Get Stoked for Barbecue: Smokebelly Opens in Buckhead May 21

When anyone asks Smokebelly executive chef Darrell Rice what he’s been smoking, he lays out a litany: pulled pork, sliced brisket, sliced turkey breast, sausage, baby back ribs and a rotation of specialty cuts like pork belly, leg of lamb, beef cheeks, smoked alligator and other wild game that are all within this dry-rub guru’s spectrum. Tantalizing smells and flavors are generated by low-heat smoking methods when Smokebelly, which is brought to you by the team behind The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails and Tin Lizzy’s Cantina and Trey Humphreys (the Fur Bus, A Social Mess and the Pool Hall), officially opens in Buckhead at 128 East Andrews Drive on Wednesday, May 21. Stalkers of smoky goodness can add fresh fish, vegetarian fare and “skinny fixins” like watermelon smoked feta salad and barbecue lettuce wraps to their repertoire. Smokebelly’s menu lays out upwards of 10 house-made sides plus Southern-rooted snacks, barbecue tapas, appetizers, sandwiches and salads. The bar has 20 craft beers on tap, artisanal liquors and handmade craft cocktails. Smokebelly’s own house band rocks on cue and welcomes other musicians to join in. A vintage feel extends through the dining room, bar and patio where guests can enjoy lunch and dinner daily. Guests also can spread out on “The Lawn,” a 1,500-square-foot patio with faux grass that seats an additional 160. Info: 404-848-9100.

Smokebelly Opening, Nicky's Week at RA Sushi and More in This Week's Dish

There's a whole new way to get sauced in Atlanta - barbecue sauced, that is! Smokebelly opens its doors on Wednesday, May 21, bringing chef-created 'cue and all the fixins to Buckhead. Classics like pulled pork and sliced brisket are on the menu, of course, as are smoked alligator and other wild game. Over in Midtown, RA Sushi Bar Restaurant is marking the return of Nicky's Week starting on Sunday, May 25. All sales from this special menu will be donated to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to help put an end to childhood cancer. All that and more in this week's Dish!

RA Sushi Nicky’s Week Benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital May 25-31

All across the U.S., RA Sushi Bar Restaurant locations will offer a special Nicky’s Week menu from Sunday, May 25 through Saturday, May 31. Order up any of these items at the Midtown location and relish them knowing that 100 percent of sales goes straight to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Choices include edamame, Tootsy maki, shrimp nigiri, pork gyoza, chicken yakitori, garlic citrus yellowtail tapas, plus a variety of select beverages. The inspiration behind the effort is Nicky Mailliard, a St. Jude's patient and nephew of one of RA Sushi's founders. The 13-year-old inspired many RA Sushi employees during his brave battle against brain cancer in 2005. Since the inception of Nicky’s Week nine years ago, RA Sushi has raised more than $1.3 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Nikolai’s Roof Gives Lunch for Golfers in Full Course Classic Golf Tournament on May 20

Spring showers washed the 26^th Annual Full Course Classic for the Atlanta Community Food Bank from its original April 15 date to Tuesday, May 20 at Roswell’s Settindown Creek Golf Course. With tax day long past, golfers can concentrate on swings, putts and their box lunches from event sponsor Nikolai’s Roof. Count on ACFB to score as the biggest winner of the sold-out tournament. The day’s food, game and camaraderie will provide financial assistance to the ACFB’s annual distribution of 45 million pounds of food and groceries to partner agencies in 29 metro-Atlanta and North Georgia counties.

What Would Rhett Drink Today? Find out in Battle of the Bottles

The Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) is burning to know your opinion on what Rhett would drink if he were cruising through Atlanta’s hot cocktail spots today. Mixologists are shaking up entries for the ACVB Battle of the Bottles, a contest themed to mark the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Atlanta and the 75th anniversary of the movie “Gone with the Wind.” Your job is to circle friends ‘round said thirst slakers, drink up and vote through May 26. Whet your whistle on Aqua blue’s “It’s About Bourbon, Thyme & Scarlett,” the Meyer lemon whiskey sour at Bantam + Biddy, “Rhett’s Southern Pecan Pie” at Nikolai’s Roof, the “Apple Chai Manhattan” at Ray’s on the River and “Ted’s Huckleberry Derby” at Ted’s Montana Grill. To know what you’re getting into ingredient-wise, read the lowdown on these highballs and martinis on the ballot.

Back by Popular Demand: Ray’s at Killer Creek Sunday Brunch Buffet

The new Sunday brunch buffet at Ray’s at Killer Creek in Alpharetta bodes well for all ages and appetites. No rush. Brunch hours of 10 a.m.-3 p.m. extend lazy mornings into lingering afternoons. $19.95 per person; $8.95 for children ages 5-10; free for ages 4 and under.