
Roswell – 791 Atlanta Street; 770-998-0779

Raise a Glass to Jazz in the Vineyards and Sunday Brunch on March 9 at Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery

Given the option of dancing in the streets or jazzing in a vineyard, we’d choose the latter. On that note, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega is hosting a live “Jazz in the Vineyards” brunch every Sunday in March to celebrate the official release of its new vintage of estate wines. Brunch buffet includes a Smithfield ham carving station, vine-smoked salmon eggs Benedict, herb-crusted chicken with lemon caper beurre blanc sauce, pan-seared tilapia with crawfish etoufee, Mediterranean salad tossed in herb shallot vinaigrette, soup, roasted rosemary potatoes, sautéed vegetables and a variety of desserts. $30 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) covers the elaborate spread. Guests may purchase 100% Georgia-grown and produced Wolf Mountain wines by the glass or bottle to go with their meal. Two seating times are offered: 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Advanced reservations are required for all events; call 706-867-9862. Easter is coming – plan ahead by making reservations now for Easter brunch on March 23.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery is located at an elevation of 1,800 feet overlooking the peaceful Southern Appalachian Mountains. 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega; 706-867-9862.

Buy Coastal in Midtown and Vinings: South City Kitchen's Low Country Menu Slows the Pace for 10 Days Only!

Sorry, Paula. Low country chow hounds won’t have to take a March road trip to Savannah to fuel up on coastal classics, thanks to South City Kitchen Midtown and Vinings Executive Chefs Dean Dupuis and Chip Ulbrich. Hoist that fork and start salivating over shrimp purloo; chilled lump crab and cucumber salad; okra fritters with benne and smoked jalapeno cream; and Southern-style oysters served two ways (with creamed greens, smoked bacon and parmesan bread crumbs; or crisp cornmeal fried with chile vinegar and cole slaw). And those are merely the appetizers ($9.75-$10.75)! Entrees include a flavorful chicken bog of chicken, sausage and rice; grilled marinated quail with sweet potato fries, watercress, toasted peanuts and spiced South Carolina honey; and Frogmore seafood stew ($16.95-$17.95). Bless their sweet-loving hearts, Dupuis and Ulbrich have whipped up orange buttermilk pie with a cream cheese crust, rhubarb preserves and fresh cream for dessert ($6.75). Tarry not: this menu, available prix fixe for $29.95 per person or à la carte, joins the regular menu from March 5 through March 15.

And here’s a fast track to wine pairing information -- Fifth Group Restaurants’ Beverage Director Vajra Stratigos offers a wine selection video. Watch it below.



Wines suggested are:
Domain de la Fruitière, “Petit M,” Muscadet, Loire Valley, France 2005
Campus Stella, “Albarino, ” Rias Baixas 2006
Sitios De Bodega, “Conclass, ” Rueda, Spain 2005
Domäne Wachau, Grüner Veltliner 2006
Domaines Schlumberger, “Les Princes Abbes, ” Pinot Blanc, Alsace, France 2004
Lucien Crochet, Sancerre 2005.

South City Kitchen Midtown: Open for lunch and dinner daily 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.

Head for the Heels - Hello Stiletto is Coming to Ecco!

Toes up! Case your closet and choose which coveted pair of shoes you'll wear to the gathering of the Hello Stiletto Shoe Club at Ecco in Midtown, tonight. Open-toed wonders? Hope you got a pedicure over the weekend! Ecco, Fifth Group Restaurants'® Midtown Mediterranean-style bistro will host the Monday night "cocktail hour" from 6-8 p.m. and offer complimentary appetizers to club members. This month's "Best Shoe" contest will be judged by Lynne Homrich of Uptown Scoop. As long as you're decked out from toe to toe, make a night of it and stay on for dinner. Make reservations in advance so you won't be given the boot come chow time! Slip on the Hello Stiletto website.


Ecco: 40 7th Street in Midtown; 404-347-9555.

Atlanta Cooks at Home Chefs Signing

We had a nice Atlanta Cooks at Home cookbook event today at Twigs and Lace in Alpharetta. Chefs Shaun Doty/Shaun's, Piero Premoli/Pricci, Jay Swift/Fourth & Swift, and Sheri Davis were there to sign cookbooks and give out tasty treats. The event was actually just behind the store in a catering facility called The Prospect House. I had never been here before. The store is adorable and the facility is very nice - would be great for a wedding.