Merry Beardsmas, Everyone! Chef Kevin Gillespie’s Holiday Gifting Extravaganza Now Underway

Turn to the Santa sporting a red beard and apron for chef-inspired holiday gifts. Atlanta chef, restaurateur, speaker and cookbook author Kevin Gillespie’s Beardsmas is back for its second year, and the Beardsmas bag spills over with new delights and returning favorites. Head to Red Beard Merch for these gifts or other hats, t-shirts and Red Beard items that are the perfect additions to your holiday checklist.

What’s New:

• Gunshow Golden Ticket bidding begins Cyber Monday, Nov. 28 at redbeardmerch.com. Bid on a one-of-a-kind “golden ticket” redeemable for an immediate 7:30 p.m. reservation for four (private event nights excluded), glass of complimentary Champagne for each guest and a complimentary round of cocktails any time you dine at Gunshow through 2017. Bidding starts at $1 and lasts for 72 hours with a portion of the winning bid benefitting the nonprofit Share Our Strength: No Kid Hungry campaign. Sorry, dinner and additional drinks are not included.
• Shop the Peachtree Road Farmers Market with Kevin explores the state’s largest producer-only farmers market on May 13, 2017. Chef Kevin and a small group begin with a pre-opening tour followed by time to shop and meet the farmers and capped by a post-market cooking demo with Kevin (15 spots available; $99 each).
• Personalized Voicemail/Audio Greeting by Chef Kevin lets them think the chef is answering your phone. Keep it to a clean 30-second message ($25).
• Gunshow’s Joey Ward Chefs Dinner in Your Kitchen, a four-course dinner for 10 with wine to impress friends or business clients. (Three will be sold, $5,000 each).

Beardsmas Back by Demand:

• Go Hog Wild with Terminus City BBQ for 100 served up by Chef Kevin and a keg of Kevin’s favorite beer ($6,000)
• Pair of 2017 Hired Guns Season Tickets for Gunshow’s guest chef series ($1,000)
• Private Dinner with Kevin for you and 10 friends, with customized signed menus and autographed cookbooks ($10,000)
• Gunshow Cocktail Class ($75 per class)
• Red Beard Restaurants Stocking Stuffers – a few of Kevin’s Red Beard faves all packaged up in a company-branded bag ($40)

Red Beard Restaurants is the parent company for Gillespie’s restaurants Communion, Gunshow and Revival, his BBQ pop-up Terminus City and all of his merchandise.

Chop, Chop! Terminus City Pops Up with ‘Cue at Peachtree Road Farmers Market September 28 and Freedom Farmers Market October 1

How about some squeal with that squash or a pound or two of ‘cue to accompany the cukes? “Sow” be it, thanks to Terminus City pop-ups at two local farmers markets this week. Bag a pound or two of Terminus City chopped pork barbecue ($16/pound) or grab a meaty barbecue sandwich ($6) to stave off hunger pangs while shopping for freshly harvested veggies and fruits at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market on Wednesday, September 28 (4:30-8 p.m.) and at the Freedom Farmers Market on Saturday, October 1 (9 a.m.-1 p.m.). Chef Kevin Gillespie’s barbecue is pure pork awesomeness at its tastiest!

Salute Independence Day over the July 4 Holiday Weekend at Atlanta-Area Restaurants

Have your picnic, but eat out, too – and sport that new star-spangled top and sunglasses! Atlanta restaurants are fired up for the holiday weekend and stoked with celebrations, barbecues, bands, spirited beverages and all-American food faves – from our shores and beyond.

Get red, white and bluesin’ at Bellina Alimentari. The Ponce City Market favorite hosts a live music series the first Sunday of each month from 4-7 p.m. and that means loads of food, libations and tunes on July 3.

Oh say, you must see the Fourth of July BBQ blowout occurring when Terminus City takes command of Communion, the beer garden-inspired backyard behind Revival, Kevin Gillespie’s family-style restaurant in Decatur. The all-ages event packs in barbecue, beer, family-friendly entertainment and games (darts, cornhole, horseshoes) plus live music by Dave Lockwood on Monday, July 4 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Purchase food, drinks and play games using tokens, $5 each, with prices ranging from one to four tokens (tax and gratuity included). Gillespie's Terminus City will offer a chopped whole hog barbecue sandwich plate with Brunswick stew, potato salad, coleslaw and fried pie, purchasable for four tokens (tax and gratuity included). Drinks and cold beer hit the spot. Mingle around communal picnic tables and on the front and side porches of Revival (the restaurant itself will be closed). All proceeds from the day benefit Emory Healthcare Veterans Program, which helps post-9/11 veterans.

