Happy Cabernet Day!

Well, who knew? There's a day for my favorite wine grape! Today is the day to celebrate Cabernet, one of the most popular red wine grapes in the world. Find fellow Cab lovers on Twitter (#Cabernet) and Facebook. To be a part of it, just sample Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Blend and/or Cabernet Franc and engage with others doing the same with conversation, tasting notes and suggestions. Better yet, enjoy a glass of Cabernet at Morton's The Steakhouse. Both Atlanta locations serve a selection of Cabernet options that are sure to honor this holiday in a delicious way. Sit back, relax and tweet your heart out as you experience Cabernet Day in the comfort of Morton's bar or dining room.

It's Time to Salute Sandwiches!

Since August is National Sandwich Month, we here at Melissa Libby & Associates are providing you with a list of the city’s top sandwich options. Get out there and celebrate today!

For an awesome handful in Roswell, go for the grilled chicken club at Aqua blue. Joining grilled chicken between the bread are applewood smoked bacon, tomato, butter lettuce and honey mustard.

The hearty American tavern fare at area Marlow's Tavern locations is exemplified by the prime rib French dip boasting thinly shaved roasted prime rib, Swiss cheese, caramelized onions and mayonnaise on a soft Cuban roll.

Atkins Park toys with spicy yet cool Texas fried chicken and wing sauce topped with lettuce, tomato and blue cheese dressing.

We're crazy about the classic pressed Cuban and all of its relatives with mojo on the sandwich menu at the Crazy Cuban on 14th Street in Midtown. Enough said.

With the kids heading back to school, adults can indulge in the "Grown-up" grilled cheese at JCT. Kitchen & Bar: assorted cheeses and roasted tomato on buttered semolina toast, accompanied by a lycopene-laden cup of tomato soup.

All three Ray's Restaurants offer the beloved grouper sandwich, served your way -- fried, blackened or grilled and topped with lettuce, tomato, Swiss cheese and house-made tartar sauce. Enjoy it over lunch at Ray's in the City; you can relish it at lunch or dinner at Ray's on the River and Ray's Killer Creek.

Gracing the weekend brunch menu at La Tavola Trattoria in Virginia Highland, the hot chicken panino bursts with grilled chicken, pesto, tomato, fontina cheese and comes with a refreshing zucchini and tomato salad.

Small packages yield big, tender bites when you bite into the petite filet mignon sandwiches from the Bar Bites menu at Morton's The Steakhouse.

How about some art appreciation at Ormsby's? "The art of the Reuben" (Uncle Art that is), piled with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and Thousand Island on grilled pumpernickel.

Pacci Ristorante in Midtown has their own special panino, a turkey panino filled with turkey, provolone and tomato enhanced with basil aioli.

Y'all come to South City Kitchen Midtown (lunch) and South City Kitchen Vinings (dinner) to sink your teeth into a mouth of the South classic -- the catfish Reuben with its crispy Old Bay-dusted catfish, Swiss cheese, shaved Benton's ham, cole slaw and Thousand Island remoulade piled on griddled rye and served with house-made chips.

For a mini vacation on a croissant, zip up to Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega for the apple basil chicken salad sandwich. Mouthwatering, homemade chicken salad with Granny Smith apples, toasted almonds and fresh basil spills out of a flaky croissant and shares the plate with Mediterranean pasta salad.

And if you want to DIY for the friends gathering at your place tonight, try this recipe for open-faced egg sandwiches with tomato basil salsa from cookbook author Gena Knox.

Morton’s The Steakhouse Wins Over Wine-Lovers With a New By-The-Glass Menu

Wine-lovers rejoice! Morton's The Steakhouse is now offering a new Wine by the Glass menu at both the Buckhead and downtown Atlanta locations. The menu pours it on with a selection of 27 wines that complement the existing award-winning variety of more than 200 bottles. Spring/Summer 2010 selections by the glass include: the 25th release of 2010 Vintner's Hall of Fame inductee Randall Grahm's Bonny Doon "Le Cigare Volant" (This California vintage is offered as a special label "Morton's Cuvee."); a single vineyard Pinot Noir from Tony Soter's Willamette estate; and a rich Chardonnay from Dan Goldfield at Dutton Goldfield (Russian River).

Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535.

Morton's The Steakhouse - Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

How To Throw A Party Morton's-Style

Thinking of throwing a party over Memorial Day Weekend? Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead is hosting the perfect event for you! On Thursday, May 13, from 6 - 7:30 p.m., Morton's is hosting a Summer Soiree How-To complete with cocktail making demonstrations and recipes for summertime appetizers.

