It’s Not Too Late to Make New Year’s Eve Plans

No need to stress, you still have time to set up something great for New Year’s Eve. Whether you’re looking for a four-course formal affair or a low-key evening filled with games and pub grub, the Atlanta restaurant scene has something for everyone. Visit Melissa Libby & Associates for a full list of New Year's options.

What To Do After New Year's Eve

Okay, you've finally made your plans for New Year's Eve. But wait! What about the next day? You know - when your head aches a little but you need sustenance before the games begin. Might we suggest Ray’s on the River? They are opening at 10 a.m. on New Year’s Day to serve a special brunch loaded with Ray’s traditional Sunday brunch items. Think omelet station where you tell the chef what you like best. A carving station. Fish and breakfast meats. Waffles, traditional breakfast items and an immense variety of desserts. And if you need a little hair of the dog, they will be happy to oblige. Served til 3 for you late sleepers.

Gladiators Invade Marlow's Tavern Duluth!

Everybody ready for the holidays yet? No?

Well, if you’re panicking looking for something fun to do with all those incoming family members on December 26th in the Duluth area, we’ve got you covered. Atlanta’s favorite minor league hockey team, the Gwinnett Gladiators, will be up against the South Carolina Stingrays at the Arena at Gwinnett Center at 7:05 p.m. After the game, four Gwinnett Gladiators will be heading to Marlow’s Tavern in Duluth for a post-game party, signing autographs and raffling off cool Gladiator gear!

Fans should head straight to Marlow’s to grab a spot as soon as the game is over, because the players will be arriving around 10 p.m. to get the party started! Marlow’s Tavern is located at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, #300.

We here at Atlanta Dish will be off tomorrow – we wish all of our readers a very merry Christmas! See you back here next week.

Still looking for what to do on New Year's Eve?

If you're like me, then you still haven't figured out what you're doing for New Year's Eve. Luckily there are options abound for whatever whets your palate. Here's a list of where you can begin the evening with a special dinner or to cheer in the New Year raising a champagne or "champagnarita" toast!

If you're in Buckhead then Aria has dreamed up a four-course prix fixe menu for $85 per person on New Year's Eve. Wine pairings will be available at an additional cost. For reservations, call the restaurant at 404-233-7673. (490 East Paces Ferry Road.)

Aqua blue has big plans for those ringing in the New Year outside the perimeter. For $59 per person, guests can choose from a variety of entrees on the night's prix fixe menu. Limited à la carte items also will be available. A DJ gets the party rolling at 9 p.m., along with party favors and a complimentary champagne toast. Seatings are available at 5:30 p.m., 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. For reservations, call 770-643-8886. (1564 Holcomb Bridge Road.)

Spirited or subdued? Whichever mood you choose for New Year's Eve, Fifth Group Restaurants® has a table for you. To make reservations, click here or call each restaurant directly. For cutting edge Southern cuisine, book a spot at South City Kitchen Midtown or South City Kitchen Vinings. Both restaurants will offer their full dinner menus as well as a New Year's Eve special from 5 - 10 p.m. (South City Kitchen Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358. South City Kitchen Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700. )

Celebrate Italian style at cozy La Tavola Trattoria in Virginia-Highland. Order your favorites from the regular menu or choose the four-course prix fixe menu at $50 per person. All items may be ordered à la carte ($7-$22). La Tavola will be open from 5:30 - 11 p.m. on New Year's Eve. (992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430.)

For a colorful and riotous celebration, head over to The Original El Taco, also in Virginia-Highland. The bar opens at 4 p.m., and the spirited cantina serves its full dinner menu from 5 - 10 p.m. Amigos will be toasting with "the champagne of beers," $2 Miller High Life and $5 champagnaritas. Adios 2009, hola 2010! (1186 N. Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656).

If plans call for ringing in the New Year with friends in Midtown, head over to European-inspired Ecco. On New Year's Eve, guests can choose from the full regular menu or a special New Year's Eve à la carte menu($3-$25). And don't worry about missing out on the bubbly. "Bubble Boy" will be circulating the restaurant selling champagne tableside. (40 7th Street, NE; 404-347-9555.)

Atlantans heading west toward 2009's last sunset can celebrate at JCT. Kitchen & Bar on the Westside. Start with dinner from the $55 four-course prix fixe menu that includes a complimentary champagne toast, then stay on to party with delicious drinks and live music by Justin Brogdon & One Story Town. (1198 Howell Mill Road, Suite 18; 404-355-2252.)

Marlow's Tavern has a New Year's Eve plan that's good for your economy and stimulates your appetite for good food and fun. The tavern's $32 per-person, three-course prix fixe menu features some "Lobsters & Libations" selections as well as a complimentary glass of champagne. With six locations -- all serving food until midnight -- there's a Marlow's New Year's celebration near you. (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.)

For a more laid back take on New Year's Eve, head to Atlanta's newly-opened eatery, Ormsby's. With more than 18 beers on tap and games like bocce ball, darts and pool to keep the fun going all night long, it's sure to be a good time! (1170 Howell Mill Road, NW; 404-968-2033.)

