Make the season bright with Christmas Eve and Christmas dining plans

In the holiday spirit of sharing and caring, we're giving you a link to our previous blogpost, so you can find good news about Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining with a click or a tap!  We wish everyone a very festive and delicious holiday this weekend.

Happy Holidays from Melissa Libby & Associates!

Take a look back at our year here at Melissa Libby & Associates. As you can see, we play as hard as we work! We wish you and yours a very happy holiday season.

Heading Back to School This Winter

In need of a last minute gift for that foodie friend? How about a cooking class at The Cook's Warehouse? The Cook's Warehouse has released its Winter 2011 class schedule offering almost 150 classes across a broad spectrum of culinary interests and skill levels. Classes cover everything from basic knife skills to global cuisines to gluten-free cooking. Some of the upcoming guest chef instructors include Chef Ronen Skinezes of Manta Ray in Tel Aviv, Chef Jay Swift of 4th and Swift, Chef Khaled Chebbi of Social Resto, Chef Bennett Hollberg of Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse and Shane Thompson of Shane's Rib Shack.

If you want to build on your gift - add a cookbook from one of the visiting cookbook authors slated to visit such as Rebecca Lang, "Quick-Fix Southern;" Angie Mosier, Virginia Willis, Steven Satterfield and Lynne Sawicki, "Southern Foodways Alliance Community Cookbook;" Gena Knox, "Southern My Way: Simple Recipes, Fresh Flavors;" and Anne Byrn, "The Cake Mix Doctor® Bakes Gluten-Free."

Next Up: New Year’s Eve

With Christmas just a few days away, it’s easy to forget about making your New Year’s plans. Well, you’re in luck this year. We’re providing you with a convenient list of New Year’s Eve options that everyone will love! From seven courses of Northern Italian cuisine to a savory Southern dinner, we’ve got the scoop on how to celebrate in style.

• Aqua blue in Roswell is offering a special three-course menu for $49 per person and $69 with wine parings that's available at three seatings: 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. DJ starts up at 9 p.m. Guests will enjoy a complimentary champagne toast and party favors at midnight, and the restaurant will offer a complimentary breakfast buffet at 12:30 a.m. The regular menu also is an option. For reservations, call 770-643-8886.

• Chef specials, a DJ and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight make for a fun New Year's Eve at Atkins Park in Virginia Highland. Dinner reservations are recommended. Come in for New Year's Day brunch and fill up on a little "hair of the dog" along with Hoppin' John, collard greens and all of those traditional good luck dishes!

• Ease into an elegant 2011 over a festive four-course dinner for $85 per person at Aria. Add wine pairings at an additional cost. Call 404-233-7673 for reservations.

• Chef Bennett Hollberg at Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse is creating an incredible seven-course menu (amuse bouche + six courses) on New Year's Eve for a savory $95 per person or $125 with wine pairings. For reservations, call 404-844-4810.

• A rootin'-tootin' good time is in store for all as the doors swing open to a DJ and a complimentary midnight champagne toast at Deadwood Saloon. There's no cover for this party that cranks up at 10 p.m.

• New Year's spreads over three days at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. From Thursday, December 30 through Saturday, January 1, guests can choose from three memorable menu selections of filet mignon and crab-stuffed shrimp, North Atlantic lobster tail or New York strip and giant shrimp ($59.95 - $79.95; excluding wine, tax and gratuity). For bubbly, order the legendary Veuve Clicquot Champagne by the glass ($25). Call 770-698-8112 for reservations.

• JCT. Kitchen & Bar will be serving a $60 four-course menu (a "taste" + three courses). For reservations, call 404-355-2252.

• Felice Anno Nuovo! La Tavola Trattoria is offering a truly authentic three-course Italian prix fixe dinner with lots of course options for only $49 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Call 404-873-5430.

• There are now seven Marlow's Tavern locations where you can ring in 2011! All seven are offering a $35 (plus tax and gratuity) three-course prix fixe menu that includes some savory dishes from the featured "Lobsters & Libations" menu.

• All three locations of Ray's Restaurants (Ray's in the City, Ray's at Killer Creek and Ray's on the River) will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on New Year's Eve (with the bar open until 1 a.m.). Appetizers, shareable sides and special prix fixe menus ($55-$85 per person) are the talk of the day. For earlier risers, Ray's at Killer Creek is doing a New Year's Day brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Make reservations online or by calling the restaurants.

• Times Square has nothing on Southern New Year's traditions -- especially the culinary ones. Dine on three Southern courses for $39.95 at South City Kitchen Midtown and Vinings. Both locations will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. For reservations, call the specific restaurant: South City Kitchen Midtown, 404-873-7358; South City Kitchen Vinings, 770-435-0700.

