Atlanta’s Top Tailgating Stops and Spots

This Saturday, November 28, the University of Georgia Bulldogs will take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at one of the biggest showdowns in the city. For those folks heading to the big game or just looking to be near all the action, we’ve got the scoop on Atlanta’s prime tailgating places!

A few blocks away from the Georgia Tech campus, Marlow's Tavern™ - Midtown is closing down the street and throwing a block party that is sure to get fans barking and buzzing all afternoon. The good folks at Marlow's have it all planned with a hot grill, cold drink specials and prize giveaways three hours before game time. No game tickets, no problem. Marlow's will pump up the game volume after kick off. (950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.)

If you usually park and pull out your Dawg or Jacket awning and cache of paraphernalia, swing by Pacci Ristorante beforehand. Atlanta's new Italian steakhouse has a special pre-game, take-out menu studded with champion items such as five flavors of wings, three flavors of ribs, Pacci chili, Brunswick stew, pork and beans, pulled pork sandwiches, jalapeño cornbread and a healthy veggie tray. Items are priced from $4 to $14; orders must be placed at least 24 hours before pick-up time. Fans burning with football fever can head upstairs, atop Pacci Ristorante, to AltoRex Rooftop Lounge (left) beginning at 2 p.m. for spirited drinks and football favorites including Johnsonville brats, Italian sausage, soft pretzels and more. (866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402.)

Before every Georgia Tech Saturday home game, WaterHaven has welcomed both the home team and guests (go figure on this showdown) to park and tailgate before and after the game -- and this weekend's showdown is no exception. The restaurant will open at noon so fans can power up on sandwiches and BBQ as well as regular menu items such as lamb sliders, fried green tomatoes, crab cakes and WaterHaven's classic burger, plus $5 mimosas and Bloody Marys. Cheer inside or outside on the 100-seat patio! WaterHaven will validate guests' parking tickets from the AT&T parking deck, located at Fifth and West Peachtree streets, with a minimum purchase of $25. (75 Fifth Street, NW; 404-214-6740.)

We can already hear both teams applauding for the freebie food offer that EVOS Feel Great Fast Food in Sandy Springs is kicking out there this game day. On November 28, Yellow Jacket fans who don gold and white or UGA fans wearing red and black will receive free Airfries™ and a drink with the purchase of a burger or wrap at the Sandy Springs EVOS restaurant in The Prado. (Open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. at 5590 Prado Place off Roswell Road, Suite 140; 404-252-4022.)

Even though the game clock runs for 15 minute quarters, the clock keeps running for 16 hours of tailgating merriment at The Cypress Street Pint & Plate Rivalry Weekend Tailgate Party 2009, sponsored by New Belgium Brewery, on November 28. From 10 a.m. until 2 a.m., Cypress Street Pint & Plate is extending its patio, rolling out the grills and screens, going long with giveaways and quenching cheer-parched throats with $4 Fat Tire drafts. Rock on after the game with crowd pleasing tunes from the Francisco Vidal Band. (817 West Peachtree Street at the corner of 6th and Cypress streets behind the Biltmore; 404-815-9243.)

Cocktails For A Cure at Pacci

We know by Friday you'll be begging for an excuse to escape all that family-time and grab a cocktail some place peaceful. Now, when mom asks where you are going you can be honest; you are going out for a good cause! As part of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ sixth brand-wide Red Ribbon Campaign, Pacci will be offering Cocktails For A Cure through World AIDS Day on December 1, 2009.

Guests can enjoy any of four Red Ribbon-themed cocktails hand-crafted by Kimpton’s master mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout. Themed spirits include:

Grapefruit Spritz: Ketel One Citroen, Campari and grapefruit juice sparked with club soda
Bad Apple: Don Julio Blanco, Lillet, Angostura bitters, apple juice and ginger beer
Orange Blossom Fizz: Belvedere Orange, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, pineapple juice and sparking wine
Morning Daiquiri: Ten Cane Rum, Grand Marnier shaken with fresh lime juice and orange marmalade

“Cocktails for a Cure” are $9 each and for each drink purchased, $1 will be donated to local AIDS/HIV charities nationwide.

If you are traveling this week and won't be able to make it to Pacci don't worry. Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants are participating nationwide so go on; drink for a good cause!

Rate Your Favorite Atlanta Restaurants

Let's give Atlanta restaurants a good name! When you get a chance this weekend, vote for your favorite local restaurants on Zagat Survey -- so folks visiting our city will know which ones are the best of the best! After you register on the Zagat, diners can click here to rate and review Atlanta restaurants they've checked out in 2009. Your votes need to be in by Sunday, November 22, when the survey concludes.

Once your votes are confirmed, you'll also be eligible to receive a free Zagat guide. Surveyors with the most witty comments will be awarded $100 Visa gift cards in the Witty Surveyor Contest. Not a bad reward for giving honest comments!

Imperia Vodka tasting is the toast of Buckhead at Morton's The Steakhouse

Are you ready to start the weekend early? How about just wanting to soothe your palate with a refreshing, quality vodka?

Then clearly, Morton’s The Steakhouse - Buckhead is the place to be tonight, Thursday, November 19. Stop by from 6 – 7:30 p.m. and raise a glass in honor of Imperia Vodka. This smooth, premium vodka from Russian Standard is derived using Dmitri Mendleev’s classic formula developed for Russia’s czars. The authentic, chilled cocktails at the tasting will be paired with Morton’s signature hors d’oeuvres. $15 per person (inclusive of tax and gratuity) is a pittance to pay to drink like royalty! For reservations, contact Sarah Foss at 404-816-6535 or sarah_foss@mortons.com.

