Warm Up this Weekend with Fireplaces and Fire Pits at Atlanta Restaurants

Usually when we talk about Atlanta's fired-up cuisine scene, we're referring to open-hearth cooking, coal-fired pizza ovens and smoking-hot Big Green Eggs. The advent of colder weather draws us closer to another kind of flame, that radiating from interior dining room fireplaces and heat-packing fire pits on restaurant patios and rooftops. Dine out and get it to glow.

At Buckhead's Seven Lamps, a courtyard fire pit warms hands as they tip a glass of Low Winter Sun or another handcrafted cocktail dispersing liquid sunshine. At nearby King + Duke, newly installed fire pits entice guests outside for a hot toddy or fiery spirits at the winter bar. 

Midtowners can heat up as they eat up at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern. Outdoor dining is a go for breakfast, lunch or dinner as the fire pit evicts cold while welcoming friends to gather.

Sunsets come early in winter months, providing more time to soak in the twinkling cityscape from a rooftop perch at STATS located in downtown Atlanta's Luckie Marietta District. Cozy up near the blazing fire pit and stoke winter cravings with a hearty salad, sandwich, salmon or steak or a powerful libation from the fully stocked bar. Those fired up about a wedding, corporate party or private event will light into Ventanas where 360-degree views of the city below and stars above ignite a huge wow factor for guests seated fireside on the rooftop patio.

Traditionalists will love the two large fireplaces at Old Vinings Inn: one casts a welcoming warmth into the lobby as the other invites guests to settle into the Bear Room for comfort food or a feel-good cup of hot caramel apple cider. A towering stacked-stone fireplace anchors the patio at The Mill Kitchen & Bar in Roswell. Craft cocktails, warm desserts and regionally inspired favorites lift winter's gray cloud. In historic Crabapple, Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails' indoor fireplace casts a cheerful glow over the dining room.

Savor the contrast of windows on winter and dining by a crackling fire at Ray's on the Creek. The Alpharetta restaurant keeps Big Green Egg ribs and pulled pork on the menu as well as offering Ray's Restaurants' seafood favorites year round.

Join Santa at Ray's on the Creek for Lunchtime Photo Ops on December 22

Have the cameras and smart phones ready to snap photos with Santa during lunch hours at Ray's on the Creek this Sunday, December 22. After taking pictures with Santa, order off of Ray's regular lunch menu where the options of succulent seafood are endless. Choose from freshly made sushi, soups, salads and sharable sides to accompany the Big Green Egg specialties such as smoked salmon, St. Louis-style ribs or pulled pork piled on Texas toast. Or choose from Ray's plenty of hearty sandwiches such as the juicy beef or salmon burgers, a prime rib dip, a lobster roll and chicken or grouper sandwiches. Doors open for lunch at 11 a.m., so hurry over to not miss out on this opportunity to enjoy lunch and pictures with Santa at Ray’s on the Creek! 

Prix Fixe Deals at Ray's on the Creek During Alpharetta Restaurant Week, November 2-9

We know it's easy to fill up on Halloween candy this week, but you'll want to save some room for the amazing prix fixe menus hitting restaurants this weekend for Alpharetta Restaurant Week. Don't miss out on the three-course dinner menu for $25 per guest at Ray's on the Creek. Choose from three appetizers including fried green tomatoes; mixed greens with dried fruit, apples, walnuts and pecorino; or butternut squash ravioli with spiced pecans. Then explore the entrée options, which include hazelnut-rolled pork tenderloin with port cherry sauce; petite swordfish; and roasted duck breast with Brussels sprouts, butternut squash and a bacon finish. Dessert choices couldn't be sweeter: smoked chili chocolate bread pudding, white chocolate and pumpkin crème brûlée or gooey toffee cake. Prices exclude beverages, tax and gratuity. 

