Time to Get Your Steak On

It is no wonder Father's Day is celebrated in June; June happens to be National Steakhouse Month and everyone knows most dads love steak! These days there are so many steakhouses to choose from, how can we ever know which one to pick?? My advice is to go with a classic.

In Atlanta, there are two top-notch havens for beef-lovers and both have been on the dining scene for years: Morton's The Steakhouse and Fogo de Chão.

Morton's The Steakhouse is known around the globe for its legendary service, upscale elegance and mouthwatering, prime-aged steaks. Awards for food, wine and service are plentiful. Atlanta is fortunate to play home to two of Morton's 79 worldwide locations in Buckhead and Downtown. Right now, Morton's is offering an incredible steak and seafood special menu. The surf and turf menu includes two single-cut filets; a choice of two seafood options (Morton’s jumbo lump crab cake, shrimp Alexander or broiled sea scallops); a choice of one of Morton's signature potatoes and a side vegetable; a choice of two salads (Caesar or Morton’s salad); and lastly, a choice of two desserts (Morton’s legendary hot chocolate cake or key lime pie).

Fogo de Chão, a Brazilian churrascaria, gives steak lovers the opportunity to fork into as much meat as they desire from the 15 fire-roasted cuts of meat carved tableside by Brazilian gauchos. The prix fixe menu simplifies matters, and the humongous salad bar offers plenty of options for those who favor the steak lover, but not steak. The Atlanta restaurant was recently renovated with an updated wine cellar and new art work.

Both locations offer the perfect excuse to celebrate National Steakhouse Month every month!

W Hotel Grand Opening Party

Last night, I was one of the lucky folks in Atlanta that was invited to attend the W Hotel Grand Opening party in Midtown. And, boy, was it a party! One could only imagine with a dress code specified as "chic cocktail" on the invitation - this would certainly be a very posh event. Three or four different levels of bars, lounges and entertainment. Girls dancing, fancy drinks being passed around, tons of food. Rumor has it that some of the celebs on the A-list included George Clooney, Paula Abdul, Cindy Crawford. I didn't see any of them, but I was able to see C-Lo make his grand entrance! Very cool place - I highly recommend visting if you're one of those that are on top of the social scene - it's certainly the new place to see and be seen.

Natural Bacon Salt is a Real Ham at Playing Up Flavor for Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Low-Sodium and Kosher Diets

And we thought things couldn't get any better then the zero calorie, zero fat, vegetarian and kosher seasoning that makes everything taste like delicious bacon. Well, the guys behind Bacon Salt have done it again. Justin Esch and Dave Lefkow have just rolled out a new product called Natural Bacon Salt – a premium version of the original Bacon Salt that was developed based on direct feedback from customers.

Short ingredient list, BIG flavor! J&D's Natural Bacon Salt is a pig-free, bacon-y wonder with so much to offer that bacon lovers will go hog wild sprinkling it on veggies, popcorn, eggs and you-name- it, no matter what their dietary preferences. Customer feedback prodded "bacontrepreneurs" Justin Esch and Dave Lefkow to develop this premium version of the original Bacon Salt. One oink at their website squeals that Natural Bacon Salt's brief, all-natural ingredient list yields a seasoning that is 100 percent bacon flavor and zero percent calories, fat, gluten, sodium or meat. Even vegetarians and those keeping a kosher kitchen can sprinkle with abandon!

Seattle-based J&D's Bacon Salt has become a godsend for the more than three million Americans dealing with celiac disease. Additionally, thanks to Operation Bacon Salt, our service men and women overseas in the Middle East can perk up their meals with the All-American flavor of bacon, even in areas where the culture prohibits pork products. Purchase Natural Bacon Salt as well as Original, Peppered and Hickory Bacon Salt at more than 2,000 retailers nationwide or at www.baconsalt.com .

Cool Loans From Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market aims to keep good things growing in Georgia at Harris Family Heritage Beef, Sweetwater Growers and Via Elisa Fresh Pasta. The company has a Local Producer Loan Program and, in Georgia, these three local producers will receive more than $500,000 in low-interest loans to achieve their goals. These loans pack a lot of bang in each buck, and each brings a bounty of sought-after foods back to Whole Foods Market shelves -- and ultimately to our plates.

Harris Family Heritage Beef at White Oak Pastures, Georgia’s leading grass-fed beef producer, was able to use the loan to complete a long-awaited on-farm facility designed to process beef according to rigorous humane animal treatment standards and to minimize environmental impact. Besides enabling White Oak Pastures to expand beef production and distribution of its 2008 Flavors of Georgia Grand Prize-winning products, the on-farm plant will nix farm-to-processing cattle stress and do away with the need for fuel-guzzling 18-wheelers to transport cattle. Sweetwater Growers, Inc. is using its loan to add two new greenhouses, thus increasing the farm’s harvest of high quality, fresh micro greens, basil and other herbs. Via Elisa Fresh Pasta, a genuine fresh pasta shop in Atlanta, has purchased a pasta cutter with its loan. The new cutter will enable more efficient pasta cutting, which translates to more plentiful pasta for you and me. The ingredients for the authentic, homemade pasta remain the same: 100% organic flours, 100% organic semolina, eggs from free-range hens and luxurious cheeses imported directly from Italy. Find products from these conscientious producers and others at area Whole Foods Markets and Harry’s Farmers Markets.

