Market Street Makes Romance Easy

Who says you have to go out for a fancy Valentine’s dinner?  Plan the perfect night in with the help of Market Street Café’s Gourmet Dinner for two for only $49.99!  The meal includes a mixed field green salad, a choice between beef tenderloin or cedar roasted salmon for the main course, and roasted parmesan broccoli and tasty twice baked potatoes as your sides.  Since it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without something sweet, this box of goodies also comes with Ghirardelli chocolate tortes and fresh strawberries to round out the meal. Want a little ambiance?  The romantic dinner for two also includes a candle and matches to help you set the mood!  Now that dinner’s set, Market Street has gifts covered too!  Pick up a dozen roses for $59.00 and you’ve got all the ingredients for a fabulous evening at home.  Check out the full menu here, including meal add-ons and items for kids.  All dinners need to be ordered by Monday, February 13, so make sure you act fast!  Your no hassle dinner is waiting for you at Market Street Café! 

Fleming's Primes Fans With New Icon Wine

Maeve Pesquera, national wine director for Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, is perpetually on the prowl for what she deems her "Icon Wine 'Holy Grail.'" On a recent trip to Napa, she uncovered Fleming's newest Icon Wine, the Swanson Family Alexis Cabernet Sauvignon 2007, powerful and resplendent with tastes of cassis, dark cherries and tobacco leaf. Swanson Vineyards operates under the helm of elite winemaker Chris Phelps. Come savor his handiwork at Fleming's Perimeter location and enjoy a bottle of this complex Cabernet at a special price of $95 per bottle, excluding tax and gratuity. Offer extends through March 31 or until supplies run dry.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: 4501 Olde Perimeter Way; (770) 698-8112

MLA On The Town: RA Sushi's Sake & Sushi Social

Nibbling and noshing our way around the ATL is a family affair at MLA. In January, MLA'er McCall and hubbie Shawn did some field work at RA Sushi's Sake & Sushi Social. We're proud that they managed to snap a photo before diving in to eat. RA Sushi is hosting next month's social at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6. Call and grab a place for yourself:  404-267-0114.

It's Follow Friday; Meet Our Tweep of the Week @onehauteplate

Real food, prepared simply, enjoyed daily. That's a prescription for the good life and tweets by blogger/writer/cook and eater Dana Nahai (@onehauteplate). She must burn some calories outside the kitchen, too, because she looks pretty fit. Cravings for more can be satiated on her One Haute Plate website.

Say Sláinte to Fadó's Great Guinness Toast

Fadó Irish Pub and Restaurant is giving Guinness fans a reason to order another round. The Irish pub is giving you two chances to win a VIP table and tab for you and your friends on St. Patrick's Day. Now through February 16, order a Guinness and you'll be automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win the St. Patrick's Day package. If you'd rather not rely on the luck of the Irish to win your prize, go to Facebook and post your favorite toast in the comment section. Finalists will be chosen on February 15 and the contestant with the loudest audience approval at the Great Guinness Toast will be hailed the official toastmaster and will also win a VIP package. The Great Guinness Toast starts at 9 p.m. on February 17,  and you must be present to claim your winnings. You and your friends can enjoy $3 Guinness Black Lagers and Picklebacks while you practice that acceptance toast. Sláinte!

What The Cluck? Will Harris Gets Together With Georgians For Pastured Poultry To Explore Bird's Big Impact On Georgia

Forget the dirty bird, Falcons Fans, apparently in Georgia it’s all about the chickens. We produce more chicken meat than any other state, and if Georgia was a country, it would be the sixth-largest poultry producer in the world. With such large numbers, it’s nice to know that there are businesses like White Oak Pastures that believe in following the sustainable practice of pastured poultry. Owner Will Harris is a founding member of Georgians for Pastured Poultry (GPP), a group that promotes pasture-raised chicken as a fair, humane and sustainable alternative to poultry factory farming. On February 9, Harris and GPP are releasing a white paper on this matter to a food industry group that includes retailers, writers, chefs, legislators and media. GPP is currently made up of Compassion in World Farming, Darby Farms, Fellowship of Southern Farmers, Artisans & Chefs, Georgia Organics, GreenLaw, Sierra Club and White Oak Pastures.

