#Foodgram: Melina Hammer

Photographer, stylist, recipe developer and cook Melina Hammer transforms simple ingredients into sensational creations that entice grown-up and kid chefs alike. Along the same thought train, this past April Melina released her new cookbook, “KID CHEF: Healthy Recipes & Culinary Skills for the New Cook in the Kitchen.” Nifty gifty for young kitchen Padawans. Adults, go ahead and peek. Scouts honor, we won’t tell.

What’s New on Pinterest: Lunchbox Love

Send ‘em off to face the day knowing noontime Lunchbox Love is coming their way. Healthy snacks and trail mixes, pineapple coconut energy balls and no-bake s’mores protein bars fill fuel tanks for the afternoon. Surprise the sandwich set with rainbow veggie pinwheels, wraps, rolls and “copycat” sandwiches. Cool bento box stackers, kid-approved vegan lunch box ideas and cultural crossovers like Italian sub sandwich tortilla pinwheels add diversity. Made-you-laugh edible animal look-alikes devour a youngster-sized case of the back-to-school blues. 

Milton’s Patriot Day Chowdown Salute to America Honors Local First Responders on September 11

First responders put others first on a daily basis. The tables turn on Sunday, September 11 when Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails executive chef Derek Dollar transforms the traditional Farmyard Chowdown into a Patriot Day Chowdown as an expression of gratitude to these selfless heroes. Milton’s invites the entire community – along with the city of Milton’s firefighters, police officers and Milton mayor Joe Lockwood – to enjoy an afternoon of family fun. Dollar calls this month’s chowdown a “low country boil on steroids,” thick with shrimp and corn. His kitchen team pulls out the stops by serving piles of lobster, crab legs, pickle-fried chicken, pulled pork, pastrami-rubbed ribs, side dishes and other goodies as well as kid favorites like chicken fingers, french fries and cotton candy. Every corner of the lush grounds will celebrate good works with awesome entertainment from 4-8 p.m. including fire truck tours in the parking lot, live music in the garden, lawn games, a balloon release and a lively children’s play area in the backyard with a bounce house, face painting and more. The $40-per-adult and $20-per-child price includes food, music and entertainment (tax, small online service fee, alcoholic beverages are extra). Buy tickets online. Plenty of parking! 

Appetizing Aperture: Gypsy Kitchen's KYX Cocktail

Get your kicks on Route 66, but for KYX, pull up to the bar at Gypsy Kitchen in Buckhead. Wanting to create a distinctly Spanish cocktail to complement Gypsy Kitchen fare, Garn McCown marries Kentucky bourbon (KY) with East India Lustau sherry from the Jerez (also known as Xerez) region of Spain (X) for KYX ($12).  The family tree becomes even more interesting with a hand-blended mix of quince, lemon, sugar and a touch of black walnut bitters punctuated by a flamed lemon peel for a hint of smokiness.

Gerry Klaskala Cooks, Entertains Guests at “Atlanta Eats” Inside the Chef's Studio in the Sub-Zero and Wolf Showroom on August 31

Thirty-five guests will savor a heaping helping of stories, a chef’s demo, four-course dinner and great wines with Atlanta’s own legendary chef Gerry Klaskala at Inside the Chef's Studio, presented by Oxygen Financial, on Wednesday, August 31. Aria chef/owner Klaskala and “Atlanta Eats” host Steak Shapiro will spill some stories of life in the restaurant field during the 6:30-9 p.m. event taking place in one of Atlanta’s coolest kitchens, the Sub-Zero and Wolf Showroom in Buckhead. Tickets, $175 per person (plus online service fee), are available on FreshTix. Price includes complimentary valet, wine, beer, four-course meal and cooking demo. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank. 

