Feast on Chefs’ Best Fried Chicken at Family Friendly Mother Clucker Festival in Midtown April 30

Sunday afternoon’s Mother Clucker Chicken Festival competes with baseball for weekend “fowl” ball territory. Fried chicken fans can field chef-driven chicken feed, a.k.a. delectable classic and creative chicken dishes, from Chicken and the Egg, FEED Fried Chicken + Such, 5Church, Midtown Takorea, Ormsby’s and other Atlanta restaurants at The Stave Room (American Spirit Works Distillery), April 30 from 2-5 p.m. Fried chicken-inspired tastings prepared from all-natural Springer Mountain Farms chicken share the party with live music, beer, wine and specialty cocktails featuring American Spirit Whiskey. General admission is $40 for adults and $15 for children ages 5-12. Wee chicks are welcome, and kids under age 5 get in free. Buy tickets online (small service fee). A portion of the day’s proceeds benefits Songs for Kids and its musical mission to enrich the lives of children battling illnesses. Peck through pics from previous Mother Clucker Festivals here.

Bite into Cobb’s Best Restaurants at Taste of Marietta April 30

Build a “square” meal out of tastings from Cobb County’s top restaurants at Taste of Marietta, sprawling around the Historic Marietta Square on Sunday, April 30 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Chicken and the Egg is one of the 75 restaurants and caterers doling out some of their best dishes at the 24^th annual tasting event. A 10-truck food truck line throttles up more options. Leave Fido at home but definitely bring the kids -- they’ll have a big time bouncing in moonwalks, making sand art and enjoying other fun activities in the Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Kids Alley. Two stages rock the afternoon with live music, and culinary demos sizzle on the cooking stage. Free admission; purchase tickets for “tastes,” which are priced at $1-$5 each. Find parking and other info here.

Mary Kay Andrews Sets Out Welcome Mat for “The Beach House Cookbook” Release Party at The Cook’s Warehouse Midtown April 30

Breezy flair and summertime favorites fill “The Beach House Cookbook”, the newest release from New York Times bestseller and “Beach Read Queen” Mary Kay Andrews. Meet Andrews at a cookbook launch party on Sunday, April 30 at 4 p.m. at The Cook’s Warehouse in Midtown Atlanta and see how easy it is to offer beach house hospitality. She will demo easy recipes for entertaining and offer light bites and signature cocktails from the cookbook. Plus, she’s giving out swag bags loaded with goodies. Scan your horizon for summer vacation visits and buy a cookbook for yourself as well as a few for hostess gifts so Andrews can sign them at the party. Attendees can enter a drawing for prizes and help out The Giving Kitchen. Call 404-815-4993 or go online to RSVP. Visit www.marykayandrews.com for more information.

Milton’s Sprouts First Farmyard Chowdown of the Season with Magic, Music and More April 30

The garden gate is open. Park the tractor at the historic Crabapple farmhouse and come on in to celebrate the growing season at the first Farmyard Chowdown of the year at Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails on Sunday, April 30 beginning at 6 p.m. Oodles of oysters, fried chicken, low country seafood boil and more of chef Derek Dollar’s lip-smacking victuals, communal tables and lawn games will spread out around Milton’s backyard. Plate up and sit down with your new best farm friends. Live music, a magician and games will engage all ages, from little chickees to seasoned farm hands. Buy advance tickets online, $40 per person and $20 for kids 12 and under (plus small service fee; tax, $5 drink tickets not included). Go ahead and mark your Old Farmer’s Almanac calendar for future 2017 Chowdowns on Sept. 17 and Oct. 8.

American Cut “Steaks” Claim to Decatur Farmers Market Chef Demo April 29

American Cut is known for its succulent meats and upscale dining experience in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. On Saturday, April 29, chef John Adamson reveals another side -- side dishes. The American Cut chef demos recipes using farm-fresh seasonal produce at the Decatur Farmers Market. Shop the market’s array of locally grown and produced goods from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; located in the “Pecan Grove” of the First Baptist Church of Decatur, 308 Clairemont Avenue.

Grab Early Dibs on Rare Treat, 50-Day Dry-Aged Manhattan Strip at The Federal

Acclaimed Atlanta chefs Shaun Doty and Lance Gummere at The Federal in Midtown share a soft spot for their carnivore customers. The two gents are working with Buckhead Beef to dry age their 16-ounce certified Black Angus steaks for an unheard-of 50 days. Now, The Federal is able to offer dinner guests an opportunity to taste 50-day, dry-aged Manhattan strip steak ($68), a premium lean cut known for its marbling, tenderness and flavor. Quantities are extremely limited. “Most restaurants dry age their beef for an average of 28 days. Our 50-day dry-aged steaks are going to have even more intense flavor and offer a rare treat for steak connoisseurs,” says Doty. To slice into this exquisite, butter knife-tender steak, make reservations via OpenTable. Two-hour validated parking is available next to the restaurant in the 1010 Midtown Parking deck, and additional paid parking is on Crescent Avenue. Valet parking is offered at the corner of 11^th and Crescent Avenue Thursday through Saturday. For additional information, call 404-343-3857.

