Ray’s on the River Plants New Signature Salads on Menu

“Brrr,” shows the weather app…or did it read “burrata”? Or, were you carried away, dreaming of creamy burrata, summery tomatoes and fragrant basil or sunshine-laden tropical mangos and ahi tuna fresh from the sea? Dreams do come true. Ray’s on the River fulfills all of those yearnings with fresh, new Signature Salads on its lunch and dinner menus. On the lunch menu, an empowering ahi tuna and kale salad with quinoa and the refreshing twist of mango, avocado and Asian vinaigrette ($20) sticks with you all afternoon. Ray’s heirloom tomato and burrata salad with basil pesto and toasted panko ($15, dinner only) stands on its own as a light dinner option or as a complement to Ray’s much-loved starters and specialties. Why wait for summer to fuel your body with kale, hearty green goodness and colorful fruits and veggies? Salad days and nights are here and now at Ray’s on the River.

Merry Caymus! Ray’s Restaurants Features Caymus Vineyards Wines during December

“Outstanding” aptly describes Ray’s Restaurants, Caymus Vineyards and the December featured wine promotion at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek. Founded in 1984 by renowned restaurateur Ray Schoenbaum, the Ray’s family of restaurants is always on point with mouthwatering cuisine, thoughtful wine selections and attentive service. Caymus Vineyards releases remarkable wines and remains family owned by the Wagner family in Rutherford, California. Charlie and Lorna Wagner produced their first vintage in 1972, and the family remains focused on producing quality cabernet sauvignons, especially two velvety cabs -- Napa Valley and the flagship Special Selection. During December, share the Ray’s dining experience and these exquisite, specially priced Caymus selections. Ray’s in the City and Ray’s on the River are offering Caymus cabernet sauvignon at $24/glass (8 oz.) and $100/bottle; Caymus Special Selection at $200/bottle and Mer Soleil Reserve chardonnay at $18/glass (8 oz.) and $55/bottle. Ray’s at Killer Creek offers the same three selections and per bottle prices, while by-the-glass pours differ: Caymus cabernet sauvignon is priced at $18/glass (6 oz.) or $27/glass (9 oz.) and Mer Soleil Reserve chardonnay is priced at $14/glass (6 oz.) or $20/glass (9 oz.). Merry Caymus, everyone!

Open Now -- $100 Gift for Booking Holiday Parties at Ray’s Restaurants by Sept. 30

Perhaps the event planning elves at Ray’s Restaurants crisped on the beach and started longing for the cool holiday party season. Their desire to jumpstart the holidays at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek rewards early bird party planners with the gift of a $100 Ray’s Dining Card to be enjoyed in the new year. All three Ray’s Restaurants come through with extraordinary cuisine and service, and The Grand Pavilion at Ray’s on the River provides an especially spectacular event space. Surrounded by lush landscaping, The Grand Pavilion affords panoramic views of the Chattahoochee River and direct access to a lighted path meandering along the riverbank. The temperature-controlled pavilion with its own private entrance accommodates up to 180 guests, a band, DJ and a dance floor. To take advantage of Ray’s holiday party gift card incentive, book and confirm your Dec. 1-30, 2017 party with signed contract by Sept. 30, 2017. Food and beverage minimum of $1,500 is required to qualify for the $100 Ray’s Dining Card. Ray’s Dining Card will be mailed in January 2018 provided event invoice has been paid in full.

Claw-a-Bunga! Ray’s Lobsterfest Traps $29.95 Lobster Dinner Beginning Aug. 1

Perhaps you’ve heard the deep discussions -- the table talk about Maine lobsters at Ray’s Restaurants. How deep were those lobster cages anyway?  Way down where Maine’s coastal waters raise up the most tender, succulent lobsters to be found. During Ray’s Lobsterfest at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek, delve into this delectably weighty matter, enjoying a 1.25 pound whole Maine lobster for dinner served with your choice of artisan field greens or Caesar salad and a side choice of Yukon Gold whipped potatoes or chef’s vegetable du jour for $29.95 per person (excludes tax, gratuity, beverages). Clawing for more? Two- and three-pound lobsters are also available. Limited time only; subject to availability.

