Dine with Gratitude and Help The Giving Kitchen Aid Hospitality Workers in Need, Aug. 20-23

Dine out and show your support for The Giving Kitchen and the hospitality workers who provide the amazing meals, drinks and food services we enjoy in Atlanta. All you have to do is dine at participating restaurants over the Dining with Gratitude dates of Aug. 20-23. Each restaurant will donate 10 percent of sales to The Giving Kitchen to further the nonprofit’s ability to aid Atlanta-area restaurant and hospitality workers facing crisis situations. Can’t decide where to eat out? Fine options include Marlow’s Tavern locations in Vinings, Midtown, Emory, Northlake, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven and Dunwoody; The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead and on Canton Street; Gypsy Kitchen; Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails; Smokebelly BBQ; The Southern Gentleman and Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. Eat and give thanks for the hands that prepare, serve and clean up our abundance of ATL dining options.

TGIF AND Cinco de Mayo Friday, May 5

Get ready to “Cinco” into the weekend this year because Cinco de Mayo falls on a Friday and Saturdays are meant for sleeping in. And, at some restaurants, the celebrations kick in early in the week and carry on through the weekend!

Communion Cantina throws open its backyard bar and eatery for the warm weather season on Cinco de Mayo. Cantina? Si! Kevin Gillespie has transformed the outdoor gathering place behind Revival, his popular Decatur restaurant, into a casual Mexican cantina -- just in time for Cinco de Mayo celebrating. The cantina food truck, with a menu driven by executive chef Andreas Müller, will sell five different varieties of tacos, chips and salsa, cheese dip and other Mexican staples. Border heat calls for cocktails, margaritas, sangria, frozen drinks like frosé and frozen mint juleps along with bottled and draft beer featuring West Coast and Mexican brews. Hours are Friday 5-10 p.m., Saturday 1-10 p.m., Sunday 1-9 p.m. and Thursday 5-10 p.m. (beginning May 11).

 “Drinko de Mayo,” going on through May 7 at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, syncs sipping celebratory Cincoritas and pouring donations into a great cause. The FlexMex gang is donating 50 cents from every Cincorita purchased to Bert’s Big Adventure, a non-profit providing chronic or terminally ill children and their families with five-day, all-expenses-paid adventures to Disney World. Drink specials, music and more round out the weeklong “fiestivities.” Say “Ole!” to Corona Light on draft ($4.25/$7), Grand Marnier and Jager floaters ($3) and shots ($5), 1800 Tequila shots ($5) and 1800 Cincorita -- small ($8) or large ($13). On May 5, DJs supersize the party music at each restaurant, and guests can buy cans of Corona and Modelo ($5) at locations with outdoor bars. Southside Steve from Rock 100.5 broadcasts live from the Mall of Georgia Tin Lizzy’s at 5 p.m. followed by Slippery When Wet (Bon Jovi cover band) turning up courtyard party volume at 7 p.m.

In Town Brookhaven, the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta rollicks at Jefe’s Tacos & Tequila starting at 2 p.m. There’s no cover charge for this party that salsas out onto the patio with live music and food and drink specials. Please your crowd with an assembly of tacos with personality, bearing names like Pinche Pollo, Trailer on Fire, Redneck, Mamacita and Bravocado or Jefe’s Mexi-spun faves such as smoked chicken taquitos, Nacho Daddy, crispy calamari and crispy smoked wings with Jefe’s hot sauce.

For a new take on the classic margarita, visit your neighborhood Marlow’s Tavern and enjoy one of Rick Blumberg’s cocktail creations. Previously the beverage director of Bacchanalia Restaurant Group, Rick’s signature Blood Orange Margarita featuring Herradura tequila and Pür Spice Blood Orange liqueur or “Secret Recipe” Red or White Sangria are sure to put you in the Cinco spirit! Cinco de Mayo-ish bites include Marlow’s rave-worthy Shrimp and Crab “Nacho” Plate and “Infamous” Fish Tacos.

Taco Mac is turning this weekend into a two-day celebration. Between Cinco on Friday and the Derby on Saturday, Taco Mac has invented “Derby de Mayo,” featuring $4 select Mexican beers with new Brewniversity credits, a Herradura Barrel Select flight and traditional, black cherry, watermelon and strawberry margaritas. Cheers to this weekend!

All three Ray’s Restaurants swing into Cinco de Mayo mode, resurrecting the beloved Ray’s Rio Bravo chile con queso recipe for guests to spoon up in bar and lounge areas on May 5. Pop into Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River or Ray’s at Killer Creek to dip into this delish dish.

