What’s New on Pinterest; Christmas Cravings

What’s on your Christmas Cravings list? Ideas for last-minute homemade gifts? Jars of easy apple butter and cinnamon honey butter to the rescue. Family fun, kitchen-y Christmas crafts? Make a forest of chocolate-covered strawberry Christmas trees populated by Oreo cookie snowmen lollipops. Need novel ideas to brighten the Christmas buffet? Turn out red and green deviled eggs with a holiday twist, caprese appetizers, a savory pull-apart Christmas tree loaf or create a red velvet pancake-making station. And what about crave-ables for the chefs and hosts on your list? Browse a satisfying array of gifts, small and grand, such as a cupcake-shaped timer or cute man-overboard Lid Sid stocking stuffer, the ultimate oyster knife, foodie subscriptions and cookbooks, recipe art, deluxe stand mixers, a wine lover’s care package and loads more.

Sumptuous Living’s Mandy Landefeld Serves Top Picks for Holiday Wish Lists

Bowed up over what to give family or friends this season? Sumptuous Living’s lifestyle expert Mandy Landefeld shares her list of thoughtful and practical presents in all price ranges, just in time to relieve gift-giving anxiety attacks. Instead of a tie, tie one on with a Mason jar shaker and barware set and cocktail crafting books “How to Drink French Fluently” or “Mrs. Lilien’s Cocktail Swatchbook.” For shutterbugs, choose a stylish and durable scarf camera strapthat’s picture perfect. Give a Martha Stewart Dutch oven to cast-iron cookware aficionados, and maybe they’ll invite you over for a low-and-slow oven-to-table specialty. Show you value time together by giving handcrafted Jord wood watches. A Cangshan knife set is a luxurious gift sharp home chefs will cherish. Visit sumptuousliving.net to find more ways to fill life with more fun, flavor and ease during and after the holiday rush.

Let the Reindeer Graze and Head to these Atlanta Restaurants for Christmas Eve Dining

Welcome Christmas by sharing brunch, lunch or dinner with loved ones on Christmas Eve. Atlanta restaurants provide welcome respite amid the last-minute shopping frenzy and festive feasting before or after Christmas Eve services. Santa’s helpers will appreciate the “no assembly required” aspect of dining out before settling in with instruction manuals. “Yule” have to check our list to see which jolly restaurant will serve dinner on Christmas Day.

Multiple Locations
Jingle all the way to Henri's Bakery & Cafe's Westside location on Christmas Eve. While the newest outpost is open from from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m., sister locations in Buckhead and Sandy Springs will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Both locations of HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern will be open during regular hours on Christmas Eve, welcoming guests with tavern fare with a Southern flair. The Brookhaven location will be closed on Christmas Day but the Midtown location will open at 3 p.m., serving up a limited menu of burgers, pizzas and wings. 

Celebrating the holidays with Ray’s Restaurants is an Atlanta holiday tradition, and reservations are recommended. All three restaurants will be open on Christmas Eve offering an a la carte dinner menu from 5-9 p.m. While Ray’s in the Citywill be closed during brunch and lunch hours Christmas Eve, it’s a perfect place to sit down for dinner when downtown for a Christmas Eve service or other festivities. Ray’s on the River will serve a brunch buffet from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. priced at $45.95/adult, $22.95/child on Dec. 24. Welcome Christmas Eve at Ray’s at Killer Creek and enjoy a brunch buffet from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. for $42.95/adult, $21.95/child. The Ray’s trio will be closed on Christmas Day so staff can spend the holiday with family.

These Southern Proper Hospitality restaurants will follow their regular opening hour schedules and offer menu specials on Christmas Eve: The Big Ketch - Canton Street, Milton’s Cuisine + Cocktails and Gypsy Kitchen. On Dec. 24, pop into The Southern Gentleman for lunchtime comfort and joy -- delicious bites, beer or bourbon -- when shopping for that last gift at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta.

Feliz Navidad! Santa loves tacos. Luckily, Tin Lizzy's Cantina locations in Buckhead, Grant Park, Perimeter, Kennesaw, East Cobb and Augusta will be open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Dec. 24 so the jolly elf can take in some tacos before his flight. (Better watch the margaritas, Santa.)


