Cocktails in the Garden with Aqua blue

Last night I finally checked out the popular "Cocktails in the Garden" event at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. Over 400 people were there to taste yummy food from Aqua blue, sip some wine or a cocktail, and stroll through the gardens and view the Henry Moore sculpture exhibit. It was tons of fun. Aqua blue's food was a huge hit. They served hangar steak on endive and these little crispy cups of tuna and avocado. YUM. Of course I wanted to leave enough for the other guests which required an after-event run to The Nook for totchos. Oy.

Cocktails in the Garden is every Thursday night from 6 - 10. It goes through September. The Moore exhibit goes through Oct. 31.

Taste & Tour of Cheshire Bridge 2009

Last night I attended the much-anticipated foodie event on Cheshire Bridge -- the Taste & Tour of Cheshire Bridge. Many of the restaurants offered tastings and tapas while high-end businesses offered product samples, discounts and raffles. Tickets were only $10 per person for a one-day pass to check out all the places participating on Cheshire Bridge Road. Proceeds went to benefit Open Hand Atlanta. Included in the fee was transportation provided by a trolley, but we decided to walk since it was such a nice night out. Food highlights from the evening included teriyaki shrimp and sushi rolls at Nakato, poached shrimp on toast points at Woodfire Grill, ricotta cheescake at Alfredo's and wonderul Ethiopian food at Amy's Ethiopian Cafe. I really liked this event because in addition to tasting food from the restaurants, I also got go inside the restaurants and check out the space. My only regret is that I didn't get there earlier enough to make it to all of the restaurants! And, my feet were a little too tired to make the trip down to Rain (new Thai restaurant). If you're counting pennies and looking for something fun to do - I highly recommend going. The last night for the tasting and tour is tonight - you can purchase tickets at Nakato as well as other restaurants.

Uncle Julio's is the Place to Celebrate National Tequila Day on July 24

This Friday, July 24, is National Tequila Day, and Uncle Julio's Casa Grande serves up 15 types of tequila and several different margaritas to help you celebrate. Among the restaurant's 14 locations nationwide, about 200,000 margaritas and tequila drinks are prepared each month. While purists can head for the straight tequilas, those fond of frozen varieties will want to try the signature Swirl (classic frozen margarita layered with homemade frozen sangria); the Baja Gold (margarita and Corona) or other classics such as the strawberry or passion fruit margaritas.

Uncle Julio’s managers attend tequila training in Mexico each fall, bringing home novel tequila ideas such as using it as a marinade in Uncle Julio’s chipotle borracho shrimp. Click here for the full recipe if you are celebrating at home.

Uncle Julio’s Casa Grande: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW: 404-350-6767.

Good Conscience Grocery Shopping

With the release of movies such as the new Food, Inc. and older books like Fast Food Nation consumers are more concerned than ever about the food they are putting in their body--and they should be! Movies and books such as these raise the question of not only where our protein or produce is coming from but how it was raised. This year Whole Foods Market tops the Humane Food Survey rankings of supermarkets compiled by The World Society for the Protection of Animals, the world's largest alliance of animal welfare organizations. Whole Foods Market, the nation's largest organic and natural grocery store, offers twice as many humanely labeled products per store as the next stores on the list. Shop at Whole Foods Markets and fill your grocery cart with good conscience!

Click here for a Whole Foods Market near you.

Don't Forget to Cast Your Vote!

It's time to speak your mind, Atlanta! Anyone and everyone can vote for their favorites in a big ballot of categories during Creative Loafing's "Best of Atlanta" selection election for 2009. Vote through July 31 then look for the results come September!

Celebrating One Year at Dogwood

I remember the first time I met Shane Touhy and Scott Black. Dogwood was just a gleam in their eyes at that point, but I knew it was going to be a wonderful restaurant. One year later and everyone knows! The one year anniversary dinner last night was fabulous! Five courses paired with Falcor wines, benefitting Breast Friends. What a celebration! My favorite dish was the smoked pheasant meatballs with apricot gastrique, black pepper and summer truffle aioli paired with 2005 Falcor Syrah. YUM. My friend's fave was the Coca-Cola marinated duck breast (above) with coffee cous cous, carrot marmalade and red wine aioli, served with the Falcor 2003 "Le Bijous" meritage. And of course our favorite bartender was Doc!

