What’s New on Pinterest: Holiday Happy Hour

Throw together a Holiday Happy Hour with these tidbits that are easy to prepare -- and hold and eat, beverage in one hand. Roasted cranberry brie crostini, cranberry brie bites and an onion-cranberry-pecan cheeseball highlight the seasonal tart red berry. Mini pecan pies and eggnog cheesecakes with gingerbread cookie crusts satisfy that I-just-want-one-sweet-bite craving. Same size but savory finds include sundried tomato pesto bites, filet mignon bites with creamy horseradish, mini baked potatoes and Cajun shrimp guacamole bites. In your other hand? A holiday pomegranate mimosa, coconut eggnog, cinnamon apple cider martini, cider and champagne cocktail, a glass of jingle juice holiday punch or any of the other spirited bevvies.

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.

Kids, Bring Your Folks and Decorate Christmas Cookies at Atkins Park Va-Hi Dec. 13

Frosting slathers and holiday laughter will spread throughout Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland at this family friendly dining and decorating event on the night of Wednesday, Dec. 13. Cookies, frosting and sprinkles emerge at 5 p.m., right on time for appetizers or dinner and perhaps some holiday spirits for the grown-ups. Children will receive a large Christmas cookie to decorate at their dinner table, while supplies last. The Atkins Park Always Available menu has lots of kid-pleasers, including crispy chicken tenders with hand-cut fries, honey mustard and barbeque sauce ($12); Atkins Park nachos ($8, add chicken or pork for $4); Big Green Egg smoked wings with barbecue sauce, veggies and blue cheese or buttermilk ranch ($12); The Park burger built to suit on a Certified Angus Beef patty or substitute a black bean veggie burger or grilled chicken breast; and other tasty sandwiches.

What’s New on Pinterest: Holiday Happy Hour

Plan your party menu around Holiday Happy Hour bites and prevent awkward plate-utensil-cocktail-oops juggling moments for guests. Skip the whole knife/fork/spoon thing with these right-sized morsels. Spear savory filet mignon bites, wield skewered shrimp, nibble away on lollipop-style baked brie pastry or lift pimento cheese and bacon balls on pretzel sticks. Santa hat cheesecake bites and chicken and waffle sliders are off the grid in cuteness. Eggnog ditches the mug in mini cheesecakes in gingerbread cookie crusts, leaving the other hand free to hold a ginger snap cocktail, “Coquito” (coconut eggnog), spiced cranberry rum old-fashioned, “Jingle Juice,” Christmas sangria or white Christmas margarita punch.

Relax. It’s Labor Day. Let Atlanta Restaurants Do the Cooking for You

Labor Day arrives Monday, September 5, signaling the unofficial start of fall activities. Might as well squeeze in one last weekend of summer fun! Spend it in the grocery store and kitchen? We think not, because some of our favorite eateries are open over the holiday. Keep these Atlanta restaurants in mind if you’re returning from vacation, beat from a day of outdoor activities or just ready to let someone else labor over the stove.

For high-quality steaks and seafood, head to 101 Steak. Vinings’ newest chophouse is open regular hours all weekend and will be open for dinner on Monday from 4-9:30 p.m., offering mouthwatering dishes like the 32-oz. tomahawk chop, East and West Coast oysters and more than 100 wines by the glass.

Newcomer 5Church carries its weekend brunch service over to Monday for a special holiday treat. Cornmeal waffles, Southern fried steak, duck confit with cabbage pancake and more will be on the menu from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with dinner service in the evening.

Out late on Sunday? Celebrate into the wee hours at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland or Ormsby’s in West Midtown. Both are staying open until 3 a.m. Monday morning. Atkins Park will cure your hangover with its full brunch menu available on Monday starting at 11:30 a.m.

Ponce City Market favorite Bellina Alimentari continues its monthly Bluesin’ Bellina live music series on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy food, libations and great music from the Cody Matlock Band. Regular Monday hours stand.

