Thursday, September 10, 2009

Taste New Menu Items at Panera

It’s lunchtime and local Panera Bread locations are offering samples of their new menu items today. What better reason to hit up your local lunch spot?

sample day!


Caryn and I went and tested the new BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad and Napa Almond Chicken Salad Sandwich. We gave them both two thumbs up. Other new items include the grilled Breakfast Power Sandwich with ham, eggs and cheese on whole grain bread; Fudge Brownies; and Macadamia Nut Blondies.

bbq chopped chicken salad samples




napa almond chicken salad sandwich samples

Also today, when customers purchase a loaf of bread or half dozen or more bagels at participating Panera Bread bakery-cafes, Panera will Share the Dough by donating a portion of the proceeds to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, its local Operation Dough-Nation organization.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Bar-B-Q Lovers Rejoice!

The Atlanta Bar-B-Q Festival will be taking over Turner Field's green parking lot from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. this Saturday, September 12. There will be inflatables and rides for the kids as well as live music by the Running Wild Band, Antonia Lawrence, Neal Cooper, Frankie's Blues Mission and the Riki Brooks Band. Professional and backyard barbeque cooks will be competing for cash prizes in their respective categories, and the pro winner will get to sell his or her barbeque at a Braves game in 2010. Braves legend Otis Nixon will be there to chat with fans and sign his new book "The Catch." As a promotion, festival organizers will be giving away free barbeque sauces, rubs and grill accessories to those who have RSVP'd on the event's Facebook page. Admission to the family-friendly festival area is free.

Raise a Toast to Man’s (and Woman’s) Best Friend at Adopt a Golden Wine Tasting

Attention fellow dog lovers: raise your glass and raise funds for Fido (specifically, golden retrievers) at the Adopt a Golden Wine Tasting at the Marietta Wine Market on Saturday, September 12. Make a $10 donation at the door and enjoy wine samples and hors d’oeuvres from 2 – 5 p.m. All proceeds go to Adopt a Golden Atlanta, so you know you’re barking up the right tree by attending this event! For more info, contact juliann@adoptagoldenatlanta.com.

Marietta Wine Market is located at 18 Powder Springs Street, SE in Marietta; 770-919-1574.

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Sweets from Scratch

We had the best welcome back present from the holiday weekend brought to the office this morning. Amy from scratch makes delicious baked goods and dropped a few off at MLA for us to taste test.

'scones

And taste test we did. ‘Scones – yum, chocolate chip cookies – delish, "Smacaroons" – genius. Still need to open the "What’s Up Pumpkin?" bread and I’m still not sure what happened to the "Trifection Perfection" brownies. I have a feeling someone read that three kinds of chocolate were included and ran away with them.

pumpkin bread
Check out her website for other desserts and give this local girl a call for ordering!

Come Together


Come Together with fellow Beatles fanatics tonight as Blockbuster in Brookhaven releases the long awaited "The Beatles: Rock Band" at midnight.

Blockbuster will feature Beatles cover band, The Mystery Trip, prior to a special midnight release of the game. While you wait to pick up your copy at midnight you can play along on a pre-release demo with John, Paul, George and Ringo and enter for a chance to win the game software. Fans can also join Rock 100.5 for special games including a Beatles look-a-like contest and Beatles karaoke. Come midnight the game will be available for renting or purchase!

Blockbuster is located at 3944 Peachtree Rd. in Brookhaven. Entertainment begins at 9p.m. for the night and The Mystery Trip will be playing from 9-11p.m.

Friday, September 4, 2009

The Chia Pets Are Growing!

With 6 days to go before the 80s party at RA Sushi, I'm starting to think we may have chia success afterall. The sprouts are numerous and some are green! Btw, if you'd like to come to the party, send us a comment and we'll send you an invitation!

Tailgating Time is Finally Here!

For all you football fans, we’ve got some sure bets for tasty tailgate fare that will definitely win points….off the field, at least:

- For a healthier version of football-watching food, EVOS trades grease for fresh ingredients and offers burgers, fries, sandwiches and wraps with half the fat.

- Six locations of Marlow’s Tavern serve as convenient gathering spots with hearty American fare and flat-screen plasma TVs. For pre-game food on the run, Marlow’s also offers a to-go menu.

- For a fumble-free to-go menu, Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead and Downtown offer only the best with tuna tartare, colossal shrimp cocktail, double-cut filet mignon or New York strip steak and Key lime pie.

