Redbook Loves Tsp Spices

Looks like we aren't the only ones who *love* tsp spices. Redbook Deputy Editor Melanie Mannarino talks here about the individually packaged, organic spices. Sage and marjoram are the stars of her segment, but there are several more to choose from on their website. A must have for any cook's kitchen.

Holiday Gift Guide

Believe it or not, its that time of year again folks- Christmas season is just a few short days away. After we celebrate Thanksgiving, everything is fair game in shopping. This year consider ordering something offline instead of braving the mall on Black Friday! This week the ladies at MLA, including myself, put together a holiday gift guide to help you select the perfect gift for those important, but hard-to-shop for people in your life. The gift guide features a variety of items such as Jersey Naps, TSP Spices, and some other great choices such as Via Elisa Pasta, all of which can be purchased online. In this mish-mosh of items you will see some of our personal favorites and some presents the people in our family will be recieving for the holidays. If you didn’t receive The Dish this week with all of our ideas, click here and you can read it online! Happy shopping!

Packing More Flavor Per Mile Than a Smart Car, tsp spices' New Smart Spice Pulls Into Whole Foods Markets!

Its that same vicious cycle: I get excited to actually cook a meal. I put on my cute apron and promise my beau a wonderful dinner. Then, I take one look at my messy, good-for-nothin' spice selection and am automatically OVER the whole cooking idea. In my line of work, I know a great meal takes good flavor and let's face it, the left over bottles of my mom's spice selection just ain't gonna cut it. I'm thinking its time for something new, something smart...

That's why I am so excited that Smart Spice from The Seasoned Palate, Inc. is now available at Whole Foods Market! Each slender Smart Spice carton features four one-teaspoonful packets of pure, organic spice sealed to keep flavor in, light and moisture out (MSRP $2.99). Toss those faded spice-drawer clunkers in the recycling bin... once you taste a recipe flavored with these potent spices (no fillers here), you won't turn back.

The Seasoned Palate, Inc. also produces tsp spices, an award-winning line featuring one-teaspoon packets of organic spices housed in designer tins. Click on The Seasoned Palate blog for spice enlightenment.

tsp spices Flavors Pages of Time Magazine

The perfectly measured packets of tsp spices has piqued the interest of Time magazine. In the July 3 issue, writer Jeremy Camp notes "Spice Girls" Katie Luber and Sara Engram have scored a home chef hit with their practical one-teaspoonful packets of high quality, organic spices - and could change the spice world with their novel packaging idea.

Hating how spices go stale on the shelf before being used up, Luber and Engram decided to seal spices in plastic packets and fit 12 packets neatly in sleek tins to give every recipe a fresh chance at pure flavor. Soon, Whole Foods Markets will carry tsp spices in four-packet cartons. Read Time magazine's entire article on the "Spice Girls" here.

Get more spice enlightenment on their blog.

Fancy Food Show 08

Well, my feet have finally stopped hurting but my mind is still racing from all the cool products we saw at the Fancy Food Show in NY this week. Over 150,000 food/beverage products in 350,000 square feet of space - can you imagine! Meryl and I did our best to sample as much as possible, but how much chocolate, pretzels and popcorn can you eat? We were thrilled that our clients, tsp spices and BaconSalt, stood out. In fact, tsp won "best food gift" for the whole show!!!! They also got tons of press, including Time magazine! Their new product SmartSpice was a big hit - look for it in September at Whole Foods. BaconSalt was one of 10 products chosen to be on Good Morning America Tuesday morning! And they also attracted a ton of attention from media at the show. We were so proud to represent them both.

Celeb sightings included the Barefoot Contessa and the "Chinese girl" from Soy Vay marinades. Outstanding tastes included wine ice cream, coconut water, and caffe acapella - looks like chocolate but it's a coffee bar. YUM.

We can't wait to go back next year!

tsp spices makes the most of marjoram in march

Folklore has it that seductively scented marjoram was first grown on Mount Olympus by beautiful Aphrodite, goddess of love. She was definitely on to something - this gentle cousin of oregano still kisses foods with flavors of Riviera and Grecian coasts. Marjoram has traditionally represented happiness, and the CardaMoms at tsp spices are happy to share info, recipes and savings on their website. During March, use the code "majorana" at checkout to save 20% off the Savoir Fare twin tin set of organic marjoram and sage. Here's an easy, to-dye-for way to use marjoram and that abundance of decorated, hard-boiled Easter eggs:Deviled eggs with marjoram

1 dozen eggs, hard-boiled or use guidelines below
2 tsps. Dijon mustard
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp. minced onion or shallot
2 packets tsp spices marjoram
Salt and pepper
Paprika

To hard boil the eggs, fill a large saucepan half- way with water and gently add the eggs. Cover the eggs with at least an inch of water. Add a teaspoon of vinegar and a pinch of salt to the water. Bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat, cover and let sit for 12-15 minutes. Drain hot water from pan and run cold water over the eggs. (At this point if you crack the egg shells while the eggs are cooling, it will make it easier to peel the shells.) Let sit in the cool water a few minutes, changing the water if necessary to keep it cool.

