The Pinnacle of Potlucks

On Sunday, July 18, Serenbe and the Southern Foodways Alliance Skillet Brigade are hosting a “Southern Chefs Potluck” event at the Inn at Serenbe lake pavilion. A baker’s dozen of Atlanta-area star chefs such as Shaun Doty of Shaun’s and YEAH! BURGER, Ford Fry of JCT. Kitchen & Bar and Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill and Top Chef fame will do the cooking then sit down with the 150 guests for family-style dining. Each participating chef will contribute their favorite “Sunday Supper” side dish, a relish and a dessert for the event. The main dish will be White Oak Pastures beef prepared by Jim –n- Nick’s BBQ, and fried chicken legs from The Farmhouse. In addition to food and fellowship, guests will enjoy local beer and “Shine On Punch” mixed by Greg Best of Holeman & Finch. Potlucks don't get much better than this, so get your ticket now! Supper begins at 3 p.m.; tickets are $100 per person and may be purchased online or by calling 678-702-0400. “Southern Chefs Potluck” benefits Wholesome Wave of Georgia, a nonprofit organization that helps make healthy food accessible to all Georgia citizens while contributing to our local food economy. WWG uses private funds to double WIC and EBT coupons spent at partner markets and farm stands.


Inn at Serenbe: 10950 Hutcheson Ferry Road, Chattahoochee Hills, Ga.; 770-463-2610.

It's Follow Friday... Meet our Tweep of the Week @EatDrink_Better

The bio says it in a Tweep nutshell: Everybody eats, and Eat.Drink...Better. invites readers to explore the environmental issues surrounding their food choices. Farming practices, local markets, bushels of recipes and daily healthy you/healthy earth food news you can chew on is all here via blog or short, sweet Tweets!

Farm to Table & Back is Back

The first of four Farm to Table & Back guest chef dinners at JCT. Kitchen was a huge success! Hugh Acheson got behind the stove alongside Ford Fry and cooked up a scrumptious meal to benefit Georgia Organics. And as a guest there that night, I can say that I benefitted too! Next week, Thursday, July 15 from 6 - 10 p.m., Chris Hastings of Birmingham's Hot and Hot Fish Club is the guest chef. His five-course dinner is $75 per person, and 100 percent of dinner proceeds go to Georgia Organics. There are a couple of housekeeping rules: guests must call ahead to reserve their "Farm to Table & Back" table, and everyone at the table must order the "Farm to Table & Back" menu. Here's the number: 404-355-2252.

Southern My Way Coming Your Way

We’re big fans of Gena Knox’s laidback, contemporary Southern cooking style, and lucky for us (and you) she has a new cookbook Southern My Way coming out this November!  Take a look at this video of Gena as she visits some of her favorite spots for Southern culinary inspiration, including White Oak Pastures, Belle Chevre, Lane Southern Orchards,  Nora Mill Granary and more. 

We can’t decide if we want to hit the road to visit all these delicious locations or start cooking up her recipes after watching this video!  Until the cookbook comes out, you can find out what’s cooking with Gena by following her on her website, Facebook or Twitter.  Bon Appetit, y’all!

Time to Dust Off Your Grass Skirt and Bust Out Those Hula Hips!

Thanks to RA Sushi, we don’t have to wait for the Jimmy Buffett concert to whip out our hula skirts and coconut bras this year! The Midtown restaurant is celebrating its one year anniversary next Thursday, July 15 with a luau starting at 7 p.m. The event will benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta and will feature tropical décor, DJ Krillz spinning tunes indoors, food and drink specials and some unique live entertainment. Say aloha to the steel drummers and fire eaters who will be performing on the patio, and get in line for the limbo contest at 9 p.m. for a chance at winning a $100 or $50 RA Sushi gift certificate. The evening will also include a raffle with prize giveaways at 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. (tickets are only $5 and benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Atlanta) for the chance to snag treasures such as Braves tickets and a Tomahawk Chop roll dinner at RA Sushi and a sushi and sake party for 10 people. Quench that thirst you will surely work up while “in limbo” with drink specials like the Stawberry Gingerita, Mai Tai, Chang Lager or Tsunami Punch ($5). The list of luau food specials features pineapple cheese wontons, grilled short ribs, Poki bowl, an Island roll and a Hawaii 5-0 roll ($6 - $10). Two dollars from the purchase of each food and drink special goes straight to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta, too.

RA Sushi: 1080 Peachtree Street at 1010 Midtown; 404-267-0114.

Spain is the Name of the Game for this Month’s Toulouse Wine Tasting

Spain knows a thing or two about wine as it happens to be world's third-largest wine producing nation. Let’s raise a glass and celebrate the intoxicating taste of Spanish wines at the Toulouse July 11 Spanish wine tasting. At least 15 wines will be tasted at this month's event, along with light appetizers for palate cleansing. Call ahead for more information and to make reservations for the 6:30 p.m. tasting: 404-351-9533.

Toulouse: 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.

Try the New Pinkberry Flavor Half-Priced for a Short Time Only!

What is summer in the South without watermelon? Instead of the traditional watermelon slices, Pinkberry presents its watermelon flavored frozen yogurt! What’s better than watermelon fro-yo? Try having it half-priced! During 5-7 p.m. every day, Pinkberry will be hosting its Happy Hour, where customers can purchase any serving of watermelon Pinkberry- including swirls, side by sides and toppings, for half price. Stop by and try the much sought-after combo of watermelon frozen yogurt topped with fresh watermelon puree, diced watermelon and hand-diced seedless cucumbers!

