Eating Out Sound Better Than Cooking Out? Check Out These Spots!

The year is steadily flying by and I have given up all hopes of trying figure out where all the time has gone. This weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and, for a change, my husband and I have decided that we are not cooking out for Labor Day this year. It was an executive decision driven by the dread shopping for a grand feast, sweating over the grill (or in the kitchen) picking up half full bottles (of whatever), all the while playing the happy hostess. I think I’ll save all that for Thanksgiving, which at this rate, won’t be long. So, just in case you may be thinking the same thing, here are a few places that will welcome us all with open arms (and bars) on Labor Day:

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

VITA: 2110 Peachtree Road; 404-367-8482.

Marlow’s Tavern, all locations: Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526; and Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road; 678-987-1197.

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