Bid summer a final farewell with a special edition of Basque in the Sun on Sunday at Gypsy Kitchen. Enjoy paella on the patio, $5 glasses of rosé, $4 tinto de verano and half off select bottles of wine, as well as a live flamenco guitarist from 4-7 p.m. and a DJ starting at 7 p.m. Closed on Monday.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern is open regular hours all weekend and Monday. Stop by and enjoy the brunch menu and $17 bottomless mimosas. Order half-price wings on Sunday from 5-11 p.m. and return for Monday’s date night special -- dinner for two for $24.95.

Johnny’s Hideaway, Atlanta’s favorite neighborhood nightspot, is open late on Sunday for a pre-Labor Day bash with live music from Cold Draft Beer. Monday regulars, Johnny’s is open for you as usual.

Whether you’re attending the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on Saturday or going sci-fi at Dragon Con, be sure to make Ray’s in the City part of your itinerary – the downtown restaurant is open all weekend. Come Monday for the two-course 1.25-pound whole Maine lobster dinner available all day for $24.95. More? That dinner also is available on Labor Day atRay’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek. If you’re craving Mexican food, visit Ray's Rio Bravo on Monday for half-priced drinks all day.

Smokebelly BBQ turns the corner from summer to fall by honoring barbecue and the start of college football season. Friday through Monday specials include $3 Bud Light drafts, $10 Bud Light pitchers, $15 Bud and Bud Light buckets and $5 Tito’s drinks. The Whispering Gypsies start in with live music at 8 p.m. Friday. Saturday, enjoy gridiron action on 16 TVs, along with enough barbecue to feed every college team in the country. Smoked brisket and an Irish whiskey are just the ticket for catching Sunday’s Texas vs. Notre Dame game. Cap off the weekend on Monday with waffle fries, mac and cheese and pulled pork as FSU faces off against Ole Miss. Beginning September 5, Monday’s mean 25-cent wings starting at 4 p.m.

Additional restaurants open regular hours on Monday, September 5:

• Affairs in Alpharetta
• Marlow’s Tavern (all locations)
• Sublime Doughnuts (both locations)
• The Big Ketch Buckhead and Canton Street (Roswell)
• Tin Lizzy’s Cantina (all locations) 

Appetizing Aperture: The Key to the Holidays Old Fashioned

Article 14 holds The Key to the Holidays, and it comes in a glass. The holiday-themed old fashioned jingles together Larceny bourbon, apple liqueur and rich “Holiday” syrup ($12). Come on over and don’t bother ringing the bell, the door to holiday merriment is already wide open. 

Atkins Park Virginia-Highland Customer Appreciation Party Treats Guests to a Cup of Cheer December 16

‘Tis the season to drop in and share holiday greetings, hugs and a cup or two of cheer with dear friends. When you’re Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland, Atlanta’s longest continuously operating tavern, you have many friends. The best way to show gratitude for each one is to do what comes naturally...throw a Holiday Customer Appreciation Party. Stop by for complimentary drinks and bites this Wednesday, December 16 from 6-7 p.m. Only a Grinch would skip out on this merry evening. 

Ho, Ho, Ho, Legacy Ventures BOGOs $100 Gift Cards December 18 - 24

The adage “good things come to those who wait” certainly pans out for shoppers buying Legacy Ventures restaurant gift cards in the mad-dash week-before-Christmas shopping crush. Friday, December 18 through Thursday, December 24, score a $100 gift card with every Legacy Ventures $100 gift card purchased at lvmgt.com. Limited to online purchases, the generous offer includes Legacy Ventures restaurants Der Biergarten, Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, STATS and Twin Smokers BBQ. Let the other goodie gatherers clog mall parking lots. Savvy givers, steer your cyber sleighs to lvmgt.com for gift cards galore. 

Oh, Boy! Atlanta Restaurants Cover Labor Day Eating

Labor Day marks the last weekend for the boys of summer. The “Oh, boy. I forgot to marinate the chicken, buy the charcoal, fill in the blank.” The “Oh, boy. I’m too wiped out to cook after that long drive back from...” No worries. Atlanta restaurants are ready to send those boys packing on good terms by providing dine-in and take-home meal options for smooth sailing over the Labor Day holiday. Oh, boy! Our informative blog link has the details. 