Indian and Latin American Cuisines Fuse at Affairs, Ricky Walia’s New Restaurant in Alpharetta

A love for Indian and Latin American cuisines threatened to cause tabletop tug of war for restaurateur Ricky Walia. That is until he decided to unite the two cultures in a spicy East meets West marriage at his new restaurant and tapas lounge Affairs. Now open at 4120 Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta (former Urban Spice location), the joint venture from the Walia Hospitality Group and the Thakkar Group promises a blessedly bold union of culinary experiences. Walia is behind the successful Masti – Fun Indian Street Eats in Toco Hills as well as the recently opened Bombay Brasserie in Roswell. A traditional tandoor oven and the small, open-flame sigri stove yield Indian staples such as aromatic biryanis (mixed rice dishes) and rich, thick dal stews in addition to a wide array of dishes and styles from across Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Rice dishes, breads, barbecue platters, salads and appetizers round out the menus. Turn to Affairs for a spicy romance with lunch and dinner seven days a week. More info: 678-566-0169.

Stem Wine Bar Spins Mother Earth Brewing Beer Dinner August 29

Mother Earth Brewing Company road trips south from Kinston in eastern North Carolina and pulls into Stem Wine Bar in Marietta for a Mother Earth Beer Dinner on Monday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m. Executive chef de cuisine John Flagello creates a five-course menu that orbits around Mother Earth Brewing selections chosen by Stem general manager Chris McNeill and beverage manager David Peek. Casey Turner from Mother Earth comes along for the ride to talk about the evening’s beer pairings. The out-of-this-world menu lands red snapper crudo with nectarine supreme, hibiscus, jalapeño, radish and Georgia olive oil paired with Endless River Kolsch-style ale; chorizo, fig and focaccia-stuffed Judith Point calamari, plantain crisp, black garlic purée and micro cilantro served with Weeping Willow Wit; braised Cheshire Farm’s pork cheek, stewed hominy, sweet corn, roasted chili and okra, Mexican chocolate mole and queso cojito with Dark Cloud Dunkel; Maple Leaf Farm’s duck breast, sweet potato and duck confit hash, ancho chili and blackberry gastrique paired with Sisters of the Moon IPA; and a rich ending of espresso panna cotta, Mexican chocolate biscotti, brûléed nectarine supreme and nectarine chocolate sauce with Silent Night Imperial stout. Buy tickets online in advance; $79 per person (includes tax and gratuity).

Intercept Marlow’s Brie Fondue and Crab Cakes at Sandy Springs Kickoff Cookout Tailgate August 27

Gridiron season is only a few downs away, and tailgaters are already jotting game-day noshing ideas in their playbooks. The Sandy Springs community rallies fans for its second annual Kickoff Cookout at 5 Seasons Brewing in the Prado from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, August 27. Marlow’s Tavern is on the team of local restaurants participating, selling samples of Warm Brie Fondue for $1 and Lump Crab Cakes for $2. Live music, traditional tailgate games including cornhole and QB Toss, and crafted brews kick this football season celebration into the family friendly (sorry Fido, not this time) party zone. Entry is free; purchase food and drinks with cash or card. Free parking.

Wing It with Some of the Southeast’s Best Chefs at Springer Mountain Farms' Atlanta Wing Fest Presented by Taste of Atlanta September 25

The inaugural Springer Mountain Farms' Atlanta Wing Fest presented by Taste of Atlanta takes flight at The Foundry at Puritan Mill on Sunday, September 25. Wings are the thing here, flanked by beer, Southern spirits and local music. Appropriately, Atlanta-based charity Angel Flight Soars benefits from the charitable event, as does Second Helpings Atlanta. General admission tickets, $20 each, include 1:30 p.m. event entry, wing tastes from 25 local and Southeastern restaurants, eat and greets with chefs, live entertainment and a complimentary bottle or two of water. A cash bar is available for more potent liquids. For those 21 and over, the $45 VIP First Taster ticket pays the way for early admission plus entry into Southern Spirits Lounge with café seating and an open bar pouring Southern spirits and craft beers.