What’s New on Pinterest: Pack a Picnic

A tisket, a tasket, let’s Pack a Picnic basket. National Picnic Day, April 23, opens the lid to the eating al fresco season, and our hamper overflows with make-ahead packables. “Summery, serene picnic ideas” set the scene. Walking tacos in Fritos bags, handy sandwiches and jars stuffed with banana pudding and other desserts or chopped salads in jars make serving and supping a cinch. Freeze vodka lemonade in Ziploc bags for an adult version of those cooler friendly kiddie drinks. With games, picnic gift baskets and party tips to boot, the only things missing from this picnic are the ants.

Taste of Atlanta Food Fest Takes Sweet 16 Party to Old Fourth Ward Park Oct. 20-22

Taste of Atlanta, the city’s premier bites and bevs fest, is looking ahead to its Sweet 16 anniversary this Oct. 20-22, moving the feast to a brand-new home in Historic Fourth Ward Park. A Friday night “Sweet 16” soiree hosted by Jonathan and Justin Fox of Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q opens the festivities, which roll on through the weekend with more than 200 nibbles, sips and samples of food, wine, craft beer and cocktails from a who’s who of the ATL’s most buzz-worthy restaurants. VIP Grand Tasting Experience upgrades, always a sellout, allow festivalgoers to access exclusives. Chef demonstrations, interactive panel conversations, music and more fill this weekend cornucopia of food and frolics. Thirsty to be a firstie in following updates and buying tickets? Ruminate on these be-in-the-know links: TasteOfAtlanta.com, sign up for the fun, foodie Bite of News newsletter and follow Taste of Atlanta on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

#Foodgram:Cookie The News

Sometimes, the daily news is easier to stomach when baked into a cookie. Cookie The News sugar, spices and ices the headlines and pop culture buzz into ready for prime time treats. Naming a few: LEGO’s Women of NASA, Beauty and the Beast, Oscar Mistake, Donald Trump Elected, World Series 2016. Don’t like that news bite? Dunk it in your glass of milk. 

Communion at Revival “Tacos” On a New Vibe, Opens as Communion Cantina on Cinco de Mayo

Cutting-edge Atlanta chef, restaurateur, speaker and cookbook author Kevin Gillespie loves to shake things up, things like restaurants and margaritas. Gillespie is opening Communion Cantina, a Mexican watering hole and eatery behind his popular Revival restaurant in Decatur on Friday, May 5 at 4 p.m. “By changing Communion every year, we can keep being creative and try new things,” says Gillespie. Last year’s German beer garden-inspired backyard gathering spot crosses borders, reopening as a casual, outdoor Mexican cantina. A backyard food truck will sell five different varieties of tacos along with other Mexican staples such as chips and salsa, cheese dip and guacamole. Beer and cocktails, including margaritas, sangria and frozen drinks like frosé and frozen mint juleps (a nod to Southern traditions) are ready to slake thirsts during warmer days and nights. The beer selection, both bottled and draft, features West Coast, domestic, local and Mexican brews. Cash and credit cards both work here – no pesos needed. Communion Cantina’s hours are Thursday from 5-10 p.m. (with Dirty South Trivia starting at 8 p.m) and Friday from 5-10 p.m., Saturday from 1-10 p.m. and Sunday from 1-9 p.m. Groups may reserve tables or the whole backyard for parties.

Appetizing Aperture

The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill crab and shrimp dip ($8.95) hits the spot for those still feeling a little crabby from clawing their way through tax forms. Plowing through this dip, served hot with pita chips, is pure pleasure. Hmmm. Can’t quite say the same for the taxes.

$5 Burgers Storm Atlanta during ATL Burger Week, April 23-29

Fathom chomping into 50+ burgers in one week? Hard to show restraint when a meaty multitude of juicy, beefy burgers are $5 each at more than 50 Atlanta restaurants during ATL Burger Week, April 23-29. HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern, Ormsby’s, Sublime Doughnuts and the rest of the herd are fervently perfecting their ATL Burger Week recipes before carnivores set to savoring and voting their favorites into bun-derful glory and bragging rights. Ormsby’s has leaked that they’re grilling a brat burger with kraut and spicy mustard. Sublime Doughnuts plans to lick the competition by featuring all of its ice cream burger flavors, and HOBNOB promises a juicy, flavorful burger for all ATL Burger Week-goers. Since burgers are only $5 a bun full, spring for a beer, some sides…and remember to tip your server. The whole week of meat-sweatin’ and flippin’ is presented by Georgia Beef Board, Creative Loafing and Red Brick Brewing Company.

Shop Like Nona -- Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante Opens Stands at Area Farmers Markets

Shopping outdoor markets for the freshest ingredients is a way of life in Italy. Just ask Nona. Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante, ever true to its Italian heritage, carries on the tradition. The Buckhead trattoria and Italian grocery is taking its authentic, fresh-made specialties to two of Atlanta’s most popular Saturday farmers markets: Freedom Park Farmers Market and Peachtree Road Farmers Market at The Cathedral of St. Philip.

