Appetizing Aperture: Duck a la Presse at King + Duke

Photo by Andrew Thomas Lee

When chefs get new toys, they can’t wait to show them off in the kitchen. Chef Joe Schafer is borderline obsessed with his new duck press, and he has added duck a la presse to the “For Two” section of the dinner menu at King + Duke in Buckhead. The GrassRoots Farms pastured duck is served with duck fat-fried potatoes, kale salad and a cognac sauce ($75).

Marlow’s Tavern Posts Exciting Spring Menu on April 22

The Marlow’s Tavern culinary team spent Atlanta’s cold winter days conjuring up dishes and cocktails to usher in spring. Now, the kitchen is ready to launch the much-anticipated menu on April 22. Two new appetizers are crab beignets and smoked trout dip, featuring Georgia mountain smoked trout packed in a Mason jar and served alongside house-made “wheat thins.” Powerful new salads include a baby kale Caesar and two spring green-based items -- ahi tuna niçoise with Kalamata olives, parslied fingerling potato, jumbo asparagus, chopped egg and house-made lemonette and the Tavern salad with jumbo asparagus tips, sugar snap peas, and toasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds with apple cider and honey vinaigrette. Try a hefty new sandwich, such as the grilled lamb wrap with marinated lamb loin, baby arugula and chipotle tzatziki dressing. Strawberry season places RumChata tres leche front and center among desserts. To break that spring fever, try Marlow’s newest cocktails: the Left Coast Negroni featuring DH Krahn gin, Giffard Pamplemousse and Grand Poppy.

Luckie Marietta District Easter Egg Hunt at SweetWater 420 Fest

Not only is the lineup at SweetWater 420 Fest an egg-cellent attraction, but the Luckie Marietta District has planned a family-friendly Easter egg hunt to ensure no one misses out on Easter festivities. The hunt will take place at noon on Sunday, April 20 in the Chipotle KidZone, and it is only open to festival ticketholders ($10 per day, $18 for the weekend). In addition, golden eggs for adults will be hidden throughout Centennial Olympic Park and include prizes for SkyView Atlanta, concert tickets, SweetWater merchandise and restaurant gift certificates. Happy hunting! 

Bantam + Biddy’s Shaun Doty Rises with the Roosters for Morningside Farmers Market on April 19

Shaun Doty is prince of poultry in his own roosts -- Bantam + Biddy in Ansley Mall and on Crescent Avenue and Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station. His persona changes to strawberry king as he brandishes strawberries during the “Shop with a Chef” demo at Morningside Farmers Market on Saturday, April 19. Strawberries rightly claim fame as a nutritional powerhouse armed with antioxidants and phytonutrients. Market opens at 7:30 a.m., demo begins at 9 a.m. Get there early and shop first, watch and learn after.

Nosh on Ganache when Chocolate South Demos at Williams-Sonoma North Point on April 19

Photo by Jamie Annarino

 On Saturday, April 19, Chocolate South cruises north from its Westside turf up to Williams-Sonoma in Alpharetta’s North Point Mall. Amy Stankus, the bonbon boutique’s owner and chief chocolatier, will show shoppers how to stir up silky smooth ganache, and she’ll offer samples to taste. Because her artisanal chocolates are instantly addicting, she’ll also have chocolates for sale in the store. Just Add Honey Tea Company in Tucker will be nearby making tea to go with Amy’s ganache. The Chocolate South shop will be open Saturday as usual for in-town chocolate fixes.

Lap up Goldentinis at Adopt a Golden Atlanta’s Golden Gala at the Atlanta History Center April 19

A few stray dog hairs on your little black cocktail dress or blazer are the perfect accessory for guests at this year’s Golden Gala for Adopt a Golden Atlanta. That’s what this year’s April 19 gala at the Atlanta History Center is all about: sharing the miracles of rescued golden retrievers while enjoying exquisite food, famous Goldentinis, and wagging wallets over the live and silent auction to benefit these abandoned, huggable hounds. WSB-TV anchor John Bachman and wife Jen chair this year’s 7-10 p.m. event. Info: gala@adoptagoldenatlanta.com or 404-364-5377. Stuck in the doghouse and can’t attend? Dogs love donations as much as treats!