Pinkberry has been driving fro-yo fans wild since it opened in Atlanta on June 25. The premium frozen yogurt is made with real, rBST hormone-free nonfat yogurt and nonfat milk and the highest quality natural ingredients and toppings. Pinkberry is certified by the National Yogurt Association and carries the Live & Active Cultures Seal. Stay in the know on Pinkberry yo' on Facebook and Twitter or become a Pinkberry Groupie to receive up-to-the-minute news and discount offers!

Halperns’ Purveyors of Steak and Seafood Wins 2010 National Provisioner Processor of the Year Award

It came as no surprise when Halperns’ Purveyors of Steak and Seafood nabbed the award for National Processor of the Year Award. If there are two things Halperns’ does best, it is having top-of-the line customer service and producing prime proteins.

Aside from these two things, Halperns’ accelerated growth also contributed to the winning of the award. In order to produce top-notch USDA prime meat and seafood, Halperns’ takes food safety very seriously by having a state-of-the-art 110,000 square-foot facility. Congrats, Halperns'!

It's Follow Friday - Meet Our Tweeps of the Week @katiemanderson & @WhiskAwayNic

Let foodie sisters Nic and Katie whisk you away to a delicious place as they tweet and blog their "local, organic, happy" stuff, descend on farmers markets, document meals, share six-to-nine ingredient or less recipes and "worship Polan." Whisk Away photos are tempting enough to eat!

Tweets hand feed you small bites of humor and insight. Katie's at http://twitter.com/katiemanderson; find Nic at http://twitter.com/WhiskAwayNic.

Shaun Doty + Julia LeRoy = Deeeeelicious!

Have you ever been craving two things at the same time, but could only manage to get one of them? Remember when you were a kid and you found out that Nerds candy came in a box with grape AND strawberry? I do and it was glorious. Those days have long passed and my palate has stepped its game up. I'm excited to know that Chefs Shaun Doty and Julia LeRoy will be creating a five-course meal together at Shaun's on Wednesday, July 7.

I will gladly put food in my stomach from two award-winning chefs and enjoy every second of the meal. Per person, $45 (without drink pairings) and $60 (with drink pairings). Reservations are required for this limited-seating event and are available beginning when the restaurant opens at 5 p.m. Call 404-577-4358 to reserve a spot.

Shaun's: 1029 Edgewood Avenue, NE: 404-577-4358.

It's Puppy Love for Pacci at the Atlanta Humane Society

Consider this your friendly afternoon cute puppy alert!   

Pacci Ristorante’s Chef Keira Moritz paid a visit to the Atlanta Humane Society this week to present a check and donations raised during the restaurant's month-long anniversary celebration.  All the dogs at the Atlanta Humane Society also got to enjoy some of Chef Keira’s signature Pacci Pups as a special treat!

Uncle Sam Wants YOU To Go Out and Eat This Weekend

Sticking around for the Independence Day Weekend?  No worries - there will be plenty going on in the area to raise your fork and wave a flag at.  Here are our picks for some patriotic weekend fun.

At Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland, a pig is roasting in a China box in preparation for the 3rd Annual Pig Roast on July 4. A 70 - 80 lb. Riverview Farms Berkshire pig will go into La Caja China, a plywood box lined with metal. Glowing charcoal is heaped on top, and four hours later the pork is fork-tender perfect for the $15-per-person "Meat & Three" deal. Guests can choose pork and/or Big Green Egg-smoked all-natural chicken; three sides of your choice -- house-baked beans with smoked bacon, grilled corn on the cob, Atkins Park's famous potato salad, creamy cole slaw, vine-ripe tomato salad, braised pole beans and macaroni and cheese; Texas toast, three house-made barbeque sauces and a choice of Southern banana pudding or homemade peach ice cream. Seeing that July 4 falls on a Sunday this year, Atkins Park guests also will have the option of ordering from the Sunday brunch menu from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. or from the bar menu all day long.

On the northwest side of town, Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna will host a Braves vs. Marlins bus trip. It's no wonder this special event sells out quickly: $45 purchases a roundtrip bus ride to the Braves vs. Marlins game at Turner Field, precluded by a pregame hot dog, Jagermeister and beer. (Market Village, 2840 Atlanta Road, Smyrna; 770-435-1887)


Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery adds a dash of live bluegrass to its red and white wines to unfurl the 8th Annual Reds, Whites and Bluegrass Brunch in the Vineyards. Celebrate the birth of the United States of America on July 4 over Southern regional cuisine with special wine and gift pricing. $30 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Call ahead to reserve your place at the 12:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. seating.

Go whole hog and honor Independence Day at the Woodfire Grill BBQ & Beer party from 5:30 - 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 3. Executive Chef and Partner Kevin Gillespie will roast a whole hog using his own Terminus City barbecue recipe. The three-course, all-American dinner is $38 per person (plus tax and gratuity), and SweetWater draft specials will keep beer mugs full all evening long. Beer sale proceeds will pour into SweetWater Brewing Company's "Save the Hooch" campaign for ecological stewardship of the Chattahoochee River and its tributaries and watershed. Seating is limited, and reservations are required.

