Atlanta's Top Chefs Gather at Serenbe for Southern Chefs Potluck on Sept. 8

The only thing you'll need to bring to the 4^th Annual Southern Chefs Potluck on Sunday, September 8 is a healthy appetite. Atlanta's top chefs Kevin Gillespie of Gunshow, Shaun Doty of Bantam + Biddy and Chick-a-Biddy, Ford Fry of JCT. Kitchen, No. 246, The Optimist and King + Duke and Tyler Williams of Woodfire Grill are taking over the pastoral grounds of The Inn at Serenbe from 3-6 p.m. to create some mouth-watering, family style dishes. White Oak Pastures meats also will be featured. Enjoy Terrapin beer, Quivira wines, cocktails and an outstanding auction overflowing with culinary experiences. Tickets, available online, range in price from $125 per person up to $1,000. Monies raised at the annual fundraiser for Wholesome Wave Georgia will increase access to good, wholesome and locally grown foods for all Georgians.

Lionheart School Hosts Grilling and Gridiron Competition in Alpharetta on September 7

There's a lot to love about the return of football season: the roar of the crowd, the thrill of a clutch touchdown pass and the touch of perfect autumn weather are all great, but our hearts will always belong to the food. Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails agrees, so they're joining other restaurants and community groups for the City of Alpharetta Grilling & Gridiron competition on Saturday, September 7, hosted by the Lionheart School. This new event brings samplings of beverages, food and fun to downtown Alpharetta from 2-5 p.m. Buy bracelet-style tickets at the event for $15 each for the grill tasting or $25 for both the grill and beer tastings. Stick around and watch the UGA vs. South Carolina game on the 8' by 12' LED screen kicking off at 4:30 p.m.

Leave the Labor to Your Fave ATL Restaurants this Labor Day Weekend

 

You have to love the devoted chefs and wait staff at these Atlanta restaurants. They're laboring in hot kitchens on the last holiday weekend of summer, making sure all of those farm-fresh finds and cold brews find their way to your table. When you love what you do, it's not really work anyway.

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland will remain open late on Sunday, September 1 for pre-Labor Day enjoyment. The neighborhood favorite plans a special Labor Day brunch feature on Monday, September 2. Over on the Westside, Ormsby's almost pulls an all-nighter, staying open until 3 a.m. as Sunday becomes Monday, then naps through lunch before opening again at 5 p.m. on Labor Day evening.

If you're "chicken" to dine out because you just want something comfy and family friendly, head over to Bantam + Biddy in Ansley Mall for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Get it to go if you are envisioning a picnic or patio supper at your place. Fast and casualChick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station will be open for its usual weekend brunch menu and lunch and dinner. Both eateries offer regional, all-natural and pastured poultry dishes plus loads more down-home goodies and cold libations.

Inspired and wood-fired describe the pizzas at Hearth Pizza Tavern just outside the perimeter in Sandy Springs. Salads, sandwiches and burgers round out the menu while wine, draft and bottled beer, plus other beverages keep everyone hydrated and happy.

There are lots of reasons to head downtown, one of them being that with many offices closed for the holiday there will be less traffic! Located in the Glenn Hotel, Glenn's Kitchen is a casual-yet-sophisticated spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. SkyLounge, also at the Glenn, is a lovely place to coddle a cocktail while taking in a skyline view. With more than 60 games and lots of sports-viewing screens, Game-X is headquarters for an active and fun holiday. A full bar and lots of nourishing nosh options keep everyone's adrenalin pumping.

On this all-American holiday weekend, meet up with friends for a labor-less meal at an American classic, Marlow's Tavern. With 10 locations around Atlanta (and two in Florida), there's a Marlow's Tavern near your neighborhood.

Fifth Group Restaurants La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco will be open in Virginia-Highland, and Ecco will please those heading to Midtown.

That beachy getaway is as close as the deck and seafood-laden menu at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead. Margaritas, cold brews, and eat-in or to-go cantina fare are all yours at Tin Lizzy's Cantina Buckhead, Grant Park and Perimeter locations.