Gypsy Kitchen, in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, puts a Spanish spin on the holiday weekend. “Basque in the Sun” begins at 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 3 and features paella on the open-air patio along with drink specials such as $4 tinto de verano, $5 rosé and half-off select bottles of wine. A flamenco guitarist and a DJ set toes tapping.

Newly opened 5Church in Midtown hosts a Whole Hog Roast on July 4. The celebration takes place during the Peachtree Road Race from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Guests will partake in a whole hog roast and beers from SweetWater Brewing Company while enjoying music outside along the sidewalk and on the rooftop patio. 5ChurchAtlanta.com

HOBNOB is open for regular business hours and serving its popular brunch menu Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4. Also on Monday, $17 bottomless mimosas and the neighborhood tavern’s Monday Date Night special -- a three-course dinner for two for $22.95. Post Peachtree takers?

A pre-Independence Day bash at Johnny’s Hideawayjumpstarts the revelry on Sunday, July 3. Food and drink specials fuel the celebration, and live music from Band X beginning at 8:30 p.m. and DJ Spin keep the party on pace into the late-night hours. Johnny’s will be open and ready to keep the party going on Monday, July 4.

Hooray for the Red, White and Brew Burger at Marlow’s Tavern, a patriotic palate pleaser offered Saturday, July 2 through Monday, July 4 at all Marlow’s locations. The $12.50 burger tops a perfectly seasoned beef patty with blue cheese, seared red peppers, caramelized onion and crisp romaine on a sesame bun for a flavor explosion.

From 11 a.m.-9 p.m. on July 4, three of Ray’s Restaurantsare offering a sea-to-shining-sea special surf and turf prix fixe menu for lunch and dinner. The two-course meal includes a choice of salad, six-ounce filet mignon, four-ounce lobster tail and Yukon Gold whipped potatoes for $24.95. Available at Ray’s on the River, Ray’s at Killer Creek andRay’s in the City.

The Southern Gentleman is serving its creative take on contemporary Southern cuisine for brunch on Sunday, July 3. For sparkle, add the $5 mimosa special or a $10 seasonal mimosa that includes seasonal fruit, orange juice and Champagne.

Kevin Gillespie Teaches “Pure Pork Awesomeness” at Salud! in Whole Foods Avalon June 27

Celebrated chef Kevin Gillespie of Gunshow, Revival,Communion and Terminus City trots over to Whole Foods Market - Avalon in Alpharetta on Monday, June 27, for an evening of “Pure Pork Awesomeness.” The red-bearded Atlanta native will share his fiery passion for pork at a 7-9 p.m. class and book signing at Salud! Cooking School. Learn how to select, prepare and fork into pork in new recipes. Keep that fork handy to sample the “Pure Pork Awesomeness” class tasting menu: curried pork samosas, Korean barbecued bulgogi, grilled pork tenderloin with Spanish-style garlic shrimp and banoffee trifle with candied bacon. Tickets to the exclusive evening are priced at $75 each and include one signed copy of Gillespie’s cookbook. Register here and now.

Catch Kevin Gillespie at Peachtree Road Farmers Market Chef Demo June 18

Look for a fiery red beard among the ruby red heirloom tomatoes, bright red strawberries, juicy red watermelon chunks and shiny red peppers at this Saturday’s Peachtree Road Farmers Market (PRFM). Could only be one person: Chef Kevin Gillespie of Gunshow, Revival, Communion and Terminus City. You may see Gillespie cruising the stalls to gather locally grown produce (so local it was in the ground Friday) before putting down roots for the 10 a.m. chef demo. Stop by and gather tips and recipe ideas from this champion of pork, Southern food heritage and seasonal eating. Several recipes of his are already in the PRFM online recipe box, including tomato, melon, cucumber and herb summer salad and warm squash salad with goat feta, apples and peppers. Market hours are 8:30 a.m. until noon. Rise with the roosters for the best selection.

