White Oak Pastures Plows through 150 Years with Anniversary Celebration and General Store Opening October 15

The Harris family has been down on the farm in Bluffton, Georgia for a century and a half. It’s time to party! White Oak Pastures is going large with a 150^th Anniversary Celebration on Saturday, October 15. The free admission event starts with the 9 a.m. grand opening and 11:30 a.m. ribbon cutting for the White Oak Pastures General Store at 101 Church Street, Bluffton. Lunch, supper and chef Reid’s surprise 150^th anniversary signature burger will be available for purchase at the White Oak Pastures food truck. A cash bar will have plenty of wine and beer thirst quenchers. Cut the rug in downtown Bluffton dancing to the Bo Henry Band from Albany, Georgia, performing at the store from 6:30-10 p.m. As an added bonus, White Oak Pastures is excited to show exclusive, live streaming of the Southern Foodways Alliance Symposium, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at 111 Broad Street (Methodist church). On Sunday, October 16, head to the farm’s Pavilion for brunch, served from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Buy brunch tickets online, $10 per person. 

Taco Me Out to the Ballgames -- Cheeky Chastain Now Open for Lunch and Sports Viewing

Good news for gringos who have been running long to Cheeky's OTP locations in Suwanee, Forsyth or the Forum in Peachtree Corners. Cheeky Chastain in Sandy Springs is now open for lunch, offering a stadium-sized menu of favorites from both sides of the border, pour-your-own brews, margaritas, cocktails and all the sports network connections needed to watch and cheer every game. Branch off from the usual fare and tackle appetizers such as alambres -- marinated beef tenderloin topped with shredded cheese and bacon and served with tortillas ($10); scratch-made verde pork tamales ($9); and agave chile lime wings ($8-$15). Handhelds include the Cheeky burger ($11), Cuban ($10) and Cheeky wrap with grilled chicken or steak ($9-$10). For a crisp fall lunch, fork into chile lime shrimp salad ($11), tipico salad with grilled chicken ($10), Cajun-seared ahi tuna salad ($12) or the house salad ($4) topped with grilled chicken, shrimp or steak (+$4-$5) and house-made dressings like avocado cream, chipotle cream or agave balsamic. More? Flip to the taqueria side of the menu to find house and top-shelf tacos sold individually or in trios ($3.50-$4.75 each; $12-$15 trio), served as you like it with soft flour, soft corn or crisp corn tortillas or a lettuce cup. The taqueria now opens at 11 a.m. daily and remains open until 12 a.m. daily. 

American Cut and The Regent Cocktail Club Take Steak and Cocktails to New Levels at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, Open September 30

American Cut, a modern American steak restaurant, and The Regent Cocktail Club, companion rooftop terrace bar, open Friday, September 30 at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. American Cut features signature interpretations on fine-dining classics under the direction of local Atlanta chef John Adamson. The unique, multi-level dining experience includes a first-level lounge and bar with its own special menu and daily drink specials. On the second level, guests can enjoy an Atlanta-inspired menu in the main dining room’s upscale setting. Two private dining rooms are tucked away on this level. The Regent Cocktail Club, spanning an indoor/outdoor terrace and bar on the third level, caters to connoisseurs of the cocktail culture with a rotating selection of craft cocktails and an eclectic mix of live music. Sister restaurant American Cut Tribeca in New York City was ranked #1 in the Fox News roundup of “Top 5 Steakhouses in America” in 2015. The Atlanta restaurant menu defines its own style through bold flavors and American classics such as the house favorite chili lobster, the 40-ounce Tomahawk chop and a mix of theatrical and interactive tableside preparations ranging from the plank-smoked old fashioned to the OG 1924 Caesar salad. The LDV Hospitality restaurant, created in partnership with Marc Forgione, will serve dinner nightly. The Regent Cocktail Club opens the doors to the cocktail crowd at 5 p.m. each night, closing at 1 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

It’s Going to be a Grand Weekend (Opening) for 5Church Rooftop Patio September 9 & 10

5Church is opening its rooftop patio in a grand way this weekend and complimentary valet parking will help guests rise to the top even faster. On Friday, September 9 at 5 p.m., the Midtown restaurant at the corner of Peachtree and 14th streets throws wide the doors upstairs above its main dining room to reveal a spacious rooftop perch well poised for viewing Peachtree Street. Celebrate being a “higher up” by ordering refreshing cocktail, beer or wine selections from the restaurant’s full beverage menu. The special “Lite Bites” patio menu from chef/partner Jamie Lynch and executive chef RJ Cooper stars shareables and solos such as red pea hummus with naan and zaatar ($5); olives from the oven with orange, caraway and herbs de Provence ($4); Georgia heirloom tomatoes, compressed watermelon, Goat Lady goat cheese and Banyuls vinegar ($9); jumbo lump crab, seaweed salad, tomato, chives and soy-ginger vinaigrette ($15); and the signature 5Church lamb burger served on a house-made bun with red onion marmalade, Gorgonzola fondue and arugula plus a side of hand-cut fries ($15). Rooftop patio seating will be available nightly on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 5 p.m. Hosting that group gathering, business function or birthday party on the 5Church rooftop patio will make it the high point of the day; contact Miranda Miranda at Sales@5ChurchAtlanta.com to make it happen.