Morton’s The Steakhouse - Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535.

Primal: An Event For Chefs and Butchers Alike

Do you have tickets yet to Primal -- the event Atlanta foodies are buzzing about? Luckily for us...we do! And we're giving away two general admission tickets to the event that's going on this Saturday, November 21. Leave a comment about what chef or butcher you are most excited to see get their hands dirty at Primal and at 5 p.m. today we'll select two random winners. Please make sure you leave an email address when commenting so we can contact you! Need us to catch you up to speed on Primal? Here's the deal:

Atlanta area’s best and brightest stars of the new butchery movement appear at Primal, a celebration of early cooking's revival. Butchers will give a side-by-side demonstration on how to break down a complete pig, cow, goat and lamb into cuts of meat. Afterward, chefs will create and cook meaty creations over a hickory, applewood or almond wood flame for attendees. With an emphasis on heritage breeds and whole animal utilization, Primal is the antithesis of the factory farming exposed in films like Food, Inc., and a reminder that the best food is locally grown and prepared not by machines but human hands. Ten different family owned wineries make up the Oregon Wine Experience and fourteen different butchers and chefs get out the knives and slice raw flesh on Saturday, Nov. 21, at SweetWater Brewery.

Sweetwater Brewery is located at 195 Ottley Drive, Atlanta, Ga. Tickets are $55 for general admission(inclusive of wines, butcher demo, brew, meat tasting) and $100 for the VIP Experience @ 5:30PM(inclusive of reserve wines, Benton’s Bacon Bar, cheese, oysters and special brews). More information on Primal can be found here.

Music to Your Mouth Lowcountry Celebration Starts Today

Today marks the beginning of the Music to Your Mouth Lowcountry Celebration, a four-day event at Palmetto Bluff that includes a medley of delicious cuisine and demos cooked up by some of the South's most renowned chefs, wines and brews from national vintners and brewers, and live jazz, blues and acoustic music. Atlanta’s own Chef Ford Fry of JCT. Kitchen & Bar and Partner/ Executive Chef Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill are making the trip to Bluffton, S.C., near Hilton Head, for the event. Fry will be there all week, while Gillespie pops in on Saturday, November 21 to do a 1:50 p.m. demo with Chef Fry. Each will prepare pork belly his own way while Florence and Coastal Living Senior Food Editor Julia Rutland emcee. On Thursday, November 19, Fry will join winemaker Darioush Khaledi at The Prelude Tasting, a progressive wine dinner exploring "Old World" style, big-bodied Darioush wines from 6 - 9 p.m. at the River House Ballroom.

If you can’t make it to Bluffton this weekend but still want to get in on the culinary action, tune into Bravo’s Top Chef tonight and catch Chef Gillespie along with the other remaining contestants battle it out at 10 p.m.

Say Hola To Your Uncle Julio

Get ready boys and girls, because today marks the grand opening of the new Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican Food location in Sandy Springs at 1140 Hammond Drive in Perimeter Town Center! As many people have come to learn and love at the original Atlanta location, Uncle Julio’s is known for generous portions, reasonable prices and mucho enjoyment.

We had a chance to get a sneak preview last night of the restaurant and you can believe us when we say - prepare to be impressed! The interior of the two-story restaurant is warm and charming old-world hacienda-style, while at the same time the architecture is sleek, glassy, and modern. We can hardly wait for warmer nights when the balcony patios will be the key spot for socializing, sipping on margaritas and of course, dining on our favorite Mexican dishes!


Guadalajara - this blogger's favorite dish of the night!

Speaking of those dishes, they are just as impressive as the design of the restaurant! We loved the authentic border-flavored fare such as fajitas al carbon; camarones brochette (bacon-wrapped jumbo shrimp stuffed with Monterrey Jack cheese and jalapeños); mesquite-grilled quail a la parilla; and of course, the Swirl margarita, a frozen margarita layered with homemade frozen sangria that has won the Texas-based Uncle Julio's mucho acclaim -- and those Texans know what they're talking about!


it's swirl time...

But fear not – if you’re too busy to eat at the new location, Uncle Julio’s will be offering express delivery service, as well as catering home and office parties. Enjoy!

Tune in...

...As Woodfire Grill Chef and Partner Kevin Gillespie whips up some tasty menu options for all your Thanksgiving needs! While still battling it out on Bravo's Top Chef Las Vegas, Gillespie will be back in Atlanta burning up the airwaves all week around 6:45 a.m. on WXIA channel 11. Watch as he prepares dishes perfect for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings and will offer his tips for making the holidays a little tastier.

Midtown Atlanta Shop & Dine Week is offering great deals for all

‘Tis the season to hit the pavement and get cracking on those holiday gift shopping lists! Now before you start groaning and protectively clenching onto your wallet, listen up…

Fifth Group Restaurants, including South City Kitchen Midtown, Ecco, La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco, are taking some of the pain out of your chore this year by offering great deals, along with many other favorite other restaurants, nightspots, hotels, and retailers during Midtown Shop & Dine Week, coming up this November 13-22!

