Our Appetizing Aperture of the Week

This week, we're loving these delicious after dinner drinks featuring Patron XO Café at Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food! A sweet way to finish any meal, for sure. 

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

We are in awe. Chris and Karen have three munchkins under age four, and they find time to write, snap pictures and even fix something good for dinner. They do all of that with such love and wry humor that they've turned it into a Twitter account (@thepeche) and blog phenomenon called The Pêche. Have fun with it. They do!  Karen has her own Twitter (@mrsdewinter). Just so you know!

Sail Away, Sail Away, Sail Away with Fine Food and Wine Cruise!

With the stress of the holidays upon us, we're guessing relaxation and checking out new restaurants haven't been at the top of your to-do list. That's why we recommend you check out the Fine Food and Wine Cruise set to sail away from May 20-28 2012 in partnership with the international gastronomic society Chaîne des Rôtisseurs. The Mediterranean Gala Cruise features a visit to Monte Carlo for the Monaco Grand Prix and culinary delights from Oprah's former personal chef Art Smith, executive chef of recently opened Southern Art, which we know you've probably been wanting to try out. Three hundred Chaîne members and their guests can fill an entire Windstar Wind Surf ship for an eight-night, private yacht experience featuring 4,000 incredible bottles of wine and special tasting dinners. You'll fly into Rome for the cruise that docks in Monaco for time trials and the race and makes ports of call with excursions at Portoferraio, Portofino, Cannes and St. Tropez before ending up at Nice, France for home-bound flights. The super-inclusive package includes gourmet meals with wine pairings, additional food and wine tastings, live entertainment, seminars, cocktail parties, water sports, airport transfers and more. With its casual atmosphere, adventures and educational lineup, the cruise is truly an instance of "pampering without pretense". Since only 146 cabins are available, interested cruisers are encouraged to register as soon as possible at www.finefoodandwinecruise.com. Cruise rates start at $3,950 per person. For more information, call 800-218-6031 or email info@foodandwinecruise.com. Cruise on over to check them out on Facebook, too!

Goodbye Christmas Elves, Hello Baby New Year

Partiers, if you want to whoop it up with live entertainment, champagne toasts and kisses at midnight, we have options. Those of you who envision a peaceful fine dining experience, Atlanta restaurants can fulfill your wish. And, if you are working New Year's Eve or want to celebrate after you do that resolution run or polar bear jump, you, too, are covered. Happy New Year!

After achieving Elvis' "Blue Christmas" music overload, it's time to move on to a totally different tune in Aqua blue's Blue Year's Eve. The Roswell restaurant is planning a prix-fixe, three-course menu plus an à la carte menu available at three seatings -- 5:30 p.m., 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. $49 per person; $69 with chef's wine pairing. Stay on for the DJ and party favors, and raise a champagne toast at midnight. For reservations, call 770-643-8886.

The tables are set for an elegant four-course dinner at Aria, one of Buckhead's finest restaurants. Executive Chef/Owner Gerry Klaskala has a first course in mind then lets you choose from several options for the remaining courses. At $85 per person, tax and gratuity not included, seats will go quickly. Reservations are strongly suggested; call 404-233-7673.

Holiday merry making continues on New Year's Eve at Atkins Park - Smyrna with a champagne toast at midnight and music from The Good People. Starting at 5 p.m., guests can sit down to a chef-prepared, four-course meal for $48.50 per person, tax and gratuity not included. Reservations: 770-435-1887.

Across town at Atkins Park - Virginia Highland, guests can sip Absolut Vodka drink specials while listening to music from Rare Form DJs. Complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Special menus will be available at 5 p.m. on New Year's Eve and at 11 a.m. on New Year's Day. Reservations: 404-876-7249.

No need to break any New Year's diet resolutions when guests indulge in the rich pre-resolution menu Briza is offering on New Year's Eve. On the last night of 2011, pamper your palate with dishes such as vanilla butter-poached lobster and Kurobuta pork belly "carbonara" and leave no morsel behind! $75 per person. Reservations: 678-412-2402.

