Reserve Seats for Taste of Atlanta Tuesday Dinner Series at Seven Lamps September 27

Four weekends to go until Taste of Atlanta, October 21-23. While waiting for the big weekend, enjoy a five-course appetizer…Taste of Atlanta’s Tuesday Dinner at Seven Lamps on Tuesday, September 27. Organizers behind Atlanta’s signature food fest, along with Tuesday Dinner Series sponsor Springer Mountain Farms, are offering this culinary amuse bouche to spotlight top talent in the city’s iconic neighborhoods. Chef Drew Van Leuvan at Seven Lamps in Buckhead shines in next Tuesday night’s tantalizing tasting paired with cocktails, wine and craft beer. As the evening unfolds, Van Leuvan will visit every table to discuss the flavor profiles he has created for the night’s menu. As guests arrive, they’ll munch on a gift from the kitchen, raw and pickled vegetables with crème fraîche. Once guests are seated, courses will progress through warm mozzarella, pickled cherries, smoked corn, black garlic salmoriglio and Marcona almonds; spicy escarole salad, marinated summer peas, fennel salami and puffed Parmesan with "rampch;" crespelle stuffed with Springer Mountain Farms chicken, wild arugula, goat cheese and Marsala; Bramlett Farms trout, tomato marmalade, endive, OJ fennel, toasted brioche and caper dressing; and a finale of chocolate and hazelnut doughnuts, espresso pastry crème and bourbon chocolate sauce. Seats are limited, reserve yours today. $85 per person (plus online service fee; includes tax and gratuity). The last two dinners in the series will be held at Tom Tom in Virginia-Highland on October 4 and White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails in downtown Atlanta on October 18.

“Taste of Atlanta Tuesdays” Neighborhood Dinner Series Sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms Debuts September 13

Food aficionados prepping for Taste of Atlanta weekend October 21-23 can go ahead and begin with a little amuse bouche  — “Taste of Atlanta Tuesdays,” a series of four weekly five-course paired tasting menus in several of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods created by some of Atlanta’s finest chefs. Thanks to a Taste of Atlanta and Springer Mountain Farms partnership, diners will have opportunities to meet the chefs at their restaurants and experience each one’s creativity over an intimate dinner. Priced at $85 per person, tax and tip included, these dinners won’t bite into wallets. Each dinner begins at 7 p.m., and reservations are limited. Click on a date to purchase tickets:

• September 13 -- wood-fired, modern Italian cuisine from Chef Michael Perez of Colletta at Avalon in Alpharetta. 
• September 27 -- seasonal American fare from Chef Drew Van Leuvan of Seven Lamps in Buckhead.
• October 4 -- globally flavored small plates from Chef Tom Catherall of TomTom in Virginia-Highland.
• October 18 -- Southern-accented American fare from Chef Todd Richards of White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails in downtown.

Bite into more Taste of Atlanta details on TasteofAtlanta.com; follow updates on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram and sign up for A Bite of News newsletter.

Top Toques Tell All at ATL industree Heart of the House June 29

Trials. Tribulations. Even though life behind the kitchen doors is no Easy Bake Oven, local chefs and restaurateurs are fired up about their field. Six of Atlanta’s #bestinthebusiness will convene at the ATL industree Heart of the House on Monday, June 29, to chew the fat about their F & B treks. Gerry Klaskala, owner and chef of Aria, moderates a panel discussion for these culinary veterans to share “war” stories about persevering, overcoming obstacles, building their brands and striving to be the best. Panelists include Todd Rushing (Concentrics), Robby Kukler (Fifth Group), Nick Leahy (Saltyard), Zeb Stevenson (Watershed), Terry Koval (Wrecking Bar), and Imani Greer (Seven Lamps). The event squeezes in between lunch and dinner hours, from 2-5 p.m., at The Marianna in Little Five Points. Buy tickets online, priced at $10 for current culinary and hospitality students, $20 for F & B industry “insiders,” and $40 for the general public. A portion of the ticket sales goes to The Giving Kitchen to assist those in Atlanta’s restaurant and hospitality industries who are struggling under the weight of health or life crises. 