The Vortex Whirls into 25th Year, Parties Hearty through April 23

Twenty-five years ago, ex-SoCal siblings moved to Atlanta and queried themselves, “What would be more fun than looking for jobs?” Opening a bar (and performing every role required to run it). The Vortex still fulfills Atlanta’s desires for champion burgers (think Zombie Apocalypse and Classic Coronary), beer, booze and ridiculously indulgent bar food. Michael Benoit and his co-founding siblings Suzanne and Hank are spinning a weeklong party April 17–23, giving away gift bags, pint glasses and more (while supplies last) at both the Midtown (878 Peachtree Street, NE) and Little Five Points (438 Moreland Avenue, NE) locations. Red Brick Brewing Company is in on celebratory collaborations, crafting a special peanut butter, bacon and banana imperial stout inspired by The Vortex Fat Elvis burger, a burger like no other. The weeklong festivities are already underway. Whirl in Thursday, April 20 and receive a gift bag with various items like a Vortex-branded shirt, 25^th anniversary buttons, stickers and more. Plus, April 20-23, guests who order the limited-edition Fat Elvis imperial stout or any Laughing Skull draft will receive a custom “beer can-style” pint glass to take home. As the godfather of all Atlanta burger joints, The Vortex has churned out more than a fair share of “best burger” awards and accolades for “best beer selection,” “best neighborhood bar,” and “best bar food.” Ages 21 and over only, and “official idiot-free zone” policies stand as house rules. Get pumped for the partying by following Vortex Radio podcast (available on iTunes).

2017 Taste of the Nation Showcases Celebrity Chefs and Atlanta Faves April 20

Atlanta’s annual Taste of the Nation is always one of the city’s most highly anticipated culinary events. This year promises an even greater abundance of chefs, restaurants, surprises and an intimate VIP Dinner Experience at the Thursday, April 20 extravaganza filling downtown Atlanta’s Southern Exchange at 200 Peachtree. TV personality and restaurateur Cat Cora, who opened Cat Cora’s Kitchen at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in partnership with Hojeij Branded Foods, will serve as the event’s honorary chef. Aria chef Gerry Klaskala, Umi chef Fuyuhiko Ito and Gunshow chef Kevin Gillespie take their talents to the tables for the ultra-exclusive VIP Dinner Experience featuring a multi-course dinner prepared tableside by the chefs and fine wine pairings. Guests opting for the 7-10 p.m. Grand Tasting experience will sample signature fare and spirits from more than 50 of Atlanta’s premier restaurants -- including Cat Cora’s Kitchen, Chicken and the Egg, 5Church, Gypsy Kitchen, Marlow’s Tavern, Seed Kitchen & Bar and Umi -- along with the excitement of auctions, wine tastings and live entertainment. “Cat Cora’s California Trip” is sure to stir a feeding frenzy of hot bidding in the live auction. Taste of the Nation events are held in more than 30 cities across the nation. Proceeds support Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign to end childhood hunger in the U.S.A. Buy Grand Tasting experience tickets here, $250 per person.
 

Willy’s Mexicana Grill Rolls Open Doors in Smyrna with Free Burritos April 19

Oh, to be one of the lucky first 50 guests at the newest Willy’s Mexicana Grill, located in Smyrna’s Jonquil shopping center at 2995 Atlanta Road, SE. When the store opens at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 19, Willy’s will treat each of these first 50 fans to a free burrito and drink! Everyone else, hey, life’s still grand…and so are Willy’s burritos, tacos, bowls, salads and the rest of the menu. Each item is made to order while you watch using all fresh, natural and never frozen ingredients. There really is a Willy -- Willy Bitter -- and he’s passionate about spreading burrito joy across Atlanta and beyond. Smyrna’s new Willy’s is one more roll in the right direction.

Midtown Takorea & Ssam Bar Flies Wednesday Korean Fried Chicken Night Special Starting April 19

“KFC” is short for Korean fried chicken -- the new Wednesday night special Korean food cravers are clucking about at Midtown Takorea & Ssam Bar. Starting April 19, chef Tomas Lee’s mid-week special promises a whole fried chicken (all-natural chicken, twice fried to a golden brown in a gluten-free rice flour batter) served with fried rice, tempura-citrus Brussels sprouts and an assortment of house-made kimchi and pickled veggies, enough for four friends, all for $60. Reservations for KFC Night (via OpenTable or by calling 404-532-1944) are strongly encouraged. Lee is adding more sit-down dinner menu options, inspired by family recipes, for sharable dining among family and friends. The new build-it-yourself Ssam Bar enables DIY-ers to construct their own ssam (Korean for “wrapped”) with marinated Kalbi Angus beef short rib, bulgogi pork, Dragon pork and more in crisp green-leaf lettuce wraps, all paired with bowls of flavorful banchan sides, kimchi, sauces and spicy bean paste. Fun on the yum – and hey, why go through life eating more of the same when you can fill up on more of the ssam and KFC at Midtown Takorea?

What’s New on Pinterest: Grilled Cheese to Please

There’s a Grilled Cheese to Please cheese hounds of all ages during National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Month. Colorful sprinkles melting into a rainbow grilled cheese set little eyes to smiling -- as will pizza grilled cheese. Grown-up versions sandwich sweet and spicy caramelized onions, crispy bacon or roasted apple and brie, balsamic Brussels sprouts, pulled pork, meatball marinara and other unique filling combos. Yesterday’s spaghetti sees new life in a carb-loading spaghetti and garlic toast grilled cheese. Carb counters, cauliflower crust grilled cheese cuts out bread. Wake from grilled cheese dreams to blueberry breakfast grilled cheese or strawberry jam and brie on chocolate chunk bread. More fun than fondue and a lot less drippy.

