Don't Forget to Vote!

As you celebrate the end of the year with reflections of 2009 and champagne toasts towards 2010 be sure to take a moment to reflect on the Best of Atlanta - your fave restaurants, boutiques and salons. Then hop on over to Jezebel's online ballot and share your reflections with the rest of Atlanta!

Now is the time as tomorrow starts a whole NEW list of faves for 2010!

Happy New Year!

Places to watch all the bowl games

College football isn't over yet, but you may be wondering where you should go to watch all the bowl games. Here are some places I like to go to watch the game, enjoy some food and have some drinks while cheering on my team to victory.

All six Atlanta-area Marlow's Tavern locations are ready for you to settle in among friends for some awesome bowl game viewing on the big screens strategically placed in dining and bar areas. Once you're warmed up, enjoy some Big Bar Sandwiches: "infamous" fish tacos, buffalo chicken wrap and a prime rib French dip. Frosty brews, chilly cocktails, relaxing wines and crisp salads will help you keep your cool even when field action gets tense. Little football fans will cheer to see a kids' menu that leaves the typical fare in the locker room. (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.)

On New Year's Day, good old American football fills the screens on both levels of Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food in Dunwoody. Atlanta's second and newest Uncle Julio's was built with fans in mind...fans hungry for good views and filling authentic border-style dishes. The spacious, two-story cantina has bar areas and patios on both levels. Boost team "spirits" with Uncle Julio's famous margaritas such as the good uncle's "The Swirl" signature margarita. If the action's at your house or the clubhouse, Uncle Julio's has your back with full catering for 30 or more, catering express for 20 or more, party-packs for three - 20 guests or order from the full menu and get it to go. (1140 Hammond Drive, NE, Building K, Suite 100 in Sandy Springs; 678-736-8260. To-go line: 404-974-2991.)

Ormsby's has opened its doors in the White Provision complex on Atlanta's Westside, just in time to welcome football fans in for big-screen views, all-American tavern fare, spirited cocktails, wine, and a long list of unusual drafts and bottled beer. Try a bottle of Victory - Storm King for good luck or a Stone Ruination to dominate the field. Team jerseys are okay. Ormsby's is all about coming casual and coming often. Sit down and order up some Georgia peanuts, Cajun-spiced popcorn or house-made pickles. More substantial eats include meal-maker salads, a menu of bangers, links and wieners. During halftime, challenge your friends to a round of bocce, backgammon, pool, shuffleboard or darts. There's ample parking in the White Provision complex deck. (1170 Howell Mill Road, NW; 404-968-2033.)
In the Vinings neighborhood, South City Kitchen Vinings is the place to go for a new take on Southern classics. Grab a seat in the bar area for prime sports viewing and choose your potion from the wide selection of thirst-quenching libations. South City Kitchen Vinings is where you'll find fried green tomatoes, low and slow smoked pork BBQ, Maryland crab cakes, chilled Lowcountry pickled shrimp and butterbean "hummus" with toasted corn crackers. (1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.)

It’s Not Too Late to Make New Year’s Eve Plans

No need to stress, you still have time to set up something great for New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re looking for a four-course formal affair or a low-key evening filled with games and pub grub, the Atlanta restaurant scene has something for everyone. Visit Melissa Libby & Associates for a full list of New Year's options.

What To Do After New Year's Eve

Okay, you've finally made your plans for New Year's Eve. But wait! What about the next day? You know - when your head aches a little but you need sustenance before the games begin. Might we suggest Ray’s on the River? They are opening at 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day to serve a special brunch loaded with Ray’s traditional Sunday brunch items. Think omelet station where you tell the chef what you like best. A carving station. Fish and breakfast meats. Waffles, traditional breakfast items and an immense variety of desserts. And if you need a little hair of the dog, they will be happy to oblige. Served til 3 for you late sleepers.