For more inspiring stories about the people and places behind our food sources, visit Whole Foods Market’s Farm to Market Blog.

Birthday's at Work Are a Piece of Cake

Just a little post saying "thank you" to everyone at work for my wonderful birthday celebration. As most of you know I keep everything so you better believe that the birthday card will be around for years to come! Now on to the food - Hollie ordered a cake from Piece of Cake in Buckhead. I admit that I am a picky eater especially when it comes to birthday cake so she had to customize it. We had the chocolate layer cake with cream cheese icing and no pecan topping - yum! Every year my mom used to make me a chocolate layered cake with vanilla icing and this brought me back to those days. Piece of Cake beats out her Betty Crocker cake from the box (sorry Mom!). Thanks again everyone and especially Hollie for finding the best cake!

Stake Your Claim to Fame By Entering the First-Ever Morton's The Steakhouse Guest Prime Recipe Contest

Calling all cooks! Morton's The Steakhouse will host a Guest Prime Recipe Contest giving any amateur chef or guest of Morton's a shot at creating "The Best Recipe Anywhere." Those are some pretty beefy bragging rights! Not only will the winner have his or her recipe included in the restaurant's upcoming cookbook (to be published by Random House in 2009), they will also win a trip for two to Chicago where they will dine with Morton's The Steak House Co-founder Klaus Fritsch at the original Morton's Steakhouse. The new cookbook, to be published by Random House in 2009, will be a sizzling sequel to the restaurant’s original treasure trove of legendary recipes and grilling secrets, Morton’s Steak Bible.

Recipes need to be submitted by June 2 so get a move on. For more contest rules click here. Klaus Fritsch himself will head up the panel of experts in reviewing recipes submitted for beef, chicken or seafood entrees; appetizers; salads; sauces; marinades and dressings; soups; side dishes; desserts ;and cocktails.

This year, Morton’s 79 steakhouses and 5,000 employees around the globe are celebrating the restaurant’s 30th anniversary. Join the celebration at both Atlanta Morton’s The Steakhouse locations. Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Downtown: 303 Peachtree Center Avenue in the SunTrust Plaza Building; 404-577-4366.

White Oak Pastures' Beef Wins 2008 Flavor of Georgia Contest

You can chew the fat on what makes flavorful beef until the cows come home, but in the end, it's all about what's inside that counts. In the case of Harris Family Heritage Beef, raised by Georgian Will Harris of White Oak Pastures, the prize-winning flavor comes from a herd that chomps on grass. Unadulterated green grass. No grains, hormones or feed I can't pronounce or spell. The 2008 Flavor of Georgia Grand Prize Winner Will Harris will be at Harry's Farmers Market in Alpharetta this Saturday May 24 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. giving shoppers a taste of the award winning beef. If you can't make it Saturday stop by Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Whole Foods Market on Ponce. Be sure to pick up some beef to take home for the Memorial Day grilling on Monday.

Harry's Farmers Market in Alpharetta is located at 1180 Upper Hembree Road; 770-664-6300. Whole Foods Market located at 650 Ponce de Leon Avenue, NE; 404-853-1681.

Restaurants and Stores Stay Open On Memorial Day So You Can Honor More, Cook and Clean Less

Memorial Day marches in each year on the last Monday in May, giving us a chance to pause and honor our servicemen and women, hang out our flags, and unofficially dive into summer with a bevy of outdoor activities. Take in one of Atlanta’s many Memorial Day activities -- reflect on the hundreds of mini-flags posted on soldiers’ graves at the Marietta Cemetery, cheer at Stone Mountain’s Salute to the Troops laser show or chill out to the sounds of the Atlanta Jazz Festival in Woodruff Park. Keep things simple on the food front by choosing to dine out or pick up something deliciously portable at these fun restaurants and stores strategically located around town and definitely open on Memorial Day.

Bonefish Grill –Johns Creek: 11705 C. Jones Bridge Road; 770-475-6668.Buford: 3420 Buford Drive; 678-546-8240.Gwinnett, The Avenue Webb Gin: 1350 Scenic Highway 124; 678-344-8945.

Chipotle -- 12 Atlanta-area locations.

Ecco -- 40 7th Street; 404-347-9555.

Fogo de Chão -- 3101 Piedmont Road; 404-266-9988.

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

Marlow’s Tavern – Kennesaw: 745 Chastain Road, NW; 770-425-8777. Alpharetta: 3719 Old Alabama Road; 770- 475-1800. Vinings: 2355 Cumberland Parkway; 770-432-2526. Midtown: 950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.

Whole Foods Market – 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.

It's Grilling Season...Grab Some Grate Chef and Pass the Bacon Salt!

The season known as “fire up the grill for the summer” starts sometime between Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. There are no greeting cards to celebrate the season; however, Bacon Salt™ and Grate Chef® have the seasonings and supplies you’ll need to set the thrill of the grill off to a “grate” start.