Sip Orin Swift Wines for Less at Ray’s Restaurants through April 30

Ray’s Restaurants is featuring four Orin Swift Cellars wines at special pricing through April 30. The limited-time opportunity includes select varietals of these fine California wines from Ray’s cellar: Palermo cabernet sauvignon, $20 per glass or $60 per bottle; Machete petite sirah, $24 per glass or $65 per bottle; Papillon Bordeaux blend, $85 per bottle; and Mercury Head cabernet sauvignon, $140 per bottle. Come “Swift-ly” to savor this exquisite wine deal at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek. Cellared wines are subject to availability. When they’re gone, they’re gone.

#Foodgram: Ale Sharpton

Ale Sharpton tags all the major bases – beer, food, sports, cars, travel, music and, yes, even bro’ fashions. Back to beer…cans, bottles, crafts and drafts flow to add to your list of brews to try. Catch Sharpton’s top shots inside new SunTrust Park.

Roll ‘em! Giant Cinnamon Roll a Hit at Revival Brunch and on Insider Dessert Video

Revival’s giant, old-fashioned cinnamon roll ($8) generously feeds a family of four or a really hungry dough boy or girl. The scintillating, super-sized spiral pans out plenty for Revival brunch guests to share, and a video feature on Insider Dessert is generating Facebook shares like crazy. Ooey, gooey, butter-slathered dough rolls around cinnamon sugar and comes to the table warm and crowned with oodles of buttermilk frosting spilling over its cast-iron skillet baker. Knife and fork it or rip into it with bare hands. Warning: once you start, there’s no stopping until the last frosted finger is licked clean.

Appetizing Aperture

Squash Blossoms are blooming on the spring menu at Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante in Buckhead. Stuffed with a ricotta and mozzarella cheese mixture, dipped in a light batter and flash fried, the big golden blossoms are delicacies to behold ($9). Hurry, hurry! Quantities are limited. 

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails Wows Steak Connoisseurs, Adds Prime Cuts to Daily Menu

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails is beefing up its daily menu in prime fashion. Now guests dining at the charming restaurant in historic Crabapple can cut into fine, aged steaks from local Revere Meat Co. Executive chef Derek Dollar’s new Prime Cuts menu corrals exceptional prime cuts including six-ounce prime filet mignon, aged 35 days ($32); nine-ounce prime filet mignon, aged 35 days ($45); 14-ounce prime grass-fed Delmonico rib-eye, aged 35 days ($42); 16-ounce dry-aged bone-in NY strip, aged 60 days ($48); and Milton’s signature wagyu flank steak, aged 35 days ($28). Choose red wine veal jus, hollandaise or duxelles truffle butter to enhance each morsel. Add a jumbo lump crabcake Oscar to any steak for $14. Savory sides complement perfectly: jalapeño honey-glazed heirloom baby carrots; Loud Mouth Farm’s mushroom confit with truffle essence; smoked Gouda creamed spinach with crispy shallots, charred Brussels sprouts and apples with cracked mustard-sherry bacon vinaigrette; giant salt-roasted potato with cultured butter, house bacon, Tillamook cheddar, buttermilk crème fraîche and chives; smoky grilled asparagus with hollandaise and tomato brunoise; and roasted cauliflower with shaved Parmesan and white truffle oil. Tender Prime Cuts beef. Fresh ingredients, many coming from kitchen-close Milton’s Acre backyard garden. A heady “Grapes & Hops” wine list. Truly, Milton’s is heaven on earth.

STOP Here for OTP Lunch Ideas

Cross the street (okay, highway) and go outward bound for lunch -- outside the Perimeter. Sail into Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar at the Avenue East Cobb for seafood, sandwiches, salads, raw bar and more seven days a week. Monday through Saturday, sister restaurant Seed Kitchen & Bar in Marietta offers a “Daily Trio” featuring a sandwich, soup and salad for $12.95 along with specialty plates, sandwiches and salads topped with grilled chicken, salmon or shrimp. Lunching at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill Canton Street, situated amid the quaint shops and galleries of Roswell, is like taking a midday beach town “vacay,” any day, for fresh fish and seaside favorites, po’boys and signature low-cal bowls. Multiple OTP (and several right inside I-285) locations practically guarantee there’s a friendly neighborhood Marlow’s Tavern on your way from point A to B (even if point B is in Florida). Slip away to Taco Mac for a quick sports viewing fix, wings, soups, salads, burgers, wraps, tacos -- you name it, backed by a hefty beer program and lots of libations. Turn a potentially snoozer of a cubicle lunch from siesta to fiesta by crossing the FlexMex border to Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. Can’t help but say “ole!” to tacos, skillets, quesadillas, salads and a mega selection of margaritas, “Thin Lizzies” cocktails and libations. When pursuing lunchtime happiness, OTP is “fare” game.

Jumping Jackrabbit! Easter Sunday is April 16

Ease into Easter Sunday sipping mimosas at brunch, mosey in midday or gather everyone together after a full day of Easter activities. From casual to elegant, Atlanta restaurants are rising, shining and ready to please with bodacious buffets, special menus and beloved favorites. Now hop to it and make reservations – you’ll find all the info you need on Atlanta Food News.