Escort the old year out and New Year in by dining at Pacci Ristorante, one of Esquire magazine's "Best New Restaurants of 2009." Pacci's elegant setting surrounds you with style as you dine on selections from the Italian steakhouse's much-acclaimed dinner menu. We could get used to this! (866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402.)

Ray's on the River celebrated the big 25 in October and wants to keep the party rolling out of 2009 and into 2010 with a special prix fixe menu at several price points. Ray's on the River, along with Ray's Killer Creek, will offer menus ranging from $55 to $85 per person. Make reservations online or by calling the restaurants. (Ray's on the River: 6700 Powers Ferry Road; 770-955-1187. Ray's Killer Creek: 1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064.)

Looking to spice up your New Year's Eve? Spice Market, in the W Atlanta Midtown, has sister locations in NYC, Istanbul and Doha, Qatar and a menu as vibrant as the Southeast Asian markets that inspired its name. On New Year's Eve, Spice Market guests can indulge in a five-course prix fixe menu. The $75-per-person culinary celebration includes party favors, DJ music and a champagne toast. Call 404-549-5450 for New Year's Eve reservations; make general online reservations through Open Table. (In the W Hotel Midtown, 188 14th Street, NE.)

New Year's Eve crosses the Atlantic, bringing together classic American comfort food and French culinary techniques at Toulouse American Bistro. From 5:30 - 11 p.m., the Buckhead restaurant will serve from its regular menu, including favorites such as braised lamb shank with herb roasted vegetables and a calamata olive-sweet pepper sauce. Call 404-351-9533 for reservations. (2293 Peachtree Road, NE.)

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food has plenty to celebrate. Both locations will be open on New Year's Eve, serving up authentic border-flavored. (In Buckhead at 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. To-go line: 404-974-2991. In Sandy Springs at 1140 Hammond Drive, NE, Building K, Suite 100; 678-736-8260. To-go line: 404-974-2991.)

Ormsby's Really Is a "Fun Place to Be"

When Warren Bruno told me his vision for Ormsby's he said "it'll be a fun place to be." And it is!
With two big bars (upstairs and downstairs), an incredible beer list (including my fave St. Bernardus) and yummy food like brats, onion rings and hand-cut fries with pot roast gravy, how could it not be fun?

Oh, and there are pool tables, bocce ball (yes, it's a huge space), shuffleboard, darts and other fun stuff to do. Last night there were a couple of Christmas parties going on downstairs and everyone was having a great time playing games.

Ormsby's has all the components of a fun place without any pretense. It's only been open 3 days but it's already bustling. Go there and have some fun!

(It's a little hidden. Park free in the White Provision deck. Walk out of the deck, cross the street you entered on, go down the steps and all the way to the right.)

Christmas Eve Options

This year, some of Atlanta’s top restaurants are open on Christmas Eve, giving all of us a break from the kitchen and a chance to enjoy good food with the ones we love. Check out our list of Christmas Eve openings:

Aqua blue is open for dinner until 8 p.m., serving signature cocktails and globally inspired cuisine. (1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886.)

Aria is serving dinner from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. (490 East Paces Ferry Road; 404-233-7673.)

RA Sushi is open until 3 p.m. RA Sushi: 1080 Peachtree Street at 1010 Midtown; 404-267-0114.)

Ray’s Restaurants: Ray's on the River and Ray's Killer Creek are open until 9 p.m., while Ray's in the City is open until 3 p.m. (Ray’s on the River: 6700 Powers Ferry Road; 770-955-1187. Ray’s Killer Creek: 1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064. Ray’s in the City: 240 Peachtree Street, NW; 404-524-9224.)

Newly-opened Truva is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (60 Andrew Young International Boulevard; 404-577-8788.)

Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican Food will be open until 5 p.m. (Buckhead: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. Sandy Springs: 1140 Hammond Drive, NE, Building K, Suite 100; 678-736-8260.)

Holiday cocktails to keep you festive

The weather is cooling off and those glasses of eggnog and hot cider just aren’t doing the trick anymore. These seasonal sippers will bring the joy back into your glass.


Experience “Christmas in Tokyo” ($8) at hip RA Sushi during December then bring the experience home using the upbeat Midtown sushi bar’s recipe below. Exotic fruit and a hint of ginger take this classic champagne cocktail eastward to Asia. For home party mixing, start with a martini shaker and ice, then combine:

1 oz. TY KU Soju
½ oz. Pama pomegranate liqueur
½ oz. simple syrup
¼ oz. ELIXIR G ginger mix
¼ oz. Soho lychee liqueur
Squeeze of lemon

In a glass, top mixture with Mionetto Prosecco sparkling wine and garnish with a lemon twist. That’s right, not an Oliver Twist. A lemon twist. (RA Sushi: 1080 Peachtree Street at 1010 Midtown; 404-267-0114.)