Ray’s Restaurants Shaves $100 Off Price of Dom Perignon through May 31

More bubbles, less bullion. Through May 31, all three Ray’s Restaurants are popping open bottles of Dom Perignon Champagne for $150 instead of the usual $250. Now that you’ve saved, how about a small splurge? Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek are each featuring their own king salmon and soft shell crab seasonal specials. Those looking for a luscious lobster and champagne dinner can zero in on Ray’s signature lobster Cobb salad or specialties such as Canadian cold water lobster tail, a whole Maine lobster or an option to pair a cold water lobster tail with one of Ray’s top-quality Certified Angus Beef steaks. Hurry in, because like those Champagne bubbles, the Dom Perignon special will soon disappear.

Catch King Salmon and Soft Shell Crab Specials at Ray’s Restaurants, Limited Time Only

King salmon is on the run, and Ray’s Restaurants marks the finish line for this prized flavorful, omega-3 rich fish. The chefs showcase this limited-time catch in location-specific special dishes at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek. Additionally, the chefs have an in on seasonal soft shell crabs. Savor their succulence, claws and all. Time is of the essence with delicacies such as these. Swim fast or risk missing the boat. 

Sip Orin Swift Wines for Less at Ray’s Restaurants through April 30

Ray’s Restaurants is featuring four Orin Swift Cellars wines at special pricing through April 30. The limited-time opportunity includes select varietals of these fine California wines from Ray’s cellar: Palermo cabernet sauvignon, $20 per glass or $60 per bottle; Machete petite sirah, $24 per glass or $65 per bottle; Papillon Bordeaux blend, $85 per bottle; and Mercury Head cabernet sauvignon, $140 per bottle. Come “Swift-ly” to savor this exquisite wine deal at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek. Cellared wines are subject to availability. When they’re gone, they’re gone.

Be Happy over More Hours for $1 Oysters and Half-Priced Apps at Ray’s Restaurants

Ray’s Restaurants reveals why its guests are so happy. Hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood, yes, but also for high-quality bar bites at half price. At Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs and Ray’s at Killer Creek in Alpharetta, relish $1 oysters on the half shell and half-price appetizers including seared ahi tuna tataki, crispy Point Judith calamari, Ray’s “New Orleans” barbecue shrimp, Ray’s brisket burger, goat cheese pimiento fritters and Ray’s blue cheese chips. Enjoy the specials in bar and lounge areas (and on the creek-side patio at Ray’s at Killer Creek). Hours are 3-6 p.m. (Ray’s on the River) and 3-7 p.m. (Ray’s at Killer Creek), 9 p.m. to close and Sundays from 5-9 p.m. The downtown Atlanta after-work crowd unwinds at Ray’s in the City to live music (Tuesday through Saturday) and a revamped menu of bar friendly bites including Ray’s gourmet sliders (served with Ray’s house-cut fries), crispy fried Gulf shrimp and grits and half-price items including Ray’s “New Orleans” barbecue shrimp, steamed mussels, crispy Point Judith calamari, Ray’s blue cheese chips and a half-dozen oysters on the half shell. These specials rule Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close. In addition, all raw bar items are half price (excludes cold seafood tower) from 9 p.m. to close weekdays.

Ray’s on the River Winter Wine Dinner Jan. 21

Ray’s on the River saves you the airfare to the West Coast as they host a Winter Wine Dinner on Jan. 21 featuring a variety of California wines including Caymus Special Selection cabernet sauvignon. The evening begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. with dinner beginning promptly at 7 p.m. The meal includes a California dreamy five-course dinner from chef AJ Jones with wine pairings. The first course consists of cured opah cheek with tarragon apple purée, radish and wonton chip paired with Roederer Estate brut while a second course brings wildflower salad with frisée, minted pea purée and white balsamic mist along with 2014 Hyland Estates riesling. Moving on to the third course, you’ll find roasted pheasant, Black Mission fig, Asher Blue cheese mousse and honey lavender gastrique with 2013 Emmolo merlot followed by hand-carved elk rack, gnocchi, maitake, cipollini and bone marrow reduction paired with Caymus Special Selection cabernet sauvignon. Dessert presents peach mousse bomboloni, candied peel and raspberry paint along with a glass of Orin Swift “Locations F.” The Winter Wine Dinner is $95 per guest plus tax and gratuity. Space is limited and reservations are required with credit card to hold; call 770-955-1187.

