Talking Turkey, or How To Treat Your Family Without Burning Down the Kitchen This Thanksgiving

From http://wordsandtoons.com

Deadwood Saloon is holding a turkey shoot on Friday, November 19.  No ordinary turkey shoot, this one starts at 5 p.m. with half-price turkey burgers, $3 draft beer and Wild Turkey drink specials to put guests in the turkey shoot frame of mind.  The second round of fun, the actual turkey shoot, begins outside at 9 p.m. when contestants fire up the Nerf guns and aim for the restaurant wall plastered with turkey targets.  The winner receives a trophy and free burgers for a year. (66 12^th Street in Midtown; 404-671-4290)

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse was born in Boston, roots that serve it well when it comes to knowing how to throw a Thanksgiving dinner feast.  Eat early or late -- the restaurant will be open from noon until 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and offering a $35-per-person menu.  Dinner has it all: oven-roasted Vermont free-range organic turkey, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, creamy cipollini onions and fresh peas, roasted butternut squash, glazed yams, cornbread herb stuffing, homemade gravy, cranberry apple chutney and sautéed creamy kale.  Look to Davio's well-chosen wine list for the perfect complement to your meal. Add a special holiday dessert of pumpkin pie with crème fraîche, warm apple pie with homemade ice cream or sweet potato cheesecake for $10.  There's a mini-feast of turkey, stuffing, gravy and cranberry apple chutney for children under age 12 ($13).  If you delight in the day-after, get "Tomorrow's Turkey Sandwich" to go ($12).  Davio's thinks of everything!  Menu prices do not include beverages, tax or gratuity.  (Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-844-4810)

Those looking for a globally inspired Thanksgiving menu should head to Spice Market where they'll be serving their regular breakfast menu from 7 - 11 a.m. followed by dinner from 4 - 9 p.m.  In addition to the regular dinner menu, Spice Market is offering a Thanksgiving tasting menu for $35 per person plus tax and gratuity.  On the menu are roasted baby sweet potatoes with gula jawa glaze; stir-fried Brussels sprouts, shiitakes, snap peas, ginger and soy; gingered cranberry sauce; roasted turkey breast and confit turkey leg; chestnut sausage stuffing; and spiced pumpkin cake, praline cream and pumpkin seed brittle.  (In the W Atlanta Midtown, 188 14^th Street, NE; 404-724-2550)

Let the good folks at Ray’s at Killer Creek or Ray’s On The River take care of your family’s appetite this Thanksgiving. Ray’s at Killer Creek will be serving a special Thanksgiving menu in addition to many of their regular dining offerings from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.  There will be a $25 Turkey Dinner or a Three Course Turkey Dinner starting at $35. Ray's on the River will be serving their Award Winning Thanksgiving Day buffet from 10:30am-9pm.  The buffet will be $40 for adults and $20 for kids.  (Ray’s at Killer Creek -1700 Mansell Rd. (at Highway 400). ; 770-649-0064 ; Ray’s On The River -6700 Powers Ferry Rd; 770-955-1187)

­­Have your feast both ways at South City Kitchen Vinings and South City Kitchen Midtown.  Choose the to-go menu when everyone wants to gather at your house and keep the college games running in the back room.  Order in multiples of eight at $25 per person, plus tax.  You'll receive eight fluffy biscuits and eight sour cream corn muffins; a four-pound boneless roasted turkey breast and a quart of giblet gravy; two cups of whole berry natural cranberry sauce; two quarts each of slow-simmered collard greens, whipped Idaho potatoes and cornbread dressing; and a pumpkin or pecan pie with whipped cream to dollop on top.  Orders must be received by Friday, November 19 for pick-up on Wednesday, November 24.  Call 404-873-7358 for pick-up at the Midtown location or 770-435-0700 for pick-up at the Vinings location.