Get Ready With Grate Chef
First, be sure your grill is prepared to do its job by cleaning the grate with non-flammable, Grill Wipes® disposable towelettes (MSRP $2.99/package of 6) that are loaded with restaurant-grade grilling oil that simultaneously cleans and oils your grate. Use the patented Chrome Steaming Grill Brush® (MSRP $19.99) to give your grill grates a good-as-new look with the power of lemon juice. Lemon acid and steam remove residue and recondition the grate – and the brush lasts through four seasons! Polish up the outside of your “baby” in one easy step with Stainless Steel Wipes® (MSRP $2.99/package of 6). Now you’re ready to light the grill! The Fire Starter® (MSRP $2.99/package of 6), an environmentally safe, non-toxic charcoal-lighting option uses packets that heat up to an odorless, tasteless 1,500 degrees in approximately 10 minutes. Purchase Grate Chef products nationwide in grocery and hardware stores, and specialty stores such as Barbeques Galore, Inc., Bed, Bath & Beyond and Linens ‘n Things. For more information or to order products, call 877-900-8415.

Pig Out in Good Health!
Everything tastes better with J & D’s Bacon Salt! It’s not an oxymoron to include the words “health” and “bacon” in the same sentence when we’re talking about J & D’s Bacon Salt. The zero-calorie, zero-fat, vegetarian and kosher seasoning adds the delectable taste of bacon to whatever you’re grilling or putting on the side. Justin Esch and Dave Lefkow (the J&D) have packaged their perky peak of the pig seasonings in four flavors – Original, Hickory, Peppered and Natural – that will put new oink in your salads, sides, meats, sandwiches…and even popcorn. Bacon Salt is taking the nation by storm, having launched successfully in more than 2,000 retail and grocery stores and by receiving a hog’s share of media coverage. Justin and Dave have even created a charitable giving initiative called Operation Bacon Salt, which provides free Bacon Salt to troops serving in countries where bacon and other pork products are not permitted due to cultural reasons.

YouTube Video Captures Growing Gains! Watch Dogwood Come to Life on Peachtree

From the day I was born, my entire life was captured on film. Whether it was my dad with the video camera documenting my every step or my mom with the camera contstantly snapping those awkard candid shots; my parents felt the need track it all. See? Here I am on the morning of my third birthday, looking a little less then thrilled to have my picture taken.

Dogwood owners Scott Black and Shane Touhy are taking a similar parental approach as they watch, and film, their restaurant come to life, literally from the ground floor up. By ground floor, we are referring to the street level of the Reynolds condominium building at 565 Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta. As you view these home movies, you’ll feel the parental pride blooming along with the restaurant. Dogwood, a sophisticated setting for southeastern regional cooking, will open in June 2008. For more information, call 404-835-1410.

Hello Cute Shoes!

Those shoe-crazed girls have planned another Hello Stiletto Shoe Party - this time at South City Kitchen Vinings. Get on the phone and book that pedicure now because the event is tonight! Show off your strappiest sandals or newest open-toed wedges from 6 – 8 p.m. on Wednesday, May 21 at South City Kitchen Vinings . Shoe designer Ann Roth will be on hand, err, foot, to judge the evening’s “Best Shoe” competition. Hands will not be neglected either…they’re perfect for holding a wine or martini glass! 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.

Vajra Stratigos Pairs Wines With BBQ Meals

I don't know about you but I've been planning my Memorial Day weekend since March. This is my favorite time of the year (and not just because my birthday is around the corner). I love the warm weather, summer dresses, outdoor dinner parties and barbeque is a must. Which brings me to the most recent segment of Vajra Straight Up where Vajra Stratigos, Beverage Director of Fifth Group Restaurants, gives suggestions on which wines to serve at your next BBQ get-together.



First things first - the wines need to be "B.B.Q." - Big, Bold and Quaffable. Second, choose your wine's color (red or white) and Vajra will tell you which one goes best with the meal. Now you're all set for a weekend of wine and barbeque.

Locally Produced Sparkling Wine and A Seafood Festival

Yesterday, I was able to visit Wolf Mountain Vineyards to check out their new sparkling wine. This is the first local sparkling wine produced in the traditional methode champenoise. They don't have a final product yet (still going through dosage trials), but they have finalized the bottle design and capping. It is beautiful, and I can't wait to do a taste test!

Do these photos make you want to visit Wolf Mountain for yourself? This is the weekend! This Sunday, May 18 (and next Sunday, May 25) Wolf Mountain Vineyards is hosting a White Wine and Seafood Festival. For $30 per person (wines available separately by the glass or bottle) you can enjoy a sampling of fresh seafood dishes from the Wolf Mountain kitchen. Paired with their uniquely blended white wines (Plenitude won the 2007 silver medal at the San Fransisco Chronicle wine competition) this festival will make for a delicious weekend!

Cheers.

Tasting the Great Wines of Argentina

Yesterday, I was fortunate enough to attend an exclusive wine tasting event at Fogo de Chao that featured 14 top Argentinean boutique wineries from six different regions. The restaurant, along with QW Wine Experts, is working with the government of Argentina to bring in wines that are not yet available in the United States and hosted this tasting for 20 local wine distributors who were able to enjoy the magnificent display of wines and Fogo’s lovely food spread throughout the day.

Last year, Argentina became the sixth largest wine producer in the world. These 14 wineries represent the new wave of the wine industry in Argentina and, aside from a few exceptions, have never exported to the U.S. Naturally, the response from everyone in attendance was highly enthusiastic! One of my favorites from the tasting was Bodegas San Huberto's “Nina” Cabernet Malbec blend (2004) from La Rioja – full bodied with hints of cherry, it would make a great match for Fogo’s grilled meats!