Marietta favorite, Chicken and the Egg, is celebrating New Year's Eve with a three-course menu. After a lagniappe of Georgia shrimp and grit cake, choose tempting items like crispy pork belly, lobster and praline bread pudding to complete your meal. The cost is $35 per person, and sparkling wine will be available to purchase by the glass or bottle. For reservations, call 678-388-8813.

Usher in 2012 with three courses of southern Italian dishes on the prix-fixe menu at Double Zero Napoletana in Sandy Springs. Dinner will be served from 5 - 8 p.m. and costs $55 per person. Each guest receives a gift bag containing a split of Prosecco, champagne flutes and a special gift from the Castellucci Hospitality Group. Reservations: 404-991-3666.

Talk about being pumped up for 2012! Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Dunwoody is giving guests three opportunities to celebrate New Year's Nights at Fleming's: Thursday, December 29 from 5 - 10 p.m., Friday, December 30 from 5 - 11 p.m. and Saturday, December 31 from 4 - 11 p.m. Moët and Chandon Impérial champagne will be served from magnum bottles all night, each night. A special New Year's celebration menu with three exceptional steak and seafood entrées, each priced at $69.95, will be available in addition to the regular menu. Reservations: 770-698-8112.

For an early taste of 2012, enjoy a "taste" and three courses of Chef Ford Fry's Southern favorites at JCT. Kitchen & Bar. The $65 four-course menu includes samples of hickory-roasted Berkshire pork tenderloin and "chicken stand" fried Georgia quail. Dinner will be served from 5 - 11 p.m. Reservations: 404-355-2252.

In Decatur, the New Year's Eve menu at No. 246 offers a great example of how to step out beyond the expected in 2012. Try something unexpected such as squid ink spaghetti with Dungeness crab and braised Brasstown beef cheeks -- two of the items on their special $55 per person New Year's Eve menu. Dinner is from 5 - 11 p.m. Reservations: 678-399-8246.

Rockin' RA Sushi looks out for those who work on New Year's Eve by throwing a New Year's Eve Remix party -- on New Year's Day! From 8 p.m. to close on Sunday, January 1, guests at the Midtown restaurant and bar can nosh on Sunday Night's Flying Fish Lounge specials with select sushi, appetizers and tapas priced from $2-$7 and drink specials starting at $3. For more information or to RSVP, visit Facebook.

Pick your party at Ray's Restaurants. Ray's at Killer Creek in Alpharetta is offering a special appetizer menu and three different prix-fixe menus from 5 - 8 p.m. on New Year's Eve. Reservations: 770-649-0064. Downtown, city dwellers can head to Ray's in the City's to celebrate over one of three prix-fixe menus. Reservations: call 404-524-9224. Ray's on the River is hosting a classic night of dinner and dancing at the restaurant's riverside pavilion. Ring in the new year enjoying the special menu, five-piece band, champagne toast, party favors and a balloon drop. Festivities start at 8 p.m. with dinner service at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $95 per person, or purchase a table for 10 guests for $850. Tax and gratuity are not included in pricing. More information and reservations: 770-955-1187.

Toast first! At Spice Market in the W Atlanta-Midtown, the bar and lounge bubbles with specials on champagne from 4 - 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve. The restaurant itself will serve a New Year's Eve five-course menu for $68 per person, not including tax and gratuity. Reservations: 404-724-2550.

Everyone knows that the pre-party is just as important as the main event on New Year's Eve. That's why Truffles Grill in Buckhead is getting the night off to a tasty start from 6 - 9 p.m. with complimentary heavy hors d'oeuvres. Need a drink to practice your midnight toast? Try one of the restaurant's $5 Absolut specialty martinis. Reservations: 404-364-9050.

Carnivores, vegetarians and pescatarians will all find dinners to please among Woodfire Grill's three special five-course menus on New Year's Eve. The regular and pescatarian menus are priced at $115 per person, and the vegetarian menu is priced at $105. Wine pairings also are available for $6 per course for a half glass or $12 for a full glass. Reservations are required: 404-347-9055.

Of course, we didn't forget about Christmas. Read here for all the fun festivities going on this weekend!

