Power Up at Atlanta Restaurants Near Theaters When Star Wars: The Force Awakens Opens December 18

Popcorn and soda a weak Jedi knight does make. How can The Force be with you when hunger pangs of the dark side strike during a key maneuver? Before zooming off to conquer galaxies far, far away, park the space racer at one of these Atlanta restaurants conveniently located near metro theaters when “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” opens Friday, December 18. Farm-fresh chicken and sides at Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station will sustain Padawans of all ages (kids menu, too) before strapping into Regal Atlantic Station’s stadium seats for an IMAX 3D or big-screen showing. Bantam + Biddy in Lenox Square Mall is a short transport across Peachtree Road from Phipps Plaza AMC screens and an ideal place to alight for a pre-matinee breakfast or a meal on either side of an afternoon or evening showing. At Alpharetta’s Avalon, Bantam + Biddy and Marlow’s Tavern rule the galaxy offering hearty, not heavy fare, beer, wine and spirits, just steps away from Regal Avalon. Park once for dinner and the movie if the destination is Merchant’s Walk Stadium Cinemas in East Cobb -- Marlow’s Tavern and Seed Kitchen & Bar are both located in the same shopping center. For Mall of Georgia Star Wars fans, taco the force with FlexMex and margaritas at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina or with all-American favorites at Marlow’s Tavern. A good meal and a movie? A Jedi craves these things.

Refuel at Truffles Grill This Weekend

You're already gearing up for Black Friday, but have you planned where you're going to refuel to keep the shopping momentum going? Luckily, Truffles Grill is right in the thick of all the retail action (think Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza and all the fabulous Buckhead boutiques) and takes the guesswork out of grabbing a bite. The best part: the restaurant has just released new menu items like seared sesame tuna wonton, ham and brie on a croissant and chile relleno risotto. Or, if you're saving your super shopper skills for the weekend, try out Truffles' newly launched Sunday brunch menu, available from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. The Sunday morning treats ($5 - $16) include homemade sour cream coffee cake; French toast with applewood bacon and brown sugar pecan apples; egg sandwich with applewood bacon and cheese on a croissant served with shoestring fries; huevos rancheros that tops a black bean cake with poached eggs, tasso ham, sautéed spinach and fire-roasted tomato salsa; and a trio of Benedicts -- eggs Benedict, steak Benedict, and Low Country Benedict. Truffles Grill is located at 3345 Lenox Road; 404-364-9050.

Sweet Treats for A Good Cause This Weekend

On Saturday, May 14, Atlanta food bloggers will band together to sell some delicious goodies with the goal of handing over dough raised to Share Our Strength's mission of eradicating childhood hunger and establishing healthy after-school and summer feeding programs.  Summer is an especially critical time for the 17 million children facing hunger in America who will not have school programs in session to feed them over the long break.  The second-annual Atlanta Food Bloggers Bake Sale, organized by Tami Hardeman of Running with Tweezers, will be held at 10 a.m. at Phipps Plaza in conjunction with the Atlanta Luxury Living Show.  The bloggers will be parked in front of Williams-Sonoma in Monarch Court.  For more information, visit the event Facebook page.  Can't make the sale?  You can still help by donating to the Atlanta team online.  Phipps Plaza is located at 3500 Peachtree Road, NE.

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.

Today is the Day for Dinner at Davio’s!

The doors to Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse in Phipps Plaza finally open today and from the size of the incredible crowd at the grand opening party last night; you’ll want to make your reservation soon! The Atlanta newcomer has connections up north: a 25-year lineage under Owner Steve DiFillippo in Boston plus a location in Philadelphia and at Patriot Place in Foxborough, Mass. DiFillippo has chosen Executive Chef Bennett Hollberg, formerly of Atlantic Grill at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta, to bring on a mouthwatering menu of appetizers, seasonal salads, homemade pastas, pizzas, fine beef, fresh fish, savory sides and lots more classic Italian fare. Signature items include the popular Philly Cheese Steak Spring Rolls®; lobster ravioli with sweet peas and tomato lobster brodo; grilled porterhouse veal chop with creamy potatoes and vintage port; grilled prime rib with roasted corn-sweet pepper salad and mashed potatoes; braised short ribs; pan-seared scallops; and sides such as quattro formaggi potato puffs and Gorgonzola mashed potatoes. I had my share of those dishes last night and let me say, they did not disappoint! Don’t take my word for it though, head to Buckhead and try them for yourself. Davio's serves dinner Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 11 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. If you want to get a early glimpse of Davio’s Atlanta location, check out the restaurant's Facebook page.

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