Kevin Gillespie and “Hired Guns” Guest Chefs Vishwesh Bhatt and Vivian Howard are James Beard 2016 Semifinalists – Join Bhatt March 13-14 at Gunshow

Kevin Gillespie has a knack for scoping out some of the most talented chefs in the nation and inviting them to Atlanta as guest chefs in the Gunshow “Hired Guns” dining series. They accept the challenge, much to the delight of Atlanta diners. Affirming his picks, two chefs in this year’s “Hired Guns” series join Gillespie as semifinalists for James Beard 2016 Restaurant and Chef Awards. Vishwesh Bhatt of City Grocery Restaurant Group in Oxford, Mississippi, is on the “Best Chef: South” short list, and Vivian Howard of Chef & The Farmer in Kinston, North Carolina, joins Gillespie on the “Best Chef: Southeast” list. Finalists will be announced on Twitter March 15. Act fast and you can still score seats at Bhatt’s “Hired Guns” dinner events, 6-9 p.m. Sunday, March 13 or Monday, March 14; $95 per person (excluding tax, gratuity and drinks). Buy tickets online. Calendar scroll through to fall and save October 16 and 17 for Vivian Howard’s “Hired Guns” visit.

Bellina Alimentari Chalkboards Class-y Kitchen Moves, Single Mingle, 3 Wine 3 Cheese and More in March

Bellina Alimentari Culinary Club classes and events are hot topics at Ponce City Market in Midtown. Roll call shows rosters filling fast. The magnet? “Mangia!” Given the convivial nature of preparing and enjoying Italian food and wine, anyone can be a culinary arts major while bonding over the pasta press, laughing over durum and dough or analyzing vino and Amaro. Pick an interest and sign up today. All classes are $45 per person (plus tax) unless otherwise noted. To register, click on the class name or call 404-330-9933.

• Kids Kitchen: Book a date with your kid (8-12 years old) and join the chef in making pasta from scratch. ($45 for two people, one adult and one child); Tuesday, March 8 from 4-5 p.m.
• Single Mingle Pasta Making: Meet and mingle in a hands-on fresh pasta cooking class and tasting. Take home some of the night’s pasta; Tuesday, March 15 from 6-7:30 p.m.
• Introduction to Amaro:  Learn about Italy’s Amaro culture while enjoying a guided tasting of bar selections and nibbles from the kitchen; Wednesday, March 16 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; $28 per person.  
• Pizza Making: Toss the dough with the best of them after learning the art of pizza crafting and sampling class-made creations; Tuesday, March 22 from 6-7:30 p.m.
• Easter Seafood Dinner: A special dining event only offered in the Culinary Club, this classic fish-based Italian dinner includes starter, entrée and dessert accompanied by sparkling, white and red wines; Wednesday, March 23 from 7-9 p.m.; $65 per person.
• Pasta Making: Mix, roll, cook, eat, take some home. Boxed pasta migrates to the back of the pantry after mastering fresh-made pasta; Tuesday, March 29 from 6-7:30 p.m.   
• 3 Wine 3 Cheese: A little bit Italy, a little bit local, this guided tasting pairs some of Italy’s finest natural wines with local artisanal cheeses; Wednesday, March 30 from 6-7 p.m.; $28 per person.

Nosh Talks Bubbles with Food Industry Socializing and Panel Discussion at Monday Night Brewing March 7

It’s not like those in Atlanta’s restaurant industry can gather round the coffeepot (or coffee pod, these days) to dish on trends, give high fives for successes and gulp in some of the latest gourmet gossip (in a nice way). They’re too busy chopping, muddling and dishing all over Atlanta. Nosh Talks stands in the gap. The food industry networking organization is hosting a social at Monday Night Brewing (670 Trabert Ave., NW in Atlanta) from 2-5 p.m. on Monday, March 7. Count on time to talk as well as listen to the panel discussion featuring Aria’s Andrés Loaiza and other beverage experts. Our Atlanta Dish blog pours out more information.

Gerry Klaskala Opens Serenbe Southern Chef Series 2016 March 6-7

Chef Gerry Klaskala is the first phenomenal chef to step up to the plate for the Serenbe Southern Chef Series 2016. Ten guests will have an opportunity to don aprons, roll up sleeves and set to prepping, cooking and eating Sunday supper and Monday lunch with the chef/owner of Aria at The Inn at Serenbe on March 6-7. Breakfast and an overnight stay at The Inn at Serenbe, located in peaceful Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, also are included in the $695 per-guest package price. Small class size means spaces go quickly. Email Guest Services to reserve a spot or call 770-463-2610.

Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar and High Road Craft Ice Cream Spoon Specialties at Sold-Out Atlanta Brunch Festival March 5

Do brunch? Atlantans love to. And that’s why this Saturday’s Atlanta Brunch Festival in Historic Fourth Ward Park is totally sold out. Lucky ticket holders will brunch on tastings from some of Atlanta’s best brunch spots washed down with classic brunchy beverages (i.e. bloody Marys and mimosas). Brunch newcomer Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar will dish out samples from its new brunch menu. No worries if you don’t have an event ticket, head on over to Saltwood in Midtown and order full-sized favorites off their menu. High Road Craft Ice Cream & Sorbet, another Atlanta favorite, will spoon out samples of its premium, chef-crafted ice cream, sorbet and gelato. Once available only at fine restaurants, High Road junkies can pick up pints at area grocery stores, specialty food stores and scoop shops.

Artful Area High Schoolers, Enter the Peachtree Road Farmers Market Reusable Bag Design Contest by March 4 -- $2,000 in Prizes

All Atlanta-area high school students – brown baggers and cafeteria eaters alike – are invited to enter the Peachtree Road Farmers Market Reusable Bag Design Contest. Gulp! The deadline is 4 p.m. this Friday, March 4. For inspiration, eat fruits and veggies and consider prompts from contest sponsors Country Financial and the Peachtree Road Farmers Market (PRFM). Designs should reflect this year’s theme of “Our Farms, Your Tables,” include imagery relating to the spring/summer farm season and corresponding regional farmers market goods and illustrate the spirit of the city. One more must-do, all entries must include the phrase “2016 Peachtree Road Farmers Market.” The big reveal takes place at PRFM on Saturday, April 16. One student will win a $1,000 scholarship and see his or her artwork printed on the abundance of canvas shopping bags the market hands out each year. Two runners-up will each win $500 scholarships. To enter, go to Country Financial for entry packet and complete rules. Pass this info on to artsy teen friends, and maybe they’ll bag a winner.

Melissa Libby & Associates is Searching for Summer 2016 Interns!

Are you a student who is passionate about food/wine culture and public relations? We want to meet you! Melissa Libby & Associates is currently seeking interns for the summer 2016 semester. Interns who join the MLA team will work with and learn directly from all agency functions, including media communications, social media, special events and client services. Creativity, positive energy, great writing skills and a strong work ethic are important traits for this internship.

Internships require 15-22 office hours per week from May to August. Schedules are fairly flexible, although Monday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to noon are required. Local candidates only! The ideal candidate will also receive school credit for his or her experience with MLA. Interns will be paid a $500 stipend at the completion of the program. To find out more about Melissa Libby & Associates, please visit our website and our Facebook page. If you are interested, please send your resume, cover letter, writing samples and availability to brandon@melissalibbypr.com. We're looking forward to hearing from you!

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White Russians and B-52s commandeered many a cocktail round back in the 80s, and Kahlúa, the java-juked key ingredient, is still going strong. In fact, with National Kahlúa Day topping off the week on Saturday, February 27, we're going Kahlúa Kah-razy around here! Kahlúa infiltrates every frozen drink, dessert, appetizer and cocktail on the board: mud slides (to eat or drink), pecan Brie bites, pecan and brown sugar baked Brie, tiramisu, dark chocolate cheesecake with Kahlúa truffles, donuts, homemade "Kahlúa," kicked-up granita, espresso martinis, gingerbread martinis, flaming B-52s and adult Fudgesicles.

#Foodgram

@MilkBarStore shows off the genius behind Milk Bar, sister bakery to global Momofuku restaurants. This is the place where founder, award-winning pastry chef and "Masterchef" judge Christina Tosi came up with cereal milk ice cream, compost cookies and crack pie while revamping homemade desserts with her playful spin and penchant for locally sourced dairy. Gallons more info at www.milkbarstore.com.

What Obstacles? White Oak Pastures Ruff Run is March 19

Run into White Oak Pastures and run into a lot of history: one family, one farm, five generations, 150 years -- and the second-annual White Oak Pastures Ruff Run on Saturday, March 19. First heat sets off at 10 a.m. followed by second and third heats at 10:30 and 11 a.m. Go all out in "Run & Fun" featuring 10 obstacles and receive a Ruff Run T-shirt, one beer ticket (for entrants 21+ years old) and join in "After Run" activities (see "Fun"); $35 per person. "Fun" lovers, stick to the "After Run" activities for $15 per person: ride on the mechanical bull, try your hand at cowboy jousting, play cornhole, paintball and more. When the run's done, what's your hurry? Hang around for lunch, available to purchase at the White Oak Pastures food truck (cash, debit and credit cards accepted). Register by calling 229-641-2081 or visiting the online store, designating "pick up" to avoid automatic delivery charges.

