AmericasMart Market Goers, Take a Break and Relax at Ray’s in the City

Perusing all the new merchandise at the AmericasMart Atlanta January market is so exhilarating. The buying, writing orders and chatting up a storm…followed by an aching desire to plop down, sip a cocktail and savor every morsel of an exquisite meal served by pampering staff. Nirvana awaits at Ray’s in the City, a mere one-minute walk on Peachtree, right around the corner from AmericasMart. If the midday schedule allows, pop in for a sustaining lunch encompassing hot soup du jour, seafood gumbo or high-power signature salads ($11-$26); strong handhelds like the salmon BLT, crabcake sandwich or hickory BBQ bacon burger ($14-$17); and Ray’s specialties such as steak frites, crispy shrimp and grits or the chef’s seasonally inspired pasta ($16-$33). Evenings, exit the showroom and unwind to the sounds of live music in the lounge from 6-10 p.m. and Atlanta’s best downtown dining. Share starters of steamed mussels, Ray’s blue cheese chips or “New Orleans” BBQ shrimp, crispy Point Judith calamari with sweet peppers and San Marzano tomato marinara, fresh cold-water oysters or the hot appetizer platter for four to six guests ($13-$70). Recharge over signature salads and entrées including Springer Mountain Farms chicken, salmon Oscar, Parmesan scallops and sun corn roasted trout. Ray’s is renowned for hand-cut steaks and chops featuring aged beef in filet mignon (eight- and 12-ounce cuts), New York strip, Delmonico rib-eye and tenderloin steak frites. Gluten-free options please those watching their diets. A classic cocktail, glass of wine or craft brew will erase any day-end tensions. In town over the weekend? Leave the hotel room behind to enjoy brunch on Saturday and Sunday or ”Wine” Down in the City with half-price bottles of wine on Sundays from 12:30 p.m. until close. To make reservations, call 404-524-9224.

Ray’s Guests Score Wine-to-Food Conversion, Provide almost 8K Meals for NFL KickHunger Campaign

Earlier this fall, Ray's Restaurants instigated a game plan to help the NFL Kick Hunger campaign provide meals to families in need. For each case of Orin Swift wines sold at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek, the NFL donated 30 meals to a local food bank. Ray’s offered the wines at special prices, adding more incentive to touch down at Ray’s and intercept a glass or bottle of the fine California wine. The successful promo helped provide 7,740 meals for Atlanta’s hungry, giving Ray’s the highest sales in the area for the NFL Kick Hunger promotion.

Merry Caymus! Ray’s Restaurants Features Caymus Vineyards Wines during December

“Outstanding” aptly describes Ray’s Restaurants, Caymus Vineyards and the December featured wine promotion at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek. Founded in 1984 by renowned restaurateur Ray Schoenbaum, the Ray’s family of restaurants is always on point with mouthwatering cuisine, thoughtful wine selections and attentive service. Caymus Vineyards releases remarkable wines and remains family owned by the Wagner family in Rutherford, California. Charlie and Lorna Wagner produced their first vintage in 1972, and the family remains focused on producing quality cabernet sauvignons, especially two velvety cabs -- Napa Valley and the flagship Special Selection. During December, share the Ray’s dining experience and these exquisite, specially priced Caymus selections. Ray’s in the City and Ray’s on the River are offering Caymus cabernet sauvignon at $24/glass (8 oz.) and $100/bottle; Caymus Special Selection at $200/bottle and Mer Soleil Reserve chardonnay at $18/glass (8 oz.) and $55/bottle. Ray’s at Killer Creek offers the same three selections and per bottle prices, while by-the-glass pours differ: Caymus cabernet sauvignon is priced at $18/glass (6 oz.) or $27/glass (9 oz.) and Mer Soleil Reserve chardonnay is priced at $14/glass (6 oz.) or $20/glass (9 oz.). Merry Caymus, everyone!

