Appetizing Aperture: Atkins Park's Berkshire Chop

What’s for dinner at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland? How about a tender, juicy, herbed and marinated Berkshire chop? Spicy broccoli casserole and mashed potatoes round out the plate ($22). So good, you’ll want to hog every bite.

Copper River Salmon are Running at Ray’s Restaurants for a Limited Time

The return of king salmon to the cold waters of Alaska’s Copper River affirms seasonal eating extends well beyond the garden gates. The king is back and making an appearance on Ray’s Restaurants’ menus for a limited time. Copper River salmon is coveted for its superb flavor, texture and naturally high omega-3 oil content, and king salmon runs are carefully managed for long-term sustainability by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. All are feel-good reasons spawning salmon lovers to look for this market-priced fish on the menus at Ray’s at Killer Creek in Alpharetta, Ray’s in the City in downtown Atlanta and Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs. Ray’s at Killer Creek executive chef Mike Fuller has created several specials to be featured throughout the season, including a cast-iron Copper River king salmon with local butter beans, Carolina gold rice and Meyer lemon aїoli. Hooked? Try this recipe at home.

Catch The Big Ketch at Alive in Roswell May 19

Ahoy, mateys! Drop anchor at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Roswell during this Thursday night’s Alive in Roswell festivities. The Big Ketch crew will be selling cold lobster rolls, beer, wine and cocktails out on the front lawn at the Canton Street port o’ call during the 5-9 p.m. multi-block party. Live music, kids games, face painting and other family friendly and free activities will run concurrently on historic Canton Street and in Roswell Square, and many shops and businesses will remain open for the evening. Jump on the free trolley to tootle back and forth.

The Blind Pig Parlour Bar Cues Lace Larrabee from “Laugh TV” for Comedy Session May 19

Lace Larrabee from “Laugh TV” on Fox headlines this month’s Comedy Session at The Blind Pig Parlour Bar in Buckhead on Thursday, May 19. Can the intimate, speakeasy-style bar contain all of the laughter drawn forth by Larrabee, host Neal Reddy and comical guests Ian Aber, Emma Arnoldand Michael Rowland? Good question. The best way to find out is to grab a $12 ticket here and now. All four 2016 shows have sold out, and a limited number of tickets are available. Doors open at 7 p.m., and show begins at 8:30 p.m.

Snag Some of the Few Seats Remaining for Brian Baxter of Husk at Gunshow’s “Hired Guns” Dinners May 22 and 23

Brian Baxter, chef de cuisine of Husk in Nashville, bull’s-eyes the Gunshow kitchen as guest chef for this month’s “Hired Guns” dining events on Sunday, May 22 and Monday, May 23. The former football player sees a parallel between the teamwork and intense action of gridiron and kitchen. Baxter, chef Kevin Gillespie and Gunshow executive chef Joey Ward will man the kitchen as they share their passion for Southern food driven by the availability of fresh, local ingredients. Baxter was recently named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30. Read more about his guest chef visit on our blog. Buy tickets for dinner seatings online, $95 per person (plus small service fee).

Looking ahead through the 2016 “Hired Guns” viewfinder:

• June 12-13: Kenny Gilbert of Gilbert's Underground Kitchen in Fernandina Beach, Florida (Tickets on sale now.)
• September 11-12: Brooke Williamson of Hudson Housein Redondo Beach, California (Tickets on sale August 11 at 8 a.m.)
• October 23-24: Vivian Howard of Chef & the Farmer in Kinston, North Carolina (Tickets on sale September 23 at 8 a.m.)

Bellina Alimentari Weekday Lunch Value Combos Put the Pressure on Panini

Who doesn’t value that precious slice of life and lunch pressed between the morning inbox and the afternoon outbox? Bellina Alimentari, Ponce City Market’s haven for all things Italian, knows deciding on where to lunch can be a pressing matter. Their weekday value lunch combos are spot on, offering customers a choice of a half panino and soup or half panino and side salad for $12. Panini are made using artisan pane toscano and schiacciata breads baked in house each day. Irresistible panino choices include pollo with Italian chicken salad, arugula and artichoke spread; prosciutto cotto featuring Spotted Trotter ham, pecorino Toscano and greens; salsiccia with spicy Spotted Trotter Italian sausage and roasted fennel; and funghi pressing roasted mushrooms, mozzarella cheese and basil pesto. A little pressure, a little heat. For sandwiches, that’s a good thing.

Marlow’s Tavern Opens Second Marietta Location on May 17

Feel the love -- and feed it delicious food and crazy good cocktails. Cobb County has so embraced Atlanta’s favorite neighborhood tavern that Marlow’s Tavern is opening its newest location at 2960 Shallowford Road in Sandy Plains Centre on Tuesday, May 17. Those in the Sandy Plains area will find lots to love about their new neighbor -- classic American dining, thirst-quenching libations, world-class hospitality and a covered patio. New chef-driven spring dishes such as Banh Mi Chicken Wrap, Pan-Seared Crusted Barramundi and Firecracker Shrimp join already popular salads, sandwiches and burgers -- all focused on fresh ingredients. General manager Matt Breska relays the welcome mat is out. Come on over and unwind with one of beverage hospitality manager Jefferson Garrido’s hand-made signature cocktails, a cold bottled, canned or local craft brew or glass of wine from the global selection. Open for lunch and dinner daily from 11 a.m. Information: 770-693-8278.

What’s New on Pinterest

Prosecco Perfection bubbles over with fizzy blends destined to become your consummate warm-weather cocktails. Switch out winter’s heavies for refreshing nose ticklers revolving around prosecco, Champagne and sparkling wines. Brides, toast to cotton candy Champagne cocktails, multiple ways to “pimp your prosecco” and a bouquet of blissful wedding drink ideas. Fruit stand and herb garden finds inspire seasonal sensations such as a plum and thyme prosecco smash, raspberry limoncello prosecco, rhubarb prosecco sparkler, blueberry mojito royale, elderflower mint champagne and white peach, rose and raspberry sangria. Sip-wise, it’s bubble or nothing for us this summer.

#Foodgram

Visit the CommunionDecatur Instagram page to see if the backyard beer garden at chef Kevin Gillespie’s Decatur restaurant Revival is open or closed on that particular day.Communion hours are Thursday and Friday from 4-10 p.m., Saturday from 12-10 p.m. and Sunday from 12:30-9 p.m. (weather permitting).