El Taco, recently reviewed in John Kessler’s 30 Restaurants In 30 Days column, offers a dynamite date-night deal – dinner for two for only $25 (plus tax and gratuity), while other Midtown Fifth Group Restaurants are creating special three-course dinners for $25 per person (plus tax and gratuity). For reservations at your favorite Fifth Group restaurant, just visit http://www.fifthgroup.com/!

Ecco: 40 7th Street, NE; 404-347-9555.

La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430.

South City Kitchen Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358.

The Original El Taco: 1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.

Good Nutrition Month Gets November off to a Healthy Start!

It'a a hard-to-believe holiday considering Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but November is also Good Nutrition Month. It's an excellent time to do some nutritious noshing before the holiday gorging begins. If you're having trouble deciphering between what's naughty and nice, these Atlanta restaurants make it easy with their menus:

- Ray's Restaurants (Ray's on the River, Ray's in the City and Ray's Killer Creek) offer heart healthy menus at lunch and dinner that provide generous portions of high-quality protein while skimping on fat and calories. This month, twenty-five percent of all sales from these menus are donated to Northside Hospital’s Breast Care Program. To help increase dietary awareness, each item includes a calorie/protein/carb/fat breakdown.

- Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food has a heart healthy menu with selections such as mesquite-grilled salmon filet with sautéed vegetables and fresh pineapple pico de gallo; Ensalada Especial; and a grilled vegetable platter that is piled high with good eats. And look for a new location of this Mexican favorite opening at Perimeter Town Center on November 17!

- You can still have fast food with only half the fat...but only if you go to EVOS Feel Great Fast Food, where eating in a hurry won’t give you a heavy feeling. All meats are naturally raised and hormone free, veggies are organically grown and the fruits used in EVOS Low Fat Real Fruitshakes are real. EVOS Airbakes™ its meats and fries so you won’t find grease or hidden fats. In addition to the Sandy Springs location, the restaurant be making another Atlanta appearance in Midtown later this month with a new restaurant at the Viewpoint building.

We're Thankful... That Others Can Cook Our Thanksgiving Dinner!

Let’s be honest. Making a huge Thanksgiving meal for all your family is what you’d like to do. Everyone loves to picture themselves in a Norman Rockwell painting, apron on, turkey and stuffing and all the works coming out of the oven in sheer perfection. Everyone oohs and ahhs in your direction as the pristine dishes hit the table.

For some of us, however, that image sounds more like a horror movie, with hungry relatives clamoring to be fed and the fire alarm wailing from that sweet potato casserole you burned… It’s enough to make you run screaming from the kitchen, those same idyllic apron strings flying behind in your wake!

If we just described your take on cooking Thanksgiving dinner, you can take a deep sigh of relief, because we’ve got you covered! Thank goodness that quite a few Atlanta restaurants will be available to save the day, serving your turkey day favorites. Here are a few of our favorites.

Starting a new Southern tradition, South City Kitchen Midtown will open their doors on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 6:30 p.m. with a special three-course menu. Diners can choose from a selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts; $35 for adults and $17.50 for children 12 and under (tax and gratuity not included). Bring Chef Chip Ulbrich's spread to your place for $22.50 per person (plus tax). Each eight-person to-go order is fully cooked! Place your order for at least eight people with them by Friday, November 20 and pick up on Wednesday, November 25 only. Pumpkin and pecan pies can be ordered at South City Kitchen Midtown for pick-up prior to Thanksgiving Day at South City Kitchen Vinings, too. For more information, to place all orders and make reservations, call 404-873-7358. The restaurant is located at 1144 Crescent Avenue.

Go traditional with turkey or favor the French/American-inspired wild mushroom ravioli and grilled salmon from the regular menu at Toulouse American Bistro in Buckhead. This cozy bistro has something to please everyone during its Thanksgiving hours of noon until 7 p.m. Information and reservations: 404-351-9533. 2293 Peachtree Road, NE.

Ray's Restaurants will have two locations open until 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Savor your holiday buffet and a river view at Ray's on the River starting at 9 a.m.; $39.95 for adults and $17.50 for children five and under. 6700 Powers Ferry Road, NW; 770-955-1187.

Outside the perimeter, Ray's Killer Creek gratifies cravers of turkey, seafood or beef. Seafood fans can choose from a variety of appetizers and entrees including Ray's ahi tuna, hickory-roasted sea bass as well as selections from the "Fresh Fish Market" menu. For beef lovers, Ray's Killer Creek serves some of the finest cuts from Halperns' Purveyors of Steak & Seafood including filets, steaks and slow-roasted prime rib. Thanksgiving traditionalists will go for the classic turkey dinner with homemade dressing and gravy, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and homemade cranberry sauce ($25 adults, $13 children). Ray's three-course special adds soup or salad, dessert and Tunnel of Elms Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay for $39. $35 without wine. Thanksgiving Day service begins at 10 a.m. 1700 Mansell Road; 770-649-0064.

And don’t worry, you can thank us later.

Marlow’s Tavern Duluth Makes November Guest Appreciation Month

Marlow's Tavern in Duluth is devoting the month of November to appreciating its guests. Every day of the week offers a different special--check them all out on their Facebook page. The restaurant also has some fun promotions up its sleeve -- lunchers will receive a card entitling them to a free appetizer when they come back to purchase two dinner entrées, and in the "Refer a Friend" promotion, guests with the most new referrals will be entered into a drawing to win a Marlow's Duluth party for up to 20 people.

Marlow's Tavern: Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033

I Recommend You Read...

