Pacci in the Park... Piedmont Park Green Market, that is

Pacci Ristorante is one cool place to dine.  As much as she loves her Pacci kitchen, Pacci Executive Chef Keira Moritz enjoys cooking al fresco whenever she gets a chance.  Her opportunity arises on Saturday, June 5 as she leads the Piedmont Park Green Market cooking demonstration from 11 a.m. until noon under the patio at the Community Center.  Come see what garden-fresh goodies she's picking up and tossing around, then head over to nearby Pacci for lunch!

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Summer + Festival = SummerFest

In my mind, Memorial Day meant the beginning of summer, and summer means it's festival season! I'll be getting mine started this weekend at theVirginia Highland 2010 Summerfest, which is "Celebrating 27 Years of Art, Food & Fun" on Friday, June 4 through Sunday, June 6. On Friday night, impersonate your favorite movie character and be a part of the opening parade. Register online, then be at the start, Inman Hardware at Drewry and North Highland at 6 p.m. The parade ends up at the Inman Park field for a community/volunteers dinner with prizes, an outdoor movie and sweet dessert treats courtesy of La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco.

So go out, enjoy festival season and once you've had too much sun and fun, pull up a seat at Atkins Park Tavern on Friday, Saturday or Sunday for appetizers, ice cold brews and cocktails, wine and great grub.


Atkins Park Tavern - Virginia Highland: 794 North Highland Avenue; 404 -876-7249.
La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Ave, NE; 404-873-5430.
The Original El Taco: 1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.

Take Time To Toast Tuscany at Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery

Yesterday, I got the chance to visit the beautiful Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega. Even after a torrential thunderstorm, the winery was such a peaceful and pleasant sight. You can experience this breathtaking travel destination for yourself by making reservations for Wolf Mountain’s upcoming "Tribute to Tuscany" Sunday brunch event. Throughout June, the winery is offering delicious dishes such as Mediterranean salad tossed in white balsamic vinaigrette; house-made minestrone soup; roasted red pepper and olive tapenade; tomato, basil and mozzarella tapenade; garlic bread and bruschetta; prosciutto eggs Benedict; chicken Marsala; linguine with clam sauce; mini vegetable stromboli with pomodoro sauce; and a carving station with leg of lamb. Save room for tempting desserts of tiramisu trifle, mini Key lime tarts and cheesecakes and chocolate-covered strawberries. Brunch is $30 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and wine by the glass or bottle is also available at an additional cost. Brunch is offered every Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

On Father's Day, June 20, Wolf Mountain Vineyards puts Tuscany on hold to honor fathers with its 8th Annual Father's Day Gourmet BBQ.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery: 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega; 706-867-9862

Living La Vida Lobster at Aqua blue!

Beginning today, Maine lobster is the main event at Aqua blue in Roswell. The restaurant is offering a special Tailapalooza menu through July 3, so guests can get their fill of cuisine made with this tasty crustacean. From roast lobster bisque with a Maine lobster dumpling ($6) to the two tail combo served with house-made lobster mac 'n cheese, lemon-garlic butter, summer vegetable sauté and lobster knuckle sauce ($35), lobster leads the pack of delicious dishes. To wash it all down, try a mango tango lemonade with Absolut Mango and a splash of Watermelon Pucker, Villa Sandi prosecco or William Hill Chardonnay, all $7 a glass.

Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.

Memorial Day Eats

Picnic rained out? Need to get away from house guests? Just looking for some good eats on Memorial Day? We've pulled a list of some of our favorites to save you the trouble of calling around. Have a wonderful holiday!

• Ray's in the City will be open for dinner from 5 - 9 p.m., serving fine American fare and some of the best meats and seafood in town. It's located downtown and could be a nice stop if you're going to one of the attractions or just stopping in on your way home from the airport.


• Marlow's Tavern, with six locations convenient to wherever you may be spending Memorial Day, will be open serving mouthwatering American Tavern fare in a comfortable neighborhood setting. Nothing says "work-free Monday" like Kettle Chips and a cold beer.


• If you're in the mood for some homemade pasta and a nice glass of Chianti, head over to La Tavola for a quality visit with Chef Craig Richards. Open regular hours.


• For a memorable margarita and some fish tacos, you'll need to get to The Original El Taco in the Highlands pronto. Open regular hours on Monday.


• Tired of hamburgers and hotdogs? Take a virtual trip to the Mediterranean and dine at Ecco. We recommend the goat cheese balls drizzled with honey. Open regular hours.


• Midtown residents will be happy to know that they can celebrate this special day nearby at RA Sushi. There are always great specials and you know you'll have fun.


• Pretend you're in Southeast Asia and spice up your holiday at Spice Market. Open all day.


• Looking for a casual and delicious finale to the weekend? Look no further than beloved tavern Atkins Park. Both locations (Smyrna and Virginia Highlands) are open.


• Start a new Memorial Day tradition of bocce, darts, and skee ball at Ormsby's. More fun than a picnic - and no ants!


• Tell the bartender that you'll have a Swirl and your 3-day weekend is complete at Uncle Julio's (Perimeter and Peachtree Road). Trust me on this one.