Peel the eggs. Using a sharp knife, slice each egg in half, lengthwise. Gently remove the yolk halves and place in a small mixing bowl. Arrange the egg white halves on a serving platter.
Using a fork, mash up the yolks and add mustard, mayonnaise, onion, marjoram, and a sprinkling of salt and pepper. Spoon egg yolk mixture into the egg white halves. Sprinkle with paprika. Makes two dozen deviled eggs.

Spicy Chocolate Easter Bunny Contest

Chocolate Easter bunnies have it bad. They're low on the chocolate scale, they have horrible wardrobes and they are usually thrown in with the Halloween candy months later (yuck!). Rachel Rifat of Chocolate Snob has a great contest to encourage creativity and help out the bunnies. Spice up your chocolate Easter bunny and win great prizes from tsp spices.

Here are the rules:


1. dress your chocolate easter bunny to "spice it up" (it can still be in the wrapper).

2. put it in front of a backdrop, national monument, or a homemade scene.

3. take a picture of your spicy bunny.

4. give your picture a clever title.

5. you may eat the bunny ears off but you may not do it in photoshop.

Send a high-res jpg of your spiced up bunny to contest@chocolate-snob.com. Use the subject line "spicy bunny". Contest ends on March 20, 2008!!

Voting: The panel consists of complete snobs. Remember to be creative and imaginative. Email your favorite posted bunny by March 17 to determine the fan fav.

Prizes (from tsp spices):



Grand Prize Winner (most creative spiced-up bunny) prize: tsp 'spice basics' and tsp 'sweet basics' spice collections, valued at over $80


Most Green (this bunny must be environmentally sensitive) prize: tsp 'green basics' spice collection, valued at over $40

Fan Favorite - prize: tsp 'savoir fare' spice collection, valued at over $15

Best Use of Spices - prize: tsp 'sweet heat' spice collection, valued at over $15

Most Imaginative - prize: tsp 'sun shine' spice collection, valued at over $15

Check out some examples from past years at Chocolate Snob. Everyone is talking about it! (Got Art, Redondowriter's Sacred Ordinary)

Pop the Cork and Open that Bottle!

DON’T LET “THE FAT ONE” GET AWAY! LA TAVOLA TRATTORIA SERVES “LA GRASSA” MENU THROUGH MARCH 1
Intimate and cozy La Tavola Trattoria is big on Bologna! The capital city -- and culinary capital -- of Emilia, Romagna in northern Italy has been dubbed “la grassa” or “the fat one.” Sounds like a huge inspiration for this Fifth Group Restaurant’s “La Grassa” dinner menu presenting some of the region’s best flavors Wednesday, February 20 through Saturday, March 1. Ragù, Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Modena’s balsamic vinegar all claim Bologna as home and hold their own on the La Grassa menu ($6 - $21), which includes:

Antipasti -bomba di riso, rice timbale filled with peas and braised duck ragù with a salad of dressed frisèe; tagliata di Manzo, seared, thinly shaved beef with Parmigiano-Reggiano, arugula and balsamic vinegar; lentil soup with parsnips, butternut squash and a dollop of herbed ricotta; and a blood orange salad with mâche, grana padano cheese, shaved red onion and saba.
Primi- options range from saffron risotto with braised veal and beef ragù to lasagna with braised rabbit and wild mushrooms to capellacci, a sweet squash in capon broth.
Secondi - selections include bocconcini with chicken, sausage, cipollini onions, potatoes, rosemary and balsamic vinegar; grilled pork chop with radicchio, pears and vin cotto; and a roasted monkfish with potatoes, fennel, Taggiasca olives, thyme and Meyer lemon.
Dolci- delights with a cinnamon and clove budino with blueberries and saba.

The La Grassa dinner menu will be offered prix fixe or à la carte during regular dinner hours. Wine pairings selected by Fifth Group Restaurants’ Beverage Director Vajra Stratigos will be available for an additional cost. 992 Virginia Avenue; 404-873-5430. http://www.fifthgroup.com/

Virtual voyeurs will want to tune in to this online exhibition video of La Tavola Trattoria Executive Chef Craig Richards preparing a roasted chicken and mild Italian sausage dish.

CANOE FEATURES EYRIE VINEYARDS AT RIVERSIDE WINEMAKER DINNER ON FEBRUARY 21
The staff at Canoe thinks of everything: Riverside setting, heated dining tent, four gourmet courses and delightful wines from Eyrie Vineyards, one of the first wineries in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. David Lett founded the winery in 1965 when he planted Oregon’s first Pinot Noir and America’s first Pinot Gris vines. In 1980, Eyrie’s 1975 Pinot Noir competed successfully with French Burgundy in a Paris tasting. This week, on Thursday, February 21, guests can mingle and sip at the 6:30 p.m. hors d’oeuvre reception before settling down for dinner at 7 p.m. Eyrie Winemaker and Manager Jason Lett, son of Eyrie founder David Lett, will be there to share knowledge, and Executive Chef Carvel Grant Gould’s menu will feature wine-complementing meats and seafood dishes. $125 per person (tax and gratuity included). For reservations, call Laurie Vance at 770-436-9292.