RA Sushi is tipping its hat to the Red, White & Blue with its July 4th Stars & Stripes martini. Sip the patriotic cocktail at RA Sushi Friday, July 2 through Sunday, July 4.

What's the Wackiest Thing You've Ever Grilled? Tell Us and Win!

Don’t forget that tonight barbeque whiz Steven Raichlen will be signing copies of his new cookbook Planet Barbeque! from 6 pm to 8 pm at Sur La Table at Perimeter Mall.

Included in the book are around 309 recipes from 60 different countries, tips, stories and enticing photos that will send you straight to BBQ heaven.

Now that we’ve got you hooked, you can enter to win a free copy of Planet Barbeque! by simply telling us what the wackiest thing you have ever grilled is! Here at the MLA office we have grilled some pretty wacky things. Some of the items include jalapeno poppers, grapes with tarragon pork tenderloin and even chocolate shrimp!

Post your wacky grilling experience in our comments and we will pick a lucky winner this week!

Last Chance for a Lobster Love Affair at Aqua blue

Olivia Newton-John said it best - "Summer lovin' happened so fast!" After this Saturday, July 3, Aqua blue's annual Tailapalooza menu will be swimming away until next summer. Head to Roswell this week to get your last taste of lobster bisque, Maine lobster roll, poached lobster salad and the lobster combos. Tailapalooza drink specials ($7) like Mango Tango lemonade and Villa Sandi Prosecco will be heading out to sea after Saturday, too.

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

Vote Online In The Sears Chef Challenge

The Sears Chef Challenge has invited twelve chefs in four cities -- New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. -- to participate in a contest to find the nation's next up-and-coming chef while raising money for food banks across the country. Certified personal chef Sally Cameron of Orange County, Calif. is one of the 12 remaining chef-testants hoping to cook her way up as the best LA Chef in the Sears Chef Challenge. This friend of Melissa Libby & Associates is not doing it for herself; she's cooking to win for the Saddleback Church food pantry in Orange County and for Sheepfold, an organization that has helped abused women and their children reshape their lives for the past 30 years. Here's how you can help: watch video footage of the chef cooking demos, then vote for your favorite through July 10. You can vote everyday at http://www.searschefchallenge.com/. Online voters determine who moves on! Read more about Sally Cameron on the Everyday Gourmet website.

Pacci Ristorante Holds Gulf Aid Fundraiser—“We Cook While They Clean”

Pacci Ristorante is joining the relief efforts for the Gulf of Mexico oil spill by holding a “We Cook While They Clean” fundraiser. One dollar from every seafood dish on the Pacci lunch and dinner menus will be donated to the Gulf Relief Foundation until the fishermen are back at sea. This nonprofit organization provides relief to the Gulf Coast fishing community and its families. So stop by Pacci and support this important cause by selecting any of the savory seafood items on Chef Keira Moritz’ menu including calamari with spicy aioli; mussels and clams in anisette cream with heirloom cherry tomatoes; halibut with roasted alba mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, grilled corn and corn butter; and sea scallops with wild mushroom risotto and sweet pea nage. Pacci has been committed to sustainable fishing practices from its start and is part of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program, which certifies seafood suppliers from sustainable fishing environments and promotes ocean resource conservation through sensible seafood choices.

Pacci Ristorante: 866 West Peachtree Street, NW, adjacent to the Hotel Palomar; 678-412-2402.

Chef Moritz with an 80-pound halibut

It’s Follow Friday – meet our Tweep of the Week @IceMilkAprons

A box of splattered, handwritten recipe cards and grandma's apron are family heirlooms to be cherished.  They're also the inspiration behind Ashley Leckey's gourmet IceMilk Aprons.  "Whisked whipping cream," "rollings of cinnamon" and "vanilla-churned Sundays" sound like flavors, but they're actually the style names of these sashed-linen aprons. 

Add monograms and recipe cards and you have a gourmet family heirloom to have, hold, wear or give!  Put on one of these beauties and even leftovers seem elegant.  Make sure to follow Ashley and IceMilk Aprons on Twitter.

Pinkberry is officially swirling in Atlanta!

Thanks to everybody who came out and made the Grand Opening of Atlanta's first Pinkberry such a fun night! Here are a few of our pics we thought we'd share.

Chef Ford Fry Cooks Up Southern At Serenbe

Need a getaway with a good excuse? Head to Serenbe to learn some Southern cooking tips from JCT. Kitchen & Bar Executive Chef Ford Fry. He'll be at this summer's Serenbe Southern Chef Series culinary weekend July 11 and 12. Good Southern hospitality, food and chefs are central to the interactive weekend of cooking, wining and dining -- and so are you, the guest. Twelve guests will arrive Sunday and gather in the kitchen of Marie Nygren for a hands-on dinner prep session with Ford. Yummier still, everyone sits down to a casual feast of all the dishes they've prepared, served family style. Yes, there are wine pairings. Bed down for a restful night in the Inn at Serenbe then rise Monday morning to a full country breakfast and a lunch cooking and dining session before heading back up the interstate to reality. $425 per person covers hands-on cooking lessons, two multi-course intimate meal experiences, wine pairings and Sunday night Inn at Serenbe accommodations. To make reservations, call 770-463-2610.