Warm Up this Weekend with Fireplaces and Fire Pits at Atlanta Restaurants

Usually when we talk about Atlanta's fired-up cuisine scene, we're referring to open-hearth cooking, coal-fired pizza ovens and smoking-hot Big Green Eggs. The advent of colder weather draws us closer to another kind of flame, that radiating from interior dining room fireplaces and heat-packing fire pits on restaurant patios and rooftops. Dine out and get it to glow.

At Buckhead's Seven Lamps, a courtyard fire pit warms hands as they tip a glass of Low Winter Sun or another handcrafted cocktail dispersing liquid sunshine. At nearby King + Duke, newly installed fire pits entice guests outside for a hot toddy or fiery spirits at the winter bar. 

Midtowners can heat up as they eat up at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern. Outdoor dining is a go for breakfast, lunch or dinner as the fire pit evicts cold while welcoming friends to gather.

Sunsets come early in winter months, providing more time to soak in the twinkling cityscape from a rooftop perch at STATS located in downtown Atlanta's Luckie Marietta District. Cozy up near the blazing fire pit and stoke winter cravings with a hearty salad, sandwich, salmon or steak or a powerful libation from the fully stocked bar. Those fired up about a wedding, corporate party or private event will light into Ventanas where 360-degree views of the city below and stars above ignite a huge wow factor for guests seated fireside on the rooftop patio.

Traditionalists will love the two large fireplaces at Old Vinings Inn: one casts a welcoming warmth into the lobby as the other invites guests to settle into the Bear Room for comfort food or a feel-good cup of hot caramel apple cider. A towering stacked-stone fireplace anchors the patio at The Mill Kitchen & Bar in Roswell. Craft cocktails, warm desserts and regionally inspired favorites lift winter's gray cloud. In historic Crabapple, Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails' indoor fireplace casts a cheerful glow over the dining room.

Savor the contrast of windows on winter and dining by a crackling fire at Ray's on the Creek. The Alpharetta restaurant keeps Big Green Egg ribs and pulled pork on the menu as well as offering Ray's Restaurants' seafood favorites year round.

Seven Lamps Packs in Guest Chefs and Mixologists for a 10-Course First Anniversary Dinner with Cocktail Pairings on December 15

Party in the kitchen -- and dining room -- at Seven Lamps in the Shops Around Lenox on Sunday, December 15 beginning at 7 p.m. The Buckhead restaurant is inviting some of Atlanta's top chefs and mixologists to rub elbows in the kitchen and prepare a 10-course celebratory dinner with cocktail pairings for dining room guests. Seven Lamps chefs Drew Van Leuvan and Kelly Lovett and mixologist Kevin Bragg will be joined by E. J. Hodgkinson (JCT. Kitchen & Bar), Joe Schafer and Paige Lane (King + Duke) and others. See complete guest chef/mixologist list here. Reservations are required; limited seating. Purchase tickets online for $192 per person including tax and gratuity.

Join Seven Lamps and Brookhaven Wines on Wednesday Night for a Special Dinner

Photo by Michael West

Before you start preparing for friends and family visiting for the holidays, treat yourself to a special four-course wine dinner at Seven Lamps on Wednesday, November 20. Executive chef Drew Van Leuvan draws inspiration from seasonal flavors and wines chosen by Brookhaven Wines and distributor BACCO Fine Wine. Sit down to dine at 7:30 p.m. $55 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Seating is limited. Reservations required, call 404-467-8950.

FOOD + WINE

Roasted baby carrots, crisp pancetta, persimmon and smoked dates

+ Cavazza Prosecco 

Smoked Bramlett Farms trout, apple, turnip and dill ravigote

+ Fefiñanes Albariño 2011

Whole roasted duck, duck mortadella, charred beets, crisp potato and dried grapefruit

+ Solà Fred 2010

Flourless chocolate, white pepper cremeux, pickled cherries and crème de mure ice cream

+ Vin Del Mercat ‘Rouge IGP,’ Pays d’Oc France 2011

Seven Lamps Offers $3 PBR and Koozie Duo

What's more American than a PBR (monogram for Pabst Blue Ribbon, in case you've, you know, forgotten) in hand? Sipping it in a collapsible koozie, of course. And since every beer lover knows you can't have too many koozies in your collection, make plans to head over to Seven Lamps to get your hands on this dynamic duo for only $3. Trust us, it'll look great for every tailgate and fun event in between. Cheers!