Midtown and Around

In Midtown, 5Church will be open and offering its regular menus on Christmas Eve. Enjoy favorites from executive chef Scotley Innis like short rib pappardelle ($28), rabbit pot pie ($21) and truffle mushroom risotto ($18).

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland hosts a special Christmas Eve brunch on Dec. 24 from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. and will close at 6 p.m. The merry brunch menu includes breakfast egg rolls ($8), country ham, grits and red-eye gravy ($14) and eggnog pancakes with bacon or pesto chicken sausage ($12). They promise “special gifts for all of the good boys and girls.” On Christmas Eve, all customers will have an opportunity to win a $50 Atkins Park gift card. Atkins Park is the neighborly place to be on Christmas Day, opening at 6 p.m. and offering plenty of holiday fixings: Big Green Egg smoked turkey breast with caramelized apple and sage stuffing and cider gravy, braised pork shoulder, roasted root veggies with bourbon glaze, green bean casserole, crispy onions and roasted mushrooms, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry Grand Marnier compote, sweet potato biscuits, Southern pecan pie and eggnog cheesecake. $30 adults, $18 for young adults and $10 for ages 10 and under. Reservations recommended.

On Christmas Eve day or night, gather friends for tapas, craft cocktails and Spanish specialties around communal tables at Bulla Gastrobar in Midtown, which will follow its regular hours on Dec. 24.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern in Midtown and Brookhaven will honor their regular business hours on Christmas Eve for yuletide greetings and eatings then close for Christmas Day.

Revival, chef Kevin Gillespie’s Decatur restaurant, will serve beloved Southern brunch specialties on Christmas Eve from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. As is its custom, the restaurant is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Count Gunshow out on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day; the Glenwood Park restaurant will be closed Sunday and Monday as usual, reopening Tuesday and serving dinner from 6-9 p.m.


Buckhead and Sandy Springs

Glitzy American Cut in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta will be open on Christmas Eve until 10 p.m. Dinner service begins at 5:30 with the last seating at 8:30 p.m. Head home for a celebratory nightcap as The Regent Cocktail Club will be closed on Christmas Eve.

Cherish an elegant Christmas Eve dinner at Aria. Chef Gerry Klaskala’s acclaimed Buckhead restaurant is usually closed on Sundays so this is an especially sweet opportunity to celebrate this special night.

Rein in the busyness preceding Christmas Eve and be present in calm, exquisite moments at Umi. The celebrity-favored Buckhead sushi restaurant, normally closed on Sundays, will be open for dinner service on Christmas Eve for the first time this year.

Incentive to complete the gift wrapping and stocking stuffing early: Johnny's Hideaway plays jolly jingles and dance tunes well past midnight on Christmas Eve, staying open until 2 a.m. (Hear that, Santa?) The Buckhead hideaway will be closed Christmas Day and night. Psst. Word’s out they’re having a holiday party on Thursday, Dec. 21, so finish that shopping and tootle on over.

Food 101 American Kitchen & Bar in Sandy Springs sustains Santa’s helpers with Christmas Eve brunch and dinner options. Peruse the regular brunch menu from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. From 5:30-9 p.m., savor a special limited dinner menu featuring starters such as “New England-style” smoked haddock chowder, Blue Point oysters stuffed with smoked bacon and kale and braised beef short rib petite Wellingtons with red wine demi-glace ($9-$16). Chef Ron Eyester’s main plates that night include pan-roasted Florida grouper with eggplant purée, haricot vert and tomato jus; crab-stuffed lobster tail with asparagus gratin, new potatoes and hollandaise; smoked chicken risotto with wild mushrooms, herbs and foie gras jus; seared tuna with braised white beans, fennel and olive jus; Santa’s burger with Kobe beef, St. Andres cheese, balsamic onion relish, baby arugula and foie gras mayo; and braised beef short rib with creamed kale, grained mustard and whipped potatoes ($24-$32). Closed Christmas Day.

Outside the Perimeter

Come Christmas Eve in East Cobb, dine on chef-driven seasonal specialties at Seed Kitchen & Bar or go coastal for the “Best Seafood in Atlanta” per the AJC at Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar. Both of chef/owner Doug Turbush’s restaurants will be open for dinner as usual on Christmas Eve.