• Spice Market, located inside the W Atlanta Midtown, is offering two seatings and two different prix fixe menus on New Year's Eve. At 6 p.m., guests can enjoy a four-course menu for $48 per person and wine pairings for an additional $22. The second seating is from 8:30 to 11 p.m. and features a five-course set menu with a glass of champagne for $65 per person; add wine pairings for an additional $33. Tax and gratuity are not included in either menu price. For reservations, call 404-724-2550.

• In addition to the regular prix fixe menu, Woodfire Grill is creating five-course vegetarian and pescatarian menus on New Year's Eve. The regular and pescatarian menus are priced at $100, and the vegetarian menu is priced at $85. Add wine pairings for an additional $50. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 404-347-9055

Cheers to The Beard! Toss Back a Yukon Cornelius Cocktail at Woodfire Grill and Say Hello to the Holidays

Woodfire Grill Chef-Partner Kevin Gillespie has recently been spotted with a new friend named Yukon Cornelius, whose red beard is thought to resemble Gillespie's. Gillespie met Yukon at the Center for Puppetry Arts during a recent performance of "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer." In honor of his puppeteering doppelganger, Gillespie is now serving up a Yukon Cornelius cocktail (pictured lef) at Woodfire Grill to warm up guests. The $10 cocktail is a mix of High West Silver whiskey, maple bitters, Zirbenz liqueur, allspice dram, egg and half and half. While this concoction won't put a red beard on your face or hair on your chest, it will certainly raise your spirits.

Woodfire Grill: 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

It's Follow Friday - Meet our Tweep of the Week @ChefPatricBell

West Egg Café on Atlanta's Westside is where many Atlantans head for their morning eye-openers and belly warming breakfasts.  What does Executive Chef Patric Bell do between bites?  He tweets funny stuff.  Please don't laugh with your mouth full...

Leave the Cooking and Cleaning to Us and Enjoy Your Gifts!

Are you staying in town for Christmas but don't want to go through the hassle of cooking and cleaning? Luckily there will be restaurants inside and outside the perimeter to cater to your holiday wishes. Aqua blue is offering a three-course holiday menu priced at $25 from 4 to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve only. The Roswell restaurant also will be serving its regular menu. Atkins Park - Virginia Highland is one of the few restaurants open on Christmas Day to welcome its neighbors. Doors open at 6 p.m. Christmas Day, and the special holiday menu is $20 for adults, $15 for young adults and $8 for children under 10 years old. For an elegant dinner on Christmas Eve, sit down to an incredible five-course menu at Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse. The savory selection from Executive Chef Bennett Hollberg is priced at $58 per person or $78 with wine pairings. Spice Market, located inside the W Atlanta Midtown, is another top dining destination that is open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Come either or both days for breakfast from 7 to 11 a.m. or dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. Feliz Navidad, y'all! For the first time ever, Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food will be open during regular hours on Christmas Eve. The Buckhead location will be open from 11 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., and the Perimeter location will be open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Remember those sweaters that your mom always made you wear for Christmas? Go dig them out of the deepest, darkest depths of your closet and head to Atkins Park - Smyrna to celebrate Christmas a little early with its "Tacky Sweater Party" tonight, December 17, at 10 p.m. Enjoy live music and cash prizes for the tackiest in attendance! My motto is: The tackier the better!

No More Heavy Holidays – Slim Sips From RA Keep the Pounds at Bay!

Keep your holidays happy and healthy with RA Sushi's “New Year, New You” menu featuring three brand new skinny cocktails!  Light on calories, not on taste; these $7, guilt-free drinks will let you indulge this holiday season without any extra bulge.  You can choose from the light and fresh Cucumber Slenderita, the sweet and sour Cosmo-teeny, and the cool and wintery Thin Mint Mojito (for mature Girl Scouts only!).  Luckily, you don’t have to wait until the new year to try these lightened libations – they’ll be on tap from December 15 through January 31.  So sip on and reap the waistline rewards; it’s RA’s gift to you!

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

You Gotta Try This Turkey

Soooo, I'm not much of a cook, but I knew I had to give it my all when Will Harris presented me with one of his turkeys from White Oak Pastures at Thanksgiving. We smoked it on the Big Green Egg and it was delicious. Can't wait to serve it again at Christmas!

These Free Range Bronze turkeys are roamers on the farm and are not subjected to antibiotics or added hormones. They have their own niche in the farm work force as grazers and fertilizers along with the large ruminant (cows) and small ruminant (sheep) animals.

Order your turkey now -- last day for shipping is Tuesday, December 21. The birds are available in three sizes: small (15 pounds or less) for $99, medium (16-20 pounds) for $120 and large (21+ pounds) for $140. Because the turkeys are raised in a natural setting, the farm cannot guarantee specific weights. There is an additional $30 flat-rate shipping fee on all turkeys (regardless of size). Free Range Bronze turkeys can be ordered online or by calling 229-641-2081.

