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

After following Kristen on Twitter (@DineandDish), we can definitely see why Dorothy was eager to leave Oz and get back to her Midwestern roots. Those Midwesterners are so darn friendly and sharing. Picture your screen as a backyard fence. Pour your coffee and absorb as Kristen dishes out bits on food, her kitchen and her kids via Twitter and her Dine & Dish blog. The only thing missing is Auntie Em.  

Spice Market Welcomes the Year of the Dragon in Grand Fashion

People who are born in dragon years are passionate in all they do and carry out things in grand fashion. Like them, Spice Market also possesses the same qualities and will be hosting a Chinese New Year Celebration to commemorate the year of the dragon with symbolic dishes and drinks. The grand celebration takes place from January 22 to January 23.

Spice Market will be decorated in the spirit of Chinese New Year and all tables will feature Chinese zodiac placements. The Midtown restaurant will offer complimentary nibbles in the bar area; a four-course tasting menu for $28 and drink specials including $3 Tsing Tao beer as well as specialty cocktails for $5 to $7.

The Chinese New Year tasting menu includes the following symbolic dishes:

• Fragrant mushroom egg rolls to symbolizes wealth
• Chili-garlic egg noodles representing long life come with seared shrimp and star anise
• The wish of abundance comes with a fish dish of wok-fried grouper with napa cabbage, water chestnuts and cucumber
• A sweet, rich life should be yours after eating Ovaltine kulfi made with caramelized banana and spiced milk chocolate sauce

The year of the dragon is also marked by excitement and good luck. Spice Market will ensure guests have an exciting evening and will offer all attendees fortune cookies containing discounts for future visits in the spirit of good luck.

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

Out With the Wine, In With the Brew: Pair Your Plate With a Pint at Atkins Park Tavern

I think it's safe to say that we're all a bit tired of hearing about "wine down Wednesday" promotions. Don't get me wrong, I love my wine, but I'm really grateful that Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia-Highland has decided to take a new turn for hump day deals with the start of "Pint and Plate." Every Wednesday beginning at 5:30 p.m., guests can hoist the perfect pint of craft beer and a chef-prepared plate. The price depends on the pairing, which changes weekly and will be offered until it runs out. Tonight's Pint and Plate features an ahi tuna burger with black sesame, scallions, teriyaki-ginger mayo and arugula served with hand-cut fries and paired with Sweetwater IPA for $14. Happy hump day!

Get Saucy For A Cause At JCT. Bar

This Thursday evening, January 19, JCT. Bar is hosting a sweet and saucy fundraiser for the Shepherd Center with Betty and Billy Hulse, the makers of Cobbie's Sauce. For $9, you'll get three pork sliders with Cobbie's Sauce, and all proceeds will be donated to the Shepherd Center, a non-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord and brain injuries. The dedicated Shepherd Center staff helped Billy Hulse after he experienced a spinal cord injury in 2009. Billy's mother, Mary Cobb "Cobbie" Hulse, poured a lot of love into the recipe for the all-natural, gluten-free sauce that she created more than 60 years ago, and the Hulses are pleased to share sales proceeds with the hospital that continues to give them hope. Try it and find out how to purchase some to douse on chicken, pork, beef, fish and shrimp at your house.

JCT. Kitchen & Bar: In Atlanta's Westside Urban Market at 1198 Howell Mill Road; 404-355-2252.

From Co-ops to Cobbie's Sauce to Chinese New Year, It's All In This Week's Dish

Another Tuesday morning means The Dish is piping hot and ready to read! Get the latest culinary news in our weekly newsletter. If you're not receiving it, you can sign up either here on our blog or on our Facebook page!

A Sale You Can’t Afford to Miss: Shop White Oak Pastures Online!

Through January 31, White Oak Pastures is offering some of their most popular poultry and grass-fed beef at special prices. Plan your menus to include rib-eye steaks, $8.84 (14 oz.); New York strip, $7.24 (12 oz.); and beef tenderloin, $9.27 (8 oz.). Save $2 per pound on ground beef in five-pound frozen, vacuum-sealed chubs at $20 per chub. Poultry savings aren’t paltry either:  large stewing hens are $12.99 per 4.5+ pound bird; each eight-way cut bird is $9.49; whole guinea are $12.99 per 2.5-pound bird; and ground turkey and ground chicken run $4.89 per one-pound pack. White Oak Pastures meat is available at Atlanta-area Publix supermarkets and Whole Foods Markets; however, sale items are only available online. 

