Follow the Smoke Signals to Ray’s at Killer Creek Big Green Egg Cooking Class September 17

Fall calls out for Big Green Egg cooking. Executive chef Mike Fuller’s Big Green Egg cooking class at Ray’s at Killer Creek prepares BGE newbies and longtime devotees for a smoking-hot season. Guests at the 11 a.m.-1 p.m. session on Saturday, September 17 will watch Fuller prepare a tasting menu of barbecue pork cheek deviled eggs with homemade bread-and-butter pickles; pimento-stuffed poblano peppers with chipotle aioli and tortilla chips; pepper-crusted beef brisket with street vendor corn and queso fresco; and cast-iron s’mores oozing Mexican chocolate and toasted marshmallows. More delicious news – everyone gets to taste the results! The $45 per-person (plus tax and gratuity) cost includes cooking demo, tasting menu, iced tea, soda, coffee and a choice of a bloody mary, mimosa or a 16-ounce draught beer. Reservations held with credit card are required; call 770-649-0064.

Join Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar and Seed Kitchen & Bar at Good Eatin’ Great Cause September 15

“Good eatin’” victuals taste even better when indulging in Good Eatin’ Great Cause. Test our words at this culinary tour and competition benefiting SafePath Children’s Advocacy Center and filling the Cobb Galleria exhibit hall Thursday, September 15 from 6-10 p.m. Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar and Seed Kitchen & Bar are in the mix of Atlanta’s most popular restaurants and chefs turning out tapas-style food tastings at the event. Granted, that’s plenty vying for your taste bud attention, yet there’s more fanning the flames of culinary desire. Celebrity chef judges will pass judgment in the hot cooking competition between the Cobb County and Marietta Fire Departments, Cobb County Law Enforcement and the Cobb County Sheriff’s Office. Purchase tickets online, $75 each. Donations always welcome!

Experience Culinary Camaraderie with Smokebelly BBQ, The Southern Gentleman, The Big Ketch and More at Taste of Buckhead September 15

Taste of Buckhead, hosted every fall by the Buckhead Business Association, shows off tastes from Buckhead’s premier restaurants as well as samples of wine, beer, spirits and other goodies. More than 30 chefs, mixologists and reps from beloved Buckhead restaurants -- including Smokebelly BBQ, The Southern Gentleman and The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill -- will come together on Thursday, September 15 for this year’s event at The Stave Room at American Spirit Works in the SweetWater Design District. This year’s event premieres The Taste of Buckhead Spirit Wall, in lieu of the wine wall of past years, where attendees can purchase a ticket for $20 and take home a donated bottle of spirits. Wall proceeds will pour into The Giving Kitchen and the organization’s mission to help workers in the restaurant industry. A silent auction and VIP experience round out the night’s entertaining agenda. General admission tickets are $50 each and include unlimited tastings. VIP tickets, $75 each, include exclusives such as a tour of American Spirit Whiskey’s distillery, chef demonstrations, food samples, specialty cocktails, interactive stations and a VIP gift bag. Buy tickets here.

The Wait is Over -- Harvest for a Cure Tickets Now on Sale for October 20 Extravaganza

Tickets are now available for Harvest for a Cure, a one-of-a-kind evening on Thursday, October 20 uniting 18 of Atlanta’s most talented chefs and pastry chefs with 18 savvy sommeliers and mixologists to pair culinary creations with wines from the personal cellars of top local wine collectors. Guests will sample an extravaganza of fine food and vintage wines surrounded by stunning contemporary art in the galleries of Mason Fine Art at this third annual fundraiser for the Georgia Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society. You know the evening will be delish and well curated with these stars onboard -- chef Gerry Klaskala, pastry chef Kathryn King and sommelier Andrés Loaiza of Aria; chef Billy Cole and mixologist Mercedes O’Brien of Gunshow; chef Matthew Ridgway of Gypsy Kitchen; and Derek Dollar of Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails. In order to reach its $500,000 goal in fundraising, Harvest for a Cure will feature an extravagant raffle and employ a new digital MS Wine Event app where guests can access event details and raffle item information. “The great thing about Harvest for a Cure is that it’s an event that people living with MS can actually enjoy,” says John Carlos, president and chief operating officer of National Distributing Company and longtime supporter of the National MS Society. To be a part of it all, buy tickets online today. 

