No Way Mole!

This Wednesday, I got to attend the McDonald’s Perfect Pairing - an event where six culinary students from the International Culinary School at the Art Institute of Atlanta competed for a scholarship—Top Chef style. Each student paired an item off of McDonald’s menu with one of their new McCafe drinks. The McCafe items feature drinks such as an iced mocha, latte and cappuccino. Each pairing was then presented to a panel of judges who tasted and scored each student’s entry.

Needless to say I was skeptical from the beginning. To be honest--I just can’t imagine sitting down to eat lunch and thinking that a latte would best complement my chicken nuggets. Admittedly, I am a coffee snob and addict--yet some things just don’t work well with coffee. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised to see how much innovation and thought went into some of the pairings that the culinary students presented.

Some of the students paired what I found to be more common sense items together. For example, an iced caramel latte with an apple walnut salad, or a bacon, egg and cheese with hot chocolate. Neither of these seemed too far out of the realm of a normal meal. One student, Phillip McCrillis, branched out and truly impressed me... it also seemed to be the one meal the judges continued to nibble at while scoring and listening to Phillip talk.

Phillip’s pairing, No Way Mole, was a winner, not only in my book but also for the judges who selected Phillip as the winner. He paired a Southwestern chicken sandwich (Southwest BBQ sauce on the side), baked apple pie with vanilla ice-cream adorned with a crushed sugar cone on top, with an iced mocha. He came upon the flavor as he was experimenting with different menu items and put all of these items in his mouth at the same time. With all the items together he exclaimed “No way mole!" Mole is a popular Mexican sauce tinged with a chocolate flavor that Phillip swears you can recreate with these common McDonald’s items.


Congratulations Phillip on your scholarship! For all of you who didn’t see Phillip’s pairing, head on over to McDonald's and experiment with your own pairings of the new McCafe--the options are endless.

Preview of Pacci

Friends, family and I wined and dined at Pacci last night, and I am still full. After sipping drinks in the lively bar, we were seated in a private nook towards the back of the restaurant. From the moment we sat down, our waiter tended to our every need. From fabulous wine, soft bread and tapenade to filet, rack of lamb and short ribs, indulgence is an understatement. The list goes on to include beef carPACCIo, gnocchi, bread pudding, shrimp carbonara (with house-made pancetta, fried egg, sweet peas and onion), and my favorite, halibut with fava beans in a sweet corn broth. The ristorante opens tonight for all of Atlanta to enjoy.

Pimento Cheese

Thought I would share that I discovered the most heavenly pimento cheese in Atlanta at JCT bar. And the best part is that it only cost me $1 on Thursday night. Delish.

So Many Choices, So Little Time! Here's a Peek at What's Coming Up for Cinco de Mayo Next Week!

It's time for margarita mayhem! Cinco de Mayo is just a week from today and it's time to make plans. From drink specials to Mexican mega-meals, Atlanta restaurants are giving us plenty of reasons to head out and enjoy the holiday! Check out what's happening around town!
Marlow's Tavern in Alpharetta celebrates "Marlow's de Mayo" with a cantina party on Saturday, May 2. Festivities begin at 1 p.m. with fiesta food favorites including carne asada, carnitas and grilled chicken and south of the border drink specials of $3 beer and $5 margaritas and sangria. Live music follows from 2-5 p.m. Marlow's Tavern Alpharetta: 3719 Old Alabama Road; 770-475-1800.

The Latin beat comes on strong for Cinco de Mayo festivities at Eclipse di Luna at Park Place on Tuesday, May 5. Always lively, the pulse kicks up a notch or two at 5 p.m. as Fernando Fernandez jockeys up the tunes, and the Winton Peck Band plays throughout the evening. Traditional tortas and burritos are some of the $5 Mexican tapas to devour while gathering $3 Dos Equis, $4 margaritas and $6 Herradura margaritas at the multiple bar locations. There's no cover, but there will be plenty of prizes! Eclipse di Luna - Park Place: 4505 Ashford-Dunwoody Road, Suite 11; 678-205-LUNA (5862).

Say "El Yeah" to the festivities at El Taco in the Highlands. You can't go wrong with buckets of Dos Equis (5 for $15). Or try the "EL-a Tasty!" -- the bartender's special margarita of the day, combining Sauza Blanco tequila, strawberry flavor and house made sour mix -- just $7.25. After a couple of those, your high school Spanish will come right back to you. Add in El Taco's great tacos, some chips and salsa, and a bunch of amigos and you're guaranteed one 'el of a good time! The Original El Taco: 1186 N. Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.