Our Appetizing Aperture of the Week: Noodles & Company's Truffle Mac with Baby Portabellas

Looks like macaroni and cheese is all grown up at Noodles & Company with this delicious twist on the comforting classic -- truffle mac with baby portabellas.

Learn About Wine and Mingle with Wine Connoisseurs at Woodfire Grill's Louis/Dressner Winemaker Dinner

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or simply enjoy learning about the finer things in life, meet winemakers and taste wines at Woodfire Grill's Louis/Dressner Winemaker Dinner on Tuesday, January 17. Old world wine importer Louis/Dressner doesn't make the wines, but they have connections with more than 100 conscientious vignerons in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Croatia and Slovenia. Eric Texier from Chateauneuf du Pape and Jean-Paul Brun from Beaujolais, both winemakers whose wines are imported by Louis/Dressner, will discuss their naturally produced wines during the evening.

Even better, learning about the natural viticulture and tasting some of the exquisite wines is just the tip of the iceberg at this dinner party. You will also enjoy Woodfire Grill’s handcrafted five-course menu of four savory dishes and desserts plus wine pairings. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and costs $115 per person (includes tax but not gratuity). There are only 20 seats open to the public, so don't think about it too long. Make reservations now for this exclusive dinner by calling the restaurant at 404-347-9055.

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

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

Squash Blossom Kitchens is a boutique catering company that specializes in small- to mid-sized dinner parties. Childhood friends Christine Roberts and Katy Purwin shelved their corporate careers to pursue their first love:  food. The duo is a regular on 11 Alive cooking segments, and have developed winning recipes for Jake's Ice Cream and Maggiano's. Follow their tweets (@SBKitchens) to stay on the detox track for 2012. Learn more about them on their Squash Blossomings blog.  

Happy 10th Birthday to The Dish!

Back in the day, before there were blogs, there was a little newsletter called The Dish. Every week, it was painstakingly typed, laid out with scissors and tape, copied on colored paper (different color every week!), and delivered around town to our city's concierges. Oh, and we faxed it to them too - woo hoo! What a difference 10 years can make!

Now The Dish is a weekly e-newsletter and daily blog post. The process is more efficient and our interns don't have to drive all over town anymore, but the goal is the same. We are still committed to spreading the news about the fun restaurant happenings going on in Atlanta.

We appreciate your reading and hope you'll sign up for the newsletter if you haven't already. Oh, and follow us on Twitter too! Can't wait to see what the next 10 years will bring!!

Sidle up to JCT. Bar for a Burger and Beer

Starting next Tuesday, JCT. Bar in Atlanta's Westside Urban Market is bringing back their popular Burger and Beer special. This year's combo features Ford Fry's house-ground "Frito Pie" Burger and a beer from Utah-based Uinta Brewing for $10. Beers options include Wyld Extra Pale Ale, Baba Black Lager or Hopnotch IPA. This deal runs each Tuesday through Thursday from 5-10 p.m. at the rooftop bar. The Burger and Beer is only available for a limited time, so make plans to stop on by for a "Frito Pie."

It’s National Soup Month – Start Slurping!

The MLA team just finished a two-day juice detox and after 48 hours of drinking nothing but cold, tart fruit juice, all I am craving is a hot bowl of soup. Luckily, it happens to be National Soup Month AND, despite the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been having, the weather reports for the rest of this week finally point to colder temperatures. I can’t think of a better time to sample our city’s selection of body-warming bowls of goodness. Check out a list of our favorites around town in the latest edition of The Dish. My must-haves are Aria’s creamless celery root and black truffle soup (you will not believe this soup doesn’t have cream in it!) and Spice Market’s spicy chicken and coconut soup (pictured above). Both of these feel totally luxurious and are super satisfying on a cold day.