Appetizing Aperture: Smokebelly BBQ

Sink your teeth into a hefty, honkin’ handful of burger at Smokebelly BBQ. Sure to become your beefy bestie before, during or after gridiron viewing, the Smokebelly Signature Burger boasts a blend of ground brisket and short rib piled with smoked Gouda, crispy bacon and tobacco fried onions as well as a nice contrast of crisp lettuce, pickles and juicy tomatoes. Comes your way on a white or wheat bun for $11.50.

#Foodgram: Gunshow's Joey Ward

Gunshow executive chef Joey Ward caters to social surfers hungry for humor with a ‘gram well stocked in food porn, farmers market mixings and kitchen funnies revealing a chef who’s serious about cooking and stirring up laughs. He’s a party animal. Just ask his pup.

What's New on Pinterest: Tailgating Tips + Tricks

ACC, SEC, TGC. Some rivalries extend beyond stadium walls – such as how to score the most points in the pregame tailgate conference. Call on coach Dish to pass along winning strategies through the Tailgating Tips + Tricks Pinterest game plan. Study up on essentials and hacks to remember, games to play and cornhole boards to build. Next down, small bites and big batch drinks: bacon brown sugar smokies, loaded Tater Tots skewers, slices of Buffalo chicken crescent ring, sliders, outlaw lemonade, pumpkin-cider beertails and frozen bourbon and Coke. Tackle football cake pops, football-shaped foods and hit on some healthy and tempting game-day snacks. Start here and you’re tailgate bowl-game bound!

You Can Have It All with Ray’s $34.95 Surf & Turf Dinner Special

Why commit to only land or only sea when you can have both for a very appetizing price thanks to the special Surf & Turf dinner special at Ray’s Restaurants? Available at all three Ray’s locations – Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek -- the prix fixe menu pulls together the best of land and sea and tosses in a salad and side for $34.95 per person. Choose a leafy green starter of either artisan field greens with mixed local baby lettuce, candied pecans, dried cranberries, Statesboro blue cheese and roasted onion balsamic dressing or a Caesar salad tossing baby gem lettuce with shaved pecorino cheese, herb croutons and Caesar dressing. The entrée features Surf & Turf title cuts, a six-ounce filet mignon and four-ounce lobster tail sided by Yukon gold whipped potatoes. Room for dessert? For $5, add New York cheesecake with caramel drizzle or chocolate raspberry mousse with raspberry coulis. Price excludes beverage, tax and gratuity; prix fixe menu may not be split. Ruminate too long and you’ll miss this succulent, limited-time offering.

Bantam + Biddy, Gunshow, Revival, White Oak Pastures Head to Wholesome Wave Georgia Southern Chefs Potluck at Serenbe September 11

Atlanta chefs are potluck pros. When top toques are in charge, all you have to do is show up…and show up hungry. Chef-driven dishes, spirited drinks, forks, spoons and plates are all provided at the Wholesome Wave Georgia Southern Chefs Potluck, spreading out over the grounds of the Inn at Serenbe from 3-6 p.m. on Sunday, September 11. Andreas Müller of Revival as well as Shaun Doty and Lance Gummere of Bantam + Biddy are among the area’s top chefs preparing mouthwatering side dishes. White Oak Pastures’ own Jenni Harris will be on hand, along with Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Q, to provide a mighty amount of meat and main dishes for the family style meal. Mercedes O’Brien of Gunshow and other Atlanta mixologists will shake, stir and pour libations to go with a broad range of wines and craft beers. Feed on theseticket options: $150 for individuals, $300 VIP individual, $600 VIP ticket package or $1500 VIP overnight package (additional small service fee for all online purchases). Work off the meal by raising your paddle at a spirited live auction. The annual Southern Chefs Potluck, now in its seventh year, is the largest fundraiser of the year for Wholesome Wave Georgia. We ladle out more info on the Atlanta Dish blog.