Uncle Julio's Casa Grande will be home base for Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Buckhead this week. Come casual to this eclectic eatery with its big patio and be ready to imbibe in some of Uncle Julio's signature margaritas, such as the Swirl (frozen margarita swirled with frozen sangria). Go your own way by choosing from more than 15 different tequilas for your margarita or try different Mexican beers from the "grande" selection. For authentic, border-style go-withs, dig into smoky grilled fajitas, sizzling shrimp brochettes or marinated grilled quail served with roasted fresh vegetables and spicy salsa. Uncle Julio's Casa Grande: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767.

We've been waiting with anticipation and the time is finally here! Five Seasons Brewing is opening its newest location at the intersection of Howell Mill Road and Marietta Street with a Cinco de Mayo celebration. Georgia Organics will benefit from "Five Alive on the Westside" from 5 - 10 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5. Come help the party grow! There will be plenty of hors d'oeuvre made from farm ingredients to enjoy. Your $5 donation goes straight to Georgia Organics. Five Seasons Brewing: 1000 Marietta Street, NW.

Bark Up the Right Tree at Woodfire Grill on April 29

On Wednesday, April 29, Woodfire Grill is hosting a Dogfish Head beer dinner where the bites are just as strong as the bark! Guests will get to taste three varieties of microwbrews paired with Executive Chef Kevin Gillespie’s three-course menu. Aprihop accompanies the first course of lightly cured wild Alaskan salmon, cucumber and apricot salad and hard-cooked egg. Indian Brown Ale comes next with a wood-smoked loin of beef, braised mushrooms, celery mash, confit garlic cloves, black pepper and lemon jus. The meal ends with Raison d’etre and golden raisin financier with Irish car-bomb ice cream and latte sauce. Cost is $45 per person. Reservations required; call 404-347-9055. Woodfire Grill is located at 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road.

Reminiscing About Last Weekend

It's hard to believe I was in NYC this time last week eagerly anticipating dinner at the James Beard House featuring Chef Shane Touhy of Dogwood. Sigh. But the memories are great. I've posted our pictures on the MLA Flickr account so feel free to check them out.

When I walked into the dining room and saw a table full of wine glasses with dogwoods in the centerpiece and a menu that sounded delicious, well, I knew it would be a good night. And it was.

I swear that I loved every single course. Every one. Maybe, maybe, maybe the venison tartare edged out the others, but I'm not sure. It was all just great.
Shane's wife and parents made the trek to NYC too. It was a wonderful night and I can't wait til next time!

McCafe Give-Away at Melle Cotte

Friend and fellow food blogger, Chris, is hosting a give-away on her blog Melle Cotte. If you don't already read her blog, check it out. I cook vicariously through her. Anyways, I'm sure you have seen the new McDonald's commercials for the McCafe espresso drinks. I love the one with the two guys at the coffee house who confess they have been pretending to be hip to fit into the coffee house crowd and realize they can be themselves by buying the drinks from McDonalds. She is giving away coupon packs for free McCafe drinks so you can try them and get hooked. Check out this post and leave a comment to be one of the selected winners!

I leave you with the commercial - I laugh everytime the guy says "I don't need these glasses. These are fake."

Pizza Fusion Celebrates Earth Day With Captain Planet

Yesterday I attended the Earth Day festivities at Pizza Fusion. Beginning at 11 a.m., the restaurant gave away free personal cheese pizzas to the first 50 adults, and free personal cheese pizzas to the first 50 kids who walked, took Marta or rode their bike to the eatery. Honest Tea was $1 each, and select organic beer was $3 each. And, the highlight of the day -- Captain Planet was there! He entertained all of us by roller blading down the street and waving at the cars on Peachtree. Around 7 p.m., The Drum Cafe showed us their talent by playing African drums outside for an hour or so. What a great show!

For dinner, I had the Purple People Eater pizza (pictured below) - pizza with grilled eggplant and cheese. Yummy!

A percentage of the day's proceeds went to benefit The Captain Planet Foundation.

Happy Anniversary! Marlow's Tavern Vinings Turns Four!

It's time to celebrate another year of delicious tavern fare at everyone's favorite neighborhood gathering place. Join in the fun at Marlow’s Tavern Vinings tonight for their fourth anniversary party! The evening is all planned with a live band from 8 p.m. – midnight, creative drink specials and $3-$5 specially priced appetizers. Just because Marlow’s Vinings is a year older doesn’t mean you are, so come early, stay late and celebrate! Marlow’s Tavern Vinings: 2355 Cumberland Parkway, Suite 10; 770-432-2526.