Learn how to make breezy cocktails like the Cool as a Cucumber cocktail, Guava Caipirissima and Port Sangria. Complementary appetizers such as tuna tartar canapes, mini crab cakes and sirloin rolls will also be demonstrated. And, of course, complimentary bites and sips of everything will be available throughout the demonstration. After all, you can't serve something at a party that you've never tried, right?

The event is $45 per person and seats are limited so be sure to make a reservation to attend!

It's Time to Treat Mom

Mother’s Day is less than two weeks away, so it’s time to start making plans to celebrate these special women. We’ve got a list of mouthwatering meals and great gift options that every mom is sure to love. Get ahead of the game and make mom’s day!

Aqua blue starts mom's day in Roswell with a special 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. brunch buffet for $29.95 per person. Children under the age of 14 are $9.95, and children under four eat free. A buffet peek shows carved strip steak and turkey, roasted pork tenderloin, made-to-order omelets, assorted pastries and desserts and many more tempters. Treat mom to bottomless mimosas for $15 per person. If dinner out is her preference, come from 5:30 - 9 p.m. for Aqua blue's regular à la carte menu and seasonal features. Reservations are required; call 770-643-8886. (1564 Holcomb Bridge Road.)

Dine in Midtown at Ecco's Mother's Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and give mom a mini-Mediterranean holiday. Ecco's brunch menu includes a shareable selection of meats and cheeses and other taste and share items such as a chocolate croissant ($6), goat cheese and lemon croissant ($6) and fried goat cheese with black pepper ($7). Main dishes include a frittata with green garlic, escarole and pecorino ($12); house-made pork sausage with lentils and a poached egg ($12) and crepes with honeyed ricotta, strawberries and pistachios ($9). Crispy, woodfired pizzas ($13-$14) are another favorite. Round out the meal with sides of polenta, sautéed spinach, sautéed potatoes with chorizo ($5 each) and more. See the complete menu and make online reservations. (40 7th Street, NE; 404-347-9555)

Mother's Day "Supper" can only mean one thing -- JCT. Kitchen & Bar is putting on a fine Southern-inspired Sunday Supper for mom's big day from 5 - 9 p.m. Chef and Owner Ford Fry starts his Mother's Day $36 prix-fixe menu with a selection of warm biscuits, house-made jams, deviled eggs and Benton's country ham. After that comes a local "farm stand" salad and then on to the entrée decision . . . will it be slow-cooked rabbit with Vidalia onion, fontina-filled pasta and wilted local greens; pan-roasted dayboat fish; hickory-roasted Berkshire pork rack; cider-braised short rib "pot roast;" black skillet-fried chicken; or the vegetable plate piled with local vegetables, buttered potato dumplings and preserved tomatoes. A classic Georgia strawberry shortcake with local honey and lavender cream makes a sweet supper ending. (1198 Howell Mill Road; 404-355-2252)

Mama mia, La Tavola Trattoria in Virginia Highland loves moms! Their Mother's Day feast welcomes guests from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. with refreshing salads, bruschetta and an antipasti platter of meat and cheese ($5.95-$13.95); and entrées such as house-made challah French toast, chicken sausage, ricotta and lemon ravioli and a smoked salmon crostini ($7.95-$14.95). See the complete menu and make reservations online. (992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430)

Present mom with luxurious chocolates and

truffles from LW Chocolatier chocolate boutique. Select a package filled with a variety of LW's incredible riches of chocolates and truffles or handselect her preferences for a custom-made gift box. Make sure to sign up for their monthly newsletter to find out the latest specials and events! (One Buckhead Plaza at 3060 Peachtree Road, NW, Suite 40; 404-467-8503)

Four of the Marlow's Tavern locations around town will be offering brunch for $14.99 per person and $15 bottomless mimosas for adults on Mother's Day. Savory brunch specialties at Marlow's Tavern include crabcakes Benedict and made-to-order omelets. (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; Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033.)