Let’s Eat! “I LOVE Food Day” is September 9

Every day, we thank our star-studded doughnuts we’re lucky enough to eat and drink for a living and share our passion with all of you out there in Noshland. Imagine our delight when we caught wind that this Friday, September 9, is “I LOVE Food Day” – a holiday of epic-urean proportion for foodies like us. And so we give thanks, recounting recently devoured yum-yums like squid ink tagliatelle showing off calamari, crab, Fresno chilies and chives. We completely caved to OMG Hot Pockets, plumped with smoked pulled pork, mac and cheese and honey sauce. Jalapeño corn brûlée with pancetta peppered our taste buds in a sensational spicy-sweet-salty way. Thai herbs imbued heady mystique to caramelized Brussels sprouts and cauliflower while seared Kobe beef nigiri wowed our yin-yang yearnings served with ponzu, green onion, garlic chips and yuzu kosho. We licked our fingers to catch the last drops of tomato fresco, garlic, olive oil and sea salt on Spanish-style toast. And somehow we find ourselves circling back around to star-studded doughnuts, specifically a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup doughnut. For all of us at Melissa Libby & Associates, “I LOVE Food Day” speaks of love at first bite.

It’s Going to be a Grand Weekend (Opening) for 5Church Rooftop Patio September 9 & 10

5Church is opening its rooftop patio in a grand way this weekend and complimentary valet parking will help guests rise to the top even faster. On Friday, September 9 at 5 p.m., the Midtown restaurant at the corner of Peachtree and 14th streets throws wide the doors upstairs above its main dining room to reveal a spacious rooftop perch well poised for viewing Peachtree Street. Celebrate being a “higher up” by ordering refreshing cocktail, beer or wine selections from the restaurant’s full beverage menu. The special “Lite Bites” patio menu from chef/partner Jamie Lynch and executive chef RJ Cooper stars shareables and solos such as red pea hummus with naan and zaatar ($5); olives from the oven with orange, caraway and herbs de Provence ($4); Georgia heirloom tomatoes, compressed watermelon, Goat Lady goat cheese and Banyuls vinegar ($9); jumbo lump crab, seaweed salad, tomato, chives and soy-ginger vinaigrette ($15); and the signature 5Church lamb burger served on a house-made bun with red onion marmalade, Gorgonzola fondue and arugula plus a side of hand-cut fries ($15). Rooftop patio seating will be available nightly on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 5 p.m. Hosting that group gathering, business function or birthday party on the 5Church rooftop patio will make it the high point of the day; contact Miranda Miranda at Sales@5ChurchAtlanta.com to make it happen.

Join a Heaping Helping of Heroes at Milton’s Patriot Day Farmyard Chowdown September 11

When was the last time you feasted with a fireman, munched out with the mayor or played lawn games with law enforcers? Reality check, it can happen this week at Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails Patriot Day Chowdown. Friends, families, grandparents and grandbabies, come salute America along with the city of Milton’s firefighters, police and mayor Joe Lockwood at this month’s chowdown and tribute to first responders, 4-8 p.m. on Sunday, September 11. Kids can hop on a fire truck or jump for joy in the bounce house, and everyone will have fun playing lawn games and swaying to the live music beat. Executive chef Derek Dollar and his kitchen team are fixing crowd-pleasing favorites: low country boil, lobster, crab legs, pickle-fried chicken, pulled pork, pastrami-rubbed ribs, chicken fingers, french fries, cotton candy and so much more. Buy tickets online: $40 per adult, $20 per child. Ticket price includes all of the above (alcoholic beverages, tax, small online service fee not included.) Read more on our blog. Hurry over to historic Crabapple for this star-spangled afternoon and evening. Watch the speedometer though. Hate to get a driving award on the way to or fro.