Wine and Dine Prime Style at Fleming’s

What better way to prepare for a busy work week than enjoying a nice dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar? Luckily, the top-end Perimeter steakhouse offers a three-course Sunday Prime Rib Dinner for only $29.95 per person (before tax and gratuity) until February 5. This three-course meal begins with your choice of The Wedge, Fleming’s house salad or a Caesar salad, followed by the prime rib with au jus main course. The prime rib is served up with creamy horseradish and Dijon sauces and your choice of a side. To top it all off, you can choose a decadent dessert for your final course. The wine connoisseurs at Fleming’s recommend pairing your meal with the Raymond, Napa Valley Sommelier Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009. At $8.75 a glass or $35 a bottle it’s a perfect choice! And of course, you can always choose from the Fleming’s 100 award-winning wine collection to round out your evening meal.   

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

Smash Your Way Into Winter!

Sizzling hot Smashburgers, chicken sandwiches, Smashdogs and veggie burgers send cold packing, if you catch our drift. If, however, cold calls you to the slopes, Smashburger again comes to the rescue with the Smashburger Winterfest sweepstakes. Enter online through January 27. One grand-prize winner will ski away with a trip for two to Colorado including hotel accommodations, a pair of Icelantic skis and a private tour of the Icelantic factory. Other prizes include Icelantic skis, a snowboard, 686 snowboard jackets, Winter Park lift tickets, Colorado Avalanche tickets and Smashgear. While you’re on the website, enter your preferred Smashburger location -- Alpharetta, Buckhead, Johns Creek, Kennesaw or Sandy Springs -- and receive news on specials and events.

Beef, Lamb and Chicken, Oh My!

Grass-fed beef and lamb and free-range chicken have earned a place for White Oak Pastures on many a regional restaurant menu and home dinner plate. These tender cuts are the culmination of long-term visions for sustainability and active stewardship by White Oak Pastures Owner Will Harris. Consider the big picture, and it's obvious why Harris will be inducted into the Fellowship of Southern Farmers, Artisans, and Chefs at the Southern Foodways Alliance Taste of the South, taking place January 12 - 15, at Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tenn. The event, which also serves as a fundraiser for the Southern Foodways Alliance, is now in its eight year. The Fellowship of Southern Farmers, Artisans, and Chefs fosters camaraderie and mentorship and honors the bounty of the South and the hands that grow, nurture and interpret its harvest. The organization's vision is to provide a forum for farmers, chefs and artisans to break bread and share knowledge while reinforcing the sustaining bridge between field and table. After five generations of Harris family farming, White Oak Pastures has become the largest certified organic farm in Georgia and is one of only two on-farm, USDA-inspected, grass-fed beef plants in the country. The farm is home to the largest solar-powered barn in the Southeast. The solar-thermal system generates energy for the processing plant -- which happens to be the only on-farm poultry processing facility in the states of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi. Both the grass-fed beef and poultry plants are no-waste operations, meaning animal by-products are turned into organic fertilizer or compost for the farm's certified organic pastures.

Even if the Blackberry Farm event is not on your calendar, you can enjoy White Oak Pastures products at home. They are available at Whole Foods Markets and Publix supermarkets.

White Oak Pastures: 22775 Highway 27, Bluffton, GA; 229-641-2081.

[Photo Credit: Angie Mosier]

Our Appetizing Aperture of the Week

Resolutions are no fun if you can't have a sweet treat here and there -- we'd recommend saving that stolen moment for one of these dark chocolate doughnuts, available from Krispy Kreme in Columbus. 

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

Lindsay and Taylor Landis are a cute couple dealing with humidity in Nashville, Tenn. They run two small businesses by day and cook by night, having discovered cooking together brings them together. And besides, they get bored by leftovers so they're always cooking something new. Lindsay handles the prolific tweets (@loveandoliveoil). Follow her daily adventures. Save theirLove & Olive Oil blog link in your bookmark file for a lot of incredible edibles and even some giveaways.

Learn to roll your own (sushi)

Did you make a resolution to learn something new in 2012? Did you vow to meet new people? You can check them both off your list by attending RA Sushi's first Sake and Sushi Social of the new year on Tuesday, January 10 at 7 p.m. This is a really fun way to get together with old friends or make some new ones. There are experts there to discuss sake-pairing basics and teach you how to roll your own sushi, plus you'll get a four-course sampling of fresh sushi and appetizers paired with fine sake. All for $35 per person or $60 per couple. Check out the photos from December's social on Facebook. Space is limited so give 'em a call 404-267-0114.