Hip Hop Hooray, 5Church ATLiens Brunch Returns April 15

Taxing week? Sign off. Bottom line, it’s ATLiens brunch time. 5Church Atlanta hosts its second ATLiens brunch this Saturday from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Cecili & Mr. E. Worldwide return, performing their “soul-ectronic/multi-crunk/flyy-ness” spin on an Outkast “ATLiens” playlist. Power up with craft cocktails, mimosas and sangria by the glass or carafe or build-your-own bloody marys and navigate the well-curated brunch menu. Partial to morning fare? Steer toward Belgian waffles with sautéed apples, bourbon caramel sauce and whipped cream ($8); tender crabcakes and poached eggs with toasted bread, spinach and jalapeño beurre blanc ($14); or “Preacher’s Breakfast” of three eggs, stone-ground grits, bacon and braised greens ($12). Those fancying traditionally “p.m.” dishes will go for the oyster po’boy with smoked bacon aioli, pickled Fresno pepper, arugula and hand-cut fries ($14); the signature 5Church lamb burger ($14); and bistro steak “a la brasa” with two eggs any style, chimichurri and french fries ($23). Several omelets and sandwiches round out the menu. 5Church Atlanta’s interstellar ATLiens brunch is “chill-axing,” not taxing.

Be Happy over More Hours for $1 Oysters and Half-Priced Apps at Ray’s Restaurants

Ray’s Restaurants reveals why its guests are so happy. Hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood, yes, but also for high-quality bar bites at half price. At Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs and Ray’s at Killer Creek in Alpharetta, relish $1 oysters on the half shell and half-price appetizers including seared ahi tuna tataki, crispy Point Judith calamari, Ray’s “New Orleans” barbecue shrimp, Ray’s brisket burger, goat cheese pimiento fritters and Ray’s blue cheese chips. Enjoy the specials in bar and lounge areas (and on the creek-side patio at Ray’s at Killer Creek). Hours are 3-6 p.m. (Ray’s on the River) and 3-7 p.m. (Ray’s at Killer Creek), 9 p.m. to close and Sundays from 5-9 p.m. The downtown Atlanta after-work crowd unwinds at Ray’s in the City to live music (Tuesday through Saturday) and a revamped menu of bar friendly bites including Ray’s gourmet sliders (served with Ray’s house-cut fries), crispy fried Gulf shrimp and grits and half-price items including Ray’s “New Orleans” barbecue shrimp, steamed mussels, crispy Point Judith calamari, Ray’s blue cheese chips and a half-dozen oysters on the half shell. These specials rule Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close. In addition, all raw bar items are half price (excludes cold seafood tower) from 9 p.m. to close weekdays.

Dine on the Fly – Land at Varasano’s in Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport for Brick Oven-Style Pizza in a Flash

Varasano’s Pizzeria tames the rush, rush of getting to the world’s busiest airport and through security lines with the sensory rush of sitting down to a time-conscious, first-class meal just off the “main drag” of Concourse A traffic. Varasano’s makes and flash-bakes brick oven-style pizzas to order from 8:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Delicate, thin crusts avoid the “extra baggage” of heavy dough. The all-natural, crisp-crust pies wear just the right amount of sauce and fresh toppings to nourish both carnivores and vegetarians without weighing anyone down. Those keen on greens can happily munch away on one of several salad selections. Order your favorite craft cocktail, beer or a relaxing glass of wine and feel the stress meter drop while listening to a pianist play live music at the piano bar and watching flight comings and goings through the huge window wall. Or, choose a TV view for news or sports. Like the original Varasano’s Pizzeria in Buckhead, the airport location slices into a big share of pie pride accolades, being recognized in USA Today as one of the 2016 Best Restaurants in the 10 Busiest U.S. Airports (#1 in Atlanta) along with similar recognitions by Condé Nast Traveler, Fox News, Serious Eats and others. Varasano’s is one of the high-quality Hojeij Branded Foods airport eateries satisfying travelers in Atlanta and other major U.S. airports. Stop in at HBF eateries and pass on the peanuts and pretzels.

Chef Marc Taft’s Brine Seafood Shack Opens in Avalon April 13

Ahoy, Avalon diners! Brine Seafood Shack, the latest from executive chef and restaurateur Marc Taft, opens Thursday, April 13. Drop in for succulent seafood and vacation vibe -- you’ll swear you’re in that perfectly relaxed seafood spot where Cape Cod meets Santa Monica Beach. The menu, created by Taft and Brine chef de cuisine David Connolly (previously of Two Urban Licks and Tap in Atlanta and Michelin-starred Spiaggia in Chicago), includes dishes such as tuna poke with avocado, yuzu, soy and taro; crabcake with remoulade; mini clam rolls on brioche with lemon-caper tartar; lobster rolls, fish stew, clam fritters, fresh oysters and fish tacos. Seafood menus follow Monterey Bay Seafood Watch sustainable practices, and much of the catch from New England, the West Coast and the Gulf will be geo-tagged right down to the captain’s name and boat location. This “shack” is like no other, boasting a rooftop bar featuring Tiki-style craft cocktails and a retractable roof; a raw bar and classic boat cocktails; and a New England-style walk-up window for takeout, soft-serve ice cream, milkshakes and even cocktails, wine and beer to quench thirsts while strolling Avalon’s boardwalk, err, sidewalks. Brine is the latest dining concept from Southern Fried Hospitality, which provides management and development for Taft’s Chicken and the Egg, FEED – Fried Chicken & Such (opening late spring at The Battery Atlanta adjacent to SunTrust Park) and CO-OP Community Table + Bar (opening April 2018 in Forsyth County’s HALCYON Development).

