12 Meals, 12 Great Deals at Evos

Crime? Eating too much junk food!

I don't know about you but I get so tired of all the over-the-top eating we do at the holidays so I am loving the new promotion EVOS Feel Great Fast Food is doing - 12 Meal of Good Deals. We’re talking steakburgers and Airfries, not turtle doves and partridges. From now until Christmas Eve, Evos is featuring a different signature value meal each day at a price that will leave a little extra jingle in your holiday shopping budget.

December 12 – Crispy Thai Trout Wrap
December 13 – EVOS Original Championburger
December 14 – Chopped Steak Taco Wrap
December 15 – Honey Mesquite Chicken Burger
December 16 – Tomato Basil Chicken Wrap
December 17 – Chipotle Turkey Burger
December 18 – Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wrap
December 19 – Veggie Garden Grill Burger
December 20 – Spicy Thai Chicken Wrap
December 21 – Spicy Trout Filet Burger
December 22 – Avocado & Turkey Wrap
December 23 – EVOS Original Steakburger
*Vegetarian substitutions available upon request

EVOmaniacs who have a healthy holiday and collect six out of the 12 Meals of Good Deals cards will receive a $20 Greenback Gift Card. For those who prefer giving rather than receiving, you can choose to donate your $20 Greenback to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. I'm looking forward to using this as an opportunity to try out some new items on their menu starting with the avocado & turkey wrap - sounds delish!

Atlanta’s Top Tailgating Stops and Spots

This Saturday, November 28, the University of Georgia Bulldogs will take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at one of the biggest showdowns in the city. For those folks heading to the big game or just looking to be near all the action, we’ve got the scoop on Atlanta’s prime tailgating places!

A few blocks away from the Georgia Tech campus, Marlow's Tavern™ - Midtown is closing down the street and throwing a block party that is sure to get fans barking and buzzing all afternoon. The good folks at Marlow's have it all planned with a hot grill, cold drink specials and prize giveaways three hours before game time. No game tickets, no problem. Marlow's will pump up the game volume after kick off. (950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.)

If you usually park and pull out your Dawg or Jacket awning and cache of paraphernalia, swing by Pacci Ristorante beforehand. Atlanta's new Italian steakhouse has a special pre-game, take-out menu studded with champion items such as five flavors of wings, three flavors of ribs, Pacci chili, Brunswick stew, pork and beans, pulled pork sandwiches, jalapeño cornbread and a healthy veggie tray. Items are priced from $4 to $14; orders must be placed at least 24 hours before pick-up time. Fans burning with football fever can head upstairs, atop Pacci Ristorante, to AltoRex Rooftop Lounge (left) beginning at 2 p.m. for spirited drinks and football favorites including Johnsonville brats, Italian sausage, soft pretzels and more. (866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402.)

Before every Georgia Tech Saturday home game, WaterHaven has welcomed both the home team and guests (go figure on this showdown) to park and tailgate before and after the game -- and this weekend's showdown is no exception. The restaurant will open at noon so fans can power up on sandwiches and BBQ as well as regular menu items such as lamb sliders, fried green tomatoes, crab cakes and WaterHaven's classic burger, plus $5 mimosas and Bloody Marys. Cheer inside or outside on the 100-seat patio! WaterHaven will validate guests' parking tickets from the AT&T parking deck, located at Fifth and West Peachtree streets, with a minimum purchase of $25. (75 Fifth Street, NW; 404-214-6740.)

We can already hear both teams applauding for the freebie food offer that EVOS Feel Great Fast Food in Sandy Springs is kicking out there this game day. On November 28, Yellow Jacket fans who don gold and white or UGA fans wearing red and black will receive free Airfries™ and a drink with the purchase of a burger or wrap at the Sandy Springs EVOS restaurant in The Prado. (Open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. at 5590 Prado Place off Roswell Road, Suite 140; 404-252-4022.)

Even though the game clock runs for 15 minute quarters, the clock keeps running for 16 hours of tailgating merriment at The Cypress Street Pint & Plate Rivalry Weekend Tailgate Party 2009, sponsored by New Belgium Brewery, on November 28. From 10 a.m. until 2 a.m., Cypress Street Pint & Plate is extending its patio, rolling out the grills and screens, going long with giveaways and quenching cheer-parched throats with $4 Fat Tire drafts. Rock on after the game with crowd pleasing tunes from the Francisco Vidal Band. (817 West Peachtree Street at the corner of 6th and Cypress streets behind the Biltmore; 404-815-9243.)

Good Nutrition Month Gets November off to a Healthy Start!

It'a a hard-to-believe holiday considering Thanksgiving is right around the corner, but November is also Good Nutrition Month. It's an excellent time to do some nutritious noshing before the holiday gorging begins. If you're having trouble deciphering between what's naughty and nice, these Atlanta restaurants make it easy with their menus:

- Ray's Restaurants (Ray's on the River, Ray's in the City and Ray's Killer Creek) offer heart healthy menus at lunch and dinner that provide generous portions of high-quality protein while skimping on fat and calories. This month, twenty-five percent of all sales from these menus are donated to Northside Hospital’s Breast Care Program. To help increase dietary awareness, each item includes a calorie/protein/carb/fat breakdown.

- Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food has a heart healthy menu with selections such as mesquite-grilled salmon filet with sautéed vegetables and fresh pineapple pico de gallo; Ensalada Especial; and a grilled vegetable platter that is piled high with good eats. And look for a new location of this Mexican favorite opening at Perimeter Town Center on November 17!

- You can still have fast food with only half the fat...but only if you go to EVOS Feel Great Fast Food, where eating in a hurry won’t give you a heavy feeling. All meats are naturally raised and hormone free, veggies are organically grown and the fruits used in EVOS Low Fat Real Fruitshakes are real. EVOS Airbakes™ its meats and fries so you won’t find grease or hidden fats. In addition to the Sandy Springs location, the restaurant be making another Atlanta appearance in Midtown later this month with a new restaurant at the Viewpoint building.

Salsa & Sustainability

What do salsa and sustainability have in common? Tierra Atlanta is hosting an evening of "salsa and sustainability" from 7 - 10 p.m. to raise funds for EARTH University Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in Atlanta, that supports the educational vision of Costa Rica-based EARTH University.

It's a no-brainer that EVOS will serve up tasty eats to the estimated 600 attendees at the October 24 Tierra Cosecha fundraiser at Atlanta's SweetWater Brewing Company. And needless to say Sweetwater will provide the tasty beverages.

EARTH offers educational programs encompassing agriculture, science, technology and entrepreneurship in Guacimo, Costa Rica.

EVOS: 5590 Roswell Road, NE; 404-252-4022.
SweetWater Brewing Company: 195 Ottley Drive; 404-691-ALES (2537).

Taste Of Atlanta Starts Tomorrow

It’s time to savor fall weather and fabulous food once again at this year’s Taste of Atlanta. The 8th annual outdoor food festival is being held in Midtown's Technology Square from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, October 10 and 11. WaterHaven and EVOS will be among the more than 80 restaurants cooking up some of their specialties at the festival. In addition to trying all types of food, there will be demos by national and local chefs including a demonstration by Mary Moore, founder of The Cook's Warehouse, on the main cooking stage Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets, including 15 taste coupons, are $25 per person through October 9 then $30 at the event; VIP tickets, available for guests 21 years of age and up, are $65 each and include the Wine and Beer Experience. Kids 13 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. Tasting coupons must be purchased for food samples. For more information, visit http://www.tasteofatlanta.net/.

Tailgating Time is Finally Here!

For all you football fans, we’ve got some sure bets for tasty tailgate fare that will definitely win points….off the field, at least:

- For a healthier version of football-watching food, EVOS trades grease for fresh ingredients and offers burgers, fries, sandwiches and wraps with half the fat.

- Six locations of Marlow’s Tavern serve as convenient gathering spots with hearty American fare and flat-screen plasma TVs. For pre-game food on the run, Marlow’s also offers a to-go menu.

- For a fumble-free to-go menu, Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead and Downtown offer only the best with tuna tartare, colossal shrimp cocktail, double-cut filet mignon or New York strip steak and Key lime pie.

- Pacci Ristorante and AltoRex Rooftop Lounge have a couple of options, especially for those heading to nearby Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech. Football fans can pick up fare on the way to the game or let the Midtown restaurant cater their pigskin parties. Pacci’s tailgating menu veers off the restaurant’s Italian steakhouse tradition to include sporty favorites like wings, ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. AltoRex Rooftop Lounge opens at 10 a.m. on game days to cure football fever with a healthy combo of open air, wide-screen viewing, fun beverages and good eats including Johnsonville brats, Italian sausages and soft pretzels. All Pacci catering orders must be placed at least 24 hours before pick-up time.

- Panera Bread’s Via Panera catering menu has about as many choices and Atlanta-area locations as a team roster has players. Bring home sandwiches, salads, soups, bagels, breakfast and brunch foods.

- The Original El Taco catering team can roll out an array of tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, the Grande house salad, appetizers, sides and a salsa bar. Orders include napkins, utensils and plates. Pick up or have your chow delivered ($20 delivery charge). Place your order at least 24 hours in advance by email or calling 404-873-4656.

- Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican Food knows how to plan a football fiesta with food-to-go, party packs and catering. All menu items can be ordered to go – just call Uncle Julio’s to-go line at 404-974-2991. The staff will load up a party pack with your gridiron favorites, or Uncle Julio’s team can set out the linens, chafing dishes and serving pieces; decorate your buffet; and line up plates, utensils, napkins and food. One glance at the catering menu will get your mojo going.

- WaterHaven, in Midtown’s Technology Square, welcomes Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to touch down for brunch before the game on Saturday, September 5. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.; WaterHaven serves brunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. They also offer FREE (validated) parking in the AT&T deck at 5th and West Peachtree streets.

