Memorial Day Openings and Closings

Gearing up for a nice "staycation" this upcoming Memorial Day weekend, but don't feel like spending time in the kitchen on your day off? Here's a list of restaurants that will be open and ready to take care of the cooking on Monday.

• Alon's Bakery & Market (Open from 9 a.m.- 4 p.m.) 
• Alpine Bakery and Trattoria 
• Atkins Park Tavern (Smyrna & Virginia Highland) 
• Double Zero Napoletana 
• Ecco 
• The Original El Taco 
• Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar 
• La Tavola Trattoria 
• Marlow's Tavern (All locations) 
• Ormsby's (Opens at 5 p.m.) 
• RA Sushi 
• Ray's Restaurants (Open from 12:00 p.m. - 9 p.m.) 
• Ray's in the City and Ray's at Killer Creek will have "Buy One, Get One" entrees during dinner. 
• Ray's on the River will feature half price wine during dinner.
• Spice Market
• Uncle Julio's (Buckhead & Sandy Springs)

Restaurants that will be closed Monday: 

• Alma Cocina 
• Aqua Blue Restaurant & Bar 
• Aria 
• Chicken and the Egg 
• JCT Kitchen & Bar 
• Kaleidoscope Bistro and Pub 
• Market Street Cafe 
• No. 246 
• South City Kitchen (Midtown & Vinings) 
• The Optimist & Oyster Bar at The Optimist 
• Woodfire Grill

Whatever your plans may be, have a safe and relaxing holiday!

Caruso Minini Sicilian Wine Dinner Is Set To Impress at Double Zero Napoletana

Are you a wine connoisseur or just a novice looking to learn more about wine? Double Zero is hosting a Caruso Minini Sicilian Wine Dinner this Thursday, May 24^th. The dinner is $59 per person and includes a four course meal with four Caruso Minini Wine pairings. Patricia Mejia from the Caruso & Minini estate will be featuring two white grape varietals, Inzolia and Grillo, as well as Nero D’Avola and their prized red wine, Perricone.

The winery is located in the center of Marsala. The owners, Mario Minini and Stefano Caruso, built the winery together. Together, Caruso & Minini set out to achieve their common objective: produce wines that can charm and surprise the palate for their originality, character and elegance.

A few of the items featured on the menu are Insalata de mare of fresh scallops, calamari and seasonal seafood with red and yellow pepper aioli and crispy parsnip flakes paired with Caruso & Manini Inzolia ’09. The main course will be a Grilled beef hanger steak, gorgonzola-panzanella and salsa Toscano paired with Caruso & Minini Perricone ’07. For dessert you can enjoy Strawberry Napoleon puff pastry, fresh strawberries, lemon crème and strawberry basil compote. Is your mouth watering yet?

For a full menu and more information you can visit: www.facebook.com/events/404107149629873/

Culinary Caper: Double Zero Napoletana and The Iberian Pig Swap Restaurants on April Fools' Day

Looking for the perfect prank to pull on April Fools' Day? Bring your friends and family to Double Zero Napoletana or The Iberian Pig for dinner fun on Sunday, April 1, and watch their confusion quickly turn into delight. The Castellucci Hospitality Group restaurants are offering some of the other restaurant's most popular dishes and drinks, as well as their own dinner menu. The Sandy Springs restaurant and the Decatur restaurant are even swapping their kitchen staffs to pull off this culinary caper.

Some of The Iberian Pig items on the special swap menu at Double Zero Napoletana include pork cheek tacos, handmade veal shank ravioli and sweet churros. Drinks heading north are The Iberian Old Fashioned and a selection of Spanish wines.

Going to Decatur from Double Zero Napoletana are lobster pappardelle, lamb polpettine and Margherita pizza. Also visiting The Iberian Pig will be Double Zero chocolate cake, barrel-aged Negroni and a selection of Southern Italian wines. For full menu details on the swap, visit Facebook. April Fool's Day dinner hours are 5 - 9 p.m. at The Iberian Pig and 5 - 10 p.m. at Double Zero Napoletana.

