Southern Proper Hospitality to Open Chido + Padre’s in April, Bringing Baja to Buckhead

This year, when Baja beckons for a spring break, Atlantans can zip to Buckhead where Chido + Padre’s, the newest concept from Southern Proper Hospitality (SPH), will deliver the bold flavors, traditions and spirit of the Baja Peninsula’s vivacious culture. Set to open in early April, the restaurant will fill the Smokebelly BBQ space at 128 East Andrews Drive. “From Tijuana to Cabo San Lucas, we have visited Western Mexico often and have fallen in love with the food, people and way of life there. We wanted to create an authentic concept that would transport some of these customs to Atlanta in a modern way,” says SPH CEO Tony Bartlett. “Chido + Padre’s will celebrate Mexico’s fresh, coastal cuisine and bring a fun and festive party to Buckhead.”

What’s in a name? Chido and Padre personify the notion that opposites attract -- Chido being the mischievous risk taker, while Padre is the do-gooder voice of reason -- purposefully pleasing foodies and families with fresh, elevated Baja-Mex fare, festive atmosphere (think birthday celebrations with sombreros) and convenient parking while tequila-ing the fancies of the after-work and party crowd with strong drinks, modern food and a high-energy vibe. Executive chef Benjamin Meyer, also SPH’s corporate chef, will employ a mesquite wood-burning grill and fresh flavor combos on the lunch and dinner menus. Look for mesquite-grilled meats and seafood, campechana, vegetarian tamales, chicken mole, smoked brisket tacos, enchiladas and other authentic dishes, along with a wide variety of botanas (dips) such as queso, house salsas and made-to-order guacamoles. An upscale yet approachable beverage program will feature margaritas, cocktails, tequilas, wine and a variety of Mexican, domestic and craft beers. Appealing to guests’ Chido side, the edgy Bandida Bar will emphasize tequila and mezcal varietals and off-the-menu cocktail creations. Chido + Padre’s continues the SPH tradition of providing a “short-term escape” for diners by appealing to a sense of adventure -- in this case, it’s that authentic Baja-Mex experience, right here, and almost right now. Can’t wait until April brings this “spring break.”  For more information, visit chidoandpadres.com. 

Joey Ward of Gunshow is a 2018 StarChefs Rising Star; Taste His Talent at Gala Feb. 20

Gunshow executive chef Joey Ward is on the 2018 class roster for StarChefs Atlanta Rising Stars. The honor comes with spoon, fork and swizzlers attached: Ward and his talented classmates -- Atlanta’s top chefs, sommeliers and bartenders -- will prepare tastings and pour drinks for guests to savor while sauntering around the 2018 Atlanta Rising Stars Gala at SunTrust Park on Tuesday, Feb. 20. Preview the tempting menu here. A VIP reception opens the evening at 5:45 p.m., followed by an awards ceremony at 6:30 p.m. and the Tasting Gala from 7-9:30 p.m. Ward plans to wow gala guests with Lone Mountain Wagyu tartare, brioche, white truffle emulsion and egg yolk. He’s not going it alone. Compadre and Cocktail Cart Conductor Mercedes O’Brien joins him, treating imbibers to a smooth, java-ish cocktail of Grey Goose vodka, faux’presso, coffee liqueur, Chinese black bean vermouth and burnt sugar. Buy tickets online and come taste why these men and women are Atlanta’s StarChefs. General admission is $85 per person; VIP tickets are $125 per person (plus small service fee). A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit dedicated to providing emergency assistance to Atlanta restaurant workers.

Earn Points, Discounts through New HOBNOB Loyalty Program

Frequenters of HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern joining the restaurant’s new loyalty program will be rewarded with a lagniappe (even when it’s not Mardi Gras season) in the way of points and dollar discounts. For each dollar spent, guests will rack up one point. Upon accumulating 100 points, they’ll receive $5 off their purchase. The program is already underway at HOBNOB in Midtown and Town Brookhaven. Enjoy a people-pleasing menu of refined tavern fare with Southern flair, cold brews, a satisfying wine collection and handcrafted cocktails at both locations.

