Appetizing Aperture: The Optimist's Jolly Roger Cocktail

Sail off into spring hoisting the Jolly Roger, The Optimist’s featured spring cocktail. The glass blushes with Pimm’s No. 1, Dolin Blanc vermouth and raspberries. Basil and lemon are jewels in its cap.

RA Sushi Says "Aloha" to its Spring Cocktails

Cases of “spring fever” are starting to pop-up in Atlanta, and we all know Midtown isn’t known for its palm trees or sandy beaches. Fortunately, RA Sushi will kick-off its patio season today by introducing new tropical cocktails that will reduce most “spring fever” symptoms. If you’re in the mood for a “hula”-va time, taste their Pineapple Express featuring Kai Young Coconut Shochu, St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, pineapple juice, a hint of lemon juice and bubbly prosecco. Not quite ready to jump on the Pineapple Express? Then try a Bikini Martini – a dash of Blue Curacao, Kai Young Coconut Shochu, vanilla vodka, pineapple juice and a splash of lemon-lime soda. RA's spring cocktails are $8 each from March 1 to April 30. So Ladies put on your grass skirts and gents rock those loud shirts and join in on these tropical celebrations. And, if you've been hibernating all winter, RA Sushi's Sushi and Sake Social on March 6 is the perfect excuse to come out of your cave and be sociable while honing sushi-making and sake-tasting skills.  Make reservations online or call 404-267-0114. 

Pacci Ristorante Loves Pooches!

This month marks the one-year anniversary of Pacci Ristorante, an Italian steakhouse in Midtown that opened last May and was named one of Esquire magazine's "Best New Restaurants of 2009," and the restaurant is celebrating by partnering with the Atlanta Humane Society (AHS). Throughout May, Pacci will donate $1 to AHS for each signature carpaccio (Kobe beef or tuna) or new spring cocktail ordered. Many of the restaurant's guests and staff members are dog lovers, including Pacci's Chef Keira Moritz who has a border collie, and hold AHS close to their hearts. The restaurant is also collecting items on the AHS Wish List to donate to the organization. In honor of this partnership, AHS is naming a puppy that is currently up for adoption (pictured above) Pacci.

For guests who dine at Pacci and have dogs waiting at home, Chef Keira creates homemade Pacci Pups (a bag of gourmet dog biscuits for only $2) to go!

Pacci Ristorante: 866 West Peachtree Street, NW, adjacent to the Hotel Palomar; 678-412-2402.