Order Your White Oak Pastures Thanksgiving Turkey Before Prices Fly Higher and Birds are All Booked

Save 20 percent on the price of a White Oak Pastures American Standard Bronze heritage breed turkey by placing your order before the price flies north on Saturday, August 15. A glistening roast turkey with gravy sets mouths to watering at the Thanksgiving table. Can’t say the same about hormones, antibiotics and cooped up birds -- so why invite them? White Oak Pastures’ birds are happy campers, raised free from hormones and antibiotics and free to roam and develop rich, forage-fed flavor before heading to the on-farm USDA-inspected poultry abattoir. A nationwide shortage of young turkeys to pasture raise and increased demand means a limited supply for this holiday season. Avoid poultry panic and save by ordering now. Prices before discount: $75 for small turkeys (8-12 lbs.), $100 for medium-sized (12.1-16 lbs.) and $125 for large (16.1 and heavier). Order through White Oak Pastures’ online store. All Thanksgiving turkey orders will be shipped Monday, November 16-Friday, November 20 to ensure timely delivery. 

Atlanta Restaurants Honor Memorial Day Weekend with Star-Spangled Specials May 22-25

Travels, festivals, memorial celebrations -- Atlanta restaurants post hours to accommodate your Memorial Day weekend plans.

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland stays open late on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend (past midnight) and will serve lunch and dinner during regular hours on Monday.

All Bantam + Biddy locations will be open over the holiday weekend with all-natural poultry and regional fare -- can’t get more American than this!

Casual Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station will be open as usual for weekend brunch plus lunch and dinner on all three days of the holiday weekend.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern will open at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, doing their duty to serve their regular lunch menu and tossing in a few brunchy items to boot.

Stop by Kabob Land for pita and hummus, tabouli salad or wraps and plates bearing slow-roasted lamb, shawarma (gyro) and charbroiled meat, chicken, veggie or salmon kabobs. Dine in or order and go to be a holiday picnic hero. The Buckhead eatery honors regular hours across the weekend.

Ormsby’s on Atlanta’s Westside keeps Sunday’s party rolling past the usual midnight hour until 3 a.m. Monday morning, then stays opens as usual on Monday from 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m.

RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown fires up its Nicky’s Week fundraiser on Memorial Day Monday and keeps the special menu rolling through May 31. Regular hours prevail throughout the weekend.

On Memorial Day, all three Ray’s Restaurants -- Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek -- will be open from noon until 9 p.m. and will offer double points for all Dining Club members. Additionally, active duty military and veterans -- and one guest -- will receive a 20 percent discount at all three Ray’s Restaurants on Monday, May 25.

Brunch spreads over all three days of the holiday weekend at 10th & Piedmont. The Midtown restaurant will extend its Saturday-Sunday brunch menu to Memorial Day and will open early at 10 a.m. to welcome Monday brunchers.

Willy’s Mexicana Grill locations will be open over the weekend with the exception of Willy’s in Peachtree Center, AT&T Center, AT&T Lindbergh and at Georgia State. Take Willy’s wrapped-to-order burritos along on your weekend adventures.

Atlanta Restaurants Share the Love on Valentine's Day

When you were a kid, Valentine's Day whirled around cheesy little cards (for the whole class), message-emblazoned candies, heart-shaped cookies smeared with really red icing and maybe a box of chocolates. Adult life sure is a lot more complicated, whether you're smitten or not. Hugs to Atlanta restaurants for stepping in to save the date with delicious terms of endearment on Valentine's Day menus.

10th & Piedmont and G's Midtown double date -- both offer a romantic Valentine's Day prix fixe dinner for two from 5-11 p.m. For $79 plus tax and gratuity, couples will enjoy a four-course menu that includes grilled Belgian endive salad, a shareable chef's tasting of smoked salmon mousse cups and mini crabcake bites, as well as an entrée choice for each person, such as cumin-crusted duck breast, roasted lamb loin or a surf and turf with lobster tail and filet medallions. Spoon a swoon-worthy dessert, chocolate soufflé for two. Make reservations online or by phone: 10thP.com 404-602-5510 or GsMidtown.com 404-872-8012.