It’s 10 “o’guac” Somewhere! Social Hours and Late-Night Specials Flow at Babalu

Check your clock and get ready to guac and roll with the new afternoon and late-night Flights & Bites menu and specials at Babalu Tapas & Tacos in Midtown. Come hungry and thirsty. Leave happy and quenched. Chime in from 3-6 p.m. Monday-Friday, Thursdays from 10 “o’guac” p.m. until midnight and Friday and Saturday from 10 “o’guac” until 1 a.m.

Savor a flight of three tequilas for $10 or a $10 sangria flight featuring house-made white, red, rosé and seasonal sangrias. For a buck more ($11), buy a specialty margarita flight with your choice of any four margarita flavors. Settle in over $4 pours of sangria or draft beers, $5 glasses of house wines or well drinks, or a house margarita for $6.

Bite into your choice of Babalu’s eight taco flavors for $3; queso blanco fries ($6); Babalu’s best dips -- guacamole, pico de gallo, black-eyed pea hummus -- and chips ($7); black bean fritters ($8); crab bites ($10); a Baba burger, crispy pork belly, and lamb and goat cheese slider trio ($10); or a dessert sampler of chocolate cayenne truffle, dulce de leche cheesecake bite and cinnamon bread pudding ($5). Night owls, it’s time.

American Cut Hosts Intimate Domaine Select Wine Dinner Feb. 24

Two names synonymous with excellence in their own right -- American Cut and Domaine Select Wine & Spirits -- comprise a dynamic dine-and-wine duo as they come together to host an exceptional Domaine Select Wine Dinner on Saturday, Feb. 24. American Cut executive chef John Adamson and head sommelier Adam Pucillo design a fabulous dinner featuring three savory courses plus dessert astutely paired with wines from Domaine Select and priced at $200 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Only 16 guests will be able to attend this intimate event, which starts at 6 p.m. at the upscale restaurant in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta on Peachtree Street. Call the restaurant to reserve seats, 770-415-9766.

What's New on Pinterest: Sweets for your Sweetie

Hand over your heart on Valentine’s Day, along with a super-duper heart-shaped box of Sweets for your Sweetie. Show your sweetie you’re not triflin’ with his/her heart (unless you’re making little fruit and brownie trifles), you’re truffling, as in brownie truffles and chocolate Baileys truffles. Keep them wrapped around your pinky finger with perfectly pink Valentine’s Day popcorn, pink heart-shaped macarons, s’mores snack mix and raspberry chocolate chip cookies. Looking for a love drug that’s FDA-approved (Food Definitely Adored)? We prescribe Valentine’s crack, a variation on that addicting cracker toffee, irresistible as you. That could lead to saving the budget-friendly DIY wedding favors pin…you never know.

Tune in to Lively Entertainment at The Regent Cocktail Club

Live the high life at The Regent Cocktail Club, made even sweeter by lively DJs mixing tunes and mixologists creating keen craft cocktails for imbibing while sinking into comfy seating overlooking Peachtree Street and the Atlanta skyline. DJ Grace, Atlanta’s leading female DJ, takes the stage for the best singles party in the city on Valentine's Day, Feb. 14, from 8 p.m.-12 a.m. She returns Feb. 15 and 22 from 8 p.m.-12 a.m. and Feb. 17 and 24 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. “A force to be reckoned with,” DJ Grace prides herself on open-format, cross-genre prowess and seamless set selections and has rocked Atlantans for more than 11 years. Hearts will flutter for modern-day maestro and master-remixer Joey Casanova on Friday, Feb. 16 and 23. Casanova sets a party tempo at the rooftop lounge atop American Cut in Buckhead from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. both nights.

Tin Lizzy’s Taco Tuesday Takes Over after 2 p.m.

Time it right and you’ll be able to fill up on $2 tacos on Tuesdays at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. A hot menu of two-buck tacos kicks in after 2 p.m. and keeps on filling friends until closing time at Atlanta-area Tin Lizzy’s locations. Mix or match grilled, fried or Buffalo chicken tacos, chicken con queso tacos, fried fish tacos and chicken club tacos. Patrón shorties priced at $5 each stoke the festive feeling throughout the afternoon and evening. Specials are good all day at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina locations in Augusta, Georgia, Tallahassee, Florida, and Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.

