Midtown Atlanta Shop & Dine Week is offering great deals for all

‘Tis the season to hit the pavement and get cracking on those holiday gift shopping lists! Now before you start groaning and protectively clenching onto your wallet, listen up…

Fifth Group Restaurants, including South City Kitchen Midtown, Ecco, La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco, are taking some of the pain out of your chore this year by offering great deals, along with many other favorite other restaurants, nightspots, hotels, and retailers during Midtown Shop & Dine Week, coming up this November 13-22!

El Taco, recently reviewed in John Kessler’s 30 Restaurants In 30 Days column, offers a dynamite date-night deal – dinner for two for only $25 (plus tax and gratuity), while other Midtown Fifth Group Restaurants are creating special three-course dinners for $25 per person (plus tax and gratuity). For reservations at your favorite Fifth Group restaurant, just visit http://www.fifthgroup.com/!

Ecco: 40 7th Street, NE; 404-347-9555.

La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430.

South City Kitchen Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358.

The Original El Taco: 1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.

Good Nutrition Month Gets November off to a Healthy Start!

It'a a hard-to-believe holiday considering Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but November is also Good Nutrition Month. It's an excellent time to do some nutritious noshing before the holiday gorging begins. If you're having trouble deciphering between what's naughty and nice, these Atlanta restaurants make it easy with their menus:

- Ray's Restaurants (Ray's on the River, Ray's in the City and Ray's Killer Creek) offer heart healthy menus at lunch and dinner that provide generous portions of high-quality protein while skimping on fat and calories. This month, twenty-five percent of all sales from these menus are donated to Northside Hospital’s Breast Care Program. To help increase dietary awareness, each item includes a calorie/protein/carb/fat breakdown.

- Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food has a heart healthy menu with selections such as mesquite-grilled salmon filet with sautéed vegetables and fresh pineapple pico de gallo; Ensalada Especial; and a grilled vegetable platter that is piled high with good eats. And look for a new location of this Mexican favorite opening at Perimeter Town Center on November 17!

- You can still have fast food with only half the fat...but only if you go to EVOS Feel Great Fast Food, where eating in a hurry won’t give you a heavy feeling. All meats are naturally raised and hormone free, veggies are organically grown and the fruits used in EVOS Low Fat Real Fruitshakes are real. EVOS Airbakes™ its meats and fries so you won’t find grease or hidden fats. In addition to the Sandy Springs location, the restaurant be making another Atlanta appearance in Midtown later this month with a new restaurant at the Viewpoint building.

We're Thankful... That Others Can Cook Our Thanksgiving Dinner!

Let’s be honest. Making a huge Thanksgiving meal for all your family is what you’d like to do. Everyone loves to picture themselves in a Norman Rockwell painting, apron on, turkey and stuffing and all the works coming out of the oven in sheer perfection. Everyone oohs and ahhs in your direction as the pristine dishes hit the table.

For some of us, however, that image sounds more like a horror movie, with hungry relatives clamoring to be fed and the fire alarm wailing from that sweet potato casserole you burned… It’s enough to make you run screaming from the kitchen, those same idyllic apron strings flying behind in your wake!

If we just described your take on cooking Thanksgiving dinner, you can take a deep sigh of relief, because we’ve got you covered! Thank goodness that quite a few Atlanta restaurants will be available to save the day, serving your turkey day favorites. Here are a few of our favorites.

Starting a new Southern tradition, South City Kitchen Midtown will open their doors on Thanksgiving Day from noon to 6:30 p.m. with a special three-course menu. Diners can choose from a selection of appetizers, entrees and desserts; $35 for adults and $17.50 for children 12 and under (tax and gratuity not included). Bring Chef Chip Ulbrich's spread to your place for $22.50 per person (plus tax). Each eight-person to-go order is fully cooked! Place your order for at least eight people with them by Friday, November 20 and pick up on Wednesday, November 25 only. Pumpkin and pecan pies can be ordered at South City Kitchen Midtown for pick-up prior to Thanksgiving Day at South City Kitchen Vinings, too. For more information, to place all orders and make reservations, call 404-873-7358. The restaurant is located at 1144 Crescent Avenue.

Go traditional with turkey or favor the French/American-inspired wild mushroom ravioli and grilled salmon from the regular menu at Toulouse American Bistro in Buckhead. This cozy bistro has something to please everyone during its Thanksgiving hours of noon until 7 p.m. Information and reservations: 404-351-9533. 2293 Peachtree Road, NE.

Ray's Restaurants will have two locations open until 9 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Savor your holiday buffet and a river view at Ray's on the River starting at 9 a.m.; $39.95 for adults and $17.50 for children five and under. 6700 Powers Ferry Road, NW; 770-955-1187.