Appetizing Aperture

Cast your eyes on chocolate chunk skillet cookies topped off with house-made vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce ($8.95) at Seed Kitchen & Bar, and there's no way you're walking out the door without spooning into one yourself...or at least sharing one with your tablemate. Two spoons, please.

Matthew Ridgway of The Southern Gentleman and Gypsy Kitchen Caravans to Charleston Wine + Food Festival March 2-6

The Low Country calls, and y'all must go to the 10^th annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival (CWFF), Wednesday, March 2 through Sunday, March 6. Charleston is already deemed one of the top food and wine destinations in America, and the CWFF adds about 400 more reasons to visit -- the approximate number of chefs, farmers, beverage professionals, artists and experts contributing to the week of exclusive dinners, fine wine and food tastings, cocktails, beer, demos and classes, Culinary Village experiences, live entertainment and much more. Count Matthew Ridgway in on the punch list. The executive chef of The Southern Gentleman and Gypsy Kitchen leads several demos on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in Marion Square, the Culinary Village and the SCE&G Tent. His plans include preparing chickpea socca pancake with farmers cheese and torn herb salad in the Hands-On Kitchen/SCE&G Tent and Gypsy Kitchen red lentils with coconut milk, basil and hot chorizo in the Culinary Village. Visit the website to choose the ticket options you desire, from individual events to packages. Makes for a sumptuous grown-up getaway because one must be age 21 or over to attend. Feel-good factor (along with food and wine) -- festival proceeds benefit area charities and provide culinary scholarships at three Charleston colleges.

Derek Dollar and Doug Turbush Selected for Georgia Restaurant Association's Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program

Derek Dollar of Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails and The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill and Doug Turbush of Seed Restaurant & Bar, Stem Wine Bar and new Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar have been selected for the Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program by the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) and the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA). GDA Commissioner Gary S. Black and GRA CEO Karen Bremer announced the 2016 class of five chefs on February 17 at GRA's eighth annual Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception at the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot. These chefs bring incredible experience and unique talents to the table and are already supportive of Georgia products, according to Bremer. As part of the Georgia Grown program, Dollar and Turbush will, even more so, foster relationships with farmers to strengthen ties between Georgia farmers, chefs, restaurants and consumers.

Take-O Time Out for Free Tacos at the Bar in Ray’s Rio Bravo

For real, mi amigo. Ray’s Rio Bravo sets out a special taco bar, complimentary for bar patrons only, every Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. and 9 p.m. until closing time. Living the Tex-Mex life is easy with so many tacos waiting to be held. Another reason the bar at Ray’s packs in so much olé -- $15 pitchers of house margaritas and $10 pitchers of draught beer all day, every day.

Atkins Park Va-Hi Musters a Leap Year Lip Sync Battle so Epic It Only Happens Every Four Years on February 29

Lip balming, jaw stretches, singing to the bathroom mirror -- start doing whatever you do to prep and mobilize your lips for the Leap Year Lip Sync Battle at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland on Monday, February 29. DJ Captain Jam runs the show starting at 10 p.m. Featured beverages from Terrapin and Jack Daniel’s are sure to loosen the lips for showtime. Fake it til you make it. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll be one of the lip sync contest winners taking home prizes of Atlanta Hawks basketball tickets. Miss out on the mouth-umental battle and you’ll have four more years of practicing until leap year 2020

Will They Sing for Their Supper? Shaun Doty of Bantam + Biddy and Revival’s Rémi Granger Among Chefs Cooking at Songs for Kids Foundation Food + Music Festival February 28

Chefs and musicians will rock Park Tavern when Songs for Kids Foundation Food + Music Festival commandeers the Piedmont Park-side restaurant on Sunday, February 28 from 1-5 p.m. Bantam + Biddy founder/owner Shaun Doty and Revival executive sous chef Rémi Granger are gourmet groupies, i.e. participating chefs, serving lip-smacking good samples to guests while Yacht Rock Revue churns out the hits. The beat goes on with tunes from Songs for Kids artists and kids from the organization’s programs and live and silent auction excitement. A bouncy castle, face painting, magic and other fun activities entertain youngsters. Buy tickets, which include food and drink tastings, on Xorbia for $75 each ($10 for kids ages 16 and under). All proceeds benefit Songs for Kids Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that integrates musicians into the lives of children who are suffering from illness and hardship in and out of children’s hospitals and special needs camps through interactive concerts and the Songs for Kids Records songwriting and recording program.