What’s New on Pinterest: Sweet Sips to Love

Get all kissy-kissy with Sweet Sips to Love, right on target for Valentine’s Day celebrations. Find libations to put a “Sparkle in Her Eye” (and maybe a ring on her finger). Sweetie martinis, Cupid’s Pink Arrow and Love Potion distill your affections into cutie cocktails. Strawberry sangria, vodka ginger twist and cranberry-ginger mimosa say, “I care about your whole being” by working those help-ya-stay-healthy fruits and spices into the menu. Gals, snag some ways to share the love with your special guy here. And while wine dummies and Jell-O shooter hearts thrill grownups, your young Valentines will love sipping strawberry Cupid floats through pink-striped straws.

#Foodgram: Feed the Swimmers

When Jill Fergus’ kids began swimming competitively, she realized how nutrition, performance, growth, overall health and emotional well-being must be in sync. The recipe developer/food stylist-photographer and editor dove into feeding that passion with a blog feedtheswimmers.com and Instagram album Feed the Swimmers.

Appetizing Aperture: Bulla Gastrobar's Chocolate-Covered Cherry Martini

Bulla Gastrobar gives lip service to Valentine’s week through its better-than-a-box-of-chocolates Chocolate-Covered Cherry martini. Kiss up to Bulla mixologist Joel Mesa’s martini cuddling the same decadent chocolate sauce Bulla serves with its churros along with cherry bitters, triple sec, Emilio Lustau Pedro Ximenez San Emilio sherry and Russian Standard vodka. Embrace this sweetie Feb. 12-18. Good to know if you’re coming to Bulla for Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14, #Galentine’s Day on Feb. 13 or any other day during the sweetest week of the year.

5Church and Terminus City BBQ Slurp Up Winning Soups at Orpheus Brewing's Souper Bowl

Slurps up! Shout out to 5Church Atlanta and chef Kevin Gillespie's Terminus City BBQ for winning big at Orpheus Brewing's Souper Bowl on Saturday, Feb. 3! 5Church executive chef Scotley Innis' smoked tomato basil with white cheddar garlic croutons took home People's Choice: Best Vegetarian and Critic's Choice: Best Creamy, while Terminus City's Brunswick Stew warmed hearts to win People's Choice: Best Chunky. Proceeds from the event were donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Himitsu Mixologist Ivan Goatia to Shake Up Highball Competition at High Museum Feb. 10

Ivan Goatia of Himitsu, the “reservation-only” Japanese cocktail lounge in the heart of Buckhead, swirls two island cultures near to his heart into a cocktail, and not just any cocktail -- Michi No Daichi (Unknown Earth). The skilled mixologist is flexing his wrists and forearms to stir things up at Highball, which will spill across the High Museum of Artlobby from 6:30-10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10. Goatia’s Puerto Rican heritage and a passion for the Japanese culture steering the artistry and precision behind Himitsu’s bar program influence the East-meets-West flavor profile of his Frida Kahlo tequila-infused nectar. Sixteen of Atlanta’s top mixologists and more than 500 cocktail connoisseurs will swizzle and sip at Highball, the High Museum’s second mixology competition benefitting the museum. To dabble in drinks and to try Goatia’s stunner, buy a ticket to Highball online for $125 per person.