Pacci Says "No Peeking!"

Maybe you can get away with it at home, but opening and resealing gifts is strictly prohibited at Pacci Ristorante in Midtown. During the month of December, the Kimpton Restaurant is offering a “No Peeking” promotion by giving diners a sealed envelope containing an undisclosed prize at the end of their meal. The envelope must remain sealed until the next time the guest dines at Pacci, during which a Pacci server will open the envelope to reveal the hidden surprise. These surprises could range from 50 percent off a meal at Pacci, a cocktail party for eight people at AltoRex Rooftop Lounge, a weekend stay at Hotel Palomar or another desirable deal. Prizes may be redeemed through the end of February (excluding Valentine’s Day weekend, February 12 – 14).

Pacci Ristorante: 866 West Peachtree Street, NW, adjacent to the Hotel Palomar; 678-412-2402.

Marlow's Tavern Opens in East Cobb TODAY

Marlow's Tavern officially opens today in the Merchants Walk retail center at the corner of Highway 120 and Johnson Ferry Road. This new neighborhood eatery (located across from the movie theatre near Kohl's) will be your go-to haven for good times, gourmet pub fare and wines, spirits and brews at a variety of price points.

As if a new neighborhood joint wasn't enough of a reason to visit, all seven Marlow's Tavern locations are currently serving up a special holiday Lobsters & Libations menu. Favorites from last year (lobster chowder!) plus some new dishes make this menu a must try. Lobsters & Libations is available through December 31.

Ride With Santa This Wednesday at the 4th Annual Atkins Santa Ride

Don’t miss your chance to support a great cause and have some holiday fun this week at the 4th Annual Atkins Santa Ride. On Wednesday, December 15, several Santas and Mrs. Clauses will ride their bikes from Atkins Park Tavern - Virginia Highland to Ormsby’s on Atlanta’s Westside -- and back to “go.” It’s an easy 10 to 15 miles tops. Ormsby’s and Atkins Park’s Owner Warren Bruno started this annual holiday-themed biking event four years ago to benefit The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Last year, 40 riders were decked out with trees, lights and tinsel! The miles will seem short as you stop and socialize with other Santa riders along the way…hot cider giving way to Jagermeister and dinner. So, strap some lights on the front and back of your bike and head out! Jingling bells are always a nice touch. Meet in the rear parking lot of Atkins Park – Virginia Highland at 6 p.m.

Atkins Park Tavern - Virginia Highland: 794 North Highland Avenue; 404 -876-7249.
Ormsby’s: 1170 Howell Mill Road, NW; 404-968-2033.

It's Follow Friday; Meet Our Tweep of the Week @cookswarehouse

From premier gourmet cookware and chef tools to a-ha moment classes and necessities for novices, Atlantans know they can turn to The Cook's Warehouse.  

Turns out you can follow them on Twitter at @cookswarehouse, too!  The Cook's Warehouse Owner Mary Moore unleashes volumes of info -- in tweets of 140 characters or less -- on classes, informative links, entertaining ideas, recipes and so on.  

We recently followed her tweets to find "10 Signs You're Wasting Money on Food," "Martha Stewart's 21 favorite Hanukkah recipes" and "The 7 best doughnut shops in America."  

Even on Twitter, The Cook's Warehouse lives up to its mission of providing "every excuse to cook!" 

Entertaining Made Easy with Gena Knox and Salud! Cooking School

Join Gena Knox for a demonstration and book signing at Salud! Cooking School at Harry's Farmers Market in Alpharetta on Tuesday, December 14.  Knox will prepare some of her favorite recipes from her new cookbook "Southern My Way:  Simple Recipes, Fresh Flavors."   

She has selected recipes that are perfect for entertaining, whether for New Year's Eve or a fun weekend get together and will show students how to easily entertain at home from start to finish.   On the menu are manchego-stuffed dates, an orange-avocado salad with poppyseed dressing, shrimp and artichoke bake with creamy stone-ground grits and milk flips, a frozen vanilla ice cream drink with brandy.  Register for the 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. demonstration online; cost is $39 per person.  

Harry's Farmers Market - Alpharetta: 1180 Upper Hembree Road; 770-664-6300.

It’s time to cheer – they’ve been here one year: It’s Ormsby’s anniversary!

My how time flies!  It’s been one year since Ormsby’s hit the Atlanta scene, and now your favorite Westside tavern is inviting you to help celebrate their anniversary!  There will be a limited open bar, a tasting station, plus special Ormsby's giveaways for lucky guests.  So come out this Sunday, December 12 from 6 – 7 p.m. and join in on the gifts and good times!  We’ll see you there!