Can’t make the dinner? Eyrie wines will be featured through February 21 along with Canoe’s renowned cuisine. 4199 Paces Ferry Road, NW; 770-432-2663.

WE’VE BEEN MEANING TO OPEN THIS BOTTLE FOREVER! THANK BACCHUS, FEBRUARY 23 IS “OPEN THAT BOTTLE NIGHT!
”Perhaps you know of this condition. . .that of the special bottle waiting quietly on the rack for an occasion worthy of its corkage. Get the corkscrew ready, the night is here! Saturday, February 23 is “Open That Bottle Night,” a time to celebrate good memories, favorite wines and the gifted sommeliers and beverage directors who steer us through Atlanta’s wine and beverage lists!

Would you buy a drink from a bareboat captain? Matt Bradford, Wine Director at Canoe, is that man!
After chartering a 43-foot boat through the Southern Caribbean and hiking for two months on the Appalachian Trail, selecting the perfect wine alongside the Chattahoochee River is a piece of cake for avid outdoorsman and Canoe Wine Director Mike Bradford! From the outside in, Bradford is a natural for the job. Bradford is at home managing both front-of-the-house wine and beverage operations and educating the staff so they can help patrons make wise beverage selections. The UGA alumnus, who has also served and bartended at Canoe, continues his own education by pursuing certifications from The Court of Master Sommeliers and then passing on his new knowledge to his staff. Canoe: 4199 Paces Ferry Road, NW; 770-432-2663.

In the business since age 10. . .Vajra Stratigos, Fifth Group Restaurants®’ Beverage Director
An enthusiasm for all things liquid has propelled Vajra Stratigos through the beverage world more forcefully than ice in a blender. Being born into a family of Greco-Italian restaurateurs gave Vajra an early start in the field at the age of 10. Over the years, Stratigos has racked up many professional milestones of his own: certifications from the International Wine Guild, Court of Master Sommeliers, The Wine and Spirits Education Trust and The Society of Wine Educators, and being distinguished as a “Rising Star Sommelier” by Starchefs.com. His favorite poet, Kahlil Gibran, wrote, “Work is love made visible.” Thus, Stratigos is poetry in motion. . . at his restaurants, charity events and when giving out wine advice and cocktail mixing how-to’s on his blog. Fifth Group Restaurants owns and operates Ecco, Food Studio®, La Tavola Trattoria, South City Kitchen® Midtown and Vinings and Bold American Catering®.

Cocktail chemist welcomes all! Michael Stachura, Marlow’s Tavern Director of Beverage Operations
The word “tavern,” as in Marlow’s Tavern, conjures up images of a seasoned beverage master, well-versed in the ways of welcoming guests. With a decade of experience in the hospitality and beverage industry in his glass, Michael Stachura has poured this mix into his role as Director of Beverage Operations for Marlow’s Tavern since 2004. Stachura is one part cocktail chemist and one part business: The FSU grad creates Marlow’s signature drink recipes, including the one for Atlanta’s first pomegranate martini, and develops beverage programs for Aqua Blue and High Life restaurants. On his shelf, management and development experience at East Andrews Café and Andrews Upstairs, The Tavern at Phipps, The Clubhouse, Dantanna’s and Twist. Marlow’s Tavern locations: In 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; and Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526.

Hooked on French Champagne -- John David Harmon, Whole Foods Markets’ Specialty Coordinator for Wine and Cheese
John David Harmon learned two lessons at an early age: that bread was the staff of life as he earned $1 a night plating bread for his chef father, and celebrations such as New Year’s Eve call for French champagne. Years later, the UGA grad is still hooked on sparkling wine and has traveled the globe delving into wine and food. He’s written a monthly wine column for Barcelona Metropolitan while exploring the Spanish wine country and living in Spain. He earned an MBA-IM at Thunderbird, The American Graduate School in International Management in Arizona, then moved to La Paz, Bolivia as a consultant while honing his now fluent Spanish. With visions of wine and cheese still haunting him, he returned to Atlanta as cheese monger and buyer for Star Provisions before making his home at Whole Foods Market. Here, the world explorer is content to explore a seemingly endless world of new wines, beers, cheeses and chocolates. A toast of French champagne seems appropriate!

Seven locations of Whole Foods Markets in Metro Atlanta:
Buckhead: 77 West Paces Ferry Road, NW; 404-324-4100
Briarcliff: 2111 Briarcliff Road; 404-634-7800
Duluth-Johns Creek: 5945 State Bridge Road; 678-514-2400
Sandy Springs: 5930 Roswell Road; 404-236-0810
Ponce: 650 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE; 404-853-1681
Harry's Farmers Market in Alpharetta: 1180 Upper Hembree Road; 770-664-6300
Harry's Farmers Market in Marietta: 70 Powers Ferry Road, SE; 770-578-4400