“Taste of Atlanta Tuesdays” Neighborhood Dinner Series Sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms Debuts September 13

Food aficionados prepping for Taste of Atlanta weekend October 21-23 can go ahead and begin with a little amuse bouche  — “Taste of Atlanta Tuesdays,” a series of four weekly five-course paired tasting menus in several of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods created by some of Atlanta’s finest chefs. Thanks to a Taste of Atlanta and Springer Mountain Farms partnership, diners will have opportunities to meet the chefs at their restaurants and experience each one’s creativity over an intimate dinner. Priced at $85 per person, tax and tip included, these dinners won’t bite into wallets. Each dinner begins at 7 p.m., and reservations are limited. Click on a date to purchase tickets:

• September 13 -- wood-fired, modern Italian cuisine from Chef Michael Perez of Colletta at Avalon in Alpharetta. 
• September 27 -- seasonal American fare from Chef Drew Van Leuvan of Seven Lamps in Buckhead.
• October 4 -- globally flavored small plates from Chef Tom Catherall of TomTom in Virginia-Highland.
• October 18 -- Southern-accented American fare from Chef Todd Richards of White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails in downtown.

Bite into more Taste of Atlanta details on TasteofAtlanta.com; follow updates on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram and sign up for A Bite of News newsletter.

Trivia, Not Trivial: Dirty South Bingo at Communion on Wednesday Nights

There’s bingo. Then there’s Dirty South bingo, the varietal served Wednesday nights at Communion, the backyard beer garden at chef Kevin Gillespie’s Revival in Decatur. Stop in for a midweek pick-me-up beer and stay to play Dirty South bingo at 8 p.m. Thursday nights, switch gears to Dirty South trivia, also at 8 p.m. Thank goodness the prizes are useful and not trivial – champs win Communion tokens redeemable for beer and other menu items. Didn’t win? You can still score a token; buy six and Communion throws in number seven on the house. Plus, everyone (21 and over) can take advantage of spirited drink specials. Communion is open Wednesday-Saturday from 5-10 p.m. and Sunday from 5-9 p.m. (weather permitting). Check Communion's Facebook,Twitter and Instagram pages for updates.

$2 Tacos Take Over Tin Lizzy’s after 2 p.m. on Tuesdays

Time out for Taco Tuesdays at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. Unfurl that stack of ones or whip out your plastic because the FlexMex cantina crew is folding $2 tacos on Tuesdays after 2 p.m. Available at all Tin Lizzy’s locations, the two buck clucks include grilled, fried, Buffalo, club and chicken con queso tacos. The fried fish taco jumps aboard the $2 deal as well. Order a bunch for the table, and you’ll be more popular than a loaded piñata. These tasty tacos will fly out of serving baskets, especially when a couple of pitchers of Blue Moon beer, $14 each, make an appearance. (Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.)

Sublime Doughnuts Scoops Free Ice Cream Through August 25 in Honor of Turning Eight

When it’s your birthday, “Happy Birthday!” greetings, cake and ice cream make the day extra special. Sublime Doughnuts is making the whole week special as they celebrate birthday number eight. Now through August 25, Sublime’s doling out a free scoop of their homemade Sublime Blue Birthday Cake ice cream to customers who walk into either the Midtown or North Druid Hills stores and say, “Happy Birthday, Baby Blue.” It’s always the right time to impart birthday greetings because the stores are open 24/7. Party hearty by purchasing one of the bakeshop’s chef-inspired doughnuts or another scoop of ice cream in flavors like mango moscato, strawberry rose, butter pecan caramel and peach riesling. Go social and look to Sublime’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts for a special birthday surprise.

Play Cornhole for Team in Training – Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at Atkins Park Va-Hi August 28

Hooker, shucker, blocker -- whatever your strategy -- pitch proudly and purposely. Enter the Team in Training Cornhole Tournament at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland, going down at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 28. All proceeds benefit the Georgia Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The $50 entry fee per two-person team includes two beers and two raffle tickets. Winners walk out with more than $1000 in cash and prizes. Cornhole athletes and spectators, toss the idea around and come while away a Sunday afternoon sipping cold ones and doing good. Register at Atkins Park on tournament day.

#Foodgram: The Sprouted Kitchen

Sara Forte documents life, food, friends, family, travel…and did we already say food, mainly seasonal food and produce? Grow with her at the Sprouted Kitchen or www.sproutedkitchen.com. She has already sprouted two cookbooks: “The Sprouted Kitchen,” which is mostly vegetarian, and “Sprouted Kitchen Bowl + Spoon,” centered on food in, well, bowls.

