Breakfast of Champions at Pacci with The Scramble Gamble

Photo by Broderick Smylie

Weekend breakfasts are no joke – I take them very seriously after a week of boring toast and oatmeal in my morning rush.  Saturdays and Sundays are the time to splurge and savor the bounty that proper breakfast favorites have to offer! 

Midtown’s Pacci takes breakfast just as seriously as I do, but this August they’re adding a lucky and very fun element to the early morning meal from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. during the weekend.  The Scramble Gamble is back and allows guests to have a shot at winning their breakfast! 

Just order from the special “Scramble Gamble” menu and after you finish your meal, a Pacci employee will flip a coin and let you call it to determine whether you have to pay for the dish or not…  Yes, we know Mama told you not to “play with your food”, but she never said anything about playing FOR your food, right?

It’s not all gambling and biscuits & gravy though – Pacci is also partnering with the American Egg Board (who Chef Keira serves as a consulting chef for) and The Good Egg Project to donate one egg to local hunger organizations for every petition signed during the month. Eggs-cellent!

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

With one cookbook under her apron and another on the way this fall ("Gourmet Made Simple" and "Southern My Way," respectively), Gena Knox has plenty to tweet and blog about. When she's not writing, tweeting and blogging, Knox keeps the fires burning with her husband and their grill-mastering Fire & Flavor business. Follow her on Twitter and read her blog to keep up with Southern people and flavors past, present and upcoming, as well as plenty of simple, fresh recipes.

Get a sneak peek of Davio's at Cocktails in the Garden

You know what they say, the early bird gets the worm. Well, in this case, cocktail! Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse will be coming to Phipps Plaza in late August, but before it does, it will be featured in Cocktails in the Garden tonight, August 12. Chef Bennett Hollberg will be serving up some of Davio’s flavorful fruits and following this month’s theme, “Tropicals and Tipsy Teas.” The event begins at 6 p.m. and continues until 10 p.m., leaving guests plenty of time to mingle, sip on a tea-inspired drink from the cash bar and nibble on complimentary Northern Italian treats in the Edible Garden.

The cost is $15 or free if you are a Garden member. Guest passes are also accepted.

It's SweetWater Time!

We all know South City Kitchen does Southern food right and now they are offering up perfect pairings with Southern brew too! Join South City Kitchen Vinings for an evening of not-so-traditional Southern fare and brews from Atlanta's own SweetWater Brewing Company on Thursday, August 19. There's a unique beer for each of the four courses, from hors d'oeuvre to dessert at the 6:30-10 p.m. prix fixe dinner.

Check out South City Kitchen's website for the full menu, but I can already tell you I am dying to try the entrée of BBQ-braised beef brisket with smashed lady peas and fried coleslaw. Fried coleslaw?! How can you go wrong?

Dinner is $50 per person (including tax and gratuity) and reservations are a must so call 770-435-0700.

Get a Jump Start on Holiday Planning with Aqua blue’s “Christmas in August” Sale

You know the holidays will sneak up on you this year, just like they always do, and you’ll be left wondering how you’re going to find time to plan a holiday party AND finish your Christmas shopping. This year, Aqua blue is helping guests beat the rush by offering discounts on holiday lunches, dinners and cocktail parties for those who book by September 17. The early birds will receive complimentary hors d'oeuvre or desserts for each guest and no room rental fee, which equals savings of up to $1,300 based on 100 guests! To nab these special benefits, guests must book a party of 15+ guests for a Sunday- Thursday in November or December of this year and put down a 20 percent deposit by September 17, 2010. To book or for more information, email Lauren DeAlto at Aqua blue or call her at 770-643-8886.

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

It's Time for Wine!

The days are already flying by this month, so make sure you don't miss out on these fun wine events available only during August!

If you're looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery's 8th Annual Artisan Cheese & Regional Cuisine Brunch is definitely for you. During the month of August, the Dahlonega winery's Sunday brunch menu features a special selection of handcrafted cheeses from Southeastern artisan dairies, along with other delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy. We can't think of a more delightful way to savor summer than enjoying Wolf Mountain's multiple award-winning, handcrafted wines and wonderful cheeses while taking in the lush green mountain views of North Georgia. Brunch is $30 per person plus tax and gratuity. Wine by the glass or bottle is also available at an additional cost. Seatings are at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.; call 706-867-9862 for reservations. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery is located in Dahlonega at 180 Wolf Mountain Trail.

If you're interested in learning about wines from far away, Toulouse's French-focused wine tasting this Sunday, August 15 will hit the spot! At least 15 French wines will be up for tasting - giving you a good feel for why the French have a little wine with dinner each day. The Toulouse Wine Guy will guide you through labels and print as well as taste nuances. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes light appetizers. Reserve your glass by calling 404-351-9533. Toulouse is located at 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.