For an adult version of gingerbread in a glass, Marlow’s Tavern™ mixes up a jovial Holiday Spice martini ($8):

2 oz. Absolut Vanilia
1 oz. Voyant chai cream liqueur

Shake over ice, pour into a martini glass and garnish with a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. (Marlow’s Tavern locations include 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.)

Pacci Ristorante imports a tad of minty fresh goodness into its Winter Smash ($12) that combines Bulleit bourbon, port, mint, maple syrup and Angostura bitters. When you’re already chilled, thaw out with Pacci’s Winter Nights cocktail ($12) that blends Hennessey Cognac VS, Fonseca Bin 27 port, Angostura bitters and maple syrup and serves it up with a little hot water for warmth. (866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402.)

Give Back This Weekend

Our friends at Georgia Organics, will be working with Riverview Farms this Saturday, December 19 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. to help repair some of the farm that was severely damaged by a tornado last week. Riverview Farms is a strong and constant leader in Georgia's organic food community. Watch this Fox news story to learn more about the tornado.

This weekend, volunteers are asked to deconstruct structures that were destroyed by the recent tornado. The work is serious and potentially dangerous. If you can volunteer please be prepared for a disaster area littered with nails and splintered wood. Wear thick gloves, warm clothes and work boots. Tools would be appreciated as well, including a hammer drill (impact drill) with bits, hammers, crow bars, chain saw, metal saw, come-a-long tool, socket set, extension cords and other general tools for dismantling.

More volunteers are needed, so please RSVP here so Georgia Organics can get a headcount of how many folks are showing up. When RSVPing, please indicate in the "comment" section which tools you can bring. Lunch has been generously donated, but if you have dietary restrictions please bring your own food. Work will continue rain or shine (unless it's pouring). All volunteers must fill out this liability form, print it, and bring it with them. The farm is located at 954 White Graves Road, Ranger, GA 30014.

Go Fish for Your Birthday at Aqua blue…You’re Sure to Catch a Free Lobster!

Complimentary birthday cake is so last year. Aqua blue Restaurant & Bar lets you keep the cake and candles and offers guests a free birthday lobster instead. The Roswell restaurant known for superb seafood will treat you to a complimentary two-pound steamed whole Maine lobster when you dine at Aqua blue within 30 days of your birthday and purchase any other menu item. All you have to do is join Aqua blue’s eClub by signing up on the restaurant’s Web site or Facebook page. To claim your birthday crustacean, call 770-643-8886 at least 24 hours in advance and bring a printed copy of the eClub birthday email and your valid driver’s license to confirm your birth date. Not valid on tax, gratuity or in combination with other offers; limited to one lobster per table.

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

Catching Up With Kevin Gillespie

Now that the "Top Chef" madness is slowly coming to a close, we sat down with Chef Kevin Gillespie to get the inside scoop on what he has been up to:

MLA: What's the next concert you're going to see?
KG: The Avett Brothers at the Fox on January 1. I am a huge fan.

MLA: Are you dating anyone seriously?
KG: Not yet, but I'm currently interviewing.

MLA: Have you changed since being on "Top Chef"?
KG: I haven't changed at all, but my world has changed a lot because I get recognized everywhere I go.

MLA: Are you thinking about restaurant number two?
KG: I'd love to have a little BBQ shack. If it could be on Cheshire Bridge, that'd be awesome, so it would be close to Woodfire Grill.

MLA: What do you want for Christmas?
KG: As for a gift I would love a Macbook or a new TV. I generally don't buy Christmas gifts or receive them, and instead give all of the money to a needy family or donate it to charity. I prefer Christmas to be about family than gift giving.

Find out more tonight when "Top Chef" airs their reunion episode at 10 p.m. on Bravo.

Now Delivering Happiness (And Grilled Cheese) To Midtown

It’s about that time of day where your stomach starts to rumble and you start to think about lunch. What to get, what to get? Oh, we know.

And if it’s also one of those days where you are too swamped to leave the office, or have to plan food for the afternoon meeting, Noon Midtown has the answer for you!
Noon Midtown has started delivering to the central Midtown area, which means their savory sandwiches, soups and salads, as well as coffees, teas and juices can all be obtained by a simple phone call to 404-496-4891.

There’s a $10 minimum and delivery hours are between 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Delivery is free in the areas highlighted on Noon Midtown’s website, but tips are always appreciated.

Don’t wait – the best grilled cheese in town is simply a phone call away from landing at your desk!

Noon Midtown: 1080 Peachtree Street, Suite 6, on Crescent Avenue between 11th and 12th streets; 404-496-4891.

A Real $5 Find

A good martini is hard to find. A good martini for a good deal is even harder to find! Ray's Restaurants has solved this martini mystery by offering $5 premium martinis seven days a week at all three Atlanta-area locations. Whether you’re up in Alpharetta or in the heart of the city, taking time to try one of these cost-effective cocktails is a must!