We also got to speak with Juliana Arive Oroz (pictured in the photo on the right) of Vulliez-Sermet, whose award-winning Malbec I enjoyed very much as well. This is the only winery from Argentina's East Coast wine region, Entre Rios, so I was very excited to try their offerings!

Get Your Food Fix on MySpace

We all turn to myspace to see what’s going on where and who’s saying what. It’s become the present day party line, and hip Atlanta restaurants and gathering places such as Ecco, Trilogy, Marlow’s Tavern, Food Studio and The GLOBE are right in there with their own pages. Be a BFF and visit these pages before and after you go! It's a great way to spot upcoming events, new menus and photos of the eateries. Here are a few of our favorite myspace links:

Marlow’s Tavern
Off the web - Kennesaw: 745 Chastain Road, NW; 770-425-8777. Alpharetta: 3719 Old Alabama Road; 770-475-1800. Vinings: 2355 Cumberland Parkway; 770-432-2526. Midtown: 950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.

Trilogy
Off the web - 4930 Davidson Road off Johnson Ferry behind the Parkaire shopping center in East Cobb; 770-971-4770.

The Globe
Off the web - 75 Fifth Street, NW; 404-541-1487.

Fifth Group Restaurants®
Off the web – Ecco: 40 7th Street; 404-347-9555. Food Studio: 887 W. Marietta Street in the King Plow Arts Center; 404-815-6677. La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Avenue, NE in Virginia-Highland; 404-873-5430. South City Kitchen Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358. South City Kitchen Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700. Bold American Catering: 887 W. Marietta Street in the King Plow Arts Center; 678-302-3251.

Taste of Brookhaven Launch Party Recap

Last night, I was able to stop by the Taste of Brookhaven launch party at Village Place at Brookhaven. The evening's event was to kick off ticket sales for the Taste of Brookhaven (Saturday, June 14), and it was a great event!

Held in an empty, soon-to-be-retail space in the new live, work, play development, the space was filled with local art work, a live jazz band and 100 or so of Brookhaven's residents. Tasty treats were provided by a coming soon restaurant - Terra Terroir, and Wolf Mountain Vineyards, a local winery, served their award winning wines - Plenitude (white) and Instinct (red). They also showed off a beautiful display bottle of their upcoming release - Georgia's first locally produced sparkling wine! Stay tuned for more details and a release date soon!!

In the meantime, consider checking out this year's Taste of Brookhaven event. One of the smaller Taste Of events in the city, it is always a fun time!

Tuesday Tastings at VITA

Last night I went to VITA's Tuesday Tastings. These weekly wine tastings take place in the bar area every week from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. It's a good thing I arrived on time, the place was packed! And for a good reason -- $15 per person includes a sampling of 5-6 wines and complimentary appetizers. Great wine, great food and great company -- I'll definitely go back soon! Not to mention, it's a great way to avoid the rush hour traffic!

Vote in Jezebel Magazine's "Election" For Atlanta's Top 100 Restaurants

I like to exercise my right to vote, so much so that I cannot wait for the election in November to do so. Thanks to Jezebel I don't have to. The magazine is taking votes for the top 100 restaurants in Atlanta. Visit the site to cast your votes in the multi-category ballot including your top five restaurants followed by your favorite 10. Then move on to a category buffet where you can vote in traditional "best" categories such as Italian, vegetarian, sushi, happy hour, takeout and breakfast.

Hurry because May 20 is the last day to vote! After all the results are tallied you may find you're the winner of an Ultimate Getaway for Two. Your votes enter you into a drawing to win a two-night, three-day trip to the Shores Resort & Spa in Daytona Beach, plus $200 in resort credit. Plane tickets for two included. If that isn't an incentive to visit Jezebel online then I don't know what is.

I'll give you a look at my ballot:
Best Italian - La Tavola Trattoria

Best Seafood - Bonefish Grill

Best Mexican – Chipotle

Best Sushi - Aqua Blue

Best Dessert – Aria

Best Wine Bar - SIP The Experience

Best Tapas - Woodfire Grill

Best Steak - Morton’s The Steakhouse Downtown and Buckhead

Best Take Out - Whole Foods Market

Best New Restaurant – VITA

Best Power Lunch - Fogo de Chão

Best Romantic Dinner - Food Studio®

Best Neighborhood Pub - Marlow’s Tavern

Best Singles Scene – Trilogy

Best Celebrity Spotting - South City Kitchen ® Midtown & Vinings

Best Outside Patio – Ecco

Best Vibe – The Globe

Best View - Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery

Best Brunch – Canoe

Daily Reasons to Go to the Globe

I remember the day the Globe opened. All types of people were there, enjoying the vibe, the food, the drinks, and each other. This hasn't changed. It remains one of the coolest spots in the city. And this time of year their patio beats all others. Check out their May Sundown Sessions with enticing art and live jazz events scheduled throughout the week. Here's the breakdown:

Mondays, head on over for “Midtown Mondays” -- mojitos, margaritas and martinis are merely $5.