Plan Ahead, Reserve Seats for Dinner at 5Church during Midtown Restaurant Week September 10-18

Midtown Restaurant Week (MRW) serves a week of prix fixe dining deals beginning Saturday, September 10, through Sunday, September 18. 5Church, which opened this summer at the corner of 14^th and Peachtree streets, jumps right into the Midtown neighborhood’s delicious week – and they’re taking reservations now. Executive chef RJ Cooper presents a $35 dinner menu well-endowed with appetizer, entrée and dessert choices as well as a special three-course wine pairing priced at $18. Among first-course options are charred romaine, avocado, Cotija cheese and roasted lime-jalapeño dressing; warm burrata, heirloom tomatoes, pickled watermelon rind and Georgia olive oil; Carolina shrimp ceviche with pan de anis; Point Judith calamari with chorizo, Sea Isle red peas, garlic and migas; and sweet corn soup, hot and cold foie gras and corn nuts. For an additional $8, choose the hearth-roasted octopus with red pea hummus, lemon and pea vines. Making choices only becomes more difficult: hearth-braised chicken thighs with prunes and Vidalia onion bread pudding; goose egg pappardelle with duck confit and black truffle butter; wasabi-crusted salmon roulade with seaweed salad; hearth-roasted whole fish with broccoli rabe and fingerling potatoes; Filipino adobo beef bavette; squid ink tagliatelle with calamari, crab, chilies and tomatoes; or hearth-roasted farm vegetables with farro verde and arugula pesto. Steak lovers, for an additional $15, choose the 5Church signature “60 second” NY strip steak or C.A.B. filet mignon. Save room for dessert and cheese choices – the amazing PBJ peanut butter mousse; frozen pineapple parfait with coconut cake, lime-jalapeno sorbet and macadamia nuts; twisted s’more ATL!; ice cream sandwich tasting; or three ripened cheeses. Shareable sides may be ordered à la carte for an additional charge. Tax and gratuity not included.

Gracias! Georgia Restaurant Association Names Willy’s Mexicana Grill a 2016 GRACE Award Finalist

Say GRACE and pass the guac. Willy’s Mexicana Grill founder and CEO Willy Bitter is a finalist for the 2016 Georgia Restaurant Association Crystal of Excellence (GRACE) Award. Willy and Willy’s were nominated by peers for the Distinguished Service Award, one of the eight award categories designated by the Georgia Restaurant Association(GRA). Providing leadership, demonstrated community service, charitable involvement and/or service to the restaurant industry are among the criteria considered for the honor. Willy’s rolls the burrito-loving arms of its 28 Georgia locations around all of these acts of kindness. One example is Willy’s commitment to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta through fundraising as well as involvement in the organization’s “Positive Sprouts” initiative to establish healthy eating habits and nutritional awareness. The GRA will announce this year’s winners at the 10^th Annual GRACE Awards Gala taking place on November 13 at the Delta Flight Museum. A portion of Gala proceeds will benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Find ticket and sponsorship information here.

What’s New on Pinterest: Perfect Potatoes

Call your best spud-dy buddy and get together to mash, smash and load Perfect Potatoes during September, National Potato Month. Eye ways to press the ever-versatile root into service as waffle-iron hash brown sandwiches, french fry-crusted pizza or amazingly spiraled kabobs. Taters go savory wrapped in foil with garlic, Parmesan and broccoli or spicy when roasted with veggies and mixed in a Southwestern salad. Humble, yes, but nutrient-rich super spuds save many a meal.

The Southern Gentleman Kicks Off Football Bourbon Club, Wine & Whiskey Wednesdays beginning September 11

The Southern Gentleman opens football season with a new Football Bourbon Club on Sunday and Monday nights. The gastropub in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta will offer three specialty burgers: one traditional burger and two burgers inspired by the teams on the field that evening. On the roster are options like the Johnny roast pork burger (Philadelphia Eagles), Italian hot beef burger (Chicago Bears), muffuletta burger (New Orleans Saints) or the Nashville hot chicken burger (Tennessee Titans). Field a burger and a flight of bourbon for $15 – and that goes for fans of football viewing and people watching. Come back on Wine & Whiskey Wednesdays, beginning September 14, and enjoy a midweek pick-me-up of bourbon specials and $5 rotating wines.