What’s New on Pinterest: Spring Is Here

Spring Is Here, blooming brightly in gardens, kitchens and meals. Add citrus zing through lemon thyme chicken, ginger-tea lemonade, lemon cream Pavlova and blueberry Key lime cupcakes. Stock the beach-bound break cooler with coconut lavender lemonade and other springy cocktails, fresh veggie rolls with peanut sauce, jars of cold quinoa salad, refrigerator cucumber salad and “sex on the beach” frozen pops. Those tender spring veggies march into vegetable gnocchi and an easy ragout, spring pea tart, ramp pesto muffins, crostini and an admirable grilled goat cheese, asparagus and prosciutto sandwich well deserving of its stripes. 

#Foodgram: My Kitchen Chaos

My Kitchen Chaos is heaven sent for uber-busy families trying to get dinner to the table fast on crazy and normal (slightly less crazy) days. Mommy blogger and author Adina Kalish reveals copycat restaurant recipes -- healthier version chicken soup and lettuce wraps -- and other quick picks like veggie fried rice, Matzah Palooza and weekend morning “Friends with Benedicts.” See video clips of her “Atlanta & Co.” cooking segments on her blog.

Veer Off the Boardwalk to The Big Ketch Canton Street Patio Party April 23

Technically, street and a sidewalk pave the way to The Big Ketch Canton Street in Roswell. It’s the frame of mind that counts, and this patio party fueled by cold brews and hot live music is all about welcoming the coastal season from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday, April 23. Crack open ice-cold canned beers for $3 each and tilt glasses of wine for $5 each. Feel those salty sea breezes already? When seaside hungries hit, plate up for a boatload of TBK-style low country boil. No cover or admission charge to attend; cash bar and boil.

Appetizing Aperture

You rise with the rooster, ride herd with the rest of the commuter cattle call then head back to the barn to hit the hay at the end of the day. Somewhere in there, duck into HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern and fork into a colorful Farmhouse Salad sprouting romaine, arugula, rainbow carrots, watermelon radish, roasted tomatoes, HOBNOB’s pickle mix of mushrooms, fennel and turnips and a dose of green goddess dressing ($12.95). Yes, indeed-y, urban farm life delivers on garden-fresh goodness.

Ride the Atkins Park Party Bus to/from Braves Home Opener April 14

Braves fans, field this hometown advantage -- a Braves home opener bus trip -- pitched by Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland. Score a home run drive from Atkins Park Va-Hi (bus leaves at 5 p.m.), round the bases to pick up fans at Ormsby’s, then slide into new SunTrust Park stadium for the Atlanta Braves vs. the San Diego Padres evening game on Friday, April 14. This gig includes all the gear: ticket, commemorative T-shirt, pre-game chow and beer and round-trip transportation. Atkins Park Va-Hi, teammate Ormsby’s and beer sponsors Miller Lite and Terrapin Beer Company back this spirited party and stress-less game transportation. $75 per person. All you have to do is leave your dugout and stop by Atkins Park Va-Hi to buy your bus trip ticket. Call 404-876-7249 for more info.

Dine at Any Southern Proper Restaurant to Feed “No Kid Hungry” on April 11

Give in to your desire to dine at a Southern Proper Hospitality restaurant on Tuesday, April 11 and know some of the moolah is going to provide nutritious food for American children. Earmarked as a give-back day, 10 percent of sales at all Southern Proper restaurants will go to No Kid Hungry. Do double duty – lunch and dinner – feasting on fresh seafood at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead and Roswell, modern twists on Southern classics at The Southern Gentleman in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta and mouthwatering smoked meats at Smokebelly BBQ in the heart of Buckhead. Jumping on the give-back meal train come dinner time, Gypsy Kitchen in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta offers a tantalizing menu of cuisine inspired by the regions of sunny Spain while Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails in historic Crabapple focuses on regional fare and seasonal harvests. All offer handcrafted cocktails, craft brews and wines to enhance lunch and dinner selections. 

Easter is April 16! Find All Your Easter Eats Eggs in One Basket – The Dish

Easter arrives later than usual this year, giving us “eggs-tra” time to make plans and rejoice that it will probably be warm enough to NOT wear a coat over those new springy duds. Hightail it to these Atlanta restaurants on April 16 for Easter dining, drinks and fun, inside and out.

Rabbit trail it to Midtown where 5Church Atlanta at 14^th and Peachtree plans Easter specials and bottomless mimosas to go along with à la carte menu offerings. Deciding whether to dine out after sunrise service, high noon or capping the day? Peruse the brunch menu, served from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., and the dinner menu, available at 5 p.m. Celebratory cocktails and spirits play out all day.