Chef Shaun Doty Gives Tips on Gazpacho at The Piedmont Park Green Market

Once again, Shaun Doty is taking center stage at the Piedmont Park Green Market. This Saturday, June 26, he'll be preparing a summertime favorite -- gazpacho. You'll find Doty slicing and dicing from 11 a.m. until noon under the patio at the Piedmont Park Community Center. After that, head home to try out his techniques or enjoy brunch or dinner that night at his restaurant, Shaun's in historic Inman Park.

Shaun's: 1029 Edgewood Avenue, NE; 404-577-4358

Beam Me Up to Planet Barbecue!

Cookbook guru and grill master Steven Raichlen's newest book, Planet Barbecue!, bastes novices with inspiration and knowledge while keeping the thrill meter up for seasoned grillers.

Some 309 recipes from 60 countries contribute a high dose of sweet and savory goodness. Tips, stories and mouthwatering photos suck you even further into its smoky BBQ depths. Craving a copy already?  You're in luck!  Raichlen will sign Planet Barbecue! from 6 - 8 p.m. on Tuesday, June 29 at Sur La Table in Perimeter Mall.

Can't get enough 'cue?  We also have an opportunity for you to win your own copy of Raichlen's new book! We here at Atlanta Dish want to know: what's the WACKIEST thing you've ever grilled? 

Post your wacky grilling experience in our comments and we'll pick a lucky book winner this week!

Got Plans Thursday Night?

Come celebrate the launch of Equally Wed at AltoRex!

I'll Party for Pinkberry Any Day

The time has finally come, Georgia's first Pinkberry is having their grand opening night event on Thursday, June 24! From 6 - 10 p.m. on Thursday, Pinkberry will be providing patrons with complimentary frozen yogurt. In these 90+ degree days, I'm more than willing to eat some frozen yogurt, especially with the array of toppings Pinkberry has to offer. FYI - I can't turn down putting Fruity Pebbles on mine.

If you're on foursquare then don't forget to sign in while at the Pinkberry Grand Opening Night Event! Then you'll be able to see fellow Pinkberry and frozen yogurt lovers like yourself and be able to unlock the coveted Swarm badge!

Also, if you sign up to be a Pinkberry Groupie, you'll receive news and discount offers. Even better, if you sign up before June 25, you will be entered to win a year of free Pinkberry! Still have a craving for more Pinkberry info? Make sure to follow Pinkberry on Twitter (@pinkberryswirl) and on Facebook.

See you guys at the party on Thursday night!

Pinkberry: 2937 Cobb Parkway, SE, Suite 102, in the Akers Mill Shopping Center; 770-661-2995.

You Gotta Go to Yelp Eats 2010!

Don’t miss the incredible deal on a three-course meal at some of Yelp’s highly rated restaurants (like Shaun's and Toulouse) at Yelp Eats 2010! Through Sunday, June 27, order from deluxe, prix fixe menus for just $25 per person (does not include tax, gratuity or additional items). Reservations and a request for the Yelp Eats 2010! menu are mandatory to get the special price. At Shaun's, choose local tomato gazpacho or organic iceberg wedge; Berkshire pork schnitzel or Georgia shrimp and grits; and vanilla bean cheesecake or sticky toffee pudding. At Toulouse, choose baked goat cheese wrapped in phyllo dough or cold strawberry soup; wild mushroom ravioli or seared scallops in a rosemary-citrus reduction or buffalo meatloaf; flourless chocolate cake or white chocolate banana bread pudding.

Shaun's: 1029 Edgewood Avenue, NE; 404-577-4358.
Toulouse: 2293 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-351-9533.

Marlow's Tavern Midtown + Mondays = Secret Sign Time

 Another Monday, another secret sign on the loose in Midtown! 

Find your way with our clue, snap a picture with the secret sign (as seen above) and email it to marlowstavernatlanta@gmail.com.  If you’re FIRST, you could win a free burger and a beer at Marlow’s Tavern - Midtown this week!  Here’s your clue – get to snapping!

If you’re looking for a place to rest your head on an overnight stay in Midtown and are the kind of person who likes art more, this hotel might be up your alley!  Look out for a post outside this landmark inn and you'll find your secret sign!

It's Follow Friday - Meet Our Tweep of the Week @SilentClark

"When I hand people the card that says, "I Can't Talk," a lot of people mistake the meaning of the statement. They think that I have a disability."  Clark Harris (aka @SilentClark) is on a mission to silence cancer -- by speaking solely through the social media outlets of Twitter and blogging.  He began his "SMX" (social media experiment) in May as a way to raise awareness and money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in memory of his mother.  He's continuing his I Can Talk, I Just Chose Not To drive through June. Time and time again, actions speak volumes louder than words.  Now, take action.

Get to know Julia LeRoy

This is Julia LeRoy. She's going to be a famous chef. You know we wouldn't steer you wrong! Why not be a real culinary insider and meet her now before she has an entourage and bouncers to keep you away? You can do just that tomorrow at the Piedmont Park Green Market.

The up 'n coming LeRoy knows Atlanta's best restaurant kitchens (she's worked in some of them), and she's equally comfy adding her own touch to an ingredient-splattered church cookbook propped up against a mixing bowl in her home kitchen. The Culinary Institute of America - NY graduate has roots in Guenter Seeger's Dining Room at The Ritz-Carlton. Perhaps you heard about her "Locavore Mondays" that supported local farmers, sustainability and creative sustenance for Atlanta diners. Cooking at the Piedmont Park Green Market will be right up her garden row!

