Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival Blossoms with Chefs and Mixologists July 16

Better Boys and Early Girls, the ninth annual Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival is your kind of fruit fest, ripe with tomato-rich treats and concoctions created by dozens of Atlanta’s best chefs and mixologists and 50 local farmer friends. A few plum personalities to look for at the Georgia Organics benefit: 5Church Atlanta chef Scotley Innis; Aria owner/chef Gerry Klaskala and mixologist Stefano Gandossi; Gunshow executive chef Joey Ward and mixologist Mercedes O’Brien; Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails executive chef Derek Dollar; Ormsby’s chef Nick Anderson; The Southern Gentleman executive chef Matthew Ridgway; and chef Tomas Lee of Midtown Takorea & Ssam Bar. Ford Fry’s tribute to summer’s revered heirlooms plants itself at Park Tavern in Midtown this Sunday, July 16 from 1-5 p.m. Like killer tomatoes, this festival flourishes rain or shine. Buy tickets in advance: $45 general admission; $40 Georgia Organics members; $125 Lexus VIP (early access and VIP area exclusives); and $74.95 “Good Grit” package including six issues of “Good Grit” magazine. A limited number of $75 general admission tickets will be available at the door. Killer tomatoes, we surrender already.

Sit Back and Unwind at Ormsby’s “Summer Summer Summertime” Dinner on Summer Solstice, June 21

Ease into soul of the solstice -- reminiscing with friends and soaking in the love and happiness of summertime -- at Ormsby’s dinner inspired by this hip-hop ode to summer by DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. Local, seasonal ingredients from some of the best farmers and cheesemakers in the Southeast all play a part in the four-course blind tasting paired with four craft cocktails on Wednesday, June 21. Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. dinner are $40 per person and may be purchased in advance both over the phone and in person at the restaurant. Online tickets are not available for this event. Those with go-to Ormsby’s menu favorites, rest assured the regular menu also will be available that night.

Appetizing Aperture: Ormsby's Southern Sweet Potato Chips

Another example of why Southern food rules – Ormsby’s Southern sweet potato chips. Chips the color of a Southern sunrise come backed by bacon (another Southern staple), blue cheese and tangy green onions ($6). Seriously, have you ever heard anyone tout Northern sweet potato chips? Doubtful.

Shout Out about a Stout Outing -- Terrapin Beer’s Wake N Bake Off Atlanta for The Giving Kitchen Jan. 15

Ormsby’s executive chef Nick Anderson is among stout-hearted chefs strong arming stout into sweet and savory recipes for the fourth annual Wake N Bake Off Atlanta at Argosy from 6-10 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15. Kitchen musings will play out using Terrapin’s Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout. Buy a $20 ticket online to come taste the goods, pour out opinions on winners and chance scoring raffle prizes. The beery popular fundraiser benefits The Giving Kitchen. Pull our blog out of the oven for more details.

Tasters Needed! 4th Annual Wake N Bake Off Atlanta for The Giving Kitchen is Jan. 15

There are two types of competitors at Wake N Bake Off Atlanta: “Sweet” and “Savory.”  Ormsby’s executive chef Nick Anderson elbows into the lineup of popular local chefs vying for “Sweet” honors at Terrapin Beer Co.’s Wake N Bake Off Atlanta heating up Argosy from 6-10 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15. Buy a $20 ticket online and sample the goods created by the competing chefs, all paired with Terrapin Wake-n-Bake Coffee Oatmeal Imperial Stout. Rumor is the stout finds its way into those recipes. Fact is event dough benefits The Giving Kitchen. Hourly raffles could send you home with prizes.

Appetizing Aperture: Ormsby's Black Bean Burger

If you’ve been shying away from bean burgers, thinking they are akin to hockey pucks, Ormsby’s shoots a game changer your way. Their new plump black bean burger packs powerful protein from beans and cheddar, soothing guacamole and the crisp crunch of tortilla chips…and somehow, they fit it all on an egg bun. Drop in and drop a 10-spot for this bean-eficiary burger.