Picture Pets, PJs, Ugly Sweaters with Santa on Photo Theme Nights at Cumberland and Perimeter Malls

Santa draws the line through same-old, same-old cookie-cutter photos during the most festive and photogenic time of year. This season, everyone gets in the Santa act during photo theme nights with the jolly old elf at Cumberland Mall and Perimeter Mall. Strike a pose…no one says you have to limit yourself to one theme night.
 

• Pet Night – 5-9 p.m. Mondays (through Dec. 11): Bring four-legged friends to pose with Santa.
• Grandparents’ Night – Friday, Nov. 10: Create a special memory with Maw-Maw and Pop-Pop.
• Holiday PJ Night – Friday, Nov. 17 and Dec. 8: Have a picture taken in festive holiday-themed pajamas.
• Ugly Sweater Night – Friday, Dec. 1: Santa loves tacky holiday sweaters- -- the more reindeer and candy canes, the better!
• Christmas Carolers – Friday, Dec. 15 through Sunday, Dec. 17: Enjoy rousing renditions of favorite holiday songs.

Because waiting in long lines wins a “Bah! Humbug,” both malls allow booking Santa visit times in advance online at both CumberlandMall.com and PerimeterMall.com.  

What’s New on Pinterest: Santa's Favorite Snacks

Hate to have the jolly old elf skip a house due to slack snacks like carrot sticks and celery (okay, the reindeer love those) so we’ve scouted out Santa's Favorite Snacks. Turns out he’s partial to Chex Mix Christmas Crack, white chocolate cranberry fudge and peppermint pretzels (smudges blend in with the suit); candy cane Kisses cookies and strawberry Christmas tree Oreos. Maybe he knows if you’ve been bad or good by whether you’re leaving mini Santa hat cheesecakes or Santa legs “Oops” cupcakes. Grinch hot chocolate (naughty or nice) is a nice touch for anyone waiting up. What about the elves? Leave a jar of Santa’s Cookies mix for their post-holiday party.

Bring Food Items for ACFB, Leave the White Elephant Gifts at Home -- Hand in Hand Holiday Party Dec. 8

Grab some non-perishable staples for the Atlanta Community Food Bank food drive and saunter your way into Hand in Hand’s holiday party on Thursday, Dec. 8. Enjoy holiday cheer from the open bar from 8-10 p.m. and hum along (there’ll be no hum-bugging) to holiday tunes from DJ Moon all night long. Could be your lucky night to take home a raffle prize from this Virginia-Highland pub.

Roast Beast Stuck in the Chimney? Last Push for Christmas Chow

‘Tis three nights before Christmas (that’s two before Christmas Eve)...If you’re still looking at hours of stirring and stirring between wrapping, cooking and last-minute details for feasting with family and friends, stop. Santa has a remedy: the Dish list of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and takeaway dining solutions. Click. Call. Order.  Reservations. Joy to the world, food is on the table.

Dance Off Holiday Goodies to Live Music Sunday Nights at Johnny’s Hideaway

Holiday cookies and cocktails are a waistline’s nightmare before Christmas. Granted, a Santa belly looks cute when you’re St. Nick. On most of us, meh, not so much. Remedy? Get up and dance to live music Sunday nights starting at 8:30 p.m. at Johnny’s Hideaway in Buckhead. Band X takes the stage on December 20, and Legacy Music keeps the beat December 27. Food and drink specials; $5 cover charge. Dance now. A bevy of bowl game buffets await.

Santa Welcomes Naughty and Nice to Ray’s Rio Bravo December 20

Gather the kids and their wish lists and steer the sleigh to Ray’s Rio Bravo on Sunday, December 20. From 5-8 p.m., families are invited to visit with Santa, take photos and order from Ray’s vast menu of made-from-scratch Tex-Mex cuisine. Ray’s gift to you -- kids eat free.