Travel Back in Time to 1985 at Atkins Park Tavern

We remember it like it was yesterday: staring at the presents under the tree and hoping for the original Nintendo game system that would soon have us addicted to Super Mario Bros, Duck Hunt and Mike Tyson's Punch-Out. Are you experiencing Nintendo nostalgia yet? The folks at Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna are and they've created a new Tuesday game night to feed the need for classic Nintendo. Starting today, the restaurant is bringing back old Nintendo favorites like Dig Dug, Football, Mario Kart and Punch-Out every Tuesday night through January 31. Guests can get their old school game on, and house cash prizes will be given out each week to the winners. An even bigger prize - a VIP tour of the Red Hare Brewery for the Nintendo master and ten guests and a $150 gift card - will be given to the overall winner at the end of the seven-week game night series. Now go do some thumb exercises.

Get Into the Holiday Spirit with Double Zero's Whiskey Tasting on December 21

Who needs hot chocolate?  Double Zero Napoletana has something even better to help you warm up on these cold winter nights!  On Wednesday, December 21^st at 7:00 p.m. you’re invited to sample an impressive lineup of hand-selected scotches and rums, including Brugal 1888, Macallan 12 year, Macallan 17 year Fine Oak and the exclusive Highland Park 25 Year.  In addition, guests can enter a drawing for a unique Famous Grouse grill!  Cost is $39 per person for the entire evening of whiskeys and light antipasti. Call (404) 991-3666 to make your reservations for this exciting event!

This event can also be found on Facebook.

Our MLA Letter To Santa

Dear Santa,

We live and breathe food 24/7, 365 days/year here at Melissa Libby & Associates. We filter through pages of ideas and events to share some of the most appealing dining and culinary options in Atlanta. So naturally, we have a few gift ideas for ourselves we wanted to pass along to your jolly old self! We promise that we've been very, very good this year.

Bubbly McCall will be ready to raise a glass of cheer for the New Year if she receives a set of newly vintage Verre d'Amitie glasses from Mothology ($10.95 each). As water glasses, they would add a bit of polish to the bedside table or bathroom counter. Hmmm, they'd also be a lovely hostess gift. McCall, you're on to something classy in a glass here!

Ever the gal-on-the-go, Melissa likes the idea of being able to grab a fork, spoon and knife in one easy swoop and be off on a picnic, culinary adventure or add grace to her lunch box. She picks Farmer D's ecologically sound To-Go-Ware Bamboo Utensil Set ($12.95 each). Each little kit includes a reusable knife, fork and spoon and hangs handily where you want it courtesy of its own carabiner. These nifty little kits are affordable and useful stocking stuffers, teacher or pal gifts that show you care about the earth and the recipient.

"A cook should look as yummy as the cookies she's baking" is Mandy's philosophy. That's why she's pining for a retro "Cutie Cane" strapless apron ($49.95) in a sweet candy cane print from Susan and Veronica. Use a little flour to powder your nose and some cinnamon red hots for lipstain and blush, and you'll look tasty enough to eat.

Wreaths on the front door welcome holiday visitors, but Nicole would like a Square Mixed-Herb Wreath ($59.95) to greet her and her kitchen guests throughout the year. The seven kinds of dried herbs and flowers that adorn these fragrant wreaths are raised without herbicides or pesticides. Each wreath is handmade on a family owned farm in California. One, two, three, everybody inhale...this gracious gift makes perfect "scents."

Suong is honest. Not that she's a Mrs. Potato Head, but she is obsessed with potato chips. She'd like to play around with a TopChips Chips Maker ($19.99) that turns out fat-free, oil-free and guilt-free crispy fruit and vegetable chips in about the same length of time as your favorite pop song! Feel free to throw in some cute and colorful potatoes, beets and fruits for chipping. Heck, this could become more addicting than a paint-your-own party.

Tuan likes things straight up, not watered down. That's why he's hankering for a set of whiskey stones available in-store at Cook's Warehouse, hewn from soapstone in Vermont, for beverage climate control. He plans on keeping these manly little cubes in the freezer so they'll be ready to maintain a glass of Scotch at the right temp or chill a glass of white wine -- without diluting the flavor.