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

All Aboard the Health Train: 2012 Healthy Eating Roundup Makes Keeping Resolutions Easy

"Diet" can be a heavy word, and no one wants to hear such a downer in a city with so many fabulous eateries. Healthy eating is more about considering the effects of what you're ingesting -- how your lunch will benefit your body and all of its systems -- including those all-important taste buds. Really, if it's not tasty, why bother anyway?

Guilt-free "Skinnier Cocktails" at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar weigh in at 99 calories per glass and $9.95 each.  They're always on the bar menu to give you more options than diet sodas for a sassy but not sissy low-cal drink. Fresh fruits and juices knock sugary mixers out of the glass. Tickled Pink mixes Belvedere Vodka, Mionetto Prosecco, orange juice and raspberry. Bikinitini is a Florida beach trip in a glass with Grey Goose L'Orange Vodka, lemon juice, orange juice, Monin sugar-free syrup and soda water. The Stoli Bombshell fruits up Stoli Vanil Vodka with fresh raspberries, raspberry preserves and freshly squeezed lime juice. The Russian Prom Queen mixes fresh lime juice, cucumbers and blueberries with Stoli Blueberi Vodka. The Farmer's Daughter starts with Ketel One Vodka and adds strawberries, fresh basil leaves, lemon juice and cranberry juice. And finally, the Stiletto spikes fresh blackberries, lime and ginger with Hendrick's Gin.

Atlanta Smashburger locations dispel the myth that fast-casual dining paves a highway to the hips. Atlantans so love their veggie burgers that black bean veggie burger sales at area Smashburger restaurants nearly double the national Smashburger average!  Smashburger salads fill you up with fresh, crisp greens and toppings, and grilled chicken can be added to up the protein ante. The harvest salad features balsamic tomatoes, raisins, dried cranberries, sunflower and pumpkin seeds and blue cheese topped with balsamic vinaigrette. Create your own healthy grilled chicken sandwich by selecting a multigrain bun and choosing free toppings such as lettuce, tomato, red onion, kosher pickles and jalapeños along with a variety of sauces and mustards. Sweet potato smashfries and veggie frites add even more veggies to your plate.

Executive Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten fills bento boxes with vegetarian selections for Monday night diners at Spice Market, located inside the W Atlanta-Midtown. Even carnivores will find the multi-layered boxes plenty to please at $24 per person. See the vibrant veggie bento box on our blogarchive.

Book a vegetarian-focused table at Woodfire Grill, and the chefs will prepare a five-course chef's tasting vegetarian menu that the entire table will relish. The vegetarian dinner costs $70 per person, and everyone at the table must participate. A tasting included a first course of cucumber and cantaloupe noodles with grapefruit and mint emulsion; a second course of roasted hen of the woods and morel mushrooms, baby radish and turnips with brown butter, lemon zest and herbs; a third tasting course of chilled new potato and wild garlic leek soup; a fourth course of roasted local root vegetables, smoked squash puree and pickled cabbage salad; a main course of creamed escarole and rutabaga, spicy smoked apples, asparagus and Anson Mills farro; and dessert of strawberry shortcake with sour cream pound cake, rhubarb jam and strawberry whip.

Say "hola" to heart-healthy menu items at Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food. Three scrumptious selections have been certified as heart healthy by Medical City Heart. A generous Ensalada Especial heaps plates with mixed field greens, grape tomatoes, jicama, cucumbers, red onions and red cabbage and is served with citrus vinaigrette dressing. Go heartier by adding portobello mushroom or salmon. Increasing your intake of salmon for those healthy omega-3 fatty acids is easy when ordering flavorful mesquite-grilled salmon filet served with sautéed vegetables and fresh pineapple pico de gallo. Vegetable purists will find the grilled vegetable platter fills their wish dish with mesquite-grilled zucchini, yellow squash, portobello mushroom, red potatoes, and red and yellow onions served with roasted red and poblano peppers and a side of fresh pineapple pico de gallo.

At RA Sushi in Midtown, cradle a Skinny Cocktail in your hands and roll each potent sip across your tongue with pleasure. There are only 200 calories in a Lychee-teenie, Skinny Ninja or Thin Ginger ($8 each). 