One of Atlanta's favorite food writers, John Kessler, has tackled the project of "30 Restaurants in 30 Days" on his blog Food and More. For the whole month of November, Kessler has taken on the challenge of eating at a variety of different restaurants to keep his loyal readers up-to-speed on what's a hit, a miss and an absolutely not. He has already covered some of my favorites -- Antico Pizza Napoletana, La Pietra Cucina and The Original El Taco. Be sure to follow him on his adventure through the restaurants of Atlanta for your daily dose of cuisine!

National Nacho Day Reigns Supreme!

Now you have an official reason to enjoy a big plate of supremely satisfying nachos –today is National Nacho Day! For a fun Friday treat, make up a plate at home or check out some of our favorite options around Atlanta:

• At Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican Food in Buckhead, you can get them buried under refried beans and a blend of cheeses or order them up “Especial” to pile on mesquite-grilled chicken or beef fajitas. For little ones, Uncle Julio’s Niño Nachos come two ways and include a cup of fruit.

• All six Marlow’s Tavern locations have Atlanta covered with a fabulous shrimp and crab nacho plate. No matter where you are, there is sure to be a Marlow’s Tavern nearby.

• For a unique twist on nachos, head to The Nook on Piedmont Park for their Totchos™, which are tater tots smothered with a variety of toppings. Options range from the Redneck variety (mesquite smoked pork, barbecue sauce, jalapeno and cheese sauce) to Creole Totchos (shrimp, andouille sausage, onions, peppers, Creole seasoning and cheese sauce). These are a great way to satisfy midnight munchies since The Nook is open until 2:30 a.m. tonight!

Changing it up at RA Sushi with new menu items

The season has changed, the weather has changed, now RA Sushi is bringing in some delicious changes of their own with some new menu items! Executive Chef Tai Obata is not afraid to venture out of the realms of the traditional sushi world, and is constantly introducing new categories, dishes, and cocktails to the normal favorites on the menu. He’s even added a new Latin-influenced tapas section!

There are lots of new ways to get your night started off right at RA Sushi with new appetizers like grilled Kalbi beef short ribs ($7.50) and Japanese Kaisen ceviche with shrimp, scallops and squid ($9.50).


"RA"llipop sushi roll

The “What’s New” portion of the menu includes some delicious additions like the “RA”llipop sushi roll with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, spicy tuna mix, lettuce, asparagus and cucumber wrapped lobok (Asian radish), skewered and served with garlic ponzu sauce ($15); “Hot Mess,” crispy rice balls topped with a spicy king crab mix, baked and finished with jalapeño and cilantro ($14); spicy rice crispy treats of crispy rice balls filled with spicy tuna mix, cucumber, avocado, lettuce and sautéed nuts, served with a soy chili sauce ($7.25); and RA chips and salsa of spicy tuna tartare mixed with cucumber, avocado and fresh salsa, served with wonton chips ($8.50).


tapas time!

If you’re a tapas fan, try one of the “RA Tapas”, which feature small plates of thinly sliced sashimi -- sweet onion salmon, sesame lemon whitefish, garlic citrus yellowtail, crispy onion albacore or seared tuna -- served with organic micro greens ($7.50). As guests move on to selecting entrées in the “Getting Busy” section, they’ll find pork katsu with wasabi mashed potatoes ($13.75).

Those stopping in for lunch will be intrigued by the pork katsu bento box with miso soup, uchi no salad, rice, a pork gyoza and a vegetable spring roll ($8.50); and the chicken or beef teriyaki bowl ($8.25-$8.75). Adding a sushi touch to dessert is the decadent banana split maki: fried banana maki topped with whipped cream, strawberries, kiwi fruit and mandarin oranges, sliced like sushi and drizzled with chocolate and raspberry sauces ($6.75).


Cheers to the Bangin' Blueberry Mojito!

The Flying Fish Lounge adds some sexy new cocktails to its offerings including the Shiso Naughty martini, the Bangin’ Blueberry mojito, Strawberry Soju Sunrise and a Strawberry Gingerita ($7.50-$8.50). There’s also white and red wine to choose from, along with sake varietals of Hakutsuru Sayuri “Little Lily” Junmai Nigori and Tozai “Living Jewel” Junmai have been added to the wine list.

RA Sushi is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a late night menu available until midnight for those craving late night snacks. The Flying Fish Lounge is open until 1 a.m. or later Monday through Saturday and until midnight on Sunday. Find RA Sushi on Facebook, Twitter and in the 1010 Midtown building.

RA Sushi: 1080 Peachtree Street at 1010 Midtown; 404-267-0114.

My Fave Food Event

Atlanta has tons of great food events and I enjoy attending them all. I must say that my personal favorite, year after year, is the Les Dames d'Escoffier* "Afternoon in the Country" at Serenbe. The chefs are top-notch and they really bring out their best dishes. There's lots of wine. Micro-brew beer. Great music. Beautiful setting. And the ticket price ($95) supports culinary scholarships and organic farmers. Some of our clients will be there: Aria, Ecco, JCT Kitchen, La Tavola and Woodfire Grill. This year's event is Sunday, Nov. 8. They appear to still be selling tickets so you might want to nab one now.

*I'm a member of Les Dames.