Check Our List Twice -- Once for Christmas, Once for New Year’s Cheer at Atlanta Restaurants

Cue the lights, Christmas music and fireworks. With Christmas and New Year’s Eve approaching at a rapid rate, Atlanta-area restaurants are preparing to bring the holiday cheer with specials and events galore to celebrate the arrival of Saint Nick and 2015. Reservations will fill up fast, so be sure to call the numbers below for more information and to reserve your spot.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day:

• 10th & Piedmont (404-602-5510) will be open on Christmas Eve, and sister restaurant G’s Midtown (404-872-8012) spreads the Christmas Day love with its popular bar menu available from 6 p.m. – midnight on December 25; communitashospitality.com

• Indulge in everyone’s Yuletide favorites at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland for Christmas Day dinner beginning at 6 p.m. Pricing is $28 for adults, $18 for young adults and $10 for children under 10, and tax and gratuity are not included. Menu highlights include a Big Green Egg smoked turkey breast with caramelized apple and sage stuffing, and classics such as green bean casserole, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry Gran Marnier compote and sweet potato biscuits. Finish it off with a sweet slice of pumpkin cheesecake or Southern pecan pie. Wine pairings are also available to put the cherry on top of the perfect holiday meal. Prefer to bring Christmas dinner home? The carry-out option is $175 for a dinner serving six-eight people and includes an oven-ready turkey, gravy and delicious dressing, potato and casserole sides. There is also a turkey-only option for $70. The 12-pound turkey comes roasted, smoked or fried and is in the pan ready to re-heat. Orders must be placed by December 21 and picked up by December 24 at 6 p.m. 404-876-7249; atkinspark.com

New Year's Eve and New Year's Day:

• Both 10th & Piedmont (404-602-5510) and G’s Midtown (404-872-8012) will celebrate New Year’s Eve from 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. Guests can choose from the regular selection or a special menu for $45 per person. Highlights include smoked salmon mousse cups, mini crab cake bites, scallops and caviar, lobster tails, roasted lamb loin, Napa Valley cheesecake and carrot cake. The first course includes a glass of Champagne. Munch on brunch at both restaurants on New Year's Day from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; communitashospitality.com

• Buckhead restaurant Aria is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a $95 per person four-course meal. The second, third and fourth courses give diners the choice of meal option. 404-233-7673; aria-atl.com

• Once Christmas 2014 is in the books, head to Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland on New Year's Eve for several treats, such as shredded confit duck leg ($12), pan-roasted halibut ($24) or smoked prime rib ($26). On New Year's Day, a $12 brunch featuring roasted pork loin with hoppin' John, braised local greens and cornbread will be served starting at 11 a.m. 404-876-7249; atkinspark.com

• Join Bantam + Biddy for New Year’s Day fun. For just $25 on January 1, the restaurant is serving up honey-glazed ham, stewed black-eyed peas, braised collard greens, cornbread and country gravy, and sweet potato pie or carrot cake. Breakfast, including $4 Bloody Marys and mimosas, is served until 3 p.m., but this featured menu is only available while supplies last. All locations are participating; bantamandbiddy.com

• Chick-a-Biddy will begin the first day of 2015 serving brunch. From 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on January 1, guests can enjoy classic brunch items such as fried chicken and waffles with honey butter and maple syrup, almond pancakes with ginger apples and maple syrup, and The Southern, including three JB Farm eggs, grits and black pepper bacon, pimento cheese and toast. 404-588-1888; chickabiddyatl.com

• Keven Gillespie is ready to launch 2015 with a New Year's Eve seven-course tasting menu at Gunshow. The price is $125 per person seven beverage pairings available for an additional $65. 404-380-1886; gunshowatl.com

• Gypsy Kitchen celebrates its first New Year’s Eve with a featured dinner menu for $75 per person. Highlights include NYE Spanish toast, chicken croquetas and a shrimp duo of garlic shrimp and crispy Kataifi-wrapped shrimp. For the entrée, guests will choose among Rioja-braised short ribs, a Catalan-style seafood stew or veggie paella fried rice. 404-939-9840; gypsykitchenatl.com

• HOBNOB is open for dinner New Year's Eve and is offering a special menu in addition to its regular fare. A late-night party kicks off at 10:30 p.m. and includes all-you-can-eat pizzas, beer and Champagne. Tickets are $25 in advance here; $35 tickets at the door. James Patrick Morgan will play the tunes until 12:30 a.m. Festivities include a balloon drop, party favors and a Champagne toast. HOBNOB will also serve New Year’s Day brunch. 404-968-2288; communitashospitality.com

