Smash into Johns Creek’s Newest Burger Joint, Smashburger

Smashburger joins the Metro-Atlanta Burger scene on Wednesday, August 10 – this time in Johns Creek! This fast-causal, “better burger” restaurant will open at the corner of Medlock Bridge Road and State Bridge Road allowing you to smash, sizzle and savor the flavors of this delicious burger. Denver-based Smashburgers are spreading across the nation, tailoring menus that reflect each region. For us, that means Southern flavors including an Atlanta burger with peach BBQ sauce, Wicked® Pimena cheese, grilled jalapeños and Vidalia coleslaw on an egg bun and an Atlanta Dog with Wicked® Pimena cheese, grilled jalapeños and Vidalia coleslaw. Burgers begin with 100-percent-fresh, never-frozen Certified Angus Beef smashed on a flat grill to sear in the juices then served on toasted artisan buns and dressed with real cheeses, the freshest produce and top-quality condiments. Going beyond burgers, marinated chicken sandwiches, grilled and seared hot dogs, signature salads, veggie frites and garlicky Smashfries are smash hits. Beer, wine, Häagen-Dazs shakes and root beer floats are liquid delights.

Smashburger - Johns Creek: 9775 Medlock Bridge Road; 770-497-6274.
Smashburger - Buckhead: 2625 Piedmont Road, NE; 404-237-2374.

Time to Celebrate 10 Years at Aqua blue

It’s party time! Today kicks off the 10-year anniversary celebration at Aqua blue in Roswell with a special $20.01 prix-fixe dinner menu plus $5 small plates and drink specials through Wednesday, August 10. On the last night, the restaurant is celebrating with Atlanta's own FunkyStuf 70s band plus complimentary cake and champagne for guests!

The $20.01 menu reads like a delicious timeline spanning the last decade with choices of a tasting plate of Asian Delight or butter lettuce wedge with vine-ripe tomato, crispy applewood smoked bacon, candied pecans and sweet Gorgonzola dressing; Maine lobster ravioli, wild shrimp and scallop grits or grilled beef tenderloin; and classic crème brûlée or a trio of sorbet. Selected small plates and cocktails are $5 during the celebration. Register to win a free meal a week for a year! Special Olympics Georgia receives a gift of 10 percent of the last night's sales. Visit Aqua blue on Facebook for more details. RSVP to 770-643-8886.

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

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

Ya gotta love DrPrincessJulia's joie de vivre -- finding something fun-loving and positive in every situation. The Atlanta physical therapist and Gator fan doubles as Mrs. Lioness on Weddingbee when she's not tweeting at @DrPrincessJulia or blogging.

Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant Hosts Totally Tubular “Ladies ‘80s” Party on July 30 to Benefit Team in Training

If you’re ready to get ‘Footloose’ and dance like you’re the star of Flashdance, than put on your best acid wash jeans, tease your hair and join the “Ladies '80’s” party at Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant on Saturday, July 30. This particular theme night steps out at 7 p.m. as a Totally 80s fundraising party for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Atlanta Chapter of Team in Training. Top 80s tunes and classic 80s cocktails will flow -- think Long Island Iced Tea, Mai Tai and Blue Hawaiian at $5 each for the ladies. Pull on some 80s garb and count on Fadó to hand out some 80s accessory party favors to complete the look. Costume contest with a $100 prize, raffle (donations requested for participation) and a silent auction will all go toward drumming up funds for the Atlanta members of Team in Training. Ultimately, the monies go toward finding a cure for Leukemia and Lymphoma. Fadó keeps the party going with a DJ starting at 10:30 p.m. And don’t forget, if you round of five or so of your friends and get to the pub before 10:30 p.m., each of you receive $10 in Fadó bucks good for Saturday night!

Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant: 273 Buckhead Avenue; 404-841-0066.

Ecco Pairs Its European Menu with Fine Wine at the Zind-Humbrecht Wine Dinner

Fifth Group Restaurants Mediterranean-influenced Ecco is hosting a Zind-Humbrecht Wine Dinner on Thursday, August 4 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. The dinner includes a four-course menu paired with a variety of latest Zind-Humbrecht wines. The Humbrecht family has long winemaking traditions that have been passed down from father to son since Europe’s Thirty Years War in 1620.