- For prepared foods, Whole Foods Market has what you need including hot pizza, breads, deli items, cheeses, sweets and cold beer… you name it.

Where to Go On Labor Day

It’s good to know that even when most of us will be taking a break on Labor Day, some of Atlanta’s top restaurants will still be servin’ up their delicious dishes for us to enjoy. Check out the list below to see who will be open on Monday, September 7 and give yourself a break from cooking in the kitchen.

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

EVOS: 5590 Roswell Road, NE; 404-252-4022.

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

Marlow's Tavern: 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; Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road, 678-987-1197; and Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033.

Panera Bread: Find a Panera Bread location at http://www.panera.com/.

RA Sushi: 1080 Peachtree Street at 1010 Midtown; 404-267-0114.

The Original El Taco: 1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.

Toulouse: 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. To-go line: 404-974-2991.

WaterHaven: 75 Fifth Street, NW at the corner of Spring Street; 404-214-6740.

Also, Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead will thank emergency personnel working on Labor Day with a free lunch that includes their tasty petite filet mignon sandwiches, mini prime cheeseburgers and red bliss potato salad. Emergency personnel in uniform or bearing ID can drive through the parking lot of Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead from 1-4 p.m. on Labor Day to pick up a complimentary to-go lunch.

Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535.

4th of July Happenings Around Town

If you're looking to take a break from the kitchen this holiday weekend, here are a few places that will be serving out deals for the 4th of July.

Opening for the first time for the 4th, Aria is offering all Facebook fans a killer deal. Make reservations through OpenTable and put "Facebook" in the notes section or mention Facebook when phoning in and receive 50% off the food bill. The restaurant opens at 5:30 p.m. for dinner. 490 East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead; 404-233-7673.

Stop by Aqua blue on Friday, July 3 and enjoy one free 1.5 pound steamed whole lobster appetizer with your dinner purchase. One freebie per table (tax and tip not included). Aqua blue will be open from 4-10 p.m.; mention this offer when making your reservation. 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886.

EVOS will be open serving healthy, slow-roasted steakburgers, Airfries, wraps, salads, and cool fruitshakes. And for the runners taking part in the Peachtree Road Race, EVOS is offering a FREE organic milk shake. Just drop by and show your t-shirt or bib number to receive the special offer. 5590 Roswell Road, NE at The Prado;404-252-4022.

All six Marlow's Tavern locations are open as usual on July 4th. 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; Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road, 678-987-1197; and Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033.

The Nook, On Piedmont Park will open for brunch at 9 a.m. for runners and their fans to enjoy the terrific Piedmont Park view. 1144 Piedmont Avenue in Midtown; 404-745-9222.

Head over to Panera Bread bakery-cafes for your 4th of July picnic goodies. Each Atlanta location will be open on the holiday during regular business hours providing good eats for firework watchers. Go online to find out which of Atlanta's 21 Panera locations is closest to you.

Midtown's newly opened RA Sushi will be serving light, cool sushi and sashimi on the hot, hot July 4th. Plus, it's convenient for Peachtree Road Race fans and for those heading to view the Centennial Olympic Park fireworks. 1010 Midtown at 1080 Peachtree Street; 404-267-0114.

Toast to the holiday with a Swirl at Uncle Julio's Casa Grande. The restaurant's signature drink is the perfect blend of frozen margarita and sangria. 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. To go line: 404-974-2991.

Woodfire Grill will be offering a threee-course dinner for $35 per person from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. that includes Chef Kevin Gillespie's roasted whole hog with his own Terminus City barbeque recipe. A $5 suggested donation for the all-you-can-drink SweetWater beer, and proceeds will go to "Save the Hooch."1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

Welcome Your Neighborhood EVOS!

Back in 1994, three guys were driving around Florida in a hot car, craving burgers and fries, but dreading the aftershock those greasy, not-so-healthy burgers and fries would wreak on their systems. A few miles down the road, the idea for EVOS® was born. They still didn't have a place for lunch, but they had an evolutionary idea about low fat, fast food eating that spread like ketchup. Getting right to the low-fat meat of the matter, EVOS will open in The Prado on Roswell Road on Friday, June 5.



Eating at EVOS is healthy for you and for the environment. The guys at EVOS are glad to explain without getting preachy. When you choose burgers, wraps, salads, soups and shakes from the menu, you get 50-70 percent less fat, 100 percent pure taste. Meats are slow-roasted, and Airfries are Airbaked so there are no greasy grills or dirty oils to pollute your veins or municipal drains. Meats are humanely raised, antibiotic and hormone free; Certified Organic and Fair Trade Certified ingredients are used wherever possible. Steakburgers are made from prime cuts of beef (not grab-bag cuts), and fresh "fruitshakes" blend organic fruits and juices, organic milk and a complementary multivitamin supplement. Vegetarian and vegan options abound. And, since the founders have kids of their own, the Healthy Kids menu stars tasty, healthy foods instead of cheap, shiny toys.




The Friday, June 5, EVOS will be open daily from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. at 5590 Roswell Road, NE; 404-252-4022.