Paint the Town at Old Vinings Inn Art Show Featuring Victoria Disalvo

On July 26, Old Vinings Inn lets the creativity in as the works of artist Victoria Disalvo are featured from 6-8 p.m. Guests can enjoy light appetizers and a specialty cocktail while viewing Disalvo’s paintings. Disalvo won her first blue ribbon in an art show when she was just five years old and went on to show and sell her work in Atlanta, Memphis and other destinations in the mid-South.

Old Vinings Inn SummerFeast Puts Dinner for Two on the Table for $35

After a long work day, sometimes that last thing you want to do is turn the stove on during a hot, summer day. Old Vinings Inn understands and has the perfect solution with their SummerFeast promotion that runs through mid-August. Whether you dine in or pick up, you can receive two complete meals for $35 – appetizer, entrée, side dish and dessert. Now that’s great tasting Southern value! Each week, the chef cooks up a new menu that consists of Southern classics that are planned around the market’s best seasonal ingredients and posted on the restaurant's website and Facebook page. Some examples include pimento cheese spread, smoked and dry-rubbed baby back ribs, summer bean salad and fingerling potato salad. Dessert items could include salted caramel torte or white chocolate shortcakes with strawberry coulis and vanilla crème. For pick up orders or more information call 770-438-2282.

California’s Roth Estate Fills Glasses at Old Vinings Inn Spring Wine Dinner on May 29

Wrap your palate around full-flavored Roth Estate wines originating in Alexander Valley and Sonoma Coast vineyards when Old Vinings Inn hosts its spring wine dinner on Thursday, May 29 at 7 p.m. Chef Don Diem plans five distinct courses, each paired with a unique Roth Estate wine varietal. Scallops crudo paired with the winery’s 2011 sauvignon blanc starts things off before a procession of smoked quail and praline crumble with corn and pea shoots paired with a 2010 Sonoma Coast pinot noir; cedar plank wild salmon and warm fava bean ragout paired with 2009 Alexander Valley merlot; veal roulade and oxtail duxelle with wilted spinach and a Roth reduction accompanied by a 2010 Alexander Valley cabernet sauvignon; and finally a raspberry mascarpone semifreddo with bittersweet chocolate ganache paired with 2011 Alexander Valley Heritage red blend. The flavorful wine dinner is $85 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) and reservations can be made online.

Lee Schulman Celebrates First Anniversary as Old Vinings Inn Proprietor

Photo by Emily Robinson

Old Vinings Inn, built in the 1880s, served the village as post office, general store, a filling station and family residence before settling into its current role as a landmark restaurant. Today, proprietor Lee Schulman marks his first year of Old Vinings Inn ownership. Enthusiasm and experience in Atlanta’s restaurant scene meld like a good roux in this gent who believes he’s exactly where he’s supposed to be. Lee, congrats on a fantastic first year at Old Vinings Inn. We can’t wait to see what the terrific twos bring!

Old Vinings Inn on Vinings Wine Stroll Itinerary on April 12

Old Vinings Inn presents irresistible appetizer and wine pairings for those enjoying the 6^th annual Vinings Wine Stroll on Saturday, April 12 from 1-7 p.m. Choices include spring herb chimichurri steak on a stick ($8) paired with Chalone pinot noir, Monterey, 2011 ($9); seared scallop with summer squash and cornbread panzanella ($8) paired with Fritz sauvignon blanc, Dry Creek Valley, 2012 ($9); and truffled lobster mac & cheese fritters ($8) paired with Manifesto “Unoaked” chardonnay, California, 2012 ($9). Register at Noche from 1-6 p.m. then stroll between four restaurants for food and wine specials, as well as a 50/50 raffle along the way. The event is presented by Atlanta Wine Tours, and a portion of the proceeds benefits the Lupus Foundation of America team of Purple People Eaters. Tickets are $6 in advance, $12 at the door.

Umi and Old Vinings Inn are January OpenTable Diners' Choice Winners

Look out, red carpet! Awards season is getting even hotter with a pair of OpenTable Diners' Choice awards going to local favorites Umi and Old Vinings Inn. We certainly understand why the two restaurants were awarded the badge based on positive diner feedback. Umi is making waves with its modern, ocean fresh cuisine and understated environs, and Old Vinings Inn's regional dishes and personal service have won many dining fans. Look for the "Diners' Choice Winner 2014" badge next time you dine at either restaurant. Congratulations!

