The Atlanta Dogwood Festival this Weekend at Piedmont Park

The Atlanta Dogwood Festival is back once again from Friday, April 15 through Sunday, April 17 at Piedmont Park! Several local restaurants are participating in the "Friends of Dogwood Pavilion" portion of the festival, including Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, Morelli's Ice Cream, RA Sushi and Spice Market, where guests can sample delicious foods, desserts and special wine offerings. Tickets for the "Friends of Dogwood Pavilion" are $30 in advance and $35 at the door. The festival opens at noon on Friday, April 15 and closes at 9 p.m. The festival continues on Saturday, April 16 from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m., and finishes off the weekend on Sunday, April 17 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. The artist market closes at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The Atlanta Dogwood Festival, the Atlanta History Center and Margaret Mitchell House are collaborating on the double anniversary. Both organizations have engaging festival activities planned, and festival goers receive free admission to the Margaret Mitchell House on April 16 and 17.

Cooking Tips on Your Shopping Break

If you're planning a little shopping in Buckhead this weekend, stop by Williams-Sonoma at Phipps to get some great cooking tips for your Easter feast. Pastry Chef Kathleen Miliotis of Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse will be there Saturday at noon to demonstrate some of her favorite Easter brunch dishes. Should be a fun and informative shopping break!

Speaking of Easter, Davio's is now accepting reservations for Easter brunch on Sunday, April 24. Call 404-844-4810.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse: Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-844-4810.

Taste of the Nation 2011

There is a special place in my heart for Taste of the Nation, one of Atlanta's premier foodie events of the year. As a fundraiser for Share Our Strength, Taste of the Nation has been helping end childhood hunger among American children for 23 years. This will be my fifth year helping with the event by working on the restaurant committee. Getting an inside look at the hard work and planning that go into an event like this has been such an amazing and inspiring experience. The dedication from Share Our Strength's volunteers and from Atlanta's chefs is a clear sign of how deliciously fun this year's event will be.

This year's fundraiser is slated for Thursday, April 14 at the Georgia Aquarium and will honor chefs, like Aria Executive Chef/Owner Gerry Klaskala, who have supported Taste of the Nation Atlanta for 10 years or more. More than 50 of Atlanta's top restaurants will be on hand with flavorful dishes and wonderful wines, including Aqua blue, Aria, Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, Marlow's Tavern and Woodfire Grill.

Tickets can be purchased online. General admission is $250 for the 7:30 - 10:00 p.m. gala. VIP ticket purchasers ($350 per person) enter at 6:30 p.m. for the preview party.

Don’t Miss the Stags’ Leap Wine Dinner at Davio’s This Wednesday

Photo by Sara Hanna

Make your reservation today for the Stags’ Leap wine dinner at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse on Wednesday, March 23 at 6:30 p.m. The Phipps Plaza restaurant continues its wine dinner series with special hosts Christophe Paubert, winemaker and general manager of Stags’ Leap Winery, and Robert Evans, Davio’s sommelier. The four-course menu includes: seared diver scallop with beet carpaccio, micro arugula and yuzu emulsion served with 2009 Stags’ Leap Viognier – Napa Valley; pan-seared halibut with apple-hazelnut chutney paired with 2009 Stags’ Leap Chardonnay – Napa Valley; Wagyu beef short rib with king oyster mushrooms, baby carrots and black truffle jus paired with 2006 Stags’ Leap Cabernet Sauvignon Estate Grown – The Leap Napa Valley; dark Tanzania chocolate panna cotta with petite syrah-glazed blackberries and frosted almonds served with 2006 Stags' Leap Petite Syrah Estate Grown – Ne Cede Malis Napa Valley. Dinner is $95 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). For reservations, call 404-844-4810.

Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse: Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-844-4810.

Get your calendars and phones ready, it’s Prom time!

You’ve got everything—the dress picked out, hair appointments scheduled, and your date, so what’s next? Dinner at one of these perfect Prom eateries! All meals include tax, gratuity, and tea or fountain drinks.

Ray’s on the River starts with a choice of mixed field green or classic Caesar salad and offers five entrees accompanied by whipped potatoes and seasonal veggies at three price points: Gulf shrimp scampi ($35), grilled chicken breast ($35), garlic and herb roasted prime rib ($45), broiled or fried cold water lobster tail ($45) or charbroiled filet mignon ($50). Ray’s at Killer Creek in Alpharetta has the same menu, except fried shrimp and French fries instead of the shrimp scampi. Desserts can be ordered for an additional charge. Make sure you call the restaurant to make reservations. (Ray's on the River: 6700 Powers Ferry Road; 770-955-1187. Ray's at Killer Creek: 1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064.)