See Julia from 11 a.m. - noon under the patio at the Community Center. The Green Market is held every Saturday morning, May 1 through December 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Piedmont Park's 12th Street entrance gate.

Chill that grill and let someone else cook for Father’s Day

We know Mother’s Day gets all the attention (we love our mommies!), but don’t forget about dear old Dad this Sunday for Father’s Day! There are lots of great options to treat your pops to an unforgettable meal around town.

Roswell area dads who appreciate a hearty prime rib will want to head straight to Aqua blue for their prime rib special. Dad can fill up a 10 oz. prime rib with baked potato for $25, and as an extra treat, a complimentary lobster tai!

La Tavola Trattoria, South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings of Fifth Group Restaurants® are all open during normal hours for brunch and dinner on Father's Day. Turn in to La Tavola Trattoria for authentic Italian cuisine, including a hefty man-sized serving of lasagna for $10. Mosey over to either South City Kitchen location for Southern favorites.


Morton's The Steakhouse fills dad up with a delicious $69 dinner menu that includes a choice of baked five-onion soup, Caesar salad or center-cut iceberg salad; a choice of double-cut filet mignon, signature-cut New York Strip, broiled salmon fillet or Chicken Christopher; choice of vegetable or potato side dish; and a choice of carrot cake or hot chocolate cake for dessert.

Dads who appreciate great beer will enjoy Ormsby's special four-course lunch with specialty beer pairing. Tell dad to put on his game face and hunker down for bocce ball, darts, pool, skee ball and shuffleboard at the much-loved West Midtown pub.

Surprise dad with Father's Day brunch or dinner at all three of the popular Ray's Restaurants. From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Ray's on the River is offering a Father's Day brunch buffet priced at $34.95 for adults and $16.95 for children ages five to 10. Ray's Killer Creek is offering brunch priced at $29.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages five to 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ray's in the City is offering brunch priced at $29.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages five to 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All three locations are serving the regular dinner menu from 5 - 8 p.m.

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food honors dads with the Plato de Padre ($29.95), filled with succulent cold-water lobster tail, mesquite-grilled carne asada, a side of freshly made guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice and frijoles a la charra, available through Sunday, June 20. Toast dad with a couple of Uncle Julio's signature Swirl margaritas made with frozen margarita and homemade frozen sangria or one of the many Mexican beers at the bar.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega has a man-friendly brunch menu planned for its Eighth Annual Father's Day Gourmet BBQ. The one-day celebration menu features smoked brisket, barbeque chicken, baby back ribs, Southern-style corn pudding and fried mac 'n cheese with tomato basil cream. $30 per person (plus tax and gratuity); wine by the glass and bottle also are available at an additional cost. Call now to reserve your place at the 12:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. Father's Day brunch seatings.

Sushi Gets its Own International Day

Let it be known to all sushi lovers that tomorrow, Friday, June 18, is International Sushi Day. What better way to celebrate International Sushi Day in Midtown then by going to RA Sushi. If you "like" the Midtown hot spot for sushi, fusion and drinks on Facebook, visit the RA Sushi Facebook page on International Sushi Day and print out a special offer good for one complimentary Tootsy Maki to be enjoyed that day.

The complimentary Tootsy Maki Facebook coupon must be printed and redeemed on June 18 and is valid at the Midtown RA Sushi. The Tootsy Maki ($8.25) brings together kani kama crab mix, shrimp and cucumber in a roll and topping it with crunchy tempura bits and a drizzle of sweet eel sauce.

Facebook "Like" + Free Tootsy Maki = International Sushi Day at RA Sushi

RA Sushi: 1080 Peachtree Street at 1010 Midtown; 404-267-0114.

A new movie shows a peek inside a changing family- and some delicious food too!

Magnolia Pictures is coming out with a film this month called I AM LOVE. The film, which takes place in Italy, centers on the Recchi family and it’s adjustments after the family Patriarch, names his successor to his colossal industrial company. He shocks everyone and decides to split the power between his own son and his grandson.

The delectable foods as well as the controversy come into play when the grandson dreams of opening a restaurant. However, Tancredi, the son, goes into business with a renowned chef, Antonio. Tancredi’s wife, Emma, played by Tilda Swinton, falls madly in love with Antonio. Seeing as how the film takes place in Italy, the food seen in the film is mainly Italian. This dish called is just one of the exquisite entrées featured in the film. The major theme seen in the movie is essentially the power of food and how its essence can bring people together. The food also symbolizes the intimacy between the art of cooking and the characters. You can watch the trailer here.

Aside from peering inside a family going through an array of changes, the film focuses on cuisine and how the love of food can bring people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, races etc. together. So for all you foodies out there, be sure to check out this film if you love good food and a good movie.

Midtown Summer Lunch Box Series

Thank goodness for a little bit of rain last night, huh? Take advantage of the slightly cooler weather with an outdoor lunch break!

Photo From Atlanta Intown Paper

All summer The Midtown Alliance is hosting their Summer Lunch Box Series featuring delicious lunches for sale from some of Midtown's most delish restaurants. Today's lunch is provided by Spice Market and the menu includes a choice of salmon salad with Boston lettuce and candied ginger dressing ($7), Vietnamese chicken sandwich ($7), or chilled sesame noodle salad (vegetarian option $7). All lunches are served with a homemade cookie and a choice of beverage. Lunch is offered from 11:30 - 2 p.m. in the Arts District Plaza (at the corner of Peachtree and 15th Street).

