The People's Best New Chef: Cast Your Vote!

In case you missed the news yesterday, we the people can vote for Woodfire Grill Executive Chef/Co-owner and "Top Chef" contestant Kevin Gillespie during Food & Wine's "The People's Best New Chef" competition!  The newly established contest is an offshoot of Food & Wine's "Best New Chef" title, an honor given annually to the country's most promising up-and-coming chefs who have run their own kitchens for five years or less.   

On February 15, the magazine announced the 100 nominees for the "People's" version of this honor on eatocracy.com/foodandwine.  The contest divides the nation into 10 regions with 10 nominees per region.  Anyone can vote, and voters may cast one vote per region.  The chef receiving the most votes in a region will be that region's finalist; the chef receiving the most votes overall will win the title of "The People's Best New Chef 2011," and their bio will be featured in the July issue of Food & Wine.   

Voting ends on March 1; Food & Wine will announce the winner of "The People's Best New Chef" award on March 2 and "The 10 Best New Chefs" in early April. Look for the announcement on the Food & Wine website, Facebook as well as via Twitter. 

Add a Little Spice in Your Life at Marlow’s Tavern

“Bayou ‘n Bourbon” is back at Marlow’s Tavern and spicier than ever! Beginning Tuesday, February 15 through Monday, March 28, choose from a variety of flavors from the Deep South on this limited-time menu. You can munch on the traditional Roast Chicken and Shrimp Gumbo ($6) or the “jazzed up” Bayou Burger ($10) paired with a Louisiana-style drink such as Pat’s Marlow’s Hurricane ($8) or the Cajun Cosmo ($8).

Don’t miss this celebration! Marlow’s Tavern will offer this six-week long promotion daily at all seven locations. For more information about Marlow’s Tavern and their locations, visit www.marlowstavern.com. Laissez les bon temps rouler! (Let the good times roll!)

Pinot Noir Wine Dinner at Aria with Brian Loring on Feb. 23

If you have an obsession with Pinot Noir, then Brian Loring of Loring Wine Company could perhaps be your new favorite companion. Loring has been making wine for 11 years in California and Oregon vineyards and is most known for his fascination with Pinot Noir. Therefore, On February 23, Aria is hosting a Loring Winemaker Dinner, which will focus on 2009 vintage Pinot Noirs from Santa Lucia Highlands and the Russian River Valley. The wine dinner opens with a 6:30 p.m. reception, followed by dinner at 7 p.m.

The reception is accompanied by Sauvignon Blanc/Semillon, Chateau Guiraud, Bordeaux 09. An amuse of ginger prawn with madras curry aioli clears the palate for the four-course dinner featuring warm smoked breast of duck with chicories, toasted walnuts and Pecorino Toscano served with Russian River Valley 09 and Santa Lucia Highlands 09; slow braised shoulder of veal with cipollini, sweet red peppers and parsnips paired with Durell Vineyard, Sonoma Coast 09 and Graham Family Vineyard, Green Valley of Russian River Valley 09; Cervena venison chop with black trumpet, hedgehog and oyster mushrooms and yellow finn and sweet potato gratin served with Rosella's Vineyard, Santa Lucia Highlands 09 and Keefer Ranch Vineyard, Green Valley of Russian River 09; and dessert of Arborio rice pudding with caramelized mango and coconut ice cream.

$130 per person, including tax and gratuity. Reserve your seats by calling Chris Soluri of Fine Wine Connection at 770-984-9663.

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

Ray’s at Killer Creek Gives You A Break on Brunch and Lunch on Sundays

From Sunday, February 20 through Sunday, April 10, Ray’s at Killer Creek is offering its brunch and lunch menu items at half-price on Sundays. Take your pick of Chef Tracey Bloom’s delicious menu items like the house made corned beef hash with poached eggs; ham, egg and cheese sandwich made with Spanish pulled pork, fried egg and Vermont cheddar; mascarpone-stuffed French toast topped with fresh berries; shrimp and grits; jumbo lump crab cakes; and salmon BLT. Ray’s at Killer Creek serves brunch and lunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sundays. The restaurant is located at 1700 Mansell Road in Alpharetta; 770-649-0064.

Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna Tells Cupid To Get Lost This Saturday Night

As a girl who used to wear all-black to school in protest on Cupid’s big day (teen angst, anyone?), I can honestly admit that Valentine’s Day isn’t for everybody.  Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna feels the same way and tomorrow night they’re proving it with their Anti-Valentine’s Day party!  Singletons (and even those who aren’t single) can celebrate Anti-Valentine’s Day starting at 10 p.m. 

There will be a fun 'broken heart balloon drop' where the balloons hold raffle tickets that could win you prizes, gifts and house cash! Enjoy $3 “Cupid’s Tears” and “Anti-Love Potion” shots, plus Sol Junky will be performing live.  Tell Cupid to take his bow and arrow elsewhere and join the fun!

It's Follow Friday; Meet Our Tweep of the Week @GFandSouthern

Lauren Smith, the 20-something blog-tress behind Gluten Free & Southern has taken it upon herself to show that you can live a gluten-free lifestyle in the "deep fried South." Smith works for @ShopVisible in marketing and social media during the day.  

After hours, the gluten-free gal is back online building her blog with recipes, Atlanta restaurants with gluten-free offerings and links to gluten-free items to purchase online.  Follow her on Twitter (@GFandSouthern) and Facebook.

Help Support Georgia Organics at YEAH! BURGER Next Week!

YEAH! BURGER takes its community roles as seriously as it does its hamburger rolls. The classic burger joint in Atlanta's West Midtown and Virginia Highland communities is committed to sustainability and natural and organic ingredients, so holding a fundraising week for Georgia Organics' Farm-to-School program is a brain food no brainer. During the week of February 14 - 20, YEAH! Burger guests will be asked if they want to donate $1 to the Georgia Organics initiative to bring healthy, local food to Georgia school children. In other words, whether you're at YEAH! BURGER for a grass-fed beef burger, a lettuce-topped veggie burger or a stiff concrete, how about slipping some green in the jar for farm-to-school food?


YEAH! BURGER - Virginia Highland: 1017 North Highland Avenue; 404-437-7845.
YEAH! BURGER - West Midtown: 1168 Howell Mill Road, Suite E; 404-496-4393.

Quench Your Thirst on Thursdays for a Ketel One Martini

What’s a day without a little bit of fun? Well, Thursdays at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse in Phipps Plaza have now become “Thirstdays” on February 10 and 17. All day, come sip on a $7 Ketel One martini.  Bring a friend or a group for martini memories or a match-up Davio’s dinner!

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

ATKINS PARK TAVERN IN VIRGINIA HIGHLAND HOSTS SPRING PREVIEW BEER DINNER ON FEBRUARY 17

If you love trying new beers, you’ll love Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland on Thursday, February 17 at 6:30 p.m. Chosen by its beer distributors to launch their spring seasonal beer and ale line, Atkins Park Tavern will privilege its beer aficionados to enjoy some of the first sips in the city of Peak Organic Spring Simcoe I.P.A. and other seasonal pours, as well as feast on a four-course dinner.

The four-course dinner with beer pairings includes spring bruschetta with house-made ricotta, spring peas, roasted artichoke and parmesan served with Magic Hat Vinyl Amber Lager; fish and chips made with I.P.A.-battered black cod, malt vinegar slaw, three pepper tartar and fingerling chips paired with Peak Organic Spring Simcoe I.P.A.; grilled spring lamb tenderloin with young carrots and turnips, polenta croutons and pickled mustard seed plus New Belgium Mighty Arrow Pale Ale; and dessert of chocolate orange doughnut hole paired with Atkins Park Managing Partner Kyle Taylor's favorite non-seasonal New Belgium 1554 Enlightened Black Ale.

$30 per person; limited seating available. Call 404-876-7249 to make reservations.