Join the Club

Pacci Ristorante is hosting this month’s Atlanta Community Food Bank Supper Club on Tuesday, November 10, and the only skill you’ll need to join this club is eating. On this night, 20 percent of your dining tab at Pacci goes directly to Atlanta’s Table, a project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Through Atlanta’s Table, more than 40,000 pounds of perishable food is collected from the local hospitality industry each month and delivered to more than 40 nonprofit aid agencies for people in need. Pacci was recently named one of the “Top 20 Best New Restaurants in America” by Esquire magazine, so seats at this upscale Italian steakhouse will go fast. Make your reservation today by calling 678-412-2402.

Pacci Ristorante is located at 866 West Peachtree Street, NW. Complimentary valet parking is available in front of the restaurant.

Do You Deserve a Girls' Night Out?

Do you deserve a night out with your friends? Tell us about it on Aqua blue’s Facebook page. Now through November 8, speak up about why you and up to 20 of your friends deserve a Girls’ Night Out at Aqua blue. A winner will be randomly selected on November 9. Blue no more, the lucky gal and her friends will party for two hours on Wednesday, November 18, enjoying unlimited appetizers from the Girls’ Night Out menu and $5 drink specials.

It's Easy Being Green

We all know that we have to do our part to make Atlanta a greener city, but there’s no reason we can’t have a party while doing it! Join non-profit organization Green Plate for a great event Eat Green/ Drink Local tonight at SweetWater Brewing Company.
Sponsored by Whole Foods Market, Georgia Organics and quite a few well-loved Atlanta restaurants, the night will feature great bands, door prizes, and of course delicious food and drinks to sample – all in the name of encouraging and educating restaurants and consumers to use greener alternatives when it comes to everything from plastic to composting.
It all starts at 4 pm with a special party for foodservice industry employees only, then opens to the public from 6 to 9 pm. Tickets can be found online at www.greenplate.org/eatgreen.

Trick-or-Treat

The days of trick-or-treating might be behind you but you're never to old to dress-up and enjoy Halloween. Don't get left in the dark this year -- we've got the scoop on frighteningly fun events going on Halloween night at Atlanta restaurants and bars. So rock that costume and head out on the town.

Boo Bash 2009: A Night of Freakish Fun at RA Sushi corners the crypt on freakin' good times in Midtown from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Halloween night. The hip hotspot features beverages such as a Vampire's Kiss and "Boo Bites" such as the Creepy Cali Roll ($6). Dress out -- RA Sushi gift certificates go to the top three costume contest winners. Horror movie theme songs and Top 40 tracks make up DJ Scott's monster mix. Late night goblins note, RA's kitchen will stay open until 1 a.m. No cover charge. (1080 Peachtree Street at 1010 Midtown; 404-267-0114)

Some good-looking witches have been sighted brooming it out beyond the perimeter to Roswell. Our guess is they're in flight to try for the $3,000 in cash and prizes going out to costumed guests at Aqua blue's 8th Annual Halloween Monster Bash on October 31. The spell-binding evening takes off with à la carte dining from 4 - 10 p.m. and flows until the witching hour with cocktails from the Bacardi- and Dos Equis-sponsored bar and three DJs spinning tunes starting at 9 p.m. If you're spooked by cover charges, be there before 10 p.m. -- $10 cover after that. (1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886)

When small things start getting under your skin, do as the skeletons do and party your bones off Halloween night at Marlow's Tavern. From 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. on October 31, guests can order from the full restaurant menu of ghastly good appetizers, enticing entrées and deliciously wicked desserts. $5 cocktails, $500 costume contest and no cover charge all night long make your nearby Marlow's location a hellacious Halloween haunt.

Dress like a boo-rito? A terrifying taco? You don't have to dress Tex Mex but do come creatively costumed to The Original El Taco from 6 until 10 p.m. on Halloween night so you can be photographed for the restaurant's Facebook page costume contest. Photos will be posted, and guests can vote on Sunday, November 1; winners will be announced on Monday, November 2. First place eeks out a $100 dining card, and second snags a $50 card. Costumed kids who come to the restaurant on Halloween between 4 - 6 p.m. will eat FREE! (1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656)

Costumed characters in Sandy Springs should head to EVOS. Any child who comes to EVOS in costume before 8 p.m. on Halloween night will be treated to a free kid's meal. Adults, you'll get a free milkshake following the same tricks. (5590 Roswell Road, NE; 404-252-4022)

This is no trick. Aria is treating its Facebook fans to 30 percent off their food tab on Halloween night! (490 East Paces Ferry; 404-233-7673)

Pumpkins Galore!

Fun was had by all last night at the Great Chefs Pumpkin Carving Contest at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Enjoy some pictures -- just in case you missed out!


Executive Chef/Co-owner of Woodfire Grill, Chef Kevin Gillespie.


The winning pumpkin pirate! It was made by Victor from the Ritz-Carlton. Pretty incredible!


All of the chefs!

Sipping, Savoring & Sea-ing at the Georgia Aquarium

Last night I attended the 4th annual Aqua Vino event at the Georgia Aquarium and enjoyed some excellent wines and bites from Atlanta restaurants. My food favorites of the evening were Pacci Risotrante’s crab fondue with crostini (Chef Keira Moritz pictured above on the right at her table in the Georgia Explorer Gallery), Il Mulino’s mushroom ravioli and WaterHaven’s mussels. Memorable wine finds included Orogeny Pinot Noir and Twomey Sauvignon Blanc. There was a great turnout – 1,000+ attendees supporting the Georgia Aquarium and the Correll Center for Aquatic Animal Health!

Pumpkins Beware: Atlanta's Finest Chefs Are Coming For You!