But chicken isn’t the only meat that’s dished up by White Oak Pastures, and this Valentine’s Day White Oak Pastures is featuring a special online sale on their delicious tenderloin filet for $9 per 8 ounce steak, regularly $11.52. The sale lasts until tomorrow, so hurry and snag this deal before it’s all gone!

Beer + Brats? I'll Take One, Two or Ten

Guinness-braised brats, natural Angus beef hot dogs and hot boiled Georgia peanuts are some of the items Ormsby's will sell to complement brew sampling at the 3rd annual Winter Beer Carnival coming up Saturday, February 11, starting at 3 p.m. at Atlantic Station. This year's carnival has expanded into its new digs with more midway games and more than 100 beers to sample, including traditional favorites, premium craft beers and a wonderland of winter brews. Carnival ticket includes beer samples and most games. Buy tickets online: General admission tickets are $40 advance/$50 carnival day, and Designated Driver VIP tickets are $20 advance/$30 carnival day. "HOPtimize" to a VIP ticket ($60 advance purchase) for 2 p.m. entry and sample a premium selection of top-rated and hard-to-find beers. Sampling limited to those ages 21 and over.

Heartthrob Chef Shows How to Prepare Food That Will Get You in the Mood - Tune in Thursday!

If you're hoping to avoid the restaurant crowds on Valentine's Day and plan on preparing dinner for your loved one at home instead, you won't want to miss CBS "Better Mornings Atlanta" this Thursday at 9:45 a.m. Chef Justin Balmes, who happens to be quite the hunk in our opinion (And Eater agrees! See the steamy pic to the right if you don't believe us), will make an appearance on the WGCL-TV morning show in order to demonstrate how to prepare some mouthwatering aphrodisiac dishes. You probably remember Justin from Season 7 of "Food Network Star," but he is also currently a chef instructor at the Art Institute of Atlanta and has plenty of tips to teach us how to get hearts beating with every bite!

While you're at it, check out Justin's new website to see what else he's got cooking.

Love These Heart-y Reasons To Dine Out With Or Without A Valentine

Forgot the red roses this Valentine’s Day?  Don’t even bother!  Instead, show your sweetheart how much you care by taking them out for a romantic dinner at any of these Atlanta restaurants offering Valentine week specials!
    

Single? No worries. Go out with friends to wine, dine, and help out a charitable cause with Love thy neighbor at Fifth Group Restaurants' Alma Cocina. On Valentine's Day, the contemporary Mexican restaurant in downtown Atlanta is partnering with the Atlanta Community Food Bank's Supper Club. During lunch and dinner, 20 percent of your tab will be donated to Atlanta's Table, a project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Reservations: 404-968-9662.

It’s the last minute and you forgot to make reservations. But don’t panic! You won’t need one to stop by Alpine Bakery & Trattoria in the Crabapple area of Alpharetta on February 14 for either their special Valentine's Day menu or the regular menu. Italian food, New York-style pizza, wines from around the world and award-winning baked goods are all possibilities. A dessert alone could lead to a loving relationship - chocolate mousse served with champagne. Or try their devilish Seven Sins Cake, pictured left. 

Have luxury and keep your wallet happy at Aqua blue in Roswell. A $50 four-course prix fixe menu co-stars with the à la carte menu from Friday, February 10 to Tuesday, February 14 and features Maine lobster chowder or a butter lettuce wedge, jumbo lump crab sushi roll, Aqua blue surf and turf and warm chocolate cake for dessert. Throw in a long-stem rose package and champagne toasts for an additional cost. Enjoy some live music on Friday, February 10 starting at 8 p.m. Reservations: 770-643-8886.

Ever the epitome of elegance and romance, Buckhead's Aria is offering a four-course menu for $90 per person on Valentine's Day night (beverage, tax and gratuity not included). Reservations: 404-233-7673.

Celebrate Singles Awareness Day at the anti-Valentine's Day bash filling Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna on Saturday, February 11 at 10 p.m. Groove to live music from the band Homefront. Couples, you're not left out. There's a three-course prix fixe dinner with wine pairings for $45 per person on Valentine's Day. Reservations:  770-435-1887. Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland is featuring a special à la carte menu ($8-$26) on Tuesday, February 14. The restaurant will offer tuna tartare and potato gnocchi with lamb Bolognese for starters, pan-roasted black grouper and smoke-roasted prime rib for entrées and chocolaty dessert choices of house-made Oreos, caramel and chocolate meringues or bittersweet chocolate ice cream. Reservations: 404-876-7249.

