Get the First Catch of the Year!

In my opinion, there is nothing as tasty as fresh seafood- and a chef who knows how to prepare it well! That is why I was so happy to hear that Woodfire Grill received two wild Alaskan salmon today, straight from the bay of Alaska as the first catch of the year.

Over the next three weeks at Woodfire Grill you can expect a steady supply of wild salmon arriving. Sounds like I will have some dinner plans!

To make reservations call 404-347-9055. Woodfire Grill is located at 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road.

Don't Listen to Suze Orman!

Suze, Suze, Suze. I have always liked you. Your financial advice has been sound. But telling people to go a month without eating out! What's gotten into you, girl? Let's think about this: if people don't eat out then the restaurants can't pay their bills and the servers, cooks, busboys, farmers, linen suppliers, and yes, even the PR companies, lose work. And then those people can't pay their bills so the companies they frequent will suffer. Why single out one industry? Maybe I prefer to get rid of my cable, my friend can cut back on her shoe buying, and my brother can save on his gym membership. Suze, we need to be a bit more responsible.

Sure, eating out can be expensive. But it certainly doesn't have to be. My gosh, everywhere you look are wonderful values at every restaurant in the city. And eating out is fun. It's nourishing - not just for our bodies, but for our souls. Why would we give that up? Isn't there a way to have a fun meal with friends/family while we clip grocery coupons and use Marta instead of the car? I say yes! And if you need some suggestions of how, please comment and I'll send you a list.

Which brings me to my point: A group of local restaurants got together and are placing an ad to remind people about all the great reasons to eat out. These restaurateurs would be considered competitors at any other time. But today they are partners. It says a lot that they are pooling their dollars to make a statement to the local community. I hope it works. I hope everyone will go out and support a restaurant tonight.

As for Suze, well, I will try to forgive her.

Wine, Wine and More Wine

Last night I attended the always fabulous Citysearch.com Eat Drink Learn monthly event at Dogwood. This month we did a California vs. Australia wine tasting along with plenty of yummy appetizers (roasted duck "wings" and crostini with steak tartare were my favorites!) and lots of fun people to chat with. I stuck around afterwards to check Chef Shane Touhy's new trout dish with Sea Island red pea and crab risotto. Oh, it was so good!

I later found out that Sea Island red peas are actually a member of Slow Food USA's Ark of Taste project because they are in danger of becoming a lost food. I'm so glad I had the opportunity to taste them.

If you missed last night's wine tasting, fear not! There are still two more wine events coming up this week starting with a blind Pinot Noir tasting TONIGHT at Woodfire Grill. For $15 you will taste eight Pinot Noirs from all over the world. Tastings go on all night so come by after work and grab a seat at the bar or a table for dinner!

On Friday, Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead is hosting a Chateau Ste. Michelle wine dinner. The dinner is five courses, each paired with wine and it starts with a reception at 6:30 p.m. Dinner starts at 7 p.m. and costs $115. Reservations are required for this one so be sure to call (404) 816-6535.

Tour de Champagne Is This Saturday, February 28

Being a champagne lover myself, I've been counting down the days for the Tour de Champagne this year! Join me this Saturday from 7 to 10 p.m. at 103 West. Over 21 prestigious champagne houses will be participating, including Moet and Chandon and Ruinart and Perrier Jouet. The Buckhead Life Group will be supplying samples of their cuisine along with many others. Tickets at $110 per person or $150 per person for VIP admission; click here to purchase online. Proceeds to benefit the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia. 103 West is located at 103 West Paces Ferry Road, 404-233-5993. Black-tie Optional.

Souper Soup Challenge

Tami at Running With Tweezers is challenging bloggers to make a deliciously beautiful soup. With the cold weather we have been having the past week, this couldn't come at a better time. Just thinking of all the entries she will see is warming my tummy.

Here are the official rules of the Souper Soup Challenge from Tami herself:

"Post your soup recipe to your blog, journal or website between Friday , February 13th and March 6th, 2009. Please label or indicate that the post is specifically for the Souper Soup Challenge. Once you've posted your recipe, send me an email to runningwithtweezers@gmail.com with the following information: your name, your blog name, your location, the name of your recipe and the hyperlink to the specific post. Your entry will be judged on deliciousness of both taste and appearance. I am a food stylist, after all! The winner will be chosen by a small panel of fellow bloggers. The winner will receive bragging rights and a special food-related prize!"

The photo to the right is risotto soup with roasted butternut squash and goat cheese that Tami made during Soup Week on RWT.

America’s Next Top Chef?

