Pacci Says "No Peeking!"

Maybe you can get away with it at home, but opening and resealing gifts is strictly prohibited at Pacci Ristorante in Midtown. During the month of December, the Kimpton Restaurant is offering a “No Peeking” promotion by giving diners a sealed envelope containing an undisclosed prize at the end of their meal. The envelope must remain sealed until the next time the guest dines at Pacci, during which a Pacci server will open the envelope to reveal the hidden surprise. These surprises could range from 50 percent off a meal at Pacci, a cocktail party for eight people at AltoRex Rooftop Lounge, a weekend stay at Hotel Palomar or another desirable deal. Prizes may be redeemed through the end of February (excluding Valentine’s Day weekend, February 12 – 14).

Pacci Ristorante: 866 West Peachtree Street, NW, adjacent to the Hotel Palomar; 678-412-2402.

Got Plans Thursday Night?

Come celebrate the launch of Equally Wed at AltoRex!

Don’t Forget to Make Your Cinco de Mayo Party Plans

You have two days to decide what you’re doing for Cinco de Mayo. Luckily, we here at Atlanta Dish have a plethora of places for you to visit. From tasty taco bars to mouthwatering margaritas, there’s something for everyone.

AltoRex is celebrating with delicious dishes like tamale poppers and taquitos, and drinks including mouthwatering margaritas and Mexican beers. Those of you who visit AltoRex before Wednesday, May 5, can get a special margarita glass to take home. Bring it back on Cinco de Mayo and get your first fill-up for free! AltoRex Rooftop Lounge is located atop Pacci Ristorante at 866 West Peachtree Street NW; 678-412-2402.

In addition to their weekly Chill and Grill patio cookout event, Atkins Park in Virginia Highland will be serving up special Cinco de Mayo dishes like scallop ceviche with cucumber noodles; and jalapenos and crispy pork taquitos with house-smoked pork, tomato and spicy cheese. The Chill and Grill menu (served from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday) also gets into the Cinco de Mayo spirit with items like tender grilled chicken legs with white bean salsa and garden herbs; and traditional elote with cotija cheese and spices. Atkins Park Tavern: 794 N. Highland Avenue; 404-876-7249.

The Original El Taco is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with some sweet drink specials including $18 buckets of Dos Equis Amber or Lager, $6 margaritas, $4 pineapple-infused tequila shots and $3 Tecates. The Virginia-Highland eatery is also serving up some Cinco de Mayo menu items like smoked trout with a spicy masa cake and salsa borracho ($6.50); shredded savory pork tostadas with lettuce and guacamole ($7.50); and grilled chicken with poblano chile-cream over steamed morisqueta ($11.50). El Taco is located at 1186 N. Highland Avenue. For more information or to make reservations for a group of seven or more, call 404-873-4656.

Thirsty Dog Tavern, the newly-opened pet-friendly eatery, is getting in on the Cinco de Mayo celebration by offering a tasty taco bar from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and drink deals like $5 margaritas, $14 pitchers of sangria and $3 Coronas all day long. The Buckhead restaurant will also get the party going with a DJ spinning tunes at 7 p.m. Thirsty Dog Tavern is located at 2110 Peachtree Road NW in the Peachtree Hills neighborhood of Buckhead; 404-367-8482.

Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican Food is giving Atlantans a great place to celebrate Cinco de Mayo this year. Diners can dig into Uncle Julio’s delicious dishes like smoky grilled fajitas, sizzling shrimp brochettes and marinated grilled quail. For those looking to sip the night away, guests can take a seat at the beautiful bar and quench their thirst with Uncle Julio’s signature Swirl (frozen margarita swirled with frozen sangria) or choose from more than 15 different tequila options to create their own Cinco de Mayo margarita. The restaurant also offers an array of imported Mexican beers, the perfect accompaniment to all of the menu’s savory selections. As always, guests can choose to enjoy their Mexican holiday meal alfresco by sitting on Uncle Julio’s lively patio. The restaurant has two locations in the Atlanta area: 1860 Peachtree Road NW; 404-350-6767 and 1140 Hammond Drive NE; 678-736-8260.

