Save Atlanta Farmers Markets!

We had intended this post to be an excited update about Chef Gerry Klaskala doing a chef demo (we do love those!) at the Piedmont Park Green Market tomorrow. My, how things change in a few days! Atlanta Dish received word yesterday that our farmers markets are in need of our help as the city evaluates their policies regarding the markets – specifically, there aren’t any currently. If current city event rules were applied to Atlanta farmers markets, it would create expenses that most markets cannot afford since most of them are a labor of love run by volunteers.

I don’t know about you, but I can’t and don’t want to imagine an Atlanta without our farmers markets. The Atlanta City Government is generally supportive of the markets which is much appreciated, but they do need to hear our voices against these extended policies that would financially cripple or close down the markets. To find out more about the policies involved and about how you can contact the mayor to let him know how important these farmers markets are, please visit the Facebook event page!

It's Follow Friday - Meet Our Tweep of the Week @intownfriends

It’s springtime and there are few things we’d rather be doing than spending time outside, Terrapin Beer in hand, along with great tastings from local restaurants like Atkins Park, Ecco, La Tavola Trattoria, South City Kitchen, The Original El Taco and at least 20 other Atlanta restaurants! Good thing that A Taste of the Highlands is here this weekend! The 8th annual event returns to John Howell Park tomorrow from 2 to 5 p.m. and it’s all for a great cause – Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

Live music from Lexi Street Band and Blue Remedy will keep you happy and smiling while you sample the best the neighborhood has to offer! Follow them on Twitter to get the latest updates on the event, as well as the other fundraisers they do throughout the year. Bonus – if you buy your ticket online before noon today, you can save $10!

Race Across America Sunday

Warren Bruno makes everything fun! This year he is the co-crew chief for the Georgia Chain Gang - a group of cyclists raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This Sunday the group cycles from Atkins Park in the Highlands to Atkins Park in Smyrna and back. Oh yeah, and they'll stop by Ormsby's too. Trust me when I say this ride will be fun, and delicious.

The ride starts at 8:30 on May 16 and costs $30 per person. A great event for a great cause!

Reserve your spot at Toulouse's monthly wine tasting

Fellow wine lovers I have good news, great news actually. Toulouse Restaurant is having their monthly wine tasting on Sunday, May 16. I have been to a previous wine tasting and it was time well spent. I recommend it to all.

The bistro will be featuring reserve wines and you'll be able to learn the subtle nuances that make it special. There will be 15 reserve wines, as well as light appetizers for the 6:30 p.m. tasting. The cost of the wine tasting is $40 per person. If you have any reservations about going then I recommend you reconsider and reserve your spot for this months reserve wine tasting. Reservations are encouraged so reserve your spot now at 404.351.9533.

Toulouse: 2293 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite B; 404-351-9533.

How To Throw A Party Morton's-Style

Thinking of throwing a party over Memorial Day Weekend? Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead is hosting the perfect event for you! On Thursday, May 13, from 6 - 7:30 p.m., Morton's is hosting a Summer Soiree How-To complete with cocktail making demonstrations and recipes for summertime appetizers.

Learn how to make breezy cocktails like the Cool as a Cucumber cocktail, Guava Caipirissima and Port Sangria. Complementary appetizers such as tuna tartar canapes, mini crab cakes and sirloin rolls will also be demonstrated. And, of course, complimentary bites and sips of everything will be available throughout the demonstration. After all, you can't serve something at a party that you've never tried, right?

The event is $45 per person and seats are limited so be sure to make a reservation to attend!

Pacci Ristorante Loves Pooches!

This month marks the one-year anniversary of Pacci Ristorante, an Italian steakhouse in Midtown that opened last May and was named one of Esquire magazine's "Best New Restaurants of 2009," and the restaurant is celebrating by partnering with the Atlanta Humane Society (AHS). Throughout May, Pacci will donate $1 to AHS for each signature carpaccio (Kobe beef or tuna) or new spring cocktail ordered. Many of the restaurant's guests and staff members are dog lovers, including Pacci's Chef Keira Moritz who has a border collie, and hold AHS close to their hearts. The restaurant is also collecting items on the AHS Wish List to donate to the organization. In honor of this partnership, AHS is naming a puppy that is currently up for adoption (pictured above) Pacci.

For guests who dine at Pacci and have dogs waiting at home, Chef Keira creates homemade Pacci Pups (a bag of gourmet dog biscuits for only $2) to go!

Pacci Ristorante: 866 West Peachtree Street, NW, adjacent to the Hotel Palomar; 678-412-2402.