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

"When I hand people the card that says, "I Can't Talk," a lot of people mistake the meaning of the statement. They think that I have a disability."  Clark Harris (aka @SilentClark) is on a mission to silence cancer -- by speaking solely through the social media outlets of Twitter and blogging.  He began his "SMX" (social media experiment) in May as a way to raise awareness and money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of his mother.  He's continuing his I Can Talk, I Just Chose Not To drive through June. Time and time again, actions speak volumes louder than words.  Now, take action.

Get to know Julia LeRoy

This is Julia LeRoy. She's going to be a famous chef. You know we wouldn't steer you wrong! Why not be a real culinary insider and meet her now before she has an entourage and bouncers to keep you away? You can do just that tomorrow at the Piedmont Park Green Market.

The up 'n coming LeRoy knows Atlanta's best restaurant kitchens (she's worked in some of them), and she's equally comfy adding her own touch to an ingredient-splattered church cookbook propped up against a mixing bowl in her home kitchen. The Culinary Institute of America - NY graduate has roots in Guenter Seeger's Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton. Perhaps you heard about her "Locavore Mondays" that supported local farmers, sustainability and creative sustenance for Atlanta diners. Cooking at the Piedmont Park Green Market will be right up her garden row!

See Julia from 11 a.m. - noon under the patio at the Community Center. The Green Market is held every Saturday morning, May 1 through December 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Piedmont Park's 12th Street entrance gate.

Chill that grill and let someone else cook for Father’s Day

We know Mother’s Day gets all the attention (we love our mommies!), but don’t forget about dear old Dad this Sunday for Father’s Day! There are lots of great options to treat your pops to an unforgettable meal around town.

Roswell area dads who appreciate a hearty prime rib will want to head straight to Aqua blue for their prime rib special. Dad can fill up a 10 oz. prime rib with baked potato for $25, and as an extra treat, a complimentary lobster tai!

La Tavola Trattoria, South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings of Fifth Group Restaurants® are all open during normal hours for brunch and dinner on Father's Day. Turn in to La Tavola Trattoria for authentic Italian cuisine, including a hefty man-sized serving of lasagna for $10. Mosey over to either South City Kitchen location for Southern favorites.


Morton's The Steakhouse fills dad up with a delicious $69 dinner menu that includes a choice of baked five-onion soup, Caesar salad or center-cut iceberg salad; a choice of double-cut filet mignon, signature-cut New York Strip, broiled salmon fillet or Chicken Christopher; choice of vegetable or potato side dish; and a choice of carrot cake or hot chocolate cake for dessert.

Dads who appreciate great beer will enjoy Ormsby's special four-course lunch with specialty beer pairing. Tell dad to put on his game face and hunker down for bocce ball, darts, pool, skee ball and shuffleboard at the much-loved West Midtown pub.

Surprise dad with Father's Day brunch or dinner at all three of the popular Ray's Restaurants. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ray's on the River is offering a Father's Day brunch buffet priced at $34.95 for adults and $16.95 for children ages five to 10. Ray's Killer Creek is offering brunch priced at $29.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages five to 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ray's in the City is offering brunch priced at $29.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages five to 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All three locations are serving the regular dinner menu from 5 - 8 p.m.

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food honors dads with the Plato de Padre ($29.95), filled with succulent cold-water lobster tail, mesquite-grilled carne asada, a side of freshly made guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice and frijoles a la charra, available through Sunday, June 20. Toast dad with a couple of Uncle Julio's signature Swirl margaritas made with frozen margarita and homemade frozen sangria or one of the many Mexican beers at the bar.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega has a man-friendly brunch menu planned for its Eighth Annual Father's Day Gourmet BBQ. The one-day celebration menu features smoked brisket, barbeque chicken, baby back ribs, Southern-style corn pudding and fried mac 'n cheese with tomato basil cream. $30 per person (plus tax and gratuity); wine by the glass and bottle also are available at an additional cost. Call now to reserve your place at the 12:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. Father's Day brunch seatings.

Sushi Gets its Own International Day

Let it be known to all sushi lovers that tomorrow, Friday, June 18, is International Sushi Day. What better way to celebrate International Sushi Day in Midtown then by going to RA Sushi. If you "like" the Midtown hot spot for sushi, fusion and drinks on Facebook, visit the RA Sushi Facebook page on International Sushi Day and print out a special offer good for one complimentary Tootsy Maki to be enjoyed that day.

The complimentary Tootsy Maki Facebook coupon must be printed and redeemed on June 18 and is valid at the Midtown RA Sushi. The Tootsy Maki ($8.25) brings together kani kama crab mix, shrimp and cucumber in a roll and topping it with crunchy tempura bits and a drizzle of sweet eel sauce.

Facebook "Like" + Free Tootsy Maki = International Sushi Day at RA Sushi

RA Sushi: 1080 Peachtree Street at 1010 Midtown; 404-267-0114.

A new movie shows a peek inside a changing family- and some delicious food too!

Magnolia Pictures is coming out with a film this month called I AM LOVE. The film, which takes place in Italy, centers on the Recchi family and it’s adjustments after the family Patriarch, names his successor to his colossal industrial company. He shocks everyone and decides to split the power between his own son and his grandson.