Pop the cork and maybe the question at Double Zero Napoletana. On Valentine's Day, couples choosing the $59-per-person prix fixe menu also get a champagne split, champagne glasses and a Castellucci Hospitality Group (CHG) gift card for use at any CHG restaurant. Find your favorites on the regular menu, if you prefer. Reservations: 404-991-3666.

Love me tender, like the melt-in-your-mouth corned beef on the hearty Valentine's Day prix fixe menu for $44.95 per couple at Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant. On Tuesday, February 14, couples can share an appetizer of corned beef rolls or smoked salmon bites. Each person picks an entrée of corned beef and cabbage, fish and chips or trinity steak boxty. Then it's back to sharing a dessert of either black and tan brownie with Guinness ice cream, bread pudding with brown bread ice cream or crème brûlée cheesecake. Reservations: 404-841-0066.

Can’t go out the night of Valentine’s? Don’t stress it! There are three romantic nights -- February 12, 13 and 14 -- to take in three romantic Valentine's entrées and take home a $25 gift card at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Filet mignon and prawns, prime New York strip and king crab, and colossal North Atlantic lobster tail with lobster mac and cheese will be offered, each at $69.95. Add on a Valentine's Day "Bella-tini" cocktail ($9.95) and a sinfully rich red velvet cake with espresso truffles ($9.50). The regular à la carte menu also is available. Each couple celebrating Valentine's Day at Fleming's from Sunday, February 12 through Tuesday, February 14 will take home one $25 gift card valid from Wednesday, February 15 through Saturday, March 31. Reservations:  770-698-8112.

Lovin' the South, Executive Chef Ford Fry is offering a $55 four-course menu (a "taste"+ three courses) at JCT. Kitchen & Bar on Tuesday, February 14. Reservations: 404-355-2252.

Your heart may still belong to Krispy Kreme's Original Glazed, but it's okay to spread the love with one or a dozen Valentine's treats at the Krispy Kreme store in Columbus, Ga. Why play favorites?  Mix up a dozen of the three Valentine's-inspired doughnuts:  Decadent chocolate Drizzled Hearts are drizzled with red icing; the Heart with Sprinkles sports white icing and red and white sprinkles; and the Chocolate Iced Glazed with Sprinkles showers classic iced doughnuts with red and white sprinkles. And there's more to love through February 14, as you'll receive 12 FREE Valentine cards when you purchase a dozen doughnuts - each is good for a free doughnut. (One set of 12 cards per dozen doughnuts purchased, while supplies last).

There's amore galore at La Tavola Trattoria in Virginia Highland where a $49 three-course prix fixe menu will win hearts on Valentine's Day. Reservations: 404-873-5430.

Wherever your heart lies in metro Atlanta, there's a Marlow's Tavern nearby featuring a $35 prix fixe menu as well as their entire à la carte menu on Tuesday, February 14. Locations and info are on the website.

Devoted in Decatur, No. 246 is offering a four-course prix fixe menu for Valentine's Day. Choice of entrée options includes wild mushroom tagliatelle and pan-roasted North Carolina flounder. $55 per person, not including tax or gratuity. Reservations:  678-399-8246.

All three Ray's Restaurants locations are ready for spontaneity with Valentine's specials and their regular menus over a long Valentine's weekend - Friday, February 10 through Tuesday, February 14. A special prix fixe menu at Ray's at Killer Creek in Alpharetta lets couples choose a starter, salad and soup and share the entrée course of red wine-braised Wagyu short rib with porcini sauce, jumbo shrimp and scallops, lobster mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus. There are chocolate truffles for dessert.  Better than the real thing? The "Your Kiss on My List" cocktail shakes Finlandia Wild Fruit Vodka and cranberry juice and serves the mix over ice in a martini glass with a dollop of raspberry sorbet. $120 per couple, tax and gratuity not included. Reservations: 770-649-0064. For riverside romance, Ray's on the River on the Chattahoochee is featuring dishes such as lobster fondue, baby spinach and raspberry salad with candied walnuts and goat cheese vinaigrette, two-pound stuffed lobster, surf and turf with filet mignon and lobster tail and molten chocolate cake with white chocolate-raspberry ice cream for dessert. Reservations: 770-955-1187. Ray's in the City is offering an all-inclusive, four-course prix fixe menu for $75 per person that includes tagliatelle pasta tossed with butter and poached lobster, butter lettuce salad topped with house-made ricotta, slow-roasted certified Angus tenderloin and house-made chocolate cake with hazelnut ice cream. For an additional charge, wine pairings are available. Reservations: 404-524-9224.