The four-course menu begins with an onion and bacon tart with farmer's cheese, speck ham and smoked rainbow trout paired with 2009 Zind-Humbrecht Riesling, 2009 Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Gris, 2009 Zind-Humbrecht Pinot Blanc and 2009 Zind-Humbrecht Gewurtztraminer. The second course brings forth roasted pork belly, rye spatzle, cucumber and cherries paired with 2007 Zind-Humbrecht Brand, 2005 Zind-Humbrecht Hauserer and 2005 Zind-Humbrecht Heimbourg. Seared duck breast, foie gras, Sungold tomatoes and ginger make up the third course, paired with 2005 Zind-Humbrecht Clos Windsbuhl VT, 2004 Zind-Humbrecht Hengst, 2005 Zind-Humbrecht Herrenweg and 2007 Zind-Humbrecht Goldert Muscat. The meal ends with a course of Alsatian muenster and pickled watermelon rind.

Only $75 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Seating is limited; call 404-347-9555 today for reservations.

"I don't know what is more mind-boggling: the quality of Zind-Humbrecht's wines or Olivier Humbrecht's complete dedication to quality. This tall, powerful and intellectual man may well be the finest winemaker in the world. It is the wine of genius." --Robert Parker (Wine Advocate)

Ecco: 40 7th Street, NE; 404-347-9555.

Take Time to “Linger and Learn” at South City Kitchen this Thursday

South City Kitchen Vinings gives you all the tips you need to be a top summer chef at this Thursday’s "Linger and Learn" cooking demos at 5:30 p.m. During the interactive class, “students” will learn how to prepare (and of course, get to taste!) pickled Georgia peach salad with arugula, pecans, goat cheese and pecan vinaigrette; summer ceviche Georgia shrimp with Roma tomatoes and cucumbers; chilled roasted tomato soup with house made crackers; seared sea scallops in Romesco-style pan sauce; and Georgia peanuts and okra.

They’ll get to pair these Georgia summer dishes with summer-perfect wines including Crios Torrontes Paul Hobbs Crossbarn Chard, Vietti Arneis Stephen Vincent Crimson, Janasse Cotes du Rhone, Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon, Paul Mathews TNT Pinot Noir, Byron Chardonnay Chehalem Inox Chard, Eroica Hangtime Arroyo Pinot Noir, Le Cengle Montevina Barbera and Nopa Vinho Verde Cims de Porerra. Only $30 per person, including tax and gratuity! Limited space; buy tickets today at http://tinyurl.com/sckvlingerlearn.

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

It's Lovely in the Park with RA Sushi

Going fishing for fun with Moonflowers and Moonshine in the Atlanta Botanical Garden?  Awesome!  Hook up with friends and snag some delicious tastes when RA Sushi provides the hors d’oeuvre for Cocktails in the Garden from 6 - 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 28.  Full cash bar (actually, there’s no moonshine), complimentary appetizers.  Guest admission is $18.95; free for ABG members.  Guest passes accepted.  And, hey, if you want to keep the party going, RA Sushi is only a few blocks away and open until 1 a.m. for an after the garden party party.

Return to nearby Piedmont Park Green Market on Saturday morning, July 30 when Bryan from RA Sushi leads the chef’s demo at 11 a.m.  Market hours are 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. for your oohing, aahing and buying pleasure. No squeezing the tomatoes.

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

Scoop Up The Fun at Spice Market this Wednesday

Ice cream lovers, scoop up this doubly sweet tweet-up at Spice Market's Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, July 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Try several delectable new ice cream creations and sample other complimentary light bites with your hosts Laura of @favthingsATL and A Few Of My Favorite Things Atlanta blog as well as Melissa Libby & Associates' own @AtlantaDish.  Come out and say hello!

Spice Market, in the W Atlanta Midtown, is home to "The 90 Degree Freeze" promotion this summer. When the Weather Channel confirms the outside temp is 90 degrees or above, Spice Market churns out complimentary ice cream to patrons with a $5 minimum purchase. These are not your grandma's flavors either: Vietnamese coffee, banana cashew, and fresh mint ice cream and mango, passion fruit and coconut sorbets.  (Dine-in guests only, one ice cream per person, not valid with any other offers.)