Both South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings will have seatings from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day and will offer three-course prix fixe menus for $39.95 for adults and $19.98 for children under 12.  Menus include traditional Thanksgiving fare as well as the restaurants' much-adored Southern favorites.  Choose an appetizer of fried green tomatoes with goat cheese and sweet red pepper coulis; Caesar salad with garlic grit croutons and fried okra; harvest salad of roasted butternutsquash, chopped romaine, shaved red onions,black pepper vinaigrette, candied pecans, dried cranberries and Grana Padano; Charleston she-crab soup; butternut squash ginger bisque; and house-made pimento cheese in Midtown or butterbean hummus in Vinings.  Entrée choices include roasted turkey breast and fixings; seafood jambalaya with shrimp, crawfish, mussels, fish, Carolina Plantation rice, andouille sausage and spicy tomato broth; buttermilk fried chicken with sautéed green beans, buttermilk whipped potatoes and bourbon gravy; smoke-roasted filet of beef withsmashed sweet potatoes, garlicky Swiss chard and brown butter béarnaise; sautéed shrimp and scallops with creamystone-ground grits and garlic gravy; grilled salmon with roasted tomato ragout, Parmesan grits and grilled zucchini-corn salad or a veggie plate of green beans, smashed sweet potatoes, garlicky Swiss chard and zucchini-corn salad.  Dessert brings more delicious decisions: traditional pumpkin pie, Southern chocolate pecan pie, warm apple cobbler with fresh cream or cinnamon-raisin bread pudding with whiskey sauce.  (South City Kitchen Midtown:  1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358; South City Kitchen Vinings:  1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.)  

Popular neighborhood spot Atkins Park will be serving families and friends alike at both their Virginia Highland and Smyrna locations this year.  Those dining at Atkins Park in Virginia Highlands can enjoy Big Green Egg smoked turkey breast, carmelized apple & sage stuffing, cider gravy, braised pork shoulder, roasted root vegetables in bourbon glaze, green bean casserole with crispy onions and roasted mushrooms, roasted garlic mashed potatoes, cranberry Grand Marnier compote, sweet potato biscuits with pumpkin cheesecake or Southern pecan pie for dessert.  Smyrna diners will enjoy Cajun injected roasted turkey breast, maple and cherry glazed ham, New Orleans dirty rice, fresh cranberry sauce, sweet potato with campfire marshmellow and apple pecan cobbler.  (Atkins Park Tavern – Virginia Highland - 794 N. Highland Ave; 404-876-7250; Atkins Park Tavern – Smyrna - 2840 S. Atlanta Road; 770-435-1887)

One of Atlanta's most popular Thanksgiving Day hot spots, Toulouse American Bistro, is once again offering their famous French-inspired American cuisine on this special day.  From 12 - 7 p.m., the cozy Buckhead bistro will serve holiday classics like oven-roasted turkey and pumpkin pie as well as some of the restaurant's regular menu items including their wild mushroom ravioli and grilled salmon.  (2293 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite B; 404-351-9533)

Red Wine and a Ten Day Celebration at Toulouse

It’s their anniversary, but you get the gifts!  Toulouse is celebrating their 16^th Anniversary from October 1-10 with $16 entrees and $16 bottles of wine!  Dozens of wines normally priced at $50 or less will be available throughout the entire 10-day celebration!

Then on Sunday, October 3, Toulouse is focusing on fall with their “Fall Reds” wine tasting.  The Toulouse Wine Guy will lead guests on a sampling tour of 15 different wines along with some light appetizers for $30 per person.  Call 404-351-9533 in advance to reserve your seat. All the fun begins at 6:30 p.m. so don’t be late!

Calling all Cabernet Lovers! Get Your Caboose to Toulouse

For Toulouse’s September wine tasting, the Buckhead restaurant is taking guests on a tour through 15 different Cabernets this Sunday. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on September 12, vino lovers will be able to taste these wines and enjoy light appetizers for only $30 per person. To save your seat, call 404-351-9533.

Toulouse is located at 2293 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite B.

It's Time for Wine!

The days are already flying by this month, so make sure you don't miss out on these fun wine events available only during August!

If you're looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery's 8th Annual Artisan Cheese & Regional Cuisine Brunch is definitely for you. During the month of August, the Dahlonega winery's Sunday brunch menu features a special selection of handcrafted cheeses from Southeastern artisan dairies, along with other delicious dishes that are sure to satisfy. We can't think of a more delightful way to savor summer than enjoying Wolf Mountain's multiple award-winning, handcrafted wines and wonderful cheeses while taking in the lush green mountain views of North Georgia. Brunch is $30 per person plus tax and gratuity. Wine by the glass or bottle is also available at an additional cost. Seatings are at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.; call 706-867-9862 for reservations. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery is located in Dahlonega at 180 Wolf Mountain Trail.