The delectable foods as well as the controversy come into play when the grandson dreams of opening a restaurant. However, Tancredi, the son, goes into business with a renowned chef, Antonio. Tancredi’s wife, Emma, played by Tilda Swinton, falls madly in love with Antonio. Seeing as how the film takes place in Italy, the food seen in the film is mainly Italian. This dish called is just one of the exquisite entrées featured in the film. The major theme seen in the movie is essentially the power of food and how its essence can bring people together. The food also symbolizes the intimacy between the art of cooking and the characters. You can watch the trailer here.

Aside from peering inside a family going through an array of changes, the film focuses on cuisine and how the love of food can bring people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, races etc. together. So for all you foodies out there, be sure to check out this film if you love good food and a good movie.

Midtown Summer Lunch Box Series

Thank goodness for a little bit of rain last night, huh? Take advantage of the slightly cooler weather with an outdoor lunch break!

Photo From Atlanta Intown Paper

All summer The Midtown Alliance is hosting their Summer Lunch Box Series featuring delicious lunches for sale from some of Midtown's most delish restaurants. Today's lunch is provided by Spice Market and the menu includes a choice of salmon salad with Boston lettuce and candied ginger dressing ($7), Vietnamese chicken sandwich ($7), or chilled sesame noodle salad (vegetarian option $7). All lunches are served with a homemade cookie and a choice of beverage. Lunch is offered from 11:30 - 2 p.m. in the Arts District Plaza (at the corner of Peachtree and 15th Street).

A DJ spinning tunes and colorful outdoor tables make this lunch break a must-do for all Midtowners. Hope to see you there!

We Want YOU to Salute Summer Grilling at Marlow's Tavern

Starting today, all six locations of Marlow’s Tavern are offering a star-spangled "Red, White and Brew" menu for the next six weeks that you won’t want to miss. The limited time menu is filled with all-American dishes like fiery deviled eggs; a watermelon, feta and arugula salad; chili-slathered corn on the cob; a backyard “brat” melt with grilled beer bratwurst; honey glazed grilled chicken; sweet berry shortcake; and a “summertime” watermelon margarita ($3-$12). These items are only available until July 26, so you’ll want to get in as much gobbling as you can before then (trust us, we would have given anything for just one more day of Bayou Burgers last time Marlow’s offered a special, limited time only menu).

There’s also something special happening for those of you who prefer to do your grilling at home. During this "Red, White and Brew" celebration, Marlow’s is hosting a recipe contest and the top prize is a Big Green Egg! Guests can submit recipes for their own signature grilled dishes online at www.marlowstavern.com or fill out an entry form at one of the six tavern locations through July 27. Executive Chef/Owner John Metz will review all the recipes and determine the winners by August 15. The winner gets a Big Green Egg and the honor of having their recipe featured on Marlow's fall/winter menu. Proceeds from the sale of the winning recipe will be donated in the winner's name to Special Olympics Georgia. The second-place winner takes home a $50 Marlow's Tavern gift card, and the third-place winner receives a Marlow's Tavern "Red, White and Brew" limited-edition t-shirt.

Marlow's Tavern Locations: 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.

Ray’s Demos and Deals

Ray’s Restaurants has some exciting events going on this summer starting with a cooking demo from Ray’s Killer Creek Chef Daniel Frier at the Riverside Farmers Market on Saturday, June 19. The market is not actually alongside the river anymore; this season it’s grown and moved to Roswell City Hall. See what Frier is cooking up to go with the market’s Georgia-grown produce and products and live music. Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon through October 30, rain or shine! Riverside Farmers Market: 38 Hill Street; 404-613-7670.

Next up is the restaurant group’s new gift card special. From now until July 31, Ray’s Restaurants is throwing in an extra 20 percent for you with any Ray’s gift card purchase through July 31. Give a gift card for Father’s Day, a wedding or anniversary present or simply plan ahead for yourself. The 20 percent bonus can be added to same card or can be put on a separate card for another occasion. The only stipulation is that you cannot use the gift card on the same day it is purchased.

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.

Secret, Secret – We’ve Got a Secret! Play Marlow’s Tavern’s Secret Sign Contest for a Delicious Reward

Looking for a sign to point you towards your next dining destination?  How about a SECRET sign to lead you to a FREE burger and beer? 

To celebrate the beginning of their Red, White & Brew menu tomorrow, Marlow’s Tavern has hidden a poster in Midtown – the first person to snap a picture of themselves by the poster (just like the picture above) and email it to marlowstavernatlanta@gmail.com will receive a free burger and beer!

Now, we wouldn’t just send you out into the Midtown wilderness without a clue, would we?  Of course not! 

Steer yourself in the direction of where Midtown’s finest and smartest technical students go to get their literary fix, and perhaps a jersey or two.  A billboard outside the back door there holds your shot at free burger and beer!

Get to snapping, so you can get to snacking at Marlow’s!  We’ll be hiding flyers over the next few weeks and sending out clues, so stay tuned.  If you are the first fan to submit photos of yourself next to all four posters, you’ll win the grand prize – burgers & beer for 10 at Marlow’s Tavern!!  It’s going to be a fun, hot, delicious summer with Red, White & Brew!