Roses are red, and Aqua blue is equally romantic this Valentine's weekend. From Friday, February 13 through Sunday, February 15, a Valentine's three-course prix fixe dinner is $50 per person (excluding tax or gratuity), and the à la carte menu also is available for those who already have a "love" on the menu. Reservations: 770-643-8886.

In the heart of Buckhead, a four-course dinner at Aria sets the stage for romance on Saturday, February 14. Chef Gerry Klaskala's avant-garde take on fine American cuisine woos and wows for $95 per person. Reservations: 404-233-7673.

Book a date at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland and embrace the delicious chef's menu February 13 and 14. À la carte selections include flash-fried oysters, pan-roasted black grouper, grilled lamb porterhouse and crispy sweet ricotta ravioli for dessert ($6-$28). Reservations: 404-876-7249.

You flipped over each other, now flip over the creative burgers at FLIP burger boutique, especially the special Valentine's lobster burger available February 13-15. The loaded lobster roll burger hugs a topping of Duke's mayo, crème fraîche, shallots, chives, parsley, avocado and pecan-smoked bacon, all on a toasted brioche bun for just $19.

Whether you're going duo or solo, there's a Valentine's special to love at Midtown's HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern. From 5-11 p.m., a couple's dinner featuring chef's specials plus the regular menu will be offered. From 10 p.m. to 2:30 a.m., the restaurant hosts a Broken Hearts Club singles party with all-you-can-eat pizza and all-you-can-drink beer and bubbly. Party tickets are $29 per person in advance; $39 at the door. Reservations: 404-968-2288.

Whisper a sweet "meet me at Marlow's" in your Valentine's ear (being sure you are both talking about the same Marlow's location). Each Marlow's Tavern will feature a special three-course prix fixe menu for $35 per person, as well as their beloved American tavern fare served in a refreshingly modern setting.

Lovebirds can roost at Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails in Historic Crabapple for executive chef Derek Dollar's special prix fixe dinner priced at $59 per person. Sip on specialty Valentine's Day cocktails while enjoying live music. Information and reservations: 770-817-0161.

Love is way up in the air on the 30th floor of Hilton Atlanta where an elegant dinner at Nikolai's Roof awaits weekend view seekers. Chef de cuisine Stephanie Alderete is offering a five-course prix fixe menu along with the regular menu on Friday, February 13. On Saturday, February 14, only the prix fixe option will be available. Featured dishes include jumbo lump crab terrine, seared foie gras, sautéed swordfish or braised short ribs, and a dark chocolate soufflé to finish. $110 per person, with a four-glass wine pairing for $55 or five glasses for $58. Go ahead and smooch a Strawberry Kiss cocktail ($10) before dinner. Reservations: 404-221-6362.

Your Valentine's a gem worthy of a multi-course meal at The Pig & The Pearl in Atlantic Station. Over February 13-14, both seafood and smoked meat lovers will adore the special three-course lunch and dinner menu. Fan the flames of desire with a shared appetizer course of smoked deviled eggs, poached shrimp and smoked salmon followed by a shared smoke stack of pork shoulder, brisket, wings, ribs, mustard greens, mac & cheese and Sea Island red pea "baked beans." Finish sweetly with flourless tuxedo chocolate cake served with bubbles. $80 per couple, plus tax and gratuity. Lovely additions: four seats will be available at the raw bar each night for a seven-course menu personally designed and prepared by chef Todd Richards and featuring the finest oysters, caviar, smoked meats and vegetables. $85 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: 404-541-0930.

Ray's Restaurants comprise a romantic trio, and all three locations have special menus in their quivers for cupid's big day. Call the individual restaurants for menu information and reservations. Ray's in the City: 404-524-9224; Rays at Killer Creek: 770-649-0064; Ray's on the River: 770-955-1187.

Prince Charming? The Southern Gentleman, a new gastropub in the Buckhead Atlanta development, dazzles and delights guests with a three-course prix fixe menu rich with lobster and grits, black truffle-celery soup, flounder, petite filet of beef, chocolate buttermilk cake and strawberry cheesecake. Dinner is $65 per person. Reservations: 404-939-9845.

