The Beat Goes On with Live Music at Ray’s at Killer Creek on Thursday, Friday and Saturday Nights

Sometimes, hot summer nights call for air-conditioned comfort, cool cocktails and real cuisine on real plates, not plastic. So long, outdoor concerts. Hello, live music at Ray’s at Killer Creek. Head to the lounge and bar area of the popular Alpharetta restaurant for live music on Thursday nights from 6-9 p.m. and Friday and Saturday nights from 7-10 p.m. No tickets to buy, no cover charge, just a full menu of libations and shareable bites as well as substantial salads, handhelds, specialties and desserts. Here’s the calendar lineup:

Marty Manous --Thursday, July 14 and July 28

Lauren Jordan -- Friday, July 15

David Pretlow -- Saturday, July 16

Perry Kit -- Thursday, July 21, Friday, July 22 and Saturday, July 30

Lee Gamble -- Saturday, July 23

Jacob Newman -- Friday, July 29

What's New on Pinterest: Your July 4th Menu!

Raise the flag (cake). Light the night with glow cotton candy. Shoot off “fire rocket” cocktails. Our 4^th of July board is red, white and blue to the core and absolutely the place to muster up party plans, patriotic decorations, Old Glory-themed treats and timesaving BBQ hacks for kitchen independence, such as skewer doers and make-ahead shrimp boil foil packets. When air and grill temperatures rise, douse them with doses of spiked iced tea for grownups and fizzy watermelon ice cream floats and patriotic punch for the young ‘uns. And this might seem like an American folktale, but it’s true and beaming on our board: a Paula Deen fast-and-easy peach cobbler recipe calling for only two tablespoons of butter for each cup of fresh peaches.

What’s New on Pinterest: Ice, Ice, Baby.

The 90s are back this summer, temperature-wise, leading us to cry out for “Ice, Ice, Baby.” Settle in by the cold air vent, Pinterest-browsing device in hand, for a virtual ice bath of cocktail snow cones, flavored and melon ball ice cubes, ice sculptures, icy crafts and all things frozen. One cool hint -- freeze summer’s herbs before they wilt away.

Hang Ten! Point Break Beach Party Crests at Atkins Park Virginia-Highland July 17

Wax your board, throw on your best Hurley or Quicksilver and dig a presidential head mask out of the costume closet. Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland stokes the Friday night summer fun pipeline with a Point Break Beach Party on July 17. Jump on at 9 p.m. to ride the adrenaline rush of watching the classic 1991 thriller, shaking out the muscles to DJ tunes and exclaiming “Whoa, dude!” to costume contest winners (could be you). Wipe out your thirst with Even Keel Session IPA ($6 can), Longfin lager ($6 bottle) or Grunion pale ale and Habanero Sculpin drafts ($7); chilled horchata or Opah shots ($6-$7); or cocktails as crafty as Bodhi, Johnny Utah, Warchild, Ex-President or 50 Year Storm ($6-$8). Epic. At least until the Point Break remake releases December 2015.

What’s New on Pinterest

It’s not summer in the South without a platter of Deliciously Deviled Eggs beaming up from the buffet spread at outdoor barbecues and potluck picnics. Hardboiling, chilling and filling the eggs ahead of time frees the cook to socialize rather than slave away last minute in a hot kitchen. Egg-strapolating some easy new fillings from our board -- spicy Sriracha-style, beet and avocado dollops, Buffalo blue cheese, dill and goat cheese, curry, shrimp, crabmeat and bacon. Want more? Cutesy deviled eggs decked out as owls or hatching chicks will walk off the table in an instant.