To add a little glitter and sparkle to everyday occasions, Erica has her eye on a glitter tart server ($20) that will make the envious Queen of Hearts feel like a Plain Jane. And Dorothy, those ruby slippers have nothing on these dishwasher-safe dazzlers. They're made in France and are equally at home serving quiche, cake or pie.  

Shelby's been wine-ing about a Corkcickle ($22.95). At first we thought it was something to look for in the grocery freezer section, but after further investigation, turns out it should be on every wine lover's wish list. Pop the tube-on-a-cork in the freezer to chill its center then insert it in your wine bottle to keep the wine at the right temperature from the inside out. Pretty chill.

Rafer will be waiting up to greet you and we promise to have milk and cookies waiting... thanks, Santa!

Love,
MLA

Our Appetizing Aperture of the Week: Fleming's "Sparkling Star"

This week our Appetizing Aperture will put stars in your eyes. The beautiful "Sparkling Star" sparkling wine cocktail at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar will make the season bright all this December. Cheers!

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

Even if you're not an ornithologist, you'll want to zoom in on The Bluebird Patch where Liza Cardona tweets about social media, philanthropy, food and events around the ATL. Spot her on Twitter (@BluebirdPatch) or pull up a chair and stay focused on herMusings from the Bluebird Patch blog.  Above all, Liza says to "B You, B Thankful and B Happy." Neat tweet-worthy thoughts for the New Year!

Celebrate the Holidays with Your Favorite Atlanta Restaurants

In case you haven't been keeping track, there are only 10 short days left to wrap up all your holiday shopping and plans. We know you have enough on your plate without having to worry about whipping up a feast for the masses. Consider this list of restaurants serving Christmas Eve and Christmas dinners and hosting festive events an early Christmas miracle.

On Christmas Eve, Aqua blue is offering a $25 three-course dinner from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Visitors to the Roswell restaurant will choose between kosher salt and oregano cursted slow roast prime rib and Atlantic salmon Oscar for their entree, while having the full a la carte menu to peruse as well. For reservations, call 770-643-8886.

Be loud, be proud, be tacky. Haul out your holiday sweater for Atkins Park - Smyrna's "Tacky Sweater Party" on Friday, December 16 from 10:30 p.m. to 2:30 a.m. As Stefon from SNL would say, this fun event will have it all: drink specials, an appearance from Santa, DJ Bigg H spinning holiday favorites and house cash prizes for the top three tackiest guests in attendance. The Smyrna tavern plans a big party on Christmas Eve, showing the holiday classic "A Christmas Story" all night and offering a limited Chinese menu as well as all of your tavern favorites. Atkins Park will be open until 10 p.m.

Sister tavern Atkins Park - Virginia Highland will be open Christmas Day beginning at 6 p.m. to offer a special dinner priced at $20 for adults, $15 for young adults and $8 for children under 10 years old. For reservations, call 404-876-7249.

Briza’s Feast of Seven Fishes on Christmas Eve is sure to delight all the seafood lovers out there. This traditional Italian dinner is offered from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is $55 per person, alcohol not included. On Christmas Day, a three choice, three-course menu will have holiday classics such as figgy pudding, egg nog panna cotta and “fruit cake” to choose from for dessert. The cost is $55 per person and is available from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For reservations, call 678-412-2400.

RA Sushi is treating everyone to an early Christmas gift with their new happy hour menu on Christmas Eve. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., more than 35 sushi, appetizer, and tapas seclections, plus a wide variety of beer, wine and signature cocktails ranging from $2 to $7 will be offered.

On Sunday, December 18, Ray's at Killer Creek in Alpharetta is forecasting a Santa sighting during Sunday Supper. Santa is expecting your little ones to visit while the family's there for Southern favorites such as buttermilk fried chicken with cornbread and biscuits for $16 per person from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. It's the perfect place for families to gather for Sunday Supper and a Santa sighting. For reservations, call 770-649-0064.