With the recent cheflebrity of local Top Chef finalist and new Creative Loafing columnist, Richard Blais, several local chefs have decided to get in on the action. This Sunday, chefs from all over the state will line up to show casting directors that they’re packing more than their knives at the casting call for an upcoming season of Bravo’s hit series. With all the culinary talent Atlanta has packed into this city, many great chefs are not going to make the cut. And, since we all know that how one does on camera is just as important (maybe even more so) as how they do in the kitchen, many creative chefs who are the strong, silent type are going to appear to be side dishes next to natural performers.

Nevertheless, I'm excited at the prospect of having the chef of one of my favorite local eateries being showcased on the show! Atlanta has a lifetime supply of chefs who are at the top of their game and I hope Bravo recognizes it. Good luck to all the brave chefs who make it out to the audition and let’s all hope that the next Top Chef is one we Atlantans are proud to call our own and are fortunate enough to share with the rest of the world. Here is a brief list of chefs that I know are trying out. *(Feel free to add to the list if you know more!)

• Ben McPherson at Eclipse di Luna


• Craig Richard at La Tavola Trattoria


• Kevin Gillespie at Woodfire Grill


• Hector Santiago at Pure Vida


• Travis Collum at (the newly opened) Kozmo Gastro Pub

Bonne chance!

Eclipse di Luna Hosts Atlanta Photography Group's Second Annual Silent Aucion

Last night was the Atlanta Photography Group's second annual silent auction event. The bidding began at only $10 for many of the items. Eclipse di Luna provided complimentary appetizers for the guests, and there were tons of cocktail specials at the bar. Over 60 people attended the event, and many left with more than one item. I was outbid on four of the items I bid on. I guess that's what happens when you're refilling your glass of wine at the bar!

The Atlanta Photography Group's primary goal is to promote and support contemporary photography as a significant form. It seeks to challenge photographic conventions, stimulate new thinking and exploration of experimental forms of photographic expression.

Milk And Cookies With Martha

Only Martha Stewart would serve milk and cookies at a book signing. And not just any cookies.....soft ginger snaps, divine chocolate chip, chocolate thumbprint, traditional sugar cookies and shortbread. I waited in line for hours, eating warm cookies and drinking milk, at the Georgia Aquarium for a chance to meet my crafty idol Martha. When I finally reached the domestic goddess, she signed my cookbook with perfect posture and a wide friendly smile. Her cookbook Cookies will be my new go-to baking book. Tune in to the Martha Stewart Show March 5th to watch her special on "Atlanta" featuring the Georgia Aquarium.

Wine Time!

Doctors say a glass of wine a day is good for the heart- what other excuse do you need for some quality vino? Well, Pizza Fusion is now offering another reason to drink up. Pizza Fusion, home to pizzas made with wholesome ingredients and served in earth-friendly environs, is offering select wines at half price on Tuesdays! For an even better slice of the good life, invite some friends to share a whole wheat pizza topped with fresh, good-for-you toppings.

Pizza Fusion: At the Astoria in the Aramore building at 2233 Peachtree Road; 404-351-9334.

Golden Gala

I love being a volunteer for the pet rescue organization, Adopt A Golden Atlanta. I do all that I can to help find the sweet Golden Retrievers (and a few Great Pyrenees) loving, forever homes.



That's why I'm helping to get the word out about their first annual Golden Gala this Saturday, February 21 at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. The evening's emcee with be 11 Alive's Paul Ossmann with his weather dog, Doppler. There will be a live auction, silent auction and a wonderful dinner accompanied by a program honoring the goldens helped through the program.



Tickets to the event are on sale until midnight tonight, so click here to buy them now! There will also be a Jeep raffle going on in which a 2009 will be given away at then event. Tickets can be bought online or at the event. Prince, the sweet boy to your left, thanks you!

Last Minute Love

In case you've been slacking off on making Valentine's Day plans, Eclipse di Luna- Miami Circle and Whole Foods Market have come to the rescue with events, recipes and gift ideas that don't require too much planning. While Eclipse di Luna keeps the party going for couples and singles with special cocktails and desserts in addition to a South Beach-inspired soiree complete with the sounds of DJ Mike Smith and percussionist DeShaun Williams beginning at 10:30 p.m., Whole Foods Market says home is where the heart is with romantic meal options, two dozen roses for $19.99, wine, gourmet cheeses and chocolates. Check out this article that ran in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution today featuring these suggestions and more.

Eclipse di Luna in Buckhead: 764 Miami Circle; 404-846-0449. Admission is free.
Whole Foods Market: Seven Atlanta-area locations. For a store near you, click here.