School Employees Get A Delicious Deal Before Back-To-School Rush

The recently opened Buckhead restaurant, Smashburger, is honoring school employees with a delicious deal during their last week of summer break. Starting today, Monday, July 25 through Friday, July 29, any school employee that brings in their employee badge, card or pay stub will receive a free side item when they purchase a burger, chicken sandwich, salad or hot dog. Smashburger sides include Smashfries, french fries, sweet potato Smashfries, haystack onions, fried pickles, veggie frites, beefy chili, chili cheese fries and a small wedge salad. This offer is limited to one per person and only valid during store hours, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., during the selected dates. The only thing better than a Smashburger is a FREE side with your Smashburger!

Smashburger: 2625 Piedmont Road NE Atlanta, GA 30324

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

Eric, the BEERgeekATL, has credentials: Brewers Association "Beer 101," Cicerone "Certified Beer Server," Anheuser-Busch Beer School "Beer Master," and he loves beer and all of its relatives. Most afternoons, he's at Tower Beer Wine & Spirits on Piedmont. Share his passion via Twitter (@BEERgeekATL), and it's not too geeky to like him on Facebook either.

Chicken and the Egg Almost Ready in Marietta

Marc Taft, formerly the general manager at Pacci Ristorante in Atlanta, has a new roost. He's opening a new restaurant called Chicken and the Egg on August 1 in the Burnt Hickory Village Shopping Plaza in Marietta.   

   

With its modern farmhouse feel, the place is as down to earth as your favorite jeans, with a touch of sophistication. Here, guests can count on American farmstead fare prepared with ingredients from local farms and purveyors. Family friendly Chicken and the Egg will offer weekday lunch (starting August 8) with "meat and three" plates ($7-$12), dinner Monday through Sunday with entrées ranging from $10-$24, a children's menu and weekend brunch. Taft points out that the name Chicken and the Egg represents the cycle of life and the importance of sustainability, as well as the impact humans leave on this planet. Something to think about while noticing the restaurant's reclaimed wood, eco-conscious products and materials -- and relishing your meal.

New Neighborhood Tavern is Coming to Cumming!

Less than a week from today Marlow's Tavern located in The Avenue Forsyth will open its doors on Tuesday, July 26! This will be Sterling Hospitality’s eighth and newest Marlow’s Tavern. The restaurant menu boasts categories such as "Start, Snack, Share," "Crisp, Cool Salads," "Tavern Favorites," "Classic Tavern Burgers," "Big Bar Sandwiches," "Kids' Fun Foods" and "Sweet Stuff." Plus there's a tremendous variety of wines, brews and cocktails. With its bar, booths and big communal table, Marlow's is set to become the meeting place for those shopping 'til they drop, meeting for after-the-commute cheer and for Forsyth neighbors wanting a nearby night out. Super friendly Marlow's Tavern is a perfect fit for the open-air shopping destination loaded with premier national retailers, select local merchants and specialty restaurants. Come try it out! The new Marlow's Tavern in The Avenue Forsyth is located at 410 Peachtree Parkway, just east of Georgia 400 at Peachtree Parkway/Highway 141 in Cumming.

In other Marlow's news, this is the last week to get your fill of the limited-time "Red, White & Brew" selection. On July 25, Marlow's Tavern will put away their patriotic menu and grilling contest until 2012. Hurry in for "Red, White & Brew" menu items like firecracker deviled eggs ($3/$5), the Red, White and Bleu Burger ($11), backyard blackened swordfish ($14) and honey-glazed grilled chicken with chili-slathered corn on the cob ($17). While you're there, submit your favorite recipe in the Second Annual Marlow's Tavern Grilling Recipe Contest for a chance to win a Big Green Egg and other prizes. Winners will be announced in August.

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; Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033; East Cobb at 1311 Johnson Ferry Road (across from the movie theatre and next to Kohl's department store), 770-977-7747; and Cumming at 410 Peachtree Parkway, 770-886-3666.

