Salsa & Sustainability

What do salsa and sustainability have in common? Tierra Atlanta is hosting an evening of "salsa and sustainability" from 7 - 10 p.m. to raise funds for EARTH University Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in Atlanta, that supports the educational vision of Costa Rica-based EARTH University.

It's a no-brainer that EVOS will serve up tasty eats to the estimated 600 attendees at the October 24 Tierra Cosecha fundraiser at Atlanta's SweetWater Brewing Company. And needless to say Sweetwater will provide the tasty beverages.

EARTH offers educational programs encompassing agriculture, science, technology and entrepreneurship in Guacimo, Costa Rica.

EVOS: 5590 Roswell Road, NE; 404-252-4022.
SweetWater Brewing Company: 195 Ottley Drive; 404-691-ALES (2537).

This Weekend’s Must-Do: Hot Stuff

If you’re feeling a little spicy this Saturday, October 24, we advise you find your way over to the Virginia Highland Chili Pepper Festival, at the intersection of Highland and Amsterdam, from 4 to 11 p.m.!
The cooling fall temperature will be no match for the heat from delicious dishes offered up by The Original El Taco, DBA Barbecue and Mali Thai & Sushi Bar. A chili pepper-eating contest and smokin’ hot live music from Delta Moon, My Friend Ian’s band, El Scorcho and Shark Fighter will also be on hand to light your fire! Don’t worry – it’s not all spicy – there will be specialty cocktails and icy cold brews to douse the flames.
Tickets are available for $5 in advance or $10 at the gate, and do not include the cost of food or alcohol. You must be 21 or older to enter, and please leave Fido at home (since he can’t enjoy the chilis anyway).

Pinot noir for dinner tonight? Yes please.

Did watching Atlanta's Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill win last week's Top Chef episode "Pigs and Pinot" make you thirst for pinot? Then quench your thirst and head over to Toulouse, an American bistro, for a pinot noir wine tasting tonight, October 21, for $30. The price includes at least 15 wines to be tasted and light appetizers. Reservations are encouraged and can be made by calling the restaurant at (404) 351-9533. Toulouse offers monthly wine tastings, so check out their website for details about the next wine tasting.

And it's Wednesday, so you know what that means. Don't forget to watch Top Chef to cheer on Atlanta's own Eli and Kevin on Bravo at 10 p.m.

Toulouse: 2293 Peachtree Road NE, Suite B - 404.351.9533

Shop, Save & Benefit Camp Twin Lakes

Spend $60 for a Camp Twin Lakes Partners Card, and you'll help children with serious illnesses and life challenges experience priceless fun at Camp Twin Lakes. Not only is it for a good cause, it also encourages you to shop! With the Partners Card enjoy savings of 20 percent October 17 - 25 at area restaurants and retailers including Aqua blue, Ecco, The Original El Taco, La Tavola Trattoria, Marlow's Tavern, South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings, The Cook's Warehouse, Toulouse, WaterHaven, Woodfire Grill and Young Chefs Academy. To see the complete list of participating shop and dine partners and to purchase and print your card, click here.

Eat Like It's 1984!

In 1984, Atlantans were flocking to Ray’s on the River, which had just opened along the Chattahoochee. Now, the restaurant is celebrating its 25th anniversary, and the month-long celebration continues with “1984 Week” at all three Ray’s locations. This week, guests can savor history as they dine on the day’s special item from the 1984 lunch or dinner menu at 1984 prices. On Ray’s on the River’s official birthday, this Sunday, October 25, each guest will receive a complimentary glass of champagne or slice of birthday cake. Reserve your table online or by calling a Ray’s located listed below. Cheers to 1984!

Ray’s on the River: 6700 Powers Ferry Road; 770-955-1187.
Ray’s Killer Creek: 1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064.
Ray’s in the City: 240 Peachtree Street, NW; 404-524-9224.