Atkins Park Tavern - Virginia Highland: 794 North Highland Avenue

Bring Your Sweetheart to Atkins Park for a Romantic Valentine’s Dinner

Searching for a nice dinner for Valentine’s Day? Look no further because Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia-Highland has the perfect Valentine’s special for you and your loved one. Starting with the appetizer, you can select the Rock Shrimp & Calamari Ceviche ($10) or the Beet Carpaccio with Crispy Pork Belly ($10). After munching on a starter, you can order the Pan Roasted Skate Wing with crispy rock shrimp mac & cheese and sweet chili ($20) or the Smoke Roasted Prime Rib with creamy horseradish potatoes, black trumpet mushrooms, and rosemary jus ($24). To top off the meal, you can share (or even eat your own!) chocolate with house-made oreos, chocolate caramels, and bittersweet ice cream ($6).

The chef’s Valentine’s menu will be available from Saturday, February 12 to Monday, February 14. Come in Monday with your valentine and receive a complimentary rose. Make sure you visit Atkins Park during Valentine’s weekend to eat these tasty “Valentine’s Weekend only” deals! For more information, please visit www.atkinspark.com.

Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia-Highland: 794 N. Highland Avenue; 404-876-7250.

Woodfire Grill is Calling All Fools for Love (and Wine!) on Feb. 13

Georgia Shakespeare's 3rd Annual "Fools for Love" wine dinner and cabaret is slated for Sunday, February 13 at Woodfire Grill and is sure to score you major points with your sweetie for Valentine's Day. Guests will enjoy witty lyrics, catchy music by Academy Award-winning composer Stephen Sondheim, fare from Woodfire Grill Executive Chef/Co-owner Kevin Gillespie and wines chosen by Woodfire Grill Wine Director/Co-owner Nicolas Quinones. Tickets to the 7 - 10 p.m. event are $125 each and include a four-course meal with wine pairings and entertainment from Georgia Shakespeare's highly talented performers. Purchase tickets online or by calling 404-264-002.

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

Only One Month Until Mardi Gras?

January has really flown by and before we know it February will be over, too! That means there’s really just a month until the biggest party of the year: Mardi Gras. Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna isn't waiting for March 8 to celebrate. The popular neighborhood eatery and bar is hosting a "One Month 'til Mardi Gras" tomorrow night! So go ahead and get the good times rolling a month early by enjoying Louisiana appetizers, Abita beer and hurricane specials, $5 Stoli martinis plus masks, beads and live music by Scotty Cram at 8 p.m.

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

Choo-Choo-Choose Your Favorite Valentine's Day Meal at Atlanta Restaurants

Still haven’t made those Valentine’s Day plans yet?  Don’t worry, we won’t tell your sweetie… in fact, we have you covered with a “get out of jail free” card with lots of amazing, romantic opportunities to wine and dine your love this February!

Aqua blue in Roswell is offering a special four-course menu from Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14 for $50 per person (plus tax and gratuity).   The regular a la carte menu also is available.  For reservations, call 770-643-8886. 

Aria will offer a four-course Valentine's menu for $85 per person with wine pairings available at an additional cost.  For reservations, call the restaurant at 404-233-7673.

For those not so fond of the day of love, Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna is hosting an Anti-Valentine's Day party on Saturday, February 12 beginning at 10 p.m.  The lovelorn can lift their spirits with Sam Adams and Grey Goose drink specials.  The restaurant also will offer a $38 four-course Valentine's Day menu with complimentary chocolate-covered strawberries and prosecco on Saturday, February 12 and Monday, February 14.  Reservations are recommended; call 770-435-1887.

Enjoy Valentine's Day weekend at Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse.  The Phipps Plaza restaurant is offering Executive Chef Bennett Hollberg's holiday prix fixe menu for $48 a person from Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14.  For reservations, call 404-844-4810. 

Enjoy Ecco's European-inspired ambiance and cuisine in the heart of Midtown.  For Valentine's Day, Ecco is offering a $50 three-course prix fixe menu.  Highlights include appetizer choices of fried goat cheese, honey and black pepper; seared scallops with fennel, tarragon and curry; and local pork belly, salted cabbage and cranberry bean salad.  Among the entrée choices are mushroom risotto with fontina val d'aosta; sautéed halibut cheeks with white wine and fingerling potatoes; and grilled lamb ribs with roasted mushrooms and tomato.  For dessert, choose between the chocolate truffle tasting and walnut and chocolate semifreddo with caramel-espresso.  For reservations, call 404-347-9555

Share a romantic menu for two at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar from Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14.  The restaurant also is giving a $25 Fleming's card to Valentine's Day guests.  For reservations, call 770-698-8112. 

