Give Your Man the Treat of Meat for Valentine's Day

Valentine’s Day is getting closer by the minute and I have some great suggestions for women who are looking to put a huge smile on their man’s face. Red meat and wine are sure-fire ways to a man’s heart, so this year Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse, Morton’s the Steakhouse and Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery are at the top of my list for V-Day destinations with my hubby.

Valentine’s Day isn’t usually considered a man’s favorite holiday, but this year, Fogo de Chão’s 15 savory cuts of meat are giving men a new reason to look forward to the heart shaped boxes of chocolates and the inevitable red roses. The restaurant will be offering special Valentine’s Day hours, serving dinner from 3 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 14. Fogo de Chão: 3101 Piedmont Road; 404-266-9988.

Morton’s the Steakhouse joins together its signature steak and seafood dishes in a heavenly match that’s just $99.99 for two. Each person will savor a single-cut filet; their choice of seafood options including Morton’s jumbo lump crab cake, Shrimp Alexander or broiled sea scallops; choice of Caesar or Morton’s salad; and a choice of Morton’s legendary hot chocolate cake or Key lime pie for dessert. Call ahead for reservations. Morton’s The Steakhouse-Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Morton’s The Steakhouse-Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

And, if escaping the city is part of your quest for the ultimate love potion, venture to Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery in Dahlonega for the winery’s third annual Valentine Gourmet Dinner on Saturday, February 14 at 7 p.m. The six-course dinner with wine pairings costs $80 per person. Sunday, February 15 brings another option, Wolf Mountain’s Valentine Brunch for $30 per person at either the 12:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. seating. Reservations are a must for these events; call 706-867-9862. Wolf Mountain Vineyards and Winery: 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega.

Eating Out Sound Better Than Cooking Out? Check Out These Spots!

The year is steadily flying by and I have given up all hopes of trying figure out where all the time has gone. This weekend marks the unofficial end of summer, and, for a change, my husband and I have decided that we are not cooking out for Labor Day this year. It was an executive decision driven by the dread shopping for a grand feast, sweating over the grill (or in the kitchen) picking up half full bottles (of whatever), all the while playing the happy hostess. I think I’ll save all that for Thanksgiving, which at this rate, won’t be long. So, just in case you may be thinking the same thing, here are a few places that will welcome us all with open arms (and bars) on Labor Day:

La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430.

VITA: 2110 Peachtree Road; 404-367-8482.

Marlow’s Tavern, all locations: Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526; and Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road; 678-987-1197.

Ecco: 40 7th Street; 404-347-9555.

Vote in Jezebel Magazine's "Election" For Atlanta's Top 100 Restaurants

I like to exercise my right to vote, so much so that I cannot wait for the election in November to do so. Thanks to Jezebel I don't have to. The magazine is taking votes for the top 100 restaurants in Atlanta. Visit the site to cast your votes in the multi-category ballot including your top five restaurants followed by your favorite 10. Then move on to a category buffet where you can vote in traditional "best" categories such as Italian, vegetarian, sushi, happy hour, takeout and breakfast.

Hurry because May 20 is the last day to vote! After all the results are tallied you may find you're the winner of an Ultimate Getaway for Two. Your votes enter you into a drawing to win a two-night, three-day trip to the Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach, plus $200 in resort credit. Plane tickets for two included. If that isn't an incentive to visit Jezebel online then I don't know what is.

I'll give you a look at my ballot:
Best Italian - La Tavola Trattoria

Best Seafood - Bonefish Grill

Best Mexican – Chipotle

Best Sushi - Aqua Blue

Best Dessert – Aria

Best Wine Bar - SIP The Experience

Best Tapas - Woodfire Grill

Best Steak - Morton’s The Steakhouse Downtown and Buckhead

Best Take Out - Whole Foods Market

Best New Restaurant – VITA

Best Power Lunch - Fogo de Chão

Best Romantic Dinner - Food Studio®

Best Neighborhood Pub - Marlow’s Tavern

Best Singles Scene – Trilogy

Best Celebrity Spotting - South City Kitchen ® Midtown & Vinings

Best Outside Patio – Ecco

Best Vibe – The Globe

Best View - Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery

Best Brunch – Canoe