It was a rough year to open a restaurant, much less such a beautiful, ambitious one. These guys never wavered in their vision, no matter what. We're lucky to have them and I can't wait to celebrate more milestones with them.

Taste & Tour of Cheshire Bridge

The first Taste & Tour of Cheshire Bridge is this week! July 21 through the 23 celebrate the eclectic business mix on Cheshire Bridge along with a variety of ethnic restaurants. Marissa is going to check it out and make a stop by Woodfire Grill to see Bernard, Nick, Kevin and the crew, so stay tuned for a recap!

Some details: Cheshire Bridge restaurants and businesses have pulled together to bring the community a fun three-day event complete with trolleys going up and down Cheshire Bridge Road for a tour of this one-of-a-kind street. Between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m., July 21- 23, all participating restaurants will have tastings including appetizers, discounted prices/specials and all retail and specialty stores will have a raffle or silent auction.

Tickets are $15 for one evening or $30 for all 3 evenings and children seven and under are free. Tickets can be purchased here, in select stores or at the event. Stores with tickets: Antiques and Beyond, ChocoLate Coffee, Flora Dora, Las Margaritas, New Baby Products, Ninos Italian Restaurant, Rich Vision and Topaz Salon.

All proceeds will go to Open Hand.

Vote on Atlanta's Hottest Chef at Adventurous Tastes

Nothing is hotter than someone who knows their way around a kitchen. In case you haven't been peaking in the kitchen when dining in some of Atlanta's hotspots, Lindsey Zuckerman of the food blog Adventurous Tastes, pulled together a very attractive list of chefs from around the city.

And after two weeks of nomitations from readers, you can now vote on who you think should be crowned Atlanta's Hottest Chef. The list of chefs heating things up in the kitchen include:

Kozmo Gastropub's Chef Travis Collum
Shaun's Chef Shaun Doty
The Shed at Glenwood's Chef Lance Gummere
The Sun Dial's Chef Christian Messier
Pacci's Chef Keira Moritz
Holy Taco's Chef Robert Phalen
La Tavola's Chef Craig Richards
French American Brasserie's Chef Stephen Sharp


Voting ends July 24, so be sure and choose your favorite!

"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.

It's Time to Take a Chance at Pacci Ristorante

I've never been too lucky when it comes to gambling, but I think I'm willing to give it a shot at Pacci Ristorante in Midtown July 18 through August 30. They've got a good thing going! From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, guests ordering from Pacci's special Scramble Gamble breakfast menu have the possibility of enjoying their meal for FREE! At meal's end, a Pacci employee will flip a coin while the guest calls it, determining whether he or she must pay the bill or receive their Scramble Gamble menu items free of charge.

Chef Keira Moritz's special menu is loaded with good stuff, including a mushroom frittata with fresh goat cheese and seasonal mushrooms; two eggs with breakfast potatoes and toast; Midtown Bene - English muffin with prosciutto and hollandaise; Peachtree B&G - buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy; Pacci house-made granola with fresh berries; salmon with capers, egg, onion, cream cheese and crostini; French toast with cinnamon butter, fresh berries and maple syrup; and ricotta pancakes with caramelized banana syrup ($8-$12). The Scramble Gamble does not include beverages or dishes from the restaurant's regular menus. Pacci Ristorante: 866 West Peachtree Street, NW: 678-412-2402.

Pass the Shrimp

Ever wonder where those delectable shrimp you indulge in came from and when they were caught? Whole Foods Market does--and they want to make sure they provide you with fresh, wild Georgia shrimp. That is why Whole Foods supports local fishermen such as Ambos Seafood in Savannah, GA. Click here to watch a video on how Ambos Seafood delivers fresh seafood daily.

Woodfire Grill Brings N. GA Wine Country to Cheshire Bridge

I dont' make it to the North Georgia wine vineyards as much as I should. We have a great wine country right in our backyard and sometimes forget to take advantage of it. Woodfire Grill will be hosting a wine tasting on Wednesday, July 15, to remind Atlantans of the great vino found in North Georgia.