JCT. Kitchen & Bar dishes up Executive Chef/Owner Ford Fry's Southern favorites on a "taste" + three, four-course menu for $55 per person on Monday, February 14 only.  For reservations, call 404-355-2252. 

Celebrate Valentine's Italian style with La Tavola Trattoria's $49 three-course, prix fixe menu. Among the appetizers are grilled calamari with cannellini beans, celery, harissa and lemon agrumato oil and burrata with caviar and arugula.  Entrée selections include wild striped bass with sunchoke puree, crispy pancetta and salsa verde; Saltimbocca alla Romana, veal scallopine with prosciutto and sage, roasted fingerling potatoes, frisée and anchovy vinaigrette; and wild mushroom agnolotti with chive flowers and black truffle butter.  Sweet endings include Meyer lemon-olive oil cake with stewed huckleberries and fresh cream and mascarpone cheesecake with pecan streusel, candied pecans and pomegranate curd.  Call 404-873-5430 for reservations.  Now that's amore!

Bring a date, or not, to the annual "Queen of Hearts" Valentine's social at Pacci Ristorante on Thursday, February 10 from 6 - 9 p.m.   The event is free of charge and will feature complimentary appetizers, cocktail specials, raffle prizes, a tarot card reader and a Q & A session with Atlanta-based author and syndicated advice columnist Blane Bachelor, who also is The Sunday Paper's resident romance expert.  Then Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14, Executive Chef Keira Moritz has planned a special three-course menu for $40 per person plus tax and gratuity.  The restaurant's regular menu also will be served.  For reservations, call 678-412-2402.

Pinkberry has a way to say "You Make My Heart Swirl" between February 11 and February 14.  Select from three Valentine's-themed combos of Pinkberry yogurt and toppings packaged for Valentine's Day and decorated with balloons, ribbons and hearts.  They'll even hand deliver the treat -- free of charge -- to that someone special's home or office.  Pinkberry Swirly Grams are swoonable gifts to send to a loved one farther away and are available through Pinkberry's website.  Order online through February 9 and in stores through February 10.

Friday, February 11 through Monday, February 14, all three Ray's Restaurants -- Rays on the River, Ray's at Killer Creek and Ray's in the City -- are offering four-course Valentine's Day menus for $65 (excluding tax, gratuity and alcohol).  Each restaurant's regular menu also will be available. Make reservations online or call Ray's on the River at 770-955-1187, Ray's at Killer Creek at 770-649-0064 or Ray's in the City at 404-524-9224.

For a taste of the South on Valentine's Day, South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings are each offering prix fixe menus for $39.95.  Guests get a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert.  View the complete Midtown menu and Vinings menu online.  For reservations, call Midtown at 404-873-7358 and Vinings at 770-435-0700.

Spice Market in the W Hotel-Midtown spreads the Valentine's Day celebration over two days, Sunday, February 13 and Monday, February 14.  On those days, guests may choose any appetizer, entrée and dessert for just $30 (with an up charge of $8 for lobster or steak).  Each guest will receive a special red fortune cookie that could include an offer for a free dessert or free appetizer.  For reservations, call 404-724-2550. 

Hark, Woodfire Grill is raising the curtain on Valentine's Day celebrations with its annual "Fools for Love" event on Sunday, February 13 at 7 p.m.  Come for a pairing of a delicious dinner and an exciting performance from Georgia Shakespeare. Tickets for the unforgettable evening are $125 each and can be purchased online. 

Uncle Julio’s knows that love is all about sharing, so they’re offering their delicious Plato de Amor for two from February 7 to 20.  Saddle up by your sweetie and enjoy cold water lobster tail, shrimp brochette, mesquite grilled combination fajitas, fresh guacamole & pico de gallo, along with rice & frijoles a la charra for $49.95 per couple.  Make your reservation at the Buckhead location at 404-974-2991 or their Sandy Springs location at 678-736-8260.