Each martini starts with Absolut Vodka then adds:

• Ray's Blue Smoke martini: Blue Curacao and Blue Smoke


• Ray's Lemon Drop martini: lemon juice, sweet and sour mix and a sugared rim


• Maytag martini: olive juice and Maytag blue cheese-stuffed olives


• Pomegranate martini: pomegranate liqueur, Triple Sec and cranberry juice


• Chocolate martini: a hint of vanilla, Godiva chocolate liqueur and Bailey's Irish cream


• Georgia Peach martini: peach schnapps and a splash of orange juice


• French martini: Chambord liqueur and pineapple juice

Ray's on the River: 6700 Powers Ferry Road; 770-955-1187.
Ray's Killer Creek: 1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064.
Ray's in the City: 240 Peachtree Street, NW; 404-524-9224

12 Meals, 12 Great Deals at Evos

Crime? Eating too much junk food!

I don't know about you but I get so tired of all the over-the-top eating we do at the holidays so I am loving the new promotion EVOS Feel Great Fast Food is doing - 12 Meal of Good Deals. We’re talking steakburgers and Airfries, not turtle doves and partridges. From now until Christmas Eve, Evos is featuring a different signature value meal each day at a price that will leave a little extra jingle in your holiday shopping budget.

December 12 – Crispy Thai Trout Wrap
December 13 – EVOS Original Championburger
December 14 – Chopped Steak Taco Wrap
December 15 – Honey Mesquite Chicken Burger
December 16 – Tomato Basil Chicken Wrap
December 17 – Chipotle Turkey Burger
December 18 – Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wrap
December 19 – Veggie Garden Grill Burger
December 20 – Spicy Thai Chicken Wrap
December 21 – Spicy Trout Filet Burger
December 22 – Avocado & Turkey Wrap
December 23 – EVOS Original Steakburger
*Vegetarian substitutions available upon request

EVOmaniacs who have a healthy holiday and collect six out of the 12 Meals of Good Deals cards will receive a $20 Greenback Gift Card. For those who prefer giving rather than receiving, you can choose to donate your $20 Greenback to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. I'm looking forward to using this as an opportunity to try out some new items on their menu starting with the avocado & turkey wrap - sounds delish!

Marlow's Tavern Kennesaw Turns Two

It's their anniversary...but you get to party! Marlow's Tavern Kennesaw is celebrating their two-year anniversary bash on Friday, December 11. The party starts at 4 p.m. with $5 appetizers, cocktails and glasses of wine; $3 bottles of Sam Adams beer; and live music by Zaib Khan. Someone at the party will win a $30 Marlow's Tavern gift card each week for a year -- could be you! (Only one gift card may be used per seven-day period; excludes gratuity.)

Marlow's Tavern Kennesaw: 745 Chastain Road, NW, Suite 1160; 770-425-8777.

Tamaleras - Uncle Julio's Style!

While we’re used to our Southern holiday fixings with stuffing, green bean casserole, Grandma’s bourbon sweet potatoes and cookies for Santa, there is a world of holiday tradition out there worth exploring!

Recently, we learned that Mexico has a holiday dish tradition, where families prepare huge batches of tasty filled tamales in celebratory get-togethers called “tamaleras”, so they’ll have plenty to last through the holidays.

While I truly love the idea of this gathering, speaking from the experience of someone who has tried to make tamales in her own kitchen, I’m so happy we have Uncle Julio’s in town to make it easy for us to adopt this easy holiday meal in our own households!

Whether you choose their classic pork tamales with salsa carne, chicken tamales with tomatillo sauce or vegetable tamales served with Cotija cheese and spicy sour cream, you can enjoy them in the party atmosphere at Uncle Julio’s, or order large quantities of the savories to freeze for later use during the holidays.

Resourceful and delicious!

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food:
In Buckhead at 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767.
To-go line for regular and bulk hours: 404-974-2991.
In Sandy Springs at 1140 Hammond Drive, NE, Building K, Suite 100;
678-736-8260. To-go line for regular and bulk orders: 678-736-8261.

Tonight is the Night!

Will Kevin win the Top Chef season finale tonight? We certainly hope so, but even after tonight's final episode Woodfire Grill Partner and Executive Chef Kevin Gillespie has a full plate. Be sure to visit Bravo TV's "Top Chef" web page and vote for Kevin as fan favorite! If he wins he gets $10,000, plus, every time you vote, you have a chance to win a "sinfully delicious" trip to Las Vegas. Let's help Kevin add this to his growing list of achievements! Atlanta magazine recently named him "Best of Atlanta Rising Star" and "Best of Atlanta/Top Chef," saying he "has the potential to lead our twenty-something generation of cooks into Atlanta's next level of dining greatness." And if those weren't accolades enough, Atlanta magazine Restaurant Critic Bill Addison listed Woodfire Grill as one of his top-12 favorite restaurants.

Don't forget, you can follow Kevin's live tweets during tonight's finale @topchefkevin.

Want to see Kevin in action? Check out his cooking demo this Saturday at Piedmont Park's Green Market at 11 a.m.

18-Day Gift Card Countdown

No idea what to get that certain someone on your list? Are they too picky or not picky enough? Let them decide what they really want this year…off of one of the menus of Atlanta’s best restaurants. Check out our list of 18 gift card options on our website. We've got a selection that is sure to satisfy!