Outside the perimeter, Ray's Killer Creek gratifies cravers of turkey, seafood or beef. Seafood fans can choose from a variety of appetizers and entrees including Ray's ahi tuna, hickory-roasted sea bass as well as selections from the "Fresh Fish Market" menu. For beef lovers, Ray's Killer Creek serves some of the finest cuts from Halperns' Purveyors of Steak & Seafood including filets, steaks and slow-roasted prime rib. Thanksgiving traditionalists will go for the classic turkey dinner with homemade dressing and gravy, mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables and homemade cranberry sauce ($25 adults, $13 children). Ray's three-course special adds soup or salad, dessert and Tunnel of Elms Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay for $39. $35 without wine. Thanksgiving Day service begins at 10 a.m. 1700 Mansell Road; 770-649-0064.

And don’t worry, you can thank us later.

Marlow’s Tavern Duluth Makes November Guest Appreciation Month

Marlow's Tavern in Duluth is devoting the month of November to appreciating its guests. Every day of the week offers a different special--check them all out on their Facebook page. The restaurant also has some fun promotions up its sleeve -- lunchers will receive a card entitling them to a free appetizer when they come back to purchase two dinner entrées, and in the "Refer a Friend" promotion, guests with the most new referrals will be entered into a drawing to win a Marlow's Duluth party for up to 20 people.

Marlow's Tavern: Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033

I Recommend You Read...

One of Atlanta's favorite food writers, John Kessler, has tackled the project of "30 Restaurants in 30 Days" on his blog Food and More. For the whole month of November, Kessler has taken on the challenge of eating at a variety of different restaurants to keep his loyal readers up-to-speed on what's a hit, a miss and an absolutely not. He has already covered some of my favorites -- Antico Pizza Napoletana, La Pietra Cucina and The Original El Taco. Be sure to follow him on his adventure through the restaurants of Atlanta for your daily dose of cuisine!

National Nacho Day Reigns Supreme!

Now you have an official reason to enjoy a big plate of supremely satisfying nachos –today is National Nacho Day! For a fun Friday treat, make up a plate at home or check out some of our favorite options around Atlanta:

• At Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican Food in Buckhead, you can get them buried under refried beans and a blend of cheeses or order them up “Especial” to pile on mesquite-grilled chicken or beef fajitas. For little ones, Uncle Julio’s Niño Nachos come two ways and include a cup of fruit.

• All six Marlow’s Tavern locations have Atlanta covered with a fabulous shrimp and crab nacho plate. No matter where you are, there is sure to be a Marlow’s Tavern nearby.

• For a unique twist on nachos, head to The Nook on Piedmont Park for their Totchos™, which are tater tots smothered with a variety of toppings. Options range from the Redneck variety (mesquite smoked pork, barbecue sauce, jalapeno and cheese sauce) to Creole Totchos (shrimp, andouille sausage, onions, peppers, Creole seasoning and cheese sauce). These are a great way to satisfy midnight munchies since The Nook is open until 2:30 a.m. tonight!

Changing it up at RA Sushi with new menu items

The season has changed, the weather has changed, now RA Sushi is bringing in some delicious changes of their own with some new menu items! Executive Chef Tai Obata is not afraid to venture out of the realms of the traditional sushi world, and is constantly introducing new categories, dishes, and cocktails to the normal favorites on the menu. He’s even added a new Latin-influenced tapas section!

There are lots of new ways to get your night started off right at RA Sushi with new appetizers like grilled Kalbi beef short ribs ($7.50) and Japanese Kaisen ceviche with shrimp, scallops and squid ($9.50).


"RA"llipop sushi roll

The “What’s New” portion of the menu includes some delicious additions like the “RA”llipop sushi roll with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, spicy tuna mix, lettuce, asparagus and cucumber wrapped lobok (Asian radish), skewered and served with garlic ponzu sauce ($15); “Hot Mess,” crispy rice balls topped with a spicy king crab mix, baked and finished with jalapeño and cilantro ($14); spicy rice crispy treats of crispy rice balls filled with spicy tuna mix, cucumber, avocado, lettuce and sautéed nuts, served with a soy chili sauce ($7.25); and RA chips and salsa of spicy tuna tartare mixed with cucumber, avocado and fresh salsa, served with wonton chips ($8.50).


tapas time!

If you’re a tapas fan, try one of the “RA Tapas”, which feature small plates of thinly sliced sashimi -- sweet onion salmon, sesame lemon whitefish, garlic citrus yellowtail, crispy onion albacore or seared tuna -- served with organic micro greens ($7.50). As guests move on to selecting entrées in the “Getting Busy” section, they’ll find pork katsu with wasabi mashed potatoes ($13.75).

