Bellinis and Brunch at Vita

Guess where I'll be tomorrow morning? I'm not sleeping in, I won't be at the gym and I'm definitely not going to be at work... Nope, I'm happy to say I'll be sacrificing a late morning in bed to test out Vita's new brunch menu. The casual, New York-style Italian eatery is kicking off their Bellini Brunch this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

With choices of French toast, omelets and frittatas (all $12 - definitely one of the most affordable brunches in the city) I'm not sure I'll be able to make up my mind what to try on my first visit. Currently, I'm leaning towards the chicken frittata with pulled chicken, pancetta and mozzarella cheese, but get a few Bellinis in me and who knows what I'll pick...

Speaking of Bellinis, have you ever tried to make a Bellini at home? For those who haven't, it is terribly easy (and delicious). Simply peel and puree a fresh, very ripe then pour into a and top with

As a side note, I recently tried a shockingly good sparkling wine made in New Mexico that I found at Whole Foods. Turns out apparently New Mexico's climate is ideal for sparkling wine production. Who knew?!

Check Out the Updated Blogroll!

It seems like everyday we find a cool, interesting blog and we want you to know about them, too. Look to your left and read over our delicious Atlanta blogroll. These are the blogs we love to read at Atlanta Dish. We are always updating the list so be sure and check it out regularly.

Atlanta Dish is listed on the food and wine blog list at Local Wine Events. This is a great resource for finding culinary events in and around your city. Follow this link to give Atlanta Dish your vote. The more votes we get, the higher we climb on the list. Move us on up! Keep an eye out for our friends on the blogroll to the left when you are there. I'm sure they would appreciate your vote as much as we do!

Thursday's "Sunset Sippers" Mix Wine and Mountain Sunsets at Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega

Each mile out 400 loosens the tension, and before you know it,
you’re at ease, sipping syrah and watching the sunset over
the Southern Appalachians at Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery, five miles north of historic Dahlonega. “Sunset Sippers” on Thursday evenings through October offer ideal opportunities to enjoy a glass (or bottle!) of these hand-crafted, European-style wines, complimentary artisan cheese plates and mesmerizing mountain sunsets. The Boegner family’s European-style winery on the 1,800-foot high Dahlonega Plateau welcomes you, whether it’s for wine, weddings, Sunday brunch, a café lunch or a gourmet dinner.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery is located at 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega, Georgia; 706-867-9862.

Will Earning A Guinness World Record Be Hard Cheese?

Will Whole Foods Market cheesemongers make more than one wise crack when they “crack” open hundreds of wheels of 24-month-aged, hand-selected Parmigiano Reggiano at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time on Saturday, April 12? Wielding the five knives from Italy’s Consorzio del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano that comprise the traditional cheese-cracking tool set, a cheese pro at each of the 270 stores will simultaneously break into an 85-lb. wheel of artisan Parmigiano Reggiano in a carving and portioning procedure that eats up about a half hour.

Let’s hope for “grate” news that Whole Foods Markets will take over The Guinness World Record™ for “Most Parmigiano Reggiano Wheels Ever Cracked” at the same time. Atlanta-area stores will be handing out recipes that highlight Parmigiano Reggiano’s subtle bite and sweet nuttiness during the cracking event. Buy some wines to go-with: Italian wines are on sale throughout April!

True Parmigiano Reggiano hails from just one region of northern Italy that includes Reggio Emilia, Parma, Modena and portions of Bologna and Mantua. A seal of authenticity marks each wheel. The cherished cheese is a testimony to the area’s culinary history, having been made and aged by artisans in the same way for almost 800 years! No wonder Whole Foods Market cheese buyers look forward to their purchasing trip . . . and we relish the results!