A Dip for Lobster Lovers

Now is the time to enjoy the tail end of lobster season at all six Marlow's Tavern locations...or in your own kitchen. From now through Monday, January 4, Marlow’s Tavern is offering a limited time only “Lobsters & Libations” menu featuring decadent lobster dishes and seasonal cocktails at affordable prices. Marlow's is also sharing the recipe for one of their most popular lobster dishes - Parmesan lobster and crap dip - for guests in need of recipes for upcoming holiday parties.

Recipe for Parmesan Lobster and Crab Dip with Pita Bread: Serves 7


Ingredients:
10 oz. sour cream
10 oz. mayonnaise
¾ cup of thinly sliced (1/8”) scallions
1 cup of shredded parmesan
½ cup of mozzarella/ provolone mix
1 cup of shiitake mushrooms, sliced ¼” thick
1 lb of fresh lump crab meat
½ lb of lobster knuckle & claw meat
14 pieces of pita bread

Preparation:
1. In a large mixing bowl, add sour cream and mayonnaise. Mix with a whisk until smooth and well blended.
2. Add the scallions and both cheeses. With a rubber spatula, combine all ingredients well.
3. Add the mushrooms, crab meat & lobster. Gently fold them into the mix.
4. Store in a container until ready to plate for serving.

Plating:
1. Unwrap the pre-portioned dip and run through the Impinger until golden brown.
2. While the dip is in the oven, place two pieces of pita bread in a Panini machine and toast with crisscross marks.
3. When the dip comes out of the oven, place on an oval platter on one half with a beverage napkin for an under liner.
4. When the bread is done, stack them and cut them in half, lay them on top of each other, cut in half again. Then cut each quarter in half. You want to end up with 16 toast point pieces.
5. Fold a checkered piece of waxed paper in a rocks glass, and stack the pita wedges as high as you can while keeping them solidly in the glass.
6. Place a soup spoon on the side of the crème brulee dish and serve immediately.

My Kind of Value Meal

Gotta say, there are times when I really want a fast food burger and fries. But of course I can't bring myself to actually eat a meal of mystery meat and high fat. Enter EVOS Feel Great Fast Food. Yay! Their meat is antibiotic and hormone free, and it's cooked in an oven, not on a greasy grill. And the fries. Oh. my. They are airbaked and taste as delicious as any fried fry I've ever tasted. I was delighted when they opened in Atlanta, but the Prado is a bit of a drive for me. Now, as of 11 a.m. today, they are open in Midtown! Check it out in the new Viewpoint building. Ask for Andy -he's the owner and he'll want to know your thoughts.

Enjoy!

Consider a Holiday Celebration

Put your holiday party pants on! We have compiled some great ideas for hosting holiday shindigs this month, so check out the Melissa Libby & Associates Web site for a list of holiday hot spots around Atlanta. This year more than ever, it’s important to celebrate making it through these challenging times and to show appreciation for friends, relatives and colleagues. We’ve even done all the leg work for you – these restaurants are ready to accommodate groups of all sizes, so go forth and spread some holiday cheer!

Give Back This Holiday

This year we know there are lots of organizations in need of volunteers and money, but we found this organization to be pretty special and hope you do too!

Help Portrait is an organization that is putting a smile on people's faces this December. Help Portrait is a movement of photographers who are using their time, equipment and expertise to give back to those who are less fortunate this holiday season.

Professional photographers are already donating their time and equipment, but $10 covers the cost of printing the photos and providing a frame. For just $10 you are able to provide a family with something they may have never had before -- a family portrait.

Put Lobsters & Libations on Your To-Do List

It’s finally here. Marlow’s Tavern™ is offering a four-week-long "Lobsters & Libations" special at all six locations and it starts today! Menu items include soothing New England-style lobster and shrimp chowder ($6); tasty Parmesan lobster and crab dip with toasted pita points ($12); Maine lobster pot pie in a flakey herb crust ($15); tempura-battered lobster tail with roasted lump crab potatoes, Pommery grainy mustard cream, jumbo asparagus, citrus herb sauce and drawn butter ($23); and Maine tail and turf, combining a tempura lobster tail, shrimp and grilled filet mignon, potato cake, jumbo asparagus and sauce béarnaise ($25). Don’t forget about dessert -- Napa Valley cheesecake, with rich layers of chocolate butter cake, chocolate mousse, cheesecake and chocolate ganache ($6).

Drink specials are also on the agendas with an Angeline Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley '08 ($9.50); Cutrer Chardonnay, Russian River '07 ($12); Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale ($4.50); or Marlow's Holiday Spice martini ($8). Lobsters and libations -- catch them while you can at all Marlow's locations!

Aria Has A 100% Chance Of Amazing Events This Week

We certainly hope you didn’t get your fill of good eating over Thanksgiving, because there are a couple of delicious events going on at Aria this week that you won’t want to miss!