Tis the season to get spooky! Atlanta is full of fabulous Halloween festivities this week, but if you find yourself with nowhere to haunt tonight, you’ll want to check out the Great Chefs Pumpkin Carving Contest at the Atlanta Botanical Garden tonight!
It’s a great opportunity to see your favorite Atlanta chefs, including Woodfire Grill Executive Chef/ Partner and Top Chef contender Kevin Gillespie, let their creative inspiration loose on 100-plus pound pumpkins as they carve jumbo orange masterpieces.
Here’s the catch: they only have 25 minutes to get the job done before the crowd picks the winner by applause! If you happen to fall for a particular pumpkin creation, you’ll have an opportunity to bid on the pumpkins at the post-contest silent auction.
The Pumpkin Carving Contest will be from 7 to 8 p.m. tonight , and it comes at the end of the garden’s month-long and always popular Scarecrows In The Garden series. It’s $15 for adults; $12 for senior citizens and children ages three to 17; free to garden members and children under age three.
The event will also mark the last night of Fest-of-Ale, the garden’s October Thursday night brew-fest that’s rocking with live music, beer school by Hop City and lots of harvest-themed brews from 5 to 10 p.m. Pumpkins, beer, and your favorite chefs in the beautiful setting of the Atlanta Botanical Garden – it’s a can’t miss combination!

Wednesday Round-up

This Wednesday is truly a day of tasty proportions! Today from 12 - 1 p.m. stop by the new EVOS Viewpoint location in Midtown and enjoy free samples of their Airbaked Chicken Strips & low-fat real Fruitshakes.

Also, today is National Chocolate Day! Visit our website to see our favorite places to grab a decadent chocolate treat! Remember to save a little room for all that Halloween candy this weekend.

Lastly, it's Top Chef night! Tune into Bravo tonight at 10 p.m. to support your favorite Atlanta chefs, Eli and Kevin!

My kind of recipe

We all know I'm not much of a cook. Okay, I'm no kind of a cook. But when it comes to cocktails, I'm not half bad at mixing up something delicious. I guess I just embrace my inner mixologist more than my inner chef.

So when these recipes for Halloween cocktails from the folks at SKYY vodka made their way into my inbox, I was pretty happy. I would have been happier if they had sent some samples too. Sigh.

Can't wait to try these out this weekend!

Jack-O-Lantern
2 oz. SKYY Infusions Citrus
1 oz. mango nectar or juice
0.5 oz. orange juice
0.5 oz. fresh sour*

Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a goblet glass and garnish with a slice of orange and a mint leaf laid flat on top. (*Combine 0.25 oz. fresh lime juice and 0.75 oz. simple syrup.)

Vampire’s Elixir
1.5 oz. SKYY Infusions Raspberry
0.75 oz. white chocolate liqueur
1 oz. half and half
Strawberry syrup

Dress strawberry syrup on the inside and rim of a chilled martini glass. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Garnish with vampire teeth.

Beer + Bread = Delish

Two of my favorite things (beer and fresh baked bread) have come together to make one tasty treat. Whole Foods Market and SweetWater Brewing Company have teamed up to create hearty SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale bread using spent grains from the SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale brewing process. The grains from this award-winning ale are taken from the Midtown Atlanta brewery to the Whole Foods Market bake house. The pumpkin seed-studded loaf with a nutty texture is selling for $3.49 a loaf at Whole Foods Markets across the Southeast. Whole Foods also offers an awesome beer and cheese fondue recipe featuring SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale bread, perfect for your next fall get-together.

Ingredients
3 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
1/4 pound Gruyère cheese, shredded
1 rounded tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale
1 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
A few drops Worcestershire sauce
A few drops of hot sauce or horseradish (optional)
1 SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale bread loaf

Directions
Combine cheeses in a bowl with flour. Add beer to a small pot and bring up to a bubble over medium heat. Reduce the heat to simmer and add cheese in handfuls. Stir constantly, melting the cheese in batches. Stir in a figure-eight pattern with wooden spoon. When the cheese has been incorporated fully, stir in the mustard, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Hollow out the SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale bread to form a bread bowl. Pour the fondue into the bowl.

Make cubes from the leftover bread that was hollowed, dip cubes into the fondue and enjoy.

Salsa & Sustainability

What do salsa and sustainability have in common? Tierra Atlanta is hosting an evening of "salsa and sustainability" from 7 - 10 p.m. to raise funds for EARTH University Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in Atlanta, that supports the educational vision of Costa Rica-based EARTH University.

It's a no-brainer that EVOS will serve up tasty eats to the estimated 600 attendees at the October 24 Tierra Cosecha fundraiser at Atlanta's SweetWater Brewing Company. And needless to say Sweetwater will provide the tasty beverages.

EARTH offers educational programs encompassing agriculture, science, technology and entrepreneurship in Guacimo, Costa Rica.

EVOS: 5590 Roswell Road, NE; 404-252-4022.
SweetWater Brewing Company: 195 Ottley Drive; 404-691-ALES (2537).

This Weekend’s Must-Do: Hot Stuff

If you’re feeling a little spicy this Saturday, October 24, we advise you find your way over to the Virginia Highland Chili Pepper Festival, at the intersection of Highland and Amsterdam, from 4 to 11 p.m.!
The cooling fall temperature will be no match for the heat from delicious dishes offered up by The Original El Taco, DBA Barbecue and Mali Thai & Sushi Bar. A chili pepper-eating contest and smokin’ hot live music from Delta Moon, My Friend Ian’s band, El Scorcho and Shark Fighter will also be on hand to light your fire! Don’t worry – it’s not all spicy – there will be specialty cocktails and icy cold brews to douse the flames.
Tickets are available for $5 in advance or $10 at the gate, and do not include the cost of food or alcohol. You must be 21 or older to enter, and please leave Fido at home (since he can’t enjoy the chilis anyway).