Buckhead: 77 West Paces Ferry Road, NW; 404-324-4100
Briarcliff: 2111 Briarcliff Road; 404-634-7800
Duluth-Johns Creek: 5945 State Bridge Road; 678-514-2400
Sandy Springs: 5930 Roswell Road; 404-236-0810
Ponce: 650 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE; 404-853-1681
Harry’s Farmers Market in Alpharetta: 1180 Upper Hembree Road; 770-664-6300
Harry’s Farmers Market in Marietta: 70 Powers Ferry Road, SE; 770-578-4400

La Tavola Trattoria Chef Craig Richards Uses the Power of Cauliflower as His Sunday Paper "Key Ingredient"

Show of hands: How many of you avoided the cauliflower on the veggie tray because it just looked so boring and it has, you know, that bitter bite that requires gobs of dip to disguise? La Tavola Trattoria Chef Craig Richards once felt that way, too…until he started thinking in Italian. Caramelized and roasted with garlic, tossed with grilled squid and cannellini beans, parleying with pasta, pureed and folded into risotto – Richards discovered this seasonless super vegetable is no mild-mannered mouthful, and it adds a super nutrition punch wherever it goes on the menu. Read more about Richards’ love affair with the fair flower in “Key Ingredients,” inside the April 6 edition of The Sunday Paper. Rutabagas, you could be next! Fifth Group Restaurants’® cozy Italian trattoria is located in Virginia-Highlands at 992 Virginia Avenue; 404-873-5430.

Turn the Titanic Around and Park it at Ecco for the April 6 Sunday Share Dinner

History repeats itself at Ecco’s April “Sunday Share” dinner as the Fifth Group Restaurants’® bistro salutes the passengers of the Titanic with the theme “Women & Children First.” Lest you get teary-eyed, the point is to feast on the wonderful dishes offered aboard the Titanic before it went down on that icy night of April 14, 1912. And, while Leonardo and Kate were not on the original Titanic – and therefore, won’t be joining you for dinner – you will meet many other intriguing conversationalists as you serve each other family style around the communal table that makes Sunday Share such a friendly experience. Ecco hosts the “Sunday Share” communal table at 6:30 p.m. on one Sunday each month. Historic events, exotic places . . . the theme varies monthly, yet the hearty conversations with friends and family are always a given. $25 per person; drink specials are available at an additional cost. Reservations are required as there are only so many seats at the table! Reserve your seat by calling 404-347-9555. 40 7th Street at Cypress in Midtown. http://www.fifthgroup.com/

Dogwood to Bloom on Peachtree, Turns Town to Sophisticated Southern Style

Prune away any notions of simple southern fried chicken and biscuits. Dogwood, opening in May, branches out to bring all of the sophistication and intricacies of southeastern regional cooking back home to Peachtree Street. Beyond the plate, each diner will feel like they are the special guest in an elegant and gracious Southern home when owners Scott Black and Shane Touhy open the doors to their new restaurant. Dogwood will be housed on the ground floor of the Reynolds condominium building at 565 Peachtree Street. We’ll feed you a bit more on the menu in upcoming issues. For now, a sneak preview of what’s to come:





For more information, call 404-835-1410.

Spring Makes Dining Inside, Out

Sunshine and Sunsets Lure Patio Patrons Outdoors

Nutritionists say that after hunkering down inside all winter we could use a bit more Vitamin D – which can be accomplished by spending some time outdoors. We have the perfect solution! Without getting too scientific about RDAs, we suggest you satisfy your need for a little extra “D” for dining by sliding into a chair on the primo patios of these area restaurants.


Aqua Blue shows that yes, you can find, and relax on, a patio in the ‘burbs and enjoy out-of-the-ordinary drinks and food, too. 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886. Aqua Blue

Slide on those chic sunglasses for discreet people watching and pull up an artsy chair on Aria’s side-by-sidewalk patio. Same sexy feel, attentive service and rave-about dishes and desserts! 490 E. Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead; 404-233-7673.

See-worthy sunsets and fresh, wood-grilled seafood pair up on the patio at Bonefish Grill in Johns Creek. Alpharetta: 11705 C Jones Bridge Road; 770-475-6668.

To get a better Chattahoochee River view, you’d have to capsize your canoe. Better stay dry and dine on fresh American cuisine while relaxing on Canoe’s patio and garden dining areas. Thinking group thoughts? Go for a private, riverside chef’s table or the lawn area for outdoor events. 4199 Paces Ferry Road, NW; 770-432-2663.

Hip patios are a wrap at Chipotle, home of those fresh, made-to-order, gourmet burritos and tacos you always hear people raving about. With 11 Atlanta locations, they’re as close as your backyard. If an outdoor picnic or concert is in the plan, they’ll bag it to go!

