It's Open House Season - Come Visit New York Butcher Shoppe

I just love going to open houses. It's legitimized snooping. You can check out everything you've wondered about and there's usually food and drink involved too!

This week's open houses at the two locations of the New York Butcher Shoppe are no exception. You'll get to snoop to your heart's content, finding out that they carry a lot more than the best steaks around! Come by the Dunwoody location on Wednesday, November 9 or to the Sandy Springs location on Thursday, November 10 (5 - 8 p.m.) and sample chef-prepared holiday menu items and party appetizers, discuss menu options and get advice on holiday party and catering opportunities. As a bonus, order your turkey and sides while you're there, and New York Butcher Shoppe will give you 20 percent off your chef-prepared sides. See you there!

New York Butcher Shoppe - Dunwoody: 2458 Mt. Vernon Road; 770-399-6328.

New York Butcher Shoppe - Sandy Springs: 4969 Roswell Road; 404-303-0704.

When The New York Butcher Shoppe & Swine Are Involved, How Can It Not Be Dandy?

No butts about it, this weekend's smokin' contest is going to be one Swine & Dandy Charity Cookoff with New York Butcher Shoppe as a sponsor and participant! Pro and "backyard" teams will compete in chicken, ribs, pork butt and brisket categories with a $7,500 purse to be awarded to top entries in overall and individual categories. Attendees purchasing barbecue samples may vote for the "People's Choice" award.

The mouthwatering barbecue event takes place on Friday and Saturday, October 21-22 at Rogers Bridge Park in Duluth and is open to the public from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Saturday. Event entry is free and includes cooking demonstrations and live country and blue grass music. Purchase food, barbecue samples, brews and beverages, and access to family-friendly activities including inflatables, small carnival rides, a cakewalk and a pumpkin patch. Click here for Atlanta New York Butcher Shoppe locations.

May the Best Burger Win

Everyone loves a good burger. Combine eating delicious burgers and helping out a great cause, and you get Battle of the Burgers. Enjoy live music while sampling bites from Atkins Park Tavern, the New York Butcher Shoppe and other Atlanta restaurants. This year's event on Saturday, October 1 is at John Howell Park in Virginia-Highland. All proceeds support Embraced in its mission to collect and share gently used medical equipment locally and globally.

If you feel the need to burn some calories before chomping on some patties, register for the "Burger-Eating 5K Run" that starts at 9 a.m. Otherwise, show up from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. to get your fill of beer and burgers. Make sure you stick around and see who wins the "Judge's Choice, Best Burger" and to cast your vote for "People's Choice, Best Burger." Last year, Atkins Park Tavern delighted vegetarians with their meatless entry, taking home "People's Choice" in the division. Could they repeat this year? You'll have to come and see for yourself!

New York Butcher Shoppe Sponsors Atlanta Bar-B-Q Festival

In a deal sealed over grill and flames, New York Butcher Shoppe is sponsoring the Backyard Division cooking competition in this year's Atlanta Bar-B-Q Festival on Saturday, October 1. Sure, there's a pro league, but New York Butcher Shoppe's heart is into helping aspiring BBQ pitmasters grill to their greatest potential with top-quality meats. New York Butcher Shoppe is providing all of the meat and a $25 gift card for each of the 20 teams that may make up the Backyard Division. They're even judging teams for the most creative name and will pick up the $200 entrance fee for their winning choice. 


The New York Butcher Shoppe also is providing the meat for the "Anything Butt" competition on Friday, September 30. For more information on the festival and competition, visit the event website. The New York Butcher Shoppe has three locations in Alpharetta, Sandy Springs and Dunwoody, and they're on Facebook, too.


New York Butcher Shoppe: Dunwoody at 2458 Mt. Vernon Road; 770-399-6328. Sandy Springs at 4969 Roswell Road; 404-303-0704. Alpharetta at 5354 McGinnis Ferry Road; 678-624-0047.

Back To School Meals And Summer Weekends Are Extra Special In August

Even though school buses are rolling, there's still six weeks of summer to go. New York Butcher Shoppe has August specials to calm hectic school night meal planning, to make weekend cookouts a cinch and to even ease you out the door for end-of-summer getaways. Early week specials earn an A+ in fast oven-to-table skills with marinated chicken, cheddar/bacon- or Greek-flavored boneless stuffed pork chops, mac 'n' cheese and all-natural frozen veggies. Weekend grill fests and gatherings cry out for C.A.B. ribeye steaks, wild-caught Alaskan salmon, the Americana Grill Master package or the new finger lickin' good Ribs package with Causey's BBQ sauce. If you can't get away, the August Xplorador Wine promo at the Sandy Springs and Alpharetta locations brings the vineyards of Chile to your glass. Concha Y Toro Xplorador Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet are $7.99 a bottle.