• Toast the New Year from the top of the Hilton Atlanta at Nikolai’s Roof. For $110 per person, diners enjoy an elegant menu including roasted diver scallop, rye crusted halibut and seared beef tenderloin, with the option to include a four- or five-glass wine pairing for additional purchase. 404-221-6362; nikolaisroof.com

• The Pig and the Pearl is offering both their regular menu and a special menu for a New Year’s Eve celebration to remember. For $50 a person, indulge in four courses and bubbly with dessert. Menu items include oysters, smoked prawn and octopus, coffee-rubbed lamb ribs and flourless tuxedo chocolate cake. 404-541-0930; thepigandthepearl.com

• Ring in the New Year with Ray’s. All Ray’s Restaurants locations will be open on New Year’s Eve from 5 p.m.-11 p.m. serving a prix fixe dinner menu. The bars stay open until 1 a.m. Festivities at Ray’s on the River take place in the Grand Pavilion from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Riverside New Year’s Eve Celebration. For $135 per person (plus tax and gratuity), attendees will enjoy a premium open bar, live music and dancing, an all-you-can-eat buffet with live action stations, a balloon drop and Champagne toast at midnight. Parties of 10 or more purchasing tickets by December 15 receive 10% off. 770-955-1187; raysrestaurants.com

• The Shed celebrates New Year’s Eve with a four-course prix fixe meal with bubbly and a toast at midnight. Menu items include tuna tartare, pumpkin ravioli, hot smoked salmon, saffron risotto and vanilla crème brulee. 404-835-4363; theshedatglenwood.com

• The Southern Gentleman offers a $75 five-course menu for New Year’s Eve dinner. Guests will nosh on favorites including pimento cheese gougeres, she-crab bisque and filet mignon. 404-939-9845; thesoutherngentlemanatl.com

• At Trader Vic’s, New Year's Eve dinner is accompanied by live music from Bogey and the Viceroy Quartet from 9 p.m. - 1 a.m. The special menu, available for $60 per person, starts with Thai pepper shrimp, followed by Trader’s crumbled goat cheese salad and smoked Maple Leaf duck breast or Asian stir fry beef. The grand finale is coconut and cardamom pudding. 404-221-6339; tradervicsatl.com

Nikolaustag and A Very Merry Christmas Party this Week at Der Biergarten

Trimmed out with 9,984 ornaments, 72 nutcrackers, 48 stockings and 26 Christmas trees, the Nikolaustag Holiday Celebration at Der Biergarten radiates as much spirit and joy as St. Nick himself. There'll be no silent night on Thursday, December 11 from 5-9 p.m. as holly jollying flows through $8 liters of draft Krombacher pilsner and Warsteiner Dunkel, and $5 mugs of warm Glühwein set faces aglow. With music, entertainment, games, giveaways and a Santa sighting, Der Biergarten will be rockin' like Santa coming down the chimney. What to bring: yourself, friends and a toy donation for the Lift Up Atlanta toy drive.

Families and midday revelers, A Very Merry Christmas Party at Der Biergarten calls your names on Saturday, December 13 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. All decked out for the holidays, Atlanta's authentic German restaurant and beer garden lines up fun for all ages: hot chocolate, cookie decorating, a Santa letter-writing station, games and pictures with Santa from noon-2 p.m. Stop at your favorite store on the way downtown and pick out a toy to contribute to the Lift Up Atlanta toy drive.

Take a Peek at Our Wish List for Last-Minute Gift Ideas Plus More More in this Week's Dish

                                               

MLA is hoping for a foodie gift-filled holiday, with the fun and delicious items on our wish list this year. Be sure to check out what we are all wishing for, New Year's Eve happenings, plus much more in this week's Dish. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

Kneads and Wants on MLAers Christmas Lists

 

We consider ourselves very fortunate to eat and drink for a living - and that about covers our "kneads." Wants? Given that we love all things culinary, it didn't take long for us to compile a wish list to set out on Santa's cookie plate. Elves, have at it, and thanks!

