This Gown Can't Keep You Down - Hit Midtown for the Ugly Bridesmaids Dress Bar Crawl

Photo from http://thegloss.com

Poofy shoulders… weird bows… bizarre colors… there are lots of variations that make that “ugly” bridesmaid dress hanging in the back of your closet just a little more ridiculous.   Give that gown one more time to shine this weekend with the Ugly Bridesmaid Bar Crawl happening in Midtown this Saturday night! 

The evening begins at 7 p.m. at Deadwood Saloon where you can register for the bar crawl and great prizes.  Bar crawlers can also meet Maid of (Dis)Honor, Atlanta author and syndicated advice columnist Blane Bachelor and get a copy of her new book, On Being a Bachelor: Thoughts on Dating, Mating and Relating (purchase an advance copy at www.askabachelor.com).  The bar crawl will have great food and drink specials throughout the night, just for donning that dress!  The bar crawl continues on to other Midtown hotspots, including RA Sushi, Ri Ra Irish Pub and Restaurant, Vickery’s and Front Page News.

The night doesn’t end there though!  You and your crew in the bar crawl will want to head back to Deadwood by 10 p.m. for prize drawings that include a signed copy of Blane’s book, Deadwood gift certificates and more. From 10 p.m. on, Deadwood will have karaoke and a DJ spinning 80s tunes all night long.   Don’t miss your chance to shimmy through Midtown in all of your taffeta glory!

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

Kim Severson is a Midwesterner who's been a journalist in Anchorage and San Fran and now writes for The New York Times.  Between coasts and pages, she's authored books and a food blog and finds time for softball. 

Her latest book "Spoon Fed: How Eight Cooks Saved My Life" is a memoir that just might be the inspiration you need to get off the couch and into the kitchen.  

Follow Severson on Twitter (@kimseverson) as she begins her newest adventure here in Atlanta.  Welcome, Kim!

Let the Eating Begin at Midtown Festival of the Arts

I'm pretty excited about checking out the brand new Midtown Festival of the Arts this weekend. Of course, the best part sounds like the food. There are street food vendors like Yeah! Burger (hello, sliders!), JCT, El Taco and South City Kitchen. And there is a cool restaurant area called Plates on Peachtree with the likes of Ecco, RA Sushi and Shaun's. While the rest of the event is free, Plates is $30 ($40 at the door). It's definitely worth it - lots of great restaurants and cooking demos on the Culinary Stage. I'll see you there!

HopCity Craft Beer Dinner at Ormsbys

Wednesday, September 29 will be a night full of great pairings, starting with HopCity Craft Beer and Ormsby’s.   HopCity, the store specializing in craft brews, is joining forces with Ormbsy’s to serve up an evening full of tantalizing food and beer pairings.  A reception and Dupon Foret kicks off the evening at 7:30 pm.  Dinner will follow with a local heirloom tomato salad, Sweetgrass Dairy goat cheese, Vidalia onions and balsamic vinegar served with Brooklyn Local 1; IPA-steamed black mussels and crusty bread served with SweetWater IPA; and ends with a savory pairing of roasted pork tenderloin, pimento cheese grits, green beans and a local fig glaze served with Maredsous 8.  Last but certainly not least, Trois Pistoles, a Belgian-style strong and dark ale wraps up the meal…but not the fun – stay for some after-dinner bocce at Ormsby’s!  Cost is $30 per person.

Ormsby's: 1170 Howell Mill Road, NW; 404-968-2033.

Atlanta hot spots for football, food and drinks!

Be it college or NFL action, football season is upon us, and Atlanta restaurants and food companies are ready with game-day food, drink and better-than-50-yardline views.

All Marlow's Tavern locations, for instance, have a full lineup of gridiron action running on HD televisions and a special play list for Saturday through Monday night action. On Saturdays, Marlow's locations will highlight a SEC game of the week and offer a special "Game Day" menu. Sign up to receive weekly announcements about the game of the week and to find out the secret word for the day. Share the secret word with the Marlow's manager on duty and receive a free gift. Touch down on Sundays and Mondays for food and drink specials to keep you in the all the action. (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.)