VP and GMs value knowledge of the vine at Morton’s The Steakhouse
There’s more than one expert behind the wine lists at upscale Morton’s in Buckhead and Downtown: Vice President Wine and Spirits Tylor Field, Assistant General Manager-Downtown Jon Strudthoff, and Assistant General Manager-Buckhead Tim Thurman. Tylor Field began his career with Morton’s in Boston in 1990 and has since held positions of General Manager, Regional Manager-West Coast and Regional Manager-East Coast. Field, who is on the Court of Master Sommeliers (1st Level) and Millennium Board, oversees all purchasing, marketing, training and development of Morton’s beverage programs and acts as a national media spokesperson for the restaurant group’s wine and spirit program. Knowing that Morton’s guests know their wines, Field insists that all wine managers at all 78 Morton’s locations pass the Master Sommelier “Introductory Sommelier Course.” Assistant GM’s Strudthoff and Thurman have completed this in-depth Master Sommelier course of study covering wines and wine regions around the world, spirits, beer and cigars. In 2007, the Guild of Sommeliers awarded Fields the “Distinguished Service Award,” one of only eight awards given out in the world. Did we mention he conceptualized and implemented the World’s Largest Wine Bottle for the Guinness Book of World Records in 2005? That’s no trivial pursuit! Morton’s in Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Morton’s Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

‘CUE & A: WHERE CAN YOU FEAST ON GRASS-FED BEEF AND BERKSHIRE PORK BARBEQUE? AT SOUTH CITY KITCHEN’S SUNDAY NIGHT BBQ!
The mantra behind the meat at South City Kitchen Sunday Barbeque Nights is “from Georgia farms to Georgia’s tables.” Chew ‘cue smoked with pride from Berkshire pork and grass-fed beef worth boasting about, raised the natural way right here in north Georgia on small, family-owned and operated Riverview Farms. Savor slow-smoked beef brisket, molasses and spice-crusted pork shoulder and country-style ribs all served with Carolina-style mustard sauce, vinegar sauce and sweet red sauce. Barbecue and sides are served family style. $19.95 for adults, $9.95 for children 12 and under.

South City Kitchen Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358. South City Kitchen Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700. http://www.fifthgroup.com/

VAJRA STRATIGOS TO POUR HIS FAVORITE PICKS AT THE OSCARS OF WINE, BENEFITING THE HIGH MUSEUM OF ART
Pour one for the paparazzi! Wines will star at the 9th Annual Oscars of Wine, benefiting the High Museum of Art, from 4 – 7 p.m. at TROIS on Sunday, February 24, 2008. Before the five categories of winning wines make it to the “envelope please” phase, they will have been selected for the event by an elite group of wine connoisseurs, judged for “Judges’ Choice” by a team of celebrity judges, and voted on for the “People’s Choice” Oscar by event patrons. Twisting the cork even further, it turns out that the wine selectors -- Fifth Group Restaurants®’ Beverage Director Vajra Stratigos, The Wine Store’s Chris Hinton, Atlanta’s Wine Maverick Rick Stack and Quality Wine and Spirits’ Michael McNeill -- are vying against each other with the hopes that their selections will be voted tops by the participants and celebrity judges!

Tickets for the Oscars of Wine are $45 per person in advance or $50 at the door. Call 404-815-3337 to make reservations.

Oscar voter or not, you can pick up beverage insights and how-to videos from last year’s expert panel winner, Vajra Stratigos, on his new blog. Become more familiar with Vajra’s selections at Fifth Group Restaurants around Atlanta: South City Kitchen® Midtown, South City Kitchen Vinings, Food Studio®, La Tavola Trattoria, Ecco, and Bold American® Catering. For more information, call 678-302-3251 or visit http://www.fifthgroup.com/.

AND WHILE WINNING WINES ARE ON OUR MINDS. . .MEET & GREET ACCLAIMED WINE IMPORTER ERIC SOLOMON AT ECCO FEBRUARY 25
Ecco invites you to come meet internationally acclaimed wine importer Eric Solomon of European Cellars at an exclusive reception from 6 – 8 p.m. on Monday, February 25. Sample Eric’s newest releases, rub elbows with industry insiders and enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres. Wines available at the reception include:

Artadi, “Orobio,” Rioja, Spain 2004
Castano, “Hecula,” Yecla, Spain 2004
Mi Nina, Tempranillio, Spain 2004
Mustaguillio, “Mestizaje,” Spain 2004
Pago Alto Landon, Manchuela, Spain 2004
Paisajes, “Paisajes IX,” Rioja, Spain 2004
Rafael Palacios, “Louro do Bolo,” Valdeorras, Spain 2005
Tikalo, “Kios,” La Mancha, Spain 2003
Vidanueva, Rueda Blanco, Rueda, Spain 2006
Mas Que Vinos, “Ercavio Blanco,” Spain 2005

Tickets for the VIP reception are $20 and can be applied toward dinner at Ecco that evening. For reservations, call Ecco at 404-347-9555. 40 7th Street in Midtown.

Decant more knowledge about Eric Solomon Selections at http://www.europeancellars.com/.

WITH NEW GM AND LUX VIEWS ON THE NORTHSIDE, IT HAS TO BE AQUA BLUE
For the past six years Aqua Blue Restaurant & Bar has drawn diners looking for affordable luxury and global cuisine to its Roswell location. Ready for a new face and look, owners John C. Metz Jr., Tom DiGiorgio, Richard E. Rivera and Hank Clark brought General Manager Brian Longacre to the Aqua Blue scene, which, by the way, has been redesigned and decorated. Steeped in the business of hospitality, Longacre knows well the nuances of generosity and attentiveness that turn a neighborhood restaurant into an extension of the home. Longacre comes to Aqua Blue with managing experience at Ray’s in the City in Atlanta, Bugaboo Creek Steakhouse, and several country clubs including Olde Towne Athletic Club, The Georgian Club and Brookstone Golf & Country Club here in Georgia.