- Pacci Ristorante and AltoRex Rooftop Lounge have a couple of options, especially for those heading to nearby Bobby Dodd Stadium at Georgia Tech. Football fans can pick up fare on the way to the game or let the Midtown restaurant cater their pigskin parties. Pacci’s tailgating menu veers off the restaurant’s Italian steakhouse tradition to include sporty favorites like wings, ribs and pulled pork sandwiches. AltoRex Rooftop Lounge opens at 10 a.m. on game days to cure football fever with a healthy combo of open air, wide-screen viewing, fun beverages and good eats including Johnsonville brats, Italian sausages and soft pretzels. All Pacci catering orders must be placed at least 24 hours before pick-up time.

- Panera Bread’s Via Panera catering menu has about as many choices and Atlanta-area locations as a team roster has players. Bring home sandwiches, salads, soups, bagels, breakfast and brunch foods.

- The Original El Taco catering team can roll out an array of tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, the Grande house salad, appetizers, sides and a salsa bar. Orders include napkins, utensils and plates. Pick up or have your chow delivered ($20 delivery charge). Place your order at least 24 hours in advance by email or calling 404-873-4656.

- Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican Food knows how to plan a football fiesta with food-to-go, party packs and catering. All menu items can be ordered to go – just call Uncle Julio’s to-go line at 404-974-2991. The staff will load up a party pack with your gridiron favorites, or Uncle Julio’s team can set out the linens, chafing dishes and serving pieces; decorate your buffet; and line up plates, utensils, napkins and food. One glance at the catering menu will get your mojo going.

- WaterHaven, in Midtown’s Technology Square, welcomes Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets to touch down for brunch before the game on Saturday, September 5. Kickoff is at 1 p.m.; WaterHaven serves brunch from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. They also offer FREE (validated) parking in the AT&T deck at 5th and West Peachtree streets.

- For prepared foods, Whole Foods Market has what you need including hot pizza, breads, deli items, cheeses, sweets and cold beer… you name it.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Ray's Celebrates 25 With Seafood Recipe Contest




Are you a gourmand with grouper or a whiz with wahoo? Then you need to enter the Ray's on the River seafood recipe contest. The restaurant is celebrating 25 years of riverside dining and is looking for great new recipes using seafood. The winner gets dinner for two and bragging rights! Chef Tom McEachern and Ray himself are the judges. Show your friends what you already know - your recipe is the best! Click here for all the details and the entry form. Good luck!


Wednesday, September 2, 2009

We Have Sprouts!

Okay, so they are teeny, but still!

Virtual Wine Tasting


You never really need an excuse to buy a bottle of wine...but just in case you do, partake in Wolf Mountain Vineyard's virtual wine tasting! You can share your thoughts on their featured wine that you've enjoyed at the winery or at home by participating in their first Facebook virtual wine tasting.

This month the vineyard is featuring their 2008 Chanteloup that was just released at the end of August. Chanteloup is a medium-bodied dry white wine with a hint of French oak. So sip, taste and whip up your favorite dish that pairs with the wine. Oh, and don't forget to post about it!

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

The Chia Pets Are Planted!

And now we wait for sprouts ....

Where to Go On Labor Day

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

Ecco: 40 7th Street, NE; 404-347-9555.
EVOS: 5590 Roswell Road, NE; 404-252-4022.
La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430.
Marlow's Tavern: Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526; Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road, 678-987-1197; and Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033.
Panera Bread: Find a Panera Bread location at http://www.panera.com/.
RA Sushi: 1080 Peachtree Street at 1010 Midtown; 404-267-0114.
The Original El Taco: 1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.
Toulouse: 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.
Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. To-go line: 404-974-2991.
WaterHaven: 75 Fifth Street, NW at the corner of Spring Street; 404-214-6740.



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



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

Monday, August 31, 2009

Top Chef Wednesday

Top Chef is one show that never gets the DVR treatment. It’s a given that everyone in the office will be talking about it the next morning, so I make sure that I watch every second (even the Real Housewives of Atlanta commercials). It’s back to the regular time on Bravo at 10 p.m. every Wednesday so be sure and tune in to see our Atlanta representatives and all the other chef’testants cook it out.



Do you have a place where you and your friends meet up to watch? Leave a comment and let us know. Like to tweet your thoughts, live? Remember to use the hashtag #atltopchef!

The Chia Pets Are Here!