Outsmart Pests After Attending White Oak Pastures’ Organic Pest Management Workshop May 30

Oh, bother. Seems those nasty pests love lazy summer days as much as you do. Learn the basics of integrated pest management at White Oak Pastures’ Organic Pest Management Workshop on Saturday, May 30. Identify nasty garden pests, discover how to prevent the voracious villains from establishing residency in your small veggie garden or larger farm, review commercial and homemade solutions and see how beneficial insects fit into the mix. Already bugged by pests? Bring insect damage examples from your home garden for identification and eradication suggestions. A farm tour opens the day at 10 a.m., and the workshop wraps up around 4:30 p.m. with lunch in the Pavilion filling the noon hour. Class size limited to 20 participants. $65 per person, includes lunch. Reserve a spot online or call 229-641-2081.

What’s New on Pinterest

We’re enthused about infusions -- infused beverages to quench summer cravings. Become Infusingly Inspired and master infusing vodka and other liquors with jalapeños to pack a wallop in summer’s Moscow Mules and bloody marys, fruit for adults-only popsicles or herbs that take classic cocktails for a spin. Non-tipsy infusions include rosemary-infused cucumber lemonade, Earl Grey infusion with ginger ale and lemon iced tea, peach green tea and pitchers of hydrating infused water recipes.

Wines Come in All the Right Shades for Summer at Max’s Wine Dive May 20

Checked your weather app today? Hotter days are on the horizon. Sunshine feels spectacular after a cold winter, but then there’s that wine quandary. Chilled white? Cool rosé? Reds that work overtime in the summer without leaving your tongue feeling sunburned? The Summer Wine Tasting at Max’s Wine Dive in Midtown answers these questions and more over tastings of five summer-friendly wines paired with chef Patric Bell’s light bites and featured appetizers. Slide over to your calendar app and set the date: May 20 from 7-9 p.m. $30 per person (excluding tax and gratuity). Reservations are required for this congenial event with family style seating; call 404-249-0445.

Fine Banh Mi -- Tin Drum Saigon Summer Vietnamese Specials Coast in May 4

Think tropical jungle appetites. Think hot, humid summer in the South. Tin Drum Asiacafé is on to something with its Saigon Summer menu specials -- pork banh mi and nom nom pork bowl – both featuring sweet and smoky pork loin. These two limited-time offerings beat a path from the tropics into Tin Drum locations on Monday, May 4. The nom nom pork bowl heaps a union of sweet-smoky pork loin, chili vinaigrette rice noodle, pickled daikon and carrot on a bed of fresh kale, mint and basil then tops all with roasted peanut, fresh jalapeño and cilantro ($8.50). Pork banh mi wraps the pork loin, pickled daikon and carrot, red pepper aioli and cucumber in grilled Asian roti and finishes the whole deal with tangy cilantro ($4.75). On Fresh Fridays, buy a nom nom pork bowl and fountain drink for $7, all day, every Friday. And, what’s fine by us? Adding pork banh mi to any regular-priced entrée for $3 any day, all day.  

RA Sushi Adds Four New Salads to Summer Menu

Four crisp, new salads from RA Sushi Bar Restaurant are the newest additions to the summer menu. With the Asian chicken salad, the Midtown restaurant tosses together mixed greens, chicken, cucumbers, onions and tomatoes in seasoned soy vinaigrette and tops it with sweet cayenne cashews, fried ramen noodles and sesame seeds ($10). The grilled shrimp and pineapple salad brings together mixed greens, shrimp, pineapple and green onion with Suehiro vinaigrette and sweet cayenne cashews ($11.75). Sushi and salad become one with the sashimi salad that includes tuna, yellowtail, salmon and shrimp sashimi with mixed greens, seaweed, cucumber, avocado, lo bok, poke dressing and is topped with sesame seeds, wonton chips and sliced red pepper ($12). The last salad on the menu is the dill salmon cucumber salad that combines seared salmon with mixed greens, tomato, cucumber asparagus and house dressing and is topped with dill, lemon and truffle salt ($11). Stop by RA Sushi for lunch or dinner from 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and freshen up your summer taste buds. 

What's New on Pinterest: Picnics that Please

Whether you're heading to the pool, lake, beach or mountains, our Picnics that Please board is ready to go wherever summer paths lead. Grab a blanket and fill your basket with strawberry shortcake-packed Mason jars, Watermelon salsa and other portable picnic treats. For summertime adventure, this board ranks high.

