Geoff Morrill Promoted to Head Honcho at Gunshow

Chef, restaurateur and cookbook author Kevin Gillespie has promoted a key employee at his acclaimed Glenwood Park restaurant, Gunshow. A member of the Gunshow family since opening day, former beverage and front of house manager Geoff Morrill will now serve as the restaurant’s general manager. In his new role, Morrill will continue to coordinate the service staff, oversee the books, handle ordering and create fluid, food-friendly wine and beer lists to match the ever-changing dinner menu. His goal each night is to marry the fine dining precision of the kitchen with the restaurant’s casual atmosphere. “His ability to juggle so many responsibilities while keeping the restaurant running smoothly each night is indispensable,” says Gillespie. Congratulations, Geoff!

Matter Matters. Learn Why at White Oak Pastures’ Soil Health Workshop August 1

Will Harris knows that what goes into the soil matters. At a farmer meeting in 1946, Will Bell Harris was introduced to and fell in love with chemical nitrogen fertilizer, which was used at White Oak Pastures for the next 50 years. Will Harris shifted gears to take a more holistic approach to managing the 150-year-old family farm, and for the last 15 years, natural practices including composting, cover crops and multi-species rotational grazing have taken over resulting in a 10-fold increase in organic matter in the soil. Dig in on Saturday, August 1 at White Oak Pastures’ Soil Health Workshop and learn more about White Oak Pastures’ natural management process. The day begins with a tour at 10 a.m. followed by lunch in the Pavilion at noon. From 1-3 p.m., Will Harris shares his family’s full-circle journey from local, humane and sustainable food production to centralized, commoditized and industrialized production and back again. Cost is $80 per person; make reservations online. Class size limited to 25.

Boogie into Johnny’s Hideaway for a Post-Chastain Concert Nightcap

If concerts at Chastain Park Amphitheatre leave you wanting more, bee-bop over to nearby Johnny’s Hideaway for dining, drinks and dancing into the wee hours. Atlanta’s best DJs spin tunes from the 1950s ‘til now, and an always lively crowd promises no shortage of dance partners or people-watching. Stop in after Hall and Oates on July 10, Rob Thomas on July 21 or Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga on July 29. Full concert schedule is available online. 

Pastured Poultry Week Rules the Roost July 13-20

Pasture-raised birds exhibit a not-so-paltry list of virtues spanning human and flock health, environmental sustainability and flavor. During Pastured Poultry Week, July 13-20, restaurants in Georgia, South Carolina and New York will offer dishes featuring pastured poultry to raise awareness and afford guests opportunities to taste the merits of these birds over factory-farmed chicken. Whether you’re already a pastured poultry devotee or if someone’s henpecking you to try it, note that these Atlanta restaurants will each feature a special dish during Pastured Poultry Week: Aria, Article 14, Bantam + Biddy, Chick-a-Biddy,Glenn’s Kitchen, Gunshow, Seed Kitchen & Bar, Stem Wine Bar and The Southern Gentleman. Check out our blog for more details.

Get Juiced for the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival July 19

Tomatoes take over Atlanta’s Westside on Sunday, July 19 for the 7th annual Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival. Flee to Westside Provisions District from 1-5 p.m. as restaurateur Ford Fry brings together dozens of chefs and mixologists – including Aria’s Gerry Klaskala, Gunshow’s Mercedes O'Brien, Derek Dollar from Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, Tom Gray from Moxie Kitchen & Cocktails in Jacksonville and Scotley Innis from Ormsby’s -- to concoct tomato-based food and drinks all for two worthy causes. Last year’s event squeezed out $120,000 for beneficiaries The Giving Kitchen and Georgia Organics, and this year’s festival looks to squeeze even more. In addition to tomato-ey concoctions, guests also will rock to live music from Ill Communication and Fry’s all-chef band Five Bone Rack. Purchase tickets online before they sell out.