Those stopping in for lunch will be intrigued by the pork katsu bento box with miso soup, uchi no salad, rice, a pork gyoza and a vegetable spring roll ($8.50); and the chicken or beef teriyaki bowl ($8.25-$8.75). Adding a sushi touch to dessert is the decadent banana split maki: fried banana maki topped with whipped cream, strawberries, kiwi fruit and mandarin oranges, sliced like sushi and drizzled with chocolate and raspberry sauces ($6.75).


Cheers to the Bangin' Blueberry Mojito!

The Flying Fish Lounge adds some sexy new cocktails to its offerings including the Shiso Naughty martini, the Bangin’ Blueberry mojito, Strawberry Soju Sunrise and a Strawberry Gingerita ($7.50-$8.50). There’s also white and red wine to choose from, along with sake varietals of Hakutsuru Sayuri “Little Lily” Junmai Nigori and Tozai “Living Jewel” Junmai have been added to the wine list.

RA Sushi is open for lunch and dinner seven days a week, with a late night menu available until midnight for those craving late night snacks. The Flying Fish Lounge is open until 1 a.m. or later Monday through Saturday and until midnight on Sunday. Find RA Sushi on Facebook, Twitter and in the 1010 Midtown building.

RA Sushi: 1080 Peachtree Street at 1010 Midtown; 404-267-0114.

My Fave Food Event

Atlanta has tons of great food events and I enjoy attending them all. I must say that my personal favorite, year after year, is the Les Dames d'Escoffier* "Afternoon in the Country" at Serenbe. The chefs are top-notch and they really bring out their best dishes. There's lots of wine. Micro-brew beer. Great music. Beautiful setting. And the ticket price ($95) supports culinary scholarships and organic farmers. Some of our clients will be there: Aria, Ecco, JCT Kitchen, La Tavola and Woodfire Grill. This year's event is Sunday, Nov. 8. They appear to still be selling tickets so you might want to nab one now.

*I'm a member of Les Dames.

Join the Club

Pacci Ristorante is hosting this month’s Atlanta Community Food Bank Supper Club on Tuesday, November 10, and the only skill you’ll need to join this club is eating. On this night, 20 percent of your dining tab at Pacci goes directly to Atlanta’s Table, a project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Through Atlanta’s Table, more than 40,000 pounds of perishable food is collected from the local hospitality industry each month and delivered to more than 40 nonprofit aid agencies for people in need. Pacci was recently named one of the “Top 20 Best New Restaurants in America” by Esquire magazine, so seats at this upscale Italian steakhouse will go fast. Make your reservation today by calling 678-412-2402.

Pacci Ristorante is located at 866 West Peachtree Street, NW. Complimentary valet parking is available in front of the restaurant.

Do You Deserve a Girls' Night Out?

Do you deserve a night out with your friends? Tell us about it on Aqua blue’s Facebook page. Now through November 8, speak up about why you and up to 20 of your friends deserve a Girls’ Night Out at Aqua blue. A winner will be randomly selected on November 9. Blue no more, the lucky gal and her friends will party for two hours on Wednesday, November 18, enjoying unlimited appetizers from the Girls’ Night Out menu and $5 drink specials.

It's Easy Being Green

We all know that we have to do our part to make Atlanta a greener city, but there’s no reason we can’t have a party while doing it! Join non-profit organization Green Plate for a great event Eat Green/ Drink Local tonight at SweetWater Brewing Company.
Sponsored by Whole Foods Market, Georgia Organics and quite a few well-loved Atlanta restaurants, the night will feature great bands, door prizes, and of course delicious food and drinks to sample – all in the name of encouraging and educating restaurants and consumers to use greener alternatives when it comes to everything from plastic to composting.
It all starts at 4 pm with a special party for foodservice industry employees only, then opens to the public from 6 to 9 pm. Tickets can be found online at www.greenplate.org/eatgreen.

Trick-or-Treat

The days of trick-or-treating might be behind you but you're never to old to dress-up and enjoy Halloween. Don't get left in the dark this year -- we've got the scoop on frighteningly fun events going on Halloween night at Atlanta restaurants and bars. So rock that costume and head out on the town.