Open Now -- $100 Gift for Booking Holiday Parties at Ray’s Restaurants by Sept. 30

Perhaps the event planning elves at Ray’s Restaurants crisped on the beach and started longing for the cool holiday party season. Their desire to jumpstart the holidays at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek rewards early bird party planners with the gift of a $100 Ray’s Dining Card to be enjoyed in the new year. All three Ray’s Restaurants come through with extraordinary cuisine and service, and The Grand Pavilion at Ray’s on the River provides an especially spectacular event space. Surrounded by lush landscaping, The Grand Pavilion affords panoramic views of the Chattahoochee River and direct access to a lighted path meandering along the riverbank. The temperature-controlled pavilion with its own private entrance accommodates up to 180 guests, a band, DJ and a dance floor. To take advantage of Ray’s holiday party gift card incentive, book and confirm your Dec. 1-30, 2017 party with signed contract by Sept. 30, 2017. Food and beverage minimum of $1,500 is required to qualify for the $100 Ray’s Dining Card. Ray’s Dining Card will be mailed in January 2018 provided event invoice has been paid in full.

Claw-a-Bunga! Ray’s Lobsterfest Traps $29.95 Lobster Dinner Beginning Aug. 1

Perhaps you’ve heard the deep discussions -- the table talk about Maine lobsters at Ray’s Restaurants. How deep were those lobster cages anyway?  Way down where Maine’s coastal waters raise up the most tender, succulent lobsters to be found. During Ray’s Lobsterfest at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek, delve into this delectably weighty matter, enjoying a 1.25 pound whole Maine lobster for dinner served with your choice of artisan field greens or Caesar salad and a side choice of Yukon Gold whipped potatoes or chef’s vegetable du jour for $29.95 per person (excludes tax, gratuity, beverages). Clawing for more? Two- and three-pound lobsters are also available. Limited time only; subject to availability.

Wine Spectator Pours “Best of” Awards over Aria, Ray’s in the City and Umi

Could it be the toast heard ‘round the world? Wine Spectator magazine raises a glass to its 2017 “Best of Award” recipients, honoring restaurants exhibiting outstanding dedication to their wine programs. Award winners hail from all 50 states and more than 75 countries. In Atlanta, “Wine Spectator” applauds Aria, Ray’s in the City and Umi among a cast of outstanding restaurants. Ray’s in the City and Umi each claim an “Award of Excellence” commending merit in satisfying discerning wine lovers with well-chosen assortments of quality wine producers and prowess in achieving a thematic match of wine price and style to restaurant menus. Ray’s in the City offers a lengthy wine list of wines by the bottle, including alternative reds and whites, global labels, French wines, Champagnes, sake and dessert wines in a wide price spread. The downtown restaurant pours a well-curated selection of wines by the glass to complement executive chef Dean Berthelot’s menu of premium seafood, sushi and prime, hand-cut steaks and chops served daily at lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. At Umi, an exceptional wine and craft sake list enhances the sophisticated evening dining experience afforded by chef Fuyuhiko Ito and his team. Reservations are suggested to enjoy Umi’s menu of modern and classic Japanese fare and sushi prepared using the highest quality fresh fish flown in daily from around the world.

Aria, chef/owner Gerry Klaskala’s Buckhead jewel, goes a step further and brings home the “Best of Award of Excellence” accolade. In addition to mastering “Award of Excellence” criteria, attaining “Best of“ status lauds the restaurant for a wine program that excels in breadth across multiple regions and/or significant vertical depth of top wines and carries out superior presentation. Stunning contemporary American cuisine, incomparable hospitality and an award-winning wine program land Aria on “Best of” lists year after year. Reservations are suggested at Aria for dinner served evenings Monday through Saturday.