Old Vinings Inn Bubble Brunch Makes Your Weekends Sparkle

Weekends are always the highlight of the week, so there's no reason you should settle for the same old bowl of cereal to start the day. What do you do to make those days off really count? Old Vinings Inn Bubble Brunch pops to mind, rising and shining with three courses and bubbly pairings on Saturdays 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sundays 12:30-3 p.m. Start off with an appetizer of either truffled lobster mac and cheese fritters or a charcuterie plate with house-pickled vegetables, cured meats, D2 duck, burrata with honey and peanuts, pimento cheese and EVOO herbed flatbreads. Entrée choices include crab cake Benedict with fried green tomato and hollandaise; shrimp and grits with andouille sausage, okra, corn, Creole beer broth and soft-poached egg; or sweet potato gnocchi with red wine beef jus. Dessert choices include pumpkin crème brûlée or apple strudel with vanilla bean ice cream. Bubbly pairings by course are Ferrari Brut, Italy NV; Pol Roger, Champagne NV; and Lamberti prosecco rosé, Italy. $45 per person (not including tax or gratuity); offered for a limited time. Make reservations online or call 770-438-2282. 

Old Vinings Inn Hosts Goldschmidt Vineyards Wine Dinner on January 30

Is the cold weather bringing you down? Warm up with the Goldschmidt Vineyards wine dinner at Old Vinings Inn on Thursday, January 30 at 7 p.m. Chef Don Diem and chef de cuisine Scott Holder have planned a hearty winter's night menu to complement wines selected by Nick Goldschmidt. On the menu: lobster prepared two ways - via sous vide and in samosa, paired with 2011 Boulder Bank sauvignon blanc, Marlborough; venison consommé with root vegetable and truffle mousse, paired with 2011 White Hart pinot noir, Santa Lucia Highlands; beef two ways - braised shoulder paired with 2010 Goldschmidt "Fidelity" Bordeaux-style, Alexander Valley and tenderloin paired with 2009 Goldschmidt "Forefathers" Lone Tree Vineyard cabernet sauvignon, Alexander Valley. Topping the meal is a dessert of chocolate cherry tart, pistachio ice cream, chocolate-covered espresso beans and raspberry gelée paired with 2011 Victor Vineyards Roadside Red, zinfandel blend, Lodi. Meet industry veteran Nick Goldschmidt who brings decades of experience in winemaking from New Zealand, Australia, California and at his own Goldschmidt Vineyards. Cost is $85 per person plus tax and gratuity. There’s limited space, so reserve your place by calling 770-438-2282.

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.

Old Vinings Inn Hosts "Happy Hour for Hope" on December 4

'Tis the season for giving and doing it often. Instead of indulging in the gluttonous tendencies that seem to surface around the holidays, extend a helping hand to those who need it the most. On Wednesday, December 4, Old Vinings Inn hosts a "Happy Hour for Hope" where guests can make a difference in the lives of those experiencing difficult times. Spread cheer to a child by bringing a new, unwrapped toy for Toys for Tots, a bag of canned goods for MUST Ministries' food pantry, where you could provide a family's only meal of the day and/or a $10 donation to The Attic Bar at Old Vinings Inn beginning at 6 p.m. As a thank you for your kindness, enjoy an array of complimentary appetizers to go along with your favorite drinkable desserts. Get your family, neighbors and even coworkers on board to participate. And remember, each day and circumstance is not set in stone; you never know when you'll be the one needing help. Food for thought, eh? 