It's Follow Friday; Meet our Tweep of the Week @spicerouteATL

Exploring other cultures is fascinating, and the Spice Route Supper Club (@spicerouteATL) is hot stuff when it comes to delving into the foods and cultures of Kerala and other Indian states.  We talked about their upcoming Kerala Supper Club event earlier this week. 

Follow their tweets and website to discover more fascinating opportunities and learn more!

It Pays To Wear Pumps

Forget the flats. Saturday night is high heel night - especially at Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna. Every Saturday night at 10 p.m.this Atkins Park location steps into "High Heel Night" mode. Every inch of heel on your skyscraper-high shoes knocks a 3 percent discount your way. Toss back $3 shots and female-friendly drinks sponsored by BACARDI when you're not out on the dance floor. All of this fun under your feet, music and no cover charge to boot!

Eat Local, Think Global with the Global Animal Partnership

It’s not “Where’s the beef?” these days; it’s “What’s the beef?”  Consumers are more aware than ever before that “you are what you eat”, and knowing the story behind what we eat is so important.

As most hungry Atlantans know, White Oak Pastures’ Will Harris is widely known in these parts for his delicious and humanely raised grass-fed beef.   Now the farm is taking their commitment to animal welfare standards to a new high with the Global Animal Partnership! 

The GAP is a nonprofit organization that facilitates and encourages continuous improvement in animal agriculture. Independent, third-party certifiers audit farms and rate animal welfare practices and conditions using a tiered system that ranges from Step 1 (no crates, cages or crowding) to Step 5+ (animals spend their entire lives on one farm).  The steps benefit everyone from the animal to you, the consumer.  Visit them online to learn more about these steps.

Will Harris is heading to Atlanta this week to chat with customers at area Whole Foods about the Global Animal Partnership – head over, say hello to Will and learn more!

Thursday:
Briarcliff Whole Foods location from 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday:
Harry’s Farmer’s Market Alpharetta from 11 to 2 p.m.
Buckhead Whole Foods location from 3-6 p.m.

Saturday:
Whole Foods Market Johns Creek store from 11-2 p.m.

Sunday:
Whole Foods Ponce de Leon from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Dress Your Best in Red (or Black) for the Queen of Hearts

Come play the cards and join the party on Thursday, February 10 at Pacci Ristorante for their second annual “Queen of Hearts” cocktail party! In the bar area from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. enjoy complimentary appetizers, drink specials, free tarot card readings, and raffle prizes. You may even have a chance to have all of your relationship questions answered by Atlanta-based author and syndicated advice columnist Blane Bachelor.

During the night, you can draw from the deck of cards to win prizes that correspond with the suit and the number you pick. Prizes will include dinner for two at Pacci, a cocktail party at AltoRex Rooftop Lounge for six guests, gift baskets with wine and Chef Keira Moritz’s tapenade, and a brunch for up to six guests at Pacci.

And don’t forget to be festive and show up in either red, in celebration for Valentine’s Day, or black, if opposed to the holiday. Admission is free of charge so you can’t say ‘no’ to this social event! For more information, check out Pacci’s Facebook page.

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

I Prefer My Bowl to Be Super!

Super Bowl Sunday is fast approaching, but do you know what you're doing for the big game? If not, then let The Dish pass along a few places to enjoy the football festivities. The Dish will be able to guide you whether you're in Dunwoody, Midtown or Duluth, with greats like Fleming's Steakhouse & Wine Bar, RA Sushi and Marlow's Tavern. Don't miss out on great deals and the camaraderie of cheering on your favorite team at these local nosh spots.

If you're having friends over to catch the battle of the Steelers vs. Packers, then Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food is the way to go. With the game in Arlington, TX at "Jerry World," Uncle Julio's will be able to provide you plenty of Tex-Mex options. You can pick up a Party Pack to-go and keep the tailgate in the comfort of your living room.