It might be said that I'm easily amused, but this is really exciting - we ordered some Chia Pets for the upcoming 80s party at RA Sushi and they arrived today!
I am now officially CEO (Chiapet Executive Officer) at MLA with primary duties to make these things grow green afros between now and Sept. 10. Mandy is my trusty assistant. She filled the bowl with water and delicately placed our little friends inside. Tomorrow we plant!!

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Don't Miss Midtown Restaurant Week

The fourth annual Midtown Restaurant Week is coming up soon! It starts this Saturday, August 29 and ends Sunday, September 6. Don’t miss three-course meals for just $25 at some of Midtown’s top restaurants including Dogwood, Ecco, The Nook, On Piedmont Park, Pacci Ristorante, RA Sushi, South City Kitchen Midtown and WaterHaven. Special pricing does not include alcohol, tax or gratuity. Reservations are easy to make -- click on the restaurant links on the event Web site.

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Give Your Pooch a Doggie Dessert From Pacci Ristorante on National Dog Day

Today is National Dog Day, and Pacci Ristorante Executive Chef Keira Moritz is giving new meaning to the phrase “doggie bag.” Moritz, pictured to the left with her own dog named Magnolia, has added “Pacci Pups” canine cookies to the dessert menu at Pacci. These homemade dog biscuits are only $2 for a bag of six and are sure to keep any dog’s tail wagging. While your pup might not be able to join you for dinner at Midtown’s new Italian steakhouse, you can still bring them home a taste of Pacci by picking up a bag of biscuits on your way out.

Pacci Ristorante: 866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Join V103 at Blockbuster in Brookhaven Tonight to "Escape In" and Enter To Win A Roundtrip Ticket on Delta

Blockbuster Video stores have teamed up with the America: I AM exhibit to Escape In this summer. Escape In with movies and games from Blockbuster for the perfect getaway in the comfort of your living room. Join V103 at Blockbuster in Brookhaven at 3944 Peachtree Road tonight for America: I AM movie-related trivia, scavenger hunt and prize wheel to win free movie rentals for a year, newly-released DVDs and concert tickets. Bring a photo of how you "escape in" or "escape away" this summer and you could win a roundtrip ticket on Delta to anywhere in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean or Mexico!

Monday, August 24, 2009

Looking for a Personal Chef?

If you like good food but aren't always the best at cooking it yourself you may have considered a personal chef. That's where Chef Barry comes in. Chef Barry Kraemer is a private chef with catering services of organic and natural cuisine. He can be contracted as a personal chef at your home for a given time period, maybe holidays to impress the in-laws? Or, you can use his services for catering at specials events.

Kraemer specializes in global comfort foods and is committed to using only natural and organic ingredients. He works with clients to meet their dietary restrictions including gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, vegetarian and macrobiotic. Check out his website if you're interested or would like more information.

Friday, August 21, 2009

Are You A Food Network Star?


The Food Network is hitting the road to look for their next batch of contestants for The Next Food Network Star. The hit show will be airing its sixth season and is looking for both professional and amateur chefs that think they have what it takes to host their own show on the Food Network.

Luckily for those of us in Atlanta, there will be an open casting call this Monday, August 24 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at the W Atlanta Midtown. To apply, Food Network is going to need the dish on you, so bring: two recent photos, a copy of your resume and a filled out application that you can download here.

The W Atlanta Midtown is located at 188 14th St. NE Atlanta, GA 30361. Questions on the casting can be directed to nfns6atlanta@yahoo.com.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

MLA Goes to Girls’ Night Out at Aqua blue

The ladies of MLA decided it was time to see what Girls' Night Out at Aqua blue was all about. We had a great time and enjoyed delicious food and drinks for just $5 each! Oh, and the bar was busy with other girls getting the same great deal. Check out the photos below and see all about our night at this Roswell hot spot!



Here is our order of crispy calamari. It was tasty and had quite a kick!

McCall and I enjoyed a $5 glass of the Mad Housewife Cabernet.


The Ariel sushi roll was a cool contrast to our spicy calamari.



This is Aqua blue's refreshing and fruity cocktail, the Five Alive.

We all enjoyed the live music too! Davis Sandling did great.