Wednesdays, Palette brings an evening of art and wine to the patio “gallery” with paintings by local artist Shana Robbins from 6-9 p.m. No cover. Four-by-four wine tasting (four wines, four bites) is just $15 from 5 – 7 p.m. Jazz artist Kirstin Mitchell performs with visuals provided by film-maker Robbie Land.

Thursdays, The Jacob Deaton Trio performs jazz standards and more from 7:30-11:30 p.m. No cover. Chill with $3 Peroni draft beer and $5 mint juleps and martinis after 5 p.m.

Fridays, get down for the weekend as members of Noot D’Noot and a DJ fill the night with electronic soul, funk and jazz from 8 p.m. until midnight. No cover. $3 Imperial beer after 5 p.m.

Saturdays feature The Spencer Garn Quartet “SG4” with their own style of soul, jazz, funk, boogaloo and heavy organ grooves. What will be the surprise drink special by mixologist Russell? Come find out! 8 p.m. until midnight. No cover.

No plans for this weekend yet? Here ya go: Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17, the Tenacity Trio stirs up its own blend of soulful, “make-you-feel-good” jazz and funk. 8 p.m. – midnight. No cover.

The GLOBE: 75 Fifth Street, NW; 404-541-1487.

BAG YOUR GROCERIES AND FEED 100 RWANDAN SCHOOL CHILDREN!

Whole Foods Markets and its customers kissed plastic bags goodbye on Earth Day. Enter Lauren Bush and the reusable "FEED 100 Bag" that holds plenty of food while providing funds to cover 100 nutritious meals for hungry school children in Rwanda through the United Nation World Food Program's (WFP) School Feeding Program. Bush, co-founder and CEO of FEED Projects, former model and niece of President George Bush, will be at Whole Foods Market - Buckhead on Monday, May 12 at 6 p.m. to sip and sup with guests at a free reception and to show a video about FEED Project. Purchase a FEED 100 bag while you're there and have it signed by Lauren Bush!

Exclusive to Whole Foods Markets, each $29.99 bag is constructed of organic cotton and natural burlap by workers who are treated fairly in safe, clean working environments and paid livable wages and overtime. The eco-friendly bags make a fashion statement and are ideal for shopping and travel as each one folds into its own small pouch. Whenever you use the bag you'll be reminded of what you can do to help children in need of nourishment. For each bag purchased, $10 will be donated to the World Food Program's Rwanda School Feeding operation with the remainder going to cover the costs of producing the bag and program oversight by the FEED foundation. Whole Foods Market does not make a profit from the sale of these bags.
You'll find the FEED 100 reusable shopping bags at the checkout counters at all Whole Foods Market stores. For more details on the bag, visit http://www.feedprojects.org/.

Souper Jenny Special Menu for Work Out Moms

Soups, salads and sandwhiches - oh my! Just a few of the yummy items on Souper Jenny's healthy eating menu created for the moms participating in Camp promom. This wellness challenge program was created to celebrate motherhood by Corey Waller of Core Fitness Boot Camp and Vicki Stern-Brown of promom couture. Souper Jenny is a participating sponsor in the camp and will offer a special, healthy eating menu priced at $10 each day for the particpants.

Camp promom offers personal training, physician guidance, nutritional support and image assistance to moms during the eight week program which launches this Saturday, May 10 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at KVG Privé (3003 Piedmont Road in Buckhead).

Participating moms will meet Waller at Chastain park beginning May 11 for a personal training workout. Moms will earn points for attendance at workouts, nutrition, special bonus programs and eating the special wellness challenge menu offered at Souper Jenny. The mom with the most points at the end of the challenge will receive a grand prize of $5,000 plus an all-expense paid getaway to an undisclosed location. Sounds like a good way to get in shape to me. I think I would get the most points since I eat at Souper Jenny at least once a week!

Photo of Souper Jenny courtesy of Chloe Morris at Chowdown Atlanta.

The Bravery at Bonefish Grill

Sometimes my job is so cool... Yesterday, Ovation, an arts and entertainment focused cable TV station, visited Bonefish Grill in Buford to film an episode of Notes From the Road, and I got to attend the taping! They have been filming interviews and concerts at Bonefish Grill Restaurants all over the country - first in Alexandria, VA with Josh Kelley, and, next up, is Panic at the Disco in Grand Rapids, MI.

In Buford, Notes From the Road featured The Bravery and it was incredible! The interview with the band took place at the bar of the restaurant and then an intimate 20 person concert took place in the dining room, which, by the way, had been transformed into a stage that looked like it belonged on MTV. Smoke machines and flashing lights included...

Work began at 4 a.m. yesterday for the Bonefish Grill crew moving tables, blacking out windows and setting up lights. The interview was filmed right after lunch and the concert started around 3 p.m. and lasted until about 4:30. Some insider secrets?

1. The band played six songs and repeated the exact same six songs again so the camera crew could film different angles. They'll be edited together before the show airs.

2. The behind the scenes people at least tripled (if not more) the band and concert-goers.

3. Sound guys have really hard jobs. no joke.

4. The band munched on Bonefish Grill's stellar Bang Bang shrimp, salmon with warm mango salsa, chicken eggrolls and chicken portabella pasta. And, THEN got up and performed a rockin' concert.

