Just In Time For Summer: Morelli's Is Open!

Morelli's Gourmet Ice Cream & Desserts officially opened its doors in the Edgewood Shopping District on Saturday, June 18, no doubt leading kids to treat dads to the milkshake bar and sundae bar on Father's Day!(Did you hear the ice-screams of glee?)  Dads surely felt like kings perched on the ice cream sandwich banquette and ice cream cookie bar stools -- and you can, too.  

As does the original location on Moreland, the new Morelli's offers ice cream, gelato and sorbet flavors ($1.70 - $8.25) that change daily along with additional shakes and sundaes ($3.95-$6.99).  Three to four signature shakes, ice cream cakes ($39 and up), smoothies and juices ($5.49), frappés ($4.90) and ice cream to go by the pint ($8) or quart ($12.75) round out the Edgewood menu.  The menu also boasts seasonal shakes and sundaes created by Edgewood Morelli's Partner and Woodfire Grill Owner/Executive Chef Kevin Gillespie.  Look for the daily flavors on Twitter (@morellis).  The store is open from noon to 10 p.m. daily and offers complimentary Wi-Fi for guests.  

This Thursday Indulge in Chocolate! Without Feeling Guilty About It

On Thursday, June 23 from 6 – 10 p.m. at Opera in Midtown, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) will host their annual fundraiser, Chocolate! 2011. This event features chocolate tastings from many of Atlanta’s pastry chefs and restaurants. Woodfire Grill and Briza will join other bakers, vintners and caterers to bring you everything chocolate, including tapas, a chocolate lager tasting and a chocolate cappuccino tasting – because isn’t everything better in chocolate?!? Musical entertainment will be provided by DJay McCracken featuring American Idol’s Paris Bennett and a silent auction will also be taking place! With all you can eat chocolately goodness that supports a great cause, this is one event you don’t want to miss! Tickets are $75 in advance, $85 at the door and $125 for the VIP experience.

Opera Nightclub is located at 1150 Crescent Avenue, NE at Peachtree Street.

Three Cheers for Summer at Woodfire Grill

Summer officially begins today, and since the temperatures continue to rise, we thought we'd share one of our "chill out" secrets with you: Woodfire Grill's new summer cocktail menu. Created by bar manager and beverage genius Blake Morley, the new menu features seasonal cocktails like Bitter End with Goslings rum, Aperol, Cocchi Americano and Peychaud's bitters; Portland Spitfire, which adds citrus flavors to Ransom gin and Dolin dry vermouth; and The Nicky Q with Captain Morgan's rum, tart cherry liqueur, Cointreau, and lime. Other enticing concoctions include Farmer's Daughter (our favorite - pictured left), Dr. Ernest's Romanian Dragon Tonic, The Napier, New Amsterdam, Peruvian Kiss and The Three Amigos. If you just can't decide, order the Bartender's Choice, choose "white" or "brown" and let them craft a cocktail for you. Most cocktails are $10-$11, and there are plenty to keep you cool all summer long.

Get Your Tickets to The Third Annual JCT. Kitchen Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival Now!

Tomato season is finally here, and there’s less than a month until the big tomato showdown at JCT. Kitchen & Bar. Don’t forget to grab your tickets to the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival before Friday, July 1, when prices go up to $70 per ticket. You definitely don’t want to miss when tomato forces roll into JCT. on Sunday, July 17. There will be no tomato-fortified drink or dish left standing when the battle is over. JCT. Executive Chef/Owner Ford Fry is behind the shindig, hosting more than 40 of the Southeast's best chefs, farmers and mixologists to join forces to benefit Georgia Organics. The Spazmatics and local chef band Five Bone Rack will provide the live-music soundtrack to this summer epic.

Cost is $55 per person for Georgia Organics members and $60 for non-members until Thursday, June 30. Purchase tickets online. For more information, visit the festival's Facebook page.