A DJ spinning tunes and colorful outdoor tables make this lunch break a must-do for all Midtowners. Hope to see you there!

We Want YOU to Salute Summer Grilling at Marlow's Tavern

Starting today, all six locations of Marlow’s Tavern are offering a star-spangled "Red, White and Brew" menu for the next six weeks that you won’t want to miss. The limited time menu is filled with all-American dishes like fiery deviled eggs; a watermelon, feta and arugula salad; chili-slathered corn on the cob; a backyard “brat” melt with grilled beer bratwurst; honey glazed grilled chicken; sweet berry shortcake; and a “summertime” watermelon margarita ($3-$12). These items are only available until July 26, so you’ll want to get in as much gobbling as you can before then (trust us, we would have given anything for just one more day of Bayou Burgers last time Marlow’s offered a special, limited time only menu).

There’s also something special happening for those of you who prefer to do your grilling at home. During this "Red, White and Brew" celebration, Marlow’s is hosting a recipe contest and the top prize is a Big Green Egg! Guests can submit recipes for their own signature grilled dishes online at www.marlowstavern.com or fill out an entry form at one of the six tavern locations through July 27. Executive Chef/Owner John Metz will review all the recipes and determine the winners by August 15. The winner gets a Big Green Egg and the honor of having their recipe featured on Marlow's fall/winter menu. Proceeds from the sale of the winning recipe will be donated in the winner's name to Special Olympics Georgia. The second-place winner takes home a $50 Marlow's Tavern gift card, and the third-place winner receives a Marlow's Tavern "Red, White and Brew" limited-edition t-shirt.

Marlow's Tavern Locations: 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.

Ray’s Demos and Deals

Ray’s Restaurants has some exciting events going on this summer starting with a cooking demo from Ray’s Killer Creek Chef Daniel Frier at the Riverside Farmers Market on Saturday, June 19. The market is not actually alongside the river anymore; this season it’s grown and moved to Roswell City Hall. See what Frier is cooking up to go with the market’s Georgia-grown produce and products and live music. Open Saturdays from 8 a.m. until noon through October 30, rain or shine! Riverside Farmers Market: 38 Hill Street; 404-613-7670.

Next up is the restaurant group’s new gift card special. From now until July 31, Ray’s Restaurants is throwing in an extra 20 percent for you with any Ray’s gift card purchase through July 31. Give a gift card for Father’s Day, a wedding or anniversary present or simply plan ahead for yourself. The 20 percent bonus can be added to same card or can be put on a separate card for another occasion. The only stipulation is that you cannot use the gift card on the same day it is purchased.

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.

Secret, Secret – We’ve Got a Secret! Play Marlow’s Tavern’s Secret Sign Contest for a Delicious Reward

Looking for a sign to point you towards your next dining destination?  How about a SECRET sign to lead you to a FREE burger and beer? 

To celebrate the beginning of their Red, White & Brew menu tomorrow, Marlow’s Tavern has hidden a poster in Midtown – the first person to snap a picture of themselves by the poster (just like the picture above) and email it to marlowstavernatlanta@gmail.com will receive a free burger and beer!

Now, we wouldn’t just send you out into the Midtown wilderness without a clue, would we?  Of course not! 

Steer yourself in the direction of where Midtown’s finest and smartest technical students go to get their literary fix, and perhaps a jersey or two.  A billboard outside the back door there holds your shot at free burger and beer!

Get to snapping, so you can get to snacking at Marlow’s!  We’ll be hiding flyers over the next few weeks and sending out clues, so stay tuned.  If you are the first fan to submit photos of yourself next to all four posters, you’ll win the grand prize – burgers & beer for 10 at Marlow’s Tavern!!  It’s going to be a fun, hot, delicious summer with Red, White & Brew!

World Cup Madness – Let the International Fun Begin

It’s hard not to be infected with World Cup Fever – it’s sweeping Atlanta as the games begin today! There are lots of great spots around town to watch your favorite countries and wave your flag, but both Marlow’s and Ormsby’s are making it even more enticing to plop down in your proud country colors for a brew and the big games!

Wherever your neighborhood is, there is sure to be a Marlow’s Tavern nearby and there’s lots of great reasons to stop by! From 2 to 5 p.m. during the big game, you can get half price appetizers and be entered to win a gift card. Social media junkie? Check-in on Foursquare and get even greater rewards – 20% off your bill when you show your server your check-in! Sweet!

You already know Ormsby’s for all the fun games like bocce ball and skeeball. Now you can add soccer to the mix of sports! Ormsby’s is participating in the Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010 with other area venues all donating a segment of profits to benefit SOS Children’s Villages. For example, when you order the $10 Paulaner beer and brat special, 15% of the brat’s proceeds will go towards this great cause. This will be going on the entire month during the World Cup, so stop by anytime to watch and help this worthy cause.

Whoever you’re rooting for, raise your vuvuzela and cheer your loudest cheer this weekend! Viva la World Cup!

It’s Follow Friday – Meet Our Tweep of the Week @MySkinConcierge

Your epidermis is showing, and Ava @MySkinConcierge knows how to treat it right.  She admits she's obsessed with skincare and trying new products.  Her obsession could be a time and money saver for you as she digs down deep.  Ava pores over more than skin.  The magazine travel and feature writer covers spas, travel and fun stuff with more details on her blog. 