Be sure to keep an eye on Ovation TV to find out when the concert airs. Don't get those crazy cable stations yet? Don't dispair, you too can visit a Bonefish Grill and enjoy the same delicious meal as the boys from The Bravery did!! (I know, I know, shameless plug...)

“Let’s Eat Out” is Second Only To “I Love You” on Mother’s Day, May 11

The first meal I remember making for my mom was Mother's Day breakfast in bed when I was four years old. My older brother and I thought it would be great to make her a "balanced breakfast" like they showed on the cereal commercials. First, we made her a bowl of cereal, then, we made her two slices of toast and finally, poured her a glass of orange juice. To make the tray look pretty, I ran to the garden and picked her a flower.

Needless to say that by the time we got the breakfast to her, the cereal was soggy, the toast was cold (and messy) and I got thirsty so a drank a sip of her juice. She said she loved it!

Fortunately, I am wise enough now to know that there are better options for mom's special day. This Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11, I can't wait to say those three magic words – “Let’s eat out!”

Chefs at these restaurants have been preparing for Mother’s Day with buffets and menus that will have her saying “I love you!”

Two hot spots are already sold out so make a note to check these out early next year: Canoe's riverside brunch and Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery's mountain setting brunch.

Aqua Blue heaps mom’s favorites on the brunch buffet. From 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., grab a plate and fill it with items such as strip steak and carved turkey, chicken rotini primavera in cream sauce, eggs Benedict and breakfast pastries. $29.95/adults, $9.95/children ages four to 12 and free for children under four. Regular dinner menu takes over from 5 to 9 p.m. 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.

Bonefish Grill brings out the grilled fish and delectable sauces that grace the regular menu from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Buford: 3420 Buford Drive; 678-546-8240. Johns Creek: 11705 C Jones Bridge Road; 770-475-6668. Macon: 5080 Riverside Drive, Building 500, Suite 506; 478-477-5256. Snellville: 1350 Scenic Highway 124 in The Avenue Webb Gin; 678-344-8945.

Ecco whisks Mom to a European bistro brunch with a special menu from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Open for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. 40 7th Street at Cypress in Midtown; 404-347-9555.

Fogo de Chão salutes moms with savory slow-roasted meats from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mother’s Day; $38.50 per person. The Brazilian churrascaria will be serving dinner that night from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; $46.50 per person. 3101 Piedmont Road; 404-266-9988.

Food Studio® paints a masterpiece of food and art to celebrate Mom’s day. Special brunch buffet from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; $39.95 per person. Children’s menu for $10 per child (12 and under). Open for dinner from 5:30 to 9 p.m. 887 West Marietta Street in the King Plow Arts Center; 404-815-6677.

The GLOBE provides the ideal spot for Yellow Jacket and Midtown moms to celebrate the day from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Regular brunch menu. 75 Fifth Street, NW in Technology Square; 404-541-1487.

La Tavola Trattoria jets Mom to Italy in nearby Virginia-Highlands. Order from the brunch menu from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or the regular dinner menu from 5:30 to 10 p.m. 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430.

Marlow’s Tavern (Alpharetta, Kennesaw, Midtown and Vinings) pours it on for the American casual mom with the regular brunch menu from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the regular dinner menu from 3 p.m. to 12 a.m. Alpharetta: 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800. Kennesaw: 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777. Midtown: 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323. Vinings: 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526.

Morton’s The Steakhouse in Buckhead and Downtown serves a mom-worthy prix fixe menu on Mother’s Day for $59 per person. Choose a salad; one entrée from a selection of filets, fish and chicken dishes; one side dish; and a dessert. Open from 3 to 9 p.m. in Buckhead in the Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Open from 4 to 9 p.m. Downtown in the SunTrust Plaza Building at 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

South City Kitchen® whips up contemporary Southern dishes that give mom the day off from cooking but not from good eating. Enjoy brunch at the Midtown location from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or the regular dinner menu from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358. Brunch will be served at the Vinings location from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; order from the regular dinner menu from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.

Trilogy is East Cobb-close for an all-you-can-eat buffet brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mother’s Day. $23.95/adults; $8.95/children. Seating is limited and reservations are required. The restaurant will not be open for dinner. 4930 Davidson Road; 770-971-4770.

VITA will serve the regular dinner menu from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will have flowers for moms. Mama mia, now that’s Italian! 2110 Peachtree Road; 404-367-8482.

Woodfire Grill serves mom local ingredients prepared with Northern Californian style from the regular menu. Open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Mother’s Day. 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

What Does Virginia Willis Do On A Girl's Night Out?

She shares her flair and signs Bon Appetit, Y'all at Whole Foods Markets and Harry's Farmers Market!

Virginia Willis wants to do something she loves when she snags a girl’s night out or two: talk about Southern cooking, show how it’s done, and pass on the word through her new cookbook so fellow Southern food lovers can carry out and carry on! Bon Appétit, Y’all: Recipes and Stories From Three Generations of Southern Cooking ($32.50) gathers recipes passed down from Virginia Willis’ grandmother and mother and adds plenty of Willis’ own flair as a French-trained chef, food writer, kitchen director for Martha Stewart Living Television and executive director for The Discovery Channel’s Epicurious! The cookbook is flying off the shelves, but you can catch a copy and have it signed at the following Whole Foods Market and Harry’s Farmers Market locations this week. Still struggling to find the perfect Mother's Day gift? Now's your chance, do Mom proud!