#Foodgram: I Quit Sugar

More and more folks are sweet on skipping out on sugar. Contemplating the jump? I Quit Sugar features recipes, ideas and an eight-week program that makes going sugarless better, not bitter.

Appetizing Aperture: OMG Hot Pocket

Pick the pocket. Order the OMG Hot Pocket ($12) at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern. Smoked pulled pork, mac and cheese and HOBNOB honey sauce plump this flaky “Tavern Specialty.” It’s nigh on impossible to refrain from inhaling the smoky-cheesy-carb combination. And yes, mom, it comes with salad.

Field a Hall of Fame-Worthy Football Feast with Atlanta Restaurants on Your Team

Football season is here, and football parties rack up the first down on any game day. Atlanta restaurants are key players, taking the field with everything you need to host the perfect tailgate or home-front pigskin party.

For antipasti and panini platters and primi, secondi and dolci courses, Bellina Alimentari at Ponce City Market will definitely score points with discerning guests. Place orders at least 48 hours in advance; allow 72-hour notice for parties of 30 or more. For information and ordering, call 404-330-9933.
                                                          
Go for the gusto of the gourmet meat and cheese sandwich platter Ray’s in the City builds with domestic house-cut deli meats and artisanal cheeses, house-made pickles, vine-ripened tomatoes, Bibb lettuce and assorted breads. Two side displays (choose from whole fruit, artisan field greens salad, red bliss potato salad, Southern-style macaroni salad and house-made kettle chips) and one dessert display (graham cracker lemon squares, house-baked cookies, a seasonal fruit platter or chocolate fudge brownies) are included. Serves 12 for $80; $6.75 per additional person. To order, call 404-524-9224.
 
Smokebelly BBQ, Atlanta’s top destination for chef-crafted barbecue, offers three mouthwatering catering options complete with barbecue sauce and buns:  “The Baron of BBQ” ($14 per person) with pulled pork and two sides of your choosing; “The Duke of Smoke” ($17 per person) with choice of two meats and three sides; and “The King of ‘Cue” ($19 per person) with choice of three meats and three sides. To place an order, call 404-848-9100.

Yell a cheer and spell out your favorite team with custom letter-shaped doughnuts (select flavors only) from Sublime Doughnuts. Requires 24-hour advance notice; 404-897-1801.

Georgia pigskin calls for Southern-style barbecue from Kevin Gillespie. Terminus City is serving up an unbelievable whole hog barbecue cooked on-site by chef Andreas Müller with four sides, dessert and paper products. Requires a two-week lead time. Visit the Facebook page for more information, and place orders by emailing terminuscity@gunshowatl.com or calling 404-380-1886.

Let Tin Lizzy's Cantina turn your big-game bash into a spicy FlexMex fiesta with the stacked taco bar, which includes two soft flour tortillas per person, choice of grilled chicken, grilled steak or seasoned pork, and lettuce, rice, black beans, pico de gallo, jack cheese, grilled onions and peppers, sauce, guacamole, chips and salsa fresca for $11 per person. You also can’t go wrong with the ever-popular chicken finger platter ($4 per person), cantina salads, margarita mix (sorry, tequila not included) and other fiesta faves. Deliveries require a $100 minimum order; delivery fee applies outside 10-mile radius. Prices exclude taxes and gratuity, and 24-hour notice is appreciated. For more information, email catering@tinlizzyscantina.com or call 404-668-8757.

Sack those stale chips and dull dips and send in crowd-pleasing catering all-stars from Willy's Mexicana Grill: Willy’s build-your-own taco, fajita or nacho bars, cheese dip, guacamole, salsa, chips, burritos and more. Ten-person minimum on catering orders. Read the whole roster of Tex-Mex flavors on the menu at willys.com/catering-menu. Order online or call 404-422-7107.