Wine and More at Morton's The Steakhouse

Last night, I enjoyed an evening of elegance with Morton’s The Steakhouse in Buckhead. I was a fly on the wall at an exclusive party where wine lock holders selected wine to stock their lockers for future visits. Party attendees moved from station to station, tasting wine and discussing quantities. As an added bonus, representatives from Cartier were there to showcase jewelry from both new and classic collections, all of which were amazing. Men who are fourth generation cigar rollers, have been rolling cigars for 25 years and speak very little English made me my first hand rolled cigar. All day, I have been pondering the perfect upcoming occasion to break it out.

The evening was also an opportunity to meet the restaurant’s newly assembled management team. Anthony, the general manager; Alex, assistant general manager; Sarah, sales and marketing manager; and Joel, food and beverage director, all came out and spent some time getting to know the regular guests and their families. By the end of the night, it was clear that the foundation had been laid for long term, and delicious, relationships between Morton’s new managers and their guests.

17th Annual Dining Out for Life

Maybe dining out is a big event for you or maybe it’s something you do several times a week without really thinking about it. Sometimes those who need nutritious food the most can’t get out to get it. That’s where you step in and step out into one of Atlanta’s numerous restaurants participating in the 17th Annual Dining Out for Life on Wednesday, April 22 to benefit Open Hand.

Partcipants include great restaurants such as Fifth Group Restaurants’ South City Kitchen Midtown and Vinings, Ecco, The Original El Taco and La Tavola Trattoria; Eclipse di Luna - Miami Circle and Park Place, Kozmo Gastro Pub, Aria and Portofino and Woodfire Grill.

Click here to make reservations and know that 20 percent of our tab is going straight to Open Hand’s work in our community. The organization helps people prevent or better manage chronic disease through Comprehensive Nutrition Care™, which combines home-delivered meals and nutrition education as a means to reinforce the connection between informed food choices and improved quality of life.

She's Leaving On A Jet Plane....

Melissa is heading to NYC for dinner at the James Beard House where Executive Chef and Co-Owner Shane Touhy of Dogwood restaurant will be cooking a spring supper. Tomorrow night Melissa will indulge in a fabulous meal.....

*Mini southern fried quail biscuits with
peppered strawberry compote

*Fingerling potato crisps with boiled peanut mousseline and caviar

*Cold smoked tuna tartare with apples, pecans, cornbread rounds

*Creamy stone-ground yellow “Logan Turnpike” grits with cornmeal dusted gulf oyster, preserved lemon, hazelnut cream, micro lemon mint

*Pan seared Georgia mountain trout with sunchoke puree, spring pea basil sauce and marinated wild mushroom salad

*Charred rare venison tartare with toasted brioche, sunny side up quail egg, caramelized shallot jam and smoked blackberry-merlot reduction

*Berkshire Pork loin confit with a ragout of spring mushrooms and aged country ham, fava bean pesto

*Brown butter- almond financiere with crème brulee ice cream and Grand Marnier-strawberry syrup

Wow, I am jealous. For a preview of Shane's meal, visit Savory Exposure.

Eclipse di Luna Celebrates Administrative Professionals Day

Put down the files and have some fun! Administrative professionals can take a lunch break on Wednesday, April 22 and head over to Eclipse di Luna in Buckhead or Dunwoody for two free tapas. Hold off on taking that last phone call before lunch—the special is available only until 2 p.m.! Take a breather and kick back on the patio…perhaps honor the day with a margarita or glass of sangria.

Love Me, Love My Tree: Earth Day, Week and Month Events Around Town

Remember when Earth Day was just one Day? Well, not anymore! As we have grown to understand the relationship between our actions and the environment, the need to protect the Earth (from ourselves) has become even more apparent. Next week, several of our favorite local spots are highlighting things we can all do to enjoy Mother Earth a little longer:

Basically, every day is Earth Day at LEED-certified Pizza Fusion in Buckhead. So it's no surprise that on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, Pizza Fusion has more green goodies! While Pizza Fusion has been serving pizzas in Atlanta since fall, the team saved the ribbon-cutting celebration to coincide with Earth Day. Live music and food specials will abound, along with $3 select organic beer and $1 Honest Tea. The Captain Planet Foundation will receive a portion of the day’s proceeds, and the good Captain himself will be available for photos between 5-9 p.m. Celebratory giveaways on April 22 include a free personal organic cheese pizza (POCP) and Honest Tea for the first 50 people who walk, run, bike, take MARTA or drive a hybrid/Smart car to the event; a free POCP and Honest Kids beverage for the first 50 kids; a free Pizza Fusion reusable tote to the first 50 people who order a specialty pizza; and an enter-to-win opportunity to win one of six birthday or office parties.