#SummerOfWillys continues with 20th Anniversary Party and $5 Burritos July 13 at North Buckhead Location

Willy’s Mexicana Grill founder and CEO Willy Bitter is throwing a 20th anniversary party and you’re invited. On Monday, July 13 at the very first Willy’s located at 4377 Roswell Road, stop in for $5 burritos all day, a spin of the prize wheel (11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-7 p.m.) for a chance to win Willy’s swag and to enter to win a $50 Willy’s gift card. At 11:30 a.m., Bitter will present a $20,145 check to Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta resulting from Willy’s $20K or 20 Days fundraising event, which took place at all Atlanta-area and Athens locations in June. Willy’s will continue to thank guests at all locations throughout the #SummerOfWillys celebration with a new limited-time-only habanero peach salsa beginning July 13 and a special anniversary collectors' cup ($2.95 to purchase; $1 refills with entrée purchase through October 31). Guests who purchase an anniversary cup now through August 31 will receive a Zoo Atlanta coupon for $5 off a ticket or $10 off a zoo membership while supplies last.

Kick Back at MAX’s “Sunday Supper at the Chef’s Table”

MAX’s Wine Dive puts a new spin on the usually pretentious chef’s table with its laid-back “Sunday Supper at the Chef’s Table.” On Sundays beginning July 12, four guests will be privy to a four-course dinner with wine pairings prepared by executive chef Patric Bell-Good. The inaugural supper menu boasting classic summer ingredients features chilled butterbean soup with corn relish; heirloom tomato and peach salad with mint; grilled flank steak with watermelon salsa and grilled corn with basil pesto; and buttermilk panna cotta with cantaloupe consommé for dessert. “Sunday Supper” runs 7-9 p.m. with a new menu each week. Cost is $55 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. For reservations, call 404-249-0445.

T.G.I.F.! Bantam + Biddy Pours Acoustic Cocktails on Crescent

Ease into the weekend with Bantam + Biddy’s Acoustic Cocktails on Crescent. On Fridays from 6-9 p.m., release workweek stress with live music and cocktail specials. Guest bartender Derrick Norris shakes up cocktails from Independent Distilling Co. including $4 Biddy Marys, mimosas and Jameson shots and pours $2 draft beers. Weekend, here we come!

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Independence Day reminds us to appreciate our many freedoms, including the freedom to seek out and pin red, white and blue ways to celebrate the 4th of July. Tote a strawberry, blueberry and feta salad to the potluck. Amaze your friends by slicing into a vanilla layer cake and unfurling a flag fashioned by its layers. Hand out popsicles stacking stripes of raspberry red, vanilla Greek yogurt and blueberry. Display Old Glory -- carved into a watermelon or as flag bandanas tied into bunting. Paint stars on your grass for a dazzling lawn. Fire rocket cocktails, pop rock shots, spiked buzzed cherry bombs and cotton candy that glows add oomph to any pyrotechnic display. 

#Foodgram

Those who belong to the Atlanta Food Bloggers’ Society eat their words daily and expose readers to a smorgasbord of articles and appetite-provoking photos -- like lining up a powerful flight of Daily Greens juice instead of the expected wine pours. Gotcha! Just their way of connecting the dots between the Atlanta food community and bloggers to promote good taste. After sampling the Instagram album, sink your teeth into the all-you-can-eat version on their website.

Appetizing Aperture

Cowabunga, dude. FLIP burger boutique is stoked about its Surf ‘n Turf burger ($19), the July burger of the month. FLIP’s special beef blend is hand pattied and perfectly seared to keep juices in check until the first bite sends a wave of juicy flavor trickling down your chin. Tender lobster sautéed in garlic butter rides the burger-like raft along with house-made Green Goddess dressing, mustard caviar and alfalfa sprouts. Earth ‘n Turf? Now that’s a whole different burger.

Vote for MAX’s Wine Bar, Chef Patric Bell-Good and Chef Javier Viera in Georgia Voice “Best of Gay Atlanta 2015”

Only a few more days to cast votes for your favorite chefs and restaurants in Georgia Voice’s ”Best of Gay Atlanta 2015” finals. Voting ends July 4. Scroll down the list to “Eats” to find MAX’s Wine Dive under multiple categories: “Best Restaurant,” “Best New Restaurant,” “Lunch Spot” and “Bar Spot.” MAX’s Wine Dive chef Patric Bell-Good and chef Javier Viera of 10th & Piedmont and G’s Midtown rub elbows in the competition for best “Local Chef.” Georgia Voice will reveal the winners at their 2015 Best of Atlanta awards show on Friday, July 24. Click here to vote. Ten time’s the charm -- it’s fair and square to vote up to 10 times per day in this election. 