JCT. Kitchen & Bar: In Atlanta's Westside Urban Market at 1198 Howell Mill Road, Suite 18; 404-355-2252.

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

Cheshire Bridge Road has taken a lot of rap over the years, which only adds to its quirky edge. Where else in Atlanta can you find fabulous food, antique stores, boutiques and strip clubs without making any turns?  

Learn more about the road's colorful history and colorful offerings by taking the Taste & Tour of Cheshire Bridge from 5 - 10 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, July 20 and 21.  Ticket prices are $15 per person per day or $25 per person for both days until July 1; after July 1, they're $20 and $35 respectively.  Follow the event on Twitter (@tourofCB) for timely info. 

RA Sushi Offers International Sushi Day Freebie for Facebook Fans

We have no problem admitting that two of our favorite pastimes are stuffing our faces and playing around on Facebook, so we urge you to do both this weekend to celebrate International Sushi Day at RA Sushi on Saturday, June 18. Keep close tabs on the Midtown restaurant's Facebook page this weekend as they will be posting a special deal for the day.

And while you're at it, go ahead and sign up for "The Hook-Up" newsletter so you can stay ahead of the game on menu/bar specials and promotions.

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

Summer in the City – A Night to Benefit Shepherd Center’s Military and Adolescent Patient Programs

Hats off to the men and women of our military and to Shepherd Center for providing the procedures and care they need to get back on their feet after sustaining injuries. On Wednesday, June 22, gather at Greystone in historic Piedmont Park to help their cause at Summer in the City - A Night of Epicurean Delights. The 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. event is presented by the Shepherd Center Society and Co-Chairs Gena Bryant and Alden Potts. The fundraiser features fine food from Aria, JCT. Kitchen and other acclaimed restaurants, star wine pairings from partner National Distributing Company, plus live music and a shopper's delight auction. The event benefits the Shepherd Center's Military Patient Program and its Adolescent Patient Program. Tickets are $80 each with sponsorships beginning at $250 per couple.

Complimentary valet parking is available in the SAGE parking facility accessed by Worcester off Monroe Drive.

Fact: Fathers Like Food

I'm not a father yet, but I know one thing; I like food. I imagine I'll like food a lot when I'm a father too. Until it's my turn to celebrate Father's Day, here are a few suggestions on where to dine with dad.

"Uncle's Day" it's not, but just to show there are no hard feelings, Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food has named a plate for dad. The Father's Day Plato de Padre will be available June 13 - 20 for $29.95. The platter loads up on chicken or beef fajitas, three shrimp brochette, a half rack of ribs, guac, pico de gallo, fresh flour tortillas, rice and beans. From margaritas to cold beer, Uncle Julio's carries Dad's favorites. (In Buckhead at 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. In Sandy Springs at 1140 Hammond Drive, NE; 678-736-8260.)

Aqua blue is offering a Father's Day dinner that is sure to please. Dads can pick from two delicious options: Aqua blue's surf & turf plate for $25 or a $35 prix fixe menu. Both options include a combination of New York strip and lobster dishes along with an array of other tasty menu items. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 770-643-8886. The restaurant is open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Father's Day. (1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell.)

Golf, Cars & Family Ties at Ray's at Killer Creek

One of my favorite things about working with the restaurant industry is how quickly they come together to care for their own in a crisis. On Friday (June 17), Ray's at Killer Creek is doing just that - they are raising funds to support Primus Sanders, one of their longtime employees.

On April 17, Sanders, a six-year employee in the Ray's at Killer Creek family, experienced a tragic, non-work-related fall that left him in a wheelchair and recovering at Atlanta's Shepherd Center. With no immediate family to help him as he rehabilitates from this life-changing accident, Sanders' Ray's at Killer Creek family has taken on the responsibility of supporting him until he heals enough to support himself.

