March Into Trilogy For This Month's Specials

Run or drive if you'd rather, just don't miss Trilogy's March specials! So hearty, even those who come in hungry as lions will leave as content as lambs. Trilogy's complete menu and entertainment calendar are available on the restaurant's web site.

Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, all martinis and wine by the glass are half price, and $2 Coors Light makes a bargain quencher!

Bottomless pasta bowls fill Monday night diners for a mere $8.95. Choose linguini, orchetti or penne pasta and your favorite sauce: marinara, meat, alfredo or tomato basil. Sop up sauce with warm, crusty bread and enjoy a crisp, tossed salad.

Tuesdays are shrimp steamer nights! Finger foodies will love this: $10.95 brings a full pound of steamed shrimp with warm garlic butter, red skin potatoes and corn on the cob to your plate!

Mama Martin's meatloaf comforts chow hounds on Wednesdays. All-you-care-to-eat Southern- style meatloaf cozies up to green beans, mashed potatoes and pan gravy for $9.95.

Trilogy: 4930 Davidson Road behind the Parkaire shopping center in East Cobb; 770-971- 4770.

Whole Foods Market In Buckhead Goes Green For Girl's Night Out On March 20

Did you commit the fashion faux pas of forgetting to wear green on St. Pat’s? Be prepared to view the “wearing of the green” in a fashionable, environmentally conscious way when you and the girls green out at Whole Foods Buckhead’s Girls’ Night Out at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 20. It’s keen to go green with the gals while taking in an organic fashion show and noshing on hors d’oeuvres and drinks featuring “green” ingredients. Each guest gains a “Go Green” goodie bag. Sign up at Customer Service by March 19 to reserve your spot. 77 West Paces Ferry Road, NW; 404-324-4100. http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/

tsp spices makes the most of marjoram in march

Folklore has it that seductively scented marjoram was first grown on Mount Olympus by beautiful Aphrodite, goddess of love. She was definitely on to something - this gentle cousin of oregano still kisses foods with flavors of Riviera and Grecian coasts. Marjoram has traditionally represented happiness, and the CardaMoms at tsp spices are happy to share info, recipes and savings on their website. During March, use the code "majorana" at checkout to save 20% off the Savoir Fare twin tin set of organic marjoram and sage. Here's an easy, to-dye-for way to use marjoram and that abundance of decorated, hard-boiled Easter eggs:Deviled eggs with marjoram

1 dozen eggs, hard-boiled or use guidelines below
2 tsps. Dijon mustard
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp. minced onion or shallot
2 packets tsp spices marjoram
Salt and pepper
Paprika

To hard boil the eggs, fill a large saucepan half- way with water and gently add the eggs. Cover the eggs with at least an inch of water. Add a teaspoon of vinegar and a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat, cover and let sit for 12-15 minutes. Drain hot water from pan and run cold water over the eggs. (At this point if you crack the egg shells while the eggs are cooling, it will make it easier to peel the shells.) Let sit in the cool water a few minutes, changing the water if necessary to keep it cool.

Peel the eggs. Using a sharp knife, slice each egg in half, lengthwise. Gently remove the yolk halves and place in a small mixing bowl. Arrange the egg white halves on a serving platter.
Using a fork, mash up the yolks and add mustard, mayonnaise, onion, marjoram, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Spoon egg yolk mixture into the egg white halves. Sprinkle with paprika. Makes two dozen deviled eggs.

Vodka Wishes and Caviar Dreams at Morton's Buckhead

Friday night Morton's in Buckhead hosted a vodka and caviar tasting. Yep, you read correctly - vodka and caviar. Would you expect me to say anything other than it was truly a night of decadence??

The evening started on the right foot when I spied the four gorgeous Mortinis offered for the evening. Morton's made a brilliant decision by offering half pours of each Mortini so you could try each one: straight up, raspberry, lemon thyme or cucumber. As bizarre as it may sound, the cucumber was by far my favorite, served with a salt and pepper rim with tiny bits of muddled cucumber floating in vodka. It was a great flavor combination.