Quality Wines & Great Values at Toulouse

If you're like me, you enjoy a good glass of wine. Those glasses of wine start adding up on the wallet, though. Luckily, Toulouse Restaurant is having their monthly wine tasting on Sunday, June 13 a 6:30 p.m. and is featuring wine values. There's no need to have to resort to a box of Franzia, because Toulouse will feature at least 15 wines to be tasted that are of great quality and value. There will also be light appetizers and the wine tasting is $35 per person. Toulouse’s wine tastings are very popular, and seats for this informative night are sure to go fast. Reserve a spot by calling 404-351-9533.

Toulouse: 2293 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite B; 404-351-9533.

YEAH! Burger Opens Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the day - FINALLY! I have been patiently waiting to try out Chef Shaun Doty's new burger joint and after pouring over the menu I already know what I'm trying first - a White Oak Pastures local beef patty on a whole wheat bun (I heard the buns are so light they actually bounce in your mouth. That is a quote.) with YEAH! sauce. I'm also saving room for a side of fifty-fifty (fries AND onion rings) and a peanut butter cup Concrete (a Concrete is very similar to Dairy Queen's Blizzards, and as a girl who can't pass a Dairy Queen without stopping for a fix, you can imagine I'm pretty excited...).

As I leave you anxiously waiting for lunchtime tomorrow, I thought I would share a few photos from Chef Doty's appearance on Good Day Atlanta this morning. As Good Day host Suchita Vadlamani said, "you can taste the love."

Toasting Up Some Artsy Fun for a Good Cause - The Bread Art Project

Like to play with your food? We do! Thanks to the internet, Share Our Strength and the Grain Foods Foundation, now you can play with your food AND help a great cause.

The non-profit Grain Foods Foundation created The Bread Art Project in 2009 to help create awareness of the growing hunger problem in our country. Last year alone, visitors to the site created more than 25,000 pieces of Bread Art; they’re hoping to reach their goal of 50,000 this year! For each piece of art created and posted, the Grain Foods Foundation will donate $1 to Share Our Strength. Get this - $1 can help provide THREE nutritious meals to a hungry child. Pretty amazing!

We had the pleasure of heading over to the Atlanta Community Food Bank this morning for a special presentation by Next Food Network Star Melissa d’Arabian, who filled us in about how the website can help fight hunger with your whole grain artworks.

She also shared some very fun ways to incorporate whole grain foods into your family’s diet with some easy, affordable recipes. Lucky for us some of these treats were there for us to try for ourselves! We’ve posted a recipe for one of her easy and yummy sandwiches that we tried below.

Feeling ready to get toasty yourself? Head over to The Bread Art Project, click Workshops and get creative! They’re up to 46,000 already, so let’s help them reach their goal of 50,000 pieces of toast and $50,000 for Share Our Strength!

Crispy Ham, Tomato and Mozzarella Sandwich
Recipe developed by Melissa d’Arabian for the Grain Foods Foundation
2 T olive oil plus 1 teaspoon, divided
1 t dried basil
1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed
4 thin slices ham
4 slices sandwich bread
4 slices mozzarella cheese
½ tomato, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper

In a small bowl, mix 2 T of the olive oil, basil, smashed garlic clove and salt and pepper with a
fork to release flavors and let sit while preparing the rest of the sandwich (at least five minutes).
In a small sauté pan, cook the ham in a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat 2-3 minutes per
side, or until beginning to crisp. Toast the bread. Lay the cheese on one slice of the toast and
brush generously with the flavored olive oil, using a pastry brush. Add the ham, and top with
tomatoes. Brush the tomatoes with the olive oil, and top with the second piece of toast. Repeat
for the second sandwich.
Yield: 2 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Ease of preparation: Easy

South City Kitchen Vinings Offers a Smokin' Good Time

South City Kitchen Vinings' annual Blues, Brews & BBQ event is back, which means it's time for your dose of live music, finger lickin' food, draft beer and drink specials. From Thursday, June 10 through Sunday, June 13, the Vinings restaurant will be serving up plates of Texas-style smoked beef brisket, chopped smoked pork butt, sweet tea-brined smoked half-chicken and half-racks of St. Louis-style spare ribs ($7-$8). Guests who just can't decide can opt for a combo Q plate for $15. Smoked meat plates come with Texas toast, house pickles and three BBQ sauces. Diners can also choose special appetizers, desserts and side items to complete their meal while listening to blues on the patio.

For reservations, call 770-435-0700 or book online .

South City Kitchen Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.

It’s Time to Truly Experience Midtown

Don’t miss all the excitement at the "Experience Life on the Midtown Mile" event this Thursday, June 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. During this time, event attendees can truly take in the gorgeous city skyline from the 1010 Midtown building while enjoying tastes from many of Midtown's favorite dining spots like South City Kitchen Midtown, RA Sushi and Marlow's Tavern-Midtown. Musician Troy Cono will be providing the sweet summertime tunes. Ticket proceeds benefit the Piedmont Park Conservancy. Purchase your tickets for $10 each when you RSVP to http://lifeonthemidtownmile.eventbrite.com/.

