Friday, September 5, 2008

5 Seasons At The Prado Party Helps Chefs Touch The World At Terra Madre Global Conference

I love when my love of eating out has a positive impact on the world – even if it does have negative impact on my waist! This week, the solution to world hunger may venture through the kitchen at the October Terra Madre conference in Turin, Italy, where more than 600 food producers, chefs/cooks and educators from 120 countries will gather there to focus on issues of nutritional concern. Topics will range from biodiversity and sustainability to hunger, water solutions, rural transitions and more. Slow Food Atlanta is transporting representatives to Turin with lively fundraising events such as “A Taste of Terra Madre” slated for 6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 8 at 5 Season's Brewing Company at the Prado. Chef delegates will work for their keep, preparing delicious appetizers for guests and offering fabulous libations from The 5. $50 per person includes appetizers, libations, tax and tip. Learn more at http://www.tastenetwork.org/. Come out and support the chefs and your appetite!

5 Seasons Brewing Company: The Prado, 5600 Roswell Road in Sandy Springs; 404-255-5911.

Thursday, September 4, 2008

Like Your Mother Taught You: Share!


I'm conflicted about sharing. Toothbrushes, feelings, and closets: no, thank you. Appetizers, entrees and desserts: absolutely! But sharing with people I don't know has never been big on my list, so when Ecco started the Sunday Share last year, I was a little unsure about whether I would like it. I went to the first one to check it out and LOVED it. These people weren't strangers - they were people who loved food and wine just like me - and the conversations about restaurants, travel, cooking and fun made us all instant friends. Well, that and the delicious food and great wine specials! Many of the people I sat with on that first night have returned every month since.


So, I encourage you sharers and those who aren't quite sure to give it a try. This Sunday, Sept. 7th, is your chance when they celebrate "Grand-mère's Cuisine." What grandmother cooked so lovingly to comfort tummies and warm hearts, Ecco's Executive Chef Micah Willix has refined to satisfy grownup palates. It's only $25 per person (includes tax and gratuity) and they'll have drink specials. Pull up a chair at the communal table at 6:30 p.m. sharp (don't be late to grandma's). And please let her know you're coming by making your reservation today: 404-347-9555. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

If You Can't Head for the Hills, Let Wolf Mountain Vineyards Send a Blend to You

Georgia wine-lovers rejoice! You can now receive your favorite wine right at your doorstep!
Corks are popping under the gold dome of Georgia's state capitol and throughout the state thanks to a new law, effective July 1, 2008, that allows Georgia wineries to ship to Georgia consumers. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, the 25-acre family- owned and operated wine-growing estate located in the Georgia mountains outside historic Dahlonega, can now ship their award-winning handcrafted wines to Georgia customers. Cheers to being able to stock up from home, spending more on wine, less on gas! Wine lovers of legal age can order up to 12 cases of wine a year by Internet or telephone from wineries inside and outside of Georgia and have it shipped directly to their home or office.

Mull over these European-style wines, log on, order up and enjoy!
Plenitude - Crisp, dry stainless steel-aged blend of Chardonnay and Viognier
Chanteloup - Reserve blend of French oak- aged Chardonnay and Viognier
Sunset Rosé - Dry, Rhone-style rosé, the perfect picnic wine
Coupage - Lighter-styled Bordeaux blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon
Instinct - Estate blend of Syrah, Mourvedre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Touriga Nacional
Claret - Reserve Estate blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Mourvedre
WMV Demi-Sec - Semi-sweet German-style Chardonnay and Viognier

Sparkling Wines:
2006 Blanc de Blancs Brut - Dry sparkling chardonnay
2006 Brut Rosé - Traditional rosé
2006 Sparkling Demi-Sec - Half dry, medium sweet wine

Cabin fever? You can still visit Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery for lunch, Sunday brunch, special winemaker events and inspiring views: 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega, Georgia; 706-867-9862.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Check Out Dogwood's Youtube Channel For Dinner Music and a Movie

We've put together the videos of the newly opened Dogwood so that you can see the space at 565 Peachtree Street from day one of construction to the Grand Opening. Be sure and stop in to enjoy the restaurant's attentive service and welcoming Southern hospitality (we couldn't fit that part in the video). Dogwood serves lunch weekdays and dinner Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday.





Dogwood: 565 Peachtree Street, Reynolds condominium building; 404-835-1410.

Go Krogering For Bacon Salt!

Who let the pigs out? Reverse that question. Justin Esch and Dave Lefkow took the bacon flavor out of the pig and launched Bacon Salt, which is now running wild with flavor in Kroger supermarkets nationwide and in other major retailers. Add the zero calorie, zero fat, kosher seasoning that makes everything taste like bacon to your grocery list and pick up some on your next jaunt down the grocery aisle. Toss one in for the kitchen, one for the camping gear, one for tailgating, and one for your vegetarian friend . . . yes, herbivores rely on Bacon Salt to get their bacon fix without breaking their vows. Don’t hog the flavor. Spread it around using these easy recipes!

DailyCandy Definitions


We’ve selected a “green” entry from The DailyCandy Lexicon to add a new demographic term to your vocabulary this week. Salad Spinster – n. a girl who sits at home eating healthy dishes for one.


Lean, green Sveltlana the salad spinster was content to let us hit the all-you-can-eat salad bar without her.