Morton's The Steakhouse honors mothers with a special $59 menu. The prix-fixe menu includes a choice of Morton's salad or Caesar salad; single-cut filet mignon with béarnaise sauce, Filet Oskar, broiled salmon fillet with beurre blanc sauce, Colossal Shrimp Alexander with beurre blanc sauceor Chicken Christopher with garlic beurre blanc sauce; one vegetable or potato side dish; and crème brûlée or double chocolate mousse for dessert. Each mom dining at Morton's Buckhead on Mother's Day will receive a mini-spa package of a 30-minute massage, mini-facial, and a shampoo, blow out and style at the newly-opened William David Salon in the Terminus Building. Both locations are open from 3 - 9 p.m. on Mother's Day. (Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Morton's The Steakhouse - Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366)

Elegant Pacci Ristorante pays tribute to moms with an abundant brunch buffet laden with flavorful dishes by Executive Chef Keira Moritz, including deviled eggs, crab fondue, cheese grits, pesto squash casserole and an assortment of pastries. The Mother's Day brunch buffet is available from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. and is priced at $22 for adults, $12 for kids ages six to 12 and no charge for children under six. (866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402)

Let Mom choose brunch or dinner riverside, downtown or in the 'burbs at Ray's Restaurants on Mother's Day. From 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Ray's on the River is offering a Mother's Day brunch buffet priced at $35 for adults and $17 for children ages five to 10. From 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., both Ray's Killer Creek and Ray's in the City are offering a brunch priced at $29.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages five to 10. Both locations also are offering the regular dinner menu from 5 - 8 p.m. (Ray's on the River: 6700 Powers Ferry Road; 770-955-1187. Ray's Killer Creek: 1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064. Ray's in the City: 240 Peachtree Street, NW; 404-524-9224)

Shaun's, in historic Inman Park, is offering a Mother's Day brunch spread that will make mom swoon. Served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Executive Chef Shaun Doty's brunch menu boasts breakfast fare including cage-free organic eggs, applewood smoked bacon, homemade sausages, cheddar waffles with Steen's cane syrup, Anson Mill speckled grits, eggs Benedict and a selection of artisan breads and biscuits. Other items include Southern-style fried chicken, braised local collard greens, cedar-planked salmon, marinated pork loin, a selection of farmhouse cheeses and assorted desserts. Price is $40 per person; $10 for children 10 and under. Reservations can be made online. (1029 Edgewood Avenue, NE; 404-577-4358)

Treat your modern-day Southern belle to the regional flavor of Mother's Day brunch at South City Kitchen Midtown or South City Kitchen Vinings. Bask in Southern hospitality while dining on first flavors such as chocolate muffins, fried green tomatoes and sautéed chicken livers; brunch specialties like a country frittata, peach "French toast" pudding, Southern-style eggs Benedict and crab hash; and regular menu favorites including their famous buttermilk fried chicken and pan-fried mountain trout. See the South City Kitchen Midtown menu and make online reservations. 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358. View the South City Kitchen Vinings menu and make online reservations. 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.

Mom has her own Mother's Day dish at Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food! The Plato de Madre ($29.95) fills her plate with cold water lobster tail, chicken and beef fajitas, guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice and frijoles a la charra. So delish, everyone else may want to order their own "plato." The special dish will only be available from May 3 - 16. (Buckhead: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. Sandy Springs: 1140 Hammond Drive, NE, Building K, Suite 100; 678-736-8260).

For a meaningful Mother's Day celebration, take mom to Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery. The North Georgia winery offers a memorable meal with breathtaking views. Since both Mother's Day brunch seatings are already sold out, surprise mom early with a lovely lunch at the winery's Vineyard Café. The café is open Thursday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Advance reservations are required for all food service events and can be made by calling 706-867-9862. Wolf Mountain Vineyards is located at 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega, Georgia, 706-867-9862.

Lastly, if you want to get mom a gift she'll use for years, the Atlanta Cooks at Home cookbook is a great Mother's Day option. Whether your mom is an Atlanta native or an at-home cook who is eager to learn the culinary ways of the South, this book gives readers cool recipes and insight for different occasions as well as personal interviews from the city's top chefs.

Scotch-licious

Last night, I attended a Glenlivet Scotch Tasting at Morton's The Steakhouse in Downtown Atlanta. As I've mentioned in a previous post, I am not a Scotch drinker, or really even a Scotch liker, at all, but I went in to last night's tasting with high hopes that they could change my mind.

Randy Adams, one of only five Glenlivet Brand Ambassadors, succeeded on all accounts! We sampled the 12 year, the 15 year French oak, the 16 year Nadurra and the 18 year (all paired with Morton's delicious signature appetizers). While I found most of the Scotches a little strong for my taste, I was blown away with the 18 year. It was filled with scents of honey and vanilla and with a splash of water I thoroughly enjoyed it!!