Get out of Dodge and High Tail It to an Afternoon in the Country with Les Dames d’Escoffier International on Nov. 6

Mountain roads are clogged with folks looking for seasonal color. Psst. On Sunday, Nov. 6, you’ll find more vibrant seasoning, appetizing colors, fall flavors, heaps of entertainment and rake in silent auction luxuries at an Afternoon in the Country spreading over Foxhall Resort & Sporting Club in Douglasville. Fork into foods from some of these locals – Bellina Alimentari, Chicken and the Egg, Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar, Marlow’s Tavern, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, Ormsby’s, Seed Kitchen & Bar and White Oak Pastures – and taste fine wines and microbrews. The 16^thannual event hosted by Atlanta Les Dames d’Escoffier International overflows from big-top tents onto the resort’s expansive lawns. Buy tickets online, $125 for adults 21 and over; free parking. No children’s activities this year. Dig up details on our blog.

Ormsby’s New Menu Appeases Daily Grind with Veggie Grinder, Black Bean Burger, Milk Stout Chocolate Custard and More

Get a load of Ormsby’s executive chef Nick Anderson’s plump black bean burger ($10) wearing tortilla chips and guac (yes, you can have it all), Adda’s blackened chicken Greek salad ($12), Uncle Lenny’s Southern Cuban ($11), the veggie grinder ($10) and veggie bowl ($10) – all among the newbies and old favorites on Ormsby’s fall menu. Break from darts or another of Ormsby’s goodtime games to share pork belly bites ($7) or shrimp and crab risotto balls ($7) over a few beers or handcrafted cocktails. Heavenly milk stout chocolate custard or crispy banana pecan bread pudding ($4 each) and a nightcap promise sweet dreams. Stop by the Westside eatery for lunch, dinner, late night and hours in between. 

Ormsby’s is All In for First Freedom Farmers Market Pig Pickin October 15

This little piggie went to market, where he was promptly smoked and pulled for the $25-a-plate Freedom Farmers Market Pig Pickin fundraiser on Saturday, October 15. Pine Street Market’s Rusty Bowers wrestles the pig meat. Ormsby’s chef Nick Anderson handles the veggie sides spilling over into the pulled pork on big ol’ plates. Buy tickets online or on site for the 9 a.m.-1 p.m. family friendly event. 

Relax. It’s Labor Day. Let Atlanta Restaurants Do the Cooking for You

Labor Day arrives Monday, September 5, signaling the unofficial start of fall activities. Might as well squeeze in one last weekend of summer fun! Spend it in the grocery store and kitchen? We think not, because some of our favorite eateries are open over the holiday. Keep these Atlanta restaurants in mind if you’re returning from vacation, beat from a day of outdoor activities or just ready to let someone else labor over the stove.

For high-quality steaks and seafood, head to 101 Steak. Vinings’ newest chophouse is open regular hours all weekend and will be open for dinner on Monday from 4-9:30 p.m., offering mouthwatering dishes like the 32-oz. tomahawk chop, East and West Coast oysters and more than 100 wines by the glass.

Newcomer 5Church carries its weekend brunch service over to Monday for a special holiday treat. Cornmeal waffles, Southern fried steak, duck confit with cabbage pancake and more will be on the menu from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with dinner service in the evening.

Out late on Sunday? Celebrate into the wee hours at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland or Ormsby’s in West Midtown. Both are staying open until 3 a.m. Monday morning. Atkins Park will cure your hangover with its full brunch menu available on Monday starting at 11:30 a.m.

Ponce City Market favorite Bellina Alimentari continues its monthly Bluesin’ Bellina live music series on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy food, libations and great music from the Cody Matlock Band. Regular Monday hours stand.

Bid summer a final farewell with a special edition of Basque in the Sun on Sunday at Gypsy Kitchen. Enjoy paella on the patio, $5 glasses of rosé, $4 tinto de verano and half off select bottles of wine, as well as a live flamenco guitarist from 4-7 p.m. and a DJ starting at 7 p.m. Closed on Monday.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern is open regular hours all weekend and Monday. Stop by and enjoy the brunch menu and $17 bottomless mimosas. Order half-price wings on Sunday from 5-11 p.m. and return for Monday’s date night special -- dinner for two for $24.95.

Johnny’s Hideaway, Atlanta’s favorite neighborhood nightspot, is open late on Sunday for a pre-Labor Day bash with live music from Cold Draft Beer. Monday regulars, Johnny’s is open for you as usual.