The vodka being featured during the tasting was Imperia vodka; I know, I had never heard of it either. The distributor assured me it was an ultra-premium Russian vodka, and, after a side by side comparison with Grey Goose, I was sold. It put Grey Goose to shame!

Hors d’oeuvre included Petrorussian caviar on toast points, tiny spoons of cream cheese topped with caviar, sliced smoked salmon, tuna tartare canapés and sliced tenderloin on crostini. All in all, it was a completely delicious and decadent evening!

Invita Them in for Lunch at New Vita in Buckhead

Tony LaRocco’s new Italian eatery to open for dinner soon!

Full of life, vim and vigor, Atlanta restaurateur Tony LaRocco is back with VITA, his new family-style Italian restaurant that opened for lunch today in the former Mick’s location on Peachtree at Bennett Street in Buckhead. VITA means “life” in Italian – a double entendre referring to both the lively eatery and LaRocco’s second chance at life after battling leukemia for two years. Chef Javier Munoz’s 70-item menu bursts with real New York Italian fare and many of the dishes may be ordered on platters to share. Lunch prices are in the reasonable $9 to $10 range, which provides even more incentive to get out and savor life with friends!

VITA will be open for dinner soon . . . stay tuned for more skinny on the penne. Open Monday through Saturday at 2110 Peachtree Road and Bennett Street; open Sunday beginning in May 2008. 404-367-8482.

Canoe Joins “Tap Project” To Make Sure We Don’t Take Tap Water For Granted

UNICEF Project Hopes to Raise $1 Million During U.N. World Water Week


Georgia’s water shortage is flooding the news these days. Even so, when we twist the faucet handle, clean water gushes forth. It’s hard for us to imagine that the lack of drinking water is the second-largest worldwide killer of children under age five, but that’s reality for so many around the globe. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF is launching the Tap Project on World Water Day to note our privilege while raising funds to provide safe drinking water for children worldwide. In 2007, NYC Tap Project restaurants raised more than $100,000 in one day by encouraging diners to pay $1 for their “free” tap water. This year, the Tap Project will extend through United Nations World Water Week, March 16 – 22. Riverside dining destination Canoe and other Atlanta restaurants, as well as restaurants across the U.S. will be participating. Find out more about the Tap Program at http://www.tapproject.org/.



The goal for Atlanta is to recruit more than 100 volunteers, help sign up 250 restaurants and raise more than $250,000 during the week. See who’s participating in Atlanta here.

Atlanta Taverns and Restaurants are "Dublin" Up on Irish Delights for St. Patrick's Day

Green beer, green guac, Guinness drafts and Guinness brats – there’ll be plenty o’ spread to keep Irish eyes a smilin’ and Irish wannabes reveling this St. Pat’s Day in Atlanta! Green attire? That depends on if you want to add a pinch or two!

Marlow’s Tavern in Vinings starts the party at 11:30 a.m. and jigs on through midnight with green beer, Guinness brats and Irish cheddar tots at lunchtime and classic Irish cuisine during dinner hours on Monday, March 17. 2355 Cumberland Parkway; 770-432-2526.

The GLOBE brings Emerald Isle lunch and dinner favorites to Midtown on St. Patrick’s Day: sheperd’s pie ($12), fish and chips ($14), corned beef and cabbage sandwich ($10) and bangers and mash ($13). Chase your choice with a $4 Guinness draught, all day long! 75 Fifth Street, NW in Technology Square; 404-541-1487.

Trilogy fills the hungriest leprechauns with meat pastry made with braised shredded beef, Guinness and onions; sheperd’s pie and house-cured corned beef and cabbage from 5 -11 p.m. Bar opens at 4 p.m. Toe tapping to Banks & Shane begins at 8 p.m.; $10 cover. 4930 Davidson Road behind the Parkaire shopping center in East Cobb; 770-971-4770.

Woodfire Grill offers a bit of orange, as in Irish cheese, to go with the green! On Tuesday, March 18, the restaurant’s Cheese Club will hold a cheese tasting of Irish artisanal and farmstead cheeses. $20 per person includes a glass of Irish beer. Taste and learn, come back to enjoy cheese at Woodfire Grill or get some to go. 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road. Reach the restaurant by calling 404-347-9055.