Ray's Restaurants Sponsors 12th Annual Derek Rackley Golf Classic on October 27-28

Sponsoring the 12^th annual Derek Rackley Golf Classic at Berkley Hills Country Club in Duluth on October 27 and 28, Ray's Restaurants will be sustaining golfers with good eats while they raise funds to help Fragile Kids Foundation. Ray's Restaurants and the R.A.C.K. Foundation have raised more than $450,000 for Fragile Kids since partnering in 2005. On Sunday night, participating golfers and celebrity golfers will be treated to a delicious pre-tournament dinner prepared on the Big Green Egg by Ray's chefs, spirited drinks created by Ray's, live music, a silent auction plus putting and chipping competitions. Monday morning registration begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by an 11 a.m. tee-off. Ray's will be there with pre-tee breakfast and midday lunch for golfers. Tournament tickets are $250 per person and may be purchased online.

Fragile Kids Foundation strives to create safer, healthier lives for children living with a wide range of diagnoses including cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, mitochondrial disorder, Rett syndrome, Angelman syndrome and other genetic/traumatic injuries.

Ray's Restaurants Host Fall Chef's Dinner October 10 and 11

Wine and dine your way through five delicious courses at Ray's on the River on Thursday, October 10 and Ray's on the Creek on Friday, October 11. Inspired by wines from Taste of the NFL, cabernet, chardonnay, zinfandel and prosecco are the starlets of the evening. Treat your palate to Big Green Egg-smoked oysters with cucumber mignonette served with La Marca Prosecco; Marcona almond-dusted striped bass with olive and roasted red pepper tapenade and parsnip purée paired with William Hill Bench Blend Chardonnay 2008; seared duck breast with sweet potato mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts with crispy bacon served with William Hill Bench Blend Cabernet 2009; and braised brisket with wild mushroom bread pudding, rapini and bourbon jus paired with Louis Martini Alexander Valley Cabernet 2008. Treat yourself with assorted cheeses and balsamic and fig ice cream for dessert accompanied by Louis Martini Gnarly Vine Zinfandel 2010. Tickets are $75 per person or $65 for Dining Club members. Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. RSVP to Ray's on the River at 770-955-1187 or Ray's on the Creek at 770-649-0064. Come one, come all; we're wining to dine with you. 

Fall Three-Course Menus Arrive at Ray's Restaurants

Fall has arrived and the chefs at each of the Ray’s Restaurants locations have crafted a delicious three-course menu to celebrate the season. Each menu pairs gracefully with carefully selected wine recommendations and offers guests three choices to consider for appetizer, entrée and dessert. Available for a limited time, each menu is $29 per person; add $15 for wine pairings (excludes tax and gratuity). A quick peek at the menus reveals items such as fried green tomatoes, hazelnut-rolled pork tenderloin, smoked chili-chocolate bread pudding and white chocolate and pumpkin crème brûlée at Ray’s on the Creek; barbecued shrimp, a 10-ounce pork chop with maple bourbon whipped sweet potato and apple chutney, and chocolate-raspberry mousse cake at Ray’s on the River; and crab Rockefeller-stuffed mushroom, spicy tuna roll, barbecued Atlantic salmon, pumpkin cheesecake and apple cobbler at Ray’s in the City.

National Seafood Month Hooks Atlantans on Coastal Favorites

Grab your appetite and dive into National Seafood Month. October serves up coastal favorites for Atlantans in many of the city's treasured eateries. Get caught up in a well-balanced diet of seafood, as it hauls in plenty of health benefits. 

Executive chef David Bradley, of Lure, catches guests' attention with his saltwater classics prepared fresh daily. Whether one is feeling Blue Hill Bay mussels ($14) or grilled Block Island Swordfish ($32), make sure to taste the Southern flavors of Vidalia onion hushpuppies, coleslaw and corn on the cob, which comes with fried North Carolina catfish ($19). 

