Did you know it was tomato season?

You'd have to be living under a rock not to know that now's the time to eat tomatoes! Everyone is blogging about them, putting photos of juicy blt's on their Facebook pages, and all the restaurants are doing tomato events. Is this the best time of the year or what?

LaTavola has been doing TomatoFeast for several years now. Chef Craig Richards always gets creative with the menu and it really should not be missed. But speaking of missing it, the specials end on Saturday, August 8.

They have a 3-course menu (with choices) that is $29 (a deal!) or you can just order what you want a la carte. I took a look and made my selections:

• Crispy Pig's Trotter, frisee and plum tomato preserve
• Bucatini, tomatoes, anchovies, mint, Parmesan, black pepper
• Vanilla Panna Cotta, tomato-pineapple jam

If only every week were tomato week!

Marlow's Tavern Midtown Turns Two

It's time to celebrate two years of good food and good times at Marlow's Tavern Midtown. On Friday, August 7 at 5 p.m. they are offering specials like $5 appetizers, $4 local microbrews and $5 wine drinks in honor of this anniversary. Marshall Seese will jam with live music from 8 p.m. until midnight. Be sure to scope out the drawing box and register to win a free dinner every week for one year! (Must be present to win. Prize consists of one $30 Marlow's Tavern gift card every week for one year. Only one gift card may be used in a seven-day period. Gratuity not included.)

Marlow's Tavern Midtown: 950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.

A Killer Dish

Gerry Klaskala of Aria will be one of the many well-known chefs creating a delicious tomato dish for JCT. Kitchen & Bar's Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival this Sunday. Here is a tasty sneak peek at what Klaskala will be whipping up:
Pan con tomate--oak grilled country bread rubbed with garlic, smashed with heirloom tomatoes slathered with freshly made ricotta with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkled with a handful of Ambergris Cay sea salt.

Melissa's Famous Julia Child Story

In the late 80s I was the very young PR director at Hyatt Regency Ravinia charged with the task of setting up media interviews for Julia Child. She and Robert Mondavi were coming to Atlanta for an American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF) event. My heart was pounding as I dialed her Boston telephone number but I had to giggle when she trilled "Hellooooooooooooooo" on the other end. She was so accommodating with my requests and agreed to spend one day with me during her visit, going from TV station to print media to radio station interviews. As you can guess, that was the easiest press trip I have ever booked as all the Atlanta media wanted to meet her!

Imagine my surprise when, after an early morning TV gig, she announced that she'd like to go have her hair done at Carter-Barnes at Phipps. I had booked her every minute of the day and now I had to reschedule everything, leaving us very little time for lunch. She left for her 2 hour wash-and-set and I started making phone calls! When she was finished we had a mere 30 minutes before our next appointment, a ribbon cutting at the Gwinnett Daily News test kitchen, something I could not change. I suggested a deli at Phipps but in her shrill voice she said, "I always find those sandwiches quite soggy, don't you?" Nervous, I agreed that maybe it wasn't the best but mentioned that we were on a bit of a schedule and needed to eat quickly. This is when she said, "Well, is there a McDonald's nearby?" I was horrified! But she assured me that would be perfect. "I like McDonald's. It's always consistent. Plus we can eat in the car." Oh my. So, I drove Julia Child through the McDonald's drive-thru, with her newly coiffed hair grazing the roof of my little Honda Civic. She had a cheeseburger, fries and a shake and insisted on paying for my meal too.

That afternoon, at our last appointment of the day, I was sitting in the sound booth of WSB radio station while the DJ interviewed Julia Child. I told my story to the sound guys who loved it and tipped off the DJ at the break. Her last question to Julia Child was, "So, Mrs. Child, in our city with all our fine, fine restaurants, please, tell us where you had lunch today." Without missing a beat, Julia proudly answered, "Ooooooh, McDonald's!

It's Tomato Time at JCT. Kitchen & Bar!

It’s prime time for tomatoes, and they'll be dangerously good this Sunday, August 9 at the first annual “Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival” at JCT. Kitchen & Bar. From 1 - 6 p.m., some of Atlanta’s best chefs and mixologists will pair up with local farmers to turn tomato varieties into tasty dishes and cocktails to benefit Georgia Organics. Guests will get to sample these tomato creations and see how their palates compare with those of the high-profile judges in attendance, including Andrew Knowlton of Bon Appetit, Donna Florio of Southern Living and Kate Krader of Food + Wine, who will be choosing a winning dish. Cold beer from 5 Seasons Brewing and free Bionade organic soda from Germany will also be available, along with live music from The Spazmatics.