Herding Cattle

Last week I got to help coordinate the chef photo for this year's Taste of the Nation participants. Of the 40+ chefs participating in this year's event 34 made it to the photo shoot!! Thought you would like to see some of the "before" photos.

It's Time to Meet the Best of the Best

It's great to be good at something, but there is nothing like being the best. Atlanta magazine celebrates those who beat out the rest at this year's "Best of Atlanta" party from 7-10 p.m. on Monday, February 16 at Cobb Galleria Centre. Winners for 2008 were published in their December issue, and now it's time to meet their chefs and sample their divine dishes. More than 40 of Atlanta's top restaurants will be at the annual tasting extravaganza, including Fogo de Chão with its mouthwatering meats and skilled gauchos. Complimentary cocktails, live entertainment and an impressive silent auction all add to a winning evening...especially for Camp Twin Lakes, recipient of the night's proceeds. Tickets are $60 per person. VIP ticket, $125 per person, gains 6 p.m. admission. To purchase tickets, click here.

Camp Twin Lakes provides places and paths for children with serious illnesses and life challenges to experience the joys of childhood and to grow in their confidence and capabilities. Watch the Camp Twin Lakes' camp video!

Toulouse Hosts Hello Stiletto Shoe Club's Red Shoe Party

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the Hello Stiletto Shoe Club had a red shoe party for ladies to show off those red heels! The event took place last night at Toulouse restaurant in Buckhead, and over 50 ladies showed up to compete in the shoe competition. The guest judge for the evening was Will Randall from Will Randall Designs. He also had his stunning jewelry on display with a special discount to shoe club members.

Toulouse served tons of tasty appetizers including potato and gorgonzola fritters and baked goat cheese. Oh, and the great selection of wine -- there were many happy ladies.

If you're a shoe lover and haven't heard of this group before - you certainly must check it out. They host monthly events that all revolve around shoes.

Does Everybody Know What Time It Is??

It's Girl Scout cookie time!

It is as if the sweet little Girl Scouts know that I am beginning to give up on my New Year's resolution. They sense that I will give up eating healthy for a box of Thin Mints and Tagalongs. I was suckered into buying a box (ok, three) on Sunday afternoon and I'm already hoping they will be back in the same spot selling boxes again this weekend.

Thin Mints

What is it about these cookies that makes me eat six at a time? I think it has something to do with my childhood. I was a Girl Scout for years and the best part about being one is selling the cookies. My mom was my best customer. She would buy several boxes of thin mints and store them in the freezer. Mmmm, those cookies are best when frozen.

Tagalongs

Boxes are $3.50 and they go quick. AJC's John Kessler noted on his blog, Food & More that the Girl Scouts are putting fewer cookies in boxes this year. That actually makes me feel better that my roommate and I already finished a box of Thin Mints.

I hope you enjoy the photos. I needed an excuse to eat one of each before lunch...

Be The Truck. Not The Squirrel.

Be The Truck. Not The Squirrel. That's rule #1 in Andrew Sherman's book "Road Rules." Last night I drove up to Roswell to Nirvana Cafe & Grille and heard Sherman (right) interviewed by an old friend and business coach Mitch Schlimer (left). Kinda funny that so many of Sherman's "12 essential rules for navigating the road of life" were also applicable to the hellacious journey up GA-400 at rush hour! But I guess that's the point.

Nirvana was the perfect setting for this live interview. They really walk the walk when it comes to caring about people's health (by serving organic, fresh sandwiches/salads/soups/ice cream) and people's success (through numerous educational programs and the restaurant's "empowerment zone"). Most of their community activities are geared to empowering and educating youth but this one was purely adult. About 40 business owners were there and we all felt it was time well spent. They plan to make this a regular series and I will surely be back.

In the meantime, I'll be practicing the Road Rules on 400, 85, 75, Peachtree Street and my life: Share the Road, Pay Attention to the Signs, Don't Fear the Back Roads, Be an All-Weather Driver .....

Wolf Mountain Vineyards Comes Back From Winter Break

After giving the vines and vintners the month of January off for good behavior and a well-deserved rest, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery has reopened the Vineyard Café on Saturdays and Sundays in February from noon until 3 p.m. for lunch and wine tastings. The lunch menu is loaded with foods that pair well with wines – hot sandwiches, pastas, entrees and gourmet personal pizzas topped with savories such as smoked venison sausage, smoked salmon, grilled chicken and goat cheese. My personal favorite is the crab cake sandwich.

For ordering ease, wine and food pairings are suggested on the menu. Call to make reservations, and take a leisurely drive north to Georgia’s wine country.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery: 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega; 706-867-9862.