Save on Jordan Wine by Glass or Bottle at Ray’s Restaurants through Feb. 19

Ray’s Restaurants is doing its part to add two dear wines to your tried-and-true list this year – and spend less along the way. For a limited time, Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek are pouring two Jordan Wine varietals at tantalizing savings. Jordan chardonnay is specially priced at $20 per eight-ounce glass or $60 for the bottle, and Jordan cabernet sauvignon tempts at $27 per eight-ounce glass and $80 per bottle. Contributing to the “Wow!” factor, Ray’s Restaurants typically does not offer these Alexander Valley, California wines by the glass, and regular restaurant prices usually run $80 for chardonnay and $120 for cabernet sauvignon. Go with the flow and take advantage of these wine-some savings through Feb. 19.

You Can Have It All with Ray’s $34.95 Surf & Turf Dinner Special

Why commit to only land or only sea when you can have both for a very appetizing price thanks to the special Surf & Turf dinner special at Ray’s Restaurants? Available at all three Ray’s locations – Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek -- the prix fixe menu pulls together the best of land and sea and tosses in a salad and side for $34.95 per person. Choose a leafy green starter of either artisan field greens with mixed local baby lettuce, candied pecans, dried cranberries, Statesboro blue cheese and roasted onion balsamic dressing or a Caesar salad tossing baby gem lettuce with shaved pecorino cheese, herb croutons and Caesar dressing. The entrée features Surf & Turf title cuts, a six-ounce filet mignon and four-ounce lobster tail sided by Yukon gold whipped potatoes. Room for dessert? For $5, add New York cheesecake with caramel drizzle or chocolate raspberry mousse with raspberry coulis. Price excludes beverage, tax and gratuity; prix fixe menu may not be split. Ruminate too long and you’ll miss this succulent, limited-time offering.

Ray’s Restaurants Crack Open Lobsterfest

Lobsterfest 101. Be nice. No clawing. Ray’s Restaurants has a direct line to succulent whole Maine lobsters for Lobsterfest, which is now available at all three locations -- Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek. Appease crustacean cravings with a 1.25 pound whole Maine lobster, choice of artisan field greens or Caesar salad and a side choice of Yukon Gold whipped potatoes or chef’s vegetable du jour for $29.95 (excludes tax, gratuity, drinks). The “Summertime at Ray’s” two-course dinner menu is available for those who prefer surf & turf ($29.95) or wild salmon ($24.95) to making the Maine thing their main thing.

Salute Independence Day over the July 4 Holiday Weekend at Atlanta-Area Restaurants

Have your picnic, but eat out, too – and sport that new star-spangled top and sunglasses! Atlanta restaurants are fired up for the holiday weekend and stoked with celebrations, barbecues, bands, spirited beverages and all-American food faves – from our shores and beyond.

Get red, white and bluesin’ at Bellina Alimentari. The Ponce City Market favorite hosts a live music series the first Sunday of each month from 4-7 p.m. and that means loads of food, libations and tunes on July 3.

Oh say, you must see the Fourth of July BBQ blowout occurring when Terminus City takes command of Communion, the beer garden-inspired backyard behind Revival, Kevin Gillespie’s family-style restaurant in Decatur. The all-ages event packs in barbecue, beer, family-friendly entertainment and games (darts, cornhole, horseshoes) plus live music by Dave Lockwood on Monday, July 4 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Purchase food, drinks and play games using tokens, $5 each, with prices ranging from one to four tokens (tax and gratuity included). Gillespie's Terminus City will offer a chopped whole hog barbecue sandwich plate with Brunswick stew, potato salad, coleslaw and fried pie, purchasable for four tokens (tax and gratuity included). Drinks and cold beer hit the spot. Mingle around communal picnic tables and on the front and side porches of Revival (the restaurant itself will be closed). All proceeds from the day benefit Emory Healthcare Veterans Program, which helps post-9/11 veterans.

Gypsy Kitchen, in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, puts a Spanish spin on the holiday weekend. “Basque in the Sun” begins at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 3 and features paella on the open-air patio along with drink specials such as $4 tinto de verano, $5 rosé and half-off select bottles of wine. A flamenco guitarist and a DJ set toes tapping.

Newly opened 5Church in Midtown hosts a Whole Hog Roast on July 4. The celebration takes place during the Peachtree Road Race from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests will partake in a whole hog roast and beers from SweetWater Brewing Company while enjoying music outside along the sidewalk and on the rooftop patio. 5ChurchAtlanta.com

HOBNOB is open for regular business hours and serving its popular brunch menu Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4. Also on Monday, $17 bottomless mimosas and the neighborhood tavern’s Monday Date Night special -- a three-course dinner for two for $22.95. Post Peachtree takers?