Perks Coffee’s Weekly Specials Pump Up Your Work Week and There’s Free Wi-Fi

To caffeinate or not to caffeinate? Perks Coffee, located at 3000 Windy Hill Road near I-75 and The Battery Atlanta, energizes your workday either way with coffees, teas, breakfast and lunch specials plus free Wi-Fi to boot. And, with Perks’ new loyalty program, earn a star for every dollar or more purchase. Redeem 10 stars for a free coffee or espresso item. Stop in for a powerful breakfast for the low price of $3.99, including a bagel with cream cheese, an oatmeal or a turkey sausage and egg white muffin plus a regular coffee. Lunch combos launch fruitful afternoons made possible by a choice of Boar’s Head ham or turkey sandwich or a vegan wrap, chips and drink for only $6.99. Face it, working from home, all alone, can get lonely, and there are all of those “honey-do” list distractions. Perk up, plug in and log on to efficiently work your way down the list or crank out that proposal. Open weekdays 7 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Celebrate Fat Tuesday in a Big Way at Atkins Park Virginia-Highland Feb. 13

Fat Tuesday is so big, Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland couldn’t squeeze the party into a few evening hours of revelry…so they’re filling the whole day with Mardi Gras glory. One dollar king cake slices lead the daylong procession of food and drink specials on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Lucky customers finding a tiny baby in their king cake slice will receive a $20 Atkins Park gift card. Eat, drink and be merry on Tuesday -- and bring your Valentine with you since Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday coincide the next day.

Nurture Knowledge at Georgia Organics Conference Feb. 16-17

Grow skills while your garden’s hibernating for winter. Gardeners and those itching to know more about organics, farming and food can plow down I-20 to Augusta over the weekend of Feb. 16-17 for this year’s Georgia Organics Conference. Be inspired and invigorated by farmers, educators, advocates, exhibitors and Augustans as they share techniques, heartwarming tales of kids adoring broccoli and ways to make clean food more accessible. The Farmers Feast, featuring keynote speaker chef Steven Satterfield, caps the weekend of farm tours, field trips, workshops and educational sessions -- including a full day of culinary training led by members of Les Dames d’Escoffier. Satterfield, executive chef/co-owner of Miller Union and author of “Roots to Leaf: A Southern Chef Cooks Through the Seasons,” will share his own journey of discovering links between eating seasonally, protecting our health and safeguarding our natural environment.

Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar Hooks Spot as First Georgia Restaurant Partner of Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch

Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar, East Cobb’s premier destination for approachable, chef-driven seafood, has tied the knot with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watchprogram to become Georgia’s first official Seafood Watch Restaurant Partner. Although Drift owner Doug Turbush and executive chef Tom Hill already strive to source from high-quality purveyors and avoid serving overfished species, this pledge formalizes a commitment to serving only seafood rated a “Best Choice” or “Good Alternative” and to educating customers, suppliers and employees about sustainability issues. Turbush and Hill have undergone a thorough vetting of seafood species and sources through a globally respected organization and reworked menu items so guests can be confident that any choice they make on the menu supports the health of our oceans now and for future generations. The Drift crew encourages guests to use the Seafood Watch app to help them make better decisions when purchasing or ordering seafood. Currently, more than 1,000 businesses at 150,000 locations worldwide count on Seafood Watch science when making informed purchasing decisions. Read more about Drift’s sustainable efforts in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Drift and Seafood Watch -- both are keepers.

These Men Are Hot: Camp Kudzu’s The IRONing Man Competition Features Food from The Federal

The IRONing Man Competition rivals the Olympics for sports viewing this month. The fifth-annual fundraiser for Camp Kudzu involves male volunteers who press on through the day, offering to iron clothing and table linens from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 10, to provide scholarships for Georgia’s Type 1 diabetic children to attend overnight or day camp. There’s no charge for ironing your items; however, donations are encouraged and gratefully accepted for getting the wrinkles out of your life. While it’s full steam ahead for this year’s competition at 1010 Midtown Condominiums, 60 11^th St. Residences and Windsor Midtown, Camp Kudzu supporters also can help out by dining at The Federal on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 9 and 10. For $80 per person (excludes tax, tip, alcohol), guests can enjoy a special four-course IRONing Man menu featuring an amuse of Swedish gravlax and black bread; soup du jour or salad vinaigrette; entrée choice of eight-ounce Iowa premium filet with mustard greens and foie gras sauce or cedar-planked salmon with violet mustard, garlic, bacon, scallion and soft polenta; and a dessert choice of sticky toffee pudding or Key lime tart with coconut espuma (coconut foam). The Federal will donate 10 percent of IRONing Man menu proceeds to Camp Kudzu. Look sharp, eat well and send kids to Camp Kudzu at this pressing engagement.