New York Butcher Shoppe: Dunwoody at 2458 Mt. Vernon Road; 770-399-6328. Sandy Springs at 4969 Roswell Road; 404-303-0704. Alpharetta at 5354 McGinnis Ferry Road; 678-624-0047.

Grill Master Robb Dillon of New York Butcher Shoppe Can Show You the Tricks of the Trade

On July 19, New York Butcher Shoppe's expert full-service butcher Robb Dillon is hosting a Grill Masters Workshop at The Cook's Warehouse in Brookhaven. The workshop is from 7 - 9 p.m. and will showcase the various ways you can fire up the perfect backyard cookout. Dillon will discuss different sizzling topics such as quality of meat, types of grills, how to choose and use the right grill and grilling vs. BBQ. The class menu includes burgers, steaks, beer can chicken, fish, vegetables and dessert. Cost is $50 per person and reservations can be made online.

The Cook's Warehouse - Brookhaven: 4062 Peachtree Road; 404-949-9945.

The Fourth Is For Food, Brews and Freedom!

The Fourth of July falls on a Monday this year, opening up the weekend to a huge display of that favorite American pastime -- eating and drinking with family and friends. Whether you choose to grill on the deck and entertain at home or head out, Atlanta restaurants cover you in a star-spangled way.

Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland will be hosting its fourth annual pig roast on July 4. Chef Andrew Smith will roast a whole Riverview Farms Berkshire pig and will offer smoked all-natural chicken. Order off the $15 "meat and three" menu brimming with grilled corn on the cob, potato salad, braised pole beans, vine-ripe tomato salad, Texas toast, three house-made sauces and a choice of Southern banana pudding or caramelized peach ice cream for dessert. Atkins Park Tavern will be open late on Sunday, July 3 for the holiday weekend, too. (794 North Highland; 404 -876-7249)

The "Red, White & Brew" menu at Marlow's Tavern continues to help Atlantans celebrate "life, liberty and the pursuit of happy hour" through July 25. Perfect for the patriotic holiday, the menu is all about summertime in America. While you're chillin' on Independence Day, enter the Second Annual Marlow's Tavern Grilling Recipe Contest -- maybe you'll win the Big Green Egg! Find out more and find a Marlow's Tavern location near you on their website.

New York Butcher Shoppe locations have meaty plans for your Fourth of July cookout and an especially big day planned at their Dunwoody location, which marks the starting point for the Dunwoody Fourth of July parade. The Dunwoody store will open at 7 a.m. on July 4; early parade goers can purchase breakfast tacos, coffee, iced coffee and mimosas. Throughout the weekend, folks in Dunwoody can stop by to enjoy specials on BBQ sandwiches and wings. All three locations -- Alpharetta, Buckhead and Dunwoody -- will offer the new "Grill Master" ($19.99 to $44.99) and "Weekend Getaway" ($64.99 to $94.99) packages. Choose your favorite meat combo package to grill or pick up a meat and side dish package for quick meal planning.

Rooftop 866 is hosting an Independence Day cookout from noon until 5 p.m. It will be easy to heap your plate high from the $10 buffet full of classic cookout fare -- hotdogs, hamburgers, pasta salad, sides and plenty of desserts. The rooftop bar and lounge also is offering buy-one-get-one-free Boozy Pops ($3), $3 draft beer and cocktail specials. (866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402)

Spice Market decorates for the Fourth of July with a delightful trio of red, white and blue sorbets for $5. These are the real thing: sour cherry purée is the main ingredient in the sour cherry sorbet, lemon juice and lemon zest star in the lemon sorbet and blueberry purée powers up the blueberry sorbet. (In the W Atlanta-Midtown, 188 14th Street, NE; 404-724-2550)

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food in Buckhead invites Peachtree Road Race contestants to bring their race bib into the restaurant on July 4 to receive $10 off their meal (race bib offer excludes gratuity; not valid on gift cards or merchandise; no cash value or cash back). (Buckhead location: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767)

A star-spangled cookout begins with burgers made from White Oak Pastures grass-fed ground beef. Talk about American heritage -- Will Harris and his fifth-generation family farm raise some of the finest sustainable, Certified Organic grass-fed beef in the country! Read more and place an order online or call 229-641-2081. Atlantans also can purchase White Oak Pastures products at the New York Butcher Shoppe. And while we're on the subject of burgers, why not top that delicious grass-fed patty with a thick slice of sweet Vidalia onion!