Appetizing Aperture: Tin Lizzy's Margarit-O

Tin Lizzy’s Cantina introduced Senor Mojito to Senorita Margarita, and they hit it off so well a Margarit-O was born. The hybrid mixes the best of both cocktails: 1800 Silver, Agavero orange liqueur, house-made mint simple syrup and sour mix. Join the family for $8 a glass, $29 for a pitcher.

Rick Blumberg Joins Marlow’s Tavern to Lead Adult Beverage Program

Marlow’s Tavern welcomes Rick Blumberg as manager of adult beverage, research and development and purchasing. The former beverage director for Bacchanalia Restaurant Group totes 23 years of restaurant management and beverage experience to the neighborhood tavern bar program. Blumberg looks forward to getting to know guests in Marlow’s more casual and relaxed atmosphere after his years in the fine dining scene. Along with creating new beer, wine and cocktail menus, he will assist Georgia and Florida locations with beverage purchasing, beverage purveyor relationships, budgets and inventory systems. Blumberg delights in training staff on new products and rolling out creative cocktails, and he’s already hard at work adding unique spirits and upgrading the “soon-to-be-classic” cocktail program and beer and wine selections. The industry veteran wears an impressive résumé including management positions at The Optimist, King + Duke, Woodfire Grill, Abattoir, Restaurant Eugene, Holeman and Finch Public House, Emeril’s and Morton’s The Steakhouse in Atlanta. He’s fine on wine, having completed the first two levels of certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Visit your favorite Marlow’s Tavern location and raise a toast to adult beverages today.

Georgia Chapter of National Multiple Sclerosis Society Hosts Harvest for a Cure Food and Wine Gala October 20

It’s year three for Harvest for a Cure, an extravaganza of gourmet food, vintage wines and a luxury raffle benefiting the Georgia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society, an organization that supports research to help treat and end MS globally. Eighteen of Atlanta’s most talented chefs and pastry chefs, 15 sommeliers, three mixologists and at least a dozen Atlanta wine collectors are already collaborating to pair culinary creations with wines from the personal cellars of top local wine collectors for the delicious evening. Guests will sample food and wine pairings at stations spread throughout the contemporary galleries of Mason Fine Art. Returning participants include chef Derek Dollar of Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, Gunshow mixologist Mercedes O’Brien and Aria chef Gerry Klaskala and general manager/wine director Andrés Loaiza. Aria pastry chef Kathryn King joins her teammates. By using the all new MS Wine Event app, attendees will be able to access event details and raffle item information throughout the evening. All funds raised help improve the lives of those living with MS by sponsoring local programs and services and accelerating worldwide research programs to eradicate the debilitating disease. Visit the Harvest for a Cure website for sponsorship and donation opportunities.

What’s New on Pinterest: Better with Bacon

Shining like a glistening beacon, Better with Bacon proudly prepares the cured meat crowd for National Bacon Lovers Day on August 20. It’s nigh on impossible to refrain from building a bacon-Tater Tot breakfast pizza, sweet potato bites with bacon and avocado or bourbon-bacon meatballs. The flexible, smoky swine rolls and crisps around carrots and asparagus, cannoli tubes for ricotta and chocolate-stuffed baconnoli and hops aboard with chicken inside lasagna rolls. Bacon jam – you’ve seen it on restaurant menus, now make your own! Those honoring Elvis’ departure day on August 16, should make something “The King” would love: Elvis bacon bites with bacon, bananas and peanut butter. Hard to keep that bacony goodness under wraps, unless you’re putting it in one.

The Farmer Fund 2017 Calendar Boasts Andreas Müller on the Cover. See All at Calendar Launch Party August 22

Pin up a local chef or farmer and get first dibs on seeing and buying The Farmer Fund 2017 calendar by attending the 2017 Calendar Launch Party on Monday, August 22, at The Cathedral of St. Philip. Can’t miss the cover shot of Andreas Müller, executive chef of Revival. Inside, more local chefs and farmers pose for intriguing monthly views. Sales of the annual tongue- and toque-in-cheek calendar provide ways for the Atlanta-based organization to support and keep farmers farming in the face of natural disaster. Guests at the 5:30-10 p.m. launch will fill up on chow and beer from local restaurants and breweries, while flipping through their own copies of the 2017 calendar. Plus, they’ll be the first in town to have a chance to buy more calendars for $20 each, and they’ll be privy to the outtakes and fundraising auction. Buy tickets at brownpapertickets.com, $65 per person ($68.27 with service fee).