Don't Forget Your Easter Brunch Reservations

Alrighty, my procrastinating peeps, you really should hop to and make those Easter eating plans today. Otherwise, the Easter Beagle may skip your house. And we wouldn't want that! Just in case you need an idea, here are a few from us. Enjoy!

In Roswell, Aqua blue will serve a bountiful Easter brunch buffet from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. A few of the delicious items on the spread are carved leg of lamb, blackened fish with lobster sauce, roasted turkey with giblet gravy, fresh sushi and made-to-order omelets. $29.95 adults, $9.95 children ages four to 12 and free for children under age four. Imbibe in bottomless mimosas for just $15. (1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886)

The staff at La Tavola Trattoria, in the heart of Virginia Highland, will rise and shine an hour earlier than usual, opening doors for Easter brunch from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Salads, bruschetta, a meat and cheese antipasti platter, chicken sausage, smoked salmon crostini and ricotta and lemon ravioli balance sweeter tastes such as challah French toast. (992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430)

The hunt for food and frolicking ends in Midtown at Pacci Ristorante and AltoRex Rooftop Lounge. Executive Chef Keira Moritz has a full buffet spread with deviled eggs, crab fondue, cheese grits, pesto squash casserole, pastries and much, much more from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. $22 for adults, $12 for kids ages six to 12 and free for children under the age of six. Upstairs, AltoRex Rooftop Lounge will host a family egg hunt from 5 - 7 p.m. followed by an adults-only version from 9 - 11 p.m. Gift certificates, AltoRex cocktail party packages, drink tickets and appetizer tickets fill "adult" eggs. (866 West Peachtree Street, NW, adjacent to the Hotel Palomar; 678-412-2402)

Enjoy a traditional Southern Easter menu at both South City Kitchen locations. Chocolate muffins, fried green tomatoes and sautéed chicken livers make way for a hearty country frittata, peach "French toast" pudding, Southern-style eggs Benedict and crab hash as well as buttermilk fried chicken and pan-fried mountain trout. South City Kitchen Vinings will serve the Easter menu from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. (1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700); South City Kitchen Midtown will serve the special brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. (1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358)

On Atlanta's north side, Ray's Restaurants will have two locations open on Easter. From 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Ray's on the River will offer a holiday brunch; $35 for adults and $17 for children 10 and under (6700 Powers Ferry Road, NW; 770-955-1187). Ray's Killer Creek will serve a special Easter brunch from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; $30 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under. (1700 Mansell Road; 770-649-0064)

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food spices up the Easter weekend menu with border-style breakfast tacos, brunch quesadillas, classic huevos rancheros and chilaquiles, and a kids menu featuring egg tacos and quesadillas served with fruit cups. Adults, add a little kick to your hop with a Bloody Mary, Salty Juanita, Chispas and Gran Mimosa. Brunch and regular menus available during weekend brunch, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Buckhead: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. Sandy Springs: 1140 Hammond Drive, NE, Building K, Suite 100; 678-736-8260.)

A picture-perfect Easter Sunday is yours when the family brunches at Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery near Dahlonega. Seafood gumbo, seared scarlet snapper, Southern fried chicken, maple-glazed ham and leg of lamb with mint Dijon sauce are a few of the delicious offerings. Seatings are at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.; $30 for adults, $15 for kids ages six to 12 and free for kids five and under (plus tax and gratuity). (180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega. Meal reservations are a must: 706-867-9862.)

Look to LW Chocolatier for the sweetest Easter gifts -- luxurious chocolates hand decorated by master chocolatiers. Lucky for us, the first U.S. location is easy to find in the heart of Buckhead so you can find high-quality chocolate bunnies, chicks and eggs filled with dulce de leche, strawberry, lemon, orange and other fillings ($4 to $50). Open Monday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. (One Buckhead Plaza at 3060 Peachtree Road, NW, Suite 40; 404-467-8503)

Shaun's will be featuring a traditional brunch buffet this Sunday. Items include homemade pork sausages, organic eggs, delicious sublime doughnuts, cedar planked salmon and an amazing selection of southern layer cakes. And if you are their Facebook friend, you get a round of mimosas for your table! Reservations available from 11-2, $40 for adults, $10 for kids 10 and under. Ask for Courtney to get the drinks!