For more details, get your scoop at The Dish.

“Taste and Tell” at Aqua blue's Ernst Loosen Winemaker Dinner on Feb. 9

Take the night off from cooking and allow Aqua blue to serve you with a five-course dinner and wine pairing with wine expert Ernie Loosen on Wednesday, Feb. 9 at 7 p.m. While the engaging craftsman enjoys making wine at Dr. Loosen as a profession, his passion is to travel the world and share his knowledge and enthusiasm for his favorite wines. Loosen comes from a 200-year legacy of German winemaking, and his wines and expertise are ideal complements for the culinary talents of Aqua blue Chefs John C. Metz and Kien Sam.

The night’s menu features an assortment of five Chef's Tastes served with 2009 Villa Wolf Pinot Gris; a first plate of hamachi with jalapeño and Japanese uzu served with 2008 Eroica Riesling; middle plate of firecracker crab fritter, spicy jumbo lump crab, wasabi tobiko and sesame rice cake with sweet soy glaze served with 2008 Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Spätlese; main plate of crispy veal chop with winter squash and potato gratin and wild mushroom ragout served with 2008 J. Christopher Pinot Noir, "Sandra Adele," and ends with a warm North Georgia Pink Lady apple and pear tarte tatin served with 2007 Dr. Loosen Estate Eiswein.

$80 per person (excludes tax and gratuity). For reservations, call 770-643-8886.

A Delicious Italian Adventure Awaits with Chef Craig

Forget the beach this summer… there are much better trips awaiting you and your taste buds!   If you’ve experienced the wonderful cuisine of Executive Chef Craig Richards of La Tavola Trattoria in Atlanta’s Virginia Highlands, you know he knows his way around creating amazing Italian food.  

Now you can join him for a full week in Tuscany from June 18-25 with a great schedule of cooking classes, trips to visit beautiful Sienna and Florence, plus tours of local culinary delights like a cheese factory and much more!  If that’s not enough to make you start packing your bags, you can find more information online. 

Go Easy on Your Wallet by Cooking a Steak Dinner for Your Valentine!

Sound too good to be true? Thanks to The New York Butcher Shoppe, it really is easy and affordable to be romantic this Valentine's Day. Woo your sweetheart with a candlelight dinner at home by taking advantage of the shop's marvelous meal for two. The Valentine's Day Meal Deal includes two eight-ounce fillets aged a minimum of 21 days, two loaded potatoes, salad for two and a loaf of bread for only $29.99. Upgrade to USDA Prime filet for $5 more or make it a surf and turf by adding two four-ounce lobster tails for $15. Grab a bottle of wine and some red velvet or chocolate torte cake to complete the dreamy meal. And if you need steak cooking tips, tune into CBS Better Mornings Atlanta on Friday, February 11 for some expert advice from The New York Butcher Shoppe's Robb Dillon. Your loved one will thank you.

New York Butcher Shoppe: Dunwoody at 2458 Mt. Vernon Road, 770-399-6328; Sandy Springs at 4969 Roswell Road, Suite 215, 404-303-0704; Alpharetta at 5354 McGinnis Ferry Road, Suite 226A, 678-624-0047.

Mark Your Calendars For An Evening in Kerala

Once known as the Malabar Coast, Kerala, India is better known for the harmony of diverse cultures and the treasure trove of spices grown there. Spice Route Supper Club and Dinner Party Atlanta are two supper clubs combining these intoxicating elements for An Evening in Kerala, featuring traditional music, dance, cuisine and unique cocktails on Friday, February 18. Dinner will be a 21-dish vegetarian feast usually experienced only on India's southern coast. Adding to mealtime authenticity, guests will sit on floor cushions and eat with their hands using traditional banana leaves. Wear comfortable clothes and easy-to-remove shoes! Cocktail hour starts at 8 p.m. followed by dinner at 9 p.m. The event is being held at the Grand Atrium at 200 Peachtree Street. Tickets are $100 each, and seating is limited so purchase now. The event supports Raksha, a Georgia-based nonprofit organization that addresses social and protection issues within the metropolitan area's South Asian community.