Ray’s Restaurants Shaves $100 Off Price of Dom Perignon through May 31

More bubbles, less bullion. Through May 31, all three Ray’s Restaurants are popping open bottles of Dom Perignon Champagne for $150 instead of the usual $250. Now that you’ve saved, how about a small splurge? Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek are each featuring their own king salmon and soft shell crab seasonal specials. Those looking for a luscious lobster and champagne dinner can zero in on Ray’s signature lobster Cobb salad or specialties such as Canadian cold water lobster tail, a whole Maine lobster or an option to pair a cold water lobster tail with one of Ray’s top-quality Certified Angus Beef steaks. Hurry in, because like those Champagne bubbles, the Dom Perignon special will soon disappear.

Catch King Salmon and Soft Shell Crab Specials at Ray’s Restaurants, Limited Time Only

King salmon is on the run, and Ray’s Restaurants marks the finish line for this prized flavorful, omega-3 rich fish. The chefs showcase this limited-time catch in location-specific special dishes at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek. Additionally, the chefs have an in on seasonal soft shell crabs. Savor their succulence, claws and all. Time is of the essence with delicacies such as these. Swim fast or risk missing the boat. 

Sip Orin Swift Wines for Less at Ray’s Restaurants through April 30

Ray’s Restaurants is featuring four Orin Swift Cellars wines at special pricing through April 30. The limited-time opportunity includes select varietals of these fine California wines from Ray’s cellar: Palermo cabernet sauvignon, $20 per glass or $60 per bottle; Machete petite sirah, $24 per glass or $65 per bottle; Papillon Bordeaux blend, $85 per bottle; and Mercury Head cabernet sauvignon, $140 per bottle. Come “Swift-ly” to savor this exquisite wine deal at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek. Cellared wines are subject to availability. When they’re gone, they’re gone.

Be Happy over More Hours for $1 Oysters and Half-Priced Apps at Ray’s Restaurants

Ray’s Restaurants reveals why its guests are so happy. Hand-cut steaks and fresh seafood, yes, but also for high-quality bar bites at half price. At Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs and Ray’s at Killer Creek in Alpharetta, relish $1 oysters on the half shell and half-price appetizers including seared ahi tuna tataki, crispy Point Judith calamari, Ray’s “New Orleans” barbecue shrimp, Ray’s brisket burger, goat cheese pimiento fritters and Ray’s blue cheese chips. Enjoy the specials in bar and lounge areas (and on the creek-side patio at Ray’s at Killer Creek). Hours are 3-6 p.m. (Ray’s on the River) and 3-7 p.m. (Ray’s at Killer Creek), 9 p.m. to close and Sundays from 5-9 p.m. The downtown Atlanta after-work crowd unwinds at Ray’s in the City to live music (Tuesday through Saturday) and a revamped menu of bar friendly bites including Ray’s gourmet sliders (served with Ray’s house-cut fries), crispy fried Gulf shrimp and grits and half-price items including Ray’s “New Orleans” barbecue shrimp, steamed mussels, crispy Point Judith calamari, Ray’s blue cheese chips and a half-dozen oysters on the half shell. These specials rule Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close. In addition, all raw bar items are half price (excludes cold seafood tower) from 9 p.m. to close weekdays.

Save on Jordan Wine by Glass or Bottle at Ray’s Restaurants through Feb. 19

Ray’s Restaurants is doing its part to add two dear wines to your tried-and-true list this year – and spend less along the way. For a limited time, Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek are pouring two Jordan Wine varietals at tantalizing savings. Jordan chardonnay is specially priced at $20 per eight-ounce glass or $60 for the bottle, and Jordan cabernet sauvignon tempts at $27 per eight-ounce glass and $80 per bottle. Contributing to the “Wow!” factor, Ray’s Restaurants typically does not offer these Alexander Valley, California wines by the glass, and regular restaurant prices usually run $80 for chardonnay and $120 for cabernet sauvignon. Go with the flow and take advantage of these wine-some savings through Feb. 19.