This Friday, the Ray's at Killer Creek staff is holding a raffle for a set of MP-52 irons (3-PW), a JPX-800 driver and an Aerolite stand bag with a total value of $1300 -- all donated by Mizuno -- to help raise money for Sanders. You can purchase raffle tickets from a Ray's at Killer Creek manager -- $10 each or three for $20. To keep the love flowing, the restaurant is also hosting a car wash on Saturday, June 25 at Ray's at Killer Creek from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Stop by and let them wash the summer dirt and dust away while helping out their dear friend.

For more information about these fundraisers, check out Ray's at Killer Creek's Facebook page.

What Girl (or Guy) Doesn't Love Chocolate!

Are you ready for chocolate pastries, lager and other delicious treats? Chocolate! 2011 will be celebrating it's tenth annual event on Thursday, June 23 from 6:00- 10:00 p.m. at Opera. Sponsored by SparkQuest, the event gets extra sweet by having the proceeds go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). All past events have brought in a total of over $600,000 for CFF.

Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you are going to get from chefs from Briza and Woodfire Grill! Along with all of the tastings of delectable chocolate, guests will also get to experience a silent auction, performance by American Idol's Paris Bennett and music by DJ McCracken. Come see for yourself and get an all you can eat treat at Chocolate! Tickets are $75 in advance, $85 at the door and an exclusive VIP experience is available for $125.

Opera Nightclub: 1150 Crescent Avenue at Peachtree Street.

Get Shaking in Mayfield’s “Below Zero Hero” Contest for a Chance to Win $10,000

The second-annual Mayfield Diary Milkshake Recipe Contest has begun! With a grand prize of $10,000 to the 2011 winning “Below Zero Hero” recipe, why not start shaking it up by entering your latest milkshake masterpiece. Purchase some delicious Mayfield ice cream and milk; gather your family around your blender and start mixing in your favorite add ins to create a one-of-a-kind shake that’s guaranteed to make you the milkshake hero. All aspiring milkshake makers can submit their masterpiece recipes to the contest website until August 15. A panel of culinary judges will then pick the top 10 recipes nationally based on overall appeal, originality and taste. These recipes will then be posted online for consumers to test and vote on their favorites. So you get to choose what recipe makes the cut! The first place winner will receive $10,000, second place $3,000 and third place $1,000. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to make your milkshake masterpiece!

And don’t forget to like the contest on Facebook and follow it on Twitter (@IceCreamFun) for lots of tips and recipe ideas.

Are You Ready for Smashburger?

This July, burgers are getting even better with the opening of the first Atlanta location of Smashburger. Get ready to choose everything from the buns to the toppings when you stop by the Buckhead restaurant this summer. Take your pick of Smasburgers, Smashdogs, Smashsalads and the delicious grilled or crispy Smashchicken. There’s also Häagen-Dazs ice cream treats, a kids' menu and beer and wine for grownups. We're telling you, Smashburger is going to be a SMASH hit! The new restaurant will be located at 2625 Piedmont Road.

It's Follow Friday; Meet our Tweep of the Week @foodiecrush

Foodiecrush creator Heidi has a fetish for food magazines. Not a vice, but not a virtue when they pile up and eat up your time trying to find that recipe that was here someplace.  Tweeting is so much faster (@foodiecrush), and Heidi's Foodiecrush blog peeks at photos and recipes on who-can-resist food blogs.  Her growing fetish: food blogs, and soon, Foodiecrush magazine.

Passport to the Spice Route with Asha Gomez

We couldn't get enough of her Kerala fried chicken and waffles at the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival so you can imagine how excited we were to learn that Spice Route Supper Club Creator and Chef Asha Gomez is hosting a cooking class at Salud! in Harry's Farmers Market-Alpharetta.

No, she isn't sharing that amazing chicken recipe, but in her "Passport to the Spice Route" cooking class, Asha will showing us how to prepare Kerala-style curried shrimp with mustard seeds, chili powder, curry leaves and coconut oil; green bean and carrot thoren; and Kerala beef curry with ginger, cinnamon and curry leaf.