Sail over to East Cobb for a Sunday brunch at Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar. Enjoy Easter specials in addition to the regular menu like Maine lobster omelette with chevre and smoked tomato butter; jumbo lump crab cake benedict with brown butter hollandaise, brioche and a poached egg; and seared scallops and maple-glazed pork belly with Vidalia onion soubise, asparagus, oyster mushrooms and a poached egg.

No need to rush the Easter fun. Sit down and stay a while for brunch and dinner at Food 101 from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Feast on regular brunch and dinner favorites like the fried chicken biscuit; crab cake BLT; scallop salad; and three meat meatloaf. Easter specials include smoked lamb carpaccio with spring peas, shallot mousse, cured yolk, arugula on a lemon crostini; hickory-smoked, sorghum-glazed ham with Gayla’s Grits, roasted carrots and leaks with ham jus; and pan-roasted halibut with English peas and asparagus, spring vegetable consommé and fresh herbs.

Hop into HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern in Midtown from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. for their beloved “Bubbly Brunch” with bottomless mimosas ($17) as well as brunch specialties “everybunny” loves and live music from 1-4 p.m. Consider the Wake and Bake pizza ($13), tiramisu French toast ($11), healthy Million Dollar Feeling plate ($13), The BASE salad ($11) or BYOB (Build Your Own Breakfast, $3.50-$12.50). The Hangover Helper ($13) cures whatever ails those who stayed up too late looking for the bunny, and a whole list of bloody marys, “mosas” and brunch cocktails are ready when you are. Fly back in for half-price wings from 4-11 p.m.

Ormsby’s shells out adult-style Easter egg fun! Each guest receives a plastic egg filled with either a piece of candy, a ticket for a free drink or some other prize. The Westside restaurant and pub is open from noon until midnight, and it’s menu specials are eggs-actly right for the day with additions of bourbon-glazed ham, smashed peas, roasted carrots and mashed potatoes. Besides, thirsty bunnies need a good watering hole, and Ormsby’s spirit list is lush with craft beer, craft cocktails and wines.

Easter Sunday, tip your bonnet and a bourbon, brunch punch or seasonal mimosa while choosing selections from The Southern Gentleman’s à la carte brunch menu, offered from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hold off on jelly beans and Peeps to save room for smoked trout rillettes ($9), ricotta and lemon pancakes ($12), pimento cheese and bacon or Hang Town Fry omelet ($15), a traditional Monte Cristo ($15), New Orleans shrimp and grits ($16) and other new South favorites. The Easter Bunny pops into The Shops Buckhead Atlanta gastropub for a special appearance -- and maybe to bunny hop to live music from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Three-hour free deck parking. Make reservations on OpenTable; call 404-939-9845 for information. 

Head home to Revival for a truly farm-fresh Southern Easter brunch or dinner at Kevin Gillespie’s Decatur cottage-turned-restaurant. Enjoy brunch from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. served from the regular à la carte menu. The dinner menu takes over from 5-9 p.m. Executive chef Andreas Müller plans to toss some Easter-themed specials into the basket along with the regular menu offerings.

For an enticing prix fixe Easter meal and a lovely garden setting, take the family to Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails in historic Crabapple. Enjoy an elegant $32 prix fixe menu alongside such brunch staples as Charleston crab bisque, blackened salmon, Southern-fried chicken breast and French toast.

Honor Easter over sumptuous Easter Sunday buffets at Ray’s Restaurants. Ray’s in the City spreads its Easter buffet from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m.; $39.95/adult, $19.95/ages 5-10. Feast on boneless leg of lamb and Virginia ham at the carving station; made-to-order omelets and waffles at the breakfast station; seafood gumbo, ham and eggs Benedict, prime rib, deep-fried Southern chicken tenders, roasted chicken with herbs, seafood alfredo pasta, salmon croquettes, beef Burgundy, broiled grouper medallions and sides galore. Fill in display and dessert options – from fruit, cheese, charcuterie, seafood and salads to coconut cake, eclairs, banana pudding and pecan pie. Those preferring to celebrate over dinner can order from the à la carte dinner menu from 5-8 p.m. that evening. Reservations: 404-524-9224. Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs comes through with a beautiful riverside view for Easter pictures as well as a bountiful brunch buffet offered from 9 a.m.-7 p.m. for $45.95/adult, $22.95 ages 5-10. Buffet offerings include morning options through early afternoon then segue more toward afternoon and evening fare as the day progresses. All day, guests can enjoy seafood and salad bars, a build-your-own waffle station, an array of house-made desserts and a meaty carving station featuring herb-roasted prime rib, Virginia ham, salmon in puff pastry, Cheshire baby back ribs and sweet tea fried chicken. Reservations: 770-955-1187. In Alpharetta, Ray’s at Killer Creek is ready to please from 10 a.m.-7 p.m., offering a mouthwatering Easter Sunday buffet featuring traditional brunch favorites and sides, a made-to-order omelet station, build-your-own salad and pasta bars, house-smoked salmon, and specialties including rosemary roasted leg of lamb, BBQ smoked brisket, prime rib, lamb sliders with tzatziki, butterfly shrimp and stuffed flounder. A crepe station, cheese blintzes with berry compote, chocolate mousse, panna cotta cups, red velvet cake and other riches call out from the dessert bar. $39.95/adult, $19.95/ages 5-10. Reservations: 770-649-0064.

Keep checking our blog for more specials and festive menus from Atlanta’s best restaurants.