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food steps in with a full catering lineup and a special team of Party Packs To-Go so you can plan a winning game on your own turf. To plan your strategy, intercept info online for full-service catering, Catering Express and Party Packs. Uncle Julio's comes through, catering the whole shebang from utensils and chafing dishes to fajita and appetizer fiestas and soft taco parties. (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: 678-736-8261.)

Football and the Old West don't usually appear in the same sentence, but then Deadwood has always been synonymous for bucking tradition and making every day a game day. Deadwood Saloon may be the new kid in Midtown, but they are well established in the art of football viewing and food and drink specials! (66 12th Street; 404-671-4290.)

Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna is a primo spot for the LSU Tiger and New Orleans Saints fans to hang out at the bar to watch their games and cheer on their teams with music and fight songs. Market Village, Road, Smyrna; 770-435-1887.)

We all know steak graces football training dinner tables -- so why not the tables for game-famished fans? Land your fan group at Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead or Downtown for game viewing and sink your teeth into their renowned steaks and toss back top-shelf cocktails and brews. Plunk down at the bar or rent a boardroom for a spirited party place. (Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.)

Does the phrase "hot and spicy" get your game-day mojo going? Well, Hot Squeeze Sweet Heat Chipotle Sauce is just for you. Whether you have meat, fish, potatoes, vegetables or even salad in mind, it's sure to jazz up everything on your plate! With Hot Squeeze you've got it all -- sauce, marinade, dressing, glaze -- in one bottle! Want a free bottle of Hot Squeeze? Visit the website now for a special limited time offer. or more information on where to buy your bottle of Hot Squeeze, visit the company website or call 404-377-2987.

If you're a do-it-yourself football fans will be happy to know that you can pick up White Oak Pastures grass-fed beef products at Publix and Whole Foods Market locations all over town. Whether savory steaks or hefty hamburgers are on your game day menu, the Harris family farm has something for everyone! Check out all White Oak Pastures retailers online.

Pig Poets Strike Again! Win Tickets to Streak O' Lean's High On The Hog Event

Photo from http://hubpages.com/hub/Butcher-a-Pig-Diagram

We absolutely loved reading everybody’s hog haikus earlier this year for our big contest – so much so that we’re bringing back some pig poetry today for another tasty prize.  Namely, two tickets to High on the Hog, hosted by Streak O’ Lean! 

What is High on the Hog, you ask? 

On Thursday, October 7, High on the Hog refers to a night of live butcher demonstrations and a meat-centric feast hosted by Streak O' Lean at Engine 11 (30 North Avenue, NE).  Streak O' Lean provides informative classes, dinners and demonstrations to help folks appreciate and comprehend the power of local food systems and the symbiotic relationship of domesticated livestock. 

In simpler terms, they invite you to meet and greet over some great, locally raised and freshly butchered meat. High on the Hog begins at 7 p.m. with cocktails featuring bacon-infused bourbon and a full, three-animal butchery demonstration (hog, lamb and local Georgia rabbits) then heads to the table for a four-course dinner.

Now, back to those two tickets we’re giving away to a lucky winner… write a LIMERICK here in our blog comments about your favorite cut of meat and if it’s our favorite, you could find yourself at High on the Hog with a lucky friend! 

Rules To Be Awesome at Limericks:

Proper Limerick Form (thanks Wikipedia)

Be Witty

Be Clever
Be Funny

Not good at poetry?  Don’t fret – you can purchase your tickets online for $75-$100 each.  Slow Food members, mention your membership at the event and a portion of your ticket price will be donated to the Terra Madre fund.

Atkins Park and Ormsby's Will Take You Out to the Ball Game!