Help Crown Decatur as the South's Tastiest Town

If you love the deliciousness of Decatur as much as we do, you'll want to show some favoritism. Decatur has been nominated as one of the South's Tastiest Towns in Southern Living magazine and it's time to cast your vote. Our favorite thing about Decatur? No.246 and Chef Drew Belline's Italian-inspired, locally driven menu. If you haven't already tasted Belline's cuisine for yourself, stop by the restaurant (located at 129 E. Ponce de Leon Avenue) for lunch or dinner and you'll find one more reason to love Decatur. Then cast your vote daily through January 31. Added bonus: voters are entered for a chance to win a $2,500 visit to the tasty town of their choice.

The Skinny on RA Sushi's New Cocktails

Oh, RA Sushi, we love you!  Now we can eat your delicious and healthy sushi AND have a cocktail or two.  The energizing Midtown hub for Asian-fusion specialties is introducing three "Skinny Cocktails" at $8 each with, most importantly, fewer than 200 calories apiece. The Lychee-teenie gives the traditional martini cause to quiver, delivering Voli Vodka with the lightly sweet addition of Asian lychee fruit and Monin agave nectar. The Skinny Ninja sneaks in a stealth punch with Voli Lyte Vodka mixed with fresh flavors of yuzu, pink grapefruit, Monin agave nectar and shiso, a basil-minty Japanese herb. For berry gingery goodness, order the Thin Ginger, which muddles fresh strawberries, citrus and ginger with Voli Lemon Vodka and Monin agave nectar.  Act quickly because these "Skinny Cocktails" are only available January 1 through February 29.

Our Appetizing Aperture of the Week: Alma Cocina

Speaking of Alma Cocina, if you haven't visited downtown yet, be sure to add it to your must-do list for 2012. You really have to try these sweet potato empanadas with horchata ice cream, cranberry compote and spiced pepitas. 

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

He's had a crazy, busy month, but he doesn't care. He's living his culinary dream. Jeffrey Gardner, known on Twitter as CheffreyG, is the sous chef at Alma Cocina in downtown Atlanta's 191 Peachtree Building. 

Gardner tweets (@CheffreyG) that this is the place for modern Mexican and Latin flavors -- and we concur. Between bites, dabble with his Cheffrey Eats Out blog.

Rise Up with "Next Food Network Star" Finalist Justin Balmes at the Falcons Game on New Year's Day

We know you've got New Year's Eve plans, but what about New Year's Day? Start 2012 with a winning combination: Falcons football and "Next Food Network Star" finalist, Chef Justin Balmes. 

Watch the playoff-bound Atlanta Falcons take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 1 p.m. in the Georgia Dome on Sunday. At halftime, skip the usual concession fare and visit Balmes at the local chef stand at 2View Restaurant in the east end zone on the executive concourse (near the suites). He'll be serving up a lamb burger on potato bun with grilled onions, arugla, Manchego and lemon herb and black olive aioli and pulled pork with white cheddar mac and cheese and collard greens with Weiss Tasso ham.

The best part is you can grab a bite and chat up Balmes without missing a second of the action, thanks to the big screens nearby. So rise up and chow down!

I'll Have Black-Eyed Peas For New Year's, Please

It's a given that black-eyed peas will be somewhere on the Southern New Year's Day table. Legend has it that the Southern tradition has ties to the Civil War, when General William Tecumseh Sherman's Union troops carried off or destroyed all food, crops and livestock along their path, leaving only lowly, dried "field peas" behind because they were considered to be animal fodder. Guess they didn't count on Southern ingenuity, and luckily, folks found and cooked the dried peas to survive. The dried peas came to symbolize prosperity because they grew in size when cooked. Owner/Executive Chef Ford Fry of JCT. Kitchen & Bar loves everything about Southern regional food and takes the black-eyed pea tradition to a much tastier level. His recipe for deep-fried black-eyed peas with candied, crispy lemon makes a delish snack for the midnight hour on New Year's Eve.

