Atlanta Restaurants Celebrate National Margarita Day Feb. 22

No need to bring out the blender at home! These Atlanta restaurants are celebrating National Margarita Day this year great specials and promos:

Now through February 25, Tin Lizzy’s Cantina is celebrating all week long with 22-ounce Big House Margaritas (1800 tequila, Agavero and sour mix) for $10 and 22-ounce Grandma’s House Margaritas (1800 tequila, Agavero, sour mix and a hefty floater of Grand Marnier) for $12. These two featured margaritas are served in commemorative maroon cups that guests can keep and are available for a whole week surrounding National Margarita Day (while cup supplies last).

Hop on over to HOBNOB in Midtown for $10 Don Julio Blanco margaritas available all day on February 22. Guests can also take home swag from Don Julio representatives to keep the party going all night long.

Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar is shaking things up with their limited-time pomegranate margarita! Sip on this cool cocktail featuring Don Julio Blanco and fresh lime juice for $12.

Give Winter the Cold Shoulder, Slurp Soup

When it’s raw outside, nothing thaws hands and mellows the soul like a bowl of steaming hot soup. Join us as we lift lids and peek into stockpots to see what’s simmering at, stewing around metro Atlanta.

Blow off downtown’s wind chill by ducking into JP Atlanta and savoring a bowl of onion soup “1967” served au gratin ($12) -- a starter on the All-Day Dining menu.

Looking for a rosy glow in Midtown? It’s found in Article 14’s lycopene-rich tomato bisque with whipped crème fraîche and basil ($7).

Zucca, may rhyme with Bazooka, but the golden butternut squash soup with winter pesto and mascarpone ($5) at Bellina Alimentari in Ponce City Market is oh so much more satisfying and good for you.

Brace yourself with homestyle chili dolloped with sour cream and cheddar ($5) at Chick-a-Biddy before total immersion in an adrenaline-pumping movie or shopping at Atlantic Station.

Expect a heated debate over which Vietnamese soup is best when slurping with friends at Le Fat in Midtown. Three top competitors: Le Fat Pho (beef noodle, $12), Pho Ga (chicken noodle, $10) or Bún Bo Hue (spicy beef, $12).

A cup or bowl of tomato bisque ($4.95/$6.95) at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern hits home after a brisk walk or jog around Piedmont Park. Even better, order the grilled cheese and tomato bisque combo ($11.95) sporting a sandwich oozing havarti, Parmesan and fontina cheeses for dunking.

Pining for that something smoky in a bowl, not on a bun? Get stoked for vegetarian smoked tomato bisque at 10th & Piedmont ($4/$6) with buttermilk biscuit croutons, Parmesan cheese and fried basil. A gluten-free option is available.

At Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar in Midtown, enjoy a bowl of butternut squash soup with chicharrones (pork rinds), lemon and cilantro ($6) before sharing a board laden with locally made cheese or charcuterie.

In Virginia-Highland, Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar OKs “playing with your food,” i.e., toying around with the crisp garlic croutons floating atop their creamy tomato basil soup ($3/$5).

Like everything about Aria in Buckhead, creamless celery root soup with Umbrian black truffles and Parmigiano-Reggiano reflects pure elegance in every detail ($12).

True Southerners chowing down at Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead can’t pass up a meaty bowl of Brunswick stew with house-made crackers for crumbling or dipping ($4.50).

When you’re craving a bit of soothing FlexMex mojo, stop by the closest Tin Lizzy’s Cantina for a cup of chicken tortilla soup, seasoned tomato broth dancing with chicken breast, corn, jack cheese, tortilla strips, avocado and chopped cilantro ($2.69).

Scuba-doobie-do dive into Caribbean lobster bisque at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead or Roswell. Each cup or bowl of this slightly sweet and island-spicy bisque swims with lobster and blue crab in a tomato sea ($4.95/$6.95).

Heady roast chicken and vegetable stew, available at all Bantam + Biddy locations, sustains souls for the long haul with fresh herbs, tender potatoes and a cheery cheddar biscuit topper ($12.50).

Even if “Burrito” is your middle name, tortilla soup calls out at Willy's Mexicana Grill locations. A favorite by the bowl ($4.75) or as an entrée add-on ($2.95).

Sushi may be on your mind at Roswell’s Aqua blue but don’t overlook the miso soup rich with fresh vegetables, tofu and mushrooms for $5. Hearty soup du jour choices alternate between loaded baked potato soup and clam chowder ($5).

Spoon into a cup or bowl of seafood gumbo with white rice ($7/$9) at Ray’s on the River and watch the Chattahoochee carry your cares away.

Across the river in East Cobb, Seed Kitchen & Bar spikes its nourishing roasted butternut squash soup with maple cream and sprinkles on toasted pumpkin seeds for a crunchy contrast ($7.95).  