Master Italian Basics and Classics at Bellina Alimentari during September

“Ciao” time! Bellina Alimentari culinary classes and tastings give boring Tuesday and Wednesday evenings the boot. Learn, eat, sip and shop at the Italian eatery’s Culinary Club in hip Ponce City Market. Reserve a spot before they’re all snapped up. Sales tax added to ticket price during online checkout.
  

• Experience the thrill of the fill by making your own fresh, filled pasta in this hands-on class. Taste class projects and take home your own creation at this 6:30-8 p.m. class on Wednesday, September 7. Tickets are $45 per person.

• Say, “Mama, mia!” to healthy, simple recipes to pack an Italian-inspired lunch box. You’ll move to the head of the class with the kids thanks to this Back-to-School Lunch Box class led by Bellina owner Tal Baum. Each guest takes home the delicious lunch box prepared in the 7-8:30 p.m. class on Tuesday, September 13.Tickets are $32 per person.

• Amaro, Italian for “bitter,” is an herbal liqueur sipped as an after-dinner digestif – or mixed into a cocktail.  Explore Italy’s amaro culture with bar selections and nibbles during an Introduction to Amaro class, 7-8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20. Tickets are $28 per person.

• When it comes to food and libations, “local” is Italy’s middle name. Learn about local craft beer paired with seasonal bites from the Bellina kitchen at a Three Taverns Brewery session, 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 27. Tickets are $28 per person.

• Whiskey and Italian charcuterie go hand in hand. Come explore whiskey essentials along with local and Italian charcuterie at 3 Whiskey 3 Meats, 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, September 28. Tickets are $28 per person.

Relax. It’s Labor Day. Let Atlanta Restaurants Do the Cooking for You

Labor Day arrives Monday, September 5, signaling the unofficial start of fall activities. Might as well squeeze in one last weekend of summer fun! Spend it in the grocery store and kitchen? We think not, because some of our favorite eateries are open over the holiday. Keep these Atlanta restaurants in mind if you’re returning from vacation, beat from a day of outdoor activities or just ready to let someone else labor over the stove.

For high-quality steaks and seafood, head to 101 Steak. Vinings’ newest chophouse is open regular hours all weekend and will be open for dinner on Monday from 4-9:30 p.m., offering mouthwatering dishes like the 32-oz. tomahawk chop, East and West Coast oysters and more than 100 wines by the glass.

Newcomer 5Church carries its weekend brunch service over to Monday for a special holiday treat. Cornmeal waffles, Southern fried steak, duck confit with cabbage pancake and more will be on the menu from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with dinner service in the evening.

Out late on Sunday? Celebrate into the wee hours at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland or Ormsby’s in West Midtown. Both are staying open until 3 a.m. Monday morning. Atkins Park will cure your hangover with its full brunch menu available on Monday starting at 11:30 a.m.

Ponce City Market favorite Bellina Alimentari continues its monthly Bluesin’ Bellina live music series on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy food, libations and great music from the Cody Matlock Band. Regular Monday hours stand.

Bid summer a final farewell with a special edition of Basque in the Sun on Sunday at Gypsy Kitchen. Enjoy paella on the patio, $5 glasses of rosé, $4 tinto de verano and half off select bottles of wine, as well as a live flamenco guitarist from 4-7 p.m. and a DJ starting at 7 p.m. Closed on Monday.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern is open regular hours all weekend and Monday. Stop by and enjoy the brunch menu and $17 bottomless mimosas. Order half-price wings on Sunday from 5-11 p.m. and return for Monday’s date night special -- dinner for two for $24.95.

Johnny’s Hideaway, Atlanta’s favorite neighborhood nightspot, is open late on Sunday for a pre-Labor Day bash with live music from Cold Draft Beer. Monday regulars, Johnny’s is open for you as usual.

Whether you’re attending the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on Saturday or going sci-fi at Dragon Con, be sure to make Ray’s in the City part of your itinerary – the downtown restaurant is open all weekend. Come Monday for the two-course 1.25-pound whole Maine lobster dinner available all day for $24.95. More? That dinner also is available on Labor Day atRay’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek. If you’re craving Mexican food, visit Ray's Rio Bravo on Monday for half-priced drinks all day.