Deep-Fried Black-Eyed Peas with Candied, Crispy Lemon

Serves 24 small portions

Ingredients

1 lb. dried black-eyed peas
1 stalk celery (cut in half)
1 carrot (peeled and cut in half)
½ yellow onion (peeled)
1 bay leaf

4 lemons
2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp. kosher salt
1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tbsp. Italian parsley (finely chopped)
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste


Method

Peas:

Soak the peas overnight in water. Strain the peas, place in appropriate-sized pot and cover with water by two inches. Add the carrot, celery, onion, and bay leaf. Simmer slowly until just cooked. Strain and chill. Discard the carrot, celery, onion and bay leaf.

Lemon:

With a peeler or small knife, peel off the yellow portion of the peel. Trim away any of the white. Slice into thin strips. Using a small pot, place in the water, sugar, salt and lemon strips. Simmer slowly for five minutes. Strain and chill.

Fry:

Set up your fryer at 350 degrees. If using a pot, fill half way with canola oil (or pork fat if you like). Place a candy thermometer into it to monitor the temperature. Start by frying the peas as is for one to two minutes or until crispy then place in a mixing bowl and season to taste with kosher salt. For the lemon, toss the strips in the flour and dust off excess flour. Fry lemon for 20-30 seconds. Add to the bowl of crispy peas with the parsley and toss. Fill small cups for individual servings and stick a tiny spoon into the peas.

Smashburger Comes to Sandy Springs Tomorrow

Smashburger has been spreading the better burger love all over metro Atlanta these past few months and now it is Sandy Springs' turn. Check it out - opening on Wednesday, Dec. 28 at 6080 Roswell Road. I'm a big fan of Smashburger's juicy burgers and those yummy thick Häagen-Dazs shakes! Smashburgers all begin with 100 percent fresh, never-frozen Certified Angus Beef smashed on a 400 degree flat grill to sear in flavorful juices. Try the Atlanta Smashburger with peach BBQ sauce, Wicked® Pimena cheese, grilled jalapeños and Vidalia coleslaw and served on an artisan egg bun - it's got quite a kick! And if you want something healthier, they have great chicken and huge salads. Plus wine and beer! See you in Sandy Springs!

Smashburger - Sandy Springs: 6080 Roswell Road; 404-257-1557.

Happy Holidays from Melissa Libby & Associates!

Chicken and the Egg Menu Is Loaded With Dishes And Drinks To Give Comfort and Joy

Put away the tropical beach brochures and browse the menu at Chicken and the Egg in Marietta to plan a cold weather escape route. Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus are loaded with one tummy-warming dish after another. Pimento cheese fritters, buttermilk fried oysters, calamari and rock shrimp fish fry or a cup of roasted tomato soup are must-try starters, and black-eyed pea "hummus" is said to bring good luck in the New Year ($4.50-$9). 

Daily lunch blue plates bring a meat and two veggies for $9 and include rib-sticking recipes for meatloaf with tomato gravy, fried chicken breast, chicken and dumplings, beef tips and rice, fried catfish and more -- plus veggie choices of mashed potatoes, green beans, black-eyed peas, baby carrots, braised greens and mac and cheese. The list of hefty sandwiches features the grilled cheese on brioche with tomato soup combo; the Farm House burger with cheddar, a fried egg and bacon; the FGT burger (fried green tomato); the veggie-piled "Plant;" the Georgia shrimp po' boy and a BLT with FGT ($9-$11). 

Dinnertime brings out a colorful beet salad with tart apples and candied walnuts; a pear and pecan salad with arugula, shaved fennel and blue cheese; and a Caesar with grilled Georgia shrimp ($5-$14). Southern supper entrées please with sweet Georgia shrimp and grits, country-fried ribeye, duck breast with roasted root vegetables and Gouda grits, trout, short ribs, portabella stroganoff, spicy bayou pasta and more ($14-$19). Sweet finales include "coffee & donuts" of beignets and café au lait crème brûlée, a peppermint ice cream sandwich, sticky toffee pudding and chocolate buttermilk cake with vanilla ice cream ($5-$6). Brunch has a filling combo of traditional morning dishes such as crab cake Benedict plus steak and eggs, as well as lunch and supper favorites ($4.50 - $14). These are just a few morsels -- more dishes, drinks and $5 "Peeps" menu for little ones 12 and under are on the website.

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.