A pre-Independence Day bash at Johnny’s Hideawayjumpstarts the revelry on Sunday, July 3. Food and drink specials fuel the celebration, and live music from Band X beginning at 8:30 p.m. and DJ Spin keep the party on pace into the late-night hours. Johnny’s will be open and ready to keep the party going on Monday, July 4.

Hooray for the Red, White and Brew Burger at Marlow’s Tavern, a patriotic palate pleaser offered Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4 at all Marlow’s locations. The $12.50 burger tops a perfectly seasoned beef patty with blue cheese, seared red peppers, caramelized onion and crisp romaine on a sesame bun for a flavor explosion.

From 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on July 4, three of Ray’s Restaurantsare offering a sea-to-shining-sea special surf and turf prix fixe menu for lunch and dinner. The two-course meal includes a choice of salad, six-ounce filet mignon, four-ounce lobster tail and Yukon Gold whipped potatoes for $24.95. Available at Ray’s on the River, Ray’s at Killer Creek andRay’s in the City.

The Southern Gentleman is serving its creative take on contemporary Southern cuisine for brunch on Sunday, July 3. For sparkle, add the $5 mimosa special or a $10 seasonal mimosa that includes seasonal fruit, orange juice and Champagne.

Ray’s Restaurants Offer Military Discounts and Double Dining Club Points on Memorial Day, May 30

An all-American holiday deserves an all-American meal of steaks, seafood, signature dishes or even some Tex-Mex. All Ray’s Restaurants -- Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River, Ray’s at Killer Creek and Ray’s Rio Bravo will be open and eager to serve from noon-9 p.m. on Memorial Day, May 30. As a token of appreciation, the restaurants are extending a 20 percent discount to all veterans and active-duty military plus one guest. Additionally, Dining Club members will receive double points for Memorial Day purchases.

Copper River Salmon are Running at Ray’s Restaurants for a Limited Time

The return of king salmon to the cold waters of Alaska’s Copper River affirms seasonal eating extends well beyond the garden gates. The king is back and making an appearance on Ray’s Restaurants’ menus for a limited time. Copper River salmon is coveted for its superb flavor, texture and naturally high omega-3 oil content, and king salmon runs are carefully managed for long-term sustainability by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. All are feel-good reasons spawning salmon lovers to look for this market-priced fish on the menus at Ray’s at Killer Creek in Alpharetta, Ray’s in the City in downtown Atlanta and Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs. Ray’s at Killer Creek executive chef Mike Fuller has created several specials to be featured throughout the season, including a cast-iron Copper River king salmon with local butter beans, Carolina gold rice and Meyer lemon aїoli. Hooked? Try this recipe at home.

Give Thanks for Atlanta Restaurants Nixing Feast-Fixing Stress with Bountiful Buffets and Tantalizing Takeouts

Seen the planning charts for organizing Thanksgiving dinner? One month out do this. Two weeks out do that. Set the table and the buffet. Buy the wine and thaw the turkey. Stop. Reflect. Be thankful for family, friends and Atlanta restaurants ready to gobble up any stress with all-you-can-eat buffets and scrumptious take-away entrées and sides. You’ll only need to make reservations. So blessed.

Kick off the celebration early and give thanks at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland where they’re throwing a Thanksgiving Eve party with New Belgium Brewing Company on Wednesday, November 25. Make your way back on Thanksgiving Day for dinner service beginning at 4 p.m. featuring Big Green Egg smoked turkey and all the fixin’s. Priced at $28 for adults, $18 for young adults and $10 for children 10 and under. Reservations are recommended for dinner. Call 404-876-7249.

10th & Piedmont hosts its traditional Thanksgiving Day buffet from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Stations cover all the food groups: a carving station for roasted garlic prime rib and slow-baked brown butter turkey breast; cold station for salads, fruits and cheeses; a hot station bears roasted butternut squash bisque, Creole shrimp and stone-ground yellow grits, traditional turkey cornbread dressing, triple-cheese mac and cheese, candied sweet potatoes and more; and dessert central offers pumpkin pie, Southern pecan pie, chocolate ganache cake, apple butter crumble bread pudding, Dutch apple pie and Chantilly banana pudding. $34.95 per person. Call 404-602-5510 for reservations.