High Museum Hosts 20th Annual Vintners’ Reception And Live Auction on Saturday, March 31

Lucky are those High Museum of Art supporters holding tickets to the sold-out 20^th Annual Vintners’ Reception and Live Auction on Saturday, March 31. They’ll be able to dabble in a delicious palette of dishes prepared by chefs from Atlanta’s best restaurants while tasting wines from scores of top wineries. Then the bidding begins on everything from rare and collectible wine, dreamy trips, fine art and other one-of-a-kind finds. Marietta’s Chicken and the Egg, Spice Market in the W Atlanta-Midtown, Double Zero Napoletana in Sandy Springs and Aqua blue in Roswell will all be there. If you’re going, be sure to stop by their tables!

Everything's Bigger in Texas...Including the Flavor of Whisky

Texas is coming to town, and it's time to greet her with an Atlanta-sized appetite. Double Zero Napoletana is bringing the flavor of the Lone Star State to Atlanta-area diners next Tuesday, March 27, with a Balcones Distillery Dinner at 7 p.m. The Waco, Texas distillery produces small batches and uses blue corn; it's also the first-ever craft distillery "Icons of Whisky" award recipient. To complement the evening's whisky selections, Double Zero's Executive Chef Chad Crete is lining up a delicious series of small plates such as sautéed Brussels sprouts with bacon lardons and brown sugar peaches; a biscuit BLT with pancetta, spicy tomato jam and arugula; and smoked sweet potato puree, apple braised crispy pork belly and orange-mint marmalade. Cost is $59 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). For reservations, call 404-991-3666.

Run (Or Walk!) to Local Restaurants to Help End Hunger

Help kick hunger by walking or running in the 2012 Hunger Walk/Run on Sunday, March 11, or top off your tab with a donation to the cause when dining at Aqua blue, Aria, Double Zero Napoletana, The Iberian Pig, JCT. Kitchen & Bar, Marlow's Tavernand No. 246 through March 11. Fifth Group Restaurants are not going to be left in anyone's dust -- they're also in the middle of fundraising for the event. For the past three years "running," Fifth Group has been the Hunger Walk/Run's top corporate fundraiser, thanks to loyal and passionate patrons and staff members. This year the group -- including Alma Cocina, Ecco, South City KitchenMidtown, South City Kitchen Vinings, The Original El Taco and La Tavola Trattoria -- has set a goal of raising $25,000. Join in the event that takes place from noon until 4 p.m. this Sunday at the Turner Field green lot. While participants come from all walks of life, fitness levels, socio-economic levels and faiths, they all share a desire to prevent hunger. In 1984, the first Hunger Walk/Run garnered $30,000. Last year's event raised more than $500,000 toward beating local and global hunger through six benefiting partners:  Action Ministries United Methodists, Atlanta Community Food Bank, Episcopal Charities Foundation, Jewish Federation of Greater Atlanta, Lutheran Services of Georgia and the St. Vincent de Paul Society.

Double the Fun at Double Zero Napoletana Next Week

Since March 17 is dedicated to Irish food, you should probably hold off on the corned beef and cabbage the rest of the week and switch it up with an Italian meal. Luckily, Double Zero Napoletana happens to be the place to wine and dine next week. Take your pick between the Atlanta Community Food Bank Supper Club on Tuesday, March 13 or a five-course wine dinner paired with Sant' Elena wines on Friday, March 16 at 7:30 pm - or do both!

On March 13, guests can make a reservation any time during dinner hours and 20 percent of each tab (the whole menu is fair game!) goes to the Atlanta Community Food Bank to help fight hunger.