Willy’s Mexicana Grill makes it easy to squeeze some Cinco de Mayo flavor into your day at 30 locations covering Atlanta and reaching out to Athens and Columbus. Me, oh “Mayo,” can’t get out? Willy’s catering brings the “Cuatro de Mayo” party to you on May 4, offering free cheese dip for up to 20 people on all deliveries made May 4. Minimum $250 catering order and 24-hour notice required; must call 404-422-7107 and mention the offer to redeem. On May 5, live music plays from 6-9 p.m. at the Howell Mill store and 5-8 p.m. at Willy’s - Piedmont Park. Want a margarita? There’s one with your name on it at the Howell Mill, Midtown, Edgewood, Brookhaven and Peachtree City Willy’s locations.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern is always ready to celebrate, and Cinco de Mayo is no exception. Stop into the Midtown watering hole for beers from around here and around the world, including Corona, a Cinco de Mayo classic. Mixologists stand ready to craft your margarita or perhaps a Spanish Inquisition signature cocktail starring Medieval tequila ($11). Share some of HOBNOB’s popular starters such as braised short rib tacos (2/$8.95 or 3/$11.95); New Generation duck nachos ($11.95) topped with duck confit, fontina cheese, Fresno peppers and HOBNOB’s own date-fig jam and roasted tomato pesto; spicy chipotle cornmeal-crusted fried green tomatoes ($8.50); or braised short rib lettuce wraps with chimichurri sauce ($11). Does a Margherita pizza count ($12.75)?

Delicious Maneuvers Tackle Game Day Appetites February 7

Watching the year’s biggest game, even sideline QBs, linemen and cheerleaders work up stadium-sized appetites. Atlanta restaurants conquer those cravings with food and drink specials, catering packages and pigskin parties that will put points on your scoreboard during the NFL championship on Sunday, February 7.
 
Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland fields an MVP carry-out menu lining up two dozen jumbo chicken wings, confit or smoked in a Big Green Egg, with your choice of sweet chili, spicy BBQ or Atkins Park’s classic wing sauce (ranch, blue cheese and veggies included) for $30. Other winning plays include 12 pulled pork sliders; house-made guacamole, salsa and tortilla chips; and a vegetable crudité platter with ranch dressing, each $25. Call 404-876-7249.
 
FLIP burger boutique has drawn up a special to-go menu so you can order your favorite sliders ($37.50 for 10), including the classic stack, turkey or the rBQ with angus beef, pulled brisket and coleslaw. Don’t forget appetizing starters and sides like baked beans ($25 feeds four to six fans), braised brisket empanadas, FLIP chips and kale slaw ($20 for four to six). Call and order ahead of time to guarantee availability. FLIP will close at 5 p.m. on Sunday, February 7, so pick up orders before 4:30 p.m.
 
HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern posts a slate of “Super Sunday” specials for dine-in, to-go or delivery (viaGrubhub.com). Order 50 chicken wings for $49 and get 25 pretzels and beer cheese dip free. An order of 24 chicken tenders merits 12 free pretzels for $69, and HOBNOB’s party-size chili, which feeds 12 people for $79, also comes with 12 free pretzels. Place to-go orders at least 24 hours in advance, 404-968-2288.

Victory dance? Johnny’s Hideaway will broadcast the game in full house sound. A DJ spins Johnny’s signature mix of classics and contemporary dance hits immediately afterward.

If wings is your thing, Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails has the perfect to-go option to watch the big game at home. They're offering 50 smoked wings and white chocolate chip brownie bites for $50 plus tax. Flavors include traditional medium, espresso rubbed with pomegranate molasses or Kentuckyaki with sesame seeds. Order by February 5 at 5 p.m. Available for pick up on February 7 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. miltonscuisine.com 

Snap up Smokebelly BBQ game-day specials. Hosting at home? Through February 7, order two pounds of pulled pork, a one-quart side, one pint of sauce and a package of slider buns to feed four of your hungriest friends for $40 or field a platter of 25 wings with celery, carrots and sauce for $20 per platter. Smokebelly game viewing opens the door to specials such as 25 wings and a bucket of five beers for $35, $3 draft specials and $5 well drinks. Also through February 7, dine-in customers can register to win a 50” TV courtesy of American Born Moonshine. The winner will be announced during the third quarter of the big game and must be present to score the prize. Call 404-848-9100.
 
STATS offers the ultimate viewing party with more than 70 TVs. Watch with up to five of your friends (six people total) in the main dining area for $250 or enjoy delicious draft beer right at your fingertips at one of the restaurant’s tap tables (seats six to eight) for $500. For a VIP experience, kick back in one of four semi-private suites ($500 for up to 10 people) or super suites ($750 for up to 15). Ticket purchase includes reservation and food and beverage minimum for your desired section. To reserve a spot today, click here or call 404-885-1472.