Soak Up Swizzling Skills from Bellina Alimentari’s Corey Phillips at Decatur Stirs on February 27

Afternoon plans are on the rocks this Saturday, February 27, for those muddling in cocktail mode at the Decatur Stirs Craft Cocktail Experience 2016. Drink in cocktail crafting know-how from local spirit experts and bartenders while sipping and swirling through a showcase of 100 craft spirits, syrups, bitters and new cocktail products at the 2-5 p.m. event spilling through the Courtyard by Marriott Decatur Downtown and Decatur Conference Center. There’s more to crafting cocktails than meets the highball. Bellina Alimentari bar manager Corey Phillips adds Italian flair to the afternoon’s cocktail repertoire by mixing apertivo-worthy sippers with Cynar, Cynar 70 and Aperol. Stop by and absorb some ideas for throwing your own Italian happy hour! Purchase tickets online, $50 each. Limited to ages 21 and over only.

Enjoy Three Courses for $25 at Ray’s at Killer Creek During Alpharetta Restaurant Week Through February 27

So you missed treating someone special to a Valentine’s Day dinner out on the town? Redeem yourself by making a date for Ray’s at Killer Creek during Alpharetta Restaurant Week, going on through Saturday, February 27. Guests can select their choice morsels on Ray’s $25 prix fixe, three-course dinner menu (excludes tax, gratuity or beverages). The first course offers artisan field greens, Caesar salad or a cup of crab bisque. Mains float land and sea options: salmon Oscar with jumbo lump crab meat, béarnaise, grilled asparagus and whipped Yukon Gold potatoes; Springer Mountain Farms chicken with grilled king trumpet mushrooms, grilled asparagus and bacon-thyme demi-glace; or filet trio with mushroom bordelaise and whipped Yukon Gold potatoes. Dessert demands the willpower to choose either Key lime pie with raspberry coulis or crème brûlée with seasonal fruit compote -- fresh whipped cream dollops both selections. Call the restaurant for reservations: 770-649-0064. Heck, belated Valentine’s dinner or not, this delectable deal is irresistibly sweet.

Ride the Oyster Trend at The Big Ketch Roswell Oyster and Beer Flight Dinner February 25

Oyster appreciation netted a top spot when we pried chefs for 2016 food trends, and The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Roswell is on board with a fine and briny opportunity. The Canton Street restaurant is hosting an Oyster and Beer Flight Dinner on Thursday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. Shell out $35 per person to savor eight oysters (four varieties), four (4-oz.) beers from local beer crafters Gate City Brewing Company and Second Self Beer Company and hushpuppies and boiled peanuts aplenty. Space is limited for this oyster bed and brew-fest. To reserve a seat, email Jill List at jill@tbkroswell.com.

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For far too long, veggies perched meekly on plates like wallflowers at a dance. No more. The trend spotlight beams on Vivacious Vegetables as the dinner table’s newest darlings, and the conversation’s never been so colorful. Set a plant-iful precedent by serving the ultimate winter bliss bowls, smoked grilled vegetables, sweet potato corn cakes with garlic dipping sauce, roasted veggie and goat cheese grilled sandwiches or raw spiralized Thai salad. Vegetarian recipes for the ultimate Australia Day barbecue attest that veggies are on top, even down under. 

Atlanta Restaurants Celebrate National Margarita Day Feb. 22

No need to bring out the blender at home! These Atlanta restaurants are celebrating National Margarita Day this year great specials and promos:

Now through February 25, Tin Lizzy’s Cantina is celebrating all week long with 22-ounce Big House Margaritas (1800 tequila, Agavero and sour mix) for $10 and 22-ounce Grandma’s House Margaritas (1800 tequila, Agavero, sour mix and a hefty floater of Grand Marnier) for $12. These two featured margaritas are served in commemorative maroon cups that guests can keep and are available for a whole week surrounding National Margarita Day (while cup supplies last).

Hop on over to HOBNOB in Midtown for $10 Don Julio Blanco margaritas available all day on February 22. Guests can also take home swag from Don Julio representatives to keep the party going all night long.

Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar is shaking things up with their limited-time pomegranate margarita! Sip on this cool cocktail featuring Don Julio Blanco and fresh lime juice for $12.