If you're interested in learning about wines from far away, Toulouse's French-focused wine tasting this Sunday, August 15 will hit the spot! At least 15 French wines will be up for tasting - giving you a good feel for why the French have a little wine with dinner each day. The Toulouse Wine Guy will guide you through labels and print as well as taste nuances. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes light appetizers. Reserve your glass by calling 404-351-9533. Toulouse is located at 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.

You Gotta Go to Yelp Eats 2010!

Don’t miss the incredible deal on a three-course meal at some of Yelp’s highly rated restaurants (like Shaun's and Toulouse) at Yelp Eats 2010! Through Sunday, June 27, order from deluxe, prix fixe menus for just $25 per person (does not include tax, gratuity or additional items). Reservations and a request for the Yelp Eats 2010! menu are mandatory to get the special price. At Shaun's, choose local tomato gazpacho or organic iceberg wedge; Berkshire pork schnitzel or Georgia shrimp and grits; and vanilla bean cheesecake or sticky toffee pudding. At Toulouse, choose baked goat cheese wrapped in phyllo dough or cold strawberry soup; wild mushroom ravioli or seared scallops in a rosemary-citrus reduction or buffalo meatloaf; flourless chocolate cake or white chocolate banana bread pudding.

Shaun's: 1029 Edgewood Avenue, NE; 404-577-4358.
Toulouse: 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.

Toulouse Toasts to a Good Cause

On Wednesday, April 14, Toulouse is hosting a very special wine dinner featuring ZD Wines. The five-course dinner with wine pairings will support alternative cancer treatments such as those that helped ZD Wines Founder and "health fanatic" Norman deLeuze battle non-Hodgkins lymphoma. ZD's Estate Vineyard and deLeuze Family Vineyard have been Certified Organic since 1999 and have been following organic farming practices since way back in the 1980s (before all the media buzz). When deLeuze was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, he followed his wine production philosophy, choosing a natural healing route that helped him live beyond a doctor-predicted eight-month life expectancy. Toulouse made a contribution to the deLeuze Family Endowment in Norman's honor and continues to show support for their non-toxic fight against lymphoma. At the dinner, Teresa D'Aurizio, vice president of ZD Wines, will discuss complexities and characteristics as guests savor the organically raised and produced ZD Chardonnay, Carneros Pinot Noir, Founder's Reserve Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. On the menu: seared scallops served with broccoli and sundried tomatoes in a rosemary-citrus reduction; pan-seared duck breast intermixed with poached pears lightly covered in a red wine-citrus reduction; Toulouse rack of lamb; beef tenderloin filet offered with mash potatoes and mushroom cream sauce; and Robert's flourless chocolate cake with chocolate glaze. Dinner starts at 6:30 p.m. $125 per person, includes tax and gratuity. Call 404-351-9533 to make reservations.




Toulouse: 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.

Wine + Dinner = True Love at Toulouse

I’m afraid I’m developing quite an addiction for wine dinners – what’s not to love?

Perfectly paired dishes with exquisite wines and the chance to hear the actual winemaker tell about the soil, the weather, and all of the things that intricately help make this wine what it has become? Yes, please. It’s a pleasure to hear them speak because they love what they do and what they create. It’s educational AND delicious!

Since my first ever wine dinner experience at Pacci was so wonderful, I jumped at the opportunity to attend the Dine Around Dinner at Toulouse in Buckhead last night. It was a new event as part of the High Museum Wine Auction going on this weekend, and Toulouse created a seven course dinner based on the wines of two California wineries, Niner Wine Estates and Lancaster Estate, with a part of the proceeds going towards the High Museum.

We listened closely as reps from each winery filled us in about each wine as we went thru from course to course. Both reps went the extra mile by sitting down to chat with guests at different tables and answer any questions people had – what a great way to learn. I think I see a visit to California Wine Country in my future!

Because sometimes pictures speak louder than words, I’m sharing a slideshow of my photos from the evening. Follow along with the menu online if you wish! Every dish was delightful and I can’t wait to go back and try Toulouse again soon.