For the wine dinner, Dominic Nocerino, Jr., owner of Sant' Elena estate in northern Italy, will join guests at the Sandy Springs restaurant for this Italian spread. The background of Gradisca d'Isonzo, the town where the Sant' Elena estate is located, is fascinating in itself, so you'll get a dose of history, too. The menu for the evening includes dishes like tuna crudo with caper aioli, watermelon radish, micro cilantro, pineapple caviar and verjus vinaigrette paired with Sant' Elena Chardonnay 2009; egg yolk-stuffed ravioli with Swiss chard, brown butter balsamic emulsion and smoky carrot foam served with Sant' Elena Cabernet 2002; and grilled flat iron steak with roasted cauliflower, pesto and crispy prosciutto accompanied by Sant' Elena "Tato" 2006 (Cabernet/Merlot blend). The dinner costs $75 per person, excluding tax and tip.

Call 404-991-3666 for reservations for both events.

BYOB To "Open That Bottle Night" This Saturday At Double Zero Napoletana And Spice Market

No need to wait for a birthday or anniversary... There's no time like the present to savor that bottle of wine you've been saving for some special occasion! Carpe diem and bring your wine to Double Zero Napoletana and Spice Market for "Open That Bottle Night" on Saturday, February 25! 


On that night, there's no corkage fee to pop open your bottle. Who can operate those flimsy corkscrew bottle openers anyway?  Let the pros tackle it while you tackle the menu. Those leaning toward Italian small plates and Neapolitan pizza will find Double Zero Napoletana in Sandy Springs has plenty to love. Worldly spices and complex Southeastern Asian flavors tie in nicely with your wine at Spice Market located in the W Atlanta-Midtown. Cheers!

Goodbye Christmas Elves, Hello Baby New Year

Partiers, if you want to whoop it up with live entertainment, champagne toasts and kisses at midnight, we have options. Those of you who envision a peaceful fine dining experience, Atlanta restaurants can fulfill your wish. And, if you are working New Year's Eve or want to celebrate after you do that resolution run or polar bear jump, you, too, are covered. Happy New Year!

After achieving Elvis' "Blue Christmas" music overload, it's time to move on to a totally different tune in Aqua blue's Blue Year's Eve. The Roswell restaurant is planning a prix-fixe, three-course menu plus an à la carte menu available at three seatings -- 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $49 per person; $69 with chef's wine pairing. Stay on for the DJ and party favors, and raise a champagne toast at midnight. For reservations, call 770-643-8886.

The tables are set for an elegant four-course dinner at Aria, one of Buckhead's finest restaurants. Executive Chef/Owner Gerry Klaskala has a first course in mind then lets you choose from several options for the remaining courses. At $85 per person, tax and gratuity not included, seats will go quickly. Reservations are strongly suggested; call 404-233-7673.

Holiday merry making continues on New Year's Eve at Atkins Park - Smyrna with a champagne toast at midnight and music from The Good People. Starting at 5 p.m., guests can sit down to a chef-prepared, four-course meal for $48.50 per person, tax and gratuity not included. Reservations: 770-435-1887.

Across town at Atkins Park - Virginia Highland, guests can sip Absolut Vodka drink specials while listening to music from Rare Form DJs. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Special menus will be available at 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve and at 11 a.m. on New Year's Day. Reservations: 404-876-7249.

No need to break any New Year's diet resolutions when guests indulge in the rich pre-resolution menu Briza is offering on New Year's Eve. On the last night of 2011, pamper your palate with dishes such as vanilla butter-poached lobster and Kurobuta pork belly "carbonara" and leave no morsel behind! $75 per person. Reservations: 678-412-2402.

Marietta favorite, Chicken and the Egg, is celebrating New Year's Eve with a three-course menu. After a lagniappe of Georgia shrimp and grit cake, choose tempting items like crispy pork belly, lobster and praline bread pudding to complete your meal. The cost is $35 per person, and sparkling wine will be available to purchase by the glass or bottle. For reservations, call 678-388-8813.

Usher in 2012 with three courses of southern Italian dishes on the prix-fixe menu at Double Zero Napoletana in Sandy Springs. Dinner will be served from 5 - 8 p.m. and costs $55 per person. Each guest receives a gift bag containing a split of Prosecco, champagne flutes and a special gift from the Castellucci Hospitality Group. Reservations: 404-991-3666.

