Two Nights of Top-Shelf Tequila Experiences at Alma Cocina on October 10 and 11

Leave those well drinks at the bottom of the shelf where they belong. Next week, Alma Cocina is going top shelf with two separate tequila appreciation events. On Thursday, October 10, "A Night of Tequila" will fill the atrium of 191 Peachtree Tower from 7-10 p.m. Herradura and other tequila favorites will be used to create "Latin-," "American-,: and "Alternative-" themed cocktails which will accompany the delectable food pairings from executive chef Chad Clevenger and team. Butternut squash and mushroom sopes, charred octopus al pastor, pork cheek mondongo tostadas and more are all making much appreciated appearances. $50 per person and you must purchase tickets in advance online. But wait, the tequila love doesn't stop there! On Friday, October 11 from 7-10 p.m., it's a "Dinner of the Seven Barrels" -- a four-course dinner and tequila tasting commemorating the seven custom barrels of Herradura tequila that were personally tasted, approved and brought back to Atlanta by Fifth Group Restaurants solely for Alma Cocina, and using a few bottles reserved especially for this one-of-a-kind event. Herradura's global brand ambassador, Ruben Aceves, will be there to talk tequila with guests during the tasting. Clevenger's  menu reveals a Latin and Mexican culinary heritage, right down to the decadent tres leches and pumpkin churros dessert. $65 per person and advance purchase online is a must.

White is the Right Attire for a Party in the Kitchen Benefitting Open Hand

Wearing white after Labor Day is encouraged, even expected for this week's Party in the Kitchen on Thursday, September 6. Blend in with the white coats and toques of Aria's Gerry Klaskala, Chad Clevenger of Alma Cocina, Shaun Doty of Bantam & Biddy, Adam Evans of The Optimist and Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill. These chefs and more will be cooking up some fun and raising funds for Open Hand at The Event Gallery at King Plow Arts Center. Event starts at 7:30 p.m. To purchase tickets, $175 each, click here. 

Alma Cocina Turns Mexican Fare Up a Notch Next Tuesday

Next Tuesday, December 6, Fifth Group Restaurants' latest dining establishment will arrive at 191 Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta. The long-awaited Alma Cocina ("alma" means soul in Spanish) came about after a lot of research, discussion and travels helmed by Fifth Group Restaurant Partners Robby Kukler, Steve Simon and Kris Reinhard. While contemporary Mexican cuisine is at the heart of Alma's menu, Latin American flavors infuse the restaurant's spirit. Alma's Executive Chef Chad Clevenger has created dishes such as guacamole with butternut squash, chipotle and queso fresco; smoked pork ribs with tamarind BBQ sauce; green chorizo tostadas; taquitos stuffed with crispy cod; red snapper mole Amarillo with Swiss chard (pictured above); braised goat huaraches; and Mexican Coca-Cola panna cotta. The restaurant will be open for both lunch and dinner, and gluten-free and kids' menus are available upon request, so mark your calendars! Work in downtown Atlanta and need a new space for your company's holiday party? Alma has you covered in that department, too. In addition to the main dining room seating for 200 guests, the restaurant also provides two bar areas with booths and communal tables. Autumn Woods can help arrange group or private dining and can be reached at 678-302-3264. For more information, call Alma at 404-968-9662.