• Gretchen's black lab Pepper chewed up her garlic peeler thus procuring a new one tops her list. A lemon zester would pair nicely with it (and lemon is really good at removing any wayward garlic scent off your hands).
• Nicole pines for a cook's herb wreath, fragrant with bay leaf, sage, rosemary and oregano and handmade on a California farm. She hopes the aromatic find at Williams-Sonoma will lead to some culinary inspirations.
• Amy keeps news moving out to the media and feels a stalwart KitchenAid five-quart stand mixer will help her keep a handle on 325 watts of powerful churning at home.
• Suong is rapping about this “99 Bottles” growler jug from West Elm. She may have 99 problems figuring out which beer to fill this 64-oz. bottle up with first, but finishing it off ain’t one. 
• Emily craves a copy of "The New Classics," the latest from Australian cookbook author Donna Hay. Simple, well-defined recipes and mouthwatering photography make this book a constant companion, both in the kitchen and for conducting culinary research in a cozy armchair.
• Something warm and dry, hints Mandy. Specifically, the Excalibur nine-tray dehydrator at The Cook's Warehouse so she can preserve the veggies from her garden and dry up some healthy homemade fruit snacks for her household.
• "Chop, chop!" says Brooks, who would love a food processor to do just that, along with other kitchen counter talents.
• Tuan can guzzle some tea, and he prefers the loose-leaf varieties. To corral his leaves, he is enthused about the clever infusers at BoredPanda. We want to know what kind of tea the designers were sipping when they came up with the Tea.Tanic, the Deep Tea Diver, the Robot Infuser and Mr. Tea, who considers your mug a hot tub.
• Brandon is always working to improve his core with the office apple corer and slicer. Now he's getting bold and asking for one for home because they make preparing and eating an apple so darn fun.
• Melissa wants to stay as warm as pizza fresh from a hot oven. She's dreaming about a toasty pizza slice sleeping bag that might do the trick as she rests her head on broccoli, mushroom and pepperoni-shaped pillows.
• Georgia Tech student Linda puts in a request for gift cards to the city's best restaurants so she can try them out on her college student-sized budget!

Dear Santa - Our Christmas Wish List on Pinterest

White Oak Pastures BBQ Spice Rub - $7.99

Those of you out there shopping for foodie-oriented gifts, check out our Dear Santa Pinterest board. Tools, pans, gadgets, books, foods...our elves know their way around a kitchen, and they are scampering to share the where-abouts for these tasty wares.

Atlanta Restaurants Give Gift of Time through Holiday and Christmas Meal Solutions

 

Total immersion in holiday activities can push meal planning and shopping to the bottom of Santa's to-do list. Parties, cookie exchanging, Santa visits, ice skating, holiday light viewing, concerts, church services and shopping for the perfect gift all vie for time. By providing meal and carry-out ideas, Atlanta restaurants can provide a much-appreciated gift, freeing you up to savor the seasonal fun stuff with family and friends.  

Enjoy Christmas Eve dinner at Aqua blue in Roswell. From 4-9 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, a special three-course menu is offered for $29 per person in addition to the full à la carte menu. Look for the Aqua blue daily soup, a 12-ounce rib-eye with horseradish sauce and house-made warm chocolate cake. Reservations: 770-643-8886.  

On Christmas Day in Virginia-Highland, Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar will light something big and green that doesn't shed needles. Turkey breast smoked on the Big Green Egg and served with caramelized apple and sage stuffing and cider gravy stars on their prix fixe Christmas dinner menu. Bourbon-glazed ham with roasted root vegetables joins the party as a second main while green bean casserole with crispy onions and roasted mushrooms, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry Grand Marnier compote and sweet potato biscuits are new twists on classic sides. Peppermint cheesecake and Southern pecan pie close the festive meal. $28 for adults, $18 for young adults and $10 for the under-10 set (tax and gratuity not included). Doors open at 6 p.m., and reservations are recommended: 404-876-7249.

Bantam + Biddy's family meals provide the gift of time during this jam-packed season. For $45, three to five family members or friends can take home a whole rotisserie chicken, meatloaf or herb-roasted pork loin, served with a family sized organic green salad, choice of dressing, cornbread (gluten-free bread upon request), three family sized sides and a half gallon of fresh-brewed tea. Family meals are take-out only and require 30 minutes advance notice. Phone orders at 404-907-3469 and pick up curbside. 