JCT. Kitchen & Bar's Chef/Owner Ford Fry organized the event and gave us a sneak preview of the festivities this morning on WAGA-TV's Good Day Atlanta. Check out the video below to see how he takes tomatoes to the next level at JCT.


Tickets can be purchased at www.georgiaorganics.org ($50 per person/$45 for Georgia Organics’ members/$90 VIP package includes entry and access to an expanded open bar). Buy yours today!

JCT. Kitchen & Bar is located in Atlanta’s Westside Urban Market at 1198 Howell Mill Road, Suite 18; 404-355-2252.

The Ultimate Dinner and a Movie

As opposed to your typical date night out on the town, me and my hubby would sometimes rather have dinner and enjoy a flick in the comfort of our home. We don't have to worry about getting stuck in an awful seat in the back of the theatre, listening to the random conversation happening directly behind our heads or purchasing that $10 coke to go with that $15 bucket of popcorn. That's why we are taking full advantage of Blockbuster's Summer Escape Pass where you can check out one-out-at-a-time movies or games for $10 per week of seven consecutive days. And, Blockbuster has great deals on classic movie munchies: 3 for $3 of one Coke, one theater-sized candy and one popcorn; 5 for $5 of two Cokes, two theater candies and one popcorn; or 7 for $7 of two two-liter Cokes, three theater candies and two popcorns.

If you're looking to make it a complete date night, Morton's The Steakhouse has a convenient to-go menu. May we suggest the colossal shrimp cocktail or tuna tartare for an appetizer, the double-cut filet mignon or New York strip steak for an entrée and a slice of New York cheesecake or Key lime pie for dessert? These are just a handful of delicious dishes on their convenient take-out menu - swing by the restaurants to check out the full selection.

Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road; 404-816-6535. Morton's The Steakhouse - Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

Sushi and Facebook Make a Good Combination

There is no denying that I love Facebook. It's like a one-stop site for me. I can keep in touch with friends, store pictures and even find what my favorite restaurant is serving for dinner on any given night. Yes, it can't be a one-stop site without food being involved. The newly opened Midtown restaurant RA Sushi has a page and it's a great resource to visit for photos, specials and upcoming events. If you aren't a fan already, check it out.

RA Sushi is located at 1010 Midtown at Peachtree and 12th Streets; 404-267-0114.

Marlow's Tavern Brings Boxed Lunches to Midtown Today

Are you feeling boxed in by cubicle walls? It's time to think outside the office box and think about... lunch boxes! Enjoy a boxed lunch from Marlow's Tavern Midtown and an outdoor concert during today's Midtown Alliance Summer Lunch Box series at Arts District Plaza at the intersection of Peachtree and 15th streets. Marlow's Tavern is preparing the boxed lunches ($5-$7) today, Wednesday, July 29. Midtown Alliance throws in a complimentary drink. The concert and lunch run from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Cash-only lunches are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's better to be fashionably on time to this lunchtime event!

Marlow's Tavern Midtown: 950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.

Cocktails in the Garden with Aqua blue

Last night I finally checked out the popular "Cocktails in the Garden" event at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Over 400 people were there to taste yummy food from Aqua blue, sip some wine or a cocktail, and stroll through the gardens and view the Henry Moore sculpture exhibit. It was tons of fun. Aqua blue's food was a huge hit. They served hangar steak on endive and these little crispy cups of tuna and avocado. YUM. Of course I wanted to leave enough for the other guests which required an after-event run to The Nook for totchos. Oy.

Cocktails in the Garden is every Thursday night from 6 - 10. It goes through September. The Moore exhibit goes through Oct. 31.