Uncork a Journey This Weekend

In case you haven't already heard, this weekend marks the 18th Annual High Museum Atlanta Wine Auction, one of the city's most popular events. From March 25 - 27, the nationally ranked wine auction will include several exciting food and wine events. If that doesn't have you revved up already, there is an extra element to this year's festivities: the March opening of The Allure of the Automobile exhibition at the High Museum of Art.

The custom-built schedule of activites includes events at The Cook's Warehouse - Midtown and The St. Regis Atlanta, winemaker dinners, wine seminars, the Beep Beep, Beep Beep, Yeah!: Vintners' Cup Golf Tournament at Eastlake Golf Club and the Vintners' Reception and Wine Auction under the tents at Atlantic Station on Saturday. Pacci Ristorante, Spice Market and Toulouse are Dine Around Dinner destinations on March 25. Aqua blue, Aria, JCT. Kitchen & Bar and Woodfire Grill also are participating in the weekend events.

Click here for more details.

ServeHAITI Fundraiser at Toulouse

On Tuesday, February 9, Toulouse Restaurant offers a great chance to combine fine wine, fine art and a good cause by hosting a Steve Penley Wine Dinner to benefit the ServeHAITI Foundation. The dinner will feature a five-course meal with two glasses of wine and the chance to meet artist Steve Penley and view his artwork.

Throughout the evening, you'll be able to view and purchase Penley’s paintings, reproduction posters and book with illustrations, as well as view photographs of Haiti from Donna Williams, a photographer who has been working with ServeHAITI. Meet the artist and get books autographed starting at 6:30 p.m. and be ready for dinner by 7:15 p.m. The menu will feature a field green salad with red wine vinaigrette; seared scallops served with broccoli and sundried tomatoes in a rosemary-citrus reduction; wild mushroom ravioli atop arugula sprinkled with gorgonzola cheese, cranberries and pistachios drizzled with a white balsamic sauce; beef tenderloin filet with mushroom cream sauce coupled with grilled salmon in a balsamic beurre blanc; and flourless chocolate cake with chocolate glaze for dessert. The cost is $125 per person and includes tax and gratuity. A portion of the art proceeds as well as a sizeable portion of the nightly proceeds will be donated to the ServeHAITI Foundation. To make a reservation, please call 404-351-9533.

Shop, Save & Benefit Camp Twin Lakes

Spend $60 for a Camp Twin Lakes Partners Card, and you'll help children with serious illnesses and life challenges experience priceless fun at Camp Twin Lakes. Not only is it for a good cause, it also encourages you to shop! With the Partners Card enjoy savings of 20 percent October 17 - 25 at area restaurants and retailers including Aqua blue, Ecco, The Original El Taco, La Tavola Trattoria, Marlow's Tavern, South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings, The Cook's Warehouse, Toulouse, WaterHaven, Woodfire Grill and Young Chefs Academy. To see the complete list of participating shop and dine partners and to purchase and print your card, click here.

Where to Go On Labor Day

It’s good to know that even when most of us will be taking a break on Labor Day, some of Atlanta’s top restaurants will still be servin’ up their delicious dishes for us to enjoy. Check out the list below to see who will be open on Monday, September 7 and give yourself a break from cooking in the kitchen.

Ecco: 40 7th Street, NE; 404-347-9555.

EVOS: 5590 Roswell Road, NE; 404-252-4022.

La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430.

Marlow's Tavern: Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526; Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road, 678-987-1197; and Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033.

Panera Bread: Find a Panera Bread location at http://www.panera.com/.

RA Sushi: 1080 Peachtree Street at 1010 Midtown; 404-267-0114.

The Original El Taco: 1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.

Toulouse: 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. To-go line: 404-974-2991.

WaterHaven: 75 Fifth Street, NW at the corner of Spring Street; 404-214-6740.

Also, Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead will thank emergency personnel working on Labor Day with a free lunch that includes their tasty petite filet mignon sandwiches, mini prime cheeseburgers and red bliss potato salad. Emergency personnel in uniform or bearing ID can drive through the parking lot of Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead from 1-4 p.m. on Labor Day to pick up a complimentary to-go lunch.

Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535.

Wine Rut Solved

If you are like me and in a wine rut, you are in luck! Several Atlanta area restaurants are hosting wine events this week that are sure to inspire a new love of wine.