A Live Leprechaun, Lemintcello and Rooftop Lounging...Oh My!

Even if you're not Irish, your eyes will surely be smiling if you celebrate St. Patrick's Day at AltoRex Rooftop Lounge, atop Pacci Ristorante, in Midtown. This hot spot has an Irish shindig planned from 7 - 11 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, offering green beer and St. Pat's-themed cocktails such as the restaurant's signature Lemintcello, made of house-made Limoncello, Midori and fresh mint. More importantly, AltoRex is the only place in town where you can actually catch a leprechaun! Guests can enjoy taking photos with the little green guy as well as Irish and spring-inspired dishes from Chef Keira Moritz. The party will also feature a raffle - may the luck o' the Irish be with you. AltoRex Rooftop Lounge is located at 866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402.

AltoRex Offers an Escape

If you’re like me, these chilly temperatures are getting old. I am so ready for spring and warm nights out on the town. That’s why I am excited that AltoRex Rooftop Lounge, located above Pacci Ristorante, is curing my spring fever by reopening part of its Midtown perch today! AltoRex is offering plates from Pacci’s tasty bar menu and will have heaters and tented ceilings to keep the rooftop cabana portion of the terrace bar nice and cozy. It’s a perfect way to escape these winter winds, even if it’s just for one night.

AltoRex Rooftop Lounge: 866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402.

Cast Your Vote

It’s election time at Metromix, with a full ballot of "Best of" categories to be filled. Here are some of our prime picks: Morton's The Steakhouse -- Best Steak Restaurant; AltoRex -- Best Hotel Bar; Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food -- Best Margarita; Pacci Ristorante -- Best New Restaurant. We're also excited to see that Woodfire Grill snagged nominations in two categories: one for Best Restaurant and another for Kevin Gillespie for Best Local Chef. Take a look and make your picks today!

Atlanta’s Top Tailgating Stops and Spots

This Saturday, November 28, the University of Georgia Bulldogs will take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at one of the biggest showdowns in the city. For those folks heading to the big game or just looking to be near all the action, we’ve got the scoop on Atlanta’s prime tailgating places!

A few blocks away from the Georgia Tech campus, Marlow's Tavern™ - Midtown is closing down the street and throwing a block party that is sure to get fans barking and buzzing all afternoon. The good folks at Marlow's have it all planned with a hot grill, cold drink specials and prize giveaways three hours before game time. No game tickets, no problem. Marlow's will pump up the game volume after kick off. (950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.)

If you usually park and pull out your Dawg or Jacket awning and cache of paraphernalia, swing by Pacci Ristorante beforehand. Atlanta's new Italian steakhouse has a special pre-game, take-out menu studded with champion items such as five flavors of wings, three flavors of ribs, Pacci chili, Brunswick stew, pork and beans, pulled pork sandwiches, jalapeño cornbread and a healthy veggie tray. Items are priced from $4 to $14; orders must be placed at least 24 hours before pick-up time. Fans burning with football fever can head upstairs, atop Pacci Ristorante, to AltoRex Rooftop Lounge (left) beginning at 2 p.m. for spirited drinks and football favorites including Johnsonville brats, Italian sausage, soft pretzels and more. (866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402.)

Before every Georgia Tech Saturday home game, WaterHaven has welcomed both the home team and guests (go figure on this showdown) to park and tailgate before and after the game -- and this weekend's showdown is no exception. The restaurant will open at noon so fans can power up on sandwiches and BBQ as well as regular menu items such as lamb sliders, fried green tomatoes, crab cakes and WaterHaven's classic burger, plus $5 mimosas and Bloody Marys. Cheer inside or outside on the 100-seat patio! WaterHaven will validate guests' parking tickets from the AT&T parking deck, located at Fifth and West Peachtree streets, with a minimum purchase of $25. (75 Fifth Street, NW; 404-214-6740.)