Yule Love Giving Back When Serving Saltwood’s Yule Log for Dessert

Your guests will ooh and aah over Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar Yule logs -- the dessert, not the fire log. They’ll be even more delighted when you explain the divine “log” they’re forking into is helping For the Kid in All of Us. Ten percent of each $19 Yule log purchased goes to the non-profit organization that brightens the lives of Georgia’s children in need. Each log serves up to six people and comes in flavors such as chocolate salted caramel, cherry pistachio and red velvet cream cheese. Have another flavor or size in mind? Saltwood will craft one to your liking with 48-hour notice. Yule regret not serving or gifting one. Purchase in Market Eleven through December 31. 

Saltwood Bourbon Red Promo Struts Bourbon Cocktails and Turkey Small Plates Throughout November

Bird’s the word on the tip of the tongue and top of the table during the Bourbon Red bar promotion at Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar in the Loews Atlanta Hotel. Bourbon Reds are a handsome heritage turkey breed first introduced in the Kentucky bourbon belt. Good name for the special month-long menu boasting three bourbon-based cocktails and a trio of turkey-touting small plates, all of which will ruffle “the usual” feathers. Gobble turkey sliders ($6) with boiled peanut mustard and pickles paired with the Not So Old Fashioned ($10) cocktail twirling Jim Beam, muddled cranberries, Angostura bitters and soda. Smoked turkey wings ($10) with Manhattan barbecue sauce fly with Sage Advice ($12) mixing Wild Turkey, sour mix and muddled sage, and a turkey pastrami board ($9) of grilled bread, pickles and whole grain mustard stretches out next to a Rosemary Sparkler ($11) of Jim Beam Rye, red wine and Chambord.

Holiday Playdate: Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar Opens the Season of Giving with Toy Drive on November 12

Start the holiday spirit ball rolling this week by visiting your local toy department and selecting toys to brighten eyes of Atlanta children whose families are struggling to make ends meet. Next stop, Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar at the Loews Atlanta Hotel for a Thursday, November 12 holiday toy drive supporting For the Kid in All of Us, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Georgia’s less fortunate. Bring an unwrapped toy valued at $20 or more to the 6-8 p.m. playdate and enjoy samplings from Saltwood chef Olivier Gaupin’s charcuterie-driven menu of small plates and complimentary beer, wine or signature cocktail. Way to ho-ho-ho your way into the holiday season in no time flat. Reservations are required and can be made by emailingbrandon@melissalibbypr.com. Complimentary valet parking will be provided.

Graze Away an Afternoon in the Country with Atlanta’s Best Chefs and Les Dames d’Escoffier International on November 8

Slip away from the urban jungle and head south to Chattahoochee Hills to nibble, nip and while away an Afternoon in the Country with Les Dames d’Escoffier International - Atlanta Chapter (LDEI|ATL). Continuing a 15-year tradition, autumn’s most eagerly anticipated gourmet gathering will draw Atlanta’s top culinary and local farm talent to big-top tents set on the beautiful grounds of the Inn at Serenbe on Sunday, November 8. A sampling feast awaits attendees perusing the 100 tasting stations for creations by Gerry Klaskala of Aria, Shaun Doty of Bantam + Biddy and Chick-a-Biddy, Joey Ward of Gunshow, Andreas Müller of Revival, Olivier Gaupin of Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar, Doug Turbush of Seed Kitchen & Bar and Stem Wine Bar, and Matthew Ridgway of The Southern Gentleman -- not to mention the fine wines and premium micro-brews. Entertainment spans all ages with live music, a cake raffle featuring sweets from the city’s most talented pastry chefs, hayrides, children’s activities and an extensive silent auction offering exclusive dining and travel packages, food and wine merchandise and original art from prominent local artists. Event proceeds benefit Georgia Organics, Wholesome Wave, Global Growers Network, The Giving Kitchen, The Wylde Center, The Atlanta Community Food Bank and LDEI|ATL’s scholarship fund for women in the culinary, beverage and hospitality arts. Idyllic Serenbe will be clean and serene after the anticipated 2,000 attendees head home because LDEI|ATL is committed to sustainability and zero-waste practices. Tickets cost $125 for adults, $50 for ages 16 to 20 and $35 for ages 13 to 15. Tickets for children 12 and under are free. Add a dash of tech by downloading the Afternoon in the Country app for iPhones and smartphones. 