Matt Deckard of Glenn’s Kitchen Promises Fried Green Tomatoes at AmericasMart Southern Traditions Cooking Demo July 8

Along with nifty gift ideas and furnishing orders, buyers and merchandisers in town for the Atlanta International Gift and Home Furnishings Market at AmericasMart will take home mouthwatering memories of shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and other Southern favorites thanks to Matt Deckard, executive chef of Glenn’s Kitchen in downtown Atlanta. Deckard leads a Southern Traditions cooking demo on Wednesday, July 8 from 11 a.m. until noon in the Demonstration Kitchen (Building 2, Floor 8), and he promises those stopping by his demo won’t leave hungry!

Get Mooovin’ to Article 14 for Sweet Grass Dairy Cheese Dinner with Cheese Expert Gabe Goodlatt July 8

More than 15 years ago, Sweet Grass Dairy founders Al and Desiree Wehner decided to let cows be cows on their family run Thomasville, Georgia farm. Their Jersey girls continue to graze their way through a rotation of grassy pastures, yielding pure, sweet-tasting milk at day’s end. Now cheese lovers -- locally and nationally -- enjoy these world-class cheeses crafted from the ground up. Article 14 in Midtown invites you to savor the pure flavors of these artisan cheeses and meet Gabe Goodlatt of Sweet Grass Dairy at this month’s four-course cheese dinner with wine pairings on July 8. $45 per person (not including tax or gratuity). The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. Reservations: 404-443-8432.

Bantam + Biddy Party Kicks Off Pastured Poultry Week July 8

Pasture-raised birds exhibit a not-so-paltry list of virtues spanning human and flock health, environmental sustainability and flavor. During Pastured Poultry Week, July 13-20, restaurants in Georgia, South Carolina and New York will offer dishes featuring pastured poultry to raise awareness and afford guests opportunities to taste the merits of these birds over factory-farmed chicken. On board with pastured poultry since the get go, Shaun Doty and Bantam + Biddy are kicking off Pastured Poultry Week with a party for chefs from participating restaurants and supportive community members at the Lenox location on Wednesday, July 8 from 7-9 p.m. A limited number of spaces are available for the general public; contact Rebecca.Portman@ciwf.org.

Whether you’re already a pastured poultry devotee or if someone’s henpecking you to try it, note that these Atlanta restaurants will each feature a special dish during Pastured Poultry Week: Aria, Article 14, Bantam + Biddy, Chick-a-Biddy, Glenn’s Kitchen, Gunshow, Seed Kitchen & Bar, Stem Wine Bar and The Southern Gentleman.

Stop Floundering and Claw Your Way to Ray’s Restaurants for Lobsterfest

Ray’s Restaurants and Rockland, Maine share a common denominator. Lobsters. While Rockland is the self-proclaimed “Lobster Capital of the World,” the king of crustaceans rules at Ray’s Restaurants’ Lobsterfest. Currently at Ray’s at Killer Creek and beginning Monday, July 6 at Ray's on the River and Ray's in the City, select a 1.25-pound whole Maine lobster served with drawn butter and a choice of salad and side for $24.95. All three restaurants salute Independence Day by presenting a one-pound whole Maine lobster, drawn butter and a choice of side for just $16.95 on July 4. The celebration continues over a lobster boil spread at Ray’s at Killer Creek on Saturday, July 11 and at Ray’s on the River on Friday, July 17 and Saturday, July 18. The all-you-can-eat buffet boasts succulent lobster tails, lobster claws, peel-and-eat shrimp, andouille sausage, savory red potatoes, roasted corn coleslaw and more plus house-made desserts. Cash bar. All three spreads are from 6:30-9:00 p.m. and cost $50 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Space is limited; for reservations, call 770-955-1187 (Ray’s on the River) or 770-649-0064 (Ray’s at Killer Creek). Hurry in or you’ll miss Lobsterfest by a tail. 