Marissa and Lindsay are all smiles after an evening of great deals and drinks!
Aqua blue’s Girls’ Night Out is every Wednesday at 5 p.m. The restaurant is located at 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Aria Hosts Winemaker Dinner Featuring Schug Carneros Estates


On Monday, August 31, Aria will host a winemaker dinner featuring Schug Carneros Estate wines. The dinner is $85 per person, not including tax and gratuity, for a five-course dinner paired with five wines. The featured guest for the evening is Alex Schug, son of Winemaker Walter Schug. Seating is limited. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 404-233-7673. Aria is located at 490 East Paces Ferry Road.

Forget Your Lunch? WaterHaven Made a Lunch Box Just For You Today!


Join WaterHaven today for the Summer "Lunch Box" Series. Come out to Arts District Plaza at the intersection of Peachtree and 15th streets from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. and purchase a WaterHaven boxed lunch ($5-$7 cash only) packed with a sandwich and other good stuff to munch as you listen to live music. The Midtown Alliance provides a complimentary drink with your box. Boxed lunches are sold on a first-come, first-served basis.

Monday, August 17, 2009

Tune In To Top Chef Las Vegas Wednesday Night!


I cannot hide my excitement for the upcoming season of Top Chef taking place in Las Vegas. In addition to it being my favorite show on television, the Atlanta representation this season has me on the edge of the couch. Our friend, Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill, will be one of the 17 competing in quick-fires and elimination challenges beginning THIS WEDNESDAY at 9 p.m. Be sure and watch! If you tweet, use the hashtag #atltopchef when sharing your thoughts on the show and to give other Atlantans a heads up on the Top Chef viewing parties.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Don't Forget Taste of Asia at Aqua blue


Aqua blue took the Georgia Restaurant Association’s (GRA) Taste of Asia Week (Monday, August 10 – Sunday, August 16) and kicked it up a notch! They made it Taste of Asia MONTH by offering an Asian-inspired prix fixe menu throughout August. Check it out - three courses for $23 (plus tax and gratuity). First course options include smoked salmon with lemon square sushi, shrimp and kani egg drop soup, and Asian salad with plum dressing. The next course offers main dish selections such as miso glazed shiro maguro, pork pad Thai, and Chinese pepper steak. Lastly, sweet plate choices include a grasshopper sundae, ginger snap basket, and lychee orange drop donuts.


Enjoy!







Thursday, August 13, 2009

Harry's Farmers Market Celebrates Julia Child's 97th Birthday

As featured in DailyCandy’s Weekend Guide, Harry’s Farmers Market and local chefs are coming together to celebrate Julia Child’s 97th birthday on Saturday, August 15. The day will include live cooking demonstrations and cookbook signings from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The following chefs will perform live cooking demonstrations. The Union Restaurant Executive Chef Justin Balmes, Culinary Works Founder Gena Berry, 5 Seasons Brewing Executive Chef Dave Larkworthy, Whole Foods Market Regional Chef Butch Raphael, Andrea Thrailkill of Bella Cucina, former President of Les Dames d’Escoffier’s Atlanta Chapter Gloria Smiley and the current President Barb Pires.

Books signed will be Atlanta Cooks at Home: The Cookbook by Melissa Libby and Cooking with Les Dames d’Escoffier: At Home with the Women Who Shape the Way We Eat and Drink by Les Dames d’Escoffier.

Harry’s Farmers Market is located at 1180 Upper Hembree Road.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Get a Deal on Gluten-Free at Pizza Fusion

Gluten-free diners rejoice! Pizza Fusion, Buckhead's sustainably savvy pizzeria, is offering their gluten-free pizza options without any up-charge from 5 - 10 p.m. tonight. These special pizza pies have crusts made from garbanzo bean, fava bean and rice flours and are topped with your choice of gluten-free toppings. You can also grab a gluten-free Green's beer at half price. Don’t forget, Pizza Fusion has vegetarian and lactose-free options as well. Stop by and grab a pie!



Pizza Fusion: In the Aramore building at 2233 Peachtree Road, Suite M; 404-351-9334. Free parking is available behind the building

Keepin' the Atlanta Love Going


Atlanta has been on a roll lately. First it was three chefs on Top Chef Season 6. Then Hardy Wallace wins the coveted job at Murphy-Goode. Now we have a local guy, David Aferiat, trying to get on a winemaking show's second season. I'm feeling all patriotic about our fair city and want him to win. And I even met him this week and he's really nice! No voting required - he just needs eyeballs on this video. So take a look (or two). Tomorrow's the last day so don't dawdle!


Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Wine Rut Solved


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

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

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

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

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

Monday, August 10, 2009

It's National S'mores Day!

