Riding Dirty Rates the Best Wine and Food Pairings in Atlanta

Eight weeks ago one of our favorite Atlanta bloggers Dirty South Wine, began a quest to get some of Atlanta’s top restaurants to compete in a wine pairing contest; this challenge became known as “Riding Dirty”. Dirty and two of his friends began Riding Dirty by setting some ground rules. They wanted to find the best demonstration of wine and food working together, but at an affordable price. Therefore, all the entries had to be paired with the glass of wine totaling under $25. Each pairing was documented by photos, videos and each restaurant had a chance to tell their story behind the wine and dish. At the end of the contest, Dirty selected the best wines and pairings from the restaurants. Here are some of our favorite picks by Dirty!

Best Traditional Pairing: Dogwood Restaurant
Dogwood paired a Rutz Maison Grand Cru Chardonnay with Lobster Grits.

Best Dish: Woodfire Grill
Pan roasted diver scallops, braised leeks and fennel, Bouillabaisse sauce, and herb salad.

Best Value: Toulouse

Best Belly Pairing: La Tavola

I think it is fair to say I have lots of new food and wine to try in 2009! With Dirty’s advice I know to expect nothing but the best!

Put a Little Mexican Food Into Your Resolutions

I'm an everything-in-moderation type of girl. Life's too short to pass on the pork belly in favor of a plate of lettuce with dressing on the side. But this is the time of year when we all evaluate our lives, especially our health, and make resolutions to do better. The thought of eliminating Mexican food from my life is enough to ruin my day so how happy was I to learn about Uncle Julio's "heart healthy" selections? Think mesquite grilled salmon filet, ensalada especial or grilled vegetable platter. The salmon comes with sautéed veggies and fresh pineapple pico de gallo. The ensalada boasts mixed field greens with grape tomatoes, jicama, cucumber, red onions and red cabbage plus a cap of grilled salmon or portobello mushrooms and citrus vinaigrette dressing. Loading up on veggies is no problemo with the scrumptious grilled veggie platter piled with zucchini, yellow squash, portobello mushrooms, red potatoes, red and yellow onions, roasted red and poblano peppers and a side of pineapple pico de gallo. Back in Uncle Julio’s hometown of Dallas, the restaurant’s chefs collaborated with medical and nutrition experts at Medical City Heart of Medical City Hospital to develop these tantalizingly good-for-you dishes.

Just think, if you get one of these dishes you can have an extra margarita! Just saying.

DailyCandy Definition

Lest you think it's all about outward appearances, let us expand on that comment. The DailyCandy Lexicon recognizes that some of us may be a little squeamish over eating certain foods. "Tripe-Idation" politely describes this foodie phobia.

Tripe-Idation n. Fear of innards and other scary foods. (the bone marrow gave me serious tripe-idation.)

Suggested usage: Paul ordered the pork belly tapas as nonchalantly as if asking for a Varsity hot dog. Tina quaked in tripe-idation anticipating what would soon appear at their table.

From My Kitchen To Yours

If you are in need of a comforting breakfast food or afternoon snack, try making my easy homemade granola.

Granola Goodness:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Whisk together in the bottom of a very large mixing bowl:

¾ cup veggie oil
½ cup honey

Mix in and coat with sweetened oil mixture the following:

4 Cups oatmeal (not quick cooking)
2 Cups sweetened shredded coconut
2 Cups nuts (suggestion 1 cup slivered almonds, 1 cup walnuts)

Spread the raw granola on a large baking sheet (line with parchment paper if available).

Bake for a total of about 22 minutes.
Stir the mixture after 10 minutes and then again after another 8 minutes.
*Every oven is different and you may need to adjust the mixing and cooking times as the granola burns easily!

At this point your home will smell of sweet, irresistible granola, but you’re not finished.

Cool the granola in the sheet pan. If you prefer the oats to cluster together, do not disturb until completely cooled.

Mix a few handfuls of your favorite dried fruit. I like to use dates, golden raisins and cranberries, but feel free to get creative… my friend Annie adds white chocolate chips!

Store your Granola Goodness in the refrigerator if you plan to eat within a few weeks. I keep large batches in the freezer.

Enjoy on top of vanilla yogurt or ice cream! Caryn, Tanai and Lindsay pass on the yogurt and eat the Granola Goodness alone.

Moms-Before You Slip into Your New Year's Eve Party Dress, Dash Over to the New Year's Eve Morning " Good Life Jam Session" at Whole Foods Market

I know my mom had to have been in pretty good shape to chase around my brothers and I for the past 27 years. From our first steps to our first job, she has been there for it all. I am sure she would have loved to get some great tips and talk with other moms about parenting throughout some of the more "trying" years. Now, Whole Foods Market in Buckhead is offering

an awesome event, perfect for moms vowing to stay healthy and sane in the new year.

Boost your energy level for New Year’s Eve night and jump start your 2009 commitment to good health by joining Whole Foods Market Lifestyle Consultant Candice Hood from 9 – 10:30 a.m. this Wednesday morning at the Whole Foods Market Buckhead “Fit & Fabulous Mommy Club.” Each week focuses on a different topic and always includes a workout session with a top Buckhead trainer, a cooking demonstration and an empowerment session. Leave the frou-frou frock at home and dress in warm athletic wear. Reserve your spot for this free event at fitandfabulousmommyclub@gmail.com or at Customer Service.

Whole Foods Market Buckhead: 77 West Paces Ferry Road, NW; 404-324-4100.