Ray’s Restaurants’ buffets give center stage to Thanksgiving staples and signature Ray’s favorites. Dine at Ray’s on the River from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. for $45.95 per adult and $22.95 per child (ages 5-10). The spread at Ray’s at Killer Creek also is available from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and is priced at $37.95 per adult and $18.95 per child. Ray’s in the City closes an hour earlier, with its buffet running from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and also priced at $37.95 per adult and $18.95 per child. For full menus and reservations, visit raysrestaurants.com.

Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar spotlights a family style lunch and dinner menu on Thanksgiving Day. For $65 per person, guests can enjoy a traditional turkey dinner or baked Chilean sea bass along with such selections as roasted butternut squash soup, smoked country ham, roasted root vegetables, sweet potato roulade and local apple fritters. Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner, 5-9:30 p.m. Call 404-745-5000 for reservations.

Turkey to go

Let Bantam + Biddy on Crescent Avenue handle the cooking this year with a to-go Thanksgiving feast that easily feeds 10-12 hungry and grateful guests. Spread includes a 12- to 15-pound roasted Amish turkey, classic mashed potatoes, braised collard greens, sage and wild rice stuffing, homemade giblet gravy, a quart of spicy cranberry sauce, cornbread and North Georgia apple pie, all ready to heat and serve. Place orders for the $200 feast by 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 21. Pick up between 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25 at the Crescent Avenue location only. To place your order, call 404-725-5059 or email wecater@bantamandbiddy.com.
 
Make Wednesday night prep even easier or say, "arrivederci!" to tired turkey leftovers. Please the family with grab-and-go Italian fare from newly opened Bellina Alimentari in Ponce City Market (PCM). Bellina's Market in the PCM Food Hall has take-home, family style portions of lasagna and other Italian favorites to heat, eat and satiate your crowd pre- and post-Thanksgiving feast.

Feed a table of six to eight guests for $75 with a 12-to 14-pound apple-brined Thanksgiving turkey from Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails accompanied by Madeira gravy and sage-corn spoonbread. Sides of mashed or rosemary-roasted potatoes, green beans, grilled asparagus and pimiento cheese grits are available for $20 per quart. Place orders online by Friday, November 20 for pick up November 24 and 25.

Traditionalists preferring to roast or smoke their own Thanksgiving turkey will give thanks for White Oak Pastures'high-quality American Standard Bronze birds that are Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane and rated Step 5+ (highest possible rating) by the Global Animal Partnership. Raised completely unconfined on White Oak’s farm, they come to the table free of antibiotics, hormones and other additives—and completely delicious. Pricing is $75 for small (8-12 pounds), $100 for medium-sized birds (12.1-16 pounds) and $125 for large (16.1 pounds and heavier). Order via White Oak Pastures’ online store. All turkeys will be shipped the week before Thanksgiving (Monday, November 16 – Friday, November 20) to ensure timely delivery.

Post-Turkey Tango

After the big meal, excuse yourself from the table and ease your way to Johnny’s Hideaway to dance off the stuffing and pie. The Buckhead nightspot will open at 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations are accepted until 8:30 p.m. Call 404-233-8026.

Ray’s on the River and Tin Lizzy’s Cantina are Up for Distinguished Service Award at GRACE Gala November 1

Hard to go unnoticed when you’re as involved in the community as debonair Ray’s on the River and fun-loving Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. Restaurant peers couldn’t let a year go by without nominating the two philanthropic eateries for the 2015 Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Awards in the Distinguished Service category. What a sweet honor in itself! The icing comes when the GRACE Academy announces GRACE award winners during its annual GRACE Awards Gala taking place Sunday, November 1 in The Foundry at Puritan Mill. GRACE Academy consists of all past GRACE nominees and current Georgia Restaurant Association members. Talk about a grace-filled room. The Giving Kitchen, another GRACE-ful do-gooder, is an Industry Partner of the Year finalist. 

Leaf Through New Fll Menus and Rake in Hearty Fare at Atlanta Restaurants

Summer sidewalk heat about cooked our goose. But those geese are flying south now, and we’re out and about relishing all of autumn’s activities and looking for places to land and fill up on heartwarming dishes. We have some ideas...

Downtown/Midtown
Chef Chris Blobaum of Article14 has a jump on the jack-o’-lanterns. He’s already stirring up his favorite pumpkin pancakes and pulling out the warm maple syrup and smoky bacon. Blobaum shares his pancake recipe so you can start the day with a healthy dose of pumpkin-y beta carotene. So good.