Class is on Thursday, June 16 from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. and costs $39 per person. Register online. To sign up to receive future Spice Route Supper Club invitations, email spiceroutesupperclub@gmail.com.

Celebrate America’s “Red, White and Brew” at Marlow’s Tavern

To kick-off a celebration of American spirit, all seven Marlow’s Tavern locations are hosting new menu items through their “Red, White and Brew” special. From Tuesday, June 14 to Monday, July 25, the celebration salutes American tastes, seasonal favorites and refreshing drinks for hot summer days. To start off those summer appetites, the menu offers a light beer and cheese soup, firecracker deviled eggs and a salad combining watermelon, feta and arugula ($3-$9). For more savory summer options check out the juicy Red, White and Bleu burger; honey-glazed grilled chicken with chili-slathered corn on the cob; backyard blackened swordfish with Red, White and Blue potato salad or "hot-off-the-grill" tender grilled skirt steak with summer squash and jumbo Vidalia onion rings ($11-$19). Don’t forget to order off the regular menu and add RW&B sides of chili-slathered corn on the cob or Red, White and Blue potato salad ($3). Make sure you save room for a shot of key lime pie in a glass with fresh berries ($6). Need a cool beverage to keep off that summer heat? Try the "Summertime" watermelon margarita bringing fresh watermelon syrup in touch with Herradura Reposado tequila or Tommy's Favorite sangria with fresh, seasonal fruit and agave nectar ($8). Brews ($5-$6) stay true to the red (Rogue American Ale), white (SweetWater Sch'Wheat American Wheat Ale) and blue (Terrapin Hop Karma IPA).

Remember, Father’s Day is June 19, and Marlow's Tavern is the perfect place to take dads for lunch or dinner. For dads who think they are a true master of the grill, the second annual Marlow's Tavern Grilling Recipe Contest runs simultaneously with the "Red, White and Brew" menu offerings. Enter your favorite grilling recipes for a chance to win incredible prizes like a Big Green Egg, and the winning recipe will be featured on the Marlow's Tavern fall/winter menu. More info will be available soon on the Marlow's Tavern website.

Marlow's Tavern: Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526; Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road, 678-987-1197; Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033; and East Cobb at 1311 Johnson Ferry Road (across from the movie theatre and next to Kohl's department store); 770-977-7747.

Crown Royal Coke floats are just the beginning

There's something about that pretty purple bag that makes Crown Royal extra special. Well, that and the taste!

Leave it to Atkins Park Smyrna to come up with a Crown Royal Dinner. On Tuesday, June 14, "A Royal Affair" begins at 7 p.m. with a reception and Crown Royal Coke floats. Yes, you read that right. That's reason enough to attend! But consider the rest: Crown Royal pairings accompany three courses and dessert. Find Crown Reserve paired with seared scallops, watermelon radish salad, mixed greens, lime vinaigrette and a whiskey-honey reduction; Crown Black paired with ancho-rubbed lamb chops, currants, onions and apple demi-glaze; Cask 16 paired with anise- and honey-glazed pork belly with raspberry puree, farro grain, micro mustard greens and Jerusalem artichoke; and Crown XR paired with white chocolate bread pudding. $48 per person (tax and gratuity not included). Call 770-435-1887 for reservations.

See you there, right?

El Taco Brings Street Food Indoors Next Tuesday

Love street food but can't handle the hot temperatures outside right now? Head to The Original El Taco's "Mi Casa Su Casa" dinner on Tuesday, June 14 at 6:30 p.m. The Morningside restaurant provides a communal table where you can make new amigos while filling up on authentic Mexico City street cuisine. Highlights include the Torta Cubana (an overstuffed sandwich loaded with pork milanesa, sausage and more), Quesadilla Classica, ceviche tostadas, wood-grilled fish skewers with lime, elote (corn roasted with mayo and chili) and refreshing agua fresca. El Taco Chef de Cuisine Scott Keefer will be at the table to talk about the history behind these foods while you dine. Cost is $30 per person (including tax; excluding online service fee and gratuity). Purchase tickets here.