Today we celebrate everyone's favorite campfire treat on National S'Mores Day. Yes, even the roasted snack shared during camp has a day to be honored. AltoRex Rooftop Lounge is celebrating by offering a free AltoS'more to each guest visiting tonight from 5 – 11 p.m.

Roaring fire pit at AltoRex

The neat and tidy adult rendition is on the menu at AltoRex and features layers of grahams, chocolate and marshmallow meringue cut into five chocolate-covered Rice Krispies treat squares. One free square per guest will be offered to enjoy around the outdoor fire pits on the rooftop to complete the nostalgic childhood experience.


Located atop Pacci Ristorante at 866 West Peachtree Street, NW in Midtown; 678-412-2402. Complimentary valet parking is available in front of Pacci Ristorante.

Tomatofest a Success!


Attack of the Killer Tomatofest at JCT. Kitchen & Bar this Sunday was a huge success! The winner for best tomato dish was Joe Truex of Repast, while the winner for the most refreshing libation was Lara Creasy of JCT.

Check out some of our blogger friends' coverage of the event: Savory Exposure and Winemaker's Guestbook. Last but not least, don't forget about Georgia Organic's Facebook page, complete with pictures of the whole day!

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Did you know it was tomato season?

You'd have to be living under a rock not to know that now's the time to eat tomatoes! Everyone is blogging about them, putting photos of juicy blt's on their Facebook pages, and all the restaurants are doing tomato events. Is this the best time of the year or what?

LaTavola has been doing TomatoFeast for several years now. Chef Craig Richards always gets creative with the menu and it really should not be missed. But speaking of missing it, the specials end on Saturday, August 8.

They have a 3-course menu (with choices) that is $29 (a deal!) or you can just order what you want a la carte. I took a look and made my selections:
  • Crispy Pig's Trotter, frisee and plum tomato preserve
  • Bucatini, tomatoes, anchovies, mint, Parmesan, black pepper
  • Vanilla Panna Cotta, tomato-pineapple jam

If only every week were tomato week!


Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Marlow's Tavern Midtown Turns Two

It's time to celebrate two years of good food and good times at Marlow's Tavern Midtown. On Friday, August 7 at 5 p.m. they are offering specials like $5 appetizers, $4 local microbrews and $5 wine drinks in honor of this anniversary. Marshall Seese will jam with live music from 8 p.m. until midnight. Be sure to scope out the drawing box and register to win a free dinner every week for one year! (Must be present to win. Prize consists of one $30 Marlow's Tavern gift card every week for one year. Only one gift card may be used in a seven-day period. Gratuity not included.)



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

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

A Killer Dish


Gerry Klaskala of Aria will be one of the many well-known chefs creating a delicious tomato dish for JCT. Kitchen & Bar's Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival this Sunday. Here is a tasty sneak peek at what Klaskala will be whipping up:
Pan con tomate--oak grilled country bread rubbed with garlic, smashed with heirloom tomatoes slathered with freshly made ricotta with a drizzle of olive oil and sprinkled with a handful of Ambergris Cay sea salt.

Melissa's Famous Julia Child Story


In the late 80s I was the very young PR director at Hyatt Regency Ravinia charged with the task of setting up media interviews for Julia Child. She and Robert Mondavi were coming to Atlanta for an American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF) event. My heart was pounding as I dialed her Boston telephone number but I had to giggle when she trilled "Hellooooooooooooooo" on the other end. She was so accommodating with my requests and agreed to spend one day with me during her visit, going from TV station to print media to radio station interviews. As you can guess, that was the easiest press trip I have ever booked as all the Atlanta media wanted to meet her!
Imagine my surprise when, after an early morning TV gig, she announced that she'd like to go have her hair done at Carter-Barnes at Phipps. I had booked her every minute of the day and now I had to reschedule everything, leaving us very little time for lunch. She left for her 2 hour wash-and-set and I started making phone calls! When she was finished we had a mere 30 minutes before our next appointment, a ribbon cutting at the Gwinnett Daily News test kitchen, something I could not change. I suggested a deli at Phipps but in her shrill voice she said, "I always find those sandwiches quite soggy, don't you?" Nervous, I agreed that maybe it wasn't the best but mentioned that we were on a bit of a schedule and needed to eat quickly. This is when she said, "Well, is there a McDonald's nearby?" I was horrified! But she assured me that would be perfect. "I like McDonald's. It's always consistent. Plus we can eat in the car." Oh my. So, I drove Julia Child through the McDonald's drive-thru, with her newly coiffed hair grazing the roof of my little Honda Civic. She had a cheeseburger, fries and a shake and insisted on paying for my meal too.
That afternoon, at our last appointment of the day, I was sitting in the sound booth of WSB radio station while the DJ interviewed Julia Child. I told my story to the sound guys who loved it and tipped off the DJ at the break. Her last question to Julia Child was, "So, Mrs. Child, in our city with all our fine, fine restaurants, please, tell us where you had lunch today." Without missing a beat, Julia proudly answered, "Ooooooh, McDonald's!