We can already hear both teams applauding for the freebie food offer that EVOS Feel Great Fast Food in Sandy Springs is kicking out there this game day. On November 28, Yellow Jacket fans who don gold and white or UGA fans wearing red and black will receive free Airfries™ and a drink with the purchase of a burger or wrap at the Sandy Springs EVOS restaurant in The Prado. (Open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. at 5590 Prado Place off Roswell Road, Suite 140; 404-252-4022.)

Even though the game clock runs for 15 minute quarters, the clock keeps running for 16 hours of tailgating merriment at The Cypress Street Pint & Plate Rivalry Weekend Tailgate Party 2009, sponsored by New Belgium Brewery, on November 28. From 10 a.m. until 2 a.m., Cypress Street Pint & Plate is extending its patio, rolling out the grills and screens, going long with giveaways and quenching cheer-parched throats with $4 Fat Tire drafts. Rock on after the game with crowd pleasing tunes from the Francisco Vidal Band. (817 West Peachtree Street at the corner of 6th and Cypress streets behind the Biltmore; 404-815-9243.)

Welcome AltoRex to Facebook!

Facebook followers, take a look-see at the new Facebook page for AltoRex Rooftop Lounge. Show your love for refreshing cocktails and light, flavorful fare all on this rooftop oasis by becoming a fan.

Sweet Stress Relief

If you’re like me, a chocolate chip cookie, or any other dessert for that matter, makes everything better. So we’ve compiled some of our favorite sugar rushes around town for those of you who are looking to de-stress by indulging in your sweet tooth:

- AltoRex Rooftop Lounge serves up AltoS’mores that meld grahams, chocolate and marshmallow meringue into gooey bites.
- Sharing dessert is so romantic at Aria, though you might not want to share Pastry Chef Kathryn King’s warm chocolate cheesecake with walnut crust and vanilla cream (pictured above).
- Beyond the famous margaritas, guac and fajitas at Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican Food awaits the dessert page with its creamy pumpkin flan –available for a limited time only, get it while you can!
- The ginger bread pudding with Meyer lemon curd at JCT. Kitchen & Bar is pure bliss and as sophisticated as desserts come.
- Tempura for dessert is really tempting…and possible if you visit RA Sushi, where cinnamon tempura ice cream is finished with a chocolate and raspberry glaze.
- Hot chocolate doesn’t always have to be confined to a mug. Morton’s legendary hot chocolate cake oozes molten chocolate and has been the restaurant’s number-one dessert for many years.
- The new macadamia nut blondies at Panera Bread bakery-cafes are a brilliant snack when you need an on-the-go sugar rush.
- Looking for a little sweet and a little salty? The ultimate union lies in Woodfire Grill’s banana fritters joined by milk chocolate mousse, banana Bavarian cream, salted caramel and candied bacon.

It's National S'mores Day!

Today we celebrate everyone's favorite campfire treat on National S'Mores Day. Yes, even the roasted snack shared during camp has a day to be honored. AltoRex Rooftop Lounge is celebrating by offering a free AltoS'more to each guest visiting tonight from 5 – 11 p.m.

Roaring fire pit at AltoRex

The neat and tidy adult rendition is on the menu at AltoRex and features layers of grahams, chocolate and marshmallow meringue cut into five chocolate-covered Rice Krispies treat squares. One free square per guest will be offered to enjoy around the outdoor fire pits on the rooftop to complete the nostalgic childhood experience.

Located atop Pacci Ristorante at 866 West Peachtree Street, NW in Midtown; 678-412-2402. Complimentary valet parking is available in front of Pacci Ristorante.

AltoRex is the King of Rooftops!

Last night was perfect for a little MLA outing to AltoRex, the rooftop lounge located atop the new Pacci Ristorante in Midtown. The team has been working hard so we took advantage of the warm sun, cool breezes and stiff cocktails! We all tried something different. My cherry apple whiskey sour was so good that I forgot to write down what the others ordered. But those drinks look tasty, don't they? (MacKenzie and Marissa)
And the bar bites were awesome too! Definitely get the tacos tartare (pictured). We enjoyed the lobster deviled eggs and the pimento cheese grits balls too. Very cool choices and priced for sharing. There is no question that I plan to be a regular here!