Before the evening ended, I got to draw the name of one lucky participant to win two tickets to The Single Malt and Scotch Whisky Extravaganza at the Intercontinental Buckhead Hotel on Thursday night. Greg was so happy he won that he bought me a drink at the bar afterwards as a thank you! A new appreciation for Scotch, a few mini-steak sandwiches and a complimentary glass of wine later, I've deemed last night a fantastically fun time!

Pass the calculator. Pass the fork.

Honestly, I never have been one to understand math without a visual picture of what was supposed to be calculated! Thankfully, Morton’s The Steakhouse is making it easy for those of us better at simply enjoying an amazing dessert than remembering mathematical constants this weekend. Right up my alley!


Since Sunday, March 14th is National Pi Day, both locations have decided to serve their beloved key lime pie for only $3.14 – that’s 3.14159265 for all you authentic math geniuses. Since a slice is usually $10, it doesn’t take crazy calculating skills to know you should get in there for a sweet treat on Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m.!

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!

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.

Collector Adds Morton's Cookbook to Her Shelf

Neigher rain nor thunder nor flooding keeps a cookbook collector away from her passion and Ana Raquel is proof. The Atlantan, who estimates she has 5000 cookbooks, braved the floods last night to be first in line at Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead. Tylor Field, co-author of Morton's new cookbook, was more than happy to sign her book and snap a photo. She had to leave soon thereafter because, you guessed it, she had another cookbook signing to attend! The rest of us stayed and enjoyed some delicious food and drinks, all from recipes in the cookbook. A silent auction raised over $1,000 for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Not bad for a (very) rainy night in Georgia!

Cookbook Tour and Philanthropy Week at Morton's in Buckhead

Morton's The Steakhouse is taking its new “Morton's The Cookbook: 100 Steakhouse Recipes For Every Kitchen” on a 41-market tour, which will stop at the Buckhead location of Morton’s from 6 – 7:30 p.m. on Monday, September 21, for an evening of food, wine and silent auction goodies to raise funds for Feeding America and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Guests can pick up a copy of the cookbook for $20 and have it signed by one of the co-authors, Morton’s Vice President of Wine & Spirits Tylor Field. Tickets are $39 per person, with a portion of ticket sales and all silent auction proceeds going to help the two nonprofit hunger prevention agencies.

Guests can also dine to make a difference at Morton’s in Buckhead during Philanthropy Week (September 21-25) - a week-long celebration of some of Atlanta’s most respected charities. During the week, the restaurant will offer a three-course, prix fixe menu for $75 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. Twenty-five dollars from each meal will be donated to the evening’s featured charity, which are as follows:
Monday, September 21: Atlanta Community Food Bank
Tuesday, September 22: Ovarian Cancer Institute
Wednesday, September 23: Georgia Alliance for Children
Thursday, September 24: Atlanta Humane Society
Friday, September 25: Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia.

Please call 404-816-6535 for reservations. Morton’s The Steakhouse - Buckhead is located at the Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE.

Tailgating Time is Finally Here!

For all you football fans, we’ve got some sure bets for tasty tailgate fare that will definitely win points….off the field, at least:

- For a healthier version of football-watching food, EVOS trades grease for fresh ingredients and offers burgers, fries, sandwiches and wraps with half the fat.

- Six locations of Marlow’s Tavern serve as convenient gathering spots with hearty American fare and flat-screen plasma TVs. For pre-game food on the run, Marlow’s also offers a to-go menu.

- For a fumble-free to-go menu, Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead and Downtown offer only the best with tuna tartare, colossal shrimp cocktail, double-cut filet mignon or New York strip steak and Key lime pie.

- Pacci Ristorante and AltoRex Rooftop Lounge have a couple of options, especially for those heading to nearby Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech. Football fans can pick up fare on the way to the game or let the Midtown restaurant cater their pigskin parties. Pacci’s tailgating menu veers off the restaurant’s Italian steakhouse tradition to include sporty favorites like wings, ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. AltoRex Rooftop Lounge opens at 10 a.m. on game days to cure football fever with a healthy combo of open air, wide-screen viewing, fun beverages and good eats including Johnsonville brats, Italian sausages and soft pretzels. All Pacci catering orders must be placed at least 24 hours before pick-up time.

- Panera Bread’s Via Panera catering menu has about as many choices and Atlanta-area locations as a team roster has players. Bring home sandwiches, salads, soups, bagels, breakfast and brunch foods.