In Buckhead, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse is the place to be on prom night. The three-course prom menu ($45 per person) begins with a choice of field greens salad or Davio’s classic Caesar salad; the pan-seared organic salmon, free-range Statler chicken breast or slow-braised beef short rib for the entrée; and Davio’s classic tiramisu or warm chocolate cake for dessert. For prom party reservations, contact Davio’s Sales Manager Kellie Douzuk at 678-500-1054. (Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-844-4810)

If you’ve got a prom party of eight or more, come to Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar to take advantage of the three-course menu for $99 per couple. The menu includes Fleming’s salad for the first course; filet mignon, barbecue Scottish salmon filet or double chicken breast with thyme sauce for the second course; and crème brûlée for dessert. Parmesan peppercorn mashed potatoes and grilled asparagus are served on the side with the meals. To make a reservation, contact Fleming’s Private Dining Director Jenny Whyte at 770-698-8112. (4501 Olde Perimeter Way in Perimeter Place Village; 770-698-8112)

First Restaurant Week of the Year!

This Saturday (Feb. 26) kicks off the first of many restaurant weeks that take place throughout the year and I, for one, am looking forward to the good deals and great dining options! This first one is a celebration of all things delicious in Buckhead. Aria and Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse are two participants in the week long good eats extravaganza. For a sneak peak at their three course, prix fixe menus or to make reservations (hurry, you know they will fill up fast), visit brwatlanta.com. Lobster and sweet potato soup anyone?

Test Your Knowledge at Davio’s Italian Wine Education and Dinner Series

It’s time for school—except this session, you’ll be learning about wine and dinner. Come to Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse for their newest Italian wine dinner series on Thursday, February 24. Your wine knowledge will expand with Prestige Wine Imports Regional Director David Harmon and Davio’s Sommelier Robert Evans as they guide you through Executive Chef Bennett Hollberg’s five-course menu and Italian wine pairings.

The dinner series menu includes: a selection of canapés including smoked salmon, prosciutto toast and shrimp with citron aioli paired with Rotari, Brut Rose Riserva, 2003; seared scallop with parsnip puree and apricot glaze paired with Fuedo Arancio Chardonnay, Sicily 2008; Maple Leaf Farms duck breast with polenta, roasted pears and currant raspberry compote paired with Querceto, Chianti Classico Riserva, Toscana 2005; roasted lamb loin with celery root-apple puree, golden raisins, olive-sundried tomato bread and lamb jus paired with Luigi Rhigetti, Amarone della Valpolicella, 2006. As a treat for your success through class, you will get the buttermilk panna cotta with caramelized blood oranges paired with Mezzacorona Moscato di Asti, 2009.

Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuition is $65 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Make sure you call 404-844-4810 to reserve your spot today! Davio’s will bring more of their Italian wine dinner series in March and April in case you can’t make this one. Leave your books at home; this school trip is going to be fun!

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse:  Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-844-4810. 

Quench Your Thirst on Thursdays for a Ketel One Martini

What’s a day without a little bit of fun? Well, Thursdays at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse in Phipps Plaza have now become “Thirstdays” on February 10 and 17. All day, come sip on a $7 Ketel One martini.  Bring a friend or a group for martini memories or a match-up Davio’s dinner!

Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse: Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-844-4810.

The Meat of the Matter

For all the meat lovers out there (me! me!) we'd like to call your attention to National Meat Month! Yes, it's January. So let the meat fest begin. And wouldn't you know that we have a few suggestions of great places to celebrate. For succulent prime meat, dining is a must at Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Ray's Restaurants (Ray's at Killer Creek, Ray's on the River and Ray's in the City). Top your bun with grass-fed beef or bison at YEAH! BURGER on Atlanta's Westside or in Virginia Highland. And if you like to DIY, order grass-fed beef from White Oak Pastures' online store or pick some up at Publix or Whole Foods Market.

Enjoy!