Whether you’re attending the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on Saturday or going sci-fi at Dragon Con, be sure to make Ray’s in the City part of your itinerary – the downtown restaurant is open all weekend. Come Monday for the two-course 1.25-pound whole Maine lobster dinner available all day for $24.95. More? That dinner also is available on Labor Day atRay’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek. If you’re craving Mexican food, visit Ray's Rio Bravo on Monday for half-priced drinks all day.

Smokebelly BBQ turns the corner from summer to fall by honoring barbecue and the start of college football season. Friday through Monday specials include $3 Bud Light drafts, $10 Bud Light pitchers, $15 Bud and Bud Light buckets and $5 Tito’s drinks. The Whispering Gypsies start in with live music at 8 p.m. Friday. Saturday, enjoy gridiron action on 16 TVs, along with enough barbecue to feed every college team in the country. Smoked brisket and an Irish whiskey are just the ticket for catching Sunday’s Texas vs. Notre Dame game. Cap off the weekend on Monday with waffle fries, mac and cheese and pulled pork as FSU faces off against Ole Miss. Beginning September 5, Monday’s mean 25-cent wings starting at 4 p.m.

Additional restaurants open regular hours on Monday, September 5:

• Affairs in Alpharetta
• Marlow’s Tavern (all locations)
• Sublime Doughnuts (both locations)
• The Big Ketch Buckhead and Canton Street (Roswell)
• Tin Lizzy’s Cantina (all locations) 

Ormsby’s Taps Nick Anderson as Executive Chef

Ormsby’s in West Midtown welcomes executive chef Nick Anderson to its friendly fold. Growing up in Marietta, teenage Nick decided he’d rather cook for his family than mow the lawn or wash the dishes. His choice of “chores” turned into one of his greatest pleasures and propelled him to graduate from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina, and into culinary positions at several of Atlanta’s fine dining establishments including Spice and Canoe. He moved on to hold chef de cuisine roles at Tomo and Rathbun’s. At a holiday party, Anderson formed a friendship with two of Ormsby’s owners, Michael Goot and Leslie Battle, and their Westside restaurant became a favorite stop for Anderson, his wife and friends. Now, Anderson is thrilled to be a part of the Ormsby’s team and plans to add more local meat and produce to the menu offerings. He’s looking forward to inspiring the staff and welcoming guests when they drop by for a craft beer, his tempting pub fare and some bar game merriment.

Going Gluten-Free Never Tasted So Good

Loving leaving gluten behind? No longer is that a tale of woe. You know, “Whoa! That tastes like cardboard. What else can I eat -- enjoyably?” Atlanta chefs are taking advantage of naturally gluten-free foods and the ever-growing list of gluten-free, sowing their wildly appealing “GF” oats to create dishes full of flavor yet devoid of gluten. Menus clearly designate gluten-free and modifiable options so playing the do/don’t guesswork game is a thing of the past. This list of area restaurants offering gluten-free menu items (along with yummy selections) is definitely a keeper.

Start with a toast to new dining opportunities. Revival in Decatur offers Angry Orchard Stone Dry cider, which like all Angry Orchard ciders is naturally gluten-free. Cheers!

The menus at all Bantam + Biddy locations clearly designate gluten-free options, and there’s a whole flock of dishes scattered across all menu categories, starters through dessert. Entrées such as fried chicken tenders, meatloaf, oven-roasted chicken and the Southern Breakfast (served all day) are a few tempters. Covet Bantam + Biddy’s popular jalapeño cornbread? Score. The golden, gluten-free bread accompanies all entrées and is available as a side. When only a sandwich will do, the kitchen will swap in gluten-free bread. Good to remember when dining in Midtown (Ansley Mall or Crescent Avenue), Lenox Square or Avalon.
 
Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station also identifies gluten-free items on its lunch/dinner and weekend brunch menus. Flip over almond pancakes with ginger apples ($10) or a protein scramble ($12.50) at brunch as well as onion rings ($6), a chicken tender basket ($13.50) and Cobb, Club Med and Power House salads ($10).

Lunch, dinner or in between, Ormsby’s shrimp and grits is an all-around favorite, rocking palates with succulent shrimp, red peppers, caramelized onions and cream sherry ($16). Ask servers about more gluten-free menu options.

At Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar, a plethora of gluten-free options await. You can’t go wrong with the pan-roasted lamb sausage with creamy grits and smoked Gouda, charred okra and harissa jus ($10) or the Southern paella with Carolina gold rice, pan-seared red snapper, mussels, scallops, smoked andouille and shrimp ($21).