Grand Opening Week at Bar Meatball in Virginia-Highland is Rolling with Specials, May 12-17

Photo by Marco Alarcon

Bar Meatball has been quietly meeting the neighbors in its Virginia-Highland home over the past few weeks, and now the Italian eatery is rolling out a week of grand-opening specials. Monday, May 12 is free slider night. On Neighbor Night, Tuesday, May 13, 10 percent of the evening’s proceeds will go to the Morningside Lenox Park Association. Ten dollars buys a bottle of Vitiano sangiovese cabernet blend or Banfi Le Rime pinot grigio on Wednesday, May 14. Savor sangria and a slider for $6 on Thursday, May 15. Friday brings free zeppole (you know, those irresistible Italian donuts dusted with powdered sugar)! Kids under 12 years old eat free from noon-5 p.m. on Saturday, May 17. Stop by and see why Bar Meatball’s old-school traditions and flavors shine. For one thing, the place draws on family recipes, high quality ingredients, meats ground in-house daily and sourced locally whenever possible. An easily maneuverable wine and beer list make Bar Meatball a no-brainer for a simply delicious night out in the neighborhood.

Bonefish Grill in Emory Point Hosts Free Charity Event on December 8 to Celebrate Grand Opening

The Emory area becomes an "eat coastal" destination with the opening of Bonefish Grill in the new Emory Point development on Monday, December 10. Succulent wood-grilled fish, seafood and chops, innovative sauces and indulgent desserts fill the menu of this ZAGAT award-winning restaurant. Polished yet casual, Bonefish Grill is a beacon for those in the mood for the popular ahi tuna sashimi, PEI Mussels Josephine, "American-style" Kobe beef burgers or market-fresh daily seafood specials. Liquids are equally inviting, encompassing inventive "bar-fresh" cocktails, unique craft beers and interesting wines. Every Wednesday is Bang Wednesday, when signature crisp-tender Bang Bang Shrimp comes with a spicy sauce for just $5. The community-oriented restaurant reaches out to help both its nearby and global communities. On the evening of Saturday, December 8 from 5:30-8 p.m., Bonefish Grill will host a tasting event to benefit Friends of Music at Emory. Entry is free, but seating is limited. Tickets can be acquired online and donations are welcomed. An open kitchen, large bar, hand-blown glass lamps and big, three-dimensional art all add to the welcoming ambience of the Florida-based restaurant. Dinner service begins at 3 p.m. daily; Sunday brunch is offered from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Reservations welcome, 404-235-4024.

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood for Marlow's Tavern Opening in Dunwoody

Dunwoodians will open their hearts to the newest location of neighborly Marlow's Tavern upon its grand opening Tuesday, July 31 at 1317 Dunwoody Village Parkway. Surrounding trees shade the building, which is reminiscent of a Williamsburg tavern. With its gourmet tavern fare, creative cocktails, generous interiors and patio space, and all-around fun atmosphere, the Dunwoody Marlow’s is sure to become a regular stop for those who live or work in the top-end Perimeter city. What can the locals start salivating over? Marlow’s varied menu packed with categories such as Start, Snack, Share; Crisp, Cool Salads; Tavern Favorites; Classic Tavern Burgers; Big Bar Sandwiches; Kid’s Fun Foods and Sweet Stuff. Plates change seasonally, depending on what’s fresh and local. Grilled turkey meatloaf, ahi tuna poke, a shrimp and crab nacho plate, and grilled chicken panini using Prestige Farms chicken are several current options. Marlow’s extensive beverage menu features American and global wines, handcrafted cocktails and a simple but varied list of beers including local favorites such as Sweetwater 420 and Terrapin Rye Pale Ale. Building community has always been important to Marlow’s Tavern, both through local non-profit involvement and providing a comfortable, inviting place for guests to meet with big leathery booths, communal tables and plenty of covered patio seating. Dunwoody, the door’s open and the food is waiting -- come on in!

Our Appetizing Aperture of the Week

Current craving: this scrumptious plate of White Oak Pastures chicken (and all the fixings, of course) served up from Jim 'n Nick's BBQ at the recent grand opening party for the farm's new poultry abattoir!