$14 Lunch Menu Pleases at Ray’s in the City

Downtown diners can dive into the new $14 lunch menu at Ray’s in the City. The midday menu boasts dishes from both land and sea. Choose among creamy shrimp alfredo pasta; Southern fried chicken served with Yukon Gold whipped potatoes and braised local greens; grilled Canadian salmon served warm over a crispy Caesar salad; blacked shrimp and andouille sausage po’boy with a cup of soup du jour; cheddar burger joined by house-cut fries; and a blended broiled brisket and short rib chopped steak on a bed of Yukon Gold whipped potatoes and topped with a rich mushroom demi-glace. Ray’s $14 lunch includes soft drink, coffee or iced tea. Make reservations online or call 404-524-9224.

You Can Have It All with Ray’s $34.95 Surf & Turf Dinner Special

Why commit to only land or only sea when you can have both for a very appetizing price thanks to the special Surf & Turf dinner special at Ray’s Restaurants? Available at all three Ray’s locations – Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek -- the prix fixe menu pulls together the best of land and sea and tosses in a salad and side for $34.95 per person. Choose a leafy green starter of either artisan field greens with mixed local baby lettuce, candied pecans, dried cranberries, Statesboro blue cheese and roasted onion balsamic dressing or a Caesar salad tossing baby gem lettuce with shaved pecorino cheese, herb croutons and Caesar dressing. The entrée features Surf & Turf title cuts, a six-ounce filet mignon and four-ounce lobster tail sided by Yukon gold whipped potatoes. Room for dessert? For $5, add New York cheesecake with caramel drizzle or chocolate raspberry mousse with raspberry coulis. Price excludes beverage, tax and gratuity; prix fixe menu may not be split. Ruminate too long and you’ll miss this succulent, limited-time offering.

Field a Hall of Fame-Worthy Football Feast with Atlanta Restaurants on Your Team

Football season is here, and football parties rack up the first down on any game day. Atlanta restaurants are key players, taking the field with everything you need to host the perfect tailgate or home-front pigskin party.

For antipasti and panini platters and primi, secondi and dolci courses, Bellina Alimentari at Ponce City Market will definitely score points with discerning guests. Place orders at least 48 hours in advance; allow 72-hour notice for parties of 30 or more. For information and ordering, call 404-330-9933.
                                                          
Go for the gusto of the gourmet meat and cheese sandwich platter Ray’s in the City builds with domestic house-cut deli meats and artisanal cheeses, house-made pickles, vine-ripened tomatoes, Bibb lettuce and assorted breads. Two side displays (choose from whole fruit, artisan field greens salad, red bliss potato salad, Southern-style macaroni salad and house-made kettle chips) and one dessert display (graham cracker lemon squares, house-baked cookies, a seasonal fruit platter or chocolate fudge brownies) are included. Serves 12 for $80; $6.75 per additional person. To order, call 404-524-9224.
 
Smokebelly BBQ, Atlanta’s top destination for chef-crafted barbecue, offers three mouthwatering catering options complete with barbecue sauce and buns:  “The Baron of BBQ” ($14 per person) with pulled pork and two sides of your choosing; “The Duke of Smoke” ($17 per person) with choice of two meats and three sides; and “The King of ‘Cue” ($19 per person) with choice of three meats and three sides. To place an order, call 404-848-9100.

Yell a cheer and spell out your favorite team with custom letter-shaped doughnuts (select flavors only) from Sublime Doughnuts. Requires 24-hour advance notice; 404-897-1801.

Georgia pigskin calls for Southern-style barbecue from Kevin Gillespie. Terminus City is serving up an unbelievable whole hog barbecue cooked on-site by chef Andreas Müller with four sides, dessert and paper products. Requires a two-week lead time. Visit the Facebook page for more information, and place orders by emailing terminuscity@gunshowatl.com or calling 404-380-1886.

Let Tin Lizzy's Cantina turn your big-game bash into a spicy FlexMex fiesta with the stacked taco bar, which includes two soft flour tortillas per person, choice of grilled chicken, grilled steak or seasoned pork, and lettuce, rice, black beans, pico de gallo, jack cheese, grilled onions and peppers, sauce, guacamole, chips and salsa fresca for $11 per person. You also can’t go wrong with the ever-popular chicken finger platter ($4 per person), cantina salads, margarita mix (sorry, tequila not included) and other fiesta faves. Deliveries require a $100 minimum order; delivery fee applies outside 10-mile radius. Prices exclude taxes and gratuity, and 24-hour notice is appreciated. For more information, email catering@tinlizzyscantina.com or call 404-668-8757.

