Friday, February 27, 2009

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.

Thursday, February 26, 2009

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.

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

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.

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

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.

Monday, February 23, 2009

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.