Myrna Clayton “American Songbird of the South” and More Grace Eddie’s Attic Gospel Brunch with Revival April 9

Lift those hands and give it up for Eddie’s Attic Gospel Brunch on Sunday, April 9, backed by a bodacious buffet of Southern favorites from Revival executive chef Andreas Müller. “American Songbird of the South” Myrna Clayton performs globally and regularly sings the vocals with the Westside Winds 24-piece “big band” jazz orchestra. The Atlanta native credits Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin and Natalie Cole as her musical influences. Gospel veteran Harold Holloway, the face of Harold Holloway & Company and performer on BET’s “Bobby Jones Gospel Show,” joins Clayton, along with opener Jillian “Jillybean” Loux. Get in the gospel music groove watching the short video, The Myrna Clayton Experience. Doors open at noon; show begins at 1 p.m. Buy general admission tickets on Ticketfly for $20 each or purchase table seats in multiples of four for $20 per seat (tables filled day of show on a first-come, first-served basis). Brunch is an additional $24 per person and includes coffee, soda and tea (available for purchase day of show; tax and gratuity not included).

Kick-Off to Spring above Peachtree at The Regent Cocktail Club April 6

Go sky high and party at The Regent Cocktail Club this Thursday, April 6 from 6-8 p.m. Take in the sunset from the roof-top cocktail lounge atop American Cut in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Look out over Peachtree Street while sipping Whispering Angel rosé specials and chillin’ to live music by Atlanta acoustic trio Lilac Wine. RSVP at Events@LDVAtlanta.com. Since opening in 2016, the three-level restaurant/lounge combo of American Cut and The Regent Cocktail Club has become the “go-to dining and drinking destination for ATL’s posh set…one seriously sexy spot” according to Modern Luxury/Jezebel magazine. The duo holds the #2 spot on the list of Atlanta’s “100 Hottest Restaurants” in their February 2017 issue.

Ace is the Place for Kevin Gillespie’s KUDU Cookout, Shep’s Midtown April 12

Aah, spring turns fancies to outdoor cooking. Red-bearded chef, author and Bravo “Top Chef” celebrity Kevin Gillespie fans the flames of desire for backyard cooking over the open-fire grills of KUDU Safari Braai at a KUDU Cookout on Wednesday, April 12 at Shep’s Midtown Ace Hardware. Six cooking surfaces and a patented elevated grate system allow grill masters to grill, sauté, sear, fry, boil, smoke or steam almost anything (and roast s’mores) over an open flame, even simultaneously! Witness the hot action as Gillespie “KUDUs” grilled oyster mushroom toast with mascarpone and hot giardiniera, grilled pork tenderloin with Spanish-style garlic shrimp and dishes out a mean Dutch oven blackberry cobbler with vanilla ice cream. Truth be told, the ice cream is frozen, not grilled. Meet, greet, eat bites and enjoy booze with Gillespie from 7:30-9 p.m. Buy tickets, $55 each, on Xorbia.

Atkins Park Va-Hi Holds Your Ticket to Masters Tournament Televised Viewing April 6-9

Who’s your caddie? Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland has your back, Masters Tournament fans, from tee off to the donning of the green jacket. Watch televised coverage of a golfing tradition unlike any other with a tavern unlike any other, Thursday, April 6 through Sunday, April 9. Putter up to the bar for Masters-themed specialty cocktails—John Daly, Sand Wedge, Transfusion and the Green Jacket ($6-$7) as well as draft beer, both domestic ($3) and imported ($5).  A “Masters” menu offers the same kinds of classics as viewers along the Augusta National: sandwiches filled with egg salad, pimento cheese, bar-b-que, chicken breast or turkey ($5-$6); and fries, sweet potato fries and field green salad for snacking ($3). Just like the best caddies, Atkins Park thinks of everything…like commemorative cups, so useful for cheering and hydrating all the way to the 19^th hole. 

What’s New on Pinterest: Thank Goodness for Garlic

Thank Goodness for Garlic spans a spectrum of pungent raw strength to gentle, roasted sweetness. April is National Garlic Month, time for garlic to shed its skin and slip onto your menu -- roasted with mushrooms and thyme, atop spinach white pizza and in 30-minute cauliflower chowder. Add garlic to butter, spreads and dips (i.e., baked BLT dip), pickle the cloves or simply roast garlic heads and spread them on everything. Garlic befriends all -- land, sea and garden: trout with lemon butter herb sauce, rosemary pork tenderloin, sticky chicken bites, scallops, melt-in-your-mouth prime rib and Parmesan broccoli. Rip into cheese and garlic crack pull-apart bread with someone you love and share the addiction.

What's a Firkin? Delicious -- at HOBNOB Bell's Brewery Firkin Beer Dinner April 5

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern chef Mark Nelson is frothing to host a five-course Bell’s Brewery Firkin Beer Dinner with beer pairings from the Michigan brewery. It all comes to a heady brew fruition at the Midtown restaurant on Wednesday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m. A Bell’s Brewery rep will pour out knowledge on the various featured beers: Special Double Cream Stout Firkin, Two Hearted Ale, Oberon Ale, Oarsman Ale and Lager of the Lakes. Giveaways are a given. Buy tickets online: $49 per person in advance, $69 at the door.