Sack those stale chips and dull dips and send in crowd-pleasing catering all-stars from Willy's Mexicana Grill: Willy’s build-your-own taco, fajita or nacho bars, cheese dip, guacamole, salsa, chips, burritos and more. Ten-person minimum on catering orders. Read the whole roster of Tex-Mex flavors on the menu at willys.com/catering-menu. Order online or call 404-422-7107.

Ray’s Restaurants Offer Military Discounts and Double Dining Club Points on Memorial Day, May 30

An all-American holiday deserves an all-American meal of steaks, seafood, signature dishes or even some Tex-Mex. All Ray’s Restaurants -- Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River, Ray’s at Killer Creek and Ray’s Rio Bravo will be open and eager to serve from noon-9 p.m. on Memorial Day, May 30. As a token of appreciation, the restaurants are extending a 20 percent discount to all veterans and active-duty military plus one guest. Additionally, Dining Club members will receive double points for Memorial Day purchases.

Copper River Salmon are Running at Ray’s Restaurants for a Limited Time

The return of king salmon to the cold waters of Alaska’s Copper River affirms seasonal eating extends well beyond the garden gates. The king is back and making an appearance on Ray’s Restaurants’ menus for a limited time. Copper River salmon is coveted for its superb flavor, texture and naturally high omega-3 oil content, and king salmon runs are carefully managed for long-term sustainability by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. All are feel-good reasons spawning salmon lovers to look for this market-priced fish on the menus at Ray’s at Killer Creek in Alpharetta, Ray’s in the City in downtown Atlanta and Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs. Ray’s at Killer Creek executive chef Mike Fuller has created several specials to be featured throughout the season, including a cast-iron Copper River king salmon with local butter beans, Carolina gold rice and Meyer lemon aїoli. Hooked? Try this recipe at home.

Give Thanks for Atlanta Restaurants Nixing Feast-Fixing Stress with Bountiful Buffets and Tantalizing Takeouts

Seen the planning charts for organizing Thanksgiving dinner? One month out do this. Two weeks out do that. Set the table and the buffet. Buy the wine and thaw the turkey. Stop. Reflect. Be thankful for family, friends and Atlanta restaurants ready to gobble up any stress with all-you-can-eat buffets and scrumptious take-away entrées and sides. You’ll only need to make reservations. So blessed.

Kick off the celebration early and give thanks at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland where they’re throwing a Thanksgiving Eve party with New Belgium Brewing Company on Wednesday, November 25. Make your way back on Thanksgiving Day for dinner service beginning at 4 p.m. featuring Big Green Egg smoked turkey and all the fixin’s. Priced at $28 for adults, $18 for young adults and $10 for children 10 and under. Reservations are recommended for dinner. Call 404-876-7249.

10th & Piedmont hosts its traditional Thanksgiving Day buffet from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Stations cover all the food groups: a carving station for roasted garlic prime rib and slow-baked brown butter turkey breast; cold station for salads, fruits and cheeses; a hot station bears roasted butternut squash bisque, Creole shrimp and stone-ground yellow grits, traditional turkey cornbread dressing, triple-cheese mac and cheese, candied sweet potatoes and more; and dessert central offers pumpkin pie, Southern pecan pie, chocolate ganache cake, apple butter crumble bread pudding, Dutch apple pie and Chantilly banana pudding. $34.95 per person. Call 404-602-5510 for reservations.

Ray’s Restaurants’ buffets give center stage to Thanksgiving staples and signature Ray’s favorites. Dine at Ray’s on the River from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. for $45.95 per adult and $22.95 per child (ages 5-10). The spread at Ray’s at Killer Creek also is available from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and is priced at $37.95 per adult and $18.95 per child. Ray’s in the City closes an hour earlier, with its buffet running from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and also priced at $37.95 per adult and $18.95 per child. For full menus and reservations, visit raysrestaurants.com.

Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar spotlights a family style lunch and dinner menu on Thanksgiving Day. For $65 per person, guests can enjoy a traditional turkey dinner or baked Chilean sea bass along with such selections as roasted butternut squash soup, smoked country ham, roasted root vegetables, sweet potato roulade and local apple fritters. Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner, 5-9:30 p.m. Call 404-745-5000 for reservations.

Turkey to go

Let Bantam + Biddy on Crescent Avenue handle the cooking this year with a to-go Thanksgiving feast that easily feeds 10-12 hungry and grateful guests. Spread includes a 12- to 15-pound roasted Amish turkey, classic mashed potatoes, braised collard greens, sage and wild rice stuffing, homemade giblet gravy, a quart of spicy cranberry sauce, cornbread and North Georgia apple pie, all ready to heat and serve. Place orders for the $200 feast by 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 21. Pick up between 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25 at the Crescent Avenue location only. To place your order, call 404-725-5059 or email wecater@bantamandbiddy.com.
 
Make Wednesday night prep even easier or say, "arrivederci!" to tired turkey leftovers. Please the family with grab-and-go Italian fare from newly opened Bellina Alimentari in Ponce City Market (PCM). Bellina's Market in the PCM Food Hall has take-home, family style portions of lasagna and other Italian favorites to heat, eat and satiate your crowd pre- and post-Thanksgiving feast.

Feed a table of six to eight guests for $75 with a 12-to 14-pound apple-brined Thanksgiving turkey from Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails accompanied by Madeira gravy and sage-corn spoonbread. Sides of mashed or rosemary-roasted potatoes, green beans, grilled asparagus and pimiento cheese grits are available for $20 per quart. Place orders online by Friday, November 20 for pick up November 24 and 25.

Traditionalists preferring to roast or smoke their own Thanksgiving turkey will give thanks for White Oak Pastures'high-quality American Standard Bronze birds that are Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane and rated Step 5+ (highest possible rating) by the Global Animal Partnership. Raised completely unconfined on White Oak’s farm, they come to the table free of antibiotics, hormones and other additives—and completely delicious. Pricing is $75 for small (8-12 pounds), $100 for medium-sized birds (12.1-16 pounds) and $125 for large (16.1 pounds and heavier). Order via White Oak Pastures’ online store. All turkeys will be shipped the week before Thanksgiving (Monday, November 16 – Friday, November 20) to ensure timely delivery.

Post-Turkey Tango

After the big meal, excuse yourself from the table and ease your way to Johnny’s Hideaway to dance off the stuffing and pie. The Buckhead nightspot will open at 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations are accepted until 8:30 p.m. Call 404-233-8026.

Ray’s in the City Founding Chef Dean Berthelot Returns to Helm Kitchen

We all have those friends. The ones you may not have seen for a decade, but when you have a reunion, the two of you pick up right where you left off. Such is the story for Ray's in the City and “new” executive chef Dean Berthelot. Twelve years ago, Berthelot helped Ray's Restaurants’ founder Ray Schoenbaum open this shining star in downtown Atlanta’s culinary scene and shaped the restaurant’s menu and fine dining experience. Louisiana-born Berthelot began his culinary career in 1991 at the Royal Sonesta Hotel in New Orleans before moving on to his first executive chef position at NOLA’s House of Blues and opening other House of Blues locations. Atlanta-bound in 2001, he cheffed at The Cheesecake Factory. Ray’s snatched him up in 2003 to be executive sous chef at Ray’s on the River, tapping Berthelot to lead Schoenbaum’s new Ray’s in the City later that year. Berthelot was “Googled” to serve as executive chef at Atlanta’s four Google facilities in 2010. Here and now, this chef feels blessed to return to the world-class restaurant he helped open a dozen years ago. Ray’s “bestie” has come home. 