Pinterest: Party in Your Garden

Check out our Pinterest board for fun DIY home projects and refreshing summer dishes. Turn a simple mason jar into a hanging decoration, a citronella oil bug repellent or a pretty drink holder. Learn how to turn apothecary bottles into an elegant centerpiece and how to make an exquisite flower pot for the home with a bucket and pebbles. Show your guests the true meaning of summer hospitality with inspirational ideas for outdoor gatherings and crowd-pleasing recipes. Use ripe avocados to whip up a creamy dip, to top a summer pizza or with some crispy egg rolls. Add flavor to your greens by tossing them in a zesty southwest style salad or wrap them up in a tortilla for veggies in a blanket. Summer evenings are perfect for enjoying a Raspberry Beer Cocktail or champagne with raspberries. Our Party in Your Garden board will give you plenty to do this summer with cooking, entertaining and home decorating. 

Hearth Pizza Tavern Pours Berry Cold Cocktails From New Menu

Summers in Atlanta can be real scorchers, and we're already shouting for relief. Luckily, the mixologists at Hearth Pizza Tavern heard our cries and have developed a refreshing new summer drink menu featuring the wonderfully sweet fruits of the season. The Sandy Springs hot spot is now serving up the Strawberry Fields cocktail featuring a muddle of strawberries, cilantro, fresh-squeezed lime juice, simple syrup and Absolut Cilantro vodka. The Orange Fizz brings Svedka Orange Cream Pop vodka together with ginger ale and a slice of orange for a refreshingly cool summer treat. Other bright newcomers to the drink menu include the Hummingbird, abuzz with peach and basil, and the Key Lime Pie martini that packs a Florida vacation in a glass. The St. Rita, featured in Simply Buckhead's May/June "Margarita" section, brings St. Germain to the Tequila Blanco and lime party. The Old Fashioned keeps things classic while the Simply White margarita drips with modern elegance. Can't decide which to try? Stop by on Tuesdays when any of the five martinis on the menu are $5, or visit on Thursdays for the same deal on margaritas. This way, you can try them all without even breaking a sweat (or the bank).

Fire & Flavor's John Wayne Spice Rubs are a Summer Grilling Essential

  

Fire up the grill and pull out the t-bone steaks! Fire & Flavor is your summer grilling headquarters. You'll love the new John Wayne Stock & Supply spice rubs offered through a collaboration of Fire & Flavor and John Wayne Enterprises. Think about what you're throwing on the grill and choose accordingly for heat, smokiness or exotic nuances with spice rubs for  beef (espresso, cocoa and chilies); pork (paprika, garlic and guajillo chili); chicken (cumin, curry and chilies); or Bar-B-Q (ancho chile, garlic and oregano). Rubs retail for $5.99-$6.99 per 2.3-oz. jar and are available online and at select retailers. Summer just got hotter! 

Peachy Pinterest Picks

It's been a long wait, but everything is peachy on Pinterest these days and we couldn't be happier. Peaches are hitting the stands at markets and produce departments across the region, and we've been filling our bags with these sweet Southern treats. We've pinned some perfect peach ideas for you to try with your fresh batch: Georgia peach pound cake, grilled peaches, peach margaritas, peach ice cream, peach mango pops and cornbread shortcake with ham and fresh peach salsa. Power to the peaches!

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland hosts Cornhole ATL Summer League beginning June 11

Feeling a little cornfused about where to perfect your cornhole toss this summer? Set your sights on Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland for the third year of the Cornhole ATL Summer League. Kicking off on Tuesday night, June 11, the seven-week season features intense playoffs, prizes, specials, t-shirts and plenty of complimentary Newcastle Brown ale after games. Warm up your tossin' arm and register at cornholeatl.com.