Scotley Innis of Ormsby’s Leads Chef Demo at Westside Provisions District Farmers Market July 5

See what kind of farm-fresh inspiration Ormsby’s chef Scotley Innis has up his sleeves at the Westside Provisions District Farmers Market this Sunday, July 5. The market sets up a stone’s throw from Ormsby’s cool environs (and cold brews) near Howell Mill and 14th Street. After picking up tips from Innis and picking out locally grown produce, dairy, eggs, artisan breads, baked goods and other delicacies at the 10 a.m.-2 p.m. market, skip over to Ormsby’s where there’s a cold beer for you and air conditioning to keep your produce perky. Market updates on Facebook.

Flag these Atlanta Restaurants for July 4

You have to eat sometime amid the cavalcade of July 4 activities, or you’ll fizzle out before the fireworks begin. Blast off to our blog where we’re taking the liberty of listing Atlanta restaurants paying tribute to the holiday with their own stars -- dine-in brunches, lunches and dinners, to-go meals, live music and drink specials -- and stripes, fresh from the grill. 

Peachtree T-Shirts Past or Present Run Away With $5 Burritos at Willy’s Mexicana Grill July 4

Dash into Willy’s Mexicana Grill wearing the Peachtree Road Race shirt of the day -- July 4, 2015 -- or proudly don your well-earned vintage model and bag a burrito for $5. On Saturday, July 4, those wearing a prized Peachtree T-shirt from any race year can walk the burrito wrap line at any Willy’s (excluding airport location) and refuel on fillings such as Sinaloa or adobe chicken, cilantro-garlic steak, chipotle pork, Sinaloa tofu, Monterey Jack cheese, veggies, corn salsa, pico de gallo, beans, rice and Southwest coleslaw. Hydrate with your beverage of choice (additional charge) including homemade flavored lemonades, iced tea, bottled drinks, FIJI Water or a celebratory beer (plus margaritas at some locations). Stiff competition for the post-race bottled water and banana combo. 

Header on Over to STATS and Der Biergarten for FIFA Women’s World Cup Soccer Semifinals and Finals Viewing through July 5

Cheer on Team USA as they play Germany in the FIFA Women’s World Cup Semifinals June 30! STATS and Der Biergarten in the Luckie Marietta District offer specials to keep you fueled up and ready to cheer on the home team. Liters of Kӧnig Ludwig Hefeweizen are $9 at Der Biergarten, while STATS has an All American Combo for $15: personal premium jumbo wings appetizer with a choice of sauce (Buffalo, BBQ, Kung Fu) and choice of dressing with celery, plus a Messi Double Stack Burger with American cheese, lettuce, onion, pickle and, of course, Budweiser. Be sure to catch the rest of the Women’s World Cup action at STATS and Der Biergarten through July 5. Details about specials aren’t in a playbook, but you will find them on our blog. 

Kevin Gillespie Goes Gaucho, Travels to Argentina for CNN International’s “Culinary Journeys” Airing July 3, 4 and 7

Kevin Gillespie often refers to his Georgia upbringing, affection for rustic dishes with Southern roots and his passion for pork. On CNN International’s new “Culinary Journeys” series, the Atlanta-based chef, restaurateur and cookbook author divulges that an interest in Brazilian churrascaria-style dining led to his creation of Gunshow in 2013. Gillespie follows his affection for open-flame grilling to Buenos Aires, Argentina to explore the asado grilling method, and we can all follow along when his meat-packed 30-minute episode airs in July. Take a seat and buckle in for a tantalizing trip, whether you’re an early bird or night owl, and catch the show Friday, July 3 at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Saturday, July 4 at 3:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.; or Tuesday, July 7 at 5:30 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. Four options for those having difficulty separating from their mini, meaty vacation with Gillespie: move fast and place an order by July 1 for a Terminus City Fourth of July barbecue pack (terminuscity@gunshowatl.com or 404-380-1886), make dinner reservations at Gunshow, plan to dine at Revival -- his newest restaurant opening in Decatur later this summer, or read ”Pure Pork Awesomeness” to bone up on your pork panache. 

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It’s hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk. Throw everything else on the grill. We mean everything. Bacon-wrapped corn on the cob and bacon-wrapped cheese-stuffed burgers, shrimp satay, balsamic roasted tomatoes, veggie panini, sweet potato quesadillas, rum-soaked grilled pineapple, s’mores pizza, strawberry shortcake skewers. Even donuts deserve a spot on the grill. C’mon baby, light the fire and Get to Grillin’ now.