How about make your dish the fish? Ray's Restaurants promises always fresh seafood, flown in daily from Atlantic and Pacific fishing fleets. Delicious Georges Bank scallops, grouper and Georgia mountain trout will have one reminiscing on beach eats by the water. Visit Ray's in the City in downtown Atlanta, Ray's on the River in Sandy Springs and Ray's on the Creek in Alpharetta for all of your guilt-less sea pleasures. 

The Optimist brings sustainable seafood to west Midtown. Executive chef Andrew Evans shells out fresh entrées like East and West coast oysters and crispy whole black fish with fried shallots for guests to indulge in.  

Kick it dockside with oysters on the half shell, lump crab cake and calamari fries at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill. Open for lunch and dinner, take a taste of the shrimp and grits for $12.95 or the "dry pack" sea scallops for $20.95. 

Take Your Tailgate to the Next Level with Ray's on the Creek's Big Green Egg Class

 

Help your tailgate score the extra point with Ray's on the Creek's Big Green Egg class on October 5. Block out the 11 a.m.-1 p.m. time slot (still plenty of time to watch the games afterward) and reserve a spot by calling 770-649-0064. Tuition is $15 per person. Find out what's cooking here. 

Chef Kevin Rathbun and Linton Hopkins Bring Heat to the Kitchen at Atlanta Eats Live! Showdown

Move over, Jagger, chef rock stardom has taken the world by storm. Culinary connoisseurs are craving for open kitchens, TV shows, destination dining and "best of" events, to name a few. Groupies turned foodies, everyone is eating up seasonal creations and intoxicating libations. Bringing flavor to the city, Atlanta Eats Live! hosts 30 iconic Atlanta restaurants, entertainment and renowned chefs at Alpharetta's Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on Sunday, October 6 from 5-10 p.m. The colossal event honors Kevin Rathbun and Linton Hopkins for their contribution and commitment to the culinary community both near and far. "Atlanta Eats" television show host Steak Shapiro and WGST "Atlanta Eats" radio show host Mara Davis come together for a chef showdown between Rathbun and Hopkins. The heat is on in the kitchen as the two rock stars compete during the live entertainment lineup of cooking demos, chef karaoke and music from the all-chef band Five Bone Rack. Article 14, Lure, No. 246, The Optimist, Ray's on the Creek will have the drinks flowing for an over-21 audience. Tickets are $125 per person; includes all food, beverages and entertainment. Come have fun and know that your eating and drinking efforts benefit Staplehouse - The Giving Kitchen.

Support the No Kid Hungry Campaign by Dining Out at Marlow's Tavern, Aqua blue and Ray's Restaurants in September

When we're whipping up our favorite morning treats or afternoon snacks, it's all too easy to forget just how lucky we are to have access to these meals. Unfortunately, some kids in America can't focus on schoolwork or things because they are underfed and may not know when or where their next meal will come from. Share Our Strength is working to help end this problem with No Kid Hungry campaigns. Marlow's Tavern locations, Aqua blue Restaurant & Bar and all three Ray's Restaurants are on board and eager to be part of the solution by participating in Dine Out for No Kid Hungry. From September 15-23, Marlow's Tavern will give each guest donating to the campaing a $5 coupon redeemable at any Marlow's Tavern between October and December 31, 2013. Limit one coupon per donation and one coupon per visit, per guest. Aqua blue is extending the same tempting offer. Ray's Restaurants -- Ray's in the City, Ray's on the Creek and Ray's on the River -- will donate $2 to the cause for each three-course menu meal sold during the month of September.

Appetizing Aperture: Big Green Egg Classes at Ray's on the Creek

The kids are all back to school, so why not brush up with some lessons of your own? The Big Green Egg cooking classes at Ray's on the Creek put your high school home economics class to shame with an outdoor classroom space, "desks" set with delicious foods and a chef/professor delivering the tastiest lecture in town. Honor roll, here we come!