Aloha means love and Trader Vic's in the Hilton Atlanta invites you to bestow aloha on your Valentine this February 14. The Trader's special menu includes BBQ duck breast spring roll, Asian chicken breast salad, entrée choices of wok stir-fried strip loin or pan-seared yellowtail snapper and a sweet spot of white chocolate soufflé with passion fruit coulis for dessert. $60 per person (plus 20 percent gratuity and tax). Add two glasses of sparkling wine for $14.

Join The Shed to celebrate a romantic night out! There will be a three course meal served for $45 per person. There are four choices to start the night – shrimp and grits with chicken sausage, onions, peppers and baguette; tuna tartare served with ponzu gelee, cucumber, trout caviar, scallions and fried shallots; smoked beef brisket spring roll with baby corn, sweet potato, avocado puree, kung pao sauce  or Caesar salad. After that, indulge in a mouthwatering second course that includes options like pan seared bay scallops; NY strip; potato crusted flounder and Springer Mountain Farms chicken.  End this special night with a sweet treat like vanilla crème brulee, deconstructed ding dong, red velvet cheesecake or share the cheese plate for two that includes raisin toast, pecans and apple butter. 

Article 14 is the place to take your lover this Valentine’s Day. Abandon your normal routine and try the menu specifically created for this special night. Begin with a decadent appetizer of oysters and caviar, two choices of entrees: mouth watering diver scallop, asparagus and a petite herb salad priced at $29 or pan roasted filet of beef with cauliflower and hazelnuts for $34. Don’t forget to finish the night off with the $8 “Chocolate Love Affair” so amorous it may feel like cheating. 

Sneak away to Bluffton, Georgia for an idyllic Valentine's Day dinner at White Oak Pastures on February 14. Pavilion meal includes four courses for two, lining up an appetizer, salad, choice of entreé and dessert with a complimentary glass of Champagne for each guest. $85 per couple, $55 for singles, and those who partake in the dinner will receive 10 percent off lodging for the night. Reservations required: 229-641-2081.

Gotta love Willy's Mexicana Grill for this heartwarming special. On Valentine's Day, bring a homemade or store-bought Valentine's card to any Willy's location, and they will love you back with a special offer to use on a return visit.

Buy roses that make a difference this Valentine's Day: Whole Trade® Roses at Whole Foods Market help provide fair prices to producers, safe and healthy working conditions for farm workers and promote environmentally-friendly growing practices-plus each bunch provides a one percent donation to Whole Planet Foundation for poverty relief.

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!

Park the Sleigh at ATL Restaurants for Holiday Meals and Festivities and More in this Week's Dish

This Christmas, the MLA staff is wishing and hoping for Santa to bring them all things culinary--from a Cuisinart stand mixer to a self-stirring saucepan. Whether or not the gift is sitting under the tree on Christmas Day, everyone will have a place to gather for a delicious chef-driven holiday meal. There's plenty to devour and more in this week's Dish!

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.

Keep Some Jingle in Your Pocket with Holiday Gift Cards and More in this Week's Dish

This holiday season give the gift card that keeps on giving with bonus cards for friends, family or to enjoy yourself. Gift a Georgia Organics membership or enjoy a ladies night out at Aqua blue. There are plenty of ways to gift-give this holiday and much more in this week's Dish.

Buying Holiday Gift Cards is a Smart Financial Move for Savvy Shoppers

  

The sound of Salvation Army bells reminds us that every little bit adds up when you're planning holiday and year-end spending and giving. Take advantage of these restaurant gift card promotions for friends, family or yourself -- and keep some jingle in your pocket for saving, giving or enjoying down the road.

Go global in Roswell by giving gift cards to Aqua blue Restaurant and Bar.  The restaurant is throwing in a $25 bonus gift card with every $100 gift card purchased. 

In Dunwoody, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar  is offering a bonus gift card of $20 for every $100 spent on cards. Guests can enter to win a trip for two to Napa Valley by purchasing the customizable gift cards online through December. The bonus cards are valid for food and beverage only and can be redeemed from Tuesday, January 1 through Sunday, February 10, 2013.