Pinot noir for dinner tonight? Yes please.

Did watching Atlanta's Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill win last week's Top Chef episode "Pigs and Pinot" make you thirst for pinot? Then quench your thirst and head over to Toulouse, an American bistro, for a pinot noir wine tasting tonight, October 21, for $30. The price includes at least 15 wines to be tasted and light appetizers. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling the restaurant at (404) 351-9533. Toulouse offers monthly wine tastings, so check out their website for details about the next wine tasting.

And it's Wednesday, so you know what that means. Don't forget to watch Top Chef to cheer on Atlanta's own Eli and Kevin on Bravo at 10 p.m.

Toulouse: 2293 Peachtree Road NE, Suite B - 404.351.9533

Shop, Save & Benefit Camp Twin Lakes

Spend $60 for a Camp Twin Lakes Partners Card, and you'll help children with serious illnesses and life challenges experience priceless fun at Camp Twin Lakes. Not only is it for a good cause, it also encourages you to shop! With the Partners Card enjoy savings of 20 percent October 17 - 25 at area restaurants and retailers including Aqua blue, Ecco, The Original El Taco, La Tavola Trattoria, Marlow's Tavern, South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings, The Cook's Warehouse, Toulouse, WaterHaven, Woodfire Grill and Young Chefs Academy. To see the complete list of participating shop and dine partners and to purchase and print your card, click here.

Eat Like It's 1984!

In 1984, Atlantans were flocking to Ray’s on the River, which had just opened along the Chattahoochee. Now, the restaurant is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and the month-long celebration continues with “1984 Week” at all three Ray’s locations. This week, guests can savor history as they dine on the day’s special item from the 1984 lunch or dinner menu at 1984 prices. On Ray’s on the River’s official birthday, this Sunday, October 25, each guest will receive a complimentary glass of champagne or slice of birthday cake. Reserve your table online or by calling a Ray’s located listed below. Cheers to 1984!

Ray’s on the River: 6700 Powers Ferry Road; 770-955-1187.
Ray’s Killer Creek: 1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064.
Ray’s in the City: 240 Peachtree Street, NW; 404-524-9224.

This Weekend's Must-Do: Pedals and Produce

Ready, Set, Go!! With the sun promising to show its face again in Atlanta this weekend, it’s the perfect time to wheel out your bike and have an agricultural adventure with Pedals & Produce!

Georgia Organics, Slow Food Atlanta and the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition have teamed up for a great fall ride to get a first hand (or first-wheel) view of our wonderful local produce markets and gardens. On Saturday, October 17 at 9 a.m., riders will get started at Piedmont Park’s Green Market, followed by a trip over to the Peachtree Road and Morningside Farmers Markets, before returning to Piedmont Park for lunch after the 15 mile roundtrip excursion.

Sunday’s bike trip takes a different route, starting at 9 a.m. from Dunbar Recreation Center. Cyclists will head out on the open road to explore various community gardens, small farms and school gardens in both East & West Atlanta, ending up back at Dunbar after 20 miles of roundtrip veggie sightseeing.

Registration is $15 per person/ per day for Atlanta Bicycle Coalition and Georgia Organics members, or $20 per person/ per day for non-members. Box lunch is included – you’re sure to work up an appetite with all that pedaling and produce perusing! For more details, click here or call 678-702-0400 ext. 205. To register, click here.

This Brew is for You

Aqua blue in Roswell is hosting its First Annual Beer Festival this Saturday, October 17, for only $26 per person (excluding tax and gratuity), and you won’t want to miss out on this amazing deal! The price includes live music along with a prix fixe tapas menu of nine dishes paired with nine different beers like Dominion Oktoberfest Lager, Hoptober Golden Ale, Roxy Rolles Autumn Seasonal, Drifter Pale Ale, Fat Tire and Magic Hat #9. Aqua blue opens for dinner at 4 p.m., and The Moonlight Band starts playing at 7 p.m. Some of the menu items will include bbq beef sliders, smoked gouda fried ravioli, spicy pumpkin soup and a caramelized onion duck wrap. This truly is going to be the ultimate fall celebration. Thrillist Atlanta agrees -- Aqua blue's Beer Festival is recommended in The List this week!

Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.

Via Elisa Fresh Pasta Shop to Close

Elisa Gambino is closing her Via Elisa Fresh Pasta shop on Saturday, October 17. Though this news is crushing to many of the pasta-loving people in Atlanta, it’s good to know that Via Elisa sauces will continue to be sold in Whole Foods Markets. Now is the time to stock up on her pastas while you still can -- they freeze well. Visit the store through closing day on October 17, or place your order by the 16th. The store is open Tuesday through Friday from noon until 6 p.m., and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Via Elisa Fresh Pasta: 1750C Howell Mill Road, NW; 404-605-0668.

Also, don't forget about the pasta truck that will be at 1945 Colland Drive from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. and at 97 Brighton Road from 6 p.m.-6:45 p.m. tomorrow. It may be a good idea to call ahead and place your order since this will be the truck's last night.