Revival and Eddie’s Attic Harmonize a Gospel Brunch Sunday, August 21

Eddie’s Attic in Decatur is resurrecting the classic Gospel Brunch this Sunday, August 21. Otis Redding III and Atlanta blues legend Mudcat & the Atlanta Horns croon while guests swoon over a buffet table of Southern faves from Kevin Gillespie’s nearby Revival restaurant. Buffet is priced at $20 per person (beverages, tax and gratuity not included). Doors open at noon; show begins at 12:30 p.m. For the show, general admission tickets are $20 each or purchase table seats in multiples of four for $20 per seat (tables filled day of show on first-come, first-served basis). Praise be, you’ll find the menu and more info on our blog.

See Joey Ward of Gunshow at Morningside Farmers Market Chef Demo August 20

Joey Ward has been a Gunshow kitchen dude ever since chef Kevin Gillespie opened the Glenwood Park restaurant in 2013. While Ward is now Gunshow’s executive chef, he’s still a kitchen dude at heart, and he loves to share his creative culinary passions with restaurant guests, other restaurant chefs and farmers market-to-home-table shoppers and chefs. Ward leads the 9 a.m. chef demo on Saturday, August 20 at Morningside Farmers Market. Want more? Make reservations to sup on Ward’s innovative cuisine at Gunshow that evening.

Elvis has Entered the Building and is in the Elvis Room at Johnny's Hideaway

The “King of Rock and Roll,” 20^th century icon Elvis Presley, left this earth on August 16, 1977. Yes, we know. We’re all shook up, too, thinking back to the legacy of hit singles, albums and films this sideburn-studded dude cranked out during his hip-swiveling career. Relive the King’s glory days by visiting the “Elvis Room” at Johnny’s Hideaway in Buckhead. Visit the wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling memorial whenever Johnny’s is open. It’s a heck of a lot more ATL Uber accessible than Graceland in Memphis. To really honor Elvis, order a cheeseburger (one of his favorite foods) and ask the DJ to spin “Jailhouse Rock” or “Hound Dog” – we’re pretty sure “Are You Lonesome Tonight” doesn’t cut it on Johnny’s rocking dancefloor.

Ray’s Rio Bravo Salts Anniversary Month with Half-Price Margaritas and Mucho Menu Specials

For Ray’s Rio Bravo, a cupcake and candle don’t do justice to anniversary numero uno. Half-price house margaritas? Now you’re talking fiesta. Through August 31, Ray’s Rio Bravo guests can down 12-ounce house margaritas for $3.50 each – all day, every day. And how about some tacos to go with the toasting? Two-way tacos and a plate of three shredded chicken tacos, both priced at $9.95, top the list of anniversary menu specials. Chicken and steak sizzle in 2-way fajitas served over a bed of sautéed onions and peppers with lettuce, guac, pico, El Machino flour tortillas, rice and refried beans for $19.95. Those preferring Southern to Southwestern can delve into the Southern fried chicken and crispy salad fixings of the Church Lady fried chicken salad with cool buttermilk ranch dressing and a little fried jalapeño heat ($9.95) or gnaw on a half rack of baby back ribs, slow-smoked and glazed with house-made barbecue sauce and sided by rice and refried beans ($14.95). Bravo for this boatload of lunch and dinner specials, available in the dining room and bar – and let’s not forget those half-price house margaritas.