Woodfire Grill keeps Georgia on your mind over the Fourth of July weekend by serving the finest local and sustainable fare at its annual "BBQ & Beer" bash on Saturday, July 2. The three-course, all-American dinner will be served from 5:30 - 11 p.m. and costs $38 per person (plus tax and gratuity). The menu includes an appetizer course; an entrée course consisting of a BBQ plate made with Gillespie's Terminus City BBQ sauce, Brunswick stew and two traditional sides; and fruit cobbler for dessert. There will also be freshly baked cornbread and Southern-style white bread on every table. The bar will serve SweetWater draft specials all night long with proceeds from beer sales going to "Save the Hooch," a campaign started by Atlanta's SweetWater Brewing Company in 2005 to advocate and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, its tributaries and watershed, in order to restore and preserve their ecological health for the people, fish and wildlife that depend on the river system. Limited seating means reservations are required; call 404-347-9055. (1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055).

I Can't Wait To Be A Father Just To Have A Day!

Who wants to button that top collar, let alone knot up a tie on June's hot days? Better to treat dad to a memorable meal that brings the family together, gives him an opportunity to chef or surprises with top-grade grill fixings. Now that's how you tie one on Dad for Father's Day!

Dad can sink his teeth into the three-course Father's Day brunch menu offered at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar on June 19 from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. The special menu is priced at $32.95 for adults (plus tax and gratuity) and a children's menu will also be available. Dads who mark the day at Fleming's will receive a $25 gift card! Reservations are strongly recommended. (4501 Olde Perimeter Way in Perimeter Place Village; 770-698-8112)

La Tavola Trattoria is celebrating Father's Day with an à la carte brunch menu filled with classic Italian offerings from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The regular dinner menu will be served from 5 - 10 p.m. Call 404-873-5430 for reservations. (992 Virginia Avenue, NE)

Patriarchs of the grill will drool over steaks and grilling go-withs from New York Butcher Shoppe. Grill Master packages gather meats, sides -- and even woodchips and lump hardwood charcoal for an extra few bucks. The Americana packs up four burgers, hot dogs or NYBS bratwursts, buns and a choice of two sides for $19.99. BBQ-ers pine for the Pork Butt package that includes an eight-pound bone-in pork butt, one John Henry Rub and BBQ sauce of your choice ($29.99) or the Beef Brisket package with NYBS house brisket seasoning and BBQ sauce of your choice ($44.99). NYBS stocks family sides, wines and desserts to complete the feast. (Three locations in Alpharetta, Buckhead and Dunwoody.)

Ray's Restaurants invites you to take Dad to the river, creek or city for fabulous Father's Day brunch buffets from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ray's on the River is offering a Father's Day brunch buffet priced at $34.95 for adults and $17.95 for children ages 5 to 10. (6700 Powers Ferry Road; 770-955-1187) The Ray's at Killer Creek brunch buffet is priced at $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 5 to 10. (1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064) And downtown, Ray's in the City is offering a brunch buffet priced at $29.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 5 to 10. (240 Peachtree Street, NW; 404-524-9224)

Both locations of South City Kitchen are celebrating Father's Day with a brunch menu full of Southern favorites. South City Kitchen Midtown is offering an à la carte brunch menu from 1 - 3 p.m., and South City Kitchen Vinings is offering a three-course prix-fixe brunch from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. priced at $21 for adults and $10.50 for children under the age of 12 (plus tax and gratuity). In addition, South City Kitchen Vinings has a great gift for fathers and husbands: a grilling class on Saturday, June 25 at 11 a.m. with Chef de Cuisine Blake Wagner. Dads will learn how to master the grill with step-by-step, hands-on instructions. Attendees also will enjoy lunch and beer pairings throughout the lesson. Seats are limited, and tickets are available online for $45 plus service fee. (South City Kitchen Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700. South City Kitchen Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358.)

Dad's dream of becoming a chef can come true, even if for just one day, at Spice Market. Book a customizable "chef for a day" excursion for $150 plus an additional $48/person for dinner with a four-person maximum (excluding tax and gratuity). He'll spend five hours working different kitchen stations before preparing dinner for family or friends. Price includes a five-course meal paired with wine. Advance notice of 72 hours is required; not valid with other discounts, promotions or specials. (In the W Atlanta-Midtown, 188 14th Street, NE; 404-724-2550)

Get down to the grass roots of Father's Day by supplying Dad with grass-fed beef and other sustainably raised meats from White Oak Pastures. You can even buy jars of beef jerky and meat at the online store! Over 220 Publix stores now sell White Oak Pastures beef as do all metro-Atlanta Whole Foods Markets.

For dads who enjoy showing off their culinary skills in their own kitchens, the Atlanta Cooks at Home cookbook makes a perfect Father's Day gift. Top Atlanta chefs share their recipes and menus for home entertaining for every occasion. From Micah Willix's rack of lamb to Gerry Klaskala's lobster minestrone, dad will enjoy this cookbook from cover to cover for years to come. Atlanta Cooks at Home is available for purchase online for $34.95.