- The Original El Taco catering team can roll out an array of tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, the Grande house salad, appetizers, sides and a salsa bar. Orders include napkins, utensils and plates. Pick up or have your chow delivered ($20 delivery charge). Place your order at least 24 hours in advance by email or calling 404-873-4656.

- Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican Food knows how to plan a football fiesta with food-to-go, party packs and catering. All menu items can be ordered to go – just call Uncle Julio’s to-go line at 404-974-2991. The staff will load up a party pack with your gridiron favorites, or Uncle Julio’s team can set out the linens, chafing dishes and serving pieces; decorate your buffet; and line up plates, utensils, napkins and food. One glance at the catering menu will get your mojo going.

- WaterHaven, in Midtown’s Technology Square, welcomes Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to touch down for brunch before the game on Saturday, September 5. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.; WaterHaven serves brunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. They also offer FREE (validated) parking in the AT&T deck at 5th and West Peachtree streets.

- For prepared foods, Whole Foods Market has what you need including hot pizza, breads, deli items, cheeses, sweets and cold beer… you name it.

Where to Go On Labor Day

It’s good to know that even when most of us will be taking a break on Labor Day, some of Atlanta’s top restaurants will still be servin’ up their delicious dishes for us to enjoy. Check out the list below to see who will be open on Monday, September 7 and give yourself a break from cooking in the kitchen.

Ecco: 40 7th Street, NE; 404-347-9555.

EVOS: 5590 Roswell Road, NE; 404-252-4022.

La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430.

Marlow's Tavern: Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; 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; and Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033.

Panera Bread: Find a Panera Bread location at http://www.panera.com/.

RA Sushi: 1080 Peachtree Street at 1010 Midtown; 404-267-0114.

The Original El Taco: 1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.

Toulouse: 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. To-go line: 404-974-2991.

WaterHaven: 75 Fifth Street, NW at the corner of Spring Street; 404-214-6740.

Also, Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead will thank emergency personnel working on Labor Day with a free lunch that includes their tasty petite filet mignon sandwiches, mini prime cheeseburgers and red bliss potato salad. Emergency personnel in uniform or bearing ID can drive through the parking lot of Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead from 1-4 p.m. on Labor Day to pick up a complimentary to-go lunch.

Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535.

The Ultimate Dinner and a Movie

As opposed to your typical date night out on the town, me and my hubby would sometimes rather have dinner and enjoy a flick in the comfort of our home. We don't have to worry about getting stuck in an awful seat in the back of the theatre, listening to the random conversation happening directly behind our heads or purchasing that $10 coke to go with that $15 bucket of popcorn. That's why we are taking full advantage of Blockbuster's Summer Escape Pass where you can check out one-out-at-a-time movies or games for $10 per week of seven consecutive days. And, Blockbuster has great deals on classic movie munchies: 3 for $3 of one Coke, one theater-sized candy and one popcorn; 5 for $5 of two Cokes, two theater candies and one popcorn; or 7 for $7 of two two-liter Cokes, three theater candies and two popcorns.

If you're looking to make it a complete date night, Morton's The Steakhouse has a convenient to-go menu. May we suggest the colossal shrimp cocktail or tuna tartare for an appetizer, the double-cut filet mignon or New York strip steak for an entrée and a slice of New York cheesecake or Key lime pie for dessert? These are just a handful of delicious dishes on their convenient take-out menu - swing by the restaurants to check out the full selection.

Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road; 404-816-6535. Morton's The Steakhouse - Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

Malbec Tasting at Morton's Downtown

Last night, Morton's Downtown hosted its "Greetings from Argentina: Malbec Tasting." The event ran from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and I have to say it was a little more than just a "tasting". The bartender poured pretty full glasses of each wine, and the wine importer himself was there to answer questions. Morton's passed around cheese and crackers, scallops with apricot chutney, sliced tenderloin with a Chimichurri sauce and Morton's miniature Legendary Hot Chocolate Cakes. YUM! There's another malbec tasting tomorrow night, May 20, at the Buckhead location - I may have to make it to that one too!

Wine Your Way Through The Week

I'm considering attending each of these because 1. I am always looking for a place to meet up with friends after work and 2. I am a certified wine-o. So get your date books ready and jot down these wine tastings and dinners going on in Atlanta in the next week.

Wednesday, May 13 - Woodfire Grill will host a Rosé wine tasting led by Co-Owner and Wine Director Nicolas Quinones. Beginning at 6 p.m. and lasting until 8 p.m., taste through eight rosés from Georgia, Spain, France and California. These are perfect when you are craving red wine aromas and flavors, but desire a chilled and refreshing glass of vino. During Woodfire's tastings you can take a seat anywhere in the restaurant, from dinner table to bar top, and enjoy for $15 per person. Make reservations now by calling 404-347-9055.