#Foodgram

Chefs and mixologists can’t claim all the glory. Let’s hear it for the guy behind the menu art and eye candy-filled walls. That would be Patrick Nguyen, restaurant/bar/brewery artist. Peruse his portfolio at Dozfy and email him with suggestions of restaurants wanting menu art.

Appetizing Aperture

Lobster. Butter. Cream. Whole baked lobster, a specialty at Cotton Calf Kitchen, epitomizes luxury on a plate. Claw your way out of the city to the peaceful streets of Braselton for this market-priced catch. 

Kevin Gillespie Rousts Sleepyheads Out of Bed on CBS This Morning: Saturday on February 20

Rise and shine to chef Kevin Gillespie on CBS This Morning: Saturday on February 20. The feisty Southern chef/owner of Gunshow in Glenwood Park and Revival in Decatur pays tribute to the loves of his life -- Southern cuisine and awesome pork -- on the 9 a.m. show. Stars of his segment include Coca-Cola glazed pork shoulder, cabbage dumplings with country sausage, overnight grits with tomato-braised greens, glazed root vegetables, banoffee trifle with candied bacon and a boozy peach party liquor beverage. Put a fork under the pillow and get ready. They’ll be no sleeping through all these yums!  

Ormsby’s Weekend Brunch -- Less Taxing, More Relaxing

Only two days in a weekend. Which will define it, crochet, croquet or croquette? No brainer. Ormsby’s salmon croquette Benedict with poached eggs, wilted spinach, hollandaise, English muffin and chipotle cheddar grits ($14) is the obvious choice. Find it on the Westside restaurant’s finely honed weekend brunch menu, available from noon-3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Rather than overwhelm valuable weekend time wading through a voluminous menu, Ormsby’s whittles the list down to well-mastered favorites: a cheddar jalapeño biscuit hugging fried chicken, scrambled eggs, more cheddar and honey alongside grits, bacon or potato hash ($10); chicken and waffles uniting Southern-fried chicken strips and Belgian or red velvet waffles with chipotle syrup, whipped butter and two eggs ($10); raisin challah French toast ($10); classic corned beef and hash with piping-hot braised corned beef, steamed cabbage, potato hash and a sunny side up egg ($12); and shrimp and grits sporting roasted red peppers, caramelized onions and cream sherry, for smaller or larger appetites ($12/$16). Similarly, spend less time poring over a lengthy cocktail list and get to the point of enjoying one of the four high-powered selections -- Ormsby’s yellow bloody mary ($10), the Monkey Mosa ($8), blackberry ginger bourbon iced tea ($9) or the classic Champagne cocktail ($9). Less time making taxing decisions opens up more time for relaxing before tackling whatever else the weekend holds.

Award-Winning Mississippi Chef Vishwesh Bhatt Zeroes in on Gunshow “Hired Guns” March 13 and 14

Gunshow’s popular “Hired Guns” series is already one chef into its third year and continuing along a tantalizing trajectory with the guest appearance of chef Vishwesh Bhatt of City Grocery Restaurant Group in Oxford, Mississippi on Sunday, March 13 and Monday, March 14. The Gujarat, India native, known for connecting Southern, French bistro and South Asian foodways, serves as corporate chef of City Grocery Restaurant Group (City Grocery, Snackbar, Big Bad Breakfast, Main Event Catering and Lamar Lounge). A quick glance through Bhatt’s viewfinder reveals his path from a humble start as City Grocery Restaurant Group line cook in 1997 to hitting marks as catering chef, opening Snackbar in 2009 and earning a People’s Best New Chef nomination from Food & Wine in 2011 and a James Beard Awards finalist slot for Best Chef: South in 2014 and 2015. Gunshow’s kitchen is always abuzz with energy, and the high-caliber combination of Bhatt, chef Kevin Gillespie, Gunshow executive chef Joey Ward and the rest of the “kitchen dudes” will only ratchet up the action -- to the delight of diners experiencing the restaurant’s unique service style. To lock onto one of the limited number of tickets available for the evening, visit Xorbia. The cost is $95 per person (not including drinks, tax and gratuity). Looking forward, the remaining 2016 “Hired Guns” lineup includes Brian Baxter from HUSK in Nashville, Tennessee, over May 22-23; Kenny Gilbert of Gilbert's Underground Kitchen in Fernandina Beach, Florida, over June 12-13; Brooke Williamson of Hudson House in Redondo Beach, California, over September 11-12; and Vivian Howard of Chef & the Farmer in Kinston, North Carolina, over October 16-17. For more information about Gunshow in Glenwood Park, visit the website or call 404-380-1886.