Monday, August 3, 2009

It's Tomato Time at JCT. Kitchen & Bar!

It’s prime time for tomatoes, and they'll be dangerously good this Sunday, August 9 at the first annual “Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival” at JCT. Kitchen & Bar. From 1 - 6 p.m., some of Atlanta’s best chefs and mixologists will pair up with local farmers to turn tomato varieties into tasty dishes and cocktails to benefit Georgia Organics. Guests will get to sample these tomato creations and see how their palates compare with those of the high-profile judges in attendance, including Andrew Knowlton of Bon Appetit, Donna Florio of Southern Living and Kate Krader of Food + Wine, who will be choosing a winning dish. Cold beer from 5 Seasons Brewing and free Bionade organic soda from Germany will also be available, along with live music from The Spazmatics.

JCT. Kitchen & Bar's Chef/Owner Ford Fry organized the event and gave us a sneak preview of the festivities this morning on WAGA-TV's Good Day Atlanta. Check out the video below to see how he takes tomatoes to the next level at JCT.


Tickets can be purchased at www.georgiaorganics.org ($50 per person/$45 for Georgia Organics’ members/$90 VIP package includes entry and access to an expanded open bar). Buy yours today!

JCT. Kitchen & Bar is located in Atlanta’s Westside Urban Market at 1198 Howell Mill Road, Suite 18; 404-355-2252.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

The Ultimate Dinner and a Movie

As opposed to your typical date night out on the town, me and my hubby would sometimes rather have dinner and enjoy a flick in the comfort of our home. We don't have to worry about getting stuck in an awful seat in the back of the theatre, listening to the random conversation happening directly behind our heads or purchasing that $10 coke to go with that $15 bucket of popcorn. That's why we are taking full advantage of Blockbuster's Summer Escape Pass where you can check out one-out-at-a-time movies or games for $10 per week of seven consecutive days. And, Blockbuster has great deals on classic movie munchies: 3 for $3 of one Coke, one theater-sized candy and one popcorn; 5 for $5 of two Cokes, two theater candies and one popcorn; or 7 for $7 of two two-liter Cokes, three theater candies and two popcorns.

If you're looking to make it a complete date night, Morton's The Steakhouse has a convenient to-go menu. May we suggest the colossal shrimp cocktail or tuna tartare for an appetizer, the double-cut filet mignon or New York strip steak for an entrée and a slice of New York cheesecake or Key lime pie for dessert? These are just a handful of delicious dishes on their convenient take-out menu - swing by the restaurants to check out the full selection.

Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road; 404-816-6535. Morton's The Steakhouse - Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Sushi and Facebook Make a Good Combination


There is no denying that I love Facebook. It's like a one-stop site for me. I can keep in touch with friends, store pictures and even find what my favorite restaurant is serving for dinner on any given night. Yes, it can't be a one-stop site without food being involved. The newly opened Midtown restaurant RA Sushi has a page and it's a great resource to visit for photos, specials and upcoming events. If you aren't a fan already, check it out.

RA Sushi is located at 1010 Midtown at Peachtree and 12th Streets; 404-267-0114.

Marlow's Tavern Brings Boxed Lunches to Midtown Today


Are you feeling boxed in by cubicle walls? It's time to think outside the office box and think about... lunch boxes! Enjoy a boxed lunch from Marlow's Tavern Midtown and an outdoor concert during today's Midtown Alliance Summer Lunch Box series at Arts District Plaza at the intersection of Peachtree and 15th streets. Marlow's Tavern is preparing the boxed lunches ($5-$7) today, Wednesday, July 29. Midtown Alliance throws in a complimentary drink. The concert and lunch run from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Cash-only lunches are sold on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's better to be fashionably on time to this lunchtime event!

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