On the décor side, take a look at the new patio, the dining room’s new deep blue hues and a private event room that’s ideal for up 30 guests, corporate events and the restaurant’s upcoming winemaker dinners. Open for dinner nightly; live entertainment on Thursdays and Fridays. 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.

GET AN INSIDE LOOK AT TRILOGY KARAOKE NIGHTS
If you’re wondering what Trilogy’s Wednesday Karaoke nights are like, check out this video for an inside look at all the fun. Even if you didn’t quite make the cut for “American Idol” or “Singing Bee” (perhaps “America’s Funniest Home Videos” is more your style), you can belt it out with the best of them at Trilogy every Wednesday night beginning at 8:30 p.m. for karaoke. There’s no cover charge, and the fun is open to anyone and everyone. Make a night of it by coming earlier for dinner or for libations to loosen up those pipes and douse any vestiges of stage fright! You’ll find Trilogy in East Cobb at 4930 Davidson Road; 770-971-4770.

SECOND HELPING: TSP SPICES BANISHES BLAND BLOGS!
We’ve all clicked on them, blogs that sound so enticing. . .yet turn out to be nothing but yada, yada, yada. Not this thyme, blog.tspspices.com posts more than a dash of spice history and facts, uses, recipes and more from the “cardaMoms.” We’re sure The Seasoned Palate of the “cardaMoms” can one-teaspoon-up spice girls any day!

Cinnamon .. the real deal

I'm about to make a confession. I am addicted to cinnamon. No one knows this. Well, until now. If a restaurant dish (sweet or savory) has cinnamon in it then I'm ordering it. I sprinkle cinnamon on my cereal instead of sugar. I pour it in my coffee at Starbucks when no one's looking. It's great in soups and chili. Cinnamon flavored candy wins out over chocolate in my book every day. I know, weird.



Every now and then I'll read an article about some health benefits of cinnamon and I give myself a little pat on the back for this healthy habit, while ignoring the articles about how bad Diet Coke is for you! But I really never stopped to think about cinnamon and where it came from and where you get the very best. TSP Spices has a great product that packages teaspoon size packets of organic spices in a beautiful silver tin for cooks and kitchens. Of course I bought the "Sweet Basics" package with "true cinnamon" in it. Their recent blog entry talks about why they chose this title and gives some fun facts about cinnamon. I enjoyed it immensely.

Atlanta Restaurants Are Feeding Hungry Hearts

LET'S HAVE A HEART-TO-HEART ABOUT VALENTINE'S DAY
Here's some Valentine's advice straight from our hearts...go for a bite of give and a dash of take. If he treated you to the ultra-romantic night out last year, turn the tables and take him out for a meaty masterpiece. Last year, he brought Valentine's chocolate to your doorstep, this year show up with heart-shaped doughnuts. Went formal? Go comedy or country! If absence is making the heart grow fonder, send tokens of affection - we've listed some suggestions below!

KRISPY KREME HEART-SHAPED DOUGHNUTS ARE LOVE AT FIRST BITE
Why leave 'em guessing? Krispy Kreme heart-shaped doughnuts are sweet through and through! Unlike a box of chocolates, one always knows what to expect with Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The outsides are dazzling in white icing with pink, red and white sprinkles. Your beau will be heartbroken if you don't buy some of these luscious lovelies by February 14 . . . after that they're gone until next February!

Buy two-dozen doughnuts of any kind before February 14 and you'll receive 12 Share the Love Valentine's Day cards, each good for a free doughnut. Oh, and if you're sweet on lots of valentines, place your large order 48 hours in advance. Available at all Atlanta Krispy Kreme stores:

Atlanta - 295 Ponce de Leon Avenue, 404-876- 7307
Buford - 3387 Buford Drive, 770-831-1174
Duluth - 1550 Pleasant Hill Road, 770-717-5134
Lilburn - 4129 Highway 78, 770-985-2810
Marietta - 299 Cobb Parkway, South, 770-425- 0374
Riverdale - 6689 Highway 85, 770-997-6210
Roswell - 791 Atlanta Street, 770-998-0779

THERE'S SOMETHING TO BE SAID FOR HEART-FELT SPONTANEITY - THEY'RE SAYING IT WITH HUMOR AT WHOLE WORLD THEATRE'S VALENTINE'S DAY IMPROV SPECIAL
Blackberry schedules and IM buzzes are so unromantic. Turn them off and turn on your date with the spontaneity of dinner, laughs and prizes at Whole World Theatre's Valentine's Day improv comedy special. The evening's in the hands of a fun-loving twosome: Front Page News-Midtown serves dinner at 7 p.m., and Whole World Theatre brings on the laughs at 9 p.m. In between, head for the dessert bar, complete with Krispy Kreme's heart-shaped doughnuts! Per couple: show only, $75; show and dinner (including a bottle of wine), $120. For reservations, call 404-817-PLAY. 1216 Spring Street in Midtown.