First things first - the weather may be getting cooler, but Aria’s temperature will be rising with the arrival of Chris Hastings, Chef/Owner of Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Alabama and author of The Hot and Hot Fish Club Cookbook. The restaurant will be hosting a very special dinner on Tuesday, December 1 at 7 p.m., featuring the author and a five-course menu of his own creation. Dinner is $125 per person and a signed cookbook, or $100 per person without the book (includes tax and gratuity).

It doesn’t slow down from there – on Wednesday, December 2, be prepared for the heady air of truffles and fine wines with the evening’s special “Truffles and Chadderdon” menu. This exclusive menu pairs five luxuriously truffle-centric courses with the restaurant’s favorite wines from highly esteemed Robert Chadderdon Selections. Wine selections include: Billecart-Salmon Brut; Peter Dipoli Sauvignon Blanc; Rocche dei Manzoni “Sorito Masconi” Barbera; Bovio, Barolo Vigna Gattera; Rocche dei Manzoni “Quatr Nas;” and Forteto della Luja Moscato Passito. Reception is at 7 p.m. followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. $125 per person, excluding tax and gratuity.

If you’re interested in either of these special event dinners, we recommend making reservations today by contacting Andres Loaiza, 404-233-7673 or andres@aria-atl.com.

And finally (no, we’re not done yet!), make sure to have your TV tuned into The Weather Channel this upcoming Thursday morning – there’s a 100 percent chance you’ll see Aria’s Gerry Klaskala beaming from 8 a.m. until noon as he demonstrates his own special holiday twist on recipes twice an hour. You can’t always accurately predict the weather, but you can most certainly predict some scrumptious dishes!

Aria: 490 East Paces Ferry Road; 404-233-7673

Santa is Coming to Town

Once Thanksgiving is over -- the holiday rush sets in. In light of the season, here are some events we think will make you jolly!

WaterHaven is hosting their first annual tree trimming today and is helping support Atlanta Children's Shelter. Just bring in an ornament and receive 25% off your total food bill. In addition, donate any amount to the Atlanta Children's Shelter and receive an additional 25% off your food bill. That's 50% off your food check just for helping start the holiday and aiding a great cause. WaterHaven will open for dinner at 5:30 p.m. today.

Santa is coming to town...Ray's Killer Creek that is! Santa has enjoyed such popularity at Ray's Killer Creek over the past few years that he's gone ahead and scheduled two Sunday stopovers this year on November 29 and December 20. He'll be there over brunch hours of 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Space is limited and seats will fill faster than you can say his reindeer names so call 770-649-0064 now to save your seat!

Harald Wüsthof knife event at The Cook's Warehouse in Atlanta

Harald Wüsthof, managing partner of Ed. Wüsthof Dreizackwerk, visited Ansley Mall's The Cook's Warehouse on Sunday, November 22. He met with fans and customers during his visit.(L-R) Lois Berthaume, a customer at The Cook's Warehouse-Ansley Mall; Ronda Higgins Thornton, store sales associate; Mary S. Moore, founder and owner, The Cook's Warehouse, and Harold Wüsthof. Berthaume proudly brought in a set of Wüsthof knives to show Mr. Wüsthof that she received as a wedding gift 30 years ago and still uses today; he autographed the blades of the knives for her.

Mary S. Moore, founder and owner, The Cook's Warehouse with Harald Wüsthof.

Marlow's Tavern Alpharetta Celebrates 5 Years Today, And You're Invited!

Looking for reasons to be thankful? Marlow’s Tavern Alpharetta is giving you a great reason one day early at their 5th anniversary celebration today!

Starting at 5 p.m., there will be complimentary passed appetizers and drink specials, followed by live music at 8 p.m. You can even register to win a free dinner every week for a year – you must be present to win the prize, which 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 and gratuity is not included).

We here at Atlanta Dish will be off tomorrow, enjoying our favorite seasonal delights with our families and friends, and we know what we’re thankful for – you, our readers! We hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

Atlanta’s Top Tailgating Stops and Spots

This Saturday, November 28, the University of Georgia Bulldogs will take on the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at one of the biggest showdowns in the city. For those folks heading to the big game or just looking to be near all the action, we’ve got the scoop on Atlanta’s prime tailgating places!

A few blocks away from the Georgia Tech campus, Marlow's Tavern™ - Midtown is closing down the street and throwing a block party that is sure to get fans barking and buzzing all afternoon. The good folks at Marlow's have it all planned with a hot grill, cold drink specials and prize giveaways three hours before game time. No game tickets, no problem. Marlow's will pump up the game volume after kick off. (950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.)

If you usually park and pull out your Dawg or Jacket awning and cache of paraphernalia, swing by Pacci Ristorante beforehand. Atlanta's new Italian steakhouse has a special pre-game, take-out menu studded with champion items such as five flavors of wings, three flavors of ribs, Pacci chili, Brunswick stew, pork and beans, pulled pork sandwiches, jalapeño cornbread and a healthy veggie tray. Items are priced from $4 to $14; orders must be placed at least 24 hours before pick-up time. Fans burning with football fever can head upstairs, atop Pacci Ristorante, to AltoRex Rooftop Lounge (left) beginning at 2 p.m. for spirited drinks and football favorites including Johnsonville brats, Italian sausage, soft pretzels and more. (866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402.)