Pizza Fusion: In the Astoria at the Aramore building, 2233 Peachtree Road, Suite M; 404-351-9334.

Whole Foods Markets won't make you dig around for ways to protect the Earth all month. This month, the company marks one whole year without disposable plastic grocery bags, keeping an estimated 150 million bags out of landfills and tripling reusable bag use. Shoppers can pick up Whole Foods Market’s “Make a Green Change: 30 Ways in 30 Days” calendar, crammed with small daily actions that make a big difference over the course of a year. Through month end, enter the “Recycle Your Old Fridge Sweepstakes” online and test your family’s green IQ. You may win a new, ENERGY STAR-qualified Bosch Evolution refrigerator stuffed with natural and organic foods from Whole Foods Market. Earth-loving teens are digging Project Green Prom! Besides creating videos on how they’ll green their proms for Teens Turning Green, they’re attending in-store Prom Prep Day events with eco-makeovers, fashion, flower and decorating tips, and eating right for prom night.

Eclipse di Luna in Buckhead is pouring $15 pitchers of margaritas Monday- Thursday during Earth Week. After all, isn’t this warm weather beverage a lovely shade of green? This high-energy lunch, dinner and night spot tops off your tank with small plates of tapas before you head out to burn some fuel on the dance floor!

Eclipse di Luna - Miami Circle: 764 Miami Circle in Buckhead; 404-846-0449.

Richard Blais at Variety Playhouse

Richard Blais cooking demo at Variety Playhouse on June 27 at 3 p.m. Tickets go on sale this Friday. Thanks for the heads up Ryan!

The Georgia Aquarium Hosts Toast of the Town

Water and wine are coming together for one incredible event on Thursday, April 16 in Atlanta. Wine Enthusiast's premier wine tasting event, Toast of the Town, will be held at the Georgia Aquarium, where more than 500 wines and spirits will be available for tasting. Attendees can also dine on dishes from Atlanta's top restaurants including Aqua blue, Eclipse di Luna, Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead and Downtown, Toulouse and Woodfire Grill. In addition to fantastic food and wine, there will be a silent auction benefiting the Georgia Aquarium! Purchase tickets online: $175 VIP Tasting / $95 Grand Tasting. VIP Tasting starts at 5 p.m. with privileged access to reserve and estate wines and Atlanta's best restaurant dishes all in a quieter, more relaxed setting and includes a six-issue subscription to Wine Enthusiast magazine. The Grand Tasting follows from 7-10 p.m.

Georgia Aquarium: 225 Baker Street.

Last Call for CPA's To Sign Up And Win Free Dinner at Morton's

As I posted a couple weeks ago, both locations of Morton's The Steakhouse are taking submissions from local CPAs for a complimentary dinner during CPA Appreciation Day on April 16. The winning CPA will be drawn on Tuesday, April 14, so call Morton’s Buckhead at 404-816-6535 or Morton’s Downtown at 404-577-4366 before April 14 to submit your name, phone number and email address.

The complimentary steak and seafood dinner valued at $99.99 is only offered to official CPAs, so be sure and bring proof of profession. Here are the locations - Morton’s The Steakhouse Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Morton’s The Steakhouse Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

Forward on to your stressed out CPA friends that are in need of a little appreciation this April 16!

Quick Tip!

Thinking about dining out this weekend or heading out for a few spring cocktails? Why not save $10 and head to Marlow's Tavern! When you sign up for Marlow's newsletters you will recieve a $10 giftcard valid at any Marlow's Tavern location. So enjoy that extra drink or dessert and venture to your nearest Marlow's Tavern!

Don’t Be A Basket Case Over Where To Dine for Easter!

There are lots of "good eggs" in the way of places to meet and eat this Easter Sunday.