Smokebelly BBQ turns the corner from summer to fall by honoring barbecue and the start of college football season. Friday through Monday specials include $3 Bud Light drafts, $10 Bud Light pitchers, $15 Bud and Bud Light buckets and $5 Tito’s drinks. The Whispering Gypsies start in with live music at 8 p.m. Friday. Saturday, enjoy gridiron action on 16 TVs, along with enough barbecue to feed every college team in the country. Smoked brisket and an Irish whiskey are just the ticket for catching Sunday’s Texas vs. Notre Dame game. Cap off the weekend on Monday with waffle fries, mac and cheese and pulled pork as FSU faces off against Ole Miss. Beginning September 5, Monday’s mean 25-cent wings starting at 4 p.m.

Additional restaurants open regular hours on Monday, September 5:

• Affairs in Alpharetta
• Marlow’s Tavern (all locations)
• Sublime Doughnuts (both locations)
• The Big Ketch Buckhead and Canton Street (Roswell)
• Tin Lizzy’s Cantina (all locations) 

Cheeky Sells #MORETHAN4 T-shirts and Cups for CURE Childhood Cancer during September

Childhood cancer is the number one cause of death by disease in kids, yet according to CURE Childhood Cancer, the National Cancer Institute currently allocates less than 4 percent of its budget to pediatric cancer research. Cheeky hopes to channel more funds toward childhood cancer research by selling #MORETHAN4 T-shirts and color-changing cups. Buy the colorful shirts ($15.04 each) and cups ($5.04 each) at any Cheeky location (except Chastain) during September. Support the cause even further by purchasing donation cards in $1 increments.

September Live Music Calendar Rocks Ray’s at Killer Creek

The acoustic sounds of live music in the bar and lounge of Ray’s at Killer Creek in Alpharetta provide an intimate alternative to loud and crowded big concert venues. Date night potential? We think so, because sometimes you want to have a conversation. Plus, Ray’s food and drinks are spot on. Music plays 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, and 7-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Who and when: Brandon Cocker on September 1, 17, 23 and 30; Marty Manous on September 2, 3, 8, 15 and 22; David Pretlow on September 9; Lauren Jordan on September 10, 16 and 29; and Lee Gamble on September 24.

Marlow’s Tavern Rewards September Dine Out for No Kid Hungry Donations with $5 Come-back Coupon

The kids have been back in school for a few weeks. For some students, concentrating on schoolwork is a challenge because hunger pangs echo louder than lessons. Marlow’s Tavern has a way to help, and even non-math majors will see this win-win adds up. Visit any Marlow’s Tavern location in September and join in Dine Out for No Kid Hungry by making a donation to No Kid Hungry. Throw it on your tab when anteing up for that juicy Tavern Burger or ice-cold handcrafted beverage. Any size donation qualifies, although supersizing is always appreciated. Marlow’s will return the kind-hearted action with a $5 coupon redeemable October 1 through December 31, 2016. One coupon per donation per person per visit. Come again and donate again throughout September. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger by ensuring kids start the day with a nutritious breakfast and helping families learn the skills they need to shop and cook healthy meals on a budget. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of national anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength.

Stem Wine Bar Segues to Sunny Spain for September Wine Tastings

Stem Wine Bar steers the oenophile train from August’s tour of German wines to sunny Spain for September’s Wednesday night wine tasting series. Owner and chef Doug Turbush will prepare six small bites to pair perfectly with sommelier Chris McNeill's selections of wines from Albariño to Rioja. No passport needed, but you will need a reservation to come along for the easy-going trip packed with sips and tidbits to eat and learn. Seats go fast for these 6:30-8 p.m. events; reserve yours today. Purchase tickets online by clicking on your preferred date: September 14 or September 28. Cost is $40 per person (plus small service fee; gratuity added at in-store checkout).