Talk about being pumped up for 2012! Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Dunwoody is giving guests three opportunities to celebrate New Year's Nights at Fleming's: Thursday, December 29 from 5 - 10 p.m., Friday, December 30 from 5 - 11 p.m. and Saturday, December 31 from 4 - 11 p.m. Moët and Chandon Impérial champagne will be served from magnum bottles all night, each night. A special New Year's celebration menu with three exceptional steak and seafood entrées, each priced at $69.95, will be available in addition to the regular menu. Reservations: 770-698-8112.

For an early taste of 2012, enjoy a "taste" and three courses of Chef Ford Fry's Southern favorites at JCT. Kitchen & Bar. The $65 four-course menu includes samples of hickory-roasted Berkshire pork tenderloin and "chicken stand" fried Georgia quail. Dinner will be served from 5 - 11 p.m. Reservations: 404-355-2252.

In Decatur, the New Year's Eve menu at No. 246 offers a great example of how to step out beyond the expected in 2012. Try something unexpected such as squid ink spaghetti with Dungeness crab and braised Brasstown beef cheeks -- two of the items on their special $55 per person New Year's Eve menu. Dinner is from 5 - 11 p.m. Reservations: 678-399-8246.

Rockin' RA Sushi looks out for those who work on New Year's Eve by throwing a New Year's Eve Remix party -- on New Year's Day! From 8 p.m. to close on Sunday, January 1, guests at the Midtown restaurant and bar can nosh on Sunday Night's Flying Fish Lounge specials with select sushi, appetizers and tapas priced from $2-$7 and drink specials starting at $3. For more information or to RSVP, visit Facebook.

Pick your party at Ray's Restaurants. Ray's at Killer Creek in Alpharetta is offering a special appetizer menu and three different prix-fixe menus from 5 - 8 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Reservations: 770-649-0064. Downtown, city dwellers can head to Ray's in the City's to celebrate over one of three prix-fixe menus. Reservations: call 404-524-9224. Ray's on the River is hosting a classic night of dinner and dancing at the restaurant's riverside pavilion. Ring in the new year enjoying the special menu, five-piece band, champagne toast, party favors and a balloon drop. Festivities start at 8 p.m. with dinner service at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $95 per person, or purchase a table for 10 guests for $850. Tax and gratuity are not included in pricing. More information and reservations: 770-955-1187.

Toast first! At Spice Market in the W Atlanta-Midtown, the bar and lounge bubbles with specials on champagne from 4 - 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve. The restaurant itself will serve a New Year's Eve five-course menu for $68 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Reservations: 404-724-2550.

Everyone knows that the pre-party is just as important as the main event on New Year's Eve. That's why Truffles Grill in Buckhead is getting the night off to a tasty start from 6 - 9 p.m. with complimentary heavy hors d'oeuvres. Need a drink to practice your midnight toast? Try one of the restaurant's $5 Absolut specialty martinis. Reservations: 404-364-9050.

Carnivores, vegetarians and pescatarians will all find dinners to please among Woodfire Grill's three special five-course menus on New Year's Eve. The regular and pescatarian menus are priced at $115 per person, and the vegetarian menu is priced at $105. Wine pairings also are available for $6 per course for a half glass or $12 for a full glass. Reservations are required: 404-347-9055.

Of course, we didn't forget about Christmas. Read here for all the fun festivities going on this weekend!

Get Into the Holiday Spirit with Double Zero's Whiskey Tasting on December 21

Who needs hot chocolate?  Double Zero Napoletana has something even better to help you warm up on these cold winter nights!  On Wednesday, December 21^st at 7:00 p.m. you’re invited to sample an impressive lineup of hand-selected scotches and rums, including Brugal 1888, Macallan 12 year, Macallan 17 year Fine Oak and the exclusive Highland Park 25 Year.  In addition, guests can enter a drawing for a unique Famous Grouse grill!  Cost is $39 per person for the entire evening of whiskeys and light antipasti. Call (404) 991-3666 to make your reservations for this exciting event!