Get a bigger pizza with a smaller slice into your wallet at Hearth Pizza Tavern in Sandy Springs. Purchase $100 gift cards for only $75.

Diners and shoppers at No. 246 in Decatur will receive a $20 bonus card with each $100 gift card purchased.  Bonus gift cards cannot be redeemed the same day as purchased.

Roll your friends into the New Year with RA Sushi Bar Restaurant gift cards and receive a $10 bonus card with every $50 of gift cards purchased online or in the restaurant. Bonus promotion runs through Monday, December 31; bonus cards are valid from Wednesday, January 2 to Sunday, March 31, 2013.

Ray's Restaurants -- Ray's on the River, Ray's in the City and Ray's on the Creek are throwing in a bonus $10 gift card with every $50 gift card purchased through January 31, 2013. In addition, all locations will be giving out scratch-off gift cards during the holidays that may reveal 15 percent or 25 percent off of a meal, valid in January and February. Gift cards can be purchased either online or in restaurants.

Have a very, merry margarita using the gift card promotion at Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food. Through December 24, diners will receive a $10 reward card with every $50 gift card purchase. The reward card is valid from Tuesday, January 1 to Thursday, February 28, 2013.

Grab a Cup of Cheer with Fleming's New Holiday Cocktails and More in this Week's Dish

Thanksgiving quickly came and went, leaving us full of turkey and holiday cheer. Now, it is time to gear up for the holiday fun around Atlanta, with Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar holiday-inspired cocktails, Chef Thomas Keller's Bouchon Bakery book tour and tasting at Aria and much more, all in this week's Dish. 

Wrap Up Holiday Party and Gift Plans at ATL Restaurants and More in this Week's Dish

As Thanksgiving plans become set in stone, the hustle and bustle of holiday planning begins. Book a private party room at one of Atlanta's finest dining establishments, or pick up a gift card as a holiday treat for your friends. Find out all about holiday happenings in Atlanta and more in this week's Dish.

Making Merry or a Gift for Mary -- Atlanta Restaurants are Ready to Wrap Up Your Holiday Details

The holiday jingle jangle is dashing in. Time is short and holiday lists are long. Thank goodness Atlanta restaurants are ready to provide party places, gathering tables and present-perfect gift card promotions.

On Atlanta's northwest side, Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna can accommodate 35 guests in a private dining room, a sit-down dinner for up to 75 people on the climate-controlled patio or even cater events for up to 500 guests at a nearby venue. Buffet, multi-course dinner, libations and specialty cocktails are easily doable. Sibling Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland combines a spirited atmosphere and a bit of history into a unique setting with an upstairs area where 30 guests can partake in a sit-down dinner or 50 guests can sip cocktails.

In Roswell, Aqua blue Restaurant & Bar offers fabulous global cuisine in a relaxed, yet upscale setting with flexible spaces for groups large and small. A semi-private back room seats up to 60 guests, and up to 200 guests are comfortable in the main bar area. Book for lunch or dinner any day of the week and let Aqua blue chefs personalize your menu.

Southern cuisine takes a modern farmstead spin at Marietta’s Chicken and the Egg. Up to 28 diners can sit down to dinner, and more can get together for cocktails in the restaurant's private dining room. The restaurant also offers gift certificates for holiday giving. For private event information, contact Elizabeth Taft at 678-388-8813.

Atlantans love Fifth Group Restaurants’ options for private and group dining in a variety of settings. For contemporary Mexican cuisine downtown, Alma Cocina has private dining configurations for 20 to 90 guests or a complete restaurant buyout for 200. In the heart of Midtown, Ecco's chic private dining room seats up to 58 guests and the patio welcomes up to 75. Fresh seafood haven Lure offers three different rooms to accommodate parties ranging from 15 to 50 guests. South City Kitchen Midtown has private dining options for parties of 16 people up to 180 people. La Tavola Trattoria in Virginia Highland offers a private patio as well as indoor seating accommodating between 30 to 120 people. Another Virginia Highland restaurant, The Original El Taco, rents out both the patio area and restaurant, seating 75 to 100 guests inside. South City Kitchen Vinings offers private dining for parties ranging between 30 and 230 people. Bold American and Studio 887 provide off- and on-premise upscale catering for other event options. More scoop on the company's private dining page.