Slide Over, TED. Nosh Talks Sets Table for Atlanta Dining Industry Networking on March 7

Fresh. Meet. The thousands who make up Atlanta’s restaurant industry family hunger for fresh networking options to celebrate successes and swap scoop on trends. Food and beverage industry veteran Karen Pagano is cognizant of their conversational cravings -- that’s why she’s launching a new by-the-industry and for-the-industry networking organization dubbed Nosh Talks. “Booze Schmooze” pops the top on Nosh Talk’s series of regularly scheduled socials and taps Monday Night Brewing (670 Trabert Ave. NW in Atlanta) to host the 2-5 p.m. event on Monday, March 7. Light bites and sips from Monday Night Brewing’s signature suds lineup whet appetites for a beverage-centric panel discussion about the creative craft cocktail and burgeoning local beverage industry. Moderated by local liquor licensing attorney Dan Plevak, the panel features Aria’s Andrés Loaiza, The Painted Pin’s Trip Sandifer, Monday Night Brewing’s Jonathan Baker and Charlie Thompson from American Spirit Whiskey. Buy tickets online through Eventbrite: $10 for students, $20 for industry members and $40 for non-industry guests. Nosh Talks strives to be a mechanism for mentoring and giving back to Atlanta’s restaurant community. As Pagano says, “Our city is focused on giving, not receiving, and that sets us apart.” For more information and to discover ways to get involved, go to noshtalks.com or follow Nosh Talks on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Bayou ‘n Bourbon Parades Big Easy Eats, Sips, a Trip and Prizes through Marlow’s Tavern February 16-March 29

Mardi Gras blew through NOLA last week and is settling down in Marlow’s Tavern for a Bayou ‘n Bourbon blowout going on February 16-March 29. Did we say settling down? Faux pas. Partying up is more like it -- and “parish” the thought of missing out on a lunch or dinner feast on Marlow’s fine mess of New Orleans dishes and “Mo’ Betta Drinks.” Joining the krewe of old friends like Roasted Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo, Daily Flatbread from the Bayou, Deconstructed Jambalaya and the highly popular Honey-Bourbon Bread Pudding are

• Bayou Lump Crab Dip - Creole-spiced lump crab, andouille, spicy mustard, Asiago, Parmesan crust and toasty French baguette ($9)         

• N’awlins-Style Po’boy - fiery spiced red fish, apple-cabbage slaw, shredded lettuce, Roma tomato and Creole rémoulade on toasted baguette ($15)                                           

• “The Big Easy” Muffaletta  - imported mortadella, Genoa salami, spicy capicola, GG’s secret recipe olive salad, melting provolone on pressed ciabatta bread ($12.50)                                       

• Sweet Bourbon St. Rib-eye - blackened Jack Daniel’s Honey-blazed rib-eye seasoned with locally made GG’s Fine Food creole seasoning, jumbo asparagus and a creamy crawfish pie ($26)

Marlow’s “Mo’ Betta Drinks” and ice-cold NOLA beers hit the spot, even if “Where y’at?” is ATL instead of Bourbon Street.
 

• “Pat’s” Marlow’s Hurricane – a New Orleans tradition jazzes Pat O’Brien’s secret recipe with Bacardi light rum, fresh orange juice and a floater of Bacardi. ($9)

• Bourbon Rum Punch – Old Forester, Meyer’s Dark Rum, vanilla, cream and nutmeg ($8.50)

• Bourbon Street Lemonade – house-made New Orleans original, Southern Comfort, lemonade, kiss of mint, fresh lemon and lime and a dash of simple syrup ($9.50)

• Sokol Blosser Evolution, Oregon 16th Edition – unique blend of nine different white grapes, produced and bottled in Oregon with hand-selected Oregon, Washington and California fruit, bright straw, exotic tropical citrus, hints of spicy apple with a lush, crisp, bright finish ($11/$44)

• ABITA Turbodog-Draught – Turbodog dark brown ale brewed with pale, caramel, chocolate malts and Willamette hops, rich flavors. ABV: 5.6 ($6.50)

• ABITA Wrought Iron IPA-Bottle - Abita Wrought Iron IPA is forged with intensity of Apollo, Equinox and Mosaic hops, perfect for a night on the bayou. ABV: 6.9 ($6)

At the end of Bayou ‘n Bourbon, one lucky country music fan and a guest will be Baton Rouge-bound for the Bayou Country Superfest thanks to Marlow’s partnership with radio station94.9 FM The Bull. Enter to win this bit of lagniappe on the station’s website. Fais do-do over to the restaurant'sFacebook page between February 19 and March 17 and enter contact information for a chance to win a drawing for a dinner for two ($50 value) or dinner for four ($100 value). And, even if you missed out on beads or finding the king cake baby during Mardi Gras, you might taste sweet victory by Instagramming your Bayou ‘n Bourbon experience with the tag @marlowstavern. Regrammed entries win a complimentary Honey-Bourbon Bread Pudding!