In addition to the local wines, Woodfire Grill will also host winemakers from the area. Karl Boegner from Wolf Mountain Vineyards, Mary Ann Hardman from Persimmon Creek Vineyards, John and Martha Ezzard from Tiger Mountain Vineyards and Craig Kritzer from Frogtown Cellars will all be in attendance to talk to guests about their vineyards and wines. The tasting goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is $15 per person. Email nick@woodfiregrill.com or call 404-347-9055 for reservations.

Tastes:

Persimmon Creek Seyval Blanc

Persimmon Creek Cabernet Franc

Tiger Mountain TNT

Tiger Mountain Petit Manseng

Wolf Mountain Plenitude

Wolf Mountain Instinct

Frogtown Norton

Frogtown Touché

Cheers to drinking local!

Fifth Group Restaurants Puts Pricey Pours in Their Place and Offers Wines for Our Times

After a long day, everyone deserves a glass of wine - and we deserve to not have to pay an arm and a leg for one. Luckily, all five Fifth Group Restaurants (South City Kitchen Midtown, South City Kitchen Vinings, Ecco, La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco) feel our pain and are offering a "Screw This!" promotion featuring five different high-quality, top-notch wines for only $5 a glass through July 30. The list includes Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay; Cellar #8 Pinot Noir, California; Chateau St. Jean Fume Blanc, California; Campanile Pinot Grigio, Italy; and Souverain Merlot, Alexander Valley, California.

Ecco: 40 7th Street, NE; 404-347-9555.
La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430.
South City Kitchen Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358.
South City Kitchen Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.
The Original El Taco: 1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.

Aqua Blue Hosts Yelp Elite Group

Last night, the Yelp Elite group headed OTP to Aqua Blue in Roswell. The little treck outside the Perimeter seemed well worth it when I discovered it was also "Ladies Night" - $5 wine, mojitos and select apps at the bar. While I waited for Yelpers to arrive, I hung out with Elbie (bartender) who talked up all of the wonderful wines the restaurant had to offer.

Okay, so on to the event! Close to 90 people attended this outside event, so you can say the patio was packed! Aqua Blue offered Yelpers complimentary wine, beer and a Lake Lanier cocktail (quite tasty and refreshing). Two to three different types of freshly-made sushi was on the food table, along with fried calamari. Unfortunately, I was too full to stay for dinner, but I'll certainly make another trip up there sometime soon!

Atlanta Represents on Top Chef Las Vegas

Bravo TV has announced the contestants for season 6 of "Top Chef: Las Vegas" and you may recognize a few names. Three chefs from Atlanta will be on the show that premieres Wednesday, August 26 at 9 p.m. We are happy to share that our friend, Woodfire Grill's Executive Chef and Partner Kevin Gillespie will be joining 17 other contestants including Pura Vida's Hector Santiago and Eno's Eli Kirshtein on the show.

As a huge fan of the show, I will certainly be tuning in to watch the competition with host Padma Lakshmi alongside judges Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons and Toby Young. Can't wait!

Whole Foods Market Eat Local Challenge

Are you ready to take on the Whole Foods Market Eat Local Challenge during the week of July 13 - 20? If you're up to the challenge, start checking out local foods from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and some parts of Florida, homegrown local land. This is home for the foods you'll be eating next week if you accept the challenge. Not only will you be eating fresh foods that took a very short trip to your shopping bag, you'll be helping local farmers and economies as well. Register for the Eat Local Challenge on Saturday, July 11 at your local Whole Foods Market. At week's end, jot down your thoughts on the Whole Foods Market summary sheet, turn it in and you'll have a chance to win a $100 Whole Foods gift card!

Sushi and Drink Specials at RA

Tokyo Tea and Jade Lotus

Ever since my first visit to RA Sushi in Midtown, I have been craving more. Hearing about the half-priced select sushi and appetizers from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day was like music to my ears. But a visit isn't complete without a signature drink and the restaurant's Tokyo Tea, Rising Sun, Jade Lotus, and a Chang beer and sake bomb mix are $5 each. $4 buys select wine and margaritas; $3 snags lemon drops, mango martinis or Chang beer and $2 will get you PBR or hot sake. I know where the next post-work hangout will be.