This event can also be found on Facebook.

Never Fear, Double Zero Is Here To Save The Holidays

Are you still searching for the perfect gift for the holidays? You're in luck then, gift cards are now available online at Double Zero Napoletana and all Castellucci Hospitality Group's restaurant websites. When you buy a gift card online for $100, you will receive a free gift card for $20 to spend however you see fit. Gift cards can be used at any of their restaurants (Double Zero, Sugo, The Iberian Pig). In order to receive the free offer, the purchase must be made online.

To redeem this special offer simply type CHG FAMILY into the Personal Message field at checkout.

Double Zero: 5825 Roswell Rd, 30328; 404-991-3666

You'll "Like" This Offer from Double Zero Napoletana, The Iberian Pig & Sugo

There's already a lot to "like" about the food, drinks and ambiance at Double Zero Napoletana, The Iberian Pig and Sugo, and now we have one more reason to love them! When new fans "like" the Facebook pages of Double Zero Napoletana, The Iberian Pig or Sugo, they will receive a $10 gift certificate to use toward their next bill at any one of these Castellucci Hospitality Group (CHG) restaurants. 

If you're already a CHG fan, hit the "Special Fan Offer" tab to claim your gift. Certificates expire on December 31 so go ahead and plan on connecting with friends for small plates and drinks or enjoying a post-holiday shopping dinner out.

Enjoy Perfect Pairings at Double Zero Napoletana's Wine Dinner

Keep the turkey on the back burner for another week or two -- Double Zero Napoletana has an Italian wine dinner for you on Thursday, November 17 at 7 p.m. Fosco Amorosso of Tricana Wines will join guests to discuss the night’s small production Italian wine selections that will be paired with the five-course fall dinner. 

On the menu:  butternut squash fritters on a bed of caramelized onions and garnished with watercress, lemon honey and black pepper and paired with Montesel Prosecco 2010; grilled prawns seasoned with Italian herbs and Calabrian chilies, dressed with a red pepper coulis and served with Alexandri Sauvignon Blanc 2010; lamb cheeks served over butternut squash purée with roasted chanterelle mushrooms, caramelized artichoke hearts and finished with a mint foam paired with Cairel Nebbiolo d’Alba 2008; braised beef short rib and smoked sweet potato purée finished with a pan sauce demi, crispy sage and shallots and served with Fattoi Brunello di Montalcino 2004; and house-made zucchini cake accompanied by carrot mascarpone gelato. Cost is $99 per person, and vegetarian and gluten-free options are available. For reservations, call 404-991-3666 or e-mail admin@doublezeroatl.com.

Taste of Atlanta Returns and The Big Grill Premiers: It's a Foodie Weekend You Won't Want to Miss!

The age old dilemma of wanting to order everything on the menu is solved, at least temporarily, with Taste of Atlanta this weekend, a foodie’s heaven on earth. Those friends who always "just want a taste" of whatever you ordered will love Taste of Atlanta and so will you. The city’s biggest sampling bacchanalia kicks off its 10th anniversary celebration with The Big Grill - A Midtown Block Party in Tech Square on Friday, October 21 from 7:30-10:30 p.m. (VIP entry 6:30 p.m.). Birthday cake, beer and some of the best bites in the ATL rock this party benefiting Georgia Organics. Among the stellar chefs at the grill gig are Andrew Smith of Atkins Park and Ormsby's, Todd Annis of Bold American Events & Catering, Janine Falvo of Briza, Joshua Warner of Ray's on the River, Ford Fry of JCT. Kitchen & Bar and Drew Belline of No. 246. Tickets are $50 each for general admission and $65 each for VIP early entry.