Chipotle locations will be stirring up big batches of their classic green guac for St. Patrick’s devotees who like to dip south-o’-the-border. A little leprechaun snatched up the recipe, and we’re happy to share it with you! Chipotle has 12 Atlanta-area locations.

SPICY GUACAMOLE
4 large ripe avocados, peeled and pitted
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
1 large garlic clove, finely chopped
1 large serrano chili, seeded and chopped
1/4 teaspoon salt

Using fork, mash avocado with lime juice in small bowl. Add cilantro, chopped onion, chopped garlic, serrano chilies and salt and stir to combine. Makes about two cups.

Who's the Best?

Atlanta magazine's Best of Atlanta party was last night at the Cobb Galleria Centre, and, in terms of restaurants, it really was the best of Atlanta! All the hot spots were there, including Ecco, Fogo de Chao, the GLOBE and Watershed. Yum!

The Cobb Galleria isn't my first choice for an event like this; as my favorite GLOBE bartender said, "it has no soul." BUT, that certainly didn't keep the crowds away; by 8:30 p.m. most of the top restaurants were already out of food?!

Some of the standout dishes from the evening included GLOBE's Campari sorbet with homemade lemon sugar cookies, Via Elisa's sweet potato gnocchi, and Watershed's custard with blood orange sauce. I'm sure I would have loved Ecco's dish too, but it must have been everyone's favorite since they were totally out by the time I got there. Fogo served mini-bites of bacon-wrapped filet, lingucia sausage and beef ancho. The linguica sausage has always been my preferred cut of meat at Fogo, and it was just the right mix of salty and spicy to temper all the sweet treats of the evening.

Overall, it was a tasty evening out!

Allegro Blends Own House Wine - Now That's Italian!

A favorite house wine is an essential ingredient to the Central Italian dinner table. Genuine to the core, Allegro now has its own labeled house wine, a “Super Tuscan” blend of 90% Sangiovese and 10% Syrah. The palate-pleasing vintage 2006 blend comes from the estate San Marcello in Catignano, Siena, Italy. Looking ahead, the restaurant hopes to introduce its own true Sangiovese (100%) this fall. Good things are worth the wait! Meanwhile, come savor the fresh foods and flavors of Central Italy at Allegro, located on the ground floor of the Belvedere condominium building located at 560 Dutch Valley Road in Midtown; 404-888-1890. www.allegroatlanta.com

It's an Honor to "Cop Out" When You're a Cop on Top of a Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shop

We admit the view of hot, Original Glazed doughnuts rolling off the line inside Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shops is pretty tempting, yet these metro Atlanta “Cops on Doughnut Shops” insist the view’s much more spectacular from higher up on the rooftops. Could be because they’re seeing a bigger picture: raising dough for the Law Enforcement Torch Run® to help Special Olympics Georgia. Complete the scene by bringing a “dough-nation” by an area Krispy Kreme Doughnut Shop between 6 a.m. on Friday, March 7 and 6 p.m. on Sunday, March 9. You’ll receive a sweet treat for helping out -- could be a free Original Glazed doughnut or a complimentary doughnut party for donors of $1,000 or more. These cops have been eating, sleeping and playing on Krispy Kreme roof tops for six years! Last year they raised a record $93,874…this year they’re setting sights on $100,000! http://www.krispykreme.com/

Participating Krispy Kreme store locations are:

Atlanta – 295 Ponce de Leon Avenue; 404-876-7307
Buford – 3387 Buford Drive; 770-831-1174
Duluth – 1550 Pleasant Hill Road; 770-717-5134
Lilburn – 4129 Highway 78; 770-985-2810
Marietta – 299 Cobb Parkway South; 770-425-0374
Roswell – 791 Atlanta Street; 770-998-0779

Raise a Glass to Jazz in the Vineyards and Sunday Brunch on March 9 at Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery

Given the option of dancing in the streets or jazzing in a vineyard, we’d choose the latter. On that note, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega is hosting a live “Jazz in the Vineyards” brunch every Sunday in March to celebrate the official release of its new vintage of estate wines. Brunch buffet includes a Smithfield ham carving station, vine-smoked salmon eggs Benedict, herb-crusted chicken with lemon caper beurre blanc sauce, pan-seared tilapia with crawfish etoufee, Mediterranean salad tossed in herb shallot vinaigrette, soup, roasted rosemary potatoes, sautéed vegetables and a variety of desserts. $30 per person (excluding tax and gratuity) covers the elaborate spread. Guests may purchase 100% Georgia-grown and produced Wolf Mountain wines by the glass or bottle to go with their meal. Two seating times are offered: 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Advanced reservations are required for all events; call 706-867-9862. Easter is coming – plan ahead by making reservations now for Easter brunch on March 23.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery is located at an elevation of 1,800 feet overlooking the peaceful Southern Appalachian Mountains. 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega; 706-867-9862.

Buy Coastal in Midtown and Vinings: South City Kitchen's Low Country Menu Slows the Pace for 10 Days Only!

Sorry, Paula. Low country chow hounds won’t have to take a March road trip to Savannah to fuel up on coastal classics, thanks to South City Kitchen Midtown and Vinings Executive Chefs Dean Dupuis and Chip Ulbrich. Hoist that fork and start salivating over shrimp purloo; chilled lump crab and cucumber salad; okra fritters with benne and smoked jalapeno cream; and Southern-style oysters served two ways (with creamed greens, smoked bacon and parmesan bread crumbs; or crisp cornmeal fried with chile vinegar and cole slaw). And those are merely the appetizers ($9.75-$10.75)! Entrees include a flavorful chicken bog of chicken, sausage and rice; grilled marinated quail with sweet potato fries, watercress, toasted peanuts and spiced South Carolina honey; and Frogmore seafood stew ($16.95-$17.95). Bless their sweet-loving hearts, Dupuis and Ulbrich have whipped up orange buttermilk pie with a cream cheese crust, rhubarb preserves and fresh cream for dessert ($6.75). Tarry not: this menu, available prix fixe for $29.95 per person or à la carte, joins the regular menu from March 5 through March 15.

And here’s a fast track to wine pairing information -- Fifth Group Restaurants’ Beverage Director Vajra Stratigos offers a wine selection video. Watch it below.



Wines suggested are:
Domain de la Fruitière, “Petit M,” Muscadet, Loire Valley, France 2005
Campus Stella, “Albarino, ” Rias Baixas 2006
Sitios De Bodega, “Conclass, ” Rueda, Spain 2005
Domäne Wachau, Grüner Veltliner 2006
Domaines Schlumberger, “Les Princes Abbes, ” Pinot Blanc, Alsace, France 2004
Lucien Crochet, Sancerre 2005.

South City Kitchen Midtown: Open for lunch and dinner daily and Sunday brunch at 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358. South City Kitchen Vinings: Open for dinner nightly and Sunday Brunch at 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.

Head for the Heels - Hello Stiletto is Coming to Ecco!

Toes up! Case your closet and choose which coveted pair of shoes you'll wear to the gathering of the Hello Stiletto Shoe Club at Ecco in Midtown, tonight. Open-toed wonders? Hope you got a pedicure over the weekend! Ecco, Fifth Group Restaurants'® Midtown Mediterranean-style bistro will host the Monday night "cocktail hour" from 6-8 p.m. and offer complimentary appetizers to club members. This month's "Best Shoe" contest will be judged by Lynne Homrich of Uptown Scoop. As long as you're decked out from toe to toe, make a night of it and stay on for dinner. Make reservations in advance so you won't be given the boot come chow time! Slip on the Hello Stiletto website.


Ecco: 40 7th Street in Midtown; 404-347-9555.

Atlanta Cooks at Home Chefs Signing

We had a nice Atlanta Cooks at Home cookbook event today at Twigs and Lace in Alpharetta. Chefs Shaun Doty/Shaun's, Piero Premoli/Pricci, Jay Swift/Fourth & Swift, and Sheri Davis were there to sign cookbooks and give out tasty treats. The event was actually just behind the store in a catering facility called The Prospect House. I had never been here before. The store is adorable and the facility is very nice - would be great for a wedding.

