Luckie Marietta District Easter Egg Hunt at SweetWater 420 Fest

Not only is the lineup at SweetWater 420 Fest an egg-cellent attraction, but the Luckie Marietta District has planned a family-friendly Easter egg hunt to ensure no one misses out on Easter festivities. The hunt will take place at noon on Sunday, April 20 in the Chipotle KidZone, and it is only open to festival ticketholders ($10 per day, $18 for the weekend). In addition, golden eggs for adults will be hidden throughout Centennial Olympic Park and include prizes for SkyView Atlanta, concert tickets, SweetWater merchandise and restaurant gift certificates. Happy hunting! 

Now’s the Time to Make Easter Reservations!

Good news! Easter’s late entrance means warmer days and blooming gardens and patios for Easter pictures and outdoor dining -- and more time for Atlanta restaurants to plan out holiday brunches and dinner menus, but spots are filling up fast.

In Virginia-Highland, rise to brunch at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar beginning at 11 a.m. and continuing through 3 p.m. or enjoy dinner until midnight on Sunday, April 20. Deviled eggs and shaved prosciutto make the menu at both meals. The indecisive may be challenged by scrumptious choices, including pork belly Benedict or Grand Marnier French toast for brunch and house-made pappardelle Bolognese or herb-roasted chicken for dinner. Reservations: 404-876-7249.

Both Ansley Mall and Crescent Avenue locations of Bantam + Biddy are loaded with goodies for Easter feasters. From 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on April 20, a special menu offers honey-glazed ham, stewed black-eyed peas, braised collard greens, fresh cornbread and a choice of sweet potato pie or carrot cake, all for $20. Bottomless mimosas and bloody marys for the over-21 set are $10 until 3 p.m. The regular menu is also available. Reservations: Ansley, 404-907-3469; Crescent, 404-835-6450.

Westsiders, hop into Chocolate South for special Easter chocolates. Choose from decorative eggs in a variety of flavors, ranging from peach tea with milk chocolate to lavender with dark chocolate, as well as large eggs filled with Kona coffee ganache. Mrs. O’Hara bonbons hint of lemon verbena (just like Scarlett’s mom) and have the added distinction of cute little chick embellishments for Easter ($3). For a larger dose of festive flair, opt for a Honey Bunny or Kona Cottontail chocolate rabbits that are more than five inches tall and filled with honey ginger ganache and Kona coffee ganache, respectively. Toss in some decorative spring bars in mint or almond flavors ($4) for a sweet holiday. For more info, call 404-815-8859.

Both G’s Midtown and 10^th & Piedmont will host Easter brunch buffets on Sunday, April 20 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. for $22.95 per person. Scrambled eggs and breakfast potatoes, pancakes, French toast and brunch classics segue into farfalle pesto, rice pilaf, roasted pork loin and shrimp in vodka gravy, plus a bevy of sides from grits to Greek salad. Reservations: 10^th & Piedmont, 404-602-5510; G’s Midtown, 404-872-8012.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern in Midtown is serving their regular menu all day, plus brunch specials from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Bottomless mimosas are $15, and favorites include the build-your-own-brunch option and HOBNOB French toast made with strawberry-stuffed challah bread and maple cream cheese. Reservations: 404-968-2288.

King + Duke in Buckhead invites guests to enjoy their new brunch menu on Easter Sunday from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended: 404-477-3500.

In historic Crabapple, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails hosts a family-focused Easter brunch on Sunday, April 13. The restaurant is offering brunch from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., followed by an Easter egg hunt on the lawn compliments of the Crabapple Community Association. Families can sign up to have pictures taken with the Easter Bunny by photographers from Blencoe & Co. Sign up now blencoeandco.com. For more information, call 770-817-0161.  

Decatur residents can visit No. 246 on Sunday, April 20 for brunch service from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., a personal visit from the Easter Bunny, and two rounds of egg dyeing and Easter egg hunts (10 a.m. and 1 p.m.). Eggs stand out on the menu in breakfast pizza or classic deviled farm eggs with peperonata, anchovy and dill. Reservations: 678-399-8246.