Open everyday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with a late night menu available until midnight. 1010 Midtown at 1080 Peachtree Street; 404-267-0114.

Save The Date For Dogwood's Anniversary

Mark your calendars: Dogwood Owners Scott Black and Shane Touhy have planned a special five-course dinner to celebrate their Midtown restaurant’s first anniversary on July 20. Plan on savoring seasonally inspired Southern specialties along with award-winning wines from Napa’s Falcor Winery at the anniversary dinner party. A Falcor winemaker will be at the dinner to review wine and food pairings, and Dogwood will donate 10 percent of all proceeds from the event to Breast Friends, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization that provides support, practical assistance, information and resources for breast cancer patients and their loved ones. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails at the bar followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Cost is $70 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Be sure to snag a seat by calling now for reservations. Touhy was named one of Atlanta’s Top 25 Chefs by The Sunday Paper and he was a guest chef at the renowned James Beard House in NYC this past April, so you won't want to miss out on his anniversary specials!

Dogwood is located in the Reynolds condominium building at 565 Peachtree Street, Suite A; 404-835-1410.

Almost Margarita Time!

I'd be hard pressed to come up with a day or time that's not right for a margarita, but hot July nights certainly beg for one, don't you think? My friend Katie sent me the following message and I just had to trust her on this. If you make it, let me know. Or better yet, call me and let me taste!!

"This is the BEST MARGARITA YOU WILL EVER HAVE…. Is at a restaurant called Lonesome Dove in Fort Worth, TX. Recipe below – I think we should try to make it one night. "

Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita
1- 1/2 oz Milagro Tequila
½ oz Cointreau
Fresh lime juice
2 slices fresh jalapenos
1 slice peeled cucumber
½ oz simple syrup
Muddle jalapenos and cucumber with simple syrup. Add ice, tequila, cointreau and lime juice. Shake and serve in cocktail glass.

Cheering on Hardy!

Murphy-Goode recently announced their top 50 for "A Really Goode Job" and we are estatic to say that Hardy from Dirty South Wine was one of the top 50 finalists chosen!

Now it is a waiting game to find out who is in the top 10 (announced July 7) and then the final pick (announced July 21). It is no secret who MLA will be cheering for--go Hardy!

4th of July Happenings Around Town

If you're looking to take a break from the kitchen this holiday weekend, here are a few places that will be serving out deals for the 4th of July.

Opening for the first time for the 4th, Aria is offering all Facebook fans a killer deal. Make reservations through OpenTable and put "Facebook" in the notes section or mention Facebook when phoning in and receive 50% off the food bill. The restaurant opens at 5:30 p.m. for dinner. 490 East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead; 404-233-7673.

Stop by Aqua blue on Friday, July 3 and enjoy one free 1.5 pound steamed whole lobster appetizer with your dinner purchase. One freebie per table (tax and tip not included). Aqua blue will be open from 4-10 p.m.; mention this offer when making your reservation. 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886.

EVOS will be open serving healthy, slow-roasted steakburgers, Airfries, wraps, salads, and cool fruitshakes. And for the runners taking part in the Peachtree Road Race, EVOS is offering a FREE organic milk shake. Just drop by and show your t-shirt or bib number to receive the special offer. 5590 Roswell Road, NE at The Prado;404-252-4022.

All six Marlow's Tavern locations are open as usual on July 4th. 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.

The Nook, On Piedmont Park will open for brunch at 9 a.m. for runners and their fans to enjoy the terrific Piedmont Park view. 1144 Piedmont Avenue in Midtown; 404-745-9222.

Head over to Panera Bread bakery-cafes for your 4th of July picnic goodies. Each Atlanta location will be open on the holiday during regular business hours providing good eats for firework watchers. Go online to find out which of Atlanta's 21 Panera locations is closest to you.

Midtown's newly opened RA Sushi will be serving light, cool sushi and sashimi on the hot, hot July 4th. Plus, it's convenient for Peachtree Road Race fans and for those heading to view the Centennial Olympic Park fireworks. 1010 Midtown at 1080 Peachtree Street; 404-267-0114.