WAYS TO EAT TO YOUR HEART'S DESIRE WITH THESE ATLANTA RESTAURANT SPECIALS AND GOURMET GIFT IDEAS
A dinner of authentic central Italian fare from Allegro's special "Amore Mio" menu will steal any lover's heart. The four-course Valentine's Day prix fixe menu is $100 per couple (tax, gratuity and wine excluded). Choose one dish for each course on the Valentine's menu:

First Course
Pane Sardo -- toasted Sardinian flat bread with king crab, slow-cooked tomatoes, celery micro greens with lemon juice and extra virgin olive oil
Carpaccio di Salmone -- smoked salmon carpaccio with blood oranges, cumin-flavored carrots, Pantelleria caper berries, basil micro greens

Second Course
Risotto al Balsamico -- butter and Parmigiano risotto topped with 12-year-old balsamic- marinated fresh strawberries
Cappellacci Cupido -- butternut squash cappellacci with cranberry compote and amaretti cookie crumbles

Third Course
Filetto Valentino -- grilled filet mignon with Brussels sprout au gratin flavored with horseradish and finished with black beef glaze
Branzino Casanova -- pan-seared Chilean sea bass served with crispy polenta topped with roasted tomato, capers and olive relish

Fourth Course
Dolcezza -- white chocolate and strawberry parfait
Tortino alla Nutella e Vaniglia -- chocolate and Nutella lava cake with vanilla gelato

Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. 560 Dutch Valley Road in the Belvedere condominium building; 404-888-1890. Buon appetito! www.allegroatlanta.com

Aqua Blue woos with courses featuring lobster, crab and chocolate on its Valentine's dinner menu: Charleston she crab bisque; Maine lobster and spinach salad; thyme roast tenderloin with lobster, jumbo lump crab Napoleon, winter vegetable fricassee and lobster knuckle sauce; and Aqua Blue Chocolate "Bomb" of dark and semi-sweet chocolate mousse with raspberry. $65 per person, $130 a couple, including two glasses of champagne. 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road, Roswell; 770-643-8886.

Aria, known as one of Atlanta's most romantic dining destinations, serves a four-course prix fixe Valentine's Day menu that sings of romance. $90 per person (tax, gratuity and beverages not included). Serving dinner from 6 to 10 p.m. 490 East Paces Ferry Road; 404-233-7673. http://www.aria-atl.com/

Chipotle wraps up that extra something...a receipt worth a free burrito on February 13 or 14 for any guest who purchases a gift card for their valentine this month before February 12 (minimum $10). One free burrito per gift card purchased. Chipotle has 12 Atlanta-area locations.

Sweetheart, forget the frou-frou, "meat" your man for the Valentine's meal of his dreams at Fogo de Chão, a true Brazilian churrascaria. Give your gaucho the green light on table-side carving of 15 savory cuts of meat -- as much as your man wants. Voracious for veggies? Tour the sumptuous salad bar laden with vegetables, salads, fruits, cheeses, meats and more. Lunch (served from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) is $29.50 per person; dinner (served from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.) is $46.50 per person. 3101 Piedmont Road;404-266-9988. http://www.fogodechao.com/

Food Studio, near the heart of the city, offers a Valentine's Day four-course prix fixe menu for $65 per person. Choose one item for each course from the special menu:

Amuse Bouche

First Course
Hammock Hallow field greens, fingerling potatoes, white asparagus with mustard vinaigretteSeared Maine diver scallops, parsnip- black truffle risotto
Grilled Carolina quail with caramelized onion tart and spiced fig compote
Butter-poached shrimp with cauliflower puree, grilled porcini mushrooms

Second Course
Grilled beef tenderloin, horseradish potatoes, Swiss chard, red wine reduction
Braised lamb shank, polenta, creamed escarole, braise reduction
Alaskan halibut, ricotta gnocchi, Brussels sprouts, hedgehog mushrooms
Spice-rubbed pork tenderloin with root vegetable hash, Tuscan kale, sherry jus

Third Course
Warm walnut tart with poached pears and rosemary sabayon
Valrhona chocolate-covered cherry bombe with sour cherry reduction.

Dinner hours are 5:30 to 10 p.m. 887 W. Marietta Street in the King Plow Arts Center; 404-815-6677. http://www.fifthgroup.com/

Marlow's Tavern in Alpharetta, Kennesaw, Midtown and Vinings are all offering different, special three-course dinner menus on Valentine's Day (regular menu also will be available). A Sexy Singles Party at the Vinings location begins at 9 p.m. on Valentine's night and will feature drink specials in the bar area. Check individual locations for menu items and pricing information. In 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; and Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526. http://www.marlowstavern.com/

Morton's Steakhouse in Buckhead marries its signature steak and seafood together in one of the best Valentine's Day four-course menu deals around. For just $99 for two, each person enjoys a single-cut filet; choice of seafood options including Morton's jumbo lump crab cake, Shrimp Alexander or broiled sea scallops wrapped in bacon with apricot chutney; choice of Caesar or Morton's salad; and a choice of Morton's legendary hot chocolate cake or Key lime pie for dessert. Buckhead location ONLY, located in the Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. http://www.mortons.com/