Old Vinings Inn offers an Easter buffet from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 20. The hot buffet includes chicken breast with spring pea risotto and eggs Benedict, as well as various vegetables and sides. Cocktail shrimp and a seasonal fruit selection are offered alongside pimento cheese spread and pearl pasta salad with fresh herbs, peanuts and citrus dressing on the cold buffet. Visit the carving station for a slice of marinated flank steak with chimichurri or herb-crusted leg of lamb with horseradish cream and follow up at the dessert table stocked with truffles, miniature fudge cakes and seasonal fruit cobbler. $30 for adults and $15 for children. Reservations: 770-438-2282.

Midtown dwellers rejoice! Olmsted opens its doors for an Easter brunch buffet from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and a children’s Easter egg hunt. $38 per adult and $12 for children age 12 and under covers spring favorites, including fresh-squeezed lemonade and juices plus complimentary white peach Bellinis for the adults. Light options, such as mini yogurt parfaits and seasonal fruit, will be on display alongside smoked salmon bagel plates, cooked-to-order omelet stations, Southern fried chicken and salads galore. Strawberry rhubarb cobbler and Meyer lemon meringue tarts star on the dessert buffet. Reservations: 404-443-8432.

Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs is offering their award-winning Easter buffet from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday, April 20. Enjoy an egg-cellent variety of dishes and snap a memento in the Shutterbooth photo booth. $42.95 for adults, $21.95 for kids five to 10 years old and children four and under eat free. Preferred seating: 770-955-1187. In Alpharetta, Ray’s at Killer Creek is serving a buffet from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and the regular menu is available 5-8 p.m. Buffet is priced at $34.95 for adults, $17.95 for kids ages five to 10 and children four and under eat free. Preferred seating: 770-649-0064. Ray’s in the City serves its Easter buffet from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and the regular menu is available 5-7 p.m. The buffet is $34.95 for adults and $17.95 for children five to 10 years old. Preferred seating: 404-524-9224.

             

In Buckhead, Ford Fry’s St. Cecilia hosts a special Easter brunch on Sunday, April 20 from 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. The à la carte menu consists of popular items, such as crowd-favorite agnolotti with red wine-braised beef short rib and Block Island swordfish, as well as brunch favorites, including ricotta pancakes with fresh strawberries and orange blossom and a delectable fontina “melt” with mushrooms, frisée, prosciutto and a fried egg. In observance of the holiday, St. Cecilia is closed for dinner. Reservations: 404-554-9995.

What’s New on Pinterest: Spring Cakes & Bakes

Spring blooms in riotous color. So does our Spring Cakes & Bakes Pinterest board. Fancies for grown-ups planning showers and parties. Fun stuff like a Peeps cake, Jello cookies and Easter Oreos for youngsters. We’ve thrown in a few healthy items for good measure. We may just skip the egg hunt and keep on baking.

Rise and Shine for Easter Brunch, Lunch, Dinner and More

 

Easter springs up early this year on Sunday, March 31. We have a sunny list of Easter feasts for you to choose from. Hop down our list to find the golden egg that's right for you and be sure to make your reservation soon. We wish everyone a Happy Easter!

Roswell residents have plenty to eat this Easter. From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Aqua blue is serving up everyone's favorites for brunch, including a carving station with roasted strip loin and bone-in ham, entrée station, shrimp cocktails, salad, assorted sushi, smoked salmon, breakfast and omelet station and desserts. Bottomless bloody marys and mimosas are available for $15 for any thirsty guests. Adults eat for $29.95, children 4-12 for $9.95 and children under 4 eat free. Reservations: 770-643-8886

The cluck at Bantam + Biddy in Ansley Mall is about an Easter Sunday feast featuring corned Brasstown ham and gravy, stewed organic black-eyed peas, braised collard greens, Anson Mills grits and sweet potato pie for $20. Bottomless bloody marys and mimosas are poured until 4 p.m. for $10. Regular and special menus are available from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; brunch is available until 3 p.m.