Leap for Joy! Leap Year's Extra Day Turns Into An Extra Night To Dine Out!

There are two things you can do in Atlanta only once every four years: vote in a national election and dine out on February 29. True, November’s a few months off, but February 29 is this Friday! Carpe diem and dine on at these Atlanta classics and newcomers:

Aria – Executive Chef Gerry Klaskala’s slow food is an appropriate pick for this bonus day. And Aria has other bonuses – sexy environs, very attentive staff and Pastry Chef Kathryn King’s captivating desserts. 490 East Paces Ferry Road; 404-233-7673. http://www.aria-atl.com/

Canoe - Slow down and savor the extra hours amid the serene Chattahoochee setting of Canoe in Vinings. Award-winning regional menu, wine list and service. 4199 Paces Ferry Road, NW; 770-432-2663. http://www.canoeatl.com/

Morton’s – Steak out the extra hours…or choose succulent lobster at this American classic steakhouse known around the world for its prime, aged beef, fine wines and impeccably trained staff. Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Downtown: 303 Peachtree Center Avenue in the SunTrust Plaza Building; 404-577-4366. http://www.mortons.com/

South City Kitchen® – This bustling hub for Southern hospitality and new-South favorites has exhibition kitchens and friendly faces at both locations. Reservations suggested. South City Kitchen Midtown: open daily for lunch and dinner, and Sunday brunch at 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358. South City Kitchen Vinings: open for dinner nightly and Sunday brunch at 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700. http://www.fifthgroup.com/

Allegro – Time stands still when you’re dining on authentic Central Italian fare rich with the flavors of local and imported ingredients. Buon appetito! 560 Dutch Valley Road in the Belvedere condominium building; 404-888-1890. http://www.allegroatlanta.com/

Marlow’s Kennesaw – What more of an excuse do you need to meet friends for a signature cocktail and hearty tavern fare at this congenial gathering place? 745 Chastain Road, NW, Suite 1160; 770-425-8777. http://www.marlowstavern.com/

Trilogy – Food, drinks, entertainment…it’s a leap year party waiting to unfold at this suburban hot spot with an urban edge. 4930 Davidson Road behind the Parkaire shopping center in East Cobb; 770-971-4770. http://www.trilogydining.net/

Cast Off on a Cocktail Dinner Cruise at Food Studio

Come Thursday, February 28, Food Studio® will shake things up by sailing right by the wine cellar for more exotic ports of call: cocktails of the world. Fifth Group Restaurants’® unique Westside dining destination offers a one-night-only, Around the World in Four Courses cocktail dinner. The culturally enriching, four-course meal paired with handcrafted cocktails comes at a prix fixe cost of $65 per person. Reception starts at 6:30 p.m. and dinner will be seated at 7 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 404-815-6677. While the regular dinner menu will be available, we’re onboard for this globally inspired menu:

• Coldwater raw oysters, served with grapefruit and Campari granita in a parmesan-cucumber and ginger mignonette, are paired with the Latin Lover, a cool citrus cocktail.


• Red snapper with leeks, daikon and pea shoots in a Meyer lemon-ginger broth, paired with the sweet Geisha Girl (candied ginger vodka, sake and lemongrass).


• Pastrami pork tenderloin with rye gnocchi and pickled cabbage in a Russian dressing, paired with a Blue Grass Cherry Bomb cocktail (Woodford Reserve bourbon, Kirschwasser, amarena cherries).


• Coffee “cup” cake served in a tuile coffee cup with chocolate ganache and vanilla sabayon, paired with a soothing Molinillo Aztec coffee containing cognac, spiced hot chocolate, fresh espresso and chantilly cream.

Serving lunch weekdays and dinner Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday. Located in the King Plow Arts Center at 887 West Marietta Street, Studio K-102. http://www.fifthgroup.com/

Got A Goat Cheese Feta-ish? You Just Well May After Taking This Class At Whole Foods Market - Marietta!