Europeans love to enjoy their drinks and meals in sidewalk cafes. You can experience the same charm on the casual patio at European-inspired Ecco, the latest Fifth Group Restaurants® hotspot in Midtown. 40 7th Street at the corner of 7th and Cypress; 404-347-9555.

One of the closest dining patios to downtown can be found at The Food Studio®, situated in the historic King Plow Arts Center. The courtyard patio charms; the menu entices and delivers with seasonal specialties. 887 W. Marietta Street on the Westside; 404-815-6677.


Last week, we mentioned the primo-viewing of the ING Marathon from the GLOBE’s patio, and there’s plenty to watch Mondays through Saturdays throughout the year from this Technology Square perch. 75 Fifth Street, NW; 404-541-1487.

Friends, antipasti and a bottle of wine are meant to be cherished outside on a beautiful spring evening . . . keep a good thing going on La Tavola Trattoria’s covered balcony by staying on for conversation and contemporary Italian dishes. In neighborly Virginia-Highlands at 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430.

Marlow’s Tavern provides proof that the days of Dickens’ dark taverns are long gone. Revel in the camaraderie of friendly faces, hearty food and refreshing libations out on the spacious patios at all Marlow’s Tavern locations. Alpharetta: 3719 Old Alabama Road; 770- 475-1800. Vinings: 2355 Cumberland Parkway; 770-432-2526. Kennesaw: 745 Chastain Road, NW; 770-425-8777.

South City Kitchen® has planned ahead to provide the same, much loved urban-South fare on two different patio environments. In Midtown, it’s a hustle and bustle sidewalk view, while Vinings invites neighbors to stroll on over and take a seat on the spacious, outdoor patio. Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358. Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.

Chef Craig Richards of La Tavola Trattoria Wakes Up the City on Good Day Atlanta

Last Tuesday Atlantans making their way toward coffee, cereal and remotes turned on Good Day Atlanta to find Chef Craig Richards of La Tavola Trattoria waking them up with mouthwatering pear and squash bruschetta. If you slept in or didn’t grab a pen and paper in time, you can still get the recipe for Chef Richard’s savory fruit, veggie and ricotta dish here.
The Pear Bureau Northwest recently awarded Chef Richards a “best original recipe” award for his pearl of a pear creation, which is one of several award-winning recipes given on the web site.




La Tavola Trattoria, Fifth Group Restaurants’® friendly, Southern Italian-style eatery, is open for dinner nightly and Sunday brunch at 992 Virginia Avenue, NE in Virginia-Highland; 404-873-5430.

The Night the Lights Went Out in Atlanta

I have never really considered myself a tree-hugging environmentalist, but, lately, it’s been very hard to ignore the signs that something is wrong with Mother Nature. From the devastating drought that our state is enduring, to the atypical tornado that struck Downtown Atlanta in the early part of March, the warning signs are everywhere and getting less and less subtle. Something that really opened my eyes to what was going on in the world OTP is the mini-series Planet Earth on the Discovery Channel. I found myself glued to the screen each time a new installment was released and realized that inside me, there may just be a “green” girl in waiting trying to escape.

This past weekend, Atlanta, along with several major cities across the globe, took a stand against global warming by turning out the lights for one hour during Earth Hour 2008, the brainchild of the World Wildlife Fund. According to Georgia Power, that one hour added up to a 4% savings in power! The 7.05 megawatt-hours saved is enough to power over 1,700 homes. Just one hour. It’s so easy to say that one person can’t make a difference, but what if we worked together? What if we did this once a month? Could we each do our part to contribute to the greater good?

I attended the Earth Hour reception, held at the Wachovia building, which was themed “green.” No kidding; green carpet, green drinks (the 360 Martini was deelish), even the cupcakes were green! (Pictured below) The guest list was a who’s who of media, business leaders and politician. WXIA broadcasted live throughout the evening, Mayor Shirley Franklin spoke and American Idol finalist Alexandrea Lushington graced us all with a few songs. I even met the WWF Panda! (Pictured bottom right) Several companies participated in the event in unique ways. Whole Foods Market, for example, hosted "green" cooking demonstrations, Chipotle Mexican Grill turned out the lights in all of their Atlanta area locations and Marlow's Tavern had an "In the Dark" party.