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Does the sparkle in her glass match the sparkle in her eyes? Follow some advice from tree-huggers, skip the paper card and save a tree by swizzling Sweet Sips to Love. Embrace libations bearing romantic names such as Sweetie martinis, Love Potion, Cupid’s Pink Arrow, Hugs & Kisses, Hearts Afire and Passion. For the littlest princess, a pink cupid float with soda, ice cream and a red licorice straw is a royal Valentine’s treat.

#Foodgram

Chocolate purists, this bar’s for you. Cacao Atlanta shows off the uncompromising standards of excellence in its bean-to-bar evolved craft chocolates. Don’t hold back. 

Appetizing Aperture

One can never go overboard on chocolate, especially during Valentine’s week. Nor can one single out the most seductive ingredient in Cherry Coke Seduction ($8) at Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar in Midtown. Chocolate brownie, drunken cherries, chocolate mousse, seasonal berries, chocolate drizzle...did we mention chocolate?

Dance to Cold Draft Beer and Other Bands Sunday Nights at Johnny's Hideaway

On Valentine’s Day night, February 14, hearts beat and feet follow when Band X pulls dance floor darlings and swinging solos out on the dance floor at Johnny’s Hideaway in Buckhead. Cold Draft Beer -- the band, not the beverage -- fills the stage and the dance floor on Sunday, February 21. The Stephen Lee Band closes out the month with rock and pop on February 28. Live music begins at 8:30 p.m. Sundays, and cover is only $5. Additionally, Sunday nights are “Hospitality Nights,” so those in the industry enjoy food and drink specials. Reservations accepted until 8:30 p.m.; call 404-233-8026.

Tin Lizzy's Surrounds National Margarita Day with Week of Super-Sized Drink Deals February 18-25

Total immersion. That’s how Tin Lizzy’s Cantina is celebrating National Margarita Day (Monday, February 22). All Tin Lizzy’s locations are immersing the “hola” day amid a whole week of super-sized specialty sippers well worth their salt and lime. From Thursday, February 18 through Thursday, February 25, the cantinas will offer commemorative 22-ounce cups filled with Big House margaritas (1800 tequila, Agavero and sour mix) for $10 each and Grandma’s House margaritas (1800 tequila, Agavero, sour mix and a hefty floater of Grand Marnier) for $12 each. Keep the cup to remember the occasion. Available at all 10 Georgia locations and at the newest restaurant in Columbia, South Carolina, while commemorative cup supplies last. While making Tin Lizzy’s your margarita headquarters, be sure to check out their fun, mouthwatering FlexMex cuisine including more than 25 types of soft tacos, quesadillas and specialty skillets. 

Doug Turbush Assembles Top-Shelf Team for Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar

When stocking soon-to-open Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar with talent, chef/restaurateur Doug Turbush had only to look around the family tree. Longtime team members Brendan Keenan, Jason Raymond and Jose Pereiro all previously contributed to the success of Turbush’s other Marietta restaurants, Seed Kitchen & Bar and Stem Wine Bar. Keenan has served as chef de cuisine, Raymond as general manager and sommelier and Pereiro as mixologist at the popular East Cobb restaurants. Although the three gents bring different hospitality backgrounds to the table, all three share Turbush’s passion for providing impeccable service and extending exciting new culinary experiences to guests. As executive chef, Keenan carries a well-honed knack for creating seasonal and spirited seafood dishes to the helm of Drift. A Culinary Institute of America - New York graduate, Keenan garnered years of experience out West in top kitchens of San Francisco, Salt Lake City and Crested Butte, Colorado before heading east to Atlanta’s The Sound Table, Woodfire Grill and Bluepointe -- where he met Turbush. Raymond, raised in a restaurant family and holding bachelor’s and master’s degrees in hotel management, will pour his years of dining, wine and beverage management experience into his role as director of operations and sommelier. Complementing Raymond’s passion for wine is beverage manager Jose Pereiro’s fervor for the art of mixology. This cocktail-crafting whiz and 2012, 2014 and 2015 winner of major cocktail competitions will shake up the East Cobb cocktail scene from behind the Drift bar. You won’t have to wait long to enjoy fresh, sustainable seafood at lively and casual Drift. The restaurant will open later this month in The Avenue East Cobb. Follow along on Facebook and Twitter for updates.s.