Boo Bash 2009: A Night of Freakish Fun at RA Sushi corners the crypt on freakin' good times in Midtown from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. on Halloween night. The hip hotspot features beverages such as a Vampire's Kiss and "Boo Bites" such as the Creepy Cali Roll ($6). Dress out -- RA Sushi gift certificates go to the top three costume contest winners. Horror movie theme songs and Top 40 tracks make up DJ Scott's monster mix. Late night goblins note, RA's kitchen will stay open until 1 a.m. No cover charge. (1080 Peachtree Street at 1010 Midtown; 404-267-0114)

Some good-looking witches have been sighted brooming it out beyond the perimeter to Roswell. Our guess is they're in flight to try for the $3,000 in cash and prizes going out to costumed guests at Aqua blue's 8th Annual Halloween Monster Bash on October 31. The spell-binding evening takes off with à la carte dining from 4 - 10 p.m. and flows until the witching hour with cocktails from the Bacardi- and Dos Equis-sponsored bar and three DJs spinning tunes starting at 9 p.m. If you're spooked by cover charges, be there before 10 p.m. -- $10 cover after that. (1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886)

When small things start getting under your skin, do as the skeletons do and party your bones off Halloween night at Marlow's Tavern. From 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. on October 31, guests can order from the full restaurant menu of ghastly good appetizers, enticing entrées and deliciously wicked desserts. $5 cocktails, $500 costume contest and no cover charge all night long make your nearby Marlow's location a hellacious Halloween haunt.

Dress like a boo-rito? A terrifying taco? You don't have to dress Tex Mex but do come creatively costumed to The Original El Taco from 6 until 10 p.m. on Halloween night so you can be photographed for the restaurant's Facebook page costume contest. Photos will be posted, and guests can vote on Sunday, November 1; winners will be announced on Monday, November 2. First place eeks out a $100 dining card, and second snags a $50 card. Costumed kids who come to the restaurant on Halloween between 4 - 6 p.m. will eat FREE! (1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656)

Costumed characters in Sandy Springs should head to EVOS. Any child who comes to EVOS in costume before 8 p.m. on Halloween night will be treated to a free kid's meal. Adults, you'll get a free milkshake following the same tricks. (5590 Roswell Road, NE; 404-252-4022)

This is no trick. Aria is treating its Facebook fans to 30 percent off their food tab on Halloween night! (490 East Paces Ferry; 404-233-7673)

Pumpkins Galore!

Fun was had by all last night at the Great Chefs Pumpkin Carving Contest at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Enjoy some pictures -- just in case you missed out!


Executive Chef/Co-owner of Woodfire Grill, Chef Kevin Gillespie.


The winning pumpkin pirate! It was made by Victor from the Ritz-Carlton. Pretty incredible!


All of the chefs!

Sipping, Savoring & Sea-ing at the Georgia Aquarium

Last night I attended the 4th annual Aqua Vino event at the Georgia Aquarium and enjoyed some excellent wines and bites from Atlanta restaurants. My food favorites of the evening were Pacci Risotrante’s crab fondue with crostini (Chef Keira Moritz pictured above on the right at her table in the Georgia Explorer Gallery), Il Mulino’s mushroom ravioli and WaterHaven’s mussels. Memorable wine finds included Orogeny Pinot Noir and Twomey Sauvignon Blanc. There was a great turnout – 1,000+ attendees supporting the Georgia Aquarium and the Correll Center for Aquatic Animal Health!

Pumpkins Beware: Atlanta's Finest Chefs Are Coming For You!

Tis the season to get spooky! Atlanta is full of fabulous Halloween festivities this week, but if you find yourself with nowhere to haunt tonight, you’ll want to check out the Great Chefs Pumpkin Carving Contest at the Atlanta Botanical Garden tonight!
It’s a great opportunity to see your favorite Atlanta chefs, including Woodfire Grill Executive Chef/ Partner and Top Chef contender Kevin Gillespie, let their creative inspiration loose on 100-plus pound pumpkins as they carve jumbo orange masterpieces.
Here’s the catch: they only have 25 minutes to get the job done before the crowd picks the winner by applause! If you happen to fall for a particular pumpkin creation, you’ll have an opportunity to bid on the pumpkins at the post-contest silent auction.
The Pumpkin Carving Contest will be from 7 to 8 p.m. tonight , and it comes at the end of the garden’s month-long and always popular Scarecrows In The Garden series. It’s $15 for adults; $12 for senior citizens and children ages three to 17; free to garden members and children under age three.
The event will also mark the last night of Fest-of-Ale, the garden’s October Thursday night brew-fest that’s rocking with live music, beer school by Hop City and lots of harvest-themed brews from 5 to 10 p.m. Pumpkins, beer, and your favorite chefs in the beautiful setting of the Atlanta Botanical Garden – it’s a can’t miss combination!