In Midtown, 10th & Piedmont harmonizes sweet, salty and savory for gluten-free and paleo devotees in its bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin with roasted apples, currants and cane syrup crème ($6.95)

At the magic hour of 5 p.m. every evening, HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern starts serving its fall-apart tender pot roast. Midtowners can’t get enough of the comforting short ribs sided by buttermilk mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables and red wine gravy ($14.50).
 
Seed Kitchen & Bar generously peppers its lunch, dinner and brunch menus with gluten-free options. Smoked chicken tacos with pimento grits, chipotle-lime crema and piquillo peppers ($8.95); deviled eggs served with short smoked salmon, jalapeño cream, pickled onion and capers ($7.95); and Georges Bank sea scallops with butternut squash-Parmesan risotto, apple and pancetta ($26.95) are a few of the palate-rewarding selections at this East Cobb restaurant.

Thankfully, most wines get the go ahead. Small plates at Stem Wine Bar in East Cobb also get the green light. Everyone’s happy to share “Deviled Eggs Three Ways” -- Spanish, French and Italian ($6); shaved Brussels sprouts with warm bacon vinaigrette, apple, pine nuts and Parmesan ($9); Spanish octopus “A la Plancha” slow braised in red wine and accompanied by fingerling potatoes, chorizo and salsa verde ($14); and garlic chicken wings with preserved lemon, black pepper, Calabrian chiles and parsley ($10).

Resolve to Eat Mindfully for a Healthier New Year

Holiday excesses propel desires for new year successes. Perhaps that involves de-cluttering closets and desktops, hitting the gym, unrolling the yoga mat -- and cleaning up your plate. Atlanta restaurant menus prove mindful eating doesn’t mean monastic. Break from those push-ups and take a look at these healthier choices.

An invigorating stroll through Virginia-Highland leads to a savory square meal at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar. Focus on every tender morsel of the herb-roasted Springer Mountain Farms chicken, dried cranberry and Brussels leaf salad, and creamed corn mashed potatoes ($16).

In Poncey-Highland, Café Highlands does a makeover on that faithful friend, falafel on warm pita. Their recipe uses black-eyed peas instead of garbanzos and adds a fried green tomato, cucumber and za'atar-yogurt dressing. Served with fries; we won’t tell if you sneak a few ($9).
 
Ormsby’s on Atlanta’s Westside plates an heirloom beet salad guaranteed to reboot your resolve to eat more veggies with its vibrant palette of arugula, Brussels sprouts, hearts of palm and tangy citrus vinaigrette ($9).

At FLIP burger boutique in Buckhead and West Midtown (as well as Birmingham and Nashville) simply request lettuce wrapping a favorite burger to “leaf” the bun carbs behind. More power packers: the turkey burger with Monterey Jack cheese, crushed avocado, pomegranate ketchup, tomato and alfalfa sprouts ($8); raw tuna tartare patty with Asian pear, pine nuts, compressed veggies, mango sphere and avocado purée ($14); and the seared chicken-topped, veggie-loaded FLIP salad with pickled cukes, cauliflower and red onion ($10).

Pasta has its place on Italian tables, equally so, the fresh, crisp insalata di bietola at Bellina Alimentari in Midtown’s Ponce City Market. The colorful salad of roasted beets, escarole hearts and ricotta salata is punctuated by red wine vinegar dressing ($8).

Follow a power walk through Piedmont Park with the Mother Nature Salad at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern in Midtown. Grains and veggie gains are yours in this mix of quinoa, cucumber, edamame, avocado, garbanzos, tomatoes, pickled onions, cranberries, candied pecans and HOBNOB basil vinaigrette ($11.50).

Tipping toward tapas in Midtown? 10th & Piedmont’s coconut scallop ceviche kicks blah days to the curb and jazzes taste buds with coconut, cilantro, spicy pepper, avocado and tortilla chips ($7.50).

Pulling up to Guy Wong’s Le Fat in West Midtown for a Vietnamese fix won’t weigh you down. Opt for Goi Cuon/summer rolls ($6), Goi Du Du/papaya salad ($10), Cai Xoan/kale salad with mango chickpea dressing ($7) or Bún/chilled vermicelli bowl with herb salad, cucumber, pickled daikon and carrot, crushed peanut and crispy spring roll and choice of sliced pork, chicken, shrimp or lemongrass beef ($16).