Feed the Love with Valentine’s Specials at Atlanta Restaurants

Atlanta restaurants spread the love like Nutella on bread during Valentine’s week. Memorable menus, spectacular specials and just the right amorous ambience set the stage for romance. Give that near-and-dear someone a ring (a.k.a. phone call) and make a date. Remember seats usually disappear quickly, so make reservations today. Prices listed do not include tax and gratuity.

Valentine's Week Specials
5Church Atlanta serves a $65 three-course prix fixe menu Feb. 14-16 with wine pairings for $25 per person. A Valentine’s Day cocktail is offered all three days. Entrées include pork osso buco and crab-stuffed lobster. A limited dinner menu also is available on Feb. 14; full à la carte dinner menu offered Feb. 15-16.

Share the love with the whole family at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland on Wednesday, Feb. 7 from 4-7 p.m. with a free Valentine’s cookie decorating event. From Feb. 14-17, enjoy a Valentines-themed three-course menu including a starter of seared scallops ($12); lobster tail and filet mignon ($28) or herb-crusted halibut ($26); and a choice of raspberry crème brûlée or hot chocolate lava cake with vanilla bean ice cream ($6).

Over Feb. 12-18, Bulla Gastrobar is featuring a special cocktail, the Chocolate-Covered Cherry. This twist on the classic chocolate martini is made with Emilio Lustau Pedro Ximenez San Emilio sherry and features the same chocolate sauce used on Bulla’s delicious churros. Bulla declares Feb. 13 “Galentine’s Day,” gifting groups of four to five women with a complimentary order of churros.

Food 101 in Sandy Springs duos a three-course “his and hers” menu and a limited regular menu Feb. 14-17. There’s smoked beef carpaccio or grilled jumbo asparagus (both $9); an entrée of seared duck breast with sweet potato gratin, pearl onions and thin beans ($28) or sea bass with cauliflower purée, petite Caesar salad and San Marzano tomato-lobster broth ($38). Dessert brings bourbon bread pudding or marinated strawberries with blood orange and rosemary sabayon ($9).

Dessert lovers, stop by the Upper Westside, Buckhead or Sandy Springs locations of Henri’s Bakery & Café to pick up sweet treats like festive cakes, cupcakes, petit fours and cookies to wow your “Honey.”

Ray's on the River, Ray's at Killer Creek and Ray's in the Cityare featuring a pair of four-course, prix fixe menus, each with a different assortment of starters, salads and entrées, for $85 and $105. These special menus are available from Feb. 10 through Feb. 17, along with each restaurant’s regular à la carte dinner menu. On Feb. 14, only the prix fixe menus are available.

Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante features Valentines-themed offerings in its specialty grocery store for the entire week. Purchase heart-shaped pasta with Storico’s classic ricotta filling for $14/lb.; short rib-filled pasta for $16/lb.; and lobster-filled pasta with Prosecco-infused dough for $18/lb.

Valentine's Day Dining 
American Cut presents two different prix fixe menus. For $78 per person, choose among a 10-ounce filet mignon, seared scallops and Springer Mountain chicken. For $95 per person, choose between a wet-aged, 24-ounce chateaubriand, a dry-aged, 40-ounce tomahawk chop or a 28-day wet-aged 40-oz. porterhouse. Both menus include a salad, appetizer anddessert. Toast with a $100 bottle of Perrier-Jouët brut or a $120 bottle of Perrier-Jouët Blason rosé. Be sure to stop by The Cut Bar or visit The Regent Cocktail Club on the rooftop for a $7 “Valentini” of Ketel One Citroen, cranberry juice and lime.

Whisk that special someone away to the beautiful dining room at Aria where chef Gerry Klaskala offers a four-course prix fixe menu for $95 per person. Drinks, tax and gratuity are not included. Reserve a table here.
Gunshow, Kevin Gillespie’s Glenwood Park hotspot where chefs rotate the evening’s selections from table to table, is open from 6-9:30 p.m. Expect a romantically inspired dish or two.