Before every Georgia Tech Saturday home game, WaterHaven has welcomed both the home team and guests (go figure on this showdown) to park and tailgate before and after the game -- and this weekend's showdown is no exception. The restaurant will open at noon so fans can power up on sandwiches and BBQ as well as regular menu items such as lamb sliders, fried green tomatoes, crab cakes and WaterHaven's classic burger, plus $5 mimosas and Bloody Marys. Cheer inside or outside on the 100-seat patio! WaterHaven will validate guests' parking tickets from the AT&T parking deck, located at Fifth and West Peachtree streets, with a minimum purchase of $25. (75 Fifth Street, NW; 404-214-6740.)

We can already hear both teams applauding for the freebie food offer that EVOS Feel Great Fast Food in Sandy Springs is kicking out there this game day. On November 28, Yellow Jacket fans who don gold and white or UGA fans wearing red and black will receive free Airfries™ and a drink with the purchase of a burger or wrap at the Sandy Springs EVOS restaurant in The Prado. (Open 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. at 5590 Prado Place off Roswell Road, Suite 140; 404-252-4022.)

Even though the game clock runs for 15 minute quarters, the clock keeps running for 16 hours of tailgating merriment at The Cypress Street Pint & Plate Rivalry Weekend Tailgate Party 2009, sponsored by New Belgium Brewery, on November 28. From 10 a.m. until 2 a.m., Cypress Street Pint & Plate is extending its patio, rolling out the grills and screens, going long with giveaways and quenching cheer-parched throats with $4 Fat Tire drafts. Rock on after the game with crowd pleasing tunes from the Francisco Vidal Band. (817 West Peachtree Street at the corner of 6th and Cypress streets behind the Biltmore; 404-815-9243.)

Cocktails For A Cure at Pacci

We know by Friday you'll be begging for an excuse to escape all that family-time and grab a cocktail some place peaceful. Now, when mom asks where you are going you can be honest; you are going out for a good cause! As part of Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants’ sixth brand-wide Red Ribbon Campaign, Pacci will be offering Cocktails For A Cure through World AIDS Day on December 1, 2009.

Guests can enjoy any of four Red Ribbon-themed cocktails hand-crafted by Kimpton’s master mixologist Jacques Bezuidenhout. Themed spirits include:

Grapefruit Spritz: Ketel One Citroen, Campari and grapefruit juice sparked with club soda
Bad Apple: Don Julio Blanco, Lillet, Angostura bitters, apple juice and ginger beer
Orange Blossom Fizz: Belvedere Orange, St. Germain Elderflower liqueur, pineapple juice and sparking wine
Morning Daiquiri: Ten Cane Rum, Grand Marnier shaken with fresh lime juice and orange marmalade

“Cocktails for a Cure” are $9 each and for each drink purchased, $1 will be donated to local AIDS/HIV charities nationwide.

If you are traveling this week and won't be able to make it to Pacci don't worry. Kimpton Hotels and Restaurants are participating nationwide so go on; drink for a good cause!

Rate Your Favorite Atlanta Restaurants

Let's give Atlanta restaurants a good name! When you get a chance this weekend, vote for your favorite local restaurants on Zagat Survey -- so folks visiting our city will know which ones are the best of the best! After you register on the Zagat, diners can click here to rate and review Atlanta restaurants they've checked out in 2009. Your votes need to be in by Sunday, November 22, when the survey concludes.

Once your votes are confirmed, you'll also be eligible to receive a free Zagat guide. Surveyors with the most witty comments will be awarded $100 Visa gift cards in the Witty Surveyor Contest. Not a bad reward for giving honest comments!

Imperia Vodka tasting is the toast of Buckhead at Morton's The Steakhouse

Are you ready to start the weekend early? How about just wanting to soothe your palate with a refreshing, quality vodka?

Then clearly, Morton’s The Steakhouse - Buckhead is the place to be tonight, Thursday, November 19. Stop by from 6 – 7:30 p.m. and raise a glass in honor of Imperia Vodka. This smooth, premium vodka from Russian Standard is derived using Dmitri Mendleev’s classic formula developed for Russia’s czars. The authentic, chilled cocktails at the tasting will be paired with Morton’s signature hors d’oeuvres. $15 per person (inclusive of tax and gratuity) is a pittance to pay to drink like royalty! For reservations, contact Sarah Foss at 404-816-6535 or sarah_foss@mortons.com.