Thursday, May 8 - Whole Foods Market in Duluth-Johns Creek
If you have an hour, come from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. for Virginia’s book signing and recipe tasting. Two hours? Join Virginia from 7 – 9 p.m. in Salud! Cooking & Lifestyle School as she prepares gougère with Georgia goat cheese, fettuccine with mushrooms and country ham, quail with red wine sauce, and peach cobbler with bourbon crème fraîche. $60 per person; includes signed copy of Bon Appétit, Y’all. Harry’s Farmers Market in Alpharetta: 1180 Upper Hembree Road; 770-664-6300. Whole Foods Market in Duluth-Johns Creek: 5945 State Bridge Road; 678-514-2400.

Wednesday, May 7 at 7 p.m. - Whole Foods Market in Sandy Springs
Saturday, May 10 at 2 p.m. - Whole Foods Market in Buckhead
Purchase Bon Appétit, Y’all and Virginia Willis will sign your copy! Whole Foods Market in Sandy Springs: 5930 Roswell Road; 404-236-0810. Whole Foods Market in Buckhead: 77 West Paces Ferry Road; 404-324-4100.

Let No Teacher be Left Behind...Chipotle Marks National Teacher Appreciation Day With Free Food for Educators and School Faculty

Teachers have enough apples and chalk to last a lifetime but Chipotle Mexican Grill knows what they really want: free food. Tuesday, May 6 is National Teacher Appreciation Day, and educators, administrators and school faculty across Atlanta should prepare to be grilled by the staff at Chipotle Mexican Grill. The burrito- making experts behind Chipotle counters are giving you a few hours to decide on your answer: Will it be grilled chicken, tender marinated steak, savory pork carnitas, succulent barbacoa beef or purely vegetarian fillings in your FREE taco, burrito, salad or bowl.

I have told all of my friends that spend their days shaping the minds of today's youth to stop by any of the 12 Atlanta-area Chipotle restaurants from 3 - 8 p.m. today and show their staff ID to receive a free taco, burrito, salad or bowl. Chipotle uses only hormone-free, naturally raised meats, rBGH hormone-free dairy products, organically grown beans and sustainably grown veggies, fresh salsa and house-made guac to fill its customers!

Vita Begins Tuesday Wine Tastings TODAY

The April showers have passed (for the most part) and now it's time to enjoy this great weather we're having. The new VITA in Buckhead is celebrating the lovely weather with Tuesday Wine Tastings beginning today. It’s just too darn gorgeous outside to keep those wines holed up in the cellar! From 5 to 7 p.m. each Tuesday evening, VITA guests can try 5-6 wines and hors d’oeuvres for $15. Since I was out of town this past weekend, I'll be catching up with the girls on the patio after work. Hope to see you there!

This month, VITA brings Australian wines up from down under for your taste trip in a glass. 2110 Peachtree Road; 404-367-8482.

Metropolitan Cooking and Entertaining Show

I had fun at the Metro Cooking show this weekend at the Galleria. It was like a big trade show of gourmet foods and new food products. Among my favorite nibbles was some cinammon/nutmeg peanut butter from a company in Roswell - it's call Chet's and the best part is that it comes in a squeeze bottle! I also really liked Heaters jalapeno-infused peanuts - yummy and spicy.

There was all sorts of entertainment and cooking demos. While I didn't get a glimpse of Paula Deen nor her two cute sons (drat!), I did get a good seat for Gerry Klaskala's demo of "the best meatballs you've ever had." They were made with veal, pork, beef and ricotta cheese - YUM. They really were outstanding - if you want the recipe, let me know and I'll post it. As usual, Gerry was a crowd pleaser, answering general cooking questions like "how do I know which olive oil to buy?" "what's the secret to great marinara?" and "why are these meatballs better than my mom's?" He told the group all about Canoe and Aria and I feel sure he'll have some new guests there soon!

I was also delighted to stop by the Three Sisters booth. These crazy local Atlanta girls are so successful! Their POP product samples were gone - again. They had refilled four times! It's no wonder - it's delish and their booth was so attractive that it practically drew people over like a magnet.

I didn't know what to expect since this is the first time this show was here in Atlanta. But it was a lot of fun. I'd definitely go back.

Me, Tom Colicchio and a Taste of the Nation

Oh yes, that is me and celeb chef Tom Colicchio standing arm in arm at last night's Taste of the Nation event at the Georgia Aquarium. Talk about a good time! This was the 20th anniversary of this event, and every year it is a huge funraiser for Share Our Strength.

There were more than 50 of Atlanta's best restaurants present last night, and the food was exceptional. Some of the most memorable dishes for me were The Globe's green curry & coconut soup shooter, Aria's housemade pork schnitzel with tomato ginger jam, Beleza's tuna & watermelon skewer, and, my favorite, Craft's braised pork lettuce wraps.

Now, I know what you really want to know is, where was honorary guest chef Tom Colicchio during this full-house event? He was standing at Craft's table all night, shaking hands, taking photos and serving up lettuce wraps. He even auctioned off his chef's coat from the evening. Poor man must have been asked a million times if Richard Blais will win this season's Top Chef. Chef Colicchio held his tongue and didn't give away any secrets.