Taste & Tour of Cheshire Bridge 2009

Last night I attended the much-anticipated foodie event on Cheshire Bridge -- the Taste & Tour of Cheshire Bridge. Many of the restaurants offered tastings and tapas while high-end businesses offered product samples, discounts and raffles. Tickets were only $10 per person for a one-day pass to check out all the places participating on Cheshire Bridge Road. Proceeds went to benefit Open Hand Atlanta. Included in the fee was transportation provided by a trolley, but we decided to walk since it was such a nice night out. Food highlights from the evening included teriyaki shrimp and sushi rolls at Nakato, poached shrimp on toast points at Woodfire Grill, ricotta cheescake at Alfredo's and wonderul Ethiopian food at Amy's Ethiopian Cafe. I really liked this event because in addition to tasting food from the restaurants, I also got go inside the restaurants and check out the space. My only regret is that I didn't get there earlier enough to make it to all of the restaurants! And, my feet were a little too tired to make the trip down to Rain (new Thai restaurant). If you're counting pennies and looking for something fun to do - I highly recommend going. The last night for the tasting and tour is tonight - you can purchase tickets at Nakato as well as other restaurants.

Uncle Julio's is the Place to Celebrate National Tequila Day on July 24

This Friday, July 24, is National Tequila Day, and Uncle Julio's Casa Grande serves up 15 types of tequila and several different margaritas to help you celebrate. Among the restaurant's 14 locations nationwide, about 200,000 margaritas and tequila drinks are prepared each month. While purists can head for the straight tequilas, those fond of frozen varieties will want to try the signature Swirl (classic frozen margarita layered with homemade frozen sangria); the Baja Gold (margarita and Corona) or other classics such as the strawberry or passion fruit margaritas.

Uncle Julio’s managers attend tequila training in Mexico each fall, bringing home novel tequila ideas such as using it as a marinade in Uncle Julio’s chipotle borracho shrimp. Click here for the full recipe if you are celebrating at home.

Uncle Julio’s Casa Grande: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW: 404-350-6767.

Good Conscience Grocery Shopping

With the release of movies such as the new Food, Inc. and older books like Fast Food Nation consumers are more concerned than ever about the food they are putting in their body--and they should be! Movies and books such as these raise the question of not only where our protein or produce is coming from but how it was raised. This year Whole Foods Market tops the Humane Food Survey rankings of supermarkets compiled by The World Society for the Protection of Animals, the world's largest alliance of animal welfare organizations. Whole Foods Market, the nation's largest organic and natural grocery store, offers twice as many humanely labeled products per store as the next stores on the list. Shop at Whole Foods Markets and fill your grocery cart with good conscience!

Click here for a Whole Foods Market near you.

Don't Forget to Cast Your Vote!

It's time to speak your mind, Atlanta! Anyone and everyone can vote for their favorites in a big ballot of categories during Creative Loafing's "Best of Atlanta" selection election for 2009. Vote through July 31 then look for the results come September!

Celebrating One Year at Dogwood

I remember the first time I met Shane Touhy and Scott Black. Dogwood was just a gleam in their eyes at that point, but I knew it was going to be a wonderful restaurant. One year later and everyone knows! The one year anniversary dinner last night was fabulous! Five courses paired with Falcor wines, benefitting Breast Friends. What a celebration! My favorite dish was the smoked pheasant meatballs with apricot gastrique, black pepper and summer truffle aioli paired with 2005 Falcor Syrah. YUM. My friend's fave was the Coca-Cola marinated duck breast (above) with coffee cous cous, carrot marmalade and red wine aioli, served with the Falcor 2003 "Le Bijous" meritage. And of course our favorite bartender was Doc!

It was a rough year to open a restaurant, much less such a beautiful, ambitious one. These guys never wavered in their vision, no matter what. We're lucky to have them and I can't wait to celebrate more milestones with them.

Taste & Tour of Cheshire Bridge

The first Taste & Tour of Cheshire Bridge is this week! July 21 through the 23 celebrate the eclectic business mix on Cheshire Bridge along with a variety of ethnic restaurants. Marissa is going to check it out and make a stop by Woodfire Grill to see Bernard, Nick, Kevin and the crew, so stay tuned for a recap!

Some details: Cheshire Bridge restaurants and businesses have pulled together to bring the community a fun three-day event complete with trolleys going up and down Cheshire Bridge Road for a tour of this one-of-a-kind street. Between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., July 21- 23, all participating restaurants will have tastings including appetizers, discounted prices/specials and all retail and specialty stores will have a raffle or silent auction.

Tickets are $15 for one evening or $30 for all 3 evenings and children seven and under are free. Tickets can be purchased here, in select stores or at the event. Stores with tickets: Antiques and Beyond, ChocoLate Coffee, Flora Dora, Las Margaritas, New Baby Products, Ninos Italian Restaurant, Rich Vision and Topaz Salon.