Steady Spoons for Atlanta Food & Wine Festival June 2-5

Music lovers revel in Shaky Knees and Boots. Food and drink lovers, however, dare not jostle shaky spoons or glasses lest they waste coveted tastes of some of the South’s best bites and beverages at this year’s Atlanta Food & Wine Festival(AFWF). The 2016 festival spills out from Midtown June 2-5 and introduces a new Southern spring sport -- Friday Night Bites -- underneath big-top tents in Piedmont Park. For the first time, tasting tents will be open on Friday evening from 3:30-9:30 p.m. as well as on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Key tastemakers include Atlanta chefs Gerry Klaskala (Aria), Kevin Gillespie (Gunshow, Revival, Terminus City), Joey Ward (Gunshow), Matthew Ridgway (Gypsy Kitchen, The Southern Gentleman) and Reid Harrison of White Oak Pastures. RJ Cooper of Midtown newcomer 5Church Atlanta is chomping to let attendees sample some of his dishes, too. The soon-to-open restaurant is located at 14th and Peachtree streets, pretty much at the AFWF epicenter. Buy Friday Night Bites tickets online and peruse the mouthwatering schedule of other day and class passes and ticket options.

Atlanta Restaurants Cater Holiday Feast-ivities

What, no kitchen elves on your shelves? Smart phones and Wi-Fi work just as well in relaying your holiday wish list to Atlanta restaurants for holiday party or house-full-of-family hosting needs. Deliciously done. Like that. Magic.

Chef Shaun Doty caters farm-to-plate-style comforts such as fried chicken and sides like macaroni and cheese, Brussels sprouts and collard greens at Bantam + Biddy (Avalon, Lenox Square, Crescent Ave., Ansley Mall). Pick up or have chow delivered. To order, email wecater@bantamandbiddy.com or call 404-725-5059. Sister restaurant Chick-a-Biddy offers a similar selection at Atlantic Station.
 
Bellina Alimentari at Ponce City Market caters off-site and in-house, offering antipasti bars, panini platters and primi, secondi and dolci courses. Place orders at least 48 hours in advance; allow a week leeway for parties of 30+. Seeking unique? Book Bellina’s private event space for memorable family style meals, cocktail events and guided tastings of olive oil, balsamic vinegar and wine. Info and reservations:events@bellina-alimentari.com or call 404-330-9933.
 
FLIP burger boutique plans remarkable holiday events -- in homes, offices or at one of its locations -- with sliders, burgers, chips, vegetables, custom menus and milkshake bars. Info: email stephanie.shaw@flipburgerboutique.com or call 901-355-9323.

Ho, ho, ho, land at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern in Midtown for pretzels with warm beer and cheese dip, wings and more substantial meals to share. Full catering menu jollies all, your place or theirs. More info: 404-968-2288.

Everyone loves barbecue, and Kevin Gillespie's Terminus City provides a Southern-style feast of smoked wonderment
sure to warm even the North Pole crew. Whole-hog
barbecue, country-fried steak and homemade sides like
fried okra, Brunswick stew and creamed corn will propel
you to top host for years to come. Place orders by emailingterminuscity@gunshowatl.com or calling 404-380-1886.
 
Tin Lizzy's Cantina delivers a spicy holiday fiesta of fajita fixings, grilled chicken, pulled pork, cantina salads and margarita mix (sorry, tequila not included). Deliveries require a $100 minimum order; $25 delivery fee within 10 miles. Prices exclude taxes and gratuity, and 24-hour notice is appreciated. Book your $500 or more holiday party now and receive a $100 Tin Lizzy's gift card to use for future purchases. More info: email cculbreth@tinlizzyscantina.comor call 404-668-8757.

Consider Twin Smokers BBQ’s catering menu for smoked brisket, pork ribs, chicken, sausage and pulled meat by the pound or half pound and sides like "Burnt Ends" chili, collards and potato salad. Several pricing options; drop-off catering is available with 48-hour notice for parties of 25 or more. Info and ordering: 404-698-4707.
 
Willy's Mexicana Grill provides cheese dip, guacamole, salsa, chips, burritos and crowd-pleasing catering menu options like build-your-own taco, fajita or nacho bars. Ten-person catering order minimum; order online or call 404-422-7107.

Father’s Day is June 21. Atlanta Restaurants Do Dad Proud

Day in, day out, dads are do-gooders. Flip the tables and give them a day off from manning the grill, smoking pork butts and mowing the lawn by tying an Atlanta restaurant experience onto the Father’s Day tree.

Land or sea? Dad nets both at Aqua blue in Roswell. Choose the Aqua blue Surf & Turf featuring grilled N.Y. strip and tempura shrimp with potato au gratin, asparagus and natural glaze ($32) or the prix fixe menu of fresh lobster salad, Aqua blue Surf & Turf and house-made bread pudding ($38). Available only on June 21; no substitutions or combinations with other offers. 770-643-8886.