The dark city was amazing. There was only one building in the entire skyline which did not participate :-( . It was fun whatching watching each building go dark and trying to guess which one would go next. Over 400 buildings went dark within 10 seconds.

When you think about it, this is the only planet we have; once we destroy this one, we won’t get another. We each need to do our part to protect the environment and ensure that the Earth our children inherit will not be fatally flawed. The most recent step toward finding a solution to the challenges the Earth faces was Earth Hour, simply powerful. When the lights went off in Atlanta, a light came on inside of me. There’s got to be more we can do?

The Lights Will Go Out In Georgia...For One "Earth Hour"

Exclaiming “What a turn off!” can have benefits. The lights will be turned off in Atlanta from 8 – 9 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, as Mayor Shirley Franklin honors the World Wildlife Fund’s charge to join cities around the world in Earth Hour 2008. Going powerless for an hour is a powerful way to demonstrate commitment to finding a solution to the climate change issue. Millions of concerned consumers in one city for each global time zone -- from Bangkok to Copenhagen, Sydney to Tel Aviv, and Atlanta to San Francisco -- will douse the lights from 8 to 9 p.m. local time as a historic, international gesture that’s in essence a world-wide wave with lights off. Dozens of major Atlanta landmark buildings in Downtown, Midtown, Atlantic Station and Buckhead will go dark in honor of the event, as will neighborhoods across the city. City officials, local police and fire departments, electrical utilities such as Georgia Power, and private and public organizations have all become involved to coordinate logistics in Atlanta. Georgia Power will measure the drop in electricity use during the event and will provide additional logistical support and assistance. In the long run, benefits will come as participants and readers like you replace older light bulbs with highly-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs, pledge to take actions to reduce their energy consumption on a daily basis.

During Earth Hour, see light in a new way as these Atlanta restaurants honor the pledge:
At least one cocktail will glow in the dark during the In the Dark party at Marlow’s Tavern Midtown. Out go the lights at 8 p.m., replaced by candles and backed by live music and drink specials. Glow sticks anyone? 950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.

Outdoor lights are ttfn (ta-ta for now) during the eight o’clock hour at all 12 Atlanta Chipotle Mexican Grill locations on March 29. The Earth Hour mission and serving “Food With Integrity” go hand-in-hand at the fresh-is-best burrito haven. Power down your own kitchen and light up your dinner with a made-to-order burrito, taco or bowl at your nearby Chipotle!

Baconfest '08

As we have posted before, we here at MLA are big fans of bacon. We even enjoy a sprinkle of Bacon Salt on our munchies and salads from time to time just to taste that delicious bacon flavor. So naturally, I was really excited when I saw on RowdyFood.com that Baconfest '08 is coming up this weekend! It's a fundraising event for Dad's Garage Theatre Company (they are a non-profit organization) where bacon, beer and fun are the only things on the agenda.

Ticket info:

VIP BaconFest Tickets: $35- Includes admission to BaconFest from 2-6pm, 12 game tickets, UNLIMITED BEER & BACON, admission to Samurai Davis Jr. and Dim Sum’s Super Mega Happy Fun Time Improv Show at 6pm, and reserved seating.

Full-On BaconFest Tickets: $20 - Includes admission to BaconFest from 2-6pm, 8 game tickets, 2 Sweetwater draft beers, 2 fistfuls of bacon, and admission to Samurai Davis Jr. and Dim Sum’s Super Mega Happy Fun Time Improv Show at 6pm.

Fest Only: $10 – Includes admission to BaconFest from 2-6pm, 8 game tickets, 2 Sweetwater draft beers, and 2 fistfuls of bacon.

This unique event is sponsored by the The Vortex Bar and Grill, so when you’re done scarfing down bacon – head over there and hit some of their delicious hamburgers!

Baconfest is on March 29, 2008 from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Dad's Garage Theatre located at 280 Elizabeth St NE, Atlanta, GA. For more information call (404) 523-3141.