"Leaf" it to Atlanta Mixologists to Create Colorful Autumnal Cocktails

Atlanta mixologists harvest colorful concoctions for diners to indulge in this season. "Leaf" it to the best to combine fall flavors for a spectacular cocktail combination for locals and not to enjoy. 

A sampling of libations that restaurants are adding to menus is as followed: 

No need to wish for warm weather because Ray's Restaurants puts a seasonal spin on a tropical favorite. Ray's Fall Mai Tai incorporates Ray's spiced rum, apricot-infused brandy, triple sec, house-made pumpkin spice orgeat syrup and cranberry juice for holiday happiness. Available at Ray's on the River, Ray's on the Creek and Ray's in the City.  

King + Duke keeps it to the classics with its Sherry Cobbler.

South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings find inspiration in apple country for their Moonlit Orchard, cobbling together bourbon and apple pie moonshine with local apple cider, a splash of apple bitters and a smoked apple slice.

No. 246 conquers all with a Fall of Rome and Useless Precaution.

Pumpkin lovers, enjoy the fall favorite long after Halloween is gone. Old Vinings Inn captures the Pumpkin Harvest, smooth and sweet with Crop Harvest Pumpkin vodka, Irishman cream, vanilla vodka, a little half-and-half and a smidge of nutmeg.

At Seven Lamps, fly the Crimson Eagle, a blend of Eagle Rare bourbon and fig-infused red wine honey. Other newbies include My Sunup Girl and Shelter from the Storm with a cast of High West double rye, Gran Lusso vermouth, nocino and apple bitters.

The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill fires up Buckhead in the cool of the night. No pain, just Fireball Cinnamon whisky, grapefruit juice and soda.

Over at Ormsby's on Atlanta's westside, the Heavenly Manhattan takes off with Angel's Envy, broVo Amaro No. 1 and Antica Formula sweet vermouth. 

At JCT. Kitchen & Bar, sip The Alpine, Mother Vine or The Boulevard, made with George Dickel Barrel Select whisky and Campari.

Bacon lovers, you won't be disappointed. The Tipsy Pig unites three of The Mill Kitchen & Bar's favorite "Bs" in life -bourbon, brown sugar and bacon. Not to divulge too much, but local Georgia Riverview Farms bacon does hold its own in this Manhattan-style cocktail topped with a house-candied cumin bacon and cherry garnish.

Ecco pulls off The Red Wedding, in which Olivares Dulce Monastrell marries house-made sweet vermouth under the tutelage of Fidencio Mezcal Clasico. How romantic. 

No need to be shy. A cure for being one, Wallflower from The Optimist speaks up with Le Reviseur Cognac VS, Nux Walnut liqueur and Fleur Elderflower liqueur. The Mutiny sails smoothly with beer shrub, George Dickel Barrel Select and Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur.

At Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails, bar manager Ali Davis blends a sweet Fall Bourbon Apple featuring Ridgemont Reserve bourbon and amaretto.

Seven Lamps' Kevin Bragg and Article 14's Arianne Fielder Interact with Cocktails at Sixth Annual AiMA Awards on October 23

 

AiMA stands for Atlanta Interactive Marketing Association. Established in 2008, the AiMA award program is dedicated exclusively to interactive marketing in the ATL (i.e. video, website, search, social media and mobile campaigns). Fittingly, "Made in the ATL" is this year's theme. Seven Lamps beverage manager Kevin Bragg maintains the local, interactive bent by mixing up generous amounts of his Mexican Prescription cocktail of tequila, Dancing Goats coffee, lime and vanilla at the sixth annual AiMA Awards on October 23. Bragg and Arianne Fielder of Article 14 are two of several Atlanta mixologists and chefs who will delight guests at the Buckhead Theatre during the 6-11 p.m. event.

Cooking Off Some Chili This Saturday

 

MLA to Chef Drew: So, have you participated in a lot of chili cook-offs?
Drew: Nope.
MLA: Do you make a lot of chili?
Drew: Nope.
MLA: So, why are you in the Brookhaven Chili Cook Off this weekend?
Drew: Because it sounds like fun!