Experience a one-of-a-kind five-course Gypsy Valentine’s Day menu at Gypsy Kitchen courtesy of chef Gary Finzer. Entrée options include za’atar-spiced scallops, veal osso buco, eight-ounce grilled strip steak and vegetable paella “fried rice.” Add a half Maine lobster roasted in lobster butter for an additional $20. Cost is $75 per person.

Both locations of HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern set forth a special featuring airline chicken with chocolate mole sauce over red rice for $17.95. At Brookhaven, James Patrick Morgan plays live music starting at 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy an elegant three-course prix fixe menu at the equally elegant Livingston Restaurant + Bar in the Georgian Terrace hotel. The menu offers a selection of starters like crab and corn bisque; entrées such as cheese zucchini fritters and seared duck breast; and desserts like Nutella & Oreo Mississippi mud pie. Price is $65 per person and includes a glass of Champagne.

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails offers a three-course prix fixe menu for $65 per person with entrée options including lobster roe butter-basted wagyu sirloin and pecan-crusted grouper. For dessert, choose from raspberry pink velvet cake, black cherry chocolate cheesecake or vanilla rose panna cotta.

Revival’s chef de cuisine Nicole Edwards plans a lovely prix fixe menu, including cast-iron cornpone with buttermilk slaw, seared scallops, braised Riverview Farms pork belly and sweet potato ravioli. The cost is $50 per person and includes Champagne upon arrival.

Seed Kitchen & Bar and Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar in Marietta are both offering $75 prix fixe menus; wine pairings are available for an additional $25. Neither restaurant will offer à la carte menus on Feb. 14.

Sexual Chocolate is on tap at Taco Mac, which is bringing in kegs of the cocoa-infused imperial stout from Foothills Brewery just for Valentine’s Day. Fall in love with its chocolate aroma, espresso notes, blackstrap molasses, dark sweet toffee and dark fruit. Available at all Taco Mac locations except Philips Arena, Virginia-Highland, Douglasville and Stockbridge.

In Buckhead, bring your catch to The Big Ketch for a $55 per person ($60 with Champagne toast) prix fixe menu. Dine on sesame seared tuna, lobster risotto, pancetta-wrapped grouper and more.
The Federal welcomes Valentine’s Day diners with its regular menu inspired by French cuisine and the traditional American steakhouse, among other influences.

The Southern Gentleman is serving an à la carte menu presenting shucked oysters, seafood gumbo and more. Entrée choices include vegetable spaghetti ($28), lavender-brined half chicken ($28), a 10-ounce center-cut pork chop ($34), and for couples, a two-pound crispy whole redfish ($44) or a 22-ounce rib-eye ($54).

Bring a homemade or purchased Valentine’s Day card to any Willy’s Mexicana Grill location on Feb. 14 and receive a BOGO coupon valid Feb. 15-28. Love that Willy’s!

Taco Mac Kids Meals Satisfy Hungry Kids and Kids Hungry for Camp Twin Lakes Experience

 

 

Taco Mac kids meals are changing lives for the better. For the past 20 years, the Georgia outlets of the Southeast’s go-to sports bar and restaurant have been donating 50 cents from each kids meal to help send children to Camp Twin Lakes. The camp is renowned for providing life-changing experiences for children with serious illnesses, disabilities and other challenges. Special facilities, medical staff and nutritional needs add up, yet 72 percent of Camp Twin Lakes campers attend camp at no cost to their families, thanks to donations from individuals and businesses like Taco Mac. Supportive parents and their kids meal-loving children helped Taco Mac raise $65,000 in 2017, enough to send 137 children to camp. “Serving high-quality, great-tasting food and beverages that satisfy our guests is incredibly important to us, as is being able to give back to the community,” says Taco Mac CEO Greg Lippert. “I can’t tell you how exciting it is to be able to deliver on our customer experience goals and send 137 children to this transformative camp. These children might not otherwise be able to have a camp experience.” Happy campers, all.