Toast to the holiday with a Swirl at Uncle Julio's Casa Grande. The restaurant's signature drink is the perfect blend of frozen margarita and sangria. 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. To go line: 404-974-2991.

Woodfire Grill will be offering a threee-course dinner for $35 per person from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. that includes Chef Kevin Gillespie's roasted whole hog with his own Terminus City barbeque recipe. A $5 suggested donation for the all-you-can-drink SweetWater beer, and proceeds will go to "Save the Hooch."1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

The Team Celebrates a Wedding

We are all meeting up tomorrow at the Carl House to celebrate Caryn's wedding! This gives me an excuse to come to the city outside of my monthly trip to see the team. We've all been hearing about the planning and can't wait to see how it all works out. I am especially excited about the wedding cake. Oh, and the champagne. Cheers to Caryn and Jason!

Atlanta Summer Beer Fest at Marlow's Tavern in Midtown

On Saturday, June 27, a good time is brewing at Marlow's Tavern. Marlow's is the place for some ice cold hydration in the form of frosty beer during the Atlanta Summer Beer Fest, taking place inside and out at the restaurant's Midtown location. From 4 p.m. until midnight, festival goers can try beers from Atlanta Brewing Company, SweetWater Brewing Company and Terrapin Beer Company from Athens, Ga. Each brew is $4, and tasting-size beers are $2. Guests can cast their votes for the festival’s best beer. Admission is free, and live music plays from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. Free parking is available behind Marlow's in the garage, which is one block from MARTA’s Midtown station.

Marlow’s Tavern Midtown: 950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.

Homemade Ice Cream For a Cause

Don't let this yummy opportunity melt away; come for the market and stay on! Slow Food Atlanta and the Peachtree Road Farmers Market are a dipping duo as they host their 2009 Ice Cream Competition on Saturday, June 27 from noon until 1 p.m. in the garden of the Cathedral of St. Philip on Peachtree Road. Taste all of the ice cream submissions and vote for your favorite ice cream, homemade the old-fashioned way with maybe, just maybe, a funky modern twist on flavors. Ice cream makers include amateurs and renowned local chefs, including Ron Eyester (Food 101 Morningside), Jake Rothschild (Jake's Ice Cream), Shaun Doty (Shaun's), Cynthia Wong (Cakes & Ale), Ford Fry (JCT. Kitchen & Bar) and Chrysta Umberger (Restaurant Eugene). Tickets are $10 per person (children under five are free) and will allow ticket holders to taste each flavor and submit a vote for the winner. Proceeds benefit Slow Food Atlanta and the Peachtree Road Farmers Market. Purchase tickets online or at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market Saturday morning. Interested ice cream makers should contact Judith Winfrey to complete registration. For more information about this event, email Meryl Arnett or call her at 770-503-6063.

P.S--Word on the street is that Meryl makes some tasty ice cream and will be competing; don't miss out!

It's Time to Toast Summer at Aqua blue

Celebrate the first real weekend of summer at Aqua blue's Summer Wine Festival starting at 6 p.m. this Friday night, June 26. Come try a selection of 12 new wines from the chic Roswell restaurant's Wine Spectator award-winning list, matched with bite-sized appetizers from their mouthwatering menu. While you're sipping and supping, enjoy the live music of Michael King starting at 7 p.m. and view artwork by Kimberly Ashman and photography by Ella de Amicis. $30 per person, not including tax or gratuity. Reservations are requested; call 770-643-8886. Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886.

Ormsby's Is Where You'll Want to Hang Out

So, I'm not going to tell you how long I've known Warren Bruno. Let's just say I have more than one Aunt Charley's Peachtree Road Race t-shirt in my drawer.

If you don't remember Aunt Charley's, I'm sure you know Atkins Park. Warren is the guy who started both places, as he puts it, "as the kind of bar I wanted to hang out in." Lucky, lucky us that he's at it again. There's not much to tell yet, but Ormsby's is set to open in late September under Room & Board in the White Provision building.

Trust me that if Warren wants to hang out there, then so will you! If you ask him to describe it he'll say, "it's a good place to be." That sounds like my kind of place. No word yet on whether there will be t-shirts ....