At Midtown’s Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar, choose a healthy Moroccan couscous with Israeli pearls and squash in harissa broth ($14) -- or achieve that goal of trying more locally sourced charcuterie meats and cheeses.

Check off the salad and seafood boxes on the “eat more” list at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead and Roswell. The Mediterranean quinoa bowl with Meyer lemon vinaigrette and the tropical salad with toasted macadamia nuts, tropical fruit salsa and Key lime mango dressing are consummate salad choices, and guests can opt in on healthier blackened or grilled cooking methods for salmon, mahi-mahi, grouper and ahi tuna.

Lighter side tapas at Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead won’t derail your diet plans. Try piquillo pepper hummus with carrots, celery and house-made crackers ($6.50), gluten-free and vegan jalapeño-cornbread cakes ($7.50) or chilled farro and green bean salad ($4.95). Smokebelly’s “skinny fixin’s” menu has even more options.

In The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, Gypsy Kitchen power plays tapas and snacks to eat solo or share including pickled beets ($6), marinated octopus salad with citrus and fennel ($8), roasted cauliflower and quinoa salad ($6) and grilled Spanish octopus ($15). Neighbor The Southern Gentleman knows there’s no sleeping on the job. Stay alert with lunch choices such as Boston bibb lettuce salad with pickled shrimp ($12) and roasted kabocha squash salad with Georgia pecans and onion vinaigrette ($10).

Jogging by one of the 27 Willy’s Mexicana Grill locations in Atlanta (or Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport)? The Southwest chicken salad recharges the weary with crisp greens, chargrilled chicken, black beans, pico de gallo, corn salsa, Jack cheese, homemade guacamole and tortilla strips ($7.75).

Appetizing Aperture

Love me tender? We sure do. Ormsby’s braised short rib pot roast is the meat dreams are made of, cradled on a pillow of Idaho mash (all the better to soak up the red wine demi-glace) befriended by baby carrots and cipollini onions ($17).

Taking a Shine to Sipping Rights on Prohibition Day, December 5

Shot glass-size synopsis on Prohibition Day: In 1919, Congress dryly passed the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, outlawing the manufacture, sale or transport of liquors. Ultimately, bottling up the clandestine flow proved fruitless. On December 5, 1933, congressional ratification of the 21st Amendment repealed #18, spirits soared and December 5 became affectionately known as “Prohibition Day,” which just happens to fall on a Saturday this year. Toast the occasion, because you can, at these spirited establishments.
 
Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar first opened its doors in 1912, making the Virginia-Highland restaurant and watering hole Atlanta’s oldest, continuously licensed tavern.

It’s no secret that The Blind Pig Parlour Bar, hidden away at Smokebelly BBQ, is Buckhead’s premier speakeasy.

Find out if the pirate's life is the life for you with the Jack Sparrow cocktail at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern in Midtown.

Unlike those 1920s hideaways, there’s no password needed to enter Johnny’s Hideaway in Buckhead for a roaring good time sipping spirits and tripping the light fantastic on the dance floor.

Bootleggers beware, Ormsby’s on Atlanta’s Westside can shake up more mixers than you can imagine and pour some mighty fine beers, too.

The 4.B4.5 Happy Hour at Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails in Jacksonville, Florida, will have you celebrating the happiest of hours a little earlier than usual. Choose from craft beers, select wines by the glass and classic cocktails for $4 from 3-5 p.m., but the bar menu’s regular happy hour pricing resumes from 5-7 p.m. each night. On Friday and Saturday, regular happy hour pricing is in effect from 10 p.m.-12:30 a.m. closing time. 

Appetizing Aperture

Ormsby’s guests rave about the veal meatloaf, gussied up with sweet potato mash and Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze ($16). We give thanks for Ormsby’s elevation of this meaty American comfort food. An icon, stuck in the '50s no more. 

