Lots Going on at Shaun's

Don't expect to see Shaun Doty anywhere but in the kitchen at Shaun's for the next few days. He'll be whipping up a 3-course gluten-free menu all weekend (Fri - Sun). Those who avoid gluten will love the white gazpacho and scuppernongs, followed by prosciutto San Daniele with gluten-free focaccia and wilted radicchio with burst tomato vinaigrette, Steen's cane syrup-marinated duck with ginger, sweet potato and endive, and vanilla panna cotta and fresh cherry sorbet close out the meal. It's $45 per person (excluding beverage, tax and gratuity). Additionally, on Saturday he's bringing back the popular half price brunch offer that will surely bring a line of happy customers to the door. And then, it's Inman Park Restaurant Week! Usually closed on Monday and Tuesday, Shaun's will be open all week serving a yummy $25 menu. I don't know about you but I see a can of Red Bull in his future!

thanks to benay kissel/tribal chicke designs for the photo

It's Follow Friday; meet our Tweep of the Week @kittenwithawhip!

You might think CNN is short for Culinary News Network when you click on Eatocracy, the network's food blog.  

Get comfy with your laptop or iPad because you're going to find a hefty amount of intriguing reads here!  Keep up with the short version on Eatocracy Managing Editor Kat Kinsman's Twitter.

Spice Market Steps Outside

Looking for a reason to stay outside on a beautiful day like today? Well, we’ve got the perfect event to embrace this amazing weather. Today, Spice Market Executive Chef Mauro Gomez will provide complimentary appetizers at the Atlanta Botanical Garden's weekly Cocktails in the Garden party. This month’s theme, "Mocha & Mudslides," ushers in the chocolaty goodness of the Garden's newest exhibit, Chocolate: Seed to Sweet. Treats and drinks at the 6-10 p.m. party will be derived from the cacao tree. Tickets are just $15; garden members free; guest passes accepted. Full cash bar.

If today is already booked, then you can catch Chef Gomez at the Piedmont Park Green Market's 11 a.m. chef demo this Saturday, September 18. This event is free, although you'll probably spend some green beforehand on fresh veggies and other finds at the Green Market.

Spice Market: In the W Atlanta-Midtown, 188 14th Street, NE; 404-724-2550.

Two Weeks of Smyrna Eats and Drinks with Atkins Park

It’s time once again for the Taste of Smyrna “Festival of the Delectable” and Atkins Park Tavern is one of over 30 restaurants participating on Saturday September 18^th from 11am – 8 pm on the Village Green in downtown Smyrna.  Samples will range from 50 cents to 4 dollars, but event admission (plus all the smells!) is completely free.  A feast for the eyes and ears too; event attendees can enjoy the acoustic stylings of Scott Thompson on the Veteran’s Memorial and continuous entertainment on the Main Stage.  Plus there will be a Kid’s Zone equipped with impressive interactive inflatables.  The entire food-filled event concludes with a concert on the Main Stage at 7pm.

But wait - the foodie fun in Smyrna is just getting started!  Atkins Park will be hosting the Smyrna Beer Fest on Saturday, September 25 from 1-6pm at Smyrna Market Village, 2480 Atlanta Road.  Admission includes hundreds of local, domestic, and imported beers, wine tastings, and a commemorative 7 ounce tasting glass, plus tasty snacks from Atkins Park and other local eateries.  In addition to the drinks and eats, there will be entertainment by Lethal Rhythms and college football viewing.  Must be 21 and up to attend, but dogs of all ages are welcome (just be sure to clean up after your pooch!).  Purchase tickets for $25 in advance or $35 at the gate.  No strollers, backpacks, or coolers permitted.  Event proceeds will benefit Mustard Seed Communities and the Smyrna Education Foundation.

Atkins Park Tavern - Smyrna:  Market Village, 2840 Atlanta Road; 770-435-1887.

Get Your Taste Buds Geared Up for the Martinelli Wine Dinner at Aria Next Week!

An apple a day keeps the doctor away...yes, we're talking about THAT Martinelli, the company that has been producing both apples and wines since 1896! But this time around they will be gracing Aria guests with a fall wine dinner on Wednesday, September 22 at 7 p.m. Juliana Martinelli will bring Martinelli Estate's fine wines to the intimate Buckhead restaurant for a Sonoma Valley wine dinner experience featuring food from Aria Owner/Chef Gerry Klaskala. Between sips, guests will get to learn about the Martinelli family's winery legacy and winemaking techniques. Cost is $100 per person including tax and gratuity. Call 404-233-7673 for more information and to make reservations.

Aria: 490 East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead.

Cobb County Restaurant Week

You have until this Saturday to "Taste the Good Life" during lunch or dinner for only $20.10 per person during Cobb County Restaurant Week. From Vinings to Kennesaw, a whole slew of Cobb County restaurants are participating in the week long food fest by offering special three-course prix fixe lunch or dinner menus.

Guests can select their appetizer, entrée and dessert from a menu of options at local favorites such as South City Kitchen Vinings, Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna and Marlow's Tavern locations in Kennesaw and Vinings. Be sure to snag your seat before Saturday or this deal will be long gone!

Dine Out For A Cause

I tend to dine out for lunch or dinner several times each week, so now my eating habits will actually benefit a great cause. The Great American Dine Out is being held September 19-25 to help Share Our Strength end childhood hunger in America by 2015. All Marlow's Tavern locations, Aqua blue and Spice Market are among the many participants for the nationwide event.

Aqua blue and Marlow's Tavern locations are asking guests to donate $1 or more toward the cause. In return, they'll receive one $5 gift card to use on their next purchase at the restaurants. Spice Market is taking a different route to encourage diner participation by offering a special three-course menu for $45, with $10 going straight to Share Our Strength.

Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.
Marlow's Tavern: 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.
Spice Market: In the W Atlanta Midtown, 188 14th Street, NE; 404-724-2550.

Don’t Miss Deadwood’s Opening Party!

We’ve got a cure for the “hump day” blues this week: Deadwood Saloon’s grand opening party this Wednesday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.! You and all your friends are welcome at the newly-opened Midtown eatery and bar for an evening of complimentary appetizers, drink specials such as $2 Bud Light drafts and $3 Absolut cocktails and two DJs spinning tunes all night long. There is free parking across the street. Let ‘em know you’re coming by RSVPing today!

Deadwood Saloon: 66 12th Street in Midtown; 404-671-4290.