The evening ended with a exceptional live auction. The highest auctioned item was a special Atlanta Chef's dinner for 11 at home. The dinner included the participation of some of Atlanta's most darling chefs - Gerry Klaskala, Gary Mennie, Carvel Grant Gould, etc. The bidding got so high that the chefs actually huddled on stage, mid-bid, and declared they were changing the dinner from 11 guests to 14. Then Ted Turner, honorary chairperson for this year's event, chimed in and offered to match the top bid. In the end, the dinner went for $17,000! Incredible!

Virginia Willis Picks up Pan and Pen at Cook’s Warehouse - Midtown for Bon Appétit, Y'all Book Signing

As a California girl to the bone, I am much more likely to say “dude” than “y’all,” but I have to confess -- I have been enamored with Southern cooking since the first day I relocated to Atlanta. Synonymous with Southern hospitality, Southern food is all about making oneself at home with a plate of food; which is something I can definitely dig my fork into! As I continue to develop my skills as a weekend cook, I love to chat and swap recipes with others who have the same passion for Southern food as I have. That’s why I was so excited to hear that the author of my new favorite cookbook is coming to the Cook’s Warehouse.

Y’all come, now! Virginia Willis will sign her much anticipated new cookbook, Bon Appétit, Y'all: Recipes and Stories from Three Generations of Southern Cooking (Ten Speed Press 2008) and engage in cooking demos at Cook’s Warehouse – Midtown on Friday, May 2 from 7 – 9 p.m. Such multi-tasking comes easily to the former producer for “Martha Stewart Living” and “Epicurious” television shows. Why buy this southern cookbook? Alton Brown sums it up best, “Although her food is undeniably southern, it comes across as international, universal even. Other than Patricia Wells and Marcella Hazan, I cannot think of another cook who has managed to pull this off."

Come taste, talk, and take home an autographed copy (hint, Mother’s Day is May 11) . . . you may even win a copy as a prize during the evening’s raffle. Music, entertainment and tastings are a given. $25 per person; proceeds benefit the Les Dames d'Escoffier Scholarship fund and the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Click here to register. Cook’s Warehouse – Midtown is located at 549-I Amsterdam Avenue, NE; 404-815-4993.

Already “booked” this Friday night? Stay tuned! We’re in the know as to where and when Willis will be signing this gem again, and we'll never let you down!

It’s Okay To Play Favorites In The Sunday Paper's "Best Of" Awards!

It’s wonderful to be an American and know that you can openly share your opinion by voting for your “best” places and faces in Atlanta in The Sunday Paper’s Reader’s Choice contest. Readers should put down the paper and log on to submit their faves for everything from local celebrities and neighborhoods to pet spas and stores galore. Those who enter will earn a chance to win a $50 Café Intermezzo gift certificate! We’ll drink a European coffee to that!

We Are All Screaming for Ice Cream!

Today is going to be a long lunch break kind of day. Why you ask? Because I'm anticipating long lines at Ben & Jerry's when I stop in for my free scoop. Yep, you read correctly. Today is Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shop. I'm not going to get my usual scoop of Phish Food. I think I'll try something different like Neopolitan Dynamite. Your favorite flavors are free from noon until 8 p.m. Find your closest Ben & Jerry’s Scoop Shop here. See you there!

Here is a little background on why this day exists. Thirty years ago in Burlington, Vermont, Ben and Jerry started scooping out free ice cream one day each year to thank all their friends and neighbors for supporting them over the past 365 days. This heart-melting tradition continues, and lucky you, today is THE DAY!

White Oak Pastures Farm Day Fun

I drove down to Bluffton, GA (180 miles SW of Atlanta) yesterday to celebrate the grand opening of Will Harris' White Oak Pastures harvesting facility. A couple hundred people showed up to eat Will's grassfed beef and participate in the festivities. The cooks made sausage, chili, beef stew and more - all from White Oak Pastures. YUM.

The sun burned off the clouds and it was a great day. Lots of folks made the trek from Atlanta, including Whole Foods Market's Scott Allshouse, president of the South region. A loan from WFM, along with grants from OneGeorgia and Early County allowed Will to build the facility, allowing him to "harvest" his cows right there on the farm instead of loading them onto an 18-wheeler and sending them hundreds of miles away. The facility was designed through consultation by the famed Temple Grandin and is amazingly humane. These cows are born, grow up, and finish their lives all on this beautiful farm, dining at an all-you-can-eat grass buffet.

Another amazing fact is that the facility is "zero waste." Even the waste water is reclaimed to be used for fertilizer. Will says that there are very few facilities like his in the country and now he knows why! The regulators have had a hard time understanding his goals - suggesting, for instance, that he just truck that waste water up the road to the nearest town and dump it in their waste treatment plant! So every step of the way he's had to educate someone, which is good for all of us.

It was fun to see so many Atlantans come out to enjoy the day. Those included Slow Food's Julie Shaffer, Georgia Organics' Barbara Petit, Whole Foods Market's Cheryl Galway and Darrah Horgan, GRA's Green Alliance Holly Elmore, Emory/Sodexho's Christy Cook and Savannah's "Farmer D." Terry Coleman was there to speak and represent the Agriculture Department.