All proceeds will go to Open Hand.

Vote on Atlanta's Hottest Chef at Adventurous Tastes

Nothing is hotter than someone who knows their way around a kitchen. In case you haven't been peaking in the kitchen when dining in some of Atlanta's hotspots, Lindsey Zuckerman of the food blog Adventurous Tastes, pulled together a very attractive list of chefs from around the city.

And after two weeks of nomitations from readers, you can now vote on who you think should be crowned Atlanta's Hottest Chef. The list of chefs heating things up in the kitchen include:

Kozmo Gastropub's Chef Travis Collum
Shaun's Chef Shaun Doty
The Shed at Glenwood's Chef Lance Gummere
The Sun Dial's Chef Christian Messier
Pacci's Chef Keira Moritz
Holy Taco's Chef Robert Phalen
La Tavola's Chef Craig Richards
French American Brasserie's Chef Stephen Sharp


Voting ends July 24, so be sure and choose your favorite!

"Yelp Eats!" Menus at 13 Atlanta Restaurants Starts Monday

Even if you're not a Yelper, you'll want to chow down on these three-course prix fixe menus offered at 13 Atlanta restaurants for only $25 apiece during Yelp Eats! 2009. These special menus will only be offered from Monday, July 20 through Sunday, July 26. Ask for the “Yelp Eats” dinner menu for $25 per person, not including drinks, tax or gratuity. Our favorites on the list of participants Fifth Group Restaurants’ Ecco, La Tavola Trattoria, South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings as well as Dogwood, Toulouse and WaterHaven. Check out the complete list of restaurants, then wipe drool off face.

It's Time to Take a Chance at Pacci Ristorante

I've never been too lucky when it comes to gambling, but I think I'm willing to give it a shot at Pacci Ristorante in Midtown July 18 through August 30. They've got a good thing going! From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, guests ordering from Pacci's special Scramble Gamble breakfast menu have the possibility of enjoying their meal for FREE! At meal's end, a Pacci employee will flip a coin while the guest calls it, determining whether he or she must pay the bill or receive their Scramble Gamble menu items free of charge.

Chef Keira Moritz's special menu is loaded with good stuff, including a mushroom frittata with fresh goat cheese and seasonal mushrooms; two eggs with breakfast potatoes and toast; Midtown Bene - English muffin with prosciutto and hollandaise; Peachtree B&G - buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy; Pacci house-made granola with fresh berries; salmon with capers, egg, onion, cream cheese and crostini; French toast with cinnamon butter, fresh berries and maple syrup; and ricotta pancakes with caramelized banana syrup ($8-$12). The Scramble Gamble does not include beverages or dishes from the restaurant's regular menus. Pacci Ristorante: 866 West Peachtree Street, NW: 678-412-2402.

Pass the Shrimp

Ever wonder where those delectable shrimp you indulge in came from and when they were caught? Whole Foods Market does--and they want to make sure they provide you with fresh, wild Georgia shrimp. That is why Whole Foods supports local fishermen such as Ambos Seafood in Savannah, GA. Click here to watch a video on how Ambos Seafood delivers fresh seafood daily.

Woodfire Grill Brings N. GA Wine Country to Cheshire Bridge

I dont' make it to the North Georgia wine vineyards as much as I should. We have a great wine country right in our backyard and sometimes forget to take advantage of it. Woodfire Grill will be hosting a wine tasting on Wednesday, July 15, to remind Atlantans of the great vino found in North Georgia.

In addition to the local wines, Woodfire Grill will also host winemakers from the area. Karl Boegner from Wolf Mountain Vineyards, Mary Ann Hardman from Persimmon Creek Vineyards, John and Martha Ezzard from Tiger Mountain Vineyards and Craig Kritzer from Frogtown Cellars will all be in attendance to talk to guests about their vineyards and wines. The tasting goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is $15 per person. Email nick@woodfiregrill.com or call 404-347-9055 for reservations.

Tastes:

Persimmon Creek Seyval Blanc

Persimmon Creek Cabernet Franc

Tiger Mountain TNT

Tiger Mountain Petit Manseng

Wolf Mountain Plenitude

Wolf Mountain Instinct

Frogtown Norton

Frogtown Touché

Cheers to drinking local!