Aqua blue sets an Easter buffet table with high style and a generous line-up of classic Easter dishes from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Order a bottomless mimosa and toast the occasion before heading to the buffet, which will be laden with dishes to please adults and children. Fill your plate with carved leg of lamb or ham, blackened fish with lobster sauce, chicken rotini primavera in cream sauce, London broil with Marsala and mushroom sauce and roasted turkey with giblet gravy. Round it out with wild rice pilaf, sautéed vegetables, sweet potato soufflé, broccoli casserole, macaroni and cheese, smoked salmon, chilled shrimp and house, Caesar and spring salads; fresh fruit and a variety of sushi. "Morning" foods include made-to-order omelets, eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, French toast, sausage gravy and biscuits, home fries, grits, artisan breads, muffins and pastries. Kids will love the chicken fingers, and there are desserts to please everyone's sweet cravings! Adults, $29.95; children ages 4-12, $9.95; children under four dine free of charge. Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886.

There's a Marlow's Tavern location a hop away from wherever you are in metro Atlanta with tables set for a casual Easter brunch. Marlow's Tavern Northlake will offer two buffets from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.: the extended buffet for adult appetites and the "knee high" buffet for children. Along with tavern favorites, Easter diners will savor the prime rib carving station and omelet station. $19.99 for adults, $9.99 for children 5-12 and free for children under five. In Vinings, Marlow's guests will find crab cakes Benedict, glazed ham and crab legs on the brunch buffet priced at $19.99. Bottomless mimosas and bloody Mary's are $15. The Sunday brunch menu satisfies hearty appetites as always at Marlow's in Alpharetta, Midtown and Kennesaw. Stay tuned - Marlow's Duluth will soon offer weekend brunch! Marlow's Tavern locations include 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; Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526; Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road, 678-987-1197; and Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033.



Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead and Downtown are open from 1-9 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Guests can peruse the full menu to choose succulent steaks, seafood and other specialties that have made Morton's famous. Morton's upscale atmosphere goes hand-in-hand with special occasions...so wear your Easter dress. Morton's The Steakhouse-Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Morton's The Steakhouse-Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

Those dreaming of a scenic Easter Sunday surrounded by nature and enjoying the fruits of the vine will find Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery the idyllic holiday setting. Did somebody say photo op? Bring the entire family up to Dahlonega for Wolf Mountain's elaborate 7th Annual Easter Brunch. $30 per person plus tax and gratuity. Purchase wine by the glass or bottle to complete your special Easter meal. Advance reservations are required and can be made for either the 12:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. seating by calling 706-867-9862. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery: 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega, Georgia; 706-867-9862.

Happy Easter!

Easter Baking Ideas

I have confessed my love for Bakerella a time or two on this blog. With Easter this weekend, I have to share with you all the cute things she has been baking. From bunnies and chicks to a more modern peep, she has the most adorable ideas.

I can't cook, but I love to bake so I can't wait to show up to lunch on Easter Sunday with a few edible baskets like the ones she posted about yesterday.

Miniature Easter basket cupcakes

My pictures won't be as good as hers, but if I can snap a few before they disappear I'll share them with you guys. Happy Easter!

Thursdays at JCT. Kitchen & Bar Feature Live Music, Cheap Eats and Patio Punch

Westside Urban Market is filled with fun on Thursdays, thanks to JCT. Kitchen & Bar. Chef/Owner Ford Fry prepares goodies for $1, including oysters, JCT. deviled eggs and pimento cheese toasts with pickled sunchokes. The restaurant's mixologist Lara Creasy prepares $24 carafes of Patio Punch, a potent libation with fresh fruit juices from local farms. A large selection of wine and cocktails including $5 special martinis, margaritas and sangria are also available. The rooftop bar at JCT. is an excellent place to unwind and start the weekend early, especially when the live music cranks up at 6 p.m. on Thursday nights. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. on Thursdays, but the bar keeps going from 5 p.m. until midnight.

JCT. Kitchen & Bar: 1198 Howell Mill Road, Suite 18; 404-355-2252.

This Week's Wine Events

It's wine time! Here are some great wine events going on this week:

For those of you outside of the perimeter, head to Aqua blue on Wednesday, April 8, for a five-course winemaker dinner featuring the diverse wines of Domaine Chandon. This special menu features a bounty of spring’s refreshing flavors, each course complemented by the appropriate Domaine Chandon wine for $60 per person, not including tax and gratuity. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required; call 770-643-8886. On the menu: seafood kabob with spicy chile and lime glaze, Domaine Chandon Rose Sparkling Wine, Napa Valley NV; grilled shrimp and peach salad, goat cheese and watercress, Domaine Chandon Chardonnay, Carneros 2005; roast duck, Japanese eggplant, summer squash, fried sweet potato and smooth cherry broth, Domaine Chandon Pinot Noir, Carneros 2006; pork tenderloin pad thai, Domaine Chandon Pinot Meunier, Carneros 2006; strawberry and kiwi flan; Domaine Chandon Riche Sparkling Wine, Napa Valley NV.