The Taste of Atlanta eat-a-palooza begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 22-23, and keeps on dishing it out until 6 p.m. both evenings, so pace yourself for a full afternoon of food sampling paradise. More than 80 of Atlanta’s favorite restaurants will be represented including Atkins Park, Briza, Double Zero Napoletana, JCT. Kitchen & Bar, Iberian Pig, No. 246, Ormsby's and Ray's on the River.

On the Home Plate Main Stage on Saturday, Chef Janine Falvo from Briza will whip up chicken pot pie and red kuri squash soup at 12 p.m. Chefs Drew Belline (No. 246) and Ford Fry (JCT. Kitchen & Bar) will be leading a "Simply Southern Thanksgiving" class with Angie Mosier of the Southern Foodways Alliance inside the Food Studio at 4 p.m. Saturday. On Sunday at 4:00 p.m., they'll take on Rosebud's Ron Eyester and Nick Melvin in the Team Chef Challenge, an "Iron Chef"-style competition, on the Home Plate Main Stage. Also on Sunday, Iberian Pig Chef Chad Crete will prepare farro risotto, roasted delicata squash, piquillo-hazelnut Romesco and fall vegetable sauté on the Global Flavors stage at 2:15 p.m. And Andrew Smith from Atkins Park and Ormsby's battles it out against Food 101's Justin Keith in the Dueling Chefs event at 1:15 p.m. Don’t fret mom and dad, there’s something for the kids too! Even picky eaters will devour Taste of Atlanta -- the Family Food Zone loads up on food-focused crafts, educational demos and kid chef competitions!

Snap up your tickets early for this wristband-access, gated event. Buy a general admission ticket voucher with 10 taste coupons for $25 in advance online or at The Cook's Warehouse stores or Whole Foods. "Day of" gate price is $35 each.

Play Bocce for Breast Cancer with Double Zero!

As you probably know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, and if you’re looking for a new and exciting way to support the cause, look no further!  This Thursday, October 13 at 6 p.m. you can play bocce in support of the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure at Double Zero Napoletana's first ever bocce charity event!  For just $5 a person, you’ll not only play for the cure, but one lucky tournament winner will also get a trophy, a magnum of reserve wine, and free Double Zero Margherita pizza every Sunday in 2012!  In addition to the bocce festivities, Double Zero is hosting a silent auction starting at 6:30 p.m.  All proceeds plus 20 percent of the evening’s restaurant sales will go to support the 3-day walk.  You can bid on fabulous prizes like an illy espresso machine, a Salon Greco Spa gift package, a reserve wine basket and more.  Still not convinced?  Tournament and auction guests are also invited to partake in a complimentary wine tasting on the outdoor courts.  If you can’t make it to the event, you can always donate online or stop by any Castellucci Hospitality Group restaurant this month.  The restaurants are mixing up special pink cocktails during October and donating the proceeds to the walk.  There are so many different ways to get involved, so come out and help Double Zero end breast cancer for good!

Drink to a Good Cause at Double Zero Napoletana

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the time of year when dedicated individuals and groups put their walking shoes on for the 60-mile trek known as the Susan G. Komen 3-Day for the Cure. Double Zero Napoletana in Sandy Springs is serving pink cocktails throughout October and donating 25 percent of the drink proceeds to the cause. At $11 apiece, the Blackberry Ginny, Pink Panther, Pink Ribbon, the Cure, Pink Lady, the 3/60 or the Raspberry Lynne will be sure to give you a charitable buzz. For those looking for an alcohol free way to contribute, try the Ribbon Refresher for $6.

Double Zero's Nancy and Stephanie Castellucci are walking on Team Gingersnap, honoring two close family members who lost the battle against the disease. Guests at all Castellucci Hospitality Group restaurants (Double Zero Napoletana, The Iberian Pig and Sugo) can also add a donation to their checks or online at www.the3day.org/goto/chg through the month of October.

Vote for Your Favorite Chefs So Their Face Can Grace a Street Banner!