Feathers Are Flying

Every January, the International Poultry Expo/International Feed Expo arrives at the Georgia World Congress Center for a week of talking turkey and crowing about chickens. And during their visit each year, the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau and the U.S Poultry and Egg Association hatch FeatherFest, the weeklong culinary competition between Atlanta restaurants to see who can create the best poultry meat-based appetizers and entrées. From Jan. 21 - Jan. 27, Atlanta restaurant goers and IPE convention attendees can vote for their picks on the FeatherFest website and be entered to win an iPhone! Our recommendations for poultry perfection include Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, Fifth Group Restaurants, Marlow's Tavern - Northlake, Ray's In The City, and Spice Market in the W Atlanta-Midtown!

It's Just Good Business to Lunch at Davio's

Good business is about making money, not forking over a ton for a nice lunch. You don't have to have an MBA to know that the new Executive Lunch at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse in Phipps is a smart strategy for closing the deal without killing the bottom line. It's available Monday through Friday for $14. You get 2 courses and homemade lemonade or iced tea. Now that's one delicious way to be a success!

First Course (Choose One)

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Classic Wedge Salad, Apple Wood Smoked Bacon, Blue Cheese

Field Greens, Dried Cranberries, Candied Pecans, Goat Cheese Croquette, Balsamic Vinaigrette



Main Course (Choose One)

Kobe Beef Meatball Sandwich, Fresh Baked Hoagie

Eggplant Parmesan, Buffalo Mozzarella, Fresh Basil, Angel Hair Pasta

Fish & Chips, Hand Battered Sole, Fingerling Potato Chips

Heading Back to School This Winter

In need of a last minute gift for that foodie friend? How about a cooking class at The Cook's Warehouse? The Cook's Warehouse has released its Winter 2011 class schedule offering almost 150 classes across a broad spectrum of culinary interests and skill levels. Classes cover everything from basic knife skills to global cuisines to gluten-free cooking. Some of the upcoming guest chef instructors include Chef Ronen Skinezes of Manta Ray in Tel Aviv, Chef Jay Swift of 4th and Swift, Chef Khaled Chebbi of Social Resto, Chef Bennett Hollberg of Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse and Shane Thompson of Shane's Rib Shack.

If you want to build on your gift - add a cookbook from one of the visiting cookbook authors slated to visit such as Rebecca Lang, "Quick-Fix Southern;" Angie Mosier, Virginia Willis, Steven Satterfield and Lynne Sawicki, "Southern Foodways Alliance Community Cookbook;" Gena Knox, "Southern My Way: Simple Recipes, Fresh Flavors;" and Anne Byrn, "The Cake Mix Doctor® Bakes Gluten-Free."

It's Decorating Time at Davio’s

Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse is celebrating the holidays with a fun kid-friendly event. On Saturday, December 4 and Saturday, December 11, Pastry Chef Kathleen Miliotis will host a gingerbread-decorating party from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The cost is $25 per child (must be accompanied by an adult) and includes a pre-made gingerbread house that each kid can decorate with Davio’s selection of colored frostings, candy and sprinkles. Space is limited, so guests should call 404-844-4810 to reserve a spot.

Davio’s is located in Phipps Plaza at 3500 Peachtree Road. For more information, visit www.davios.com.

A Break from Black Friday Shopping at Davio's and Ormsby's

Black Friday shopping can wear down even the most die-hard shoppers. Luckily, Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse and Ormsby's are providing the nourishment needed to bargain hunt with the best (and shelter from the shopping storm for the men while their ladies fight the masses).

If you're heading to Phipps Plaza to do your shopping on November 26, just duck into Davio's to refuel. The Buckhead restaurant is open all day on Black Friday and is conveniently located in the mall. Chef Bennett Hollberg's yummy menu will provide the energy you need to take on the crowds and includes everything from appetizers, salads, homemade pastas and pizzas to the finest cuts of beef, fresh fish, savory sides and classic Italian fare. The restaurant serves lunch on Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., dinner from 5 p.m. to midnight and a bountiful bar menu all day long. Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse: Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-844-4810.


Ormsby's is offering a Black Friday Beer Lunch all day on November 26 for only $18 per person. The price includes a flight of three black beers (five-ounce pours) -- Stone Sublimely Self-Righteous Black IPA, Dogfish Head Chicory Stout and Smuttynose Robust Porter -- and a hearty tasting plate with potted chicken liver and toasts, Flat Creek Lodge natural rind cheddar, duck leg confit gnocchi and caramelized grapefruit tart. Ormsby's also has lots of other entertaining pursuits beyond food and drink -- backgammon, bocce, darts, pool, shuffleboard and sports-viewing screens. Ormsby's: 1170 Howell Mill Road, NW; 404-968-2033.