Perfect Memorial Day Grilling with New York Butcher Shoppe

There's no mystery to meat selection when the New York Butcher Shoppe experts help you choose the right cuts for a mouthwatering Memorial Day weekend cookout.  The three-day holiday weekend honoring those who died while serving our country in the military has unofficially come to mark the start of the summer grilling season.  The professionals at the three New York Butcher Shoppe locations -- Alpharetta, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs -- are ready with fresh-cut Premium Angus aged steaks, high-quality ground beef, tender chops, chicken, veal, lamb and homemade sausages.  Take advantage of the stores' new "Weekend Getaway" packages available just in time the holiday weekend.  

Whether you're looking for the perfect combination of savory steaks or a heaping helpin' of hotdogs and hamburgers, the New York Butcher Shoppe has everything you need.  Both packages also include an assortment of breakfast rolls, deli meats, chips, pimento cheese dip and choice of side dish options, so you won't have to pick up the extras on the way!  The stores also are offering a "Just the Meat" package option that includes an assortment of baby back ribs, burgers, hot dogs, chicken breasts and wings and a bag of charcoal.  Packages are priced from $64.99 to $94.99.

The stores also carry White Oak Pastures sustainably raised, Certified Organic grass-fed beef in cuts such as tenderloin, ribeye, flat iron, petite tenders and ground grass-fed beef that is ground fresh daily.  New York Butcher Shoppe will custom cut, season and/or marinate your selections, offer cooking and grilling tips and round out your menu with sides, desserts and wines.  New York Butcher Shoppe is all about high-quality meat and service.   For more information on events and promotions, visit New York Butcher Shoppe's Facebook page.

Grab Your Sombrero! It’s Time for Cinco de Mayo!

You’ve still got one day to plan your Cinco de Mayo celebration. Whether you want to hit the town or host your own fiesta, we’ve got some great options for this fun holiday!

Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland will be celebrating all day long tomorrow. Stop by and indulge in the neighborhood eatery’s special Cinco de Mayo selection that includes everything from tasty tacos to tequila! (794 N Highland Ave; 404-876-7249).

The Original El Taco is opening earlier than usual on Cinco de Mayo. Eager señors and señoritas will be glad to know they can arrive at 3 p.m. for El Taco's frosty drink and beer specials and its menu of fresh Tex-Mex favorites. (1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656)

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food, with locations in Buckhead and Sandy Springs, is always ready to celebrate with potent, custom-made margaritas, ice-cold beer and all kinds of Tex-Mex specialties from shareable appetizers to sizzling fajitas and the Plato Gordo platter. The Buckhead location boasts a huge patio on Peachtree. Heads up in Sandy Springs where a balcony and patio double the fun. Both Uncle Julio's locations open at 11 a.m. for weekday lunch. If the fiesta is at your casa, call Uncle Julio's to handle to-go or full catering needs. (In Buckhead at 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. To-go line: 404-974-2991. In Sandy Springs at 1140 Hammond Drive, NE; 678-736-8260. To-go line: 678-736-8261.)

Go al fresco by grilling or stirring up fajitas from New York Butcher Shoppe for Cinco de Mayo. Pick up CAB flank steak ($8.99/lb.), CAB skirt steak ($9.99/lb.) or locally raised all-natural chicken marinated in homemade carne asada marinade ($5.49/lb.). Their fajita kit makes it a meal, adding sliced onions and green peppers, shredded pepper Jack cheese, eight tortillas, homemade black bean salsa, NYBS queso dip and a big bag of tortilla chips for only $11.99! (Dunwoody at 2458 Mt. Vernon Road; 770-399-6328. Sandy Springs at 4969 Roswell Road; 404-303-0704. Alpharetta at 5354 McGinnis Ferry Road; 678-624-0047.)

Go Easy on Your Wallet by Cooking a Steak Dinner for Your Valentine!

Sound too good to be true? Thanks to The New York Butcher Shoppe, it really is easy and affordable to be romantic this Valentine's Day. Woo your sweetheart with a candlelight dinner at home by taking advantage of the shop's marvelous meal for two. The Valentine's Day Meal Deal includes two eight-ounce fillets aged a minimum of 21 days, two loaded potatoes, salad for two and a loaf of bread for only $29.99. Upgrade to USDA Prime filet for $5 more or make it a surf and turf by adding two four-ounce lobster tails for $15. Grab a bottle of wine and some red velvet or chocolate torte cake to complete the dreamy meal. And if you need steak cooking tips, tune into CBS Better Mornings Atlanta on Friday, February 11 for some expert advice from The New York Butcher Shoppe's Robb Dillon. Your loved one will thank you.

New York Butcher Shoppe: Dunwoody at 2458 Mt. Vernon Road, 770-399-6328; Sandy Springs at 4969 Roswell Road, Suite 215, 404-303-0704; Alpharetta at 5354 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 226A, 678-624-0047.