Elevate Your Tailgate with Ormsby’s, Twin Smokers BBQ and SweetWater Brewery on October 11

With tailgating season in full swing, there’s no better time for the Atlanta Eats + SweetWater Tailgate Tasting. On Sunday, October 11 from 2-4:30 p.m., head to SweetWater Brewery for an afternoon of lip-smacking SweetWater brews and grilling grub as seen in the recent “Elevate Your Tailgate” episode of “Atlanta Eats Primetime.” Featured restaurants include Ormsby’s and Twin Smokers BBQ. Purchase tickets online for $25. A portion of the proceeds benefit The Giving Kitchen, which provides emergency assistance grants to Atlanta’s restaurant community facing unanticipated hardship.

Scotley Innis of Ormsby’s Leads Chef Demo at Westside Provisions District Farmers Market July 5

See what kind of farm-fresh inspiration Ormsby’s chef Scotley Innis has up his sleeves at the Westside Provisions District Farmers Market this Sunday, July 5. The market sets up a stone’s throw from Ormsby’s cool environs (and cold brews) near Howell Mill and 14th Street. After picking up tips from Innis and picking out locally grown produce, dairy, eggs, artisan breads, baked goods and other delicacies at the 10 a.m.-2 p.m. market, skip over to Ormsby’s where there’s a cold beer for you and air conditioning to keep your produce perky. Market updates on Facebook.

Atlanta Restaurants Honor Memorial Day Weekend with Star-Spangled Specials May 22-25

Travels, festivals, memorial celebrations -- Atlanta restaurants post hours to accommodate your Memorial Day weekend plans.

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland stays open late on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend (past midnight) and will serve lunch and dinner during regular hours on Monday.

All Bantam + Biddy locations will be open over the holiday weekend with all-natural poultry and regional fare -- can’t get more American than this!

Casual Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station will be open as usual for weekend brunch plus lunch and dinner on all three days of the holiday weekend.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern will open at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, doing their duty to serve their regular lunch menu and tossing in a few brunchy items to boot.

Stop by Kabob Land for pita and hummus, tabouli salad or wraps and plates bearing slow-roasted lamb, shawarma (gyro) and charbroiled meat, chicken, veggie or salmon kabobs. Dine in or order and go to be a holiday picnic hero. The Buckhead eatery honors regular hours across the weekend.

Ormsby’s on Atlanta’s Westside keeps Sunday’s party rolling past the usual midnight hour until 3 a.m. Monday morning, then stays opens as usual on Monday from 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m.

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown fires up its Nicky’s Week fundraiser on Memorial Day Monday and keeps the special menu rolling through May 31. Regular hours prevail throughout the weekend.

On Memorial Day, all three Ray’s Restaurants -- Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek -- will be open from noon until 9 p.m. and will offer double points for all Dining Club members. Additionally, active duty military and veterans -- and one guest -- will receive a 20 percent discount at all three Ray’s Restaurants on Monday, May 25.

Brunch spreads over all three days of the holiday weekend at 10th & Piedmont. The Midtown restaurant will extend its Saturday-Sunday brunch menu to Memorial Day and will open early at 10 a.m. to welcome Monday brunchers.

Willy’s Mexicana Grill locations will be open over the weekend with the exception of Willy’s in Peachtree Center, AT&T Center, AT&T Lindbergh and at Georgia State. Take Willy’s wrapped-to-order burritos along on your weekend adventures.

Annual Warren Bruno Summerfest Celebration Bike Ride June 7

Get pumped! The Atkins Park Riders and Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland are setting wheels in motion for this year’s Warren Bruno Summerfest Celebration Ride and fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Societyon Sunday, June 7. Warren Bruno owned the flagship Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland and later opened Ormsby’s on Atlanta’s Westside. Bruno lived life with gusto, even during his eight-year battle against the cancer that eventually took his life in 2012. An avid cyclist, Bruno loved biking through his neighborhood and helped found Virginia-Highland Summerfest to share his love for “Va-Hi.” Each June, bicyclists saddle up to ride along some of his favorite streets and paths in New Highland Park, Little Five Points, the Old Fourth Ward, Piedmont Park, Ansley Park and along the Atlanta BeltLine. Summerfest, with its artist market, music, food and refreshments, waits at the end of the ride. The family friendly ride is organized for three cycling skill levels. Ride begins at 8:30 a.m. at the corner of North Highland and St. Charles avenues. BYOB -- as in bike, bottle for water and bike helmet. Sign up ($5 children under 18 years, $20 adults) before June 6 or make a donation online. All proceeds benefit Atkins Park Cycling Team as they raise money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society in Bruno’s honor.