Last Minute Love

In case you've been slacking off on making Valentine's Day plans, Eclipse di Luna- Miami Circle and Whole Foods Market have come to the rescue with events, recipes and gift ideas that don't require too much planning. While Eclipse di Luna keeps the party going for couples and singles with special cocktails and desserts in addition to a South Beach-inspired soiree complete with the sounds of DJ Mike Smith and percussionist DeShaun Williams beginning at 10:30 p.m., Whole Foods Market says home is where the heart is with romantic meal options, two dozen roses for $19.99, wine, gourmet cheeses and chocolates. Check out this article that ran in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution today featuring these suggestions and more.

Eclipse di Luna in Buckhead: 764 Miami Circle; 404-846-0449. Admission is free.
Whole Foods Market: Seven Atlanta-area locations. For a store near you, click here.

Herding Cattle

Last week I got to help coordinate the chef photo for this year's Taste of the Nation participants. Of the 40+ chefs participating in this year's event 34 made it to the photo shoot!! Thought you would like to see some of the "before" photos.

It's Time to Meet the Best of the Best

It's great to be good at something, but there is nothing like being the best. Atlanta magazine celebrates those who beat out the rest at this year's "Best of Atlanta" party from 7-10 p.m. on Monday, February 16 at Cobb Galleria Centre. Winners for 2008 were published in their December issue, and now it's time to meet their chefs and sample their divine dishes. More than 40 of Atlanta's top restaurants will be at the annual tasting extravaganza, including Fogo de Chão with its mouthwatering meats and skilled gauchos. Complimentary cocktails, live entertainment and an impressive silent auction all add to a winning evening...especially for Camp Twin Lakes, recipient of the night's proceeds. Tickets are $60 per person. VIP ticket, $125 per person, gains 6 p.m. admission. To purchase tickets, click here.

Camp Twin Lakes provides places and paths for children with serious illnesses and life challenges to experience the joys of childhood and to grow in their confidence and capabilities. Watch the Camp Twin Lakes' camp video!

Toulouse Hosts Hello Stiletto Shoe Club's Red Shoe Party

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the Hello Stiletto Shoe Club had a red shoe party for ladies to show off those red heels! The event took place last night at Toulouse restaurant in Buckhead, and over 50 ladies showed up to compete in the shoe competition. The guest judge for the evening was Will Randall from Will Randall Designs. He also had his stunning jewelry on display with a special discount to shoe club members.

Toulouse served tons of tasty appetizers including potato and gorgonzola fritters and baked goat cheese. Oh, and the great selection of wine -- there were many happy ladies.

If you're a shoe lover and haven't heard of this group before - you certainly must check it out. They host monthly events that all revolve around shoes.

Does Everybody Know What Time It Is??

It's Girl Scout cookie time!

It is as if the sweet little Girl Scouts know that I am beginning to give up on my New Year's resolution. They sense that I will give up eating healthy for a box of Thin Mints and Tagalongs. I was suckered into buying a box (ok, three) on Sunday afternoon and I'm already hoping they will be back in the same spot selling boxes again this weekend.

Thin Mints

What is it about these cookies that makes me eat six at a time? I think it has something to do with my childhood. I was a Girl Scout for years and the best part about being one is selling the cookies. My mom was my best customer. She would buy several boxes of thin mints and store them in the freezer. Mmmm, those cookies are best when frozen.

Tagalongs

Boxes are $3.50 and they go quick. AJC's John Kessler noted on his blog, Food & More that the Girl Scouts are putting fewer cookies in boxes this year. That actually makes me feel better that my roommate and I already finished a box of Thin Mints.

I hope you enjoy the photos. I needed an excuse to eat one of each before lunch...

Be The Truck. Not The Squirrel.

Be The Truck. Not The Squirrel. That's rule #1 in Andrew Sherman's book "Road Rules." Last night I drove up to Roswell to Nirvana Cafe & Grille and heard Sherman (right) interviewed by an old friend and business coach Mitch Schlimer (left). Kinda funny that so many of Sherman's "12 essential rules for navigating the road of life" were also applicable to the hellacious journey up GA-400 at rush hour! But I guess that's the point.

Nirvana was the perfect setting for this live interview. They really walk the walk when it comes to caring about people's health (by serving organic, fresh sandwiches/salads/soups/ice cream) and people's success (through numerous educational programs and the restaurant's "empowerment zone"). Most of their community activities are geared to empowering and educating youth but this one was purely adult. About 40 business owners were there and we all felt it was time well spent. They plan to make this a regular series and I will surely be back.

In the meantime, I'll be practicing the Road Rules on 400, 85, 75, Peachtree Street and my life: Share the Road, Pay Attention to the Signs, Don't Fear the Back Roads, Be an All-Weather Driver .....

Wolf Mountain Vineyards Comes Back From Winter Break

After giving the vines and vintners the month of January off for good behavior and a well-deserved rest, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery has reopened the Vineyard Café on Saturdays and Sundays in February from noon until 3 p.m. for lunch and wine tastings. The lunch menu is loaded with foods that pair well with wines – hot sandwiches, pastas, entrees and gourmet personal pizzas topped with savories such as smoked venison sausage, smoked salmon, grilled chicken and goat cheese. My personal favorite is the crab cake sandwich.

For ordering ease, wine and food pairings are suggested on the menu. Call to make reservations, and take a leisurely drive north to Georgia’s wine country.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery: 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega; 706-867-9862.