Marlow's Northlake Entertains Atlanta Photography Group

Forty photographers from the Atlanta area gathered at Marlow's Tavern on La Vista Road for a monthly meet and greet last night. Marlow's served The Atlanta Photography group firecracker shrimp, hummus, spinach dip, kettle chips and their popular shrimp and crab nachos. The February meet and greet was a perfect warm up for the 2nd Annual Silent Auction on Wednesday February 18th at Eclipse Di Luna.

Atlanta Photography is a not-for-profit organization that supports the photographic arts. 100% of their funding comes from individuals and photographers in the Atlanta area and they need your help for 2009. So, come out and join us for a fun evening of photography and friends.

When: Wednesday February 18th, 2009 - 7pm to 9pm
Hosted by: Eclipse Di Luna (764 Miami Circle, Atlanta, Georgia 30324 404.846.0449)

Whole Foods Market Gives You the Whole Story on Crystal Organic Farms

It’s always nice to know where your food comes from. Whole Foods Market gives you the chance to get up close and personal with the animals, faces and places behind the wholesome products found in their shelves via their Whole Story blog. A recent profile of Nicolas Donck of Crystal Organics, Georgia’s first organic farm, reveals the passion behind his certified organic Garden of Eden products. Donck began farming when he left his home in Belgium at 16 and has been a leader in organic farming practically ever since. He even started Atlanta’s first organic farmer’s market!

Check him out!

MLA Joins Facebook

Did you know today is the fifth anniversary of Facebook? When Mark Zuckerberg created Facebook five-years ago it was exclusively for Harvard- o, how the times have changed. Therefore today seems like an appropriate time to announce our new Facebook page. It's true! The ladies of MLA have decided to create a page that peeks into our doings and findings and passes these on to you through tasty tips and journal observations (mostly we think about food, but sometimes we branch out). Join our community of friends and share your thoughts. We promise we won’t bite!

Happy National Carrot Cake Day!

Eating healthy in the new year? What could be better than a vegetable cake, right? Okay, I'll admit that I'm one who always goes for the carrot cake because it sounds healthier than the chocolate cake. Whether it is or not is not something I really want to know.

So, how convenient to find that today is National Carrot Cake Day. All the dieters of the world probably came up with that so they could indulge after a month of eating only .... ummm ... carrots.

Come to find out, Morton's has a famed carrot cake that is actually based on the recipe of one of their employees. We have the recipe here. Leave a comment if you want us to send - it looks yummy. Or if you're like me and don't really get into that baking/cooking stuff, just head to the Buckhead or Downtown locations for a slice and cup of coffee. What a nice treat!

Pizza Fusion Fundraiser to Re-Raise Stolen Money

I wanted to fill you in on a fundraiser that all Pizza Fusion locations are participating in, including our local Pizza Fusion restaurant. The newest location in Mesa, Arizona had their grand opening party at the end of January, where they were able to raise $8,000 in support of the Smiths, who are still hospitalized for injuries due to a drunk driving accident in which they tragically lost their two sons earlier this month. Sadly, the restaurant was broken into and the newly-raised the funds were stolen. You can read more about this story, here.

Now, in an effort to re-raise the money, Pizza Fusion locations everywhere have banded together and are accepting donations for the Smith family at their restaurants or on the website. Through a partnership with Wells Fargo, donations made out to the Tracy and Frank Smith Family Fund can be dropped off at any Pizza Fusion location or a local Wells Fargo.



To show thanks for your donations, the Pizza Fusion in Buckhead is offering a free personal cheese pizza through the end of February to generous donations of $50 or more. The free pizza will be given during the following visit to the restaurant located at the Astoria in the Aramore building at 2233 Peachtree Road; 404-351-9334.

Kozmo Opens Tomorrow

Kozmo Gastro Pub is opening tomorrow and bringing some fresh excitement to the suburbs! We visited the soon-to-be hot spot in Johns Creek on Saturday night for their preview party. It was so great seeing the space go from construction chaos over the last few months to see how fabulous is looked over the weekend. It felt very comfortable and minimal in a modern way.We got to sample their signature house cocktail the "Kozmo" which was incredibly good. Both tart and sweet, they will be a delight for post-work happy hours. They will have a full menu of unique twists on the original Cosmo as part of their bar offerings.We also got to taste a sampling from the kitchen. Everything was great, but I really enjoyed the mini-burgers and hummus. As of today the final menu for the restaurant is still being tweaked so I'm looking forward to seeing what the options are when I show up for dinner!