Everything delish that we love about the South is on the Valentine's Day dinner menus at South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings. Both restaurants are featuring similar three-course prix fixe menus (Midtown menu and Vinings menu) for $39.95 per person, not including tax or gratuity. Guests can choose from a list of appetizers; nine please-all entrées including buttermilk fried chicken, smoke-roasted filet of beef, Low Country shrimp and grits and a vegetable plate with celery root and fennel hash; and a choice of three decadent desserts (plus ice cream/sorbet in Midtown). Midtown reservations: 404-873-7358 or online. Vinings reservations: 770-435-0700 or online.

Spice up your relationship with the four-course prix fixe Valentine's Day menu at Spice Market. The Tuesday, February 14 Valentine's dinner for two is $75, tax and gratuity not included. Toast your twosome with the prix fixe dinner plus a half bottle of Veuve Clicquot for $99, plus tax and gratuity. The regular à la carte menu also will be available. Each guest receives a special red fortune cookie that could reveal complimentary items or discounts to be used on future Spice Market visits. Among these are complimentary appetizers or desserts, 25 percent off an entire check, 50 percent off wine, a buy-one-get-one-free entrée, a complimentary five-course chef's tasting menu or a complimentary one-night stay at the W Atlanta-Midtown. Reservations: 404-724-2550.

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food invites you to share the love with their Plato de Amor from February 9 - 19. For $49.95, the platter includes cold water lobster tail, shrimp brochette and mesquite-grilled combination fajitas served with guacamole, pico de gallo, rice and frijoles a la charra.  

For those who prefer to show their love on the grill at home, White Oak Pastures is featuring a special online sale on their delicious tenderloin filet for $9 per 8 ounce steak, regularly $11.52. The sale lasts until this Friday, but be sure to order by 10 a.m. Wednesday if you'd like to receive in time for a Valentine's Day feast.

Make much ado about the occasion at the 4th annual Fools For Love wine dinner and cabaret hosted by Woodfire Grill in support of Georgia Shakespeare on Monday, February 13 at 7 p.m. Executive Chef Kevin Gillespie pairs premium wines with four courses, and Georgia Shakespeare's Associate Artists will serenade with jazz standards and love songs. $150 per person ($90 tax deductible). To purchase tickets, call Georgia Shakespeare at 404-504-3404. On February 14, value your vegetarian friend or pescatarian pal with special five-course Valentine's Day menus along with the regular five-course dinner menu at Woodfire Grill. Regular and pescatarian menus are priced at $115 per person, and the special vegetarian menu is priced at $105. Pair with wine for $6 per course for a half glass or $12 for a full glass. Reservations are required: 404-347-9055. 

Get the Dish on Valentine's Day Ideas And More

We're here to steer you towards a perfect Valentine's Day in this week's Dish. Get some great ideas on where to wine and dine your sweetie next week!


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“My Best Enemy,” Gerry Klaskala And A Fine Food And Wine Cruise Up For Bid; Three Reasons to Attend the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival

On Wednesday, February 8, the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival will have its opening night gala at the Fabulous Fox Theater. A VIP reception showcasing celebrity chefs will serve as a preshow to the night’s feature “My Best Enemy,” a WWII thriller which will kick off the 22-days festival. Aria Owner/Executive Chef Gerry Klaskala is one of the celebrity chefs manning tasting tables at the reception. His dish, veal schnitzel with red wine apple sauce, ties in with the German flavor of the night’s feature film. As if the film and food weren't already enough reasons to attend, guests will also be able to place live-auction bids on a cruise cabin aboard a Fine Food and Wine Cruise.

Reception starts at 5 p.m. followed by film showing at 7:30 p.m. Purchase Young Professionals ($150) and Red Carpet VIP ($300) Reception/Film packages and film showing general admission tickets ($10) online.