Addictive barbecue hickory-smoked wings ($8 for a five-piece, $14 for 10-piece with side) are now in season at Twin Smokers BBQ.

A cool-weather favorite, short rib pot roast served with silky buttermilk mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables and a ladle of drool-worthy red wine gravy ($14.50, served after 5 p.m.) falls back onto the menu at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern.

Buckhead/Brookhaven
Bubbling hot, charred leek and mushroom pizza with crème fraîche, arugula, ricotta and fontina cheeses, fresh thyme and a drizzle of garlic oil ($15) is one of the new menu offerings rolling out of the brand new pizza oven atKaleidoscope Bistro & Pub.

Matthew Ridgway, executive chef of Southern Proper Hospitality’s Gypsy Kitchen and The Southern Gentleman, has big plans for the spaghetti, hubbard and wheel of cheese squash varieties rolling in his kitchen doors, along with La Belle Rouge pumpkins and Jonathan and Gold Rush apples. Savor braised pork jowls, braised beef cheeks and confit pork shanks along with Ridgway’s pickled sour corn.

Sandy Springs
Watch the sunset while sipping a barrel-aged old fashioned, handcrafted with Jefferson’s Bourbon, or a barrel-aged Manhattan touting Templeton Rye. Each cocktail draws upon bourbon or rye aging in five-liter barrels perched on the bar at Ray’s on the River.

Marietta
Soul-satisfying sweet potato ravioli sprinkled with toasted pumpkin seeds, rich sage brown butter and freshly grated Grana Padano cheese awaits dinner guests at Seed Kitchen & Bar.

Throughout Atlanta
At FLIP burger boutique, the big bison burger is piled high with a sizzling eight-ounce bison patty, bibb lettuce, tomato, cheddar cheese, onions, bacon and topped with a fried egg and FLIP Sauce ($16).  Guaranteed to temporarily stave off starvation, especially when adding an order of sweet potato tots on the side.

A crispy beer-battered lobster taco, drizzled with honey chipotle sauce and topped with bacon-cilantro slaw ($5.99), is an ideal teammate for SEC or NFL game viewing at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. 

Pig Roast is Boss Hog at Ray’s on the River October 17

Salute the swine with your bestie boar-friends when Ray’s on the River hosts a riverside pig roast on Saturday, October 17 from noon-3 p.m. A high-on-the-hog buffet boasts a whole roasted pig with homemade sauces, crunchy herb slaw, Red Bliss potato salad, homemade Maytag chips, classic mac and cheese and Southern-style cornbread joined by a salad bar, homemade desserts, iced tea and soda. Visit the cash bar for alcoholic beverages. $40 per person, plus tax and gratuity. For reservations, call Ray’s on the River at 770-955-1187 and have your credit card number ready to hold your spot (card will be charged before event). 

Cut into Dining Deals at Seed Kitchen & Bar, Stem Wine Bar and Ray’s on the River during Cobb Restaurant Week September 19-26

Take advantage of $25 and $35 prix fixe dinner menus to “Taste the Good Life” for less dough during Cobb Restaurant Week Saturday, September 19 through Saturday, September 26. A Chattahoochee riverside setting comes along with the $35 three-course dinner at Ray’s on the River. Savor Ray’s classic chopped salad, The Wedge or a cup of seafood gumbo to start followed by filet mignon, horseradish-crusted black grouper or Parmesan-encrusted scallops. End with a praline basket holding bourbon burnt sugar ice cream and seasonal berries or a chocolate brownie sundae with vanilla bean ice cream, caramelized bananas, strawberries and more decadent toppings. Snag a table at Seed Kitchen & Bar where the special $35 three-course dinner menu offers appetizers of pimento cheese crostini with Benton’s country ham, cornmeal fried oysters with smoked tomatoes or roasted butternut squash soup; Bay of Fundy salmon with truffle vinaigrette, house pappardelle pasta with Maple Leaf Farms duck confit or slow-cooked soy-glazed beef short ribs as entrées; and chocolate peanut butter parfait with roasted banana ice cream and peanut brittle or apple crumb cake with sour cream ice cream and bourbon caramel sauce for dessert. At Stem Wine Bar, two diners can share a three-course dinner for $25. Start and end with shareables -- a salumi and cheese board on the front end and salted caramel flan or zeppole to conclude -- and fill in with two entrées from the seven menu items such as house-made burrata with prosciutto, deviled eggs three ways or short rib-stuffed piquillo peppers. Make reservations, not excuses.