Ray's on the Creek Offering $19.95 Lobster Dinner

 

You don't have to travel to New England to enjoy a classic lobster dinner. Ray's on the Creek in Alpharetta is bringing the deliciousness to you. This summer promotion lands lobster, red potatoes and green beans with a well of drawn butter on the side for $19.95. Wipe your chin and fingers. Ray's has plenty of napkins to go around. Make reservations online or by calling 770-649-0064.

Stop and Smell What Ray's Restaurants are Cooking Up this Father's Day

Ray's Restaurants are preparing more than just a gift for dad this year, they’re ready to give him a flavorful experience. For the father that needs a day to relax and enjoy good conversation with the family, Ray's on the River is preparing a special brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Be the first ones there or sleep ‘till noon, either way the food will be deliciously fresh all day. If celebrating two days of dad is more his style, come into Ray's on the Creek on Saturday, June 15 for a Big Green Egg cooking class. Beer, food and cooking tips make for a day he’ll never forget! 

Get More Bang for Your Buck at Ray's Restaurants

 

Receive 20 percent more on gift card purchases during the Ray's Restaurants summer gift card promotion! That's an extra $20 for every $100 gift card purchase made between June 15 and August 15. Purchases of $1000 or more will gain an additional 25 percent in value! Buy gift cards online or at any of the three Atlanta Ray's Restaurants - Ray's on the Creek, Ray's on the River and Ray's in the City. This could be the easiest Christmas in July, June or August shopping idea in town. And, let's not forget about wedding and anniversary gifts, birthdays and selfie-days.

Last Weekend for $25 Prime Rib Dinner at Ray's Restaurants

Only one weekend left to take advantage of the $25 prime rib dinner deal at all three Ray's Restaurants. Paired with mashed potatoes and au jus, the slow-roasted prime rib dinner is available Friday through Sunday, March 29-31, from 4 p.m. until close (subject to availability; first come, first served). Tax and gratuity not included in special price. Click here to reserve a table at Ray's on the Creek, Ray's in the City or Ray's on the River. Can't get enough? Go for the prime rib hat trick and stop at a different Ray's each night.

Go Green with Plenty of Rollicking St. Patrick's Week Fun Plus More in This Week's Dish!

This week, fill your belly with sweet treats from Little Cake Bakery. They offer different seasonal flavors each day of the week -- just in time for the spring! Also in time for the season, Ray's on the Creek in Alpharetta is celebrating it's grand re-opening. Don't miss out on all the fun around Atlanta this week, plus much more in this week's Dish!

200 Words about Ray's Restaurants Could Win You $200

So you know that story you've told your friends and family a hundred times about the time you were at a Ray's Restaurant and that really awesome/life-changing/mind-blowing thing happened? Well, here's your chance to win a $200 dining card just for sharing it with the restaurant. Jot down that memorable moment in 200 words or less and send it to myraysstory@gmail.com by February 28 and you could have another great tale to tell, courtesy of your friends at Ray's.   The winner will be announced on March 1. No purchase necessary. Read complete details online and on Facebook. Follow along on Twitter (#myraysstory) and visit Pinterest for updates.

Alpharetta Restaurant Ray's on the Creek Gets a Facelift

The Ray's restaurant in Alpharetta is undergoing an exciting transformation, changing both its name and atmosphere. The restaurant has been renamed Ray's on the Creek and is getting a new look to go along with it. 
The coastal-inspired decor and revamped bar are paired with a new menu to welcome guests for lunch, dinner and drinks. The new dinner menu features shareable dishes and options under $30 while the lunch menu highlights sandwiches and entrees under $20. The recipes are inspired from the chefs of all three Ray's restaurants. Guests will be happy to see several of their favorite entrees on the menu in addition to the new features.
Ray's Founder Raymond Schoenbaum says the restaurant's lively personality, congenial attitude and reasonably priced menus will keep Ray's on the Creek on the often-frequented "A" list for those in Alpharetta and beyond.