Get a Lesson from Woodfire Grill’s E.J. Hodgkinson at The Grant Park Farmers Market

Make your way to The Grant Park Farmers Market (GPFM) this Sunday! In addition to an incredible selection of local foods and art, the community market hosts chef demos at 11:30 a.m. each week on the Community Green. This week’s guest chef is Woodfire Grill Chef de Cuisine E.J. Hodgkinson. The fan of local, organic food and sustainable agriculture began working with Woodfire Grill Executive Chef/Partner Kevin Gillespie in 2008. The two chefs work together to create the daily menu promoting locally sourced, ingredient-driven cuisine. GPFM hours are 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. The GPFM is located in the area surrounding the Milledge Fountain at the corner of Cherokee and Milledge avenues.

Santa's Sleigh Arrives Early at Atkins Park Tavern

Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way to Atkins Park Tavern on Monday, July 25! Both locations of Atkins Park Tavern are getting into the holiday spirit a little early with the restaurants’ annual “Christmas in July” celebration sponsored by Jägermeister. Santa and his naughty Jäger elves will be at both locations all day to pass out fun giveaways. At the Virginia-Highland location, Atlantans can get away from the scorching heat with refreshing Jäger snow cones. The Smyrna location’s “Christmas in July” celebration will begin with live music from DJ Seven. The party starts at 9 p.m. at both locations and includes Peppermint Mojitos and delicious Christmas cookies as a cool holiday treat.

Atkins Park Tavern - Virginia Highland: 794 North Highland; 404 -876-7249.

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

Kerala on Our Minds: Spice Route Supper Club Dinner on July 23

We're dreaming of traveling to India this Saturday...with Asha Gomez of Spice Route Supper Club. The supper club chef is hosting one of her tantalizing dinners at 8 p.m. on July 23, and you'll definitely want to hop on board for the five-course culinary passage.

The dinner tours the flavors of Kerala, which is in southwetern India's spice route. You'll begin with a Keralan trio of vegetables: green beans and carrots thoren (stir-fry with freshly grated coconut), beetroot pachadi (a creamy yogurt-based dish) and sweet potato verrakku (traditional sauté with mustard seeds and curry leaves). Delicate fish cakes follow, seasoned with ginger and green chile and served with green papaya pickle. Third course is a savory duck roast with pan-roasted potatoes served with Gomez's fresh mango chutney. Kerala beef curry, redolent with ginger, cinnamon and curry leaf served with coconut rice, comes next. Finally, when you think you've covered all the spices, out comes vattayapam, a steamed cake, light in texture like angel food cake, with a custard-like pudding of ripe plantains, coconut milk and cardamom. Speaking of cardamom, Gomez is opening a restaurant called Cardamom Hill on Northside Drive this fall so think of this supper as a sneak peek! Seats at the Spice Route Supper Club table are $85 per person, which includes unique wine and beer pairings. There are only 20 spots, so email spiceroutesupperclub@gmail.com for reservations. The supper club location is in northwest Atlanta off I-285; guests will receive directions two days prior to the dinner.

Could It Be You? MLA Seeks Fall Interns

Heads up!  Melissa Libby & Associates is currently seeking two interns for Fall 2011.  Our interns join the team for the semester to work directly with both media communications and social media, as well as opportunities to help with events, client services and video production. Your passion for PR and fanaticism for food/wine culture are appreciated, as are creativity, positive energy and great writing skills.   

The ideal candidate will receive school credit for their experience with MLA.  Our internships are unpaid and 15 hours per week.  We strive to make it a hands-on experience that our interns can definitely benefit from in the future.  To find out more about Melissa Libby & Associates, please visit our website and our Facebook page.  If you are interested, please send your resume and availability to atlantadish@gmail.com.  Good luck!