No need for Chinese takeout this year. Treat yourself to exotic Asian-inspired dishes instead of your usual order of General Tso's. Dine on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day at Spice Market, located inside the W Atlanta-Midtown. This top dining destination will serve dinner from 5 - 9 p.m. on both days. For reservations, call 404-724-2550.

Come Feast with the Falcons and Kevin Gillespie on December 15

This Thursday the Falcon’s face off against the Jacksonville Jaguars at 8:20 p.m. and Woodfire Grill's Kevin Gillespie is getting in on all the action!  He’ll be hosting the chef stand at 2View Restaurant during the game. To find him and see what he's got cooking, head to the Georgia Dome's east end zone on the executive concourse (near the suites). Don’t worry about missing the game; you can keep an eye on the field via large screens!

On the menu you'll find pork belly wings with ranch sauce and salt and vinegar chips, along with "currywurst," bockwurst with red cabbage-horseradish slaw, curry ketchup and German potato salad.

Put Down That Tie, White Oak Pastures Has What You Should Buy

We know the drill - you've waited until the last minute to do your holiday shopping and you're forced to settle for buying a boring tie or an ugly sweater that will surely be tossed to the back of the closet, or tossed altogether. Luckily White Oak Pastures is giving you a tasty alternative. The farm's online store is offering special discounts on grass-fed beef and lamb and free-range poultry when purchased and shipped through December 21. The store will gladly ship your purchases to the lucky recipients, turning your procrastination into simplification. Even if you're done with your holiday shopping, you can still become the family hero by showing up to mom and dad's house with meat that shows you care about what you eat because all animals on White Oak Pastures' multigenerational farm are raised in a humane fashion using sustainable, ecologically sound practices.

Never Fear, Double Zero Is Here To Save The Holidays

Are you still searching for the perfect gift for the holidays? You're in luck then, gift cards are now available online at Double Zero Napoletana and all Castellucci Hospitality Group's restaurant websites. When you buy a gift card online for $100, you will receive a free gift card for $20 to spend however you see fit. Gift cards can be used at any of their restaurants (Double Zero, Sugo, The Iberian Pig). In order to receive the free offer, the purchase must be made online.

To redeem this special offer simply type CHG FAMILY into the Personal Message field at checkout.

Double Zero: 5825 Roswell Rd, 30328; 404-991-3666

Our Appetizing Aperture of the Week: Uncle Julio's Guacamole

Too much of a good thing is not possible when it comes to guacamole... and Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food has the good stuff! Check out their new pineapple bacon guacamole, roasted corn and lump crab guacamole and three pepper spicy guacamole.

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

New York Times best-selling author Lisa Rogak has carved a cutting-edge Twitter niche for herself, and tools, food and the secret lives of chefs are all fair game. Catch her sharp quips on Twitter (@behindtheknife) and learn a whole lot more from her "What's in my Toolbox" chef interviews on her Behind the Knife blog.

Decatur's No. 246 Adds New Brunch & Lunch Delights

Executive Chef Drew Belline of No. 246 adds weekend brunch to the list of tempting reasons to visit the intriguing shops in downtown Decatur. He's adding three new Italian-inspired brunch items to the restaurant's weekend lunch menu: wood-oven poached eggs with Georgia white shrimp, San Marzano tomato, toasted garlic, butterbeans, thyme and toast; breakfast pizza with fingerling potatoes, baked eggs, smoky bacon, Gruyere and farm herbs; and pan-fried brioche with cranberry maple syrup, toasted pecans and fresh cream. Weekend lunch/brunch "hour" extends from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The restaurant also serves lunch Monday through Friday and dinner nightly.