Find Heart-y Valentine's Day Eats and Sweets on The Dish Blog

Go ahead and whisper sweet nothings, but nothing says “you fill me up” like lavishing loved ones with a delectable Valentine’s meal at one of Atlanta’s beloved restaurants. When the conversation hearts turn to where to dine, follow Cupid’s lead and zing the heartstrings over to our blog for suggestions on where to dote on your darling as well as where to go if you’re solo and loving it.

Williams-Sonoma and Bellina Alimentari Pair Up for Valentine’s Dinner Demo February 9

She’s your little butternut. He’s the apple of your eye. Meet at the new Ponce City Market Williams-Sonoma store where Bellina Alimentari executive chef David Berry will show you how to whip up an amorous Valentine’s dinner for two that honors these admirable attributes. At this special pre-Valentine’s Day demo on Tuesday, February 9 from 6 to 8 p.m., Berry will prepare ravioli di zucca (butternut squash ravioli) and tortino di mele (apple tart with mascarpone and saba). Come learn and leave ready to fix it all from scratch -- pasta dough, butternut squash with ricotta and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese ravioli filling, a walnut and sage sauce, shortbread tart crust and filling. Could be part one of a two-part romantic Valentine’s date or an inroad to impressing your Valentine over a dinner personally cheffed by the award-winning...YOU.

Cacao Atlanta Chocolate Workshop at Bellina Alimentari February 9

Honestly, there’s a time and place to impulsively eat supermarket checkout line chocolate, but not this week. Instead, look for a deeper relationship with chocolate, appreciating each lovely characteristic. Your matchmakers and counselors? The Cacao Atlanta chocolate crafters will lead chocolate lovers through a guided tasting during a Chocolate Workshop at Bellina Alimentari on Tuesday, February 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. Sniffing, tasting and reflecting on each nuance...the engagement process is similar to that of a wine tasting but without the spit buckets. While you’re licking your fingers, Cacao Atlanta chocolatiers will share a little bit about ethical sourcing and the processes that go into creating their artisanal chocolates. After class, receive 10 percent off purchases in The Market at Bellina Alimentari -- and the market is chock full of chocolates. Valentine's gift hint here. Added bonus: Flashy supermarket displays will be less distracting because you’ve unwrapped the real thing. That’s love. Sign up online at Mercato di Bellina or call 404-330-9933.

Get Your Gumbo On for Mardi Gras Menus and Fat Tuesday Specials February 9

Carnival season is well underway in New Orleans where our Southern sister city parades and parties hard from January through Fat Tuesday on February 9. No wallflowers we. Atlanta eateries are living out loud and reveling in Mardi Gras weekend specials and Fat Tuesday merriment.

Beads, beers, gumbo, king cake, po’boys and jambalaya.Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland pours everything into one big Fat Tuesday celebration on February 9. NOLA’s own Abita Restoration pale ale is the righteous ale du jour. 10th & Piedmont is always primed to “laissez les bons temps rouler.” Mardi Gras favorites get rowdy on the dinner menu, including delicious gumbo -- which revelers can order by the cup or bowl ($5/$7). 10^th & Piedmont’s mixologists can give those Bourbon Street bartenders a run for their money! 

Ever wonder why purple, green and yellow rule the Mardi Gras color spectrum? Tradition has it that purple is for justice, green for faith, and yellow represents power.Sublime Doughnuts splashes all three bold hues over the vanilla icing on their justly, faithfully and powerfully delectable Mardi Gras king cake doughnuts available only on February 9. Plain beignets pale in comparison to these cinnamon-spiced yeast-raised sweeties. Pick up a box, and you’ll be an instant hit with the home or office krewe. 

What’s New on Pinterest

Touching down on the subject of game table strategies,Game Day Goodness goes out to all the DIY-ers out there. Score big with game day-inspired dishes like beer-candied bacon, game-day pep-corn, football pizza pockets, macho nachos and crescent jalapeño poppers. Dip into hot Buffalo chicken dip, creamy gluten-free baked double-cheese and onion dip and of course, the ultimate guac-salsa-queso football field surrounded by adoring tortilla chip fans. Game on!