Marietta's Chicken and the Egg is providing brunch all day long this Easter Sunday. From 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., the restaurant is offering their regular brunch menu with starters such as crawfish and artichoke bake and pimento cheese. Diners with a sweet tooth can choose bananas Foster French toast or a strawberry waffle. Egg lovers can pick from items like eggs Benedict, "green eggs and ham" or pork belly hash. Reservations: 678-388-8813.

A not-your-mother's Mediterranean-style Easter Sunday brunch is in the plans at Ecco in Midtown from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Choose from a variety of meat and cheese options, one for $4.75, three for $14 or five for $22. Taste-and-share items for the table range from chocolate strudel to mixed olives, and crab fritters with a poached egg and pickled peppers ($4-$13). Appetizers of mixed lettuces, radishes, almonds and tarragon-mustard vinaigrette ($9), grilled red romaine, smoked char, poached eggs and romesco ($14) and potato, leek and chervil soup with poached Georgia shrimp ($9) supplement the wood-fired pizzas, pastas and main dishes, including the San Marzano tomatoes, house-made mozzarella and basil pizza ($13), lasagna with mushroom ragu, béchamel and arugula ($18) and the butcher steak with polenta, asparagus and salsa rosso ($20). Reservations: 404-347-9555.

Sandy Springs dwellers can hop on over to Hearth Pizza Tavern for an Easter meal. Opening at 4 p.m. on Easter day, the restaurant is offering plenty of holiday specials. For more information, call 404-252-5378.

For Passover, Lure Executive Chef David Bradley is making gefilte fish using fresh pollack and Georgia rainbow trout. Enjoy this special dish at the Midtown seafood sensation through April 2. 

Across the Chattahoochee River in Roswell, The Mill Kitchen & Bar invites guests to enjoy an Easter Sunday brunch menu in a farmhouse-style setting. Reservations: 770-817-9345. 

Family-friendly Easter brunching and lunching is in store for Decatur residents at No. 246. Chow on a chicken Parm sandwich, wood-baked ziti and meatballs, mushroom pizza and much more. Children's Easter egg hunts roll out at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. with "waves" for toddlers and adult-free children at each hunt. Lucky locators will win prizes such as a free kids' spaghetti and meatballs plate and more. Reservations: 678-399-8246.

At Olmsted in Midtown, the regular brunch menu and special holiday ham or prime rib entrées will please the Easter Sunday crowd. Starters include lobster bisque, fresh-baked biscuits or the breakfast meat sampler. Mains include a wild mushroom omelette with aged Gruyère, tarragon and fingerling potato hash; brioche French toast with seasonal fruit compote and vanilla bean cream; and eggs Olmsted with poached eggs, toasted English muffin, shaved house-cured Canadian bacon and citrus scallion hollandaise. Wee ones can munch on buttermilk pancakes with a choice of maple, blueberry or banana walnut syrup. Brunch will be served from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations: 404-443-8431.

After all of the egg hunting and hopping around, grown ups can rabbit trail over to RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown for Sunday night Flying Fish Lounge specials. From 8 p.m. on, choose from more than 35 sushi, appetizer and tapas selections ($2.25-$7.25), plus a wide variety of beer, wine and signature cocktails ($3-$7). Popular Flying Fish Lounge dishes will be served until 11 p.m., and a variety of discounted creative cocktails will be served until midnight.

Bring on the buffet! This Easter, Ray's on the River in Sandy Springs is offering their award-winning Easter buffet from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. on Sunday, March 31. Guests can enjoy assorted breads, a salad bar, omelette station during brunch hours, Virginia ham, prime rib, homemade desserts and plenty more. The buffet is $39.95 for adults and $19.95 for kids ages 5-10. Children 4 and under eat free. Reservations: 770-955-1187. In Alpharetta, Ray's on the Creek is serving a buffet from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and the regular menu will be available from 5-9 p.m. Adults can dine for $29.95 and kids ages 5-10 can dine for $14.95. Children 4 and under eat free. Reservations: 770-649-0064.