What's New on Pinterest: Beachy Bites

Make this Memorial Day one to remember with flavorful foods that will leave everyone feeling stress-free and satisfied.  Celebrate those who have served while serving up summer-style foods from our Beachy Bites Pinterest board. Watermelon krispie treats, margarita cookies and tomato salad will keep everyone refreshingly full while kicking off vacation season!

Ormsby's Warm Weather Menu Sends Wintry Thoughts Packing

Ormsby's is serving up summer the right way with a finger licking, thirst quenching new menu that will liven up any dull day this season. Dive into a handheld entrée, such as the pesto-marinated chicken wrap or fresh fish tacos. New draft beers make their mark on the menu, complete with listing names, origins, style, alcohol content and size. And don’t worry about dessert weighing you down; new options, such as key lime cheesecake and banana pudding, are light-hearted and tangy. 

Marlow's Tavern Anticipates Warm Weather Appetites with New Menu

There are plenty of warm and downright hot spring and summer days ahead in Atlanta, and our forecast calls for refreshing new dishes to help us get through them. Luckily, Marlow's Tavern is on point with new menu items that will satiate even our appetites. Look for fresh lump crab and lobster dip with toasty pita points ($10.50); Peking duck sliders with hoisin BBQ duck, pickled julienne vegetables and fresh cilantro ($9); the Tavern salad with field greens, Granny Smith apple, toasted sunflower and pumpkin seeds with sweet Gorgonzola dressing ($6); a "house-made" black bean veggie burger with house-pickled beets on a whole wheat bun ($8); pan-seared Carolina trout with quinoa fried rice, snow pea shoots, scallion, cabbage, carrot and soy glaze ($17); pineapple upside-down cake with warm maple and vanilla syrup, hand-scooped vanilla ice cream and crisp pineapple ($6) and more. Summery cocktails include the Hemingway Hand Shake, a chilled combination of strawberry-infused Denizen rum, fresh lime and Royal Rose Cardamom syrup; or the Gin Job crisply made with Hendrick's Gin, cucumber, basil syrup, fresh lemon and lime juice and a splash of tonic. Hot weather wonders from the wine and beer list include Fritz Zimmer Riesling, Chateau Laulerie Malbec, Concordia Rioja, Oskar Blues Dale's Pale Ale, Ommegang Rare Vos and Anchor Liberty Ale.

Hard Pressed for Dinner Ideas? Marlow's Tavern Panini to the Rescue

During the summer months when the sun doesn't set until later, dinnertime can sneak up on you. Thankfully, Marlow's Tavern has a stay-cool menu of dishes and drinks and nine locations - including the newest location in Dunwoody. Always a good neighbor, Marlow's Tavern is glad to share its recipe for grilled chicken panini, a simple summer classic that will get dinner on the table fast and keep the cook cool as a cucumber.

Marlow's Tavern Grilled Chicken Panini

Serves 2

Ingredients:      

1 loaf focaccia bread     

2 grilled chicken breasts

4 slices fresh mozzarella

2 tbsp. basil aioli (see recipe below)

2 sliced fresh Roma tomatoes     

1/2 cup fresh spinach    

Method:

Evenly season each chicken breast with salt and pepper and grill chicken breasts until cooked through. Cut focaccia loaf in half to make two sandwiches. Spread both sides of each sandwich with one tablespoon of basil aioli. Build each sandwich from the bottom up, layering the ingredients in the following order: ¼ cup spinach, tomato slices, grilled chicken and two mozzarella slices. Place sandwich in panini press for 60 seconds or until lightly toasted. Alternatively, grill in a hot skillet until toasted and heated through.

Basil Aioli

Ingredients:      

12 fresh basil leaves

½ tsp. garlic, chopped   

1 scallion, chopped        

1/8 cup olive oil

1 cup mayonnaise         

Salt and pepper 

Method:

Place all ingredients (except for mayonnaise) into blender or food processor and blend on high speed until puréed. Place puréed mixture into a mixing bowl and fold in mayonnaise until combined.