Flex muscles, FlexMex. Tin Lizzy’s Cantina catering options include the taco bar ($9 per person), the stacked taco bar ($11 per person), chicken tender platters ($4 per person) and Tin Lizzy’s FlexMex salad ($2.50 per person). Order at least 24 hours in advance. Free delivery within a 10-mile radius; $100 minimum order for delivery. Email catering@tinlizzys.com for all catering inquiries.
 
Twin Smokers BBQ has a smokin’ hot package for February 7 that includes a choice of three meats (one pound each), three one-quart sides, cornbread, BBQ sauces and sweet tea or lemonade for $75. Drop-off catering for parties of 25 or more with 48-hour advance notice (delivery fee may apply). Call 404-698-4707. 

Give Winter the Cold Shoulder, Slurp Soup

When it’s raw outside, nothing thaws hands and mellows the soul like a bowl of steaming hot soup. Join us as we lift lids and peek into stockpots to see what’s simmering at, stewing around metro Atlanta.

Blow off downtown’s wind chill by ducking into JP Atlanta and savoring a bowl of onion soup “1967” served au gratin ($12) -- a starter on the All-Day Dining menu.

Looking for a rosy glow in Midtown? It’s found in Article 14’s lycopene-rich tomato bisque with whipped crème fraîche and basil ($7).

Zucca, may rhyme with Bazooka, but the golden butternut squash soup with winter pesto and mascarpone ($5) at Bellina Alimentari in Ponce City Market is oh so much more satisfying and good for you.

Brace yourself with homestyle chili dolloped with sour cream and cheddar ($5) at Chick-a-Biddy before total immersion in an adrenaline-pumping movie or shopping at Atlantic Station.

Expect a heated debate over which Vietnamese soup is best when slurping with friends at Le Fat in Midtown. Three top competitors: Le Fat Pho (beef noodle, $12), Pho Ga (chicken noodle, $10) or Bún Bo Hue (spicy beef, $12).

A cup or bowl of tomato bisque ($4.95/$6.95) at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern hits home after a brisk walk or jog around Piedmont Park. Even better, order the grilled cheese and tomato bisque combo ($11.95) sporting a sandwich oozing havarti, Parmesan and fontina cheeses for dunking.

Pining for that something smoky in a bowl, not on a bun? Get stoked for vegetarian smoked tomato bisque at 10th & Piedmont ($4/$6) with buttermilk biscuit croutons, Parmesan cheese and fried basil. A gluten-free option is available.

At Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar in Midtown, enjoy a bowl of butternut squash soup with chicharrones (pork rinds), lemon and cilantro ($6) before sharing a board laden with locally made cheese or charcuterie.

In Virginia-Highland, Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar OKs “playing with your food,” i.e., toying around with the crisp garlic croutons floating atop their creamy tomato basil soup ($3/$5).

Like everything about Aria in Buckhead, creamless celery root soup with Umbrian black truffles and Parmigiano-Reggiano reflects pure elegance in every detail ($12).

True Southerners chowing down at Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead can’t pass up a meaty bowl of Brunswick stew with house-made crackers for crumbling or dipping ($4.50).

When you’re craving a bit of soothing FlexMex mojo, stop by the closest Tin Lizzy’s Cantina for a cup of chicken tortilla soup, seasoned tomato broth dancing with chicken breast, corn, jack cheese, tortilla strips, avocado and chopped cilantro ($2.69).

Scuba-doobie-do dive into Caribbean lobster bisque at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead or Roswell. Each cup or bowl of this slightly sweet and island-spicy bisque swims with lobster and blue crab in a tomato sea ($4.95/$6.95).

Heady roast chicken and vegetable stew, available at all Bantam + Biddy locations, sustains souls for the long haul with fresh herbs, tender potatoes and a cheery cheddar biscuit topper ($12.50).

Even if “Burrito” is your middle name, tortilla soup calls out at Willy's Mexicana Grill locations. A favorite by the bowl ($4.75) or as an entrée add-on ($2.95).

Sushi may be on your mind at Roswell’s Aqua blue but don’t overlook the miso soup rich with fresh vegetables, tofu and mushrooms for $5. Hearty soup du jour choices alternate between loaded baked potato soup and clam chowder ($5).

Spoon into a cup or bowl of seafood gumbo with white rice ($7/$9) at Ray’s on the River and watch the Chattahoochee carry your cares away.

Across the river in East Cobb, Seed Kitchen & Bar spikes its nourishing roasted butternut squash soup with maple cream and sprinkles on toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy contrast ($7.95).  