Wednesday Round-up

This Wednesday is truly a day of tasty proportions! Today from 12 - 1 p.m. stop by the new EVOS Viewpoint location in Midtown and enjoy free samples of their Airbaked Chicken Strips & low-fat real Fruitshakes.

Also, today is National Chocolate Day! Visit our website to see our favorite places to grab a decadent chocolate treat! Remember to save a little room for all that Halloween candy this weekend.

Lastly, it's Top Chef night! Tune into Bravo tonight at 10 p.m. to support your favorite Atlanta chefs, Eli and Kevin!

My kind of recipe

We all know I'm not much of a cook. Okay, I'm no kind of a cook. But when it comes to cocktails, I'm not half bad at mixing up something delicious. I guess I just embrace my inner mixologist more than my inner chef.

So when these recipes for Halloween cocktails from the folks at SKYY vodka made their way into my inbox, I was pretty happy. I would have been happier if they had sent some samples too. Sigh.

Can't wait to try these out this weekend!

Jack-O-Lantern
2 oz. SKYY Infusions Citrus
1 oz. mango nectar or juice
0.5 oz. orange juice
0.5 oz. fresh sour*

Combine all of the ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and pour into a goblet glass and garnish with a slice of orange and a mint leaf laid flat on top. (*Combine 0.25 oz. fresh lime juice and 0.75 oz. simple syrup.)

Vampire’s Elixir
1.5 oz. SKYY Infusions Raspberry
0.75 oz. white chocolate liqueur
1 oz. half and half
Strawberry syrup

Dress strawberry syrup on the inside and rim of a chilled martini glass. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Garnish with vampire teeth.

Beer + Bread = Delish

Two of my favorite things (beer and fresh baked bread) have come together to make one tasty treat. Whole Foods Market and SweetWater Brewing Company have teamed up to create hearty SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale bread using spent grains from the SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale brewing process. The grains from this award-winning ale are taken from the Midtown Atlanta brewery to the Whole Foods Market bake house. The pumpkin seed-studded loaf with a nutty texture is selling for $3.49 a loaf at Whole Foods Markets across the Southeast. Whole Foods also offers an awesome beer and cheese fondue recipe featuring SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale bread, perfect for your next fall get-together.

Ingredients
3 cups sharp cheddar, shredded
1/4 pound Gruyère cheese, shredded
1 rounded tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 cup SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale
1 tablespoons spicy brown mustard
A few drops Worcestershire sauce
A few drops of hot sauce or horseradish (optional)
1 SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale bread loaf

Directions
Combine cheeses in a bowl with flour. Add beer to a small pot and bring up to a bubble over medium heat. Reduce the heat to simmer and add cheese in handfuls. Stir constantly, melting the cheese in batches. Stir in a figure-eight pattern with wooden spoon. When the cheese has been incorporated fully, stir in the mustard, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Hollow out the SweetWater 420 Extra Pale Ale bread to form a bread bowl. Pour the fondue into the bowl.

Make cubes from the leftover bread that was hollowed, dip cubes into the fondue and enjoy.

Salsa & Sustainability

What do salsa and sustainability have in common? Tierra Atlanta is hosting an evening of "salsa and sustainability" from 7 - 10 p.m. to raise funds for EARTH University Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in Atlanta, that supports the educational vision of Costa Rica-based EARTH University.

It's a no-brainer that EVOS will serve up tasty eats to the estimated 600 attendees at the October 24 Tierra Cosecha fundraiser at Atlanta's SweetWater Brewing Company. And needless to say Sweetwater will provide the tasty beverages.

EARTH offers educational programs encompassing agriculture, science, technology and entrepreneurship in Guacimo, Costa Rica.

EVOS: 5590 Roswell Road, NE; 404-252-4022.
SweetWater Brewing Company: 195 Ottley Drive; 404-691-ALES (2537).

This Weekend’s Must-Do: Hot Stuff

If you’re feeling a little spicy this Saturday, October 24, we advise you find your way over to the Virginia Highland Chili Pepper Festival, at the intersection of Highland and Amsterdam, from 4 to 11 p.m.!
The cooling fall temperature will be no match for the heat from delicious dishes offered up by The Original El Taco, DBA Barbecue and Mali Thai & Sushi Bar. A chili pepper-eating contest and smokin’ hot live music from Delta Moon, My Friend Ian’s band, El Scorcho and Shark Fighter will also be on hand to light your fire! Don’t worry – it’s not all spicy – there will be specialty cocktails and icy cold brews to douse the flames.
Tickets are available for $5 in advance or $10 at the gate, and do not include the cost of food or alcohol. You must be 21 or older to enter, and please leave Fido at home (since he can’t enjoy the chilis anyway).