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

Primal: An Event For Chefs and Butchers Alike

Do you have tickets yet to Primal -- the event Atlanta foodies are buzzing about? Luckily for us...we do! And we're giving away two general admission tickets to the event that's going on this Saturday, November 21. Leave a comment about what chef or butcher you are most excited to see get their hands dirty at Primal and at 5 p.m. today we'll select two random winners. Please make sure you leave an email address when commenting so we can contact you! Need us to catch you up to speed on Primal? Here's the deal:

Atlanta area’s best and brightest stars of the new butchery movement appear at Primal, a celebration of early cooking's revival. Butchers will give a side-by-side demonstration on how to break down a complete pig, cow, goat and lamb into cuts of meat. Afterward, chefs will create and cook meaty creations over a hickory, applewood or almond wood flame for attendees. With an emphasis on heritage breeds and whole animal utilization, Primal is the antithesis of the factory farming exposed in films like Food, Inc., and a reminder that the best food is locally grown and prepared not by machines but human hands. Ten different family owned wineries make up the Oregon Wine Experience and fourteen different butchers and chefs get out the knives and slice raw flesh on Saturday, Nov. 21, at SweetWater Brewery.

Sweetwater Brewery is located at 195 Ottley Drive, Atlanta, Ga. Tickets are $55 for general admission(inclusive of wines, butcher demo, brew, meat tasting) and $100 for the VIP Experience @ 5:30PM(inclusive of reserve wines, Benton’s Bacon Bar, cheese, oysters and special brews). More information on Primal can be found here.

Music to Your Mouth Lowcountry Celebration Starts Today

Today marks the beginning of the Music to Your Mouth Lowcountry Celebration, a four-day event at Palmetto Bluff that includes a medley of delicious cuisine and demos cooked up by some of the South's most renowned chefs, wines and brews from national vintners and brewers, and live jazz, blues and acoustic music. Atlanta’s own Chef Ford Fry of JCT. Kitchen & Bar and Partner/ Executive Chef Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill are making the trip to Bluffton, S.C., near Hilton Head, for the event. Fry will be there all week, while Gillespie pops in on Saturday, November 21 to do a 1:50 p.m. demo with Chef Fry. Each will prepare pork belly his own way while Florence and Coastal Living Senior Food Editor Julia Rutland emcee. On Thursday, November 19, Fry will join winemaker Darioush Khaledi at The Prelude Tasting, a progressive wine dinner exploring "Old World" style, big-bodied Darioush wines from 6 - 9 p.m. at the River House Ballroom.

If you can’t make it to Bluffton this weekend but still want to get in on the culinary action, tune into Bravo’s Top Chef tonight and catch Chef Gillespie along with the other remaining contestants battle it out at 10 p.m.

Say Hola To Your Uncle Julio

Get ready boys and girls, because today marks the grand opening of the new Uncle Julio’s Fine Mexican Food location in Sandy Springs at 1140 Hammond Drive in Perimeter Town Center! As many people have come to learn and love at the original Atlanta location, Uncle Julio’s is known for generous portions, reasonable prices and mucho enjoyment.

We had a chance to get a sneak preview last night of the restaurant and you can believe us when we say - prepare to be impressed! The interior of the two-story restaurant is warm and charming old-world hacienda-style, while at the same time the architecture is sleek, glassy, and modern. We can hardly wait for warmer nights when the balcony patios will be the key spot for socializing, sipping on margaritas and of course, dining on our favorite Mexican dishes!


Guadalajara - this blogger's favorite dish of the night!

Speaking of those dishes, they are just as impressive as the design of the restaurant! We loved the authentic border-flavored fare such as fajitas al carbon; camarones brochette (bacon-wrapped jumbo shrimp stuffed with Monterrey Jack cheese and jalapeños); mesquite-grilled quail a la parilla; and of course, the Swirl margarita, a frozen margarita layered with homemade frozen sangria that has won the Texas-based Uncle Julio's mucho acclaim -- and those Texans know what they're talking about!


it's swirl time...

But fear not – if you’re too busy to eat at the new location, Uncle Julio’s will be offering express delivery service, as well as catering home and office parties. Enjoy!

Tune in...

...As Woodfire Grill Chef and Partner Kevin Gillespie whips up some tasty menu options for all your Thanksgiving needs! While still battling it out on Bravo's Top Chef Las Vegas, Gillespie will be back in Atlanta burning up the airwaves all week around 6:45 a.m. on WXIA channel 11. Watch as he prepares dishes perfect for Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings and will offer his tips for making the holidays a little tastier.

Midtown Atlanta Shop & Dine Week is offering great deals for all

‘Tis the season to hit the pavement and get cracking on those holiday gift shopping lists! Now before you start groaning and protectively clenching onto your wallet, listen up…

Fifth Group Restaurants, including South City Kitchen Midtown, Ecco, La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco, are taking some of the pain out of your chore this year by offering great deals, along with many other favorite other restaurants, nightspots, hotels, and retailers during Midtown Shop & Dine Week, coming up this November 13-22!

El Taco, recently reviewed in John Kessler’s 30 Restaurants In 30 Days column, offers a dynamite date-night deal – dinner for two for only $25 (plus tax and gratuity), while other Midtown Fifth Group Restaurants are creating special three-course dinners for $25 per person (plus tax and gratuity). For reservations at your favorite Fifth Group restaurant, just visit http://www.fifthgroup.com/!

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.

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