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

Aqua Blue’s Much Anticipated Tailapalooza Begins Today

For all the lobster lovers out there, Aqua Blue will be kicking off their month-long lobster inspired event today! Tailapalooza will feature a special menu dedicated to delicious lobster dishes you can’t wait to get your claws on! For one month the Roswell restaurant will serve à la carte specialties of roast lobster bisque ($6), Maine lobster roll ($10), butter-poached lobster salad ($15) and house-made lobster mac ‘n cheese ($8). Lobster lovers can also order the lobster tail combos served with house-made lobster mac ‘n cheese, lemon-garlic butter, summer vegetable sauté and lobster knuckle sauce. The lobster combos include one 6 oz. lobster tail ($26), the Maine surf & turf combo, which includes one 6 oz. lobster tail with grilled filet mignon ($36) and the two tail combo, featuring two 6 oz. lobster tails ($39). Tailapalooza will also be featuring wine specials including Benziger, Sangiacomo Vineyard Chardonnay, Carneros 2008 ($8.50/$32) and Folie à Deux "Ménage à Trois," California 2009 ($8/$32). The limited-time menu is available through Sunday, July 3.

I Can't Wait To Be A Father Just To Have A Day!

Who wants to button that top collar, let alone knot up a tie on June's hot days? Better to treat dad to a memorable meal that brings the family together, gives him an opportunity to chef or surprises with top-grade grill fixings. Now that's how you tie one on Dad for Father's Day!

Dad can sink his teeth into the three-course Father's Day brunch menu offered at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar on June 19 from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. The special menu is priced at $32.95 for adults (plus tax and gratuity) and a children's menu will also be available. Dads who mark the day at Fleming's will receive a $25 gift card! Reservations are strongly recommended. (4501 Olde Perimeter Way in Perimeter Place Village; 770-698-8112)

La Tavola Trattoria is celebrating Father's Day with an à la carte brunch menu filled with classic Italian offerings from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The regular dinner menu will be served from 5 - 10 p.m. Call 404-873-5430 for reservations. (992 Virginia Avenue, NE)

Patriarchs of the grill will drool over steaks and grilling go-withs from New York Butcher Shoppe. Grill Master packages gather meats, sides -- and even woodchips and lump hardwood charcoal for an extra few bucks. The Americana packs up four burgers, hot dogs or NYBS bratwursts, buns and a choice of two sides for $19.99. BBQ-ers pine for the Pork Butt package that includes an eight-pound bone-in pork butt, one John Henry Rub and BBQ sauce of your choice ($29.99) or the Beef Brisket package with NYBS house brisket seasoning and BBQ sauce of your choice ($44.99). NYBS stocks family sides, wines and desserts to complete the feast. (Three locations in Alpharetta, Buckhead and Dunwoody.)

Ray's Restaurants invites you to take Dad to the river, creek or city for fabulous Father's Day brunch buffets from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ray's on the River is offering a Father's Day brunch buffet priced at $34.95 for adults and $17.95 for children ages 5 to 10. (6700 Powers Ferry Road; 770-955-1187) The Ray's at Killer Creek brunch buffet is priced at $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 5 to 10. (1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064) And downtown, Ray's in the City is offering a brunch buffet priced at $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 5 to 10. (240 Peachtree Street, NW; 404-524-9224)

Both locations of South City Kitchen are celebrating Father's Day with a brunch menu full of Southern favorites. South City Kitchen Midtown is offering an à la carte brunch menu from 1 - 3 p.m., and South City Kitchen Vinings is offering a three-course prix-fixe brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. priced at $21 for adults and $10.50 for children under the age of 12 (plus tax and gratuity). In addition, South City Kitchen Vinings has a great gift for fathers and husbands: a grilling class on Saturday, June 25 at 11 a.m. with Chef de Cuisine Blake Wagner. Dads will learn how to master the grill with step-by-step, hands-on instructions. Attendees also will enjoy lunch and beer pairings throughout the lesson. Seats are limited, and tickets are available online for $45 plus service fee. (South City Kitchen Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700. South City Kitchen Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358.)

