WaterHaven's Grand Opening VIP Party

Last night, WaterHaven restaurant hosted its grand opening VIP party. Located in the old GLOBE space, this restaurant is sure to be a hit with the locals. The cozy environment, reasonably-priced menu and cocktails are sure to draw a crowd.

Servers passed around tons of appetizers. Highlights included mini Cuban sandwiches, mini crab cakes and fried green tomato wedges. I like bite-sized portions - it makes me feel like I'm eating less (even though I'm probably not).

The popular cocktail of the evening was the strawberry caipirinha -- fresh strawberries, strawberry lemonade and rum. Very refreshing! I'm not one that likes the extra-sugary-type drinks, so this was perfect.

Sunday Paper Reader's Choice Awards

The Sunday Paper has announced the winners of the Reader's Choice Awards and a few of our favorite places around town have received recognition. Congratulations to everyone - click here to view the complete list of winners in the categories of Food and Drink, Style and Shopping, City Living, Arts and Entertainment, Health and Body and Sports.

Best Tapas: Eclipse di Luna

Best Southern: South City Kitchen

Best Restaurant to See and be Seen runner-up and Best Wine List runner-up: Ecco

Best Fried Chicken runner-up: JCT Kitchen & Bar

Best Patio runner-up: The Nook

Best Health Food, Best Eco-Friendly Goods and runner-up for Best Buffet: Whole Foods Market

Summer Cocktails

As the spring weather in Georgia winds down and I begin dreaming of quality time at the pool and in the sun, I realize that I am in need of the perfect cocktail to accompany my pool time. This morning Tamih from Running with Tweezers posted a recipe (courtesy of MixShakeStir by Danny Meyer) that looked divine and definitely worthy of cocktail hour this spring and summer. Bust out your shakers and give this tasty Mojito a try:

Kumquat Mojitos
•2 1/2 kumquats, halved
•8 fresh mint leaves
•ice
•2 oz. white rum, preferably Myers's
•1 oz. fresh lime juice
•1 oz. Simple Syrup
- Muddle the kumquats and mint leaves in a cocktail shaker. Add ice and the rum, lime juice and simple syrup and shake vigorously. Pour the contents - including the fruit and mint - into a Collins glass and serve.

Save 20% When Dining at the Bar at Aria!

If you’re in the middle of reserving a seat in the dining room at Aria, you might want to hold that thought. Consider dining in the chic Buckhead restaurant’s bar area instead and get a discount on the same food you would order at a table. With comfortably chic lounge sofas and bar stools, the look is just as sexy, the cuisine is equally divine, and the food tab is 20 percent less! This offer doesn't apply to beverages, but guests can still choose anything on Chef Gerry Klaskala's regular, seasonally-driven menu anytime, from open to close, for the food discount.

Aria: 490 East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead; 404-233-7673.

Pacci Ristorante Opens for Lunch

Let's face it, lunch often gets overlooked.
We're always hearing about awesome dinner destinations or booming breakfast spots; but what about that meal in between? That's why I am so glad the newly-opened Pacci Ristorante is now offering lunch! From 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Chef Keira Moritz is serving up robust Italian flavors and steakhouse classics for a midday meal to savor. Her lunch menu includes items like Vidalia onion soup; wagyu salad; chicken scallopini; seasonal seafood stew with basil and lobster broth; and a selection of paninis such as caprese and turkey. Now, you don't have to wait until dinner for an incredible dining experience. Head to the corner of West Peachtree Street and Abercrmbie Street and try lunch at Pacci today!


Pacci Ristorante: 866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678- 412-2402. Breakfast - 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.; lunch - 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and dinner - 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. The bar is open from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. Reservations are accepted; complimentary valet at Hotel Palomar next door.

Wine Your Way Through The Week

I'm considering attending each of these because 1. I am always looking for a place to meet up with friends after work and 2. I am a certified wine-o. So get your date books ready and jot down these wine tastings and dinners going on in Atlanta in the next week.

Wednesday, May 13 - Woodfire Grill will host a Rosé wine tasting led by Co-Owner and Wine Director Nicolas Quinones. Beginning at 6 p.m. and lasting until 8 p.m., taste through eight rosés from Georgia, Spain, France and California. These are perfect when you are craving red wine aromas and flavors, but desire a chilled and refreshing glass of vino. During Woodfire's tastings you can take a seat anywhere in the restaurant, from dinner table to bar top, and enjoy for $15 per person. Make reservations now by calling 404-347-9055.

Sunday, May 17 - If you live on a tight wine budget, you may ignore the "reserved" list when picking a bottle to accompany dinner. Find out what you’re missing at Toulouse's wine tasting of 15 reserve bottles. Toulouse Wine Guy Michael Gallant spills all of the information during the two-hour tasting beginning at 6:30 p.m. $40 per person includes wines and palate cleansing appetizers. Reservations are encouraged. 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.


Monday, May 18 – Morton’s The Steakhouse Downtown explores the versatility of Malbec wines during the May tasting. Guests will sip on Trapiche, Torrontes, 2008; Trapiche, "Oak Cask," Malbec 2007; Michel Torino, "Don David," Malbec 2006; Broquel, Malbec 2006; and Trapiche, "Adriana Venturin," Malbec 2006 with the restaurant’s signature hors d'oeuvres to compliment each glass. $45 per person excluding tax and gratuity. SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

Wednesday, May 20 – If you missed the Malbec tasting at Morton’s downtown location or if you just want to double up, Morton’s The Steakhouse Buckhead will host the same tasting the following Wednesday. Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535.