Pacci in the Park... Piedmont Park Green Market, that is

Pacci Ristorante is one cool place to dine.  As much as she loves her Pacci kitchen, Pacci Executive Chef Keira Moritz enjoys cooking al fresco whenever she gets a chance.  Her opportunity arises on Saturday, June 5 as she leads the Piedmont Park Green Market cooking demonstration from 11 a.m. until noon under the patio at the Community Center.  Come see what garden-fresh goodies she's picking up and tossing around, then head over to nearby Pacci for lunch!

IT’S FOLLOW FRIDAY – MEET OUR TWEEP OF THE WEEK @SAVORYEXPOSURE

Lights, camera, action! Atlanta blogger and gifted photographer Broderick exposes a gamut of fabulous foodie events, luscious links, gotta-eats and food photos on Savory Exposure. Time constraints? Make sure to stay exposed via his Twitter account!

Summer + Festival = SummerFest

In my mind, Memorial Day meant the beginning of summer, and summer means it's festival season! I'll be getting mine started this weekend at theVirginia Highland 2010 Summerfest, which is "Celebrating 27 Years of Art, Food & Fun" on Friday, June 4 through Sunday, June 6. On Friday night, impersonate your favorite movie character and be a part of the opening parade. Register online, then be at the start, Inman Hardware at Drewry and North Highland at 6 p.m. The parade ends up at the Inman Park field for a community/volunteers dinner with prizes, an outdoor movie and sweet dessert treats courtesy of La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco.

So go out, enjoy festival season and once you've had too much sun and fun, pull up a seat at Atkins Park Tavern on Friday, Saturday or Sunday for appetizers, ice cold brews and cocktails, wine and great grub.


Atkins Park Tavern - Virginia Highland: 794 North Highland Avenue; 404 -876-7249.
La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Ave, NE; 404-873-5430.
The Original El Taco: 1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.

Take Time To Toast Tuscany at Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery

Yesterday, I got the chance to visit the beautiful Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega. Even after a torrential thunderstorm, the winery was such a peaceful and pleasant sight. You can experience this breathtaking travel destination for yourself by making reservations for Wolf Mountain’s upcoming "Tribute to Tuscany" Sunday brunch event. Throughout June, the winery is offering delicious dishes such as Mediterranean salad tossed in white balsamic vinaigrette; house-made minestrone soup; roasted red pepper and olive tapenade; tomato, basil and mozzarella tapenade; garlic bread and bruschetta; prosciutto eggs Benedict; chicken Marsala; linguine with clam sauce; mini vegetable stromboli with pomodoro sauce; and a carving station with leg of lamb. Save room for tempting desserts of tiramisu trifle, mini Key lime tarts and cheesecakes and chocolate-covered strawberries. Brunch is $30 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and wine by the glass or bottle is also available at an additional cost. Brunch is offered every Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

On Father's Day, June 20, Wolf Mountain Vineyards puts Tuscany on hold to honor fathers with its 8th Annual Father's Day Gourmet BBQ.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery: 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega; 706-867-9862

Living La Vida Lobster at Aqua blue!

Beginning today, Maine lobster is the main event at Aqua blue in Roswell. The restaurant is offering a special Tailapalooza menu through July 3, so guests can get their fill of cuisine made with this tasty crustacean. From roast lobster bisque with a Maine lobster dumpling ($6) to the two tail combo served with house-made lobster mac 'n cheese, lemon-garlic butter, summer vegetable sauté and lobster knuckle sauce ($35), lobster leads the pack of delicious dishes. To wash it all down, try a mango tango lemonade with Absolut Mango and a splash of Watermelon Pucker, Villa Sandi prosecco or William Hill Chardonnay, all $7 a glass.

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

Memorial Day Eats

Picnic rained out? Need to get away from house guests? Just looking for some good eats on Memorial Day? We've pulled a list of some of our favorites to save you the trouble of calling around. Have a wonderful holiday!

• Ray's in the City will be open for dinner from 5 - 9 p.m., serving fine American fare and some of the best meats and seafood in town. It's located downtown and could be a nice stop if you're going to one of the attractions or just stopping in on your way home from the airport.


• Marlow's Tavern, with six locations convenient to wherever you may be spending Memorial Day, will be open serving mouthwatering American Tavern fare in a comfortable neighborhood setting. Nothing says "work-free Monday" like Kettle Chips and a cold beer.


• If you're in the mood for some homemade pasta and a nice glass of Chianti, head over to La Tavola for a quality visit with Chef Craig Richards. Open regular hours.


• For a memorable margarita and some fish tacos, you'll need to get to The Original El Taco in the Highlands pronto. Open regular hours on Monday.


• Tired of hamburgers and hotdogs? Take a virtual trip to the Mediterranean and dine at Ecco. We recommend the goat cheese balls drizzled with honey. Open regular hours.


• Midtown residents will be happy to know that they can celebrate this special day nearby at RA Sushi. There are always great specials and you know you'll have fun.


• Pretend you're in Southeast Asia and spice up your holiday at Spice Market. Open all day.


• Looking for a casual and delicious finale to the weekend? Look no further than beloved tavern Atkins Park. Both locations (Smyrna and Virginia Highlands) are open.


• Start a new Memorial Day tradition of bocce, darts, and skee ball at Ormsby's. More fun than a picnic - and no ants!


• Tell the bartender that you'll have a Swirl and your 3-day weekend is complete at Uncle Julio's (Perimeter and Peachtree Road). Trust me on this one.