Toulouse’s Wine Guy Michael Gallant guides tasters through a sampling of 15 French wines and palate cleansers on Sunday, August 16. The information-packed, two-hour tasting starts at 6:30 p.m. and costs $30 per person. Reserve your seat by calling 404-351-9533.Toulouse: 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533

The new weekly wine tastings at Marlow's Tavern Kennesaw help put you at ease while you enjoy and learn about a variety of wines. The tastings take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday nights and cost $20 per person, including food and drink. Reserve your spot by calling 770-425-8777.Marlow's Tavern Kennesaw: 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777.

This month Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery hosts its 7th Annual Regional Artisan Cheese Month and Vineyard Luncheon Buffet. The month of special cheese-pleasing Sunday buffets highlights how well regional cheeses pair with Wolf Mountain Vineyard's Georgia-grown and crafted estate wines. Sunday brunch is $30 per person plus tax and gratuity. Select and purchase Wolf Mountain wines separately by the glass or bottle. Make your reservations for either the 12:30 or 2:30 p.m. seating by calling 706-867-9862.
Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery: 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega; 706-867-9862.

Pacci recently introduced their “Four ‘n Pour” wine dinners which include four courses of Chef Keira Moritz’s cuisine paired with four wines for $35 per person. The new Midtown restaurant’s four-course wine dinners are offered Sunday through Thursday in addition to the regular menu. The August 17 through August 20 wine dinner menu will begin with a chef’s choice chicetti, an Italian amuse bouche. Appetizer options include calamari with spicy aioli, mushroom fettucini and grilled Caesar salad. Entrée choices include smoked shrimp with Anson Mills polenta, grain mustard and tomato; hanger steak with potato-pancetta hash; and breaded chicken served with summer panzanella salad and lemon butter. Dessert selections will be a buttermilk panna cotta with blueberries, anise seed, apricot and pistachio or seasonal galette served with vanilla gelato.
Pacci Ristorante: 866 West Peachtree Street, 678-412-2401

"Yelp Eats!" Menus at 13 Atlanta Restaurants Starts Monday

Even if you're not a Yelper, you'll want to chow down on these three-course prix fixe menus offered at 13 Atlanta restaurants for only $25 apiece during Yelp Eats! 2009. These special menus will only be offered from Monday, July 20 through Sunday, July 26. Ask for the “Yelp Eats” dinner menu for $25 per person, not including drinks, tax or gratuity. Our favorites on the list of participants Fifth Group Restaurants’ Ecco, La Tavola Trattoria, South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings as well as Dogwood, Toulouse and WaterHaven. Check out the complete list of restaurants, then wipe drool off face.

Wine Your Way Through The Week

I'm considering attending each of these because 1. I am always looking for a place to meet up with friends after work and 2. I am a certified wine-o. So get your date books ready and jot down these wine tastings and dinners going on in Atlanta in the next week.

Wednesday, May 13 - Woodfire Grill will host a Rosé wine tasting led by Co-Owner and Wine Director Nicolas Quinones. Beginning at 6 p.m. and lasting until 8 p.m., taste through eight rosés from Georgia, Spain, France and California. These are perfect when you are craving red wine aromas and flavors, but desire a chilled and refreshing glass of vino. During Woodfire's tastings you can take a seat anywhere in the restaurant, from dinner table to bar top, and enjoy for $15 per person. Make reservations now by calling 404-347-9055.

Sunday, May 17 - If you live on a tight wine budget, you may ignore the "reserved" list when picking a bottle to accompany dinner. Find out what you’re missing at Toulouse's wine tasting of 15 reserve bottles. Toulouse Wine Guy Michael Gallant spills all of the information during the two-hour tasting beginning at 6:30 p.m. $40 per person includes wines and palate cleansing appetizers. Reservations are encouraged. 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.


Monday, May 18 – Morton’s The Steakhouse Downtown explores the versatility of Malbec wines during the May tasting. Guests will sip on Trapiche, Torrontes, 2008; Trapiche, "Oak Cask," Malbec 2007; Michel Torino, "Don David," Malbec 2006; Broquel, Malbec 2006; and Trapiche, "Adriana Venturin," Malbec 2006 with the restaurant’s signature hors d'oeuvres to compliment each glass. $45 per person excluding tax and gratuity. SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

Wednesday, May 20 – If you missed the Malbec tasting at Morton’s downtown location or if you just want to double up, Morton’s The Steakhouse Buckhead will host the same tasting the following Wednesday. Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535.