Go, Dog Go to Costumes on the Woof and Fetch Dinner at Saltwood on October 29

See what dogs are wearing for Howl-oween this year when the lovable mutts strut their stuff for Costumes on the Woof benefiting Angels Among Us Pet Rescue on Thursday, October 29 from 6-8 p.m. at the Loews Atlanta Hotel. Drop into Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar on the front or tail end of the evening for cocktails and a carnivore’s dream of local charcuterie and cheese, Alabama grass-fed beef rib-eyes, cornbread- and apple-stuffed Southeast Farm pork tenderloin or pan-roasted lamb sausage. Omnivores, drool-worthy Southern paella, farro bowls and Moroccan couscous call to you. Upstairs at Costumes on the Woof, pups will parade before celebrity judges from B98.5, CNN, WSB Radio and HLN to win tail-wagging prizes. Guests can down two cocktails and hors d’oeuvre; dogs munch at the doggie snack bar and take home goodie bags filled with trinkets, samples and treats -- including the new all-natural dog chews from White Oak Pastures. Event tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. Shhh. Don’t tell Poochie, but he can’t join you at Saltwood. You’re welcome to ask for a doggie bag -- so satisfying it’s doubtful you’ll leave anything on your plate! 

Appetizing Aperture

Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar spins autumn apple orchard and pumpkin patch picking traditions into soon-to-be legendary seasonal sippers. Golden and delicious, the Salted Caramel Appletini gleams of Crown Royal and Apple Pucker in a caramel-drizzled, rim-salted martini glass ($12). And Ichabod, the Sleepy Hollow cocktail spiked with Corsair Pumpkin Spiced Moonshine, Licor 43 and Godiva Chocolate liqueur is calling your name ($10). Better run for one!

Make a Splash at Aqua Vino 2015 on October 8

Socialites and sea life mix and mingle during Aqua Vino 2015 on Thursday, October 8, at the Georgia Aquarium. Hosted by television personality, chef and author Alton Brown, this 10^th annual benefit is the aquarium’s premier wine and food fundraiser featuring more than 200 wines from around the world, live and silent auctions and food tastings from more than 30 of the city’s leading restaurants including Article 14, Glenn’s Kitchen, Twin Smokers BBQ, Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar and Stem Wine Bar. Event runs 7-10 p.m. Purchase tickets online ($125-$150 grand tasting; $300-$325 VIP tasting). VIP tasting tickets net a 6 p.m. red carpet arrival, meet and greet with Alton Brown on the red carpet, complimentary valet parking, access to the exclusive VIP lounge with reserve wines and featured tastings and a VIP gift bag valued at $200. Proceeds benefit Georgia Aquarium’s southern sea otter conservation and research initiatives.

Eat Up for $15, $25 or $35 During Midtown Restaurant Week September 5-13

Midtown Atlanta takes the destination dining prize next week when restaurants participating in the 10th annual Midtown Restaurant Week post special prix fixe lunch and/or dinner menus for $15, $25 and $35. Article 14, Bantam + Biddy, Chick-a-Biddy, 10th & Piedmont, HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern and Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar are in the pool of restaurants offering specials over the dates of Saturday, September 5 through Sunday, September 13. Chick-a-Biddy, for example, will offer a $15 three-course dinner menu of pimento cheese with veggies and crackers or home-style veggie chili, a quarter of fresh Carolina chicken (piri piri, jerk or fried) and any dessert on the menu. Article 14’s prix fixe menu shows off a $15 lunch with an entrée and dessert or a three-course dinner for $35 with entrée choices of whole wheat spaghetti with kale and walnut pesto and sheep’s milk feta, grilled Georgia trout or grilled flat iron steak. View menus then make those reservations right away for this popular let’s-eat-out event. 

Atlanta Botanical Garden Members Reap Discounts at Saltwood and Bantam + Biddy During September

How does your garden grow? Appreciation goes a long way, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden (ABG) nurtures members with special opportunities around town during Member Appreciation Month. During September, ABG members can save some green when dining at Bantam + Biddy and Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar. Flash the membership card to shear 10 percent off tabs at Bantam + Biddy's Ansley Mall location and 20 percent off tabs at Saltwood at the Loews Atlanta Hotel in Midtown. (Discounts exclude alcohol.) Saltwood is pitching in the grand prize for a membership month drawing of an overnight stay for two at the Loews Atlanta Hotel. Those tilling thoughts about joining the ABG can follow through here. 

Appetizing Aperture

Cocktail glasses are so yesterday. Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar in Midtown gives cocktails the shaft by freezing spirited concoctions on sticks, Popsicle-fashion. Piña pegada (pineapple margarita) solidifies Sauza Blue tequila, fresh lime, muddled pineapple, pineapple juice and triple sec. Summer mojito pops are a Caribbean-gone-Arctic sensation of Sailor Jerry rum, a honeydew melon-mint-cucumber blend, fresh lime and Sprite. More good humor? Each ice pop is a sweet $8.