Take a breather at a Communitas Hospitality restaurant on Christmas Eve. HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern, 10^th & Piedmontand G's are all open and serving their regular menus on Tuesday, December 24. New American gastropub G's is open with its regular hours and serving from the bar menu on Christmas Day. Convenient to know if you want to head out for some Christmas cheer, or Christmas dinner doesn't quite turn out as you hope. 

Outsource holiday dessert crafting to Sweet Dee's Bakeshop. Place custom orders by Friday, December 20. Open for limited hours on Tuesday, December 24 for custom-order pick-ups only. Sweet questions? Call 770-696-4461. 

A Christmas Eve feast awaits at South City Kitchen Midtown. From 5-9 p.m., enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu priced at $45 for adults and $22.50 for children 12 and under. Choose one appetizer, entrée and dessert with options such as old Charleston she-crab soup with fresh cream and sherry; roasted turkey breast with giblet gravy, cornbread dressing, collard greens, whipped potatoes and orange-cranberry sauce; pan-seared salmon with mushroom farrotto, arugula salad with port wine vinaigrette; and Southern chocolate pecan pie. Reservations: 404-873-7358. 

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant will be RA-rockin' around the Christmas tree with Christmas Eve hours of 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Christmas Day from 4-11 p.m. (bar open until midnight or later). Holiday cheer drink specials all day on Christmas.

On Atlanta's north side, Ray's on the River and Ray's on the Creekwill both be open on Christmas Eve from 5-9 p.m. Celebrate this special night with mouthwatering succulent seafood, hand-cut steaks, signature specialties and carefully selected wines all served by attentive staff.

Daily Dose of Dining Deals During "12 Days of Christmas" at Bantam + Biddy

Photo by Angie Mosier

Scrooges beware: Bantam + Biddy is bringing twelve full days of holiday events and dining specials to Ansley Mall during a "12 Days of Christmas" giveback sure to put a smile on any face. The family friendly eatery rings in a different offer each day between Friday, December 13 and Tuesday, December 24. Check out the specials on their Facebook page and be sure to mark your calendars for your most anticipated deals!

Sweet Dee's Bakeshop Provides Sweet Treats for Christmas on Main Street

Christmas on Main Street is coming to downtown Tucker on Thursday, December 5. From 5-9 PM the Old Town Tucker Merchants Association is transforming downtown into a holiday block party with music, food, Santa sightings and lighting of the Great Tree. And we all know that it wouldn't be Christmas without some treats! To get your fix, visit Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop at the vendor stalls lining Main Street for peppermint bark, mini cupcakes and small stocking stuffer items. If you still can't get enough, Sweet Dee’s Bakeshop is conveniently located at 2316 Main Street. Inside the display case boasts an array of baked goods, cupcakes and full-sized cakes that are sure to bring cheers!

120 Days Til Christmas!

Don't shoot the messenger! We know it's not Labor Day yet, but it's time to start planning your holiday party or you'll be left hosting everyone in your den. Fortunately, the good people at  Old Vinings Inn are ready to help you plan a wonderful celebration with a little holiday bonus included for your trouble! Here are the details: book your party at the historic restaurant before Monday, September 30 and receive 10 percent of the total event cost back on an Old Vinings Inn gift card. Parties must be booked for November or December of 2013 and have a $500 minimum, and planners must mention the code "EB10" when making a reservation to obtain the gift card special. Executive chef Don Diem and staff treat all parties, large and small, with the same attention to detail in customizable buffets, menus, entertainment, décor and other needs. Gift cards hold no expiration date but are not valid on Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day and Valentine's Day weekend and Mother's Day. For more information or to make a reservation, call 770-483-2282 or email privatedining@oldviningsinn.net. Happy Holidays!!

What's New on Pinterest: Holiday Hankerings

Photo: Peppermint Sugar Cookies by Bakerella

That awesome moment when you're looking for a fast and fresh holiday idea and then you spy - strawberry Santas. How berry merry and adorable they'll be, befriending Christmas tree cupcakes and peppermint coffee toddies. 

Not wanting to be s-elfish, we're glad to re-gift these pins for you on our Pinterest board.