The High Museum Wine Auction Kick Off

Today is the day! Winemakers, wine lovers, and chefs all come together for this weekend's High Museum Wine Auction at the tents of Atlantic Station. The party starts with today's industry tasting event for winemakers and restaurateurs. Tomorrow and Saturday's Vintner's Reception and Live Auction are totally sold out this year, but, fear not; you can still dine at the same restaurants that will be participating: Aria, Canoe, La Tavola Trattoria, Ecco and Woodfire Grill.

There are also still a few tickets available for The Big Finish, the Wine Auction's grand finale wine tasting and dance with live band music. Wine tastings will be offered from 7 – 9 p.m.; music and dancing until 11 p.m. Austin Hope, a third-generation California farmer and a first-generation winemaker for Treana Winery and his own Austin Hope Winery, will serve as special guest at The Big Finish. Georgia's own Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery will be on hand to pour tastes of their locally made wines. Additionally, Marlow’s Tavern and Aqua Blue, along with other terrific Atlanta restaurants, will balance the wine with dine. Stay tuned for pictures and a recap of The Big Finish on Monday!

Today is National Pecan Day!

No matter how you like to say it (puh-KAHN or pee-KAN) today is National Pecan Day. March 25 is the day on which George Washington planted pecan trees at Mt.Vernon and we're celebrating! Did you know that the Pecan tree is the only nut tree native to North America? Another crackin’ good reason to go nutty over the pecan dishes at our favorite Atlanta restaurants!Aqua Blue tops a butter lettuce cup with caramelized pears, pecans and gorgonzola dressing ($7). 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.

Aria starts the meal with an elegant oak-grilled lamb tenderloin appetizer with warm pecan-crusted goat cheese and sweet onion pipérade ($15). 490 East Paces Ferry Road; 404-233-7673.

Canoe piles a wealth of health on a plate of grilled Atlantic salmon with spaghetti squash and carrot sauté, pecans and wilted baby spinach ($22.95). In Vinings at 4199 Paces Ferry Road, NW; 770-432-2663.

South City Kitchen indulges guests with individual pecan pies with buttermilk caramel and vanilla ice cream ($6.75). 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.

Woodfire Grill dresses Newborn, Georgia’s own Crystal Organics Farm lettuce with the native nut, Mt. Vikos goat feta, watermelon radish and Sonoma trio vinaigrette for a savory salad ($9). 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

VITA is open for dinner!

VITA is now open for dinner! After a week of
serving lunch only and a weekend of dinner sans
liquor license, VITA is now ready for a "real" opening. My friends couldn't wait to get together to go check it out!

We had a great time trying a lot of different things. The mussels are outstanding - plump and juicy. I had the marinara preparation but I hear the white wine with gorgonzola is to die for. Ah, next time.

Tonight I enjoyed a yummy house side salad and the linguini with meatballs. I had promised one of the girls a bite of meatball, but guess what? Didn't happen. They were too good for sharing!

The service was friendly, helpful, and always there. Our server had the wine in her hand before we even ordered it. Talk about anticipating your needs!

We had a dessert platter that was gone before I could take a picture. YUM. That's all I can tell you.

VITA is in the old Mick's location on Peachtree at Bennett St. It's open for lunch and dinner Monday - Saturday. You will undoubtedly meet Tony LaRocco, the owner. Enjoy!!

Love is in the Air

Brunch was a cherry on top of what was a gorgeous Easter Sunday afternoon. La Tavola Trattoria in Virginia-Highlands has one of the best patios in town, so we decided to head there for our first patio meal of the season. Since Allen and I had our first date at the very same table where we dined, the entire experience was chick flick sentimental. Memories from that first date were at the center of our attention – until the food came!

I had the chicken sausage, which is served over potato-leek hash with poached eggs and a spicy cherry pepper chutney ($9.95). The sausage was juicy and full of flavor, but stood out even more when blended with the spicy potatoes.

Allen ordered the Pork Milanese, which is breaded pork scallopine, served with arugula-tomato salad and a poached egg ($12.95). I can always tell when he likes something, because he always eats that last. I could tell he was having a hard time deciding what to eat first – including the tomatoes, which I have never seen him eat.

For dessert, I had the mascarpone cheesecake and he had the free form tiramisu. I fell in love again at La Tavola, but this time it was with the food.

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!