Lunch, dinner, private dining room options and rewards are all part of the event menu at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Dunwoody. Rooms seat from 24 guests on up to 70 guests for cocktails with no room rental fee, only food and beverage minimums. Book by November 30 and receive a $50 dining certificate for each $500 spent. Fleming’s also offers a $20 bonus gift card with every $100 spent. Enter to win a trip for two to Napa by purchasing customizable gift cards online in November and December. (Redeem bonus cards from January 1-February 10, 2013.) Solidify plans and contact Jenny Whyte-Albers at 404-782-1236 or pdatlanta@flemingssteakhouse.com.

Forgo figgy pudding and fill up on pizza at Hearth Pizza Tavern in Sandy Springs. A heated patio seats 45 guests and can host more for cocktails. Save dough on holiday shopping by snagging $100 gift cards for $75.

A 2,000-square-foot skyline terrace at JCT. Kitchen & Bar in Atlanta's Westside Urban Market provides a historic neighborhood view for up to 200 guests, while up to 165 guests can dine in the interior main dining room. Discuss your event options with Valerie Mosley, 678-536-6506.

Think outside the lunch hour for a holiday gathering at Buckhead’s Market Street Café and reserve the café for your post-4 p.m. weekday or anytime weekend event. Indoors, there’s space for up to 125 seated guests or almost 250 for a cocktails and hors' oeuvre function, and the outdoor patio holds an additional 75 seated guests or 100 for cocktails. Rent the entire place if you need more space.

There's a nice $20 bonus card for you with every $100 in gift card purchases at No. 246 in Decatur. Treat a friend to this tasty gift or stock up for your own use. Bonus gift cards cannot be redeemed the same day as purchased.

Located in West Midtown’s White Provision complex, Ormsby’s has space and games for your holiday gathering. The private lounge room accommodates parties of up to 40 guests, and the private bocce room can hold up to 125 with access to one bocce court, skee ball and a shuffleboard table. Both rooms come with a shelf full of board games. Add a bartender for themed specialty drinks. Rooms are secured by a food and beverage minimum purchase agreement, and rentals start no later than 7 p.m. All guests in the party must be 21 and over for events starting after 6 p.m.

For Southern comfort and cheer, gather at The Pinewood in Decatur. Plan a private cocktail party for up to 100 guests (150 guests with tables removed) or a seated dinner for up to 60 guests.

"RA-ck" around the holiday clock at RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown. Choose semi-private dining for 10 guests or rent the upstairs space for up to 100 guests. Simplify holiday shopping with RA Sushi's gift card promotion. For every $50 in gift cards purchased through Monday, December, 31, buyers will receive a complimentary $10 bonus card, valid January 2-March 31, 2013.

Look to Ray’s Restaurants for three different private dining atmospheres and a variety of customizable menus. Ray’s on the River, Atlanta’s premier riverfront restaurant, can accommodate up to 200 guests in semi-private banquet facilities in addition to their permanent tent that holds up to 200 people. For more intimate gatherings in town, Ray’s in the City has both private and semi-private dining rooms available that accommodate up to 45 people. In Alpharetta, Ray’s at Killer Creek has room options for parties up to 300 people. Book a room by Wednesday, November 21 at Ray’s at Killer Creek and receive an additional $100 gift card. Patrons can purchase gift cards online or in restaurants. The “Cyber Monday” promotion on November 26 enables patrons to pay $75 online for a $100 gift card. All locations will be giving out scratch-off gift cards in restaurants during the holidays. Offers will include 15 percent or 25 percent off of a meal, valid in January and February 2013.

For a farm-to-table party in the city, check out Woodfire Grill, which offers options for almost any size party. "The Mezzanine" can be divided into three private rooms or one large space that can seat up to 50 guests. For smaller, cozier get-togethers, “The Loft" is privately located in the upstairs area and seats up to 22 people. Head out to the covered patio for a standing cocktail party for up to 75 or a private, seated affair for 30.