Paleo papas are ravenous for the Father’s Day Meat Lover’s Cook Out ($22.95 per person) at 10th and Piedmont and G’s Midtown. A streetside grill turns out a churrascaria-style all-you-can-eat lineup with mouthwatering options such as bourbon-marinated flank steak with chimichurri; artisanal sausage; Sweetwater Blue barbecue chicken; Southern-style dry-rub pork tenderloin; and slow-roasted barbecue pulled pork. Includes sides. Regular à la carte brunch menu available. 404-602-5510.

“Herr” and now, Der Biergarten is offering its Konig Ludwig platter, which serves six, for $75 (normally $98). Feed the family with this hearty assortment of Jägerschnitzel, Wiener Schnitzel, Schweinshaxe, four sausages, sauerbraten, potato salad, sauerkraut, braised red cabbage and spätzle. No substitutions. 404-521-2728.
 
FLIP Burger boutique pulls dad off grill duty this Sunday, offering a FL-IPA and the manly rBQ burger of angus beef, pulled brisket, coleslaw, rBQ sauce and smoked mayo for $12 on Father’s Day. Available at all FLIP locations.

Would dad fix chicken-fried lobster at home? Why try when MAX's Wine Dive masters the dish, along with father-friendly specials like steak and eggs and innovative bar food. And then there’s MAX’s superior wine list. 404-249-0445.

Just north of the ATL in historic Crabapple, Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails’ chef Derek Dollar presents a Father’s Day brunch menu -- think chicken and waffles, blackened Atlantic salmon, shrimp and grits -- from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. $32 per person for adults and $16 per person for children 12 and younger. Cap dad’s day with a dinner celebration. Reserve a table and enjoy the regular menu plus "meat-tacular" features such as bone-in rib-eye and pork chops between 5-9 p.m. 770-817-0161.

Switch up the traditional Father’s Day grill out and experience authentic sushi and seafood; no passport required! RA Sushi has your Father’s Day all planned out. From open to close on Father’s Day Sunday celebrate dad with cocktails, great food, and good conversation!
 
Ray’s Restaurants fills dad’s love tank, morning, noon or night. Ray’s on the River offers a brunch buffet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ($39.95 for adults, $19.95 for kids ages 5 to 10), and its regular dinner menu from 5-9 p.m. 770-955-1187.Ray’s at Killer Creek sets out its signature brunch buffet from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ($29.95 for adults, $15.95 for kids 5 to 10), along with its regular dinner menu (5-9 p.m.). 770-649-0064. Ray’s in the City offers special à la carte brunch, lunch and dinner menus from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 404-524-9224.

Finally, let chef Kevin Gillespie’s Terminus City experts chop the pork butt this weekend and bag a signature Father’s Day barbecue package to go (feeds 4-6). Includes 2 pounds of barbecue pork, 1 pint of Revival potato salad, 1 pint of shaker-style coleslaw, 6 chocolate chip cookies, 6 sandwich rolls, barbecue sauce and pork cracklings. Pay $50 for food alone or $75 to include a personalized copy of Gillespie’s new cookbook, “Pure Pork Awesomeness.” Orders must be received by Tuesday, June 16, at midnight to ensure availability. Cookbook buyers, include name for personalization. Place order: 404-380-1886 or emailterminuscity@gunshowatl.com. Pick up orders Sunday, June 21, from 10 a.m. to noon at Gunshow.

Order Terminus City Family BBQ for Holiday Gobbling

Even the highly organized may find themselves in a bit of a time crunch over the next few weeks. A house full of family, a full schedule of activities and a kitchen full of turkey trotting recipes to prepare still doesn't quell that quake-causing question of "What's for supper?" Before crying "uncle," call Uncle Kevin Gillespie's Terminus City team. For a limited time, Terminus City Family BBQ Packs will be available for pick up at Gunshow in Glenwood Park. Each family pack is priced at $46 and feeds four to five hungry folk. First, pick your protein -- two pounds of pork or chicken. Sidekicks include a pint of slaw, a pint of potato salad and cookies. Posse landing at your house? Double up and order two packs, one pork and a chicken. Either way, you can add a quart of Brunswick stew for $18. Pick up is available Wednesday, November 26 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For availability, call 404-380-1886 or email TerminusCity@gunshowatl.com.