Save The Date For Dogwood's Anniversary

Mark your calendars: Dogwood Owners Scott Black and Shane Touhy have planned a special five-course dinner to celebrate their Midtown restaurant’s first anniversary on July 20. Plan on savoring seasonally inspired Southern specialties along with award-winning wines from Napa’s Falcor Winery at the anniversary dinner party. A Falcor winemaker will be at the dinner to review wine and food pairings, and Dogwood will donate 10 percent of all proceeds from the event to Breast Friends, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization that provides support, practical assistance, information and resources for breast cancer patients and their loved ones. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails at the bar followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Cost is $70 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Be sure to snag a seat by calling now for reservations. Touhy was named one of Atlanta’s Top 25 Chefs by The Sunday Paper and he was a guest chef at the renowned James Beard House in NYC this past April, so you won't want to miss out on his anniversary specials!

Dogwood is located in the Reynolds condominium building at 565 Peachtree Street, Suite A; 404-835-1410.

Almost Margarita Time!

I'd be hard pressed to come up with a day or time that's not right for a margarita, but hot July nights certainly beg for one, don't you think? My friend Katie sent me the following message and I just had to trust her on this. If you make it, let me know. Or better yet, call me and let me taste!!

"This is the BEST MARGARITA YOU WILL EVER HAVE…. Is at a restaurant called Lonesome Dove in Fort Worth, TX. Recipe below – I think we should try to make it one night. "

Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita
1- 1/2 oz Milagro Tequila
½ oz Cointreau
Fresh lime juice
2 slices fresh jalapenos
1 slice peeled cucumber
½ oz simple syrup
Muddle jalapenos and cucumber with simple syrup. Add ice, tequila, cointreau and lime juice. Shake and serve in cocktail glass.

Cheering on Hardy!

Murphy-Goode recently announced their top 50 for "A Really Goode Job" and we are estatic to say that Hardy from Dirty South Wine was one of the top 50 finalists chosen!

Now it is a waiting game to find out who is in the top 10 (announced July 7) and then the final pick (announced July 21). It is no secret who MLA will be cheering for--go Hardy!

4th of July Happenings Around Town

If you're looking to take a break from the kitchen this holiday weekend, here are a few places that will be serving out deals for the 4th of July.

Opening for the first time for the 4th, Aria is offering all Facebook fans a killer deal. Make reservations through OpenTable and put "Facebook" in the notes section or mention Facebook when phoning in and receive 50% off the food bill. The restaurant opens at 5:30 p.m. for dinner. 490 East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead; 404-233-7673.

Stop by Aqua blue on Friday, July 3 and enjoy one free 1.5 pound steamed whole lobster appetizer with your dinner purchase. One freebie per table (tax and tip not included). Aqua blue will be open from 4-10 p.m.; mention this offer when making your reservation. 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886.

EVOS will be open serving healthy, slow-roasted steakburgers, Airfries, wraps, salads, and cool fruitshakes. And for the runners taking part in the Peachtree Road Race, EVOS is offering a FREE organic milk shake. Just drop by and show your t-shirt or bib number to receive the special offer. 5590 Roswell Road, NE at The Prado;404-252-4022.

All six Marlow's Tavern locations are open as usual on July 4th. 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; Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road, 678-987-1197; and Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033.

The Nook, On Piedmont Park will open for brunch at 9 a.m. for runners and their fans to enjoy the terrific Piedmont Park view. 1144 Piedmont Avenue in Midtown; 404-745-9222.

Head over to Panera Bread bakery-cafes for your 4th of July picnic goodies. Each Atlanta location will be open on the holiday during regular business hours providing good eats for firework watchers. Go online to find out which of Atlanta's 21 Panera locations is closest to you.

Midtown's newly opened RA Sushi will be serving light, cool sushi and sashimi on the hot, hot July 4th. Plus, it's convenient for Peachtree Road Race fans and for those heading to view the Centennial Olympic Park fireworks. 1010 Midtown at 1080 Peachtree Street; 404-267-0114.

Toast to the holiday with a Swirl at Uncle Julio's Casa Grande. The restaurant's signature drink is the perfect blend of frozen margarita and sangria. 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. To go line: 404-974-2991.

Woodfire Grill will be offering a threee-course dinner for $35 per person from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. that includes Chef Kevin Gillespie's roasted whole hog with his own Terminus City barbeque recipe. A $5 suggested donation for the all-you-can-drink SweetWater beer, and proceeds will go to "Save the Hooch."1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!