Goat's milk is worth the obsession. It parallels cow's milk in calories and protein content, yet is easier to digest than cow's milk and has much less cholesterol and sodium. If you're still aghast at the thought of a glass, try a slice or spread of one of the many types of goat cheese that will be up for tasting in this month's free cheese-tasting class that takes place at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 27. Game? Sign up at Customer Service. Whole Foods Market - Marietta is located at 70 Powers Ferry Road, SE; 770-578- 4400.

Yelpin' It Up At Marlow's Midtown

Monday night, Marlow's Tavern in Midtown hosted a very cool group of Atlantans... Yelpers! I give Yelp the cool stamp not just because I'm a member, but because it really is a great group of people. If you don't already know what I'm talking about, definitely go to the website and find out. If I had to describe the world of yelp, I would say it's a mix of citysearch, facebook and awesomeness.

Monday night was a happy hour meet up for all yelpers in the Atlanta area and Marlow's was a great venue for us socialites. There was free parking (big plus in Midtown), specialty drinks, complimentary appetizers and plenty of room for the almost 200 people that came out. Pictured above are a few friends I met at the event; Deanna J., Aanal P., Tavis N. and Sean M. I'm not one to just go to an event alone and chat with strangers, but yelp is different. I felt like I already knew everyone after reading their reviews the past few months. It was such a diverse crowd, too. I met a pre-law student, a CNN producer, an actress, a computer IT worker at Emory and a couple that just moved here from Orlando. Thanks to Marlow's for accommodating us all and to Deanna J. for setting the whole thing up. Now sign up for Yelp, Atlantans!

Check out all these people you could meet ------->

La Tavola Trattoria's "La Grassa" Menu Will Have You Licking Your Plate!

I decided to make this past Sunday night an all-out culinary celebration by trying the special “La Grassa” (which means “the fat one” in Italian – a nickname for the city of Bologna) menu at La Tavola Trattoria before hunkering down to watch Atlanta’s very own Kevin Rathbun battle Bobby Flay on Iron Chef America. The evening turned out to be a double victory! Beginning with a round of drinks off the restaurant’s cocktail menu, my friend and I tried the Limonada and the Rose Marie Martini (pictured left to right) – both are extremely refreshing.
We started out with the blood orange salad and the tagliata di manzo (seared, thinly shaved beef with Parmigiano-Reggiano, arugula and balsamic vinegar). The beef – a very meaty portion I must say! – was amazing, and the salad was a nice, fresh way to whet the appetite. We also sampled the capellacci (sweet squash ravioli in capon broth) and boccocini (chicken, sausage, cipollini onions, potatoes, rosemary and balsamic vinegar). The boccocini (pictured at the top of this post) was my favorite dish – hearty and comforting with just a hint of sweetness. For dessert, the cinnamon and clove budino (similar to custard) is a light and flavorful way to end the meal without feeling like you need to be rolled out of the restaurant! This special menu (available a la carte or as a prix fixe option) will be offered through this Saturday, March 1 and should not be missed! For those of you who want to commemorate the experience - or if you find yourself a bit larger on the way out than when you first sat down to dinner – I spotted La Grassa t-shirts available for sale at the hostess stand! If you aren’t able to make it to the restaurant by March 1, you can watch Chef Craig Richards’ instructional video on how to make the boccocini at home.

Eric Solomon Wine Tasting at Ecco

The wine tasting at Ecco last night was muy bien! We tasted six Spanish wines from Eric Solomon's collection. Included were:

Gramona, "Gran Cuvee" Cava (shown here); Gessami, Bianco, Penedes, Spain 2005; La Pobla De Cervoles, Costers Del Segre 2004; Closa Batllet, Gratallops, Priorat 2003 (my fave); Ombra, Monsant, "Barrica" 2005; and Espelt, Saulo, Emporda 2004.

Additionally, we had some delicious nibbles from Chef Micah Willix of Ecco. They always do such a nice job. There were cheeses, cured meats, croquettes, pickled carrots and olives, and my favorite dish on their menu - the fried goat cheese with honey. It was funny to see my new friend "Dirty" (check out his wine blog) following on the heels of the server as she carried them from the kitchen to the dining room. The man has good taste in food too! It was great to meet his fellow blogger and friend "Rowdy" (great food blog) too.