Trilogy will have East Cobb swooning in the main dining room with a rose for each lady and menu specials. Entertainment room guests will be enamored with the Kenny Chesney and Shania Twain cover band and look-a-likes at 8 p.m. The entertainment room has a $20 cover charge per person. 4930 Davidson Road behind the Parkaire shopping center in East Cobb; 770-971-4770. http://www.trilogydining.net/

Wolf Mountain Vineyard and Winery is hosting the second of their Valentine Gourmet Dinners with wine pairings on Saturday, February 16 at 7 p.m. Cost is $80 per person, all inclusive. Dinner begins with a cellar reception featuring mini-smoked duck ravioli with ginger hoisin dipping sauce accompanied by 2006 Chanteloup. Dinner menu and pairings include:

• Stuffed jumbo shrimp with crab meat in a bed of baby mixed greens, walnuts, shaved Asiago and tossed in a roasted shallot vinaigrette; 2006 Chanteloup


• Sorbet


• Fried lobster tail and Chateaubriand duo drizzled in a rosemary demi glace with potato croquets and asparagus; 2006 Coupage


• Cheese course brings a sampling of artisan cheeses; 2005 Instinct


• Flourless chocolate cake with raspberry sauce garnished with fresh berries, served with gourmet Brazilian coffee roasted for Wolf Mountain Vineyards; 2005 Claret or 2006 Seyval Demi-Sec

For reservations, call 706-867-9862. 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega. http://www.wolfmountainvineyards.com/

If your Valentine loves you, and all things of food and vine, we've found some gifts to tickle their fancy:

tsp spices will spice up your relationship by delivering organic spices in perfectly-measured, freshly sealed, single-use packages. Spice gals and guys can now kiss kitchen chaos goodbye and embrace more flavorful foods at home! To learn more or to buy, visit http://www.tspspices.com/ -- and be sure to stop over at The Seasoned Palate Weblog for spicy revelations.

Even if you're not popping the question you can pop the cork on fabulous wines from Niner Wine Estates. Find your favorite on the list of high- quality varietals created from estate-grown fruit: Sauvignon Blanc, Barbera Rosato, Barbera, Sangiovese, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Available at several of Atlanta's top restaurants, Niner Wines are also available at Hinton's Wine Store located at 8455 Holcomb Bridge Road in Alpharetta; 770-641-1900.

Those passionate about their grills will cherish love tokens of Grill Wipes, Stainless Steel Wipes and the Steaming Grill Brush from Grate Chef®. Less time cleaning the grill means more time for thrills! Products are sold online at www.barbecue-store.com and in nationwide grocery stores, hardware stores and specialty stores. Grill 'em for more info at 877- 900-8415 or http://www.gratechef.com/.

CUPID SHOPS AT WHOLE FOODS MARKET!
The love-struck cherub knows less time spent driving, stopping and shopping means more time for romance! Whole Foods Market and Harry's Farmers Market have it all, from flowers to food. The rest is up to you!

Run for the roses as Whole Foods Market and Harry's Farmers Market locations in Georgia rise up with their annual Valentine's Day rose special: Two dozen roses for $19.99 through February 14! There's no excuse not to push the petals her way -- you can't miss the big outdoor wrapping tables.

Wake up to a romantic breakfast in bed for $24.99. Hit snooze and steal time for a boxed bounty for two, including mini quiches, fresh-baked muffins, healthy melon and OJ.

The Bundle of Love, $89.99, snuggles all of those Valentine's classics together for one quick pick up: Two-dozen roses OR 20 tulip stems arranged in a vase with baby's breath and greenery; Nicolas Feuillatte champagne; and Moonstruck all-natural chocolate truffles.

Seven locations are waiting to embrace you and your Valentine's Day needs:
Buckhead: 77 West Paces Ferry Road, NW; 404-324-4100
Briarcliff: 2111 Briarcliff Road; 404-634-7800
Duluth-Johns Creek: 5945 State Bridge Road; 678- 514-2400
Sandy Springs: 5930 Roswell Road; 404-236- 0810
Ponce: 650 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE; 404-853- 1681
Harry's Farmers Market in Alpharetta: 1180 Upper Hembree Road; 770-664-6300
Harry's Farmers Market in Marietta: 70 Powers Ferry Road, SE; 770-578-4400

ATLANTA FINE WINE FESTIVAL ON FEBRUARY 16 BENEFITS VISITING NURSE - HOSPICE ATLANTA
The 4th Annual Atlanta Fine Wine Festival on Saturday, February 16, ends Valentine's week on a compassionate note. As guests enjoy food from top restaurants, like Canoe, and sample and bid on fine wines such as Niner Wine Estates, they'll be helping raise funds for a loving cause, Visiting Nurse - Hospice Atlanta. This year's event takes place from 2 - 6 p.m. on Saturday, February 16 at Mason Murer Fine Art, located at 199 Armour Drive in Atlanta; 404-879-1500. Learn more about the event's charity, auction, sponsors, participating wines and restaurants, and ticketing information at http://www.atlantafinewinefestival.com/. Info number:404-520-3113.