Oh Me, Oh My Oh, Today is Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo salsas into today’s agenda wielding a banner of independence from Tuesday’s usual tame fare in deference to chips, guac, tacos, margaritas and cervezas. Oh queso, where are you going to go? Tin Lizzy’s Cantina locations, Atkin’s Park Restaurant & Bar and all three Ray’s Restaurants are quick picks -- see their specials on our blog. 

Tin Lizzy's Opens Early at Mall of Georgia for Black Friday Shoppers

Photo Credit: Fratelli Studios

Tackle the stores then plop down and take on some tacos at the Tin Lizzy's Cantina Mall of Georgia location. The Buford cantina will open early at 10 a.m. on Black Friday, November 28. Along with quesadillas, Tin Lizzy's FlexMex menu boasts more than 25 different tacos filled with veggies, chicken, steak or seafood, plus dips and starters, nachos, soups, salads and sizzling skillets. A margarita or brew melts away mall mania, and the kid's menu keeps the youngsters happy. Closing the mall? This location stays open until 2 a.m. Saturday morning. 

Tin Lizzy's Knows How to Fold 'Em for Bert's Big Adventure on National Taco Day, October 4

A taco on this day sends a tike to play. On Saturday, October 4, all seven locations of Tin Lizzy’s are celebrating National Taco Day by donating a dollar for each taco sold to Bert's Big Adventure. This nonprofit organization’s goal is to send children with chronic or terminal illnesses and their entire families to Disney World for some much-needed family fun. With more than two dozen tasty tacos such as the Southern Comfort, Korean BBQ and the Philly gracing the menu, you’ll be faced with the tough decision of which ones to nosh on. Or, just make it easy on yourself and order them all. No one will judge you since you’re just trying to help the children! 

Follow @TinLizzysCantina on Instagram

Our #foodgram of the week is Tin Lizzy's Cantina (@tinlizzyscantina). Follow them for photos of fun and lots of margaritas. Unfortunately technology still hasn't made it possible to drink from your phone so you'll have to visit the closest location ASAP. Don't forget to tag them while you're there!

Leave the Labor to Your Fave ATL Restaurants this Labor Day Weekend

 

You have to love the devoted chefs and wait staff at these Atlanta restaurants. They're laboring in hot kitchens on the last holiday weekend of summer, making sure all of those farm-fresh finds and cold brews find their way to your table. When you love what you do, it's not really work anyway.

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland will remain open late on Sunday, September 1 for pre-Labor Day enjoyment. The neighborhood favorite plans a special Labor Day brunch feature on Monday, September 2. Over on the Westside, Ormsby's almost pulls an all-nighter, staying open until 3 a.m. as Sunday becomes Monday, then naps through lunch before opening again at 5 p.m. on Labor Day evening.

If you're "chicken" to dine out because you just want something comfy and family friendly, head over to Bantam + Biddy in Ansley Mall for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Get it to go if you are envisioning a picnic or patio supper at your place. Fast and casualChick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station will be open for its usual weekend brunch menu and lunch and dinner. Both eateries offer regional, all-natural and pastured poultry dishes plus loads more down-home goodies and cold libations.

Inspired and wood-fired describe the pizzas at Hearth Pizza Tavern just outside the perimeter in Sandy Springs. Salads, sandwiches and burgers round out the menu while wine, draft and bottled beer, plus other beverages keep everyone hydrated and happy.

There are lots of reasons to head downtown, one of them being that with many offices closed for the holiday there will be less traffic! Located in the Glenn Hotel, Glenn's Kitchen is a casual-yet-sophisticated spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. SkyLounge, also at the Glenn, is a lovely place to coddle a cocktail while taking in a skyline view. With more than 60 games and lots of sports-viewing screens, Game-X is headquarters for an active and fun holiday. A full bar and lots of nourishing nosh options keep everyone's adrenalin pumping.

On this all-American holiday weekend, meet up with friends for a labor-less meal at an American classic, Marlow's Tavern. With 10 locations around Atlanta (and two in Florida), there's a Marlow's Tavern near your neighborhood.

Fifth Group Restaurants La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco will be open in Virginia-Highland, and Ecco will please those heading to Midtown.

That beachy getaway is as close as the deck and seafood-laden menu at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead. Margaritas, cold brews, and eat-in or to-go cantina fare are all yours at Tin Lizzy's Cantina Buckhead, Grant Park and Perimeter locations.

Those craving sushi and cocktails will be glad to know that RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown will be open on Labor Day.

If you've been meaning to try Ray's on the River, Ray's on the Creek or Ray's in the City (or if they're already your loves), take note that all three Ray's Restaurants will be open and offering 20 percent off meal checks on Labor Day, September 2.