Ormsby's and both locations of Atkins Park (Virginia-Highland and Smyrna) want to bid farewell to Atlanta Braves General Manager Bobby Cox at his last Braves home game on October 3, and the restaurants want to take Braves fans with them! Snag a seat with one of the three restaurants for the Braves' last home game of the 2010 season and get a pre-game hotdog, Jäger, beer, a roundtrip bus ride to and from Turner Field and a ticket (with 755 Club access) to the anticipated sell-out game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Cost for this package is $55 per person. Each restaurant has only 45 seats available, so stop by and purchase your seat today and be ready to roll at your chosen restaurant at noon on October 3.

Atkins Park Tavern - Virginia Highland: 794 North Highland Avenue; 404 -876-7249.
Atkins Park Tavern - Smyrna: Market Village,2840 Atlanta Road; 770-435-1887.
Ormsby's: 1170 Howell Mill Road, NW; 404-968-2033.

Make Your Way to Marietta for the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction

No plans this Thursday night? Well, we’ve got an incredible event with good food and a great cause. The Marietta Country Club is hosting the March of Dimes Georgia Cobb Signature Chefs Auction this Thursday from 6 p.m. to 10: 30 p.m. Corporate Executive Chef Tom McEachern of Ray's Restaurants and other premier Cobb restaurant chefs will be servin’ up savory dishes for everyone in attendance. The event also includes silent and live auctions. Click here to purchase a table for 10 ($1,500) or single tickets ($150 each).

National Singles Week?!

So, this week is National Singles Week and, while we aren't exactly sure why we need to celebrate being single (OR being in a relationship *cough - Valentine's Day-cough*), we do love any excuse for a fun evening out! Get ready to toss back a few drinks and enjoy the festivities - they are open to EVERYONE - single, formerly single or soon to be single!!

Thursday, September 23 - Join advice columnist and local author Blane Bachelor and DAVE FM DJ extraordinaire Sully as Spice Market's guest bartenders for A Singular Celebration! From 7:30 - 10 p.m. Blane and Sully will be serving up drinks, free appetizers and advice all night long. Tips from the evening will be donated to the Atlanta chapter of Dress for Success. Spice Market will also be collecting gently worn shoes and handbags throughout the evening. So clean out your closet, grab your pals and come get your drink on!

Saturday, September 25 - Ugly Bridesmaid Dress Bar Crawl. Need we say anymore? Put on one of the 20 or so ugly bridesmaid dresses in your closet and meet us at Deadwood Saloon at 7 p.m. Check-in to pick up your signature Ring Pop and then follow the crowd as we crawl down Crescent Avenue to RA Sushi, Ri Ra, Vickery's and Front Page News. We'll end up back at Deadwood around 10 p.m. for great prize drawings, two DJs and plenty of 80s tunes.

Happy National Singles Week!

Lots Going on at Shaun's

Don't expect to see Shaun Doty anywhere but in the kitchen at Shaun's for the next few days. He'll be whipping up a 3-course gluten-free menu all weekend (Fri - Sun). Those who avoid gluten will love the white gazpacho and scuppernongs, followed by prosciutto San Daniele with gluten-free focaccia and wilted radicchio with burst tomato vinaigrette, Steen's cane syrup-marinated duck with ginger, sweet potato and endive, and vanilla panna cotta and fresh cherry sorbet close out the meal. It's $45 per person (excluding beverage, tax and gratuity). Additionally, on Saturday he's bringing back the popular half price brunch offer that will surely bring a line of happy customers to the door. And then, it's Inman Park Restaurant Week! Usually closed on Monday and Tuesday, Shaun's will be open all week serving a yummy $25 menu. I don't know about you but I see a can of Red Bull in his future!

thanks to benay kissel/tribal chicke designs for the photo

It's Follow Friday; meet our Tweep of the Week @kittenwithawhip!

You might think CNN is short for Culinary News Network when you click on Eatocracy, the network's food blog.  