Sunday brunch is always important at South City Kitchen in Midtown and Vinings, and the longtime favorite is serving a three-course prix fixe Easter brunch menu from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. For $32 for adults and $16 for children under 12 (plus tax and gratuity), guests can choose from appetizer options such as house-made pecan granola, fried green tomatoes or a strawberry salad; entrées including buttermilk fried chicken, crab cake hash, BBQ pork Benedict and farmstead vegetables; and dessert of peach cobbler, chocolate velvet Elvis cake or orange buttermilk chess pie. Reservations: 404-873-7358 for the Midtown location; 770-435-0700 for the Vinings location.

Get Cracking on Reservations for Egg-ceptional Easter Feasts Plus More in this Week's Dish

This week, head up to Roswell to nosh on new spring menu items at Aqua blue and then hit up Buckhead to experience the new location of Bhojanic. Also, don't forget to make your Easter brunch reservation - yes, it's almost Easter! There are plenty of places to celebrate the holiday, plus much more in this week's Dish!

Plan Your Easter Feaster with Some of Atlanta's Hottest Restaurants

Peeps, chocolate eggs and jelly beans are a great start to Easter morning, but that sugar crash can lead to midday meltdowns. To really celebrate the day, fill tummies with yummies at some of the egg-straordinary Easter brunch and dinner options around Atlanta. The Dish basket was full of ideas last week - click here to take another look. South City Kitchen - Vinings and South City Kitchen -Midtown have finalized the three-course prix fixe menu to be offered at both locations from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Easter Sunday. See the complete big-as-the-South menu on Facebook -- a beauty for only $29 per adult and $14.50 for kids under 12 (plus tax and gratuity). South City Kitchen - Midtown reservations:  404-873-7358 or OpenTable; South City Kitchen - Vinings reservations:770-435-0700 or OpenTable. Marlow's Tavern in Duluth, Kennesaw, Midtown, East Cobb, Northlake and Vinings will be serving Easter brunch as well. Hours and specials vary by location. For more information, visit www.marlowstavern.com. 

Appetizing Aperture: Easter Doughnuts from Krispy Kreme

Hippity-hoppity, Easter's on its way. This year, the Easter Bunny has something new from Krispy Kreme in his basket to share with all the good little girls and boys. Hightail it down the bunny trail to pick up these treasures.  

Our Picks for Easter Eats and Sweets

With Easter less than two weeks away, we've got some great ideas for celebrating with family and friends over brunch and ways to fill up that special someone's Easter basket. You can get the full scoop in Atlanta Dish, but here are a few ideas to nibble on:

Make any Easter basket a happier one with treats from Alon's (located in Dunwoody and Virginia-Highland), including chocolate bunnies, PB&J filled chocolate eggs (my personal favorite!) and more.

For Italian fare and the most extensive bakery you've ever seen, Alpine Bakery & Trattoria in Alpharetta will begin serving a special Easter menu along with the regular menu at noon (although you can peruse the bakery beginning at 10 a.m.).

Aqua blue in Roswell will have an Easter buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., including a carving station and made-to-order omelets. Pricing is $29.95 for adults, $9.95 for kids ages 4-12 and free for children under 4.

In Dunwoody, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is serving an elegant three-course Easter menu from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost is $34.95 per adult, and there is a children's version for $16.95 (tax and gratuity not included). Be sure to try the new Blood Orange Fizz cocktail($6.95) while you are there!

At Ray's on the River, brunch is served all day long from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., complete with a riverside view. Cost is $39.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids ages 5-10 and free for children 4 and under.

Ray's at Killer Creek in Alpharetta is serving Easter brunch from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cost is $29.95 for adults, $14.95 for kids ages 5-10 and free for children 4 and under. Guests also may order off the regular dinner menu from 5 - 9 p.m.

Cooking at home? Grass-fed lamb from White Oak Pastures is the perfect entree for a traditional dinner. You can order online or by calling 229-641-2081, but don't forget that orders must be placed by Monday, April 2 for delivery before Easter.

It’s Time to Get Hoppin’ on Your Easter Plans

Easter is coming up next weekend and we’ve got a list of great places to celebrate all over the city! From brunch buffets to family fajita nights, there’s something for everyone! 