5Church Atlanta Corners Midtown Brunch at 14th & Peachtree

First dinner, then lunch, now 5Church Atlanta adds weekend brunch to its mouthwatering Midtown agenda. Brunchers get the added benefit of choosing morning-ish fare or lunch menu favorites. Settle in and share the cured and smoked fish platter, which also nets crunchy oatmeal crackers, Vidalia onion whipped cream cheese and lemon ($14). Preacher’s Breakfast blesses traditionalists with three eggs, stone-ground grits, house-made sausage and braised greens ($12). Those raising hands for lunchy options can hoist a 5Church lamb burger decked out with red onion marmalade, Gorgonzola fondue and arugula plus hand-cut fries ($14) or cut into the Southern fried steak with whipped Yukon gold potatoes, two eggs sunny and wild mushroom-black pepper gravy ($14). Sippers range from mimosas and sangria by the glass or carafe to bloody marys. Saturday and Sunday brunch hours 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and 5Church validates parking in the Colony Square deck.

Pinterest: More S'mores, Please!

Watch out Mr. Stay Puft, National S’mores Day is August 10, and we’re busting out the marshmallows, chocolate and grahams to make More S’mores, Please. These three lowly ingredients are s’more than hot in nachos or a skillet cookie cake and equally at home frozen in s’more ice cream. They’re elegant in no-bake s’more truffles, warm and gooey in three ingredient turnovers and diet savvy in gluten-free miniature pies. Hot days, sip them in milkshakes and segue to s’mores hot chocolate cocktails by the fire pit this fall. Send campers off with s’more party goodie bags and welcome them home with a two-tier camping cake complete with a graham cracker tent. Campfire optional, happy campers guaranteed.

#Foodgram: New Fork City

Have fork, will travel. New Fork City stimulates appetites for delectably doughy treats and all kinds of good eats. Browsing this gobbler of a gallery on an empty stomach is living dangerously, kind of like shopping the grocery when hungry.

Appetizing Aperture: 101 Steak's Georgia Shrimp Roll

When you’re watching the tide roll in and watching it roll away again...in your daydreams... it’s time for lunch and the Georgia shrimp roll ($15) at 101 Steak. Fresh shrimp from Georgia’s coastal waters and lemon dill aїoli on a butter-grilled roll ease lunchers back to beach mode -- for the afternoon, anyway.

Gather at Serenbe Southern Chefs Potluck for Food, Fellowship and Fundraising Benefitting Wholesome Wave Georgia September 11

The chefs do it all, from fixing sides to mains to desserts, and beverages are turned over to mixologists. Just buy tickets, and show up hungry, thirsty and ready to chow down at the seventh annual Southern Chefs Potluck for Wholesome Wave Georgia taking place from 3-6 p.m. Sunday, September 11, on the pastoral grounds of the Inn at Serenbe. Top Atlanta chefs, including Andreas Müller of Revival, share side dishes with guests at the family style event held under the Inn’s open-air pavilion. The chefs' creations will complement main dishes provided by White Oak Pastures and Jim N' Nicks Bar-B-Q. Mercedes O’Brien of Gunshow and other Atlanta mixologists will shake, stir and pour libations, along with wines and craft beers. New to the table of events this year is the VIP after party where chefs and VIP ticket holders will segue to one of Serenbe’s residential “Farmettes” for live music, cocktails and small bites from chefs not participating in the general Potluck. Buy tickets online: $150/individual; $300/VIP (one ticket for Potluck with VIP chef table seating and VIP after party); $600 VIP Package (VIP privileges above, for two); or VIP Overnight Package ($1500, VIP privileges for two plus one room for the night at the Inn at Serenbe). Additional online service fee added at checkout. The Potluck is one the biggest fundraising events of the year for Wholesome Wave Georgia, whose mission is to increase access to fresh, healthy and locally grown food for all Georgians. Money raised goes right back into the community, helping low-income families eat more healthily and providing income for Georgia farmers.