And that, my friends, is a great reason to attend this Saturday's Brookhaven Chili Cook Off. Head over and cheer for Chef Drew and his beginner's luck as Seven Lamps competes for votes from taste testers (like you) and celebrity judges at the festival in Brookhaven's warehouse district just north of Dresden Drive on Apple Valley Road. The short walk from Brookhaven MARTA will prep you for the taste fest and perhaps for some of the cold adult beverages available for purchase at this Beano bonanza running 11 a.m.-7 p.m. This family friendly event belongs on your radar with its three bands, kid zone, arts and crafts, cornhole and a hearty welcome for Fidos on leashes. What not to bring: outside food and coolers.Tickets, $5 in advance or $10 at the gate, carry entitlements of a spoon and unlimited chili tastings from noon-4 p.m. or whenever supplies run out. Proceeds benefit Atlanta Fundraising Foundation.

Here's to many more, Drew!

Buy Your Tickets Today for Taste of Atlanta October 25-27

No need to list your credentials, Taste of Atlanta. We know all about the legendary festival featuring over 90 restaurants and four live cooking stages. We dream about the VIP food-wine-cocktail experience all year long, so we're eagerly awaiting the culinary sprawl to take over Tech Square Friday, October 25 through Sunday, October 27. We're looking forward to the barcraft competition, the Big Green Egg Grilling Experience, the Family Food Zone, workshops, cookbook signings, silent auction and so much more. We'll be on the lookout for some of our favorite chefs and mixologists from participating restaurants such as Alma Cocina, Article 14, Der Biergarten, Glenn's Kitchen, Gunshow, JCT. Kitchen & Bar, King + Duke, Lure, Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails, No. 246, The Optimist and Seven Lamps. A variety of ticket options are available online priced from $30 each on up. Buy now. Chances are there won't be leftovers.

Field of Greens Festival Features 30 Top Atlanta & Athens' Farm to Table Restaurants

Come early and stay all day for a chance to support local sustainable food production. Friends will be green with envy when you experience the 8th Annual Field of Greens Festival at Whippoorwill Hollow Organic Farm on Sunday, October 6. The feast fest includes 30 of Atlanta and Athens’ best farm to table restaurants including Bantam + Biddy, King + Duke, JCT. Kitchen and Bar, Seven Lamps and Chicken and the Egg. Gather to greet the farmers and chefs at "Meals from the Market" and don't forget to taste the delicious recipes made with seasonal vegetables they sell. The tasting is from noon until 2:30 p.m., or until the food runs out. Other attractions include a vendor market, interactive kids' village, local music, a pig roast and craft demonstrations. The festival is from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance or $35 at the door.

Join Seven Lamps & Kristine Lassor for a Special Wine Dinner on Sept. 24

Join Seven Lamps executive chef Drew Van Leuvan and Kristine Lassor, Republic National Distributing Company level three national sommelier, on Tuesday, September 24 at 7 p.m. for a special five-course dinner with wine pairings. Enjoy dishes from Van Leuvan such as, smoked Bramlett Farms trout mousse and wood-roasted duck breast with read wine risotto and Black Misson figs. Expect Lassor to relay experiences from her recent trip to Italy as dinners enjoy glasses of Gianni Gagliardo Fallegro Favorita and Travaglini Gattinara Nebbiolo, to name a couple. $75 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Limited seating. Reservations required; call 404-467-8950.

Seven Lamps Rolls Out $1 Oysters, $3 "Champagne" Beer-Tails and Sunday Chicken & Waffles Specials

New food and drink specials at Seven Lamps in Buckhead are here to help you get the most out of your week. Keep spirits up during the work week and visit the Buckhead restaurant for $1 oysters and $3 “champagne” (Miller High Life beer-tails). The oysters and “champagne” are available Monday through Friday from 5-7 p.m. For a seriously satisfying and finger-lickin' end to the weekend, try the the new chicken and waffles dinner special. Available only on Sunday evenings from 5-10 p.m., executive chef Drew Van Leuvan whips up  juicy fried chicken, cheddar waffles plus a side, which will change each week. A half chicken portion is $16 and a whole chicken is $28.