Those craving sushi and cocktails will be glad to know that RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown will be open on Labor Day.

If you've been meaning to try Ray's on the River, Ray's on the Creek or Ray's in the City (or if they're already your loves), take note that all three Ray's Restaurants will be open and offering 20 percent off meal checks on Labor Day, September 2.

Cornhole ATL Bags September 3 at Atkins Park Restaurant and Bar in Virginia Highlands

For some of us, to play or to watch is truly a toss-up decision. Whichever side of the bag you're on, there's a spot for you at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland as fall league Cornhole ATL cranks up Tuesday nights beginning September 3. Just in time to kick-off football season and get your practice in for tailgating, this seven-week season promises lots of cow pies, sliders and "cornfusion" plus a hefty dose of bar specials, prizes, team t-shirts, food and drink specials, and team and post-game festivities. Whether you decide to play or hang out with the crowd, there will be plenty of fun to last you throughout the fall. Register to play at Cornholeatl.com.

120 Days Til Christmas!

Don't shoot the messenger! We know it's not Labor Day yet, but it's time to start planning your holiday party or you'll be left hosting everyone in your den. Fortunately, the good people at  Old Vinings Inn are ready to help you plan a wonderful celebration with a little holiday bonus included for your trouble! Here are the details: book your party at the historic restaurant before Monday, September 30 and receive 10 percent of the total event cost back on an Old Vinings Inn gift card. Parties must be booked for November or December of 2013 and have a $500 minimum, and planners must mention the code "EB10" when making a reservation to obtain the gift card special. Executive chef Don Diem and staff treat all parties, large and small, with the same attention to detail in customizable buffets, menus, entertainment, décor and other needs. Gift cards hold no expiration date but are not valid on Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day and Valentine's Day weekend and Mother's Day. For more information or to make a reservation, call 770-483-2282 or email privatedining@oldviningsinn.net. Happy Holidays!!

Appetizing Aperture: Back-to-School Bash at RA Sushi

School may have just started, but that doesn't mean it's too soon to pull an all-nighter at RA Sushi Bar Restaurant's back-to-school bash beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 29. Leave the lunch box and thermos at home, because the themed food and drink specials are all straight-"A" hits. With a guest DJ and gift card prizes, you'll have plenty to party about while you study up on Professor Pineapple's wontons, School House shrimp and Teacher's chicken or fish tacos ($4-$7). Sushi studies highlight the Dean's roll and the Honor roll ($6), and Chemistry class stirs up concoctions such as All-Nighter sangria, Brain Freeze cocktails and the Bookworm Bite ($5). Beer and sake specials include School Girl hot sake ($5), Sapporo/Sapporo Light ($5) or Kirin/Kirin Light ($6). No need to enroll to get your hands on these rolls!

Leave the Kitchen Labor to ATL Chefs on Labor Day Plus More in this Week's Dish

This Labor Day, give yourself a break and dine out at one of the many Atlanta restaurants staying open to serve you. Need something else to do this weekend? Plan ahead and book your holiday party with Old Vinings Inn. The restaurant is offering a pretty sweet deal for booking your party in the month of September. Learn more about this deal and other special offerings, plus more in this week's Dish!

Hula at the Lure Luau on August 31

Throw on your hula skirt and favorite lei for the Lure Luau on Saturday, August 31. After a few mai tais, cups of boozy Hawaiian punch or a couple of Kona Brewing Company beers you'll be dancing along to the sweets sounds of the ukulele. Tiki torches and tropical flowers add Hawaiian ambiance and fit in perfectly with a special menu of lomi-lomi salmon, tuna poke lettuce wraps, pork lau lau on steamed buns, whole-roasted fish cooked over hot coals, Hawaiian potato salad, coconut rice and even Spam sushi. Buy tickets online; $45 per person (including tax and gratuity). Space is limited so surf online for yours today.