Get comfy with your laptop or iPad because you're going to find a hefty amount of intriguing reads here!  Keep up with the short version on Eatocracy Managing Editor Kat Kinsman's Twitter.

Spice Market Steps Outside

Looking for a reason to stay outside on a beautiful day like today? Well, we’ve got the perfect event to embrace this amazing weather. Today, Spice Market Executive Chef Mauro Gomez will provide complimentary appetizers at the Atlanta Botanical Garden's weekly Cocktails in the Garden party. This month’s theme, "Mocha & Mudslides," ushers in the chocolaty goodness of the Garden's newest exhibit, Chocolate: Seed to Sweet. Treats and drinks at the 6-10 p.m. party will be derived from the cacao tree. Tickets are just $15; garden members free; guest passes accepted. Full cash bar.

If today is already booked, then you can catch Chef Gomez at the Piedmont Park Green Market's 11 a.m. chef demo this Saturday, September 18. This event is free, although you'll probably spend some green beforehand on fresh veggies and other finds at the Green Market.

Spice Market: In the W Atlanta-Midtown, 188 14th Street, NE; 404-724-2550.

Two Weeks of Smyrna Eats and Drinks with Atkins Park

It’s time once again for the Taste of Smyrna “Festival of the Delectable” and Atkins Park Tavern is one of over 30 restaurants participating on Saturday September 18^th from 11am – 8 pm on the Village Green in downtown Smyrna.  Samples will range from 50 cents to 4 dollars, but event admission (plus all the smells!) is completely free.  A feast for the eyes and ears too; event attendees can enjoy the acoustic stylings of Scott Thompson on the Veteran’s Memorial and continuous entertainment on the Main Stage.  Plus there will be a Kid’s Zone equipped with impressive interactive inflatables.  The entire food-filled event concludes with a concert on the Main Stage at 7pm.

But wait - the foodie fun in Smyrna is just getting started!  Atkins Park will be hosting the Smyrna Beer Fest on Saturday, September 25 from 1-6pm at Smyrna Market Village, 2480 Atlanta Road.  Admission includes hundreds of local, domestic, and imported beers, wine tastings, and a commemorative 7 ounce tasting glass, plus tasty snacks from Atkins Park and other local eateries.  In addition to the drinks and eats, there will be entertainment by Lethal Rhythms and college football viewing.  Must be 21 and up to attend, but dogs of all ages are welcome (just be sure to clean up after your pooch!).  Purchase tickets for $25 in advance or $35 at the gate.  No strollers, backpacks, or coolers permitted.  Event proceeds will benefit Mustard Seed Communities and the Smyrna Education Foundation.

Atkins Park Tavern - Smyrna:  Market Village, 2840 Atlanta Road; 770-435-1887.

Get Your Taste Buds Geared Up for the Martinelli Wine Dinner at Aria Next Week!

An apple a day keeps the doctor away...yes, we're talking about THAT Martinelli, the company that has been producing both apples and wines since 1896! But this time around they will be gracing Aria guests with a fall wine dinner on Wednesday, September 22 at 7 p.m. Juliana Martinelli will bring Martinelli Estate's fine wines to the intimate Buckhead restaurant for a Sonoma Valley wine dinner experience featuring food from Aria Owner/Chef Gerry Klaskala. Between sips, guests will get to learn about the Martinelli family's winery legacy and winemaking techniques. Cost is $100 per person including tax and gratuity. Call 404-233-7673 for more information and to make reservations.

Aria: 490 East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead.

Cobb County Restaurant Week

You have until this Saturday to "Taste the Good Life" during lunch or dinner for only $20.10 per person during Cobb County Restaurant Week. From Vinings to Kennesaw, a whole slew of Cobb County restaurants are participating in the week long food fest by offering special three-course prix fixe lunch or dinner menus.

Guests can select their appetizer, entrée and dessert from a menu of options at local favorites such as South City Kitchen Vinings, Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna and Marlow's Tavern locations in Kennesaw and Vinings. Be sure to snag your seat before Saturday or this deal will be long gone!