New Lighter Menu Delights at The Southern Gentleman

“Part of the secret of success in life is to eat what you like,” advises The Southern Gentleman. When Southern-inspired food is your love but you find yourself drawn to lighter selections, especially during summer, culinary conflict arises. The Southern Gentleman diplomatically diffuses the mealtime dilemma with new selections that lean deliciously toward the light side. The gracious gastropub in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta is adding refreshing, modern renditions of traditional Southern fare, including smoked Carolina mountain trout, Georgia peach and heirloom tomato salad and wine-poached calamari. As on the regular menus, executive chef Matthew Ridgway draws upon local sources for garden-fresh produce and farm-fresh ingredients to compose lush green and chopped salads with fresh herbs and vinaigrettes, along with sides of marinated, grilled or charred vegetables. Items carry light price points, falling in the $6-$12 range so guests can simply order a salad or easily combine several sides for a veggie-laden lunch or supper. Strongholds like the “chicken fried” chicken salad sandwich, shrimp and grits and Dixie bacon carbonara unabashedly rule the menu. And because Ridgway’s motto is “everything in moderation,” he’s dishing out his version of a tried-and-true Southern specialty: buttermilk-marinated fried chicken and sawmill gravy.

Ormsby’s Taps Nick Anderson as Executive Chef

Ormsby’s in West Midtown welcomes executive chef Nick Anderson to its friendly fold. Growing up in Marietta, teenage Nick decided he’d rather cook for his family than mow the lawn or wash the dishes. His choice of “chores” turned into one of his greatest pleasures and propelled him to graduate from Johnson & Wales University in Charlotte, North Carolina, and into culinary positions at several of Atlanta’s fine dining establishments including Spice and Canoe. He moved on to hold chef de cuisine roles at Tomo and Rathbun’s. At a holiday party, Anderson formed a friendship with two of Ormsby’s owners, Michael Goot and Leslie Battle, and their Westside restaurant became a favorite stop for Anderson, his wife and friends. Now, Anderson is thrilled to be a part of the Ormsby’s team and plans to add more local meat and produce to the menu offerings. He’s looking forward to inspiring the staff and welcoming guests when they drop by for a craft beer, his tempting pub fare and some bar game merriment.

Silver Oak Cellars Vintage Release Wines Flow during Ray’s at Killer Creek Wine Dinner August 24

Oenophiles, take heed and pick up the phone. Ray’s at Killer Creek is planning an exquisite Silver Oak Cellars Vintage Release dinner featuring five courses and wine pairings on Wednesday, August 24 at 6:30 p.m. Jeff Flood, southeast regional manager for Silver Oak Cellars, will be on hand to chat with guests throughout the special evening. The dinner menu, created by Ray’s at Killer Creek executive chef Mike Fuller, starts with compressed Georgia peach and Georges Bank scallop crudo with basil foam paired with Twomey sauvignon blanc, 2015 followed by wood oven-roasted pork belly, cauliflower-goat cheese gratin and pickled onion served Twomey Russian River pinot noir, 2014. Guests will then be treated to magret duck prepared two ways: smoked breast with pickled summer white cherries and blood orange syrup joined by Alexander Valley cabernet sauvignon, 2007 and five-spice confit with stir-fried cabbage, barrel-aged soy and toasted black sesame paired with Alexander Valley cabernet sauvignon, 2012. Next up, dry-aged, Painted Hills beef served with caramelized foie gras and grilled, local chanterelles joined by Sonoma Valley cabernet sauvignon, 2011. Sweet Grass Dairy aged cow’s milk cheese, macerated strawberries and benne biscuit close out the night paired with Twomey Soda Canyon Ranch merlot, 2012. $135 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Space is limited and reservations secured by a credit card are required; call 770-649-0064.

Happy 100th Birthday Braselton! Celebrate with Cotton Calf Kitchen August 20

Braselton celebrates its 100th birthday on Saturday, August 20, and Cotton Calf Kitchen is in a prime location to enjoy the festivities. Live music, games, fireworks and more will take place on the new Town Green right next to Braselton’s classic American steakhouse. That said, tables are sure to book up fast so plan ahead and make advance reservations on OpenTable or by calling 706-684-0401. Before or after dinner, toast the town with a spirited drink from the cash bar in the Cotton Calf Kitchen tent on the new Town Green.