Ormsby's:  1170 Howell Mill Road, NW; 404-968-2033.

Our Weekend Agenda: Cooking Demo with Chef Kevin Gillespie

We like a good surprise as well as anyone, so we're not peeking or passing on hints as to what Woodfire Grill Executive Chef/Co-owner and "Top Chef" star Kevin Gillespie will be preparing during his Piedmont Park Green Market demo on Saturday, December 11. 

Look for him from 11 a.m. until noon inside the Community Center.  Our plan: come with a hot java, shop a bit and then warm up while we watch Gillespie dole out culinary wit, wisdom and magic!

More and More, Gifts Cards Galore!

Can't decide what to get family and friends for the holidays? Luckily for you Atlanta restaurants are offering bonuses on their gift cards when purchased by Friday, December 31. Now you can gift the bonus or tuck it away for yourself...it will be our little secret.

Aqua blue has a gift with purchase -- a $20 bonus card with any gift card purchase of $100 or more. Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse is giving guests a $20 bonus card for any gift card purchase of $100 or more. Fifth Group Restaurants® is adding a 20 percent value to all gift card purchases of $100 or more. Choose to add the extra value to the card purchased or put it on a separate card. Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is offering guests a $20 bonus card for any gift card purchase of $100 or more. Use your bonus card from January 1 through February 10. Visit any of the seven Marlow's Tavern locations around metro Atlanta to purchase gift cards and receive a $20 bonus card for any gift card purchase of $100 or more. Pacci Ristorante is giving guests the gift of a good deed with its gift card offer. The Midtown restaurant is making a difference by donating 10 percent of each gift card purchase to the HIV/AIDS service organization H.E.R.O. for Children's (Hearts Everywhere Reaching Out for Children, Inc.) "Gifts for a Cure" program. RA Sushi keeps the theme rolling, tossing in a $10 bonus card for every $50 in gift cards purchased. Bonus cards may be used from January 2 through March 31. Ray's Restaurants is giving guests a bonus dining card worth 20 percent of the value of their purchased gift card. Spice Market, located inside the W Atlanta Midtown, is giving guests a complimentary copy of Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten's latest cookbook, "Asian Flavors of Jean-Georges," when they make a gift card purchase of $100 or more. Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food is giving a $10 reward card for every $50 in gift cards purchased. Use reward cards from January 1 through February 28.

Atkins Park Smyrna Breaks Up the Week With "Wine Down Wednesdays"

Every Wednesday, Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna is giving you the chance to enjoy a collection of distinctive wines by the bottle for half off the regular price. The new "Wine Down Wednesday" special is an great way to discover new favorites without breaking the bank. Wines and special prices include: Apothic Red ($19) tastes like chocolate-covered cherries in a glass; Bridlewood Pinot Noir ($20) promotes dark fruit flavors with a hint of vanilla and a smooth, lingering finish; Lamarca Prosecco ($20) sparkles with fresh citrus and honey on the nose; Maso Canali Pinot Grigio ($25) plays up lemon and fresh apple notes with a long, clean finish; and William Hill Chardonnay ($19) hints of vanilla and toasted oak with a well-balanced flavor and a concentrated finish. For savvy savers who like to sip popular wines, "Wine Down Wednesday" is the perfect way to treat friends to a night out.

Atkins Park Tavern - Smyrna: Market Village, 2840 Atlanta Road; 770-435-1887.

Get a Taste of Mike Lata's Cuisine at JCT. Kitchen This Thursday!

Get ready to start smacking your lips over the menu for this year’s last “Farm to Table and Back” quarterly guest chef dinner at JCT. Kitchen & Bar. Mike Lata (pictured at right) of FIG in Charleston, S.C. will be Ford Fry’s guest chef for the Thursday, December 9 dinner that totally benefits Georgia Organics (not to mention your mouth).

The four-course prix fixe menu with wine pairings begins with an amuse-bouche of farro arancini with pimento cheese. The first course brings Caw Caw Creek pork “pozole,” a soup with fresh hominy, radish, cilantro and finger limes. Next comes sheep’s milk ricotta gnocchi with Charleston stone crab and white truffle. Lata continues with Low Country-inspired salt-crusted black grouper with pumpkin seed gremolata and butternut squash romesco before moving into a dessert of Carolina Gold rice pudding with citrus salad and vanilla. The featured dinner cost is $75 per person, and 100 percent of the proceeds are going to Georgia Organics.

To join in the fun, call JCT. Kitchen at 404-355-2252 and reserve the special “Farm to Table and Back” menu, which is available during regular 5 – 10p.m. dinner hours. Everyone at the table must order the special menu, so be sure to check with your dinner guests. JCT. Kitchen & Bar is located in Atlanta’s Westside Urban Market at 1198 Howell Mill Road, Suite 18; 404-355-2252.