To Live and Dine

If you missed yesterday's Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival, don't be too hard on yourself. You did miss an amazing array of creative chefs and mixologist but tomorrow is another day and another fabulous event!
Tomorrow from 6:30 - 9 p.m., luxury magazines JEZEBEL and The Atlantan will host "To Live & Dine in Atlanta" at The Foundry at Puritan Mill. Spice Market, located in the W Atlanta-Midtown, will be there with tastings of the restaurant's globally inspired cuisine along with many of the city's best restaurants. On the drink side, look for cocktails by Remy Cointreau and Stella Artois as well as a Smartwater lounge. Factor in the live music and your tickets($25 online and $35 at the door) are a steal! Remember to bring non-perishable food items for the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Weekend Happenings: To Market We Go

Photo from Peachtree Road Farmers Market FB Page

Take home more than just veggies at two Atlanta farmers markets this weekend - pick up some valuable cooking tips from two awesome chefs! 


Partner/Executive Chef Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill is back on the local farm-fresh circuit, sprouting up at Morningside Farmers Market for the chef demo at 9:30 a.m. this Saturday.  Catch Chef Ford Fry of JCT. Kitchen (also host chef of this Sunday's Attack of The Killer Tomato Festival) as he leads a demo at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market tomorrow morning, too.  Happy learning!

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

Nealey Dozier tweets (@dixiecaviar) with food ideas, links, fab food and cooking finds or what's leftover in the fridge for lunch -- all in 140 characters or less.

Want more? Go deep into the heart of Southern cooking with Atlanta-based Dozier on her Dixie Caviar blog.

It's Prime Time For Sunday Dinners

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is reviving the tradition of family and friends sitting down to Sunday dinner by offering its three-course prime rib dinner at a special lower price of $29.95 per guest every Sunday in July and August (price excludes tax and gratuity). The Sunday prime rib dinner includes 12 ounces of succulent prime rib served with a trio of sauces; a choice of The Wedge, Fleming's or Caesar salads; choice of one side dish; and a choice of dessert. Since Fleming's is doing all the work, there's no planning/cooking/cleaning to eat into those precious Sunday afternoon hours. Now that's a succulent thought!

Also, don't forget that Fleming's "Summer of Giving" continues tomorrow, July 15. Fleming's will donate 20 percent of the night's proceeds to Kate's Club. The "Summer of Giving" features wine and hors d'oeuvre pairings in the restaurant's private dining room and is from 6 - 8 p.m. at $25 per person. Fleming's also is giving a $25 gift card to "Summer of Giving" attendees to use at their next visit.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: 4501 Olde Perimeter Way in Perimeter Place Village; 770-698-8112.

Today's Tasty Lunch Tip: Pop Up Chef tent at 999 Peachtree

Tour Cheshire Bridge: Atlanta's Most Eclectic Street

Cheshire Bridge Road is anything but boring. So you know the third annual Taste & Tour of Cheshire Bridge on July 20-21 will be loads of fun. When else will you visit The Colonnade and Woodfire Grill in one night? The two-day tour will feature food tastings, exhibits, product samples, discounts, raffle prizes and more in this celebration of the famous street's diversity. During the 5 - 10 p.m. tour, "tourists" can take bus route 27 from the Lindbergh MARTA Station or park at one of the designated parking areas then hop on and off the tour trolley to visit participating businesses. Buy tickets online -- it's free for children 12 and under. Attendees also can follow the Taste & Tour on Twitter (@tourofCB) or "like" the Facebook page for regular updates. The Lindbergh-LaVista Corridor Coalition (LLCC) and Public Broadcasting Atlanta are sponsoring this year's event, and proceeds will be used to explore the feasibility of establishing a Community Improvement District (CID) in the area.

Go “Hog Wild” at Ray’s on the River for “Pig & Pinot”

On Saturday, July 23, Ray’s at Killer Creek and Ray’s on the River are teaming up for a “Pig & Pinot” tent party at Ray’s on the River from 1-4 p.m. Ray’s will be hosting a mouth-watering feast including a whole roasted pig, pork belly tacos, pork & beans, fingerling potato salad with warm bacon vinaigrette, bacon bit brownies and much more. Along with all the pork you could dream of, guests will receive a special tasting glass to try five different Pinot Noirs. “Pig & Pinot” isn’t just an event for pigging out; Ray’s is also bringing in beach music by A1A featuring Jeff Pike. In addition to the summer jams, Ray’s will host a silent auction of wines and more, a raffle for dinner for four customized by Ray’s at Killer Creek Executive Chef Tracey Bloom with wines selected by Sommelier Phillip Cooper and a raffle for a Fat Tire 2011 cruiser all to benefit the Primus Sanders Foundation.