Better than Santa in the Kitchen - Chefs in Restaurants for Your Holiday Dinners and Parties

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are drawing near, and Atlanta's best restaurants are ready with options, whether you're looking for a place to carry out for a home gathering or an elegant dinner out. Here is a list of restaurants with holiday happenings: Roswell dwellers can gather at Aqua blue for their Christmas Eve dinner. From 4-9 p.m. on December 24, a special three-course menu will be offered at $29 per person in addition to the full à la carte menu. The special menu includes the Aqua blue daily soup, 12 oz. rib-eye with horseradish sauce and house-made warm chocolate cake. For reservations, call 770-643-8886. Atkins Park in Virginia Highland and Atkins Park in Smyrna are open on Christmas Day, beginning at 6 p.m. at the Virginia Highland location and 5 p.m. at Smyrna. At Atkins Park Virginia Highland, dinner is priced at $22 for adults, $15 for young adults and $8 for children under 10 years old. The main course boasts Big Green Egg smoked turkey breast, braised pork shoulder with roasted root vegetables, green bean casserole, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry Gran Marnier compote and sweet potato biscuits. Save room for pumpkin cheesecake and Southern pecan pie for dessert. Dinner at Atkins Park Smyrna costs $20 for adults, $15 for young adults and $8 for children under 10 years old.  The meal starts off with pimento cheese, deviled eggs and pickled beets. Main courses include deep-fried Creole turkey breast and Dr. Pepper spiral-glazed ham along with squash casserole with cracker topping, herbed bread stuffing, sweet potato soufflé with streusel topping, southern-style green beans, cranberry orange relish and pull-apart rolls. Dessert tops off the meal with a pumpkin and mascarpone cheese roll. Reservations: Virginia Highland, 404-876-7249. Smyrna, 770-435-1887. The holiday-hurried can pick up Bantam +Biddy's family meals. For $42, three to five family members or friends can take home a whole rotisserie chicken, meatloaf or herb-roasted pork loin, served with a family-sized organic green salad, jalapeño cheddar bread (gluten-free bread upon request), choice of dressing, three family-sized sides and a half-gallon of fresh brewed tea. Family meals are take-out only; 30 minutes notice required. Phone in your order to 404-907-3469 and pick it up curb-side. Host an easy "down home" Christmas dinner by ordering the whole feast from Buckhead Barbecue Company. Offering selections for any size party, the restaurant is cooking classics such as hickory honey and cracked pepper smoked turkey, apple-brandy and brown sugar smoked ham and all-natural Black Angus brisket. Sides and desserts feed between 12 to 15 people and include squash casserole, cornbread dressing, sweet potato soufflé and macaroni and cheese sides and desserts of the Buckhead cobbler (peach, apple, blueberry, blackberry and chocolate) or a traditional pumpkin pie. They're taking holiday meal orders until 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 22. Stop in or call 404-792-9388 On Christmas Eve, Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub turns two. Celebrate with their special three-course menu for $20.12 in addition to the regular menu. Reservations optional. Closed Christmas Day. Reservations: 404-474-9600. Little Cake Bakery in Buckhead has holiday cupcakes galore! Eggnog, peppermint, German chocolate and Black Forest cherry flavors are available for order and pick up before Santa arrives. For more information or to place orders, call 404-841-8856. Ray's Restaurants offers diners a warm place to gather this holiday season. Ray's on the Creek in Alpharetta is open from 4-9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. Reservations: 770-649-0064. Ray's on the River is open from 5-9 p.m. on Christmas Eve and closed on Christmas Day. Reservations: 770-955-1187. Ray's in the City is not open on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day. On December 24, South City Kitchen Midtown is open for a three-course prix fixe Christmas Eve feast priced at $42 for adults and $21 for children under 12. Each guest can choose one appetizer, entrée and dessert. Some menu options include fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and sweet pepper coulis, smoke-roasted filet of beef with celery root potatoes, roasted Brussels sprouts and truffle jus, and Southern chocolate pecan pie. Reservations: 404-873-7358. For easy holiday meals, call on Market Street Café or Bistro 191 to cater anything from breakfast and lunch gatherings to fine dining affairs. As a bonus, guests booking a catered event for 10 or more people will receive a complimentary $10 Market Street Café gift card. Place pre-orders for take-home treats, such as holiday breads and pies. To schedule a catered event or for pre-orders, call Market Street Café at 404-816-4911 and Bistro 191 at 404-233-0500.