Dad's dream of becoming a chef can come true, even if for just one day, at Spice Market. Book a customizable "chef for a day" excursion for $150 plus an additional $48/person for dinner with a four-person maximum (excluding tax and gratuity). He'll spend five hours working different kitchen stations before preparing dinner for family or friends. Price includes a five-course meal paired with wine. Advance notice of 72 hours is required; not valid with other discounts, promotions or specials. (In the W Atlanta-Midtown, 188 14th Street, NE; 404-724-2550)

Get down to the grass roots of Father's Day by supplying Dad with grass-fed beef and other sustainably raised meats from White Oak Pastures. You can even buy jars of beef jerky and meat at the online store! Over 220 Publix stores now sell White Oak Pastures beef as do all metro-Atlanta Whole Foods Markets.

For dads who enjoy showing off their culinary skills in their own kitchens, the Atlanta Cooks at Home cookbook makes a perfect Father's Day gift. Top Atlanta chefs share their recipes and menus for home entertaining for every occasion. From Micah Willix's rack of lamb to Gerry Klaskala's lobster minestrone, dad will enjoy this cookbook from cover to cover for years to come. Atlanta Cooks at Home is available for purchase online for $34.95.

Fun Times at Fadó

Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant has lots of exciting things happening this summer starting with its Pickleback Tweet Up on Wednesday, June 8. A Pickleback is a two-shooter cocktail that chases a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey with a shot of fresh pickle juice. From 6:30 - 8 p.m., grab a free Pickleback (one per customer) and appetizers and join in for a group shot at 7 p.m. Angie Tillman from Phickles Pickles and Maura Neill from 365 Atlanta host the pickle-ish party.

Top off your Pickleback with a stout Guinness and Guinness mixers! The Irish classic Guinness buddies with other strong bodies for tall drinks and cocktails on the new Fadó summer drink menu. The tall, dark and handsome look of a glass of Guinness may deceive you into thinking it’s high in calories when actually it’s lower in alcohol, calories and carbs than other beers! Teaming up with lagers, ales, ciders and more, Guinness takes on new personas: Half and Half (Harp), Black and Gold (Stella Artois), Blacksmith (Smithwick’s Irish Ale), Black Castle (Newcastle), Dirty Hoe (Hoegaarden Witbier) and Black Velvet (Strongbow Cider). Beer cocktails put you in chill mode for summer: Harp Shandy splashes Sprite into a pint of Harp; Snakebite mixes Harp and Strongbow Cider; and the Sweet Hoe pours Smirnoff Raspberry Vodka, sour mix, strawberry puree and Hoegaarden over ice in a Hoegaarden glass. The Trinity pleases purists with an Irish flight including seven-ounce pours of Guinness, Harp and Smithwick’s. Samuel Smith Organic Lager, Organic Strawberry Ale and India Ale also are summer features.

A new summer happy hour menu, offered from 4 - 7 p.m., has well-priced nibbles ($3-$5) for light or hearty appetites. Order up pub potato chips with blue cheese, bacon and green onion; grilled flatbread with hummus, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled zucchini and feta; Harp-battered fish tacos; blackened shrimp blinis; cheesesteak quesadillas; white bean and vegetable sliders; pub sliders with homemade pimento cheese and matchstick fries; and Guinness BBQ pork sliders. Add screens running UEFA and good times are rolling!

Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant: 273 Buckhead Avenue; 404-841-0066.