Aqua blue is located at 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road.

Inside the perimeter people can make their way to Woodfire Grill for wine on Wednesday, April 8. Guests can try Italian red wines from the Piedmont regions: Barolo, Barbera d’Alba, Barbera d’Asti and Dolcetto. The tasting is $15 per person and can be experienced from 6 to 10 p.m. in the bar area at your own pace or at your dinner table. Reservations are required for the wine tastings as space is limited.

Woodfire Grill: 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

This just in: new seating at Star Provisions!

Woot! They have put in two large tables for eating those delicious sandwiches and cupcakes at Star Provisions. I just happened on it at lunch today. You order at the counter as usual and then they bring it out to you. Awesome! They are not quite finished but people were already sitting there.

Peachtree Road Farmers Market is Back!

Recipe for a great Saturday morning: pick up a cup of Batdorf & Bronson coffee, buy two jars of Hope's Gardens basil pesto for $11, and take a walk in the crisp morning air through the Peachtree Road Farmers Market. See, who says I don't know how to cook?

And what's the perfect morning recipe without bacon? New to the market this year is Avondale Estate's Pine Street Market. They were serving samples of their Applewood Smoked Bacon and Sopressata Salami. Oh. Yes. Must buy this every week.



Also new is the Riverview Farms Meat CSA. Now you can sign up to get monthly deliveries of sustainable meats grown by nearby family farms just like you've signed up to get your regular delivery of produce/eggs/honey from Moore Farms! My friend Suzanne (that's her cool blue truck in the back of the bacon photo) can fill you in: suzanne@grassfedcow.com.









When it's early in the season and there's not a lot of produce yet, the artisans really fill out the market. Tracy Hartley does some cool stuff with recycled materials like the rooster art above. He has some work at Holeman & Finch and I was thinking maybe he should have some work at the new world headquarters of Melissa Libby & Associates. This would look good in a loft, yes? I also loved the ceramic lamb salt/pepper shakers by artist Karen Fincannon - she assured me I could find them on Etsy if I didn't purchase today.
Last stop of the day is always at Taj Ma-Hound. Norma Jean is a big fan, as are all the dogs who visit the market. Her cookies are so healthy and you should see the decorated ones - adorable! Since Norma's on a diet, I got her the Low Fat Cinnabones.
I think Norma Jean pretty much sums up this recipe: A yummy way to start your Saturday!

Uncork A Cure...An Inspi(red) Event

I enjoyed a fun filled night of wine sampling, food tasting, mingling and auction bidding at the ARCA's 19th annual Uncork a Cure. The Foundry at Puritan Mill was a wonderful space to hold such a large event. Although I sipped many fabulous wines, I have to say the most clever was Cabernet Glavingnon, Tom Glavin's new wine.

Now on to the food. My first bite was a trout snack from Shane Touhy at Dogwood.

I was then drawn to a field of strawberry topped sushi from Steel.

While at the sushi plate, I eyed mini beers and chocolate dessert from Gordon Biersch. The beer tasting was refreshing after all the wine.

My sweet tooth was satisfied again with a red velvet cupcake from Highland Bakery.

Back to the savory side for steak and mashed potatoes courtesy of Morton's Steakhouse.

As the night is winding down, I visit El Taco for a pork filled tortilla.

And to end my culinary adventure, I stopped at Eclipse di Luna for a taste of Ben McPherson's unique combination of popcorn and shrimp.

Any event that encourages me to indulge on dessert in between wine tastings and food samplings is a success! Uncork the Cure 2009 proved to be a relaxed yet elegant event for a wonderful cause.

Does it get any better than wine and pizza?

Well, yes, if it's organic wine and organic pizza.

Last night the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF) had their monthly "Wonderful Wednesday" at Pizza Fusion in Buckhead. Steve Hinternhoff from Quality Wine & Spirits brought Kristin Freund of Terre Rouge Wines. The group was able to taste five wines from their portfolio while sampling delicious pizza and mingling with fellow foodies. The verdict: the wines were awesome and they all went well with pizza!

My personal favorite was 2005 TERRE ROUGE Roussanne - Sierra Foothills. A Rhone Ranger, of course. I think I might stop by after work to see if there's any left ...

(My apologies to Kristin for making her look like she has a huge green bow on her head.)

April Fools!

Whole Foods Market displays their wit and ability not to take themselves too seriously for April Fools Day. Check out their Web site for other "April Fools" and quick quips sure to make you chuckle.