In Roswell, Aqua blue is the place to go for a chic Easter Sunday brunch buffet starting 10:30 a.m. $29.95 for adults, $9.95 for children ages 4 to 12 and free for children under the age of 4. (1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886) 

Hop off GA 400 or Peachtree and skip into Phipps Plaza in Buckhead to enjoy your Easter meal at Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse. Sit down to Davio's white-clothed tables and attentive service. Fill your plate from the abundant appetizer buffet then choose from a selection of à la carte entrée options and a generous dessert array. The special Easter spread is $45 for adults and $17.50 for children 12 and under. (Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-844-4810) 



Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar invites you to sit down to their special Fleming's Bellini cocktail for $6.95 while deciding which appetizer, entrée and dessert selections you want to savor on their three-course prix fixe brunch menu. Easter Sunday brunch is offered from 11:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. for $32.95 for adults and $15.95 for children 12 and under (plus tax and gratuity). Those of you with Fleming's favorites, stay calm . . . the regular menu also will be offered. (4501 Olde Perimeter Way in Perimeter Place Village; 770-698-8112)

Marlow's Tavern makes celebrating Easter easy with six of its seven locations serving Sunday brunch. Each location is extending brunch hours and expanding its menus for the special day. Call your local Marlow's for more details. (Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526; Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road, 678-987-1197; Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033; and East Cobb at 1311 Johnson Ferry Road (across from the movie theatre and next to Kohl's department store); 770-977-7747.) 

Settle in for a traffic-free Easter meal with the help of the New York Butcher Shoppe. All three Atlanta locations are offering a variety of delicious meats, sides, wines and desserts to create a fabulous holiday feast. Less-skilled cooks can impress with the "mother-in-law" trick option. Simply bring in your own casserole dishes and have them filled with side items to complement your meal. Place your order by April 17, and the New York Butcher Shoppe will knock 20 percent off the price of all side items. (Dunwoody at 2458 Mt. Vernon Road, 770-399-6328; Sandy Springs at 4969 Roswell Road, 404-303-0704; and Alpharetta at 5354 McGinnis Ferry Road, 678-624-0047.) 

From 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., Ray's at Killer Creek in Alpharetta will offer a generous brunch buffet priced at $29.95 for adults, $14.95 for children ages 5 to 10 and free for children ages 4 and under. Dinner guests may order off the regular menu from 5 - 9 p.m. (1700 Mansell Road; 770-649-0064) 

We do Easter brunch right down south, and both locations of South City Kitchen are preparing three-course meals rich with Southern favorites and hospitality served from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. $25 for adults and $12.50 for children under the age of 12. (South City Kitchen Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700. South City Kitchen Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358.) 

And if that's not Southern enough, zip across the culinary border for Easter brunch at Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food. The Uncle covers the heat range from mild and savory to wake-you-up spices in his breakfast tacos and brunch quesadillas, huevos rancheros, chilaquiles, applewood smoked bacon, brunch potatoes, seasoned fruit and beans (frijoles a la charra, refried or black beans). For youngsters, Uncle Julio's offers a special menu with scrambled egg and cheddar tacos, quesadillas and more -- all served with fruit. If Easter dinner is on the agenda, Atlantans can take advantage of Uncle Julio’s new Fajita Fiesta family-style meal offered on Sundays for only $15.95 per person and $5.95 for children ages 12 and under. Enjoy Saturday and Sunday brunch and the regular menu every weekend from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Buckhead: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. Sandy Springs: 1140 Hammond Drive, NE, Building K, Suite 100; 678-736-8260.)

Put Away Your Peeps!

Although I'm usually devoted to Cadbury Mini Eggs this time of year, we've found something way more exciting to fill our Easter baskets - and tummies - with this year: chocolate from LW Chocolatier. Their rich chocolates are made from carefully selected ingredients and are hand-crafted and hand-decorated in the European tradition, which makes them way cuter than your average marshmallow bunny. LW is currently offering elegant bunnies, chicks and eggs filled with dulce de leche, strawberry, lemon, orange and other fillings that range in price from $4 to $50 and will take your Easter basket to the next level. The store is open Monday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday, 1 - 5 p.m.

LW Chocolatier: One Buckhead Plaza, 3060 Peachtree Road, NW, Suite 40; 404-467-8503.