Cut the Cost with Weekly Blue Plate Specials and Nightly Deals at Aqua blue in Roswell

It's time to put down your go-to 30 minute recipe and step away from the crockpot. Just because it's a weeknight doesn't mean you have to make a date with your kitchen! Instead,  take your friends and family to Aqua blue in Roswell for an affordable three course meal from the "Aqua blue plate menu." Appetizer, entrée and dessert are all included for only $25 per person. With a rotating menu, you'll get to try new specials each week along with nightly deals. Blue plate appetizer specials include AB calamari with sweet chili sauce; tempura green beans with sweet mustard dipping sauce; seared pork dumplings with scallion, leeks and sweet soy glaze; or a hand-made sushi roll. Entrée options include thyme-crusted grilled pork loin tostada with black bean and sweet corn relish, spinach, white cheddar and crispy tortilla; Asiago-crusted scallops with cheesy ravioli and Roma tomato basil cream; and red Thai curry stir fry with shaved beef tenderloin and soba noodles in a spicy red Thai curry sauce. For dessert, choose house-made crème brûlée-soaked ciabatta bread pudding with cinnamon ice cream, chocolate molten cake, house-made seasonal sorbets or something equally decadent.

Additional nightly values include half-priced bottles of wine on Sundays, seasonal cocktails at the bar on Mondays and half-priced sushi, $1 nigiri and sashimi plus $5 large sake and $3 Japanese beer on Tuesdays. Wednesdays fill up for the chef's featured dish. Thursday brings Girls Night Out with $5 cocktails all day, complimentary appetizers in the bar area from 5:30 - 7 p.m. and live music from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. Live music also plays Fridays and Saturdays from 7:30 -10:30 p.m.

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

Double Your Fun at Smashburger Today

Hot and juicy "better burgers" are the buzzwords in Kennesaw this week as Smashburger opens its fourth area location on Wednesday, December 7 at 440 Ernest W. Barrett Parkway. Heed our advice and grab a few napkins to catch the juice from your first bite into the signature Atlanta Smashburger loaded with peach BBQ sauce, Wicked® Pimena cheese, grilled jalapeños and Vidalia coleslaw on an egg bun. Smashburger "smashes" its fresh, never frozen 100 percent Certified Angus Beef burgers and Smashdogs on the grill to seal in those flavorful juices for your chomping pleasure. More flavor-rich fuel includes marinated chicken breasts served grilled or crispy on artisanal buns, handcrafted black bean burgers and salads plus sides such as Smashfries, chili cheese fries, sweet potato fries, haystack onions, fried pickles, flash-fried veggie frites and even steaming bowls of beefy chili with jalapeños and cheese. Kennesaw parents note, Smashburger makes the perfect place to meet friends for lunch or dinner because the fast casual eatery covers the spectrum from kids' meals, hand-spun shakes and IBC root beer floats to buckets of beer and wine by the glass. Open seven days a week, 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Don't forget to chow at the Kennesaw store or any one of the other three Atlanta Smashburger locations on Wednesday, December, 7. Each Atlanta-area Smashburger will donate a percentage of sales to DreamWeavers of Georgia. The group creates extracurricular opportunities and produces resources that promote the educational, emotional and social well-being of foster children in Georgia. For Smashburger's complete menu and Atlanta-area locations, click here.

Santa Claus Is Coming To East Cobb

Santa Claus is coming... to Woodlawn Square Shopping Center where Chepe's Mexican Grill is located! Head to East Cobb this Saturday, December 10  from noon to 3 p.m. and let the big guy in red know what's tops on your Christmas wish list as your free photo is taken. 


Kids will love the face painting & craft activities, plus hot chocolate and cookies! And because Santa knows how to party, there will be a DJ with music, games and prizes to entertain the good little boys and girls. Did we mention that live reindeer will be there? Make sure you stay on the "nice" list by dropping by 1205 Johnson Ferry Road.

Swap Out Holiday Cookies for RA Sushi's Pomegranate Pairing

RA Sushi in Midtown is putting a healthier spin on this party-filled month with a dose of antioxidants and omega-3s by way of pomegranates. The restaurant's sashimi and cocktail pairing for December is available through the end of the month and includes tapas of seared albacore tuna and organic micro greens adorned with pomegranate seeds and a splash of yuzu soy vinaigrette, along with a Pomegranate Breeze cocktail mix of Captain Morgan Original Spiced Rum, POM pomegranate juice, PAMA Pomegranate Liqueur, pink grapefruit juice and other citrus flavors. So refreshing compared to all the other heavy holiday treats!