Tickets for the event are $35 per person and must be purchased in advance by calling Ray’s at Killer Creek at 770-649-0064.

Ray's on the River: 6700 Powers Ferry Road; 770-955-1187

Grill Master Robb Dillon of New York Butcher Shoppe Can Show You the Tricks of the Trade

On July 19, New York Butcher Shoppe's expert full-service butcher Robb Dillon is hosting a Grill Masters Workshop at The Cook's Warehouse in Brookhaven. The workshop is from 7 - 9 p.m. and will showcase the various ways you can fire up the perfect backyard cookout. Dillon will discuss different sizzling topics such as quality of meat, types of grills, how to choose and use the right grill and grilling vs. BBQ. The class menu includes burgers, steaks, beer can chicken, fish, vegetables and dessert. Cost is $50 per person and reservations can be made online.

The Cook's Warehouse - Brookhaven: 4062 Peachtree Road; 404-949-9945.

A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Words... Or A $50 Gift Certificate at Marlow's Tavern

If you've been enjoying the Red, White & Brew menu at Marlow's Tavern this summer as much as we have, it's time to don your true colors and break out the camera for some fun contest action. Marlow's Red, White & Brew Photo contest is underway and you could win a $50 gift certificate! To enter, just send a photo of yourself decked out in red, white and blue dining at any location of Marlow's Tavern to marlowstavern@gmail.com. Entries will only be accepted until Monday, July 18, so start snapping! Be sure to mention what location you are dining at in your fabulous photo when you email.

National Ice Cream Month: An Excuse to Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

What better excuses do you have to indulge your sweet tooth than National Ice Cream Month AND July weather in Atlanta? It's a winning combination, so grab your spoon and click here to check out some of our favorite spots for frozen treats. We've tried everything from the exotic ice cream flavors at Spice Market and sweet mochi trio at RA Sushi in Midtown to the signature shakes and sundaes at the new location of Morelli's Ice Cream in Edgewood to the gelatos and sorbets at Double Zero Napoletana in Sandy Springs. If you want to cool down with a rooftop view, Rooftop 866 offers "Boozy Pops" to ward off the heat while looking out at the Midtown skyline. Get it quick, July will be over before you know it and you'll find yourself pretending like you're too full for dessert again.

Get Your Briza Fix at Cocktails in the Garden on July 14

If you’re looking for an event where you can enjoy the outdoors, delicious food and cool cocktails, then this Thursday’s Cocktails in the Garden event is just for you! From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., enjoy complimentary appetizers along with cash-bar cocktails from Briza. The restaurant, located in the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel, is practically a stone’s throw away from the Garden gates. $18.95 guests; free for ABG members. Guest passes accepted.

2, 4, 6, 8, No. 246 Has Been Worth The Wait!

Ford Fry, owner/executive chef of JCT. Kitchen & Bar, and Chef Drew Belline, previously the chef de cuisine at Floataway Café, are opening No. 246 -- their new Italian-inspired, locally driven restaurant in easy-going Decatur next week! Stay tuned to their Facebook page to get the scoop! No. 246 (twofoursix) takes its name from the original number of the plot of land where the restaurant sits. Through their joint venture, Fry and Belline share their passions for using seasonal, local ingredients, simple preparations and wood-fired cooking -- key strengths of both Californian and Italian kitchens.

The No. 246 menu veers off the Southeast's meat-centric path, setting forth more vegetables and dishes driven by local farm produce. Dinner dish examples include "start" of wood oven-roasted razor clams with salsa verde and lemon. Among the "flour & water" selections are garganelli with soffritto-braised rabbit, sultanas, broccoli rabe and pecorino and a cherrystone clam pizza with grana padano, parsley butter, garlic and chilies. "From the hearth" items include wood oven-roasted Springer Mountain chicken with hen-of-the-woods, roasted young carrots and a sherry-bacon vinaigrette or a whole wood-roasted fish of the moment. As a "finish," dessert options include lemon balm buttermilk panna cotta with lemon marmalade and brown butter blueberry croustade with crème fraîche. Lunch features entrée salads and sandwiches including the No. 246 burger with Teleme and house pickles and a BLT featuring Belline Farm's tomato, fior di latte, backyard basil and prosciutto.