Eat On $30

Ever thought about the amount of money you spend on food in any given day? Atlanta bloggers are thinking about it! Some of our favorite bloggers, Tami from Running With Tweezers and Jimmy from Eat It, Atlanta, have taken the challenge of eating on the tight budget of $30 for the week.

Some of us may see $30 as negligible, and I know I've spent way more than that on a single dinner. Yet, $30 is a luxury to hundreds of people all over the world who have nothing to eat each day. Tami, Jimmy and everyone partaking is raising awareness as well as creating delicious ways to watch the wallet and still savor meals. A list of all the bloggers participating can be found on Tami's blog. Be sure to follow and gain some wise tips!

Cheers to Ray's!

The Ray's on the River 25th Anniversary Celebration keeps the month-long party rolling with "A Toast to Ray's Week." Signature martinis are $5, and 10 wines are available for $25 a bottle through October 18. Cheers to that!

Remember the $25 three-course dinner menu I shared with you last week? Well, they are extending the offer throughout the entire month of October, so you can still take advantage of the delicious deal!

Ray's on the River: 6700 Powers Ferry Road, Sandy Springs; 770-955-1187.

Taste Of Atlanta Starts Tomorrow

It’s time to savor fall weather and fabulous food once again at this year’s Taste of Atlanta. The 8th annual outdoor food festival is being held in Midtown's Technology Square from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11. WaterHaven and EVOS will be among the more than 80 restaurants cooking up some of their specialties at the festival. In addition to trying all types of food, there will be demos by national and local chefs including a demonstration by Mary Moore, founder of The Cook's Warehouse, on the main cooking stage Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets, including 15 taste coupons, are $25 per person through October 9 then $30 at the event; VIP tickets, available for guests 21 years of age and up, are $65 each and include the Wine and Beer Experience. Kids 13 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Tasting coupons must be purchased for food samples. For more information, visit http://www.tasteofatlanta.net/.

Give Some Love to Local Farmers

If you haven’t already heard, Woodfire Grill is helping Love is Love Farm recover from flash flood damage by hosting a wine dinner benefit for the farm on Sunday, October 11. Seats are going fast, and this is the perfect opportunity to taste Woodfire Grill Executive Chef/Co-owner Kevin Gillespie’s outstanding farm-to-table fare while helping out a good cause. Love is Love Farm, located in Douglasville, Georgia, is a provider of organic produce for Woodfire Grill and sustained severe damage after two-thirds of the farm’s land was submerged during the heavy rains last month. ALL proceeds from the evening will be donated to Love is Love for these repairs. The event begins with a cocktail reception at 6 p.m., followed by a seated dinner at 6:30 p.m. Chef Kevin will create a four-course menu that will be paired with wines selected by Woodfire Grill Co-owner and Wine Director Nicolas Quinones. Cost is $100 per person; reservations are required and can be made by calling 404-347-9055.

Woodfire Grill: 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road.

RA Sushi Hosts Scary Shoe Party

In honor of Halloween, RA Sushi hosted the Hello Stiletto Shoe Club for their "Scary Shoe Party" last night. Attendees were encouraged to wear their most horrifyingly grotesque and frightening footwear. Whether they were terrifyingly out-of-date, or just had a gruesome pattern or color, all shoes were welcome at this party. Prizes were awarded for the scariest shoes in different Halloween-themed categories. The evening also featured complimentary appetizers and drink specials.

Congrats to Keira, Marc and Pacci - Esquire Best New Restaurants!

Congratulations to the team at Pacci Ristorante, led by Chef Keira Moritz and GM Marc Taft - the restaurant was named one of the Top 20 Best New Restaurants in America by Esquire magazine! Read more in AJC's Meridith Ford's column. These guys work so hard and we are so proud of them. And we're thrilled for our friend Mark Alba at Paces 88 who was also honored. Yay, Atlanta!!

$25 Three-Course Dinner Menu at Ray’s Restaurants

In celebration of Ray’s on the River’s 25th Anniversary, guests are invited to sit down to a special $25 three-course dinner through October 11. The celebratory menu will be offered at Ray’s on the River as well as Ray’s Killer Creek and Ray’s in the City.

Choose a starter from three salad selections -- house, Caesar or Ray’s Anniversary Salad -- or a cup of crab bisque or New England-style clam chowder. Select an entrée of grilled salmon with mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus; a six-ounce filet served with mashed potatoes and béarnaise; or butternut squash ravioli and grilled shrimp topped with vanilla bean brown butter and grainy mustard beurre blanc and served with grilled asparagus. Dessert options include chocolate cake and crème brûlée. Wine pairing suggestions are listed on the menu and are available at an additional charge. Three-course menu items cannot be split.

Remember to check out Ray’s Restaurants on Facebook because every Friday in October a fan will be awarded a $100 gift card for answering the day’s trivia question correctly.

Ray’s on the River: 6700 Powers Ferry Road, Sandy Springs; 770-955-1187. Ray’s Killer Creek: 1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064. Ray’s in the City: 240 Peachtree Street, NW; 404-524-9224.

Happy National Taco Day!

It's National Taco Day but don't go to Taco Bell! Get the much yummier version at Uncle Julio's on Peachtree Street. They have tons of options, plus soft and hard shells. Kids like them too! Tacos go great with a Swirl. Just saying.

(Next year you'll have two Uncle Julio's locations to celebrate this day - Buckhead and Perimeter!)