And if you don't have plans for tonight, go try your hand at learning how to roll sushi and sip sake at RA Sushi's monthly Sake and Sushi Social at 6 p.m. For $35 a person or $60 per couple, this lesson also includes a four-course sampling from RA Sushi's menu paired with the perfect sake. Space is limited, so claim a spot by calling 404-267-0114. You can also catch this class again on Tuesday, January 10.

Moroccan Dinner at Woodfire Grill - Cookbook Included

Join Chef Kevin Gillespie as he welcomes Chef Mourad Lahlou of Aziza in San Francisco and the author of the brand new cookbook, Mourad: New Moroccan. Check out the menu below - it's awesome! Each person at the dinner gets a cookbook! Reserve today as this is just for a small group. I can't wait!

Amuse 1: Goat cheese/tomato jam/hazelnut/argan oil

Amuse 2: hirame/ /turnip/feijoa

Amuse 3: roe/cracker/urfa

Amuse 4: eggplant/burnt preserved lemon

Course 1: scallop/cauliflower/vadouvan

Taste course: hen yolk/charmoula/smoked potato/Tasmanian pepper

Course 2: duck basteeya/pistachio/plum jam/endive

Course 3: beef cheek/couscous/carrot jam/harissa emulsion

Dessert: star anise infused chocolate/cinnamon ice cream/dark chocolate cake/hazelnut tuile

The dinner is $125 per person ($175 with wine pairings) and includes a cookbook. Call 404-347-9055. www.woodfiregrillcom

So Long Sleigh! Come Cycle With Santa and Atkins Park Tavern on Wednesday, December 7

For the past five years, Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland has pedaled in the Christmas season with an annual 15- to 20-mile Santa Ride. This year's ride takes place on Wednesday, December 7, setting out from the tavern in Virginia Highland at 6 p.m. and braking several times en route for holiday cheer. 

 

This is the time for you to haul out that holiday cycling attire: Santa hats and antlers affixed to helmets, elf costumes and jingle bells for you; front, back and wrap lights plus more jingle bells for the bike. Since it will be dark, add a Rudolph nose for extra glow. This 2012 Georgia Chain Gang fundraiser benefits the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Enter yourself or come wish the athletes a merry bike ride, enjoy dinner and drinks and welcome the yuletide riders home around 9 p.m.

 

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

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

"Badass" La Tavola Trattoria Barkeep Alli Royce is artsy in so many ways. Libation creations at the bar. Eat-it-up food and party photography. Serious documentary pix. Abstracts involving paint and canvas. 


Even though she's a "badass," this Atlanta native is an all-around nice gal, as anyone can see by her tweets (@roycetakespics). For those good-enough-to-lick photos, check out her website. 

Announcing Our Battle of the Beards Ticket Winners...

Thanks to everybody who entered our Battle of the Beards ticket contest! We loved all your answers! 

Our random generator has picked four lucky winners who will each get a pair of tickets to attend this Saturday’s showdown. If you are one of the below commenters, just email your full name to atlantadish@gmail.com by 3 p.m. today and we'll hook you up!

ATLMich

MC5

Randy

Olivia

Our Appetizing Aperture of the Week

December 5 is National Comfort Food Day, and it doesn't get much more comforting than macaroni and cheese! With smoked cheddar and leeks, we love the twist on the classic dish with this Chipotle Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese from Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar.

Find out Whose Beard is Most Feared at the Battle of the Beards on Saturday

With the mustachioed month of Movember over, it’s time to show off Atlanta’s finest beards. Make sure to use your beard bars to look your bearded best, and head on over to the first ever Battle of the Beards! On Saturday, December 3, Woodfire Grill's Kevin Gillespie and his fiery red beard will be one of the celebrity judges plucking winners from the chin-coiffed pack. Open to ages 21 and older, the party at the Highland Inn Ballroom will have events the hirsute and not-so-hairy will enjoy including festival merchandise, local artist vendors, live music, stand-up comedy, food trucks and a full bar. Be on the lookout for "Best Beard," "Best Stache," "Best Partial Beard," "Most Creative," "Best Grooming" and "Overall Champion." For ladies who want to join in on the fun, we’ve got you covered. Get creative and enter the “BEST LADY BEARD" category! A portion of the proceeds from the 7 - 10 p.m. event will go to Mustaches for Kids' fundraising efforts for CURE Childhood Cancer. For tickets, visit battleofthebeards.net.