Toulouse Hosts Hello Stiletto Shoe Club's Red Shoe Party

Just in time for Valentine's Day, the Hello Stiletto Shoe Club had a red shoe party for ladies to show off those red heels! The event took place last night at Toulouse restaurant in Buckhead, and over 50 ladies showed up to compete in the shoe competition. The guest judge for the evening was Will Randall from Will Randall Designs. He also had his stunning jewelry on display with a special discount to shoe club members.

Toulouse served tons of tasty appetizers including potato and gorgonzola fritters and baked goat cheese. Oh, and the great selection of wine -- there were many happy ladies.

If you're a shoe lover and haven't heard of this group before - you certainly must check it out. They host monthly events that all revolve around shoes.

Time for Wine

The Atlanta area has some great wine events this month. Whether you want to learn more, eat a perfectly paired meal or just try new kinds of wine, we have it all covered.


Share your dinner with eight "Pinots from Burgundy" at Woodfire Grill's first wine tasting of 2009 on Wednesday, January 21. During regular dinner hours (6 - 10 p.m.), guests can sample eight Pinots from different communes and vintages, poured blind, for $15. Nothing to hide with a blind pour, it happens to be the best way to learn how to assess body, flavor and aroma. Sample wines at your own pace, at your table or at the bar. Reservations recommended.


There's a plethora of wines out there from Australia and New Zealand or so it seems to us in the southern part of the Northern Hemisphere. Mates, we're hopping to Toulouse Bistro at 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 25 to sample a variety of wines from Down Under and to find out what the Toulouse Wine Guy has to say. The price of $30 per person is a pittance, considering we'll taste 15 wines and freshen our palates with light bites in between. Toulouse Bistro: 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.


Reap the benefits of a bountiful winter harvest, wine included, by dining at Aqua blue's Winter Harvest Wine Dinner on Wednesday, January 28 at 6:30 p.m. The night's line-up of four courses with wine pairings is only $45 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Start with the sun-kissed, tropical flavors of maki served with mango, kiwi and Mandarin oranges; ease into Muscovy duck breast served with pan-seared winter greens and sweet roasted pecans followed by a hearty beef roulade stuffed with sun- dried tomatoes. Dessert melds together antioxidant rich plums and dark chocolate in a plum and decadence bombe served with a dark chocolate mousse. Specially selected wines include Adami Prosecco, Colberldo, Italia NV; Bouchaine, Pinot Noir, Carneros 2006; Edge, Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa 2006; and Michael David's Zinfandel, 7 Deadly Zins, Lodi 2006. Reservations required. Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.

Riding Dirty Rates the Best Wine and Food Pairings in Atlanta

Eight weeks ago one of our favorite Atlanta bloggers Dirty South Wine, began a quest to get some of Atlanta’s top restaurants to compete in a wine pairing contest; this challenge became known as “Riding Dirty”. Dirty and two of his friends began Riding Dirty by setting some ground rules. They wanted to find the best demonstration of wine and food working together, but at an affordable price. Therefore, all the entries had to be paired with the glass of wine totaling under $25. Each pairing was documented by photos, videos and each restaurant had a chance to tell their story behind the wine and dish. At the end of the contest, Dirty selected the best wines and pairings from the restaurants. Here are some of our favorite picks by Dirty!

Best Traditional Pairing: Dogwood Restaurant
Dogwood paired a Rutz Maison Grand Cru Chardonnay with Lobster Grits.

Best Dish: Woodfire Grill
Pan roasted diver scallops, braised leeks and fennel, Bouillabaisse sauce, and herb salad.

Best Value: Toulouse

Best Belly Pairing: La Tavola

I think it is fair to say I have lots of new food and wine to try in 2009! With Dirty’s advice I know to expect nothing but the best!

We've Lots Up Our Sleeves For a Fun New Year's Eve!

Raise a glass of bubbly and say "So long!" to 2008. Here's to Atlanta's fabulous restaurants for offering plenty of ways to wine and dine while ushering in 2009! Make your way to one of these dining destinations for a fabulous New Year's Eve celebration!

Aqua blue at 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886

Dogwood in the Reynolds Condominium Building at 565 Peachtree Street, NE; 404-835-1410.