WhistlePig Head-to-Tail Whiskey Dinner Trots into Ray’s at Killer Creek on August 20

Ray’s at Killer Creek pulls out the stopper to unleash a Whole Hog Whiskey Dinner, a.k.a. WhistlePig Whiskey Feast Head-to-Tail Dinner, at 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 20. WhistlePig master distiller Dave Pickerell and executive chef Mike Fuller have knocked noggins to curate a divinely swine-filled menu paired with the Vermont distillery’s small batch whiskies. Squeal over the night’s lineup: crispy ears with fried green heirloom tomatoes served with WhistlePig Straight Rye; chicharrón with creamed rice grits and pepper jam joined by WhistlePig Straight Rye 15 Year; “Bacon and Eggs” with Benton’s smoked pork belly lardons, grilled brioche, poached farm egg, red-eye reduction and house-made hot sauce with WhistlePig Old World Madeira Finish; Big Green Egg slow-roasted leg with hand-pressed corn maize, Silver Queen corn, avocado mousse and hot and sweet maple syrup served with Hillrock Solera aged bourbon; and baked apple and Georgia pecan cracklin’ with butter-caramel gelato paired with Hillrock Port Cask Finish. Cost is $85 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Reservations are required; call 770-649-0064 and have a credit card ready to buy tickets to this high-proof event.

The Atlantan’s To Live & Dine Serves Luxury for Dinner at ADAC August 15

Join Modern Luxury - The Atlantan for their annual To Live & Dine event, where luxurious living and delectable dining entwine at ADAC - Atlanta Decorative Arts Center on Monday, August 15 at 6:30 p.m. Ooh and aah over exquisite, custom-designed tablescapes while dining on cuisine from popular restaurants such as 5Church Atlanta, The Southern Gentleman and Smokebelly BBQ. Purchase tickets online through August 12 for $50 per person (plus small service fee).

Buy Tickets for Fifth Annual Eats & Beats on August 11

Unlimited food from top Atlanta restaurants, open bars, live entertainment by Yacht Rock Review, a wow-some wall of wine and unique silent auction items. All this good stuff and chef bands, too, when the fifth annual Eats & Beats shakes The Buckhead Theatre on Thursday, August 11 from 7-10 p.m. Gypsy Kitchen, Smokebelly BBQ, The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill and The Southern Gentleman are a smattering of the more than 25 restaurants participating in this benefit for Children of Conservation and The Giving Kitchen. General admission is $85 per person and includes restaurant tastings, open bar and entertainment. VIP admission, $175 per person, allows for 6:30 p.m. entry, private VIP suite access with wine tastings, premium bar, additional restaurant offerings with wine pairings for each dish and access to the private balcony viewing the theatre. Buy tickets online.

Medal in Ping-Pong, Putting or Giant Jenga during Atkins Park Summer Olympic Games

Even if you came in short on making Team U.S.A. and heading to Rio, there’s still a place for you to rev team spirit and show off your amazing prowess right here in the ATL. Summer Olympics competitions are underway at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland. Highlight your sport date so you don’t miss out: Golden Tee golf, August 9; cornhole, August 10; ladder toss, August 11; putting challenge, August 15; Giant Jenga, August 16; Kan Jam, August 17; and Ping-Pong, August 18. Games begin at 10 p.m. Champs win prize packs from Boulevard Brewing Company, Brewery Ommegang, Orpheus Brewing, Terrapin Brewing Company, SweetWater Brewing Company, Sierra Nevada and Ballast Point Brewing & Spirits.

What’s New on Pinterest: Between The Bread

Would you rather slather, stack or spread Between the Bread? We master all these techniques on our Pinterest board saluting National Sandwich Month. Homemade pimento cheese sandwiches and a fried green tomato and bacon grilled cheese pay homage to the South. Branch out to a blackberry bacon grilled cheese, classic lobster roll, guacamole breakfast sandwich, banh mi with lemongrass pork or a spicy shrimp sandwich with chipotle avocado mayo. Garden girls and guys will plow into the ultimate veggie sandwich, the very vegan jalapeño pesto sandwich or the California with avocado, tomato, sprouts, pepper jack and chive spread. No more loafing around the kitchen. Start sandwiching. 

#Foodgram: Popeye the Foodie

Popeye the Foodie, a.k.a. Popeye The Foodie Dog, is a rescue mutt in the Los Angeles area that is doubly blessed to dine out at restaurants with his owners. He’s one lucky dog and lapping it all up. Or at least we think he does that after he poses for these adorable pictures.