We’re also giving four lucky facial hair fans a chance to win their way into the Battle. Leave a comment below by 10 a.m. tomorrow and tell us your favorite celebrity beard for a chance to win a pair of tickets. Winners will be chosen at random and tickets will be available for pickup at the event. Good luck!

Take a Holiday Shopping Break at Truffles Grill This Week

Be sure to jump over to the Truffles Grill Facebook page today through December 6 to see their special offer! “Like” their page to receive a free appetizer with any entrée purchased through Tuesday, December 6. 


Shopper alert: Truffles is right there in the thick of all the retail action, near Lenox Square, Phipps Plaza and all of those Buckhead boutiques. Guests taking a lunch or dinner break may want to try Truffle’s new seared sesame tuna wonton, ham and brie on a fresh croissant or the chile relleno risotto! 

You'll "Like" This Offer from Double Zero Napoletana, The Iberian Pig & Sugo

There's already a lot to "like" about the food, drinks and ambiance at Double Zero Napoletana, The Iberian Pig and Sugo, and now we have one more reason to love them! When new fans "like" the Facebook pages of Double Zero Napoletana, The Iberian Pig or Sugo, they will receive a $10 gift certificate to use toward their next bill at any one of these Castellucci Hospitality Group (CHG) restaurants. 

If you're already a CHG fan, hit the "Special Fan Offer" tab to claim your gift. Certificates expire on December 31 so go ahead and plan on connecting with friends for small plates and drinks or enjoying a post-holiday shopping dinner out.

Alma Cocina Turns Mexican Fare Up a Notch Next Tuesday

Next Tuesday, December 6, Fifth Group Restaurants' latest dining establishment will arrive at 191 Peachtree Street in downtown Atlanta. The long-awaited Alma Cocina ("alma" means soul in Spanish) came about after a lot of research, discussion and travels helmed by Fifth Group Restaurant Partners Robby Kukler, Steve Simon and Kris Reinhard. While contemporary Mexican cuisine is at the heart of Alma's menu, Latin American flavors infuse the restaurant's spirit. Alma's Executive Chef Chad Clevenger has created dishes such as guacamole with butternut squash, chipotle and queso fresco; smoked pork ribs with tamarind BBQ sauce; green chorizo tostadas; taquitos stuffed with crispy cod; red snapper mole Amarillo with Swiss chard (pictured above); braised goat huaraches; and Mexican Coca-Cola panna cotta. The restaurant will be open for both lunch and dinner, and gluten-free and kids' menus are available upon request, so mark your calendars! Work in downtown Atlanta and need a new space for your company's holiday party? Alma has you covered in that department, too. In addition to the main dining room seating for 200 guests, the restaurant also provides two bar areas with booths and communal tables. Autumn Woods can help arrange group or private dining and can be reached at 678-302-3264. For more information, call Alma at 404-968-9662.

Giving is Receiving with Toys For Tots at Ray's

Give a gift and get a gift by participating in the Toys for Tots collection at all three Ray's Restaurants locations. Receive a free appetizer by bringing in a toy for the Toys for Tots collection going on from November 26 through December 17 at Ray's on the River, Ray's Killer Creek and Ray's in the City. We're predicting a Santa sighting inside Ray's Killer Creek in Alpharetta on Sunday, November 27 from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Santa knows that Chef Tracey Bloom's Sunday supper will fill his belly with a choice of Southern favorites such as buttermilk fried chicken, house-cut pork chops or turkey with dressing, bottomless sides and oven-fresh cornbread or biscuits for $16 per person. (Okay, so maybe Santa eats for free -- Ray's wants to stay on his good side.) Visit Ray's online for location information and call 770-649-0064 to make your reservation with Santa at Ray's Killer Creek.