Lara Creasy directs the beverage program, pouring wines from Italy and California and providing a revolving list of "house wine" values by the glass or half-carafe. Cocktails contain numerous traditional Italian ingredients -- vermouths, amaros, aperitivos, digestivos, seasonal fruits and produce, Italian sodas and house-made mixers. Coffee also will be a priority at No. 246 -- perfect to enjoy in a place where the front doors spill out onto the sidewalk while the backdoor opens into a yard green with an herb garden, shuffleboard court, and a deck built around a tree where live music will be played on Saturdays and Sundays. The restaurant will serve lunch and dinner daily and will not accept reservations. So, what comes after No. 246? Ate, of course.

No. 246: 129 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue in Decatur; 678-399-8246.

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

Ron Smith is on a mission to spread the word about great beer in Atlanta and far beyond.  Easy enough in this Tweetable world.  Latch onto his finds on Twitter (@BeerGuruATL).  

If you're already sitting down, beer/stout/ale in hand, twist open his blog for more worthy brews, destinations, reads and beer info!

Smash, Sizzle and Savor the New Burger Joint that Just Rolled into Atlanta

Smashburger is here! This “better burger” joint just opened their doors today at the intersection of Piedmont Road and Sidney Marcus Boulevard. More than 100 Smashburger locations across the U.S. are already pleasing customers with the "Smash - Sizzle - Savor" effect as hand-formed balls of 100-percent-fresh, never-frozen Certified Angus Beef are smashed to order, seared on the grill to hold in all that juicy goodness then eased onto a buttered artisanal bun and topped with cheese. Over the next seven years, 20 more locations are set to open. With a selection of burgers, hot dogs, grilled and crispy chicken sandwiches, signature salads, and sides like veggie frites, seasoned Smashfries and sweet potato fries, this burger place has it all! But we can’t forget to mention their regional specialty, the Atlanta Burger topped with peach BBQ sauce, Wicked® Pimena cheese, grilled jalapeños and Vidalia coleslaw on an egg bun, which is sure to please anyone below the Mason Dixon line. Smashburger also has a selection of beer and wine to please the adults and brian-freezing Häagen-Dazs shakes and root beer floats to keep the kids happy!

Don’t forget to stop by today and join their mobile club by texting “SmashburgerATL” to 90210 to receive updates and special offers!

Smashburger: 2625 Piedmont Road, NE; 404-237-2374.

"Four Days of Peas & Love" Starts Tonight at Ecco!

If you're looking for a more satisfying way to squeeze those veggies into your diet, Ecco is your answer. Head to the Midtown restaurant for dinner tonight through Saturday, July 9 for "Four Days of Peas & Love," which includes an array of veggie-centric specials that will be offered in addition to the regular menu. Specials include items like crisp oyster mushrooms a la plancha with smoked paprika and garlic oil; grilled artichokes with smoked bacon and lemon mousseline; and green peanut fritter (or field green fritter) with dried shrimp, Thai basil and Sungold tomatoes. Visit Ecco's website for the full menu and be sure to make reservations - this delicious veggie love will only last four days!

Start Your Weekend with "Summer of Giving" at Fleming's

Charity budgets have taken a bite over the past few years with demand up and donations down.  Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is eager to help out and is hosting a series of fundraisers during their "Summer of Giving" series benefiting local charitable organizations.  Each event will feature wine and hors d'oeuvre pairings in the restaurant's private dining room.  Fleming's will donate 20 percent of each night's proceeds to the particular charity being recognized.  

The "Summer of Giving" begins this Friday, July 8, when the restaurant welcomes The Learning Tea, followed by Kate's Club (July 15), Atlanta Children's Shelter (July 22) and Camp Twin Lakes (August 5).  All events are from 6 - 8 p.m. and are $25 per person.  Call Fleming's at 770-698-8112 to purchase tickets. Fleming's also is giving a $25 gift card to "Summer of Giving" attendees to use at their next visit.