Savor the Savings of Prix Fixe Menus during Downtown Restaurant Week July 18-26

Centennial Olympic Park, National Center for Civil and Human Rights, College Football Hall of Fame, Georgia Aquarium...Atlanta boasts lots to see and do. And eat. From July 18-26, Downtown Restaurant Week zeroes in on the eats. Reservations are suggested for these popular dining destinations offering $15 and $25 prix fixe lunch and dinner deals.

The $25 lunch and dinner menu at Der Biergarten offers choices between two appetizers and three authentic German mains plus apple strudel with vanilla ice cream for dessert. Available for lunch only on Saturdays and Sundays. Reservations: 404-521-2728.

Noon or night, the Game-X $25 special includes a $10 Game Play card along with a choice of chips-n-queso or Mexico City rolls; double burger stack, Buffalo wrap or vegetarian California wrap. Reservations: 404-525-0728.

Opt for a three-course lunch for $15 or a four-course dinnerfor $25 at Glenn’s Kitchen. Both begin with a farm-fresh deviled egg and a choice of Little Gem lettuce or Tuscan kale salad. Lunch adds grilled lemon-marinated chicken on ciabatta, GK organic grass-fed beef hamburger or grilled vegetable sandwich. Pecan-crusted Georgia trout or grilled flat-iron steak are followed by red velvet cake come dinnertime. Reservations: 404-469-0700.

A $25 lunch and dinner menu for two pans out at Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria and includes a choice of garden or Caesar salad; Margherita, classica, bianca or tradizionale 12-inch pizza and zeppoli for dessert. Reservations: 404-974-2941.

Visit Ray’s in the City to enjoy a lunchtime entrée and dessert for $15 or three-course dinner for $25. On the menu, look for entrées of a shrimp and lobster roll, Ray’s sushi combo and chopped steak at lunch; seafood pasta, steak Oscar, horseradish-crusted grouper or roasted half Prestige Farms chicken for dinner. Make reservations online.

Score three courses for $15 at lunch and $25 at dinner on STATS prix fixe menus. Both feature apps of Hail Mary hummus or Jorge Junior’s nachos and chocolate tres leches or lemon icebox pie for dessert. Grab today’s catch, Messi double stack or the Dirty Bird for lunch; the Angler, Fan Favorite or the Big Win for dinner. Reservations: 404-885-1472.
 
Twin Smokers BBQ cues up a $15 lunch and dinner menufeaturing sandwiches with Creekstone brisket, pulled Springer Mountain chicken or pulled Cheshire pork plus a chocolate chip cookie or Rice Krispies treat for dessert. Includes non-alcoholic beverage. Reservations: 404-698-4707.

Stop Floundering and Claw Your Way to Ray’s Restaurants for Lobsterfest

Ray’s Restaurants and Rockland, Maine share a common denominator. Lobsters. While Rockland is the self-proclaimed “Lobster Capital of the World,” the king of crustaceans rules at Ray’s Restaurants’ Lobsterfest. Currently at Ray’s at Killer Creek and beginning Monday, July 6 at Ray's on the River and Ray's in the City, select a 1.25-pound whole Maine lobster served with drawn butter and a choice of salad and side for $24.95. All three restaurants salute Independence Day by presenting a one-pound whole Maine lobster, drawn butter and a choice of side for just $16.95 on July 4. The celebration continues over a lobster boil spread at Ray’s at Killer Creek on Saturday, July 11 and at Ray’s on the River on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18. The all-you-can-eat buffet boasts succulent lobster tails, lobster claws, peel-and-eat shrimp, andouille sausage, savory red potatoes, roasted corn coleslaw and more plus house-made desserts. Cash bar. All three spreads are from 6:30-9:00 p.m. and cost $50 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Space is limited; for reservations, call 770-955-1187 (Ray’s on the River) or 770-649-0064 (Ray’s at Killer Creek). Hurry in or you’ll miss Lobsterfest by a tail.