Dine Out For A Cause

I tend to dine out for lunch or dinner several times each week, so now my eating habits will actually benefit a great cause. The Great American Dine Out is being held September 19-25 to help Share Our Strength end childhood hunger in America by 2015. All Marlow's Tavern locations, Aqua blue and Spice Market are among the many participants for the nationwide event.

Aqua blue and Marlow's Tavern locations are asking guests to donate $1 or more toward the cause. In return, they'll receive one $5 gift card to use on their next purchase at the restaurants. Spice Market is taking a different route to encourage diner participation by offering a special three-course menu for $45, with $10 going straight to Share Our Strength.

Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.
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.
Spice Market: In the W Atlanta Midtown, 188 14th Street, NE; 404-724-2550.

Don’t Miss Deadwood’s Opening Party!

We’ve got a cure for the “hump day” blues this week: Deadwood Saloon’s grand opening party this Wednesday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.! You and all your friends are welcome at the newly-opened Midtown eatery and bar for an evening of complimentary appetizers, drink specials such as $2 Bud Light drafts and $3 Absolut cocktails and two DJs spinning tunes all night long. There is free parking across the street. Let ‘em know you’re coming by RSVPing today!

Deadwood Saloon: 66 12th Street in Midtown; 404-671-4290.

It's Follow Friday! Meet Our Tweep of the Week @BocceAtlanta

Bocce has become a fun pastime in Atlanta thanks to restaurants like Ormsby's and Leon's Full Service, and now the Atlanta Bocce League is turning it into some friendly competition. Find them at Piedmont Park or on Twitter.

The season starts up September 15, and you can still register this weekend if you're joining an existing team that has already been started by a friend. Bocce fans who want to cheer on the players can "Like" the league on Facebook to recieve updates.

Ormsby's is a league sponsor and the spot to end up after the weekly Wednesday night games at Piedmont Park's new bocce courts.

Calling all Cabernet Lovers! Get Your Caboose to Toulouse

For Toulouse’s September wine tasting, the Buckhead restaurant is taking guests on a tour through 15 different Cabernets this Sunday. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on September 12, vino lovers will be able to taste these wines and enjoy light appetizers for only $30 per person. To save your seat, call 404-351-9533.

Toulouse is located at 2293 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite B.

Woodfire Grill Brings the BBQ at the Taste & Tour of Cheshire Bridge this Saturday

Cheshire Bridge Road, the street that never sleeps, has an eclectic mix of restaurants, retail, communities and businesses that are eager to share their vibe with everyone who drops by the annual Taste & Tour of Cheshire Bridge 2010 on Saturday and Sunday, September 11 and 12. Come try some delicious BBQ from Woodfire Grill as part of the Tasting & Market activities from noon until 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 11 only. Live music and art by local artists keeps things colorful. Purchase tickets online for $20 per person for both days or for $25 per person at the event (at the Cheshire Pointe Shopping Center at 2000 Cheshire Bridge Road NE). Parking is available at Cheshire Square Shopping Center, along Faulkner Road (and other side streets), or the Piedmont Road lot of Nakato's. Walk or take the trolley to the event.

Woodfire Grill: 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

LOCAL CHEFS PARTY IN THE KITCHEN FOR A GREAT CAUSE

The 7th Annual Party in the Kitchen event at Mason Murer Fine Art is tonight, September 9th, and some of Atlanta’s finest chefs will be on location to help raise funds and awareness for Open Hand, a nonprofit organization that packs and delivers more than 5,000 meals daily across 17 Georgia counties for individuals living with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS and cancer. Tonight guests can catch a glimpse into the future of Open Hand since Mason Murer is located right next to the site of their new campus. The evening will include live music, dancing, and food prepared onsite by local chefs Gerry Klaskala of Aria and Craig Sauls of The Original El Taco. Plus, an exciting new addition to this year’s event will be a silent auction, where the grand prize is a meal for a lucky party of 12 prepared in the winner’s home by Peter Kaiser, Gerry Klaskala, Kevin Maxey, Kevin Rathbun, and Shane Touhy! Reserved admission is $150 for a single event ticket or $500 for two Patron tickets (which includes event admission plus access to the exclusive Patron reception at 6:00 p.m. where patrons can meet and greet participating chefs). Event parking is complimentary. Purchase tickets at ProjectOpenHand.org.