TRILOGY HOSTS CHRISTIAN ROCK BAND SOULSTICE
Trilogy continues to wow the neighborhood with a diverse range of entertainment! Bring the family to hear rock with a mission as Christian band Soulstice takes to the stage with fast- paced praise music on Sunday, February 17. This is not your grandpa's music. $15 cover charge per person includes a pre-show hamburger/hot dog buffet at 5 p.m. followed by the band's performance at 6:30 p.m. 4930 Davidson Road behind the Parkaire shopping center in East Cobb; 770-971-4770. www.trilogydining.net. Sneak preview the band at www.soulsticeband.net.

GOT 4 MINUTES? VAJRA STRATIGOS HAS A VALENTINE'S VIDEO WINE "TASTING" FOR YOU!
His descriptions are so vivid you can almost taste them! Vajra Stratigos, beverage director for Fifth Group Restaurants® turns to YouTube to get the word out on the perfect wines for Valentine's. Garner his insight on bubbly through white, red and dessert wine suggestions. Click here to view . . . and the list:

Aubry, Brut Rosé, Premier Cru
Chateau Ste. Michelle, "Eroica," Riesling 2006
C. Joguet, "Les Varennes du Grand Clos," Chinon 2004
Turley Wine Cellars, "Duarte," Zinfandel Contra Costa County, CA 2005
Alvear, "Solera 1927," Pedro Ximénez Spain

Fifth Group Restaurants owns and operates Ecco, Food Studio®, La Tavola Trattoria, South City Kitchen® Midtown and Vinings and Bold American Catering®. For more information about Fifth Group Restaurants, visit www.fifthgroup.com. For more wine suggestions from Vajra, check out his blog, Vajra Straight Up.

ANNUAL SHARE OUR STRENGTH GREAT AMERICAN BAKING CONTEST AND BAKE SALE!
. . . Or cookies, cakes, breads and secret recipes. Separate amateur and professional baker categories mean all that enter have a chance at winning bread while raising dough during Share Our Strength's Great American Baking Contest on Thursday, February 21 at The Cook's Warehouse in Midtown. The 7 - 9 p.m. bake-off kicks off the organization's Great American Bake Sale in Atlanta to help alleviate childhood hunger in America. Contest entry fees are $25/amateurs and $95/professionals. Atlanta Journal- Constitution Food Writer John Kessler will judge the pros, and a panel of pastry chefs will slice into the amateur chefs' creations. Samplings of desserts and wines are included in the event admission fee of $25 per person. Obtain contest specifics at www.strength.org/bakingcontest,or call Amy Crowell at 770-436-5151.

The Cook's Warehouse in Midtown is located at 549-I Amsterdam Avenue; 404-815-4993. http://www.cookswarehouse.com/

Share Our Strength's Great American Bake Sale®, presented by Domino® Sugar and C&H®, is a national campaign that mobilizes Americans to end childhood hunger by holding bake sales in their communities. www.greatamericanbakesale.org

GUESTS ARE GREETED WTH NEW MENU FORMAT AT WOODFIRE GRILL: OWNER/CHEF MICHAEL TUOHY MEANS BIG BUSINESS WHEN IT COMES TO SMALL PLATES
While Owner/Chef Michael Tuohy, a San Francisco transplant who has been at the forefront of the Atlanta dining scene for more than 20 years, has always been ahead of his time by offering a variety of small plates at his restaurant since opening in 2002 - Bon Appetit magazine even named Woodfire Grill as the spot for "Best Small Plates" in 2004. But now, he has further expanded this section of the Woodfire Grill menu to reflect the way Atlantans are eating today. Defined by the end of the entrée and the launch of a lifestyle of grazing among numerous flavors and textures, the focal point of Tuohy's menu is the enormous selection of little bites that give the diner complete control over his or her meal. Many of Woodfire Grill's previous entrée options have been made into smaller portions.

"I believe this change reflects the way guests want to eat when dining out," says Tuohy. "There is a convergence of diners young and mature that want to experience and share lots of flavors and tastes; it's a more communal approach. Diners want to move on from a dish after three to four bites, so an entree can be too much of a commitment," he adds.

Additionally, The Café at Woodfire's menu features artisan cured meats, artisan cheese selections with a wide variety of accompaniments and pizzettas to suit the mood of patrons. Several of these items are also available for purchase in The Café to take home. For those guests who are willing to put their meal choices into the capable hands of Chef Tuohy, a four-course vegetable tasting menu and a chef's tasting menu are featured on the backside of the regular menu to showcase the day's freshest locally grown organic produce and other seasonal offerings that are central to the restaurant's philosophy of ingredient-focused fair with a Northern California flair. Woodfire Grill is open for dinner Tuesday through Sunday and is located at 1782 Cheshire Bride Road; 404-347-9055; http://www.woodfiregrill.com/.


SECOND HELPINGS: SOCIAL DIVA DIVIES UP SCOOP ON ATLANTA
Social butterflies and event divas will see Atlanta's restaurant, happenings and retail scene bloom on Socialdiva.com. Part newsletter, part blog, there's plenty of eye-candy and meaty information to make clicking on this link worth your while!