The Gods of Chocolate

Pacci provided unofficial mascots for the Chocolate! 2009 fundraiser last night. Chef Keira Mortiz sprayed her bravest servers in real chocolate and put them on display for a crowd of 800+. They served mini s'mores covered in chocolate...one of the many decadent treats I indulged in last night.

Chef Kein of Aqua blue whipped up Kahlua laced chocolate mousse and

Rathbun's baked little chocolate bread puddings and served them in chocolate milk.

The night was as beautiful as the chocolate desserts.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation successfully hosted the ninth annual fundraiser,Keira successfully painted her servers in chocolate, and I successfully ate a completely chocolate supper.

Gotta Keep Hardy at the Top!

Those people over at Murphy-Goode just can't get enough of a good thing. We're gonna cut them some slack since we want our man Hardy to get that job, but darnit, decide already! So, here's the latest. Tomorrow, the most recent voting deadline, they are going to take the top 50 vote getters and, yep, you guessed it, start the voting again! Hardy's been consistently up near the top but if you still haven't voted in this round, please be sure you do. The link is on his blog.

Btw, Hardy and Andres were on their first glass of Murphy-Goode in this photo. Imagine what happened later.

Tailapalooza at Aqua blue

Aqua blue is making it A-OK to arrive for the tail end of dinner this month with their June Lobster Tailabalooza. The Roswell restaurant will offer three special combinations featuring cold water grilled lobster tails throughout the month of June with such reasonable prices that guests will want to jump right in. The three-tail combo ($31) includes three lobster tails with three sauces -- lemon and garlic butter, mango and pineapple salsa and beer BBQ sauce. The two-tail combo ($23) comes with lemon and garlic butter and mango and pineapple salsa. Subtract a tail and add a filet mignon for the tail and turf combo ($28) that comes with lemon and garlic butter. Roasted red potatoes and corn on the cob come with each combination, and tax and gratuity are not included. Don't forget to check out the restaurant's spacious patio for a sunset meal!

Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.

Ditch the Diet at Chocolate! 2009

On a summer diet? Well forget all about it tomorrow night at the 9th Annual Chocolate! 2009 event, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This is the one event where it's perfectly acceptable to eat as much chocolate as humanly possible! Funds raised at this annual indulgence will go straight to cystic fibrosis research and treatment. More than 1,000 chocoholics are expected to attend the event at Villa Christina, which also features a full dinner buffet, two live bands and a silent auction. Chefs from Aqua blue, Bold American Events & Catering, Kozmo Gastro Pub and Pacci Ristorante, plus other top bakers, chefs, vintners and caterers will whip up a plethora of chocolate delicacies. Tickets for the 6 - 10 p.m. event are $65 in advance and $75 at the door and may be purchased online or by calling 404-325-6973.

Chocolate! 2009 hopes to raise $100,000 net profit for cystic fibrosis research. Since its start in 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has worked to find a cure for the aggressive disease and to improve quality of life for those with CF. As a result, the median survival age for people with CF has doubled from 18 years to the early 30s.

Get Turned On To Fabulous Wines For Less Than $15 A Bottle

Woodfire Grill Wine Director Nick Quiñones has searched the globe for wine values and brought home eight wonderful wines that retail for under $15 each. Bring $10 for a tasting tomorrow Wednesday, June 17 from 6-9 p.m.- it is a value tasting, after all.
Reserve your spot by contacting nick@woodfiregrill.com or calling Woodfire Grill at 404-347-9055. Woodfire Grill: 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055

A Really Goode Toast to Hardy at Aria

We will drink to that! Join us tomorrow night at Aria and toast Hardy Wallace from Dirty South Wine to show support during his application process to get A Really Goode Job with Murphy-Goode Winery. If you haven't already, check out his video and vote to keep Hardy in the top!