Where should I eat lunch? Davio's!

Newly opened Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse in Phipps Plaza will begin opening the doors even earlier -- at 11:30 a.m. every day! The restaurant is now offering lunch, Sunday brunch and an extensive bar menu to satisfy cravings at all hours of the day.

For a business lunch or a shopping and lunch date, Davio's is the place at Phipps.

Also stay up to date with the happenings at Davio's and add them to your Facebook friend list.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse: Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-844-4810.

It's Time to Get Your "Chop" on at Aqua blue

Today officially kicks off "Chop Month" at Aqua blue! Make your way to the Roswell restaurant for incredible menu items like the Aqua blue "Chop" salad ($9), St. Louis-style hoisin rib chop ($10), bone-in spicy Guinness-marinated chicken ($19), Caribbean-spiced pork chop ($21) and Australian lamb chop ($30). All chops are accompanied by forest mushroom and asparagus tip risotto with sweet herbs. Aqua blue is also offering delightful drinks to pair with your chops: AB classic martini with Gorgonzola-stuffed olives ($7); the Black Bourbon "Chop" -- Jim Beam Black bourbon and peach with a splash of cranberry and a pickled ginger-stuffed cherry ($7); 2007 Benziger Sangiacomo Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay ($8) and 2007 Trapiche Broquel Malbec ($9). Guests may also order off Aqua blue's menu of à la carte items and award-winning sushi during "Chop Month." The special menu ends on Monday, October 11.

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

Who's Open on Labor Day?

Forgot to clean the grill? Don't have a staff? No worries! Here's a list of restaurants that will gladly cook for you and yours on Labor Day. Hope it's a great day!

Ray's Killer Creek will be open and serving its signature seafood, beef and chicken dishes to Alpharetta diners. Both the Buckhead and Sandy Springs locations of Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food will dole out their generous plates of Mexican specialties and chilling margaritas in a mucho lively atmosphere. Spice Market, in the W Atlanta Midtown, will be open on Labor Day to welcome guests to a globally inspired holiday. Have the gang meet you at Marlow's! With six locations conveniently located in neighborhoods all over town, Marlow's Tavern will be serving their classic American tavern fare that's sure to whet any appetite.



In Virginia Highland, La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco will respectively serve up authentic Italian and plenty of fiesta fare. Both Atkins Park locations -- Virginia Highland and Smyrna -- will be open on Labor Day with staples such as Big Green Egg-smoked all-natural chicken breast, wild Georgia shrimp and grits, fresh North Georgia trout and lots of cold libations and brews. Atkins Park Virginia Highland starts the holiday early by staying open late on Sunday, September 5.




In Midtown, RA Sushi will be keeping folks happy on Labor Day with their deliciously fun menu of sushi, like their fan favorites Tootsy Maki and Viva Las Vegas roll. Buckhead residents can satiate themselves after a full day of Labor Day sale shopping with an incredible dinner at Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse featuring menu items such as a grilled porterhouse veal chop or pan-roasted Maine lobster.




Westsiders can sidle into YEAH! BURGER for all-natural beef, bison, turkey or veggie burgers, toppings, sauces and sides, as well as shakes made with organic milk. Night owls, note Ormsby's is open late the night before Labor Day as well as being open on Labor Day to quench beer thirsts and provide classic game action like darts, for instance. West Egg Café, near the White Provision complex on Atlanta's Westside, will be open Labor Day, serving breakfast and locally roasted Batdorf & Bronson coffee from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.