Hurry! Every vote counts as Taste of Atlanta selects its top 12 chefs according to Facebook polling. We're campaigning for some of our favorites: Andrew Smith of Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland, Asha Gomez of Spice Route Supper Club and Cardamom Hill, Drew Belline of no. 246, Ford Fry of JCT. Kitchen & Bar and John Coley of Double Zero Napoletana. The only "voter registration" required is to "Like" the Taste of Atlanta Facebook page so you can participate in the vote count. Voting ends September 9. The 12 top vote recipients will be listed on festival banners. This year's fill-the-streets-with-eats festival takes place the weekend of October 23 - 24. Get to voting and tasting!

Saved by the Bocce Ball

According to the Atlanta Bocce League (ABL), bocce ranks third in worldwide sports participation (behind soccer and golf) and is considered to be the oldest-known sport in world history. In true southern Italian style, Double Zero Napoletana in Sandy Springs is finishing up installation of bocce ball courts on its generous patio, and both courts will soon be ready for bocce action.

Don't know if you have what it takes? The ABL says bocce essentials are "something to sit on, something to sip on, something to listen to, and the bocce balls." The restaurant will host the Atlanta Bocce Ball fall league from 6:15 - 10 p.m. every Wednesday night for eight weeks beginning on September 14. Don't forget the sips at Double Zero's full bar, or the sits -- as in sitting down to share small plates, dinner or dessert after the match! More on Facebook.

Bocce is already well entrenched in the game repertoire of Ormsby's. The Atlanta Bocce League will play fall games at this Westside bar and eatery on Monday nights beginning September 19 from 6:15 - 10 p.m. Ormsby's is home to Atlanta's premier indoor bocce league...good to know because a) no rainouts (in case it does rain); b) no dry spells (abundance of cold brews and other libations); and c) plenty of fuel for the games with hearty appetizers, sandwiches and burgers.

To participate, sign up at www.atlbocce.com by Thursday, September 1. Registration costs $45 per player with a five-player minimum per team. Teams registering with fewer than five players may absorb other registrants to form a complete team.

Double Zero Napoletana: 5825 Roswell Road; 770-817-8000.
Ormsby's: 1170 Howell Mill Road, NW; 404-968-2033.

Double Zero Hosts Caruso & Minini Wine Tasting on August 23

On Tuesday, August 23, Leonardo Nicotra from Caruso & Minini in Sicily, Italy is coming to Double Zero to lead guests through a fabulous, four-course wine tasting starting at 7 p.m.  The tasting begins with cantaloupe and prosciutto bruschetta paired with Caruso & Minini Inzolia '08.  Round two calls for Caruso & Minini Grillo Timpune '08 served with rancini -- lemon saffron risotto croquettes with peas, red pepper scamorza cheese, roasted yellow pepper coulis and Meyer lemon honey.  Next up is Double Zero's much-loved Margherita pizza topped with DOP San Marzano tomatoes, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP and basil and served with Caruso & Minini Nero D' Avola '07.  Finally, course four ends the night on a sweet note with a strawberry Napoleon of fresh strawberries, lemon crème and strawberry basil compote in puff pastry.  Cost for the event is $39 per person (excluding tax and tip).  Make your reservations in advance by calling 404-991-3666. 

Double Zero Napoletana:  5825 Roswell Road; 404-991-3666.

National Ice Cream Month: An Excuse to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

What better excuses do you have to indulge your sweet tooth than National Ice Cream Month AND July weather in Atlanta? It's a winning combination, so grab your spoon and click here to check out some of our favorite spots for frozen treats. We've tried everything from the exotic ice cream flavors at Spice Market and sweet mochi trio at RA Sushi in Midtown to the signature shakes and sundaes at the new location of Morelli's Ice Cream in Edgewood to the gelatos and sorbets at Double Zero Napoletana in Sandy Springs. If you want to cool down with a rooftop view, Rooftop 866 offers "Boozy Pops" to ward off the heat while looking out at the Midtown skyline. Get it quick, July will be over before you know it and you'll find yourself pretending like you're too full for dessert again.