Don't Forget About Fifth Group Restaurants' Loyalty Program

Join Fifth Group Restaurants’ Frequent Guest Rewards loyalty program and earn a point for every dollar you spend (including tax and gratuity) at one of their restaurants: Ecco, La Tavola Trattoria, South City Kitchen Midtown, South City Kitchen Vinings or The Original El Taco. Additionally, you’ll earn 250 points every time you dine at three different Fifth Group restaurants in a consecutive 60-day period. Don't forget about the cool complimentary entrée you receive on your birthday and enrollment anniversary ($40 value), as well as invitations to members-only restaurant events. There’s no annual fee. A one-time charge of $15 upon enrollment is completely refunded to you as soon as you dine at one of Fifth Group’s restaurants using one of your registered debit or credit cards. Fifth Group tracks your points so you don’t have to carry around one of those pesky punch cards.

Redeem your points for Fifth Group Restaurants dining cards for restaurant meals; a day as a chef’s apprentice with one-on-one lessons; a custom-created five-course dinner; vintage wines; an exclusive hors d’oeuvre and cocktail party for 20 people; or a private four-course wine dinner for 30 people! Read complete details online.

Fifth Group Restaurants:Ecco: 40 7th Street, NE; 404-347-9555. La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430. South City Kitchen Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358.South City Kitchen Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.The Original El Taco: 1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.

Frozen Lemonade at Panera

For each frozen lemonade purchased at Panera today, $1 is donated to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Not to mention, it's the perfect refreshment for a hot day!

Be sure to stop by a location of Panera not only to pick up a frozen lemonade, but also to try some of the new menu items that are being passed out as free samples!



To find an Atlanta-area Panera near you visit their website.

Eclipse di Luna Gives Parents a Lunch Break

Help Children's Healthcare of Atlanta by Chilling Out with New Frozen Lemonade at Panera

Need to beat the heat and refuel on Thursday, June 11? Pull in to one of Atlanta’s 21 Panera Bread bakery-cafes between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. to cool off with free samples of Panera’s new for summer chopped Cobb salad, their beloved strawberry poppyseed salad and frozen drinks like the low-fat strawberry smoothie, frozen lemonade or frozen mocha. What's even cooler is that on this day, $1 from each frozen lemonade purchased at any Atlanta-area Panera location on will go toward sending Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta pediatric patients to summer camp. And if you haven't heard yet, Panera just earned top spots in Zagat’s fast food survey released on June 8 – including Most Popular large restaurant concept, Best Salads and Best Healthiest Options.

To find a Panera Bread location near you, visit www.panera.com.

Flicks on Fifth in WaterHaven's Courtyard

You know it's summer when Flicks on Fifth starts back. It's the next best thing to the Starlight!

Tomorrow night is the first one and they are showing Quantum of Solace. Grab a friend (or two) and head over to WaterHaven early for the best spot. There are lots of options. You can get a $10 "box lunch" with a sandwich, pasta salad, cookie and drink to take to the courtyard and dine on your favorite blanket picnic-style. Or, you can pay $25 and see the movie on a private screen on WaterHaven's patio. This includes an appetizer, entree, glass of wine or beer, and soft drinks. Oh, and parking is free either way.

The show starts when it gets dark, so about 9 p.m. Happy Summer!

Sushi in the RA

This Friday, I was in a sushi-state-of-mind. I have been craving some delectable sushi and hadn't found a good time to get out. Luckily, I had the chance to attend RA Sushi's friends and family dinner. My fellow diner and I spared no calories in the process and hence checked out a wide variety of items off of the menu. Check out some of my favorite menu items!


The Spinach Gyoza was just the beginning for us, but I loved these spicy pot stickers. The sesame-mustard sauce that accompanied gave the perfect hint of heat.


The Viva Las Vegas Roll was my favorite of the night. As one of RA Sushi's signature menu items it isn't your traditional roll, but it is VERY tasty! Paired with my Sea Monkey martini--there was no disappointment here!

RA Sushi is open to the public today and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with a late night menu available until midnight.

Georgia Organics Night at Pizza Fusion

Join Georgia Organics for a green pizza party TONIGHT! Member and supporter Pizza Fusion is hosting a Georgia Organics night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with 10% of all proceeds supporting the organization. Enjoy organic pizza, beer, giveaways and get information on eating locally.

Pizza Fusion is located in the Astoria at the Aramore building, 2233 Peachtree Road. Free parking is available behind the restaurant.