Eclipse di Luna Miami Circle at 764 Miami Circle;
404-846-0449.

South City Kitchen Midtown and Vinings: Visit the Midtown location at 1144 Crescent Avenue; make reservations at 404-873-7358 or the Vinings location at 1675 Cumberland Parkway. Make reservations at 770-435-0700.

La Tavola at 992 Virginia Avenue, NE. Make reservations at 404-873-5430.

Marlow's Tavern: There are five locations in the Atlanta area: Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526; and Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road; 678-987-1197

Morton's Steakhouse - There are two locations in the Atlanta area: Morton's in Buckhead is located in the Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE,
404-816-6535 and downtown in the SunTrust Plaza Building at 303 Peachtree Center Avenue,404-577-4366.

Toulouse at 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.

Woodfire Grill at 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road, NE;
404-347-9055.

Yelp Holiday Party

Last night I had the chance to attend the fabulous Yelp Holiday Event at The Loft in midtown. The Loft was the perfect choice for this event because it provided ample room for the amount of attendees (including room to get your groove on) and provided a funky backdrop to highlight all of the generous sponsors of the party. I had only been to The Loft for a concert, but found that this was a perfect place for a party. The place was packed with holiday adorned yelpers, all ready to check out some of the great food that was provided, all from a wide variety of sponsors. I came prepared to sample as much as possible!

Some of my personal favorites were there, Legal Sea Foods, Marlow’s Tavern, Toulouse, Ecco, La Tavola Trattoria, the new Italian restaurant Il Mulino, as well as many others. Ask me how I ate all this food? Good question. To be honest, it was all so tasty I decided to stuff myself against my better judgment. Some of the restaurants served their classic dishes, like Marlow’s Tavern, who were serving shrimp and grits while others branched out and served less traditional dishes such as flavored popcorn. Toulouse was another one of the other favorites for the night, preparing perfectly paired butternut squash ravioli and duck. The party not only provided food but a chance to smoke hookah, receive a tarot card reading, and get a free massage, all while drinking a Yelptini, courtesy of 3am vodka. Needless to say there was something for everyone here at this event.

This was my first event that I had attended, and I can say for sure it definitely won’t be the last- I had a great time! It was fun to enjoy a night with people whose reviews I read periodically and put a face with the name, as well as a great kick-off to the holiday season!

Thankful for an Easy Thanksgiving!

I learned early on that my favorite Thanksgiving dinners were prepared by someone else, cleaned up by someone else, and hosted somewhere other than my house. I remember watching my mom spend days preparing food, ironing tablecloths and polishing silver, and then hours after dinner washing dishes and putting things away, all for 30 minutes of delicious turkey and dressing eating with friends and family. Even as a little kid I thought to myself that this was not a good investment of time and energy!

When I worked for Hyatt Hotels everyone had to work the day after Thanksgiving so we had “orphan Thanksgiving” at someone’s house every year. Those are some of my favorite holiday memories, with pot luck and a wonderful assortment of personalities, drinking and smoking and celebrating well into the night. Since then, I’ve celebrated Thanksgiving in a number of non-traditional ways. I’ve enjoyed the southern offerings at the Colonnade, the carving stations and ice sculptures at the Waverly, and an all-souffle dinner at a restaurant in Paris. One year I ate a Hungry Man TV dinner (turkey and dressing, of course) because I was arriving late from a trip that Thursday. The closest I ever came to hosting Thanksgiving was when I ordered everything from Eatzi’s (may they rest in peace) and invited some fellow orphans and my parents over.

So, it will come as no surprise that I will be dining out tomorrow. I was delighted to see that Toulouse was offering Thanksgiving dinner. Not just because they are a client of ours but because I truly love that restaurant and it’s in my neighborhood. Their menu includes the traditional offerings plus more – like lamb shank, wild mushroom ravioli and grilled salmon. And of course, because it’s Toulouse, there are wine pairing suggestions for each item.

I still don’t know if I’m going to go the traditional route and get butternut squash soup, turkey and dressing, and pumpkin pie or if I’ll branch out. All I know for sure is that all that is required of me is to show up on time and enjoy myself. That is something to be thankful for!

From everyone at MLA, we wish you a wonderful Thanksgiving!