Small Business Saturday Pairs Great Eats with Local Company on November 30

The annual post-Thanksgiving shopping traditions are within our grasp. As the city gears up for Black Friday and Cyber Monday, local shops and restaurants are celebrating their originality with Small Business Saturday on November 30. Instead of spending all of your savings at the mall and chain restaurants, support the local men and women of Atlanta and their unique products and fare offered. American Express has a special "Shop Small" promotion for those who register their cards and use them at select businesses on Saturday. It's a way to say, "thank you," to your neighbors and friends who work relentlessly to keep the city new and interesting.  Plenty of our favorite restaurants are dishing out delightful choices to indulge in. Vinings residents can explore Southern warmth and fare at Old Vinings Inn for brunch or dinner on Saturday, while Midtown crowds enjoy Communitas Hospitality restaurants HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern and 10th & Piedmont for lunch, brunch or dinner. Late night drinks and noshes are also a must for these fun hangouts. Ray's Restaurants has the city covered by serving mouthwatering cravings in Alpharetta (Ray's on the Creek), on the top-end (Ray's on the River) or Downtown (Ray's in the City). Need something different for the palate? Tin Lizzy's Cantina locations provide fun FlexMex options with tantalizing margaritas and brews. End your small-town tour with sweets and treats at Sweet Dee's Bakeshop in Tucker, where cupcakes, ice cream, baked goods and more please the sweet tooth in us all. If you'd rather start the morning on the sweet side, they'll be open early at 8 a.m. and serving the night owls until 9 p.m. Small-town life isn't that bad, especially when you're in great company.

"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.

Bring Your Appetite for Vinings Restaurant Week, October 5-13

Treat your palate to more delicious eats. Our fall food tour of metro-Atlanta restaurant weeks continues as we look forward to the Second Annual Vinings Restaurant Week, October 5-13. Two Southern-flavored destinations on our list are the historically charming Old Vinings Inn on Paces Mill Road in the heart of Vinings and the "Smynings" sophistication of South City Kitchen Vinings off Cumberland Parkway. Look for more details on their prix fixe menus from $15, $25 and $30. Bring friends, family and most importantly, your appetite.   

Eat Up During Cobb Restaurant Week Through September 14

 

Join in and get a taste of the good life during Cobb Restaurant Week, currently in full swing until Saturday, September 14. Prix fixe menus include three-course, $25 dinners at favorites like Ray's on the River and South City Kitchen Vinings, and a $35 dinner at the classic Old Vinings Inn. Take advantage of the $15 prix fixe brunch at Old Vinings Inn if brunch suits the Saturday agenda. Prices are per person and do not include beverage, tax or gratuity. Pick your date and make reservations on Open Table.

120 Days Til Christmas!

Don't shoot the messenger! We know it's not Labor Day yet, but it's time to start planning your holiday party or you'll be left hosting everyone in your den. Fortunately, the good people at  Old Vinings Inn are ready to help you plan a wonderful celebration with a little holiday bonus included for your trouble! Here are the details: book your party at the historic restaurant before Monday, September 30 and receive 10 percent of the total event cost back on an Old Vinings Inn gift card. Parties must be booked for November or December of 2013 and have a $500 minimum, and planners must mention the code "EB10" when making a reservation to obtain the gift card special. Executive chef Don Diem and staff treat all parties, large and small, with the same attention to detail in customizable buffets, menus, entertainment, décor and other needs. Gift cards hold no expiration date but are not valid on Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day and Valentine's Day weekend and Mother's Day. For more information or to make a reservation, call 770-483-2282 or email privatedining@oldviningsinn.net. Happy Holidays!!

Leave the Kitchen Labor to ATL Chefs on Labor Day Plus More in this Week's Dish

This Labor Day, give yourself a break and dine out at one of the many Atlanta restaurants staying open to serve you. Need something else to do this weekend? Plan ahead and book your holiday party with Old Vinings Inn. The restaurant is offering a pretty sweet deal for booking your party in the month of September. Learn more about this deal and other special offerings, plus more in this week's Dish!

Celebrate the Reopening of the Attic Bar at Old Vinings Inn

Old Vinings Inn's social hot spot, the Attic Bar, is set to reopen on Thursday, July 19. The outdoor private patio, live music and full service bar have made the Attic Bar a popular spot for years. Stop by to celebrate (and ogle) the new renovations with complimentary appetizers from 5-7 p.m. while rocking out to live music from Kurt Thomas. Come thirsty, hungry and prepared for a night of excitement - the Attic Bar is back and better than ever!