It’s time to shine and swirl at Pinkberry

On your mark, get set, swirl!  Pinkberry officially opens in Buckhead tomorrow at 3637 Peachtree Road, NE.  The newest location (the third in Georgia) is in the shopping center just north of the two-story Target and diagonally from Phipps Plaza.  Rather than spin on and on about the all-natural, tart and sweet, creamy dreamy fro-yo, we recommend you stop by this Friday. 

You can also join us tonight from 6 - 10 p.m. for the Grand Opening party to enjoy free servings of the soft and swirly frozen yogurt!  

For directions, up-to-the-minute news and discounts, become a Pinkberry Groupie or check in on Facebook and Twitter (@pinkberry).  The store will be open Sunday through Thursday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Friday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.

Mark Your Calendars: Marietta Pinkberry Opening October 15!

Get excited yogurt fans – Pinkberry will open its second Atlanta-area location on Friday, October 15^th in the Merchant’s Walk shopping center in East Cobb (1281 Johnson Ferry Road in Marietta). 

Can't wait that long?  You can actually get a jump on all the action if you come in the night before for the pre-opener - FREE yogurt for everyone from 6 - 10 p.m. on Thursday, October 14!   If you’re already a fan, you know all about Pinkberry’s six signature flavors of all-natural, non-fat, and rBST hormone-free yogurt.  There’s the famous sweet and tangy original flavor; the bold and tart pomegranate flavor made with 100 percent California-grown pure pomegranate juice; coconut, made with real coconut puree; a rich, indulgent chocolate; and mango, made with authentic Alphonso mango puree; plus there’s the always exciting featured flavor that rotates seasonally. 

After choosing a tasty base you can sprinkle on your own personal flair with toppings like fresh-cut fruit, organic gummy bears (with no high-fructose corn syrup), all natural granola, or rich Belgian chocolate shavings.  You can even get 25 ounce Pinkberry to go, perfect for when those cravings strike while you’re at home. With such great ingredients, Pinkberry is a treat you can actually feel good about eating!  Then you can spread the love by becoming a Pinkberry Groupie, where you can share your passion for Pinkberry with other yogurt fans.  While on the website, check out the 100 Stores 100 Ways contest in honor of Pinkberry's first 100 store openings.  You could win a VIPink card for $1,000 worth of Pinkberry when you share your first Pinkberry experience (which will no doubt be a memorable one)!  Speaking of winning, if you show up for the opening party on October 14^th you can enter to win free Pinkberry for a year!

Send in your RSVP to rsvp@melissalibbypr.com and we'll see you there!

The W Buckhead W-Tante Party

Last night I attended the W Buckhead W-Tante party. The theme for the evening was "where modern luxury meets Southern charm." How appropriate for the Buckhead opening. Attendees included the Atlanta Housewives, NBA Player Kevin Willis, Mara Davis from Dave FM, Suchita Vadlamani from Fox 5's "Good Day Atlanta", the guy from "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" along with many others I couldn't quite cut my way through the crowd to see. The event kicked-off promptly at 7:30 p.m. with cocktail servers passing out cranberry martinis, wine, and some type of stiff bourbon drink. My favorite presentation was the champagne girls (that's what I called them). They wore ball gowns made from plastic that had holders for champagne glasses. Occassionally, you would see them sneaking back into the kitchen to refill the skirt with glasses of champagne! There was a photo booth that had props such as crowns, gloves, pearls and even wands that was quite popular. After much anticipation, the rooftop bar, Whiskey Blue, finally opened around 9ish or so. After a short elevator ride, we arrived on the top floor. What a chic setting -- a huge bar, rooftop patio with comfy sofas, and tons of cozy places to sip champagne or any other drink of choice. Did I mention a great spot for people-watching? I'll certainly be making a trip back there soon -- I hear Thursdays are the night to go. Oh, and I forgot to mention the human vending machine -- very clever way to give away W t-shirts, hats, etc.

Coming Soon-Marlow's Duluth

I drove to Duluth on Monday to check out the newest Marlow’s Tavern location. The new space looks fabulous! The walls are adorned with flat screen TV’s and framed black and white photographs. The booths and tables are installed and ready for the first diners. The open kitchen sparkles in the back of the space, and the lengthy bar is ready for its first patrons. So get ready for Tuesday January 20th when the new Marlow’s opens its doors!
Marlow's Duluth:
1950 Satellite Blvd, Duluth, GA 30097
www.marlowstavern.com

Check Out Dogwood's Youtube Channel For Dinner Music and a Movie

We've put together the videos of the newly opened Dogwood so that you can see the space at 565 Peachtree Street from day one of construction to the Grand Opening. Be sure and stop in to enjoy the restaurant's attentive service and welcoming Southern hospitality (we couldn't fit that part in the video). Dogwood serves lunch weekdays and dinner Monday through Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Dogwood: 565 Peachtree Street, Reynolds condominium building; 404-835-1410.