Sunday, May 17 - If you live on a tight wine budget, you may ignore the "reserved" list when picking a bottle to accompany dinner. Find out what you’re missing at Toulouse's wine tasting of 15 reserve bottles. Toulouse Wine Guy Michael Gallant spills all of the information during the two-hour tasting beginning at 6:30 p.m. $40 per person includes wines and palate cleansing appetizers. Reservations are encouraged. 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.


Monday, May 18 – Morton’s The Steakhouse Downtown explores the versatility of Malbec wines during the May tasting. Guests will sip on Trapiche, Torrontes, 2008; Trapiche, "Oak Cask," Malbec 2007; Michel Torino, "Don David," Malbec 2006; Broquel, Malbec 2006; and Trapiche, "Adriana Venturin," Malbec 2006 with the restaurant’s signature hors d'oeuvres to compliment each glass. $45 per person excluding tax and gratuity. SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

Wednesday, May 20 – If you missed the Malbec tasting at Morton’s downtown location or if you just want to double up, Morton’s The Steakhouse Buckhead will host the same tasting the following Wednesday. Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535.

Wine and More at Morton's The Steakhouse

Last night, I enjoyed an evening of elegance with Morton’s The Steakhouse in Buckhead. I was a fly on the wall at an exclusive party where wine lock holders selected wine to stock their lockers for future visits. Party attendees moved from station to station, tasting wine and discussing quantities. As an added bonus, representatives from Cartier were there to showcase jewelry from both new and classic collections, all of which were amazing. Men who are fourth generation cigar rollers, have been rolling cigars for 25 years and speak very little English made me my first hand rolled cigar. All day, I have been pondering the perfect upcoming occasion to break it out.

The evening was also an opportunity to meet the restaurant’s newly assembled management team. Anthony, the general manager; Alex, assistant general manager; Sarah, sales and marketing manager; and Joel, food and beverage director, all came out and spent some time getting to know the regular guests and their families. By the end of the night, it was clear that the foundation had been laid for long term, and delicious, relationships between Morton’s new managers and their guests.

Last Call for CPA's To Sign Up And Win Free Dinner at Morton's

As I posted a couple weeks ago, both locations of Morton's The Steakhouse are taking submissions from local CPAs for a complimentary dinner during CPA Appreciation Day on April 16. The winning CPA will be drawn on Tuesday, April 14, so call Morton’s Buckhead at 404-816-6535 or Morton’s Downtown at 404-577-4366 before April 14 to submit your name, phone number and email address.

The complimentary steak and seafood dinner valued at $99.99 is only offered to official CPAs, so be sure and bring proof of profession. Here are the locations - Morton’s The Steakhouse Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Morton’s The Steakhouse Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

Forward on to your stressed out CPA friends that are in need of a little appreciation this April 16!

Attention CPAs - Call Morton's Before Tax Deadline

I used to work for a CPA back in college when I thought that was what I wanted my career to be. Obviously I took a much different route. But years later I can still remember the intensity of the office from January through April. There was no question that I would work on weekends and we all dreaded giving the boss bad news for fear his head would explode. If only we had been able to sign up the boss for Morton's The Steakhouse CPA Appreciation Day on April 16.

Notify all your CPA friends that both locations of Morton's in Atlanta will pick a winner on Wednesday, April 15, to enjoy a complimentary steak and seafood dinner valued at $99.99 during their CPA Appreciation Day celebration on April 16. To enter, call Morton’s Buckhead at 404-816-6535 or Morton’s Downtown at 404-577-4366 before April 14 to submit your name, phone number and email address. Winners will be notified by phone on Tax Day and must bring proof that he/she is a CPA.

Morton’s The Steakhouse-Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Morton’s The Steakhouse-Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

Happy Anniversary Morton's!

Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead is celebrating its 15th anniversary this Wednesday, March 4. To show their appreciation for the wonderful people of Atlanta, Morton's will be serving complimentary mini filet mignon sandwiches in the bar area from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. These sandwiches are delicious and are the perfect snack to accompany a glass of wine or pint of beer. I suggest you get there early and gobble as many down as you can. Happy anniversary Morton's and thank you for the sandwiches!

Morton's The Steakhouse Buckhead, 3379 Peachtree Road N.E.; 404-816-6535.