#Foodgram

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails throws a camera into their mix of seed-to-fork tools. Follow their new Instagram handle and see what’s growing and going on at the historic Crabapple district restaurant in Milton.

Appetizing Aperture

Rivaling the pure joy of stuffing your face with you-pick-em strawberries fresh from the field? The Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake ($5) at FLIP burger boutique. When juicy strawberries collide with divine vanilla ice cream and pound cake under a heavenly cloud of vanilla foam and a ruby red strawberry, all is well with the world.

Glory Be! Fourth of July Sparkles at Atlanta Restaurants

Fly the flag, find the sparklers and pick a parade and fireworks to watch. Our nation’s founders had no idea we’d make such a party out of their fight for freedom, liberty and independence, but if they were here, they’d probably be celebrating in red, white and blue right along with us. Atlanta restaurants are equally patriotic, declaring they’re open for dining in or packing up meals to grab and go. Some are closed for the day, but hey, even restaurateurs love going to picnics and firework displays.

Saturday night is for sparklers and Roman candle displays, Friday night is for candle-light dinners at Aria. The Buckhead restaurant will be closed on Saturday so staffers can celebrate Independence Day with friends, family and fireworks.

Hurray for the “Red, White and Boil” Low Country boil and brunch at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland on July 4. Brunch hours of 10 a.m.-2 p.m. are ideal for Peachtree Road racers, and the Low Country boil and oyster roast will be ready to devour at noon. In the boil: wild Georgia shrimp, snow crab legs, black mussels, andouille sausage, new potatoes, sweet corn and Vidalia onions steamed in beer with Old Bay. Rip into one pound for $17.76 -- the price and year our great nation was officially founded. Includes okra fritters plus spicy remoulade, pepper vinegar and cocktail sauce. Pay $10 for a half-dozen smoked Gulf oysters on the half shell with melted leeks and Parmesan.

All four Bantam + Biddy locations (Ansley, Crescent, Lenox and Avalon) will be open for business as usual. Peachtree Road racers, celebrate your accomplishment over food and drinks at Ansley Mall, Crescent Avenue and Lenox locations. Free up your day for holiday parade watching and pool time -- order a Bantam + Biddy family meal to go ($52, feeds 3-5 folks). If Lenox fireworks are on your horizon, picking up dinner at the Lenox location is a tailgating no-brainer. Meal includes your choice of a whole roast chicken, meatloaf or pork loin (24 oz.) served with an organic green salad, choice of dressing, cornbread (gluten-free bread upon request +$3), three generous sides and a half gallon of fresh-brewed tea. Family meal rules: take-out only, allow 30 minutes to prepare, no substitutions, 5 percent eco-friendly packaging fee added. Remember dessert! After all, it’s a holiday.
 
Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station will remain open, serving brunch and dinner during its normal hours. Go all-American with waffles, healthy smoothies, chicken dishes (grilled or fried), Southern breakfast all day and your favorite cold beverages.

Raise a glass of sangria ($5) or tinto de verano ($4) to cheer Spain’s part in U.S. history and dine on fare influenced by the nation’s diverse cultural areas at Gypsy Kitchen. Basque in the sunset on the Buckhead Atlanta restaurant's patio; open for dinner July 4 from 5-11 p.m.

Twenty-one bun salute? Close. Marlow's Tavern is sending Insiders an email for a free burger with the purchase of an entrée. Sign up for the Insider’s Club online. Shout out: the Dunwoody 4th of July Parade sets off at 9 a.m. Saturday and concludes right outside the Dunwoody Village Marlow’s Tavern.
 
MAX's Wine Dive in Midtown is extending weekend brunch from Friday, July 3 through Saturday and Sunday. Peachtree Road Race fans, chicken and champagne call your names and numbers.

All three Ray's Restaurants -- Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek -- are open noon-8 p.m. For a tastes-rich, costs-little coastal treat, order the $16.95 lobster special featuring a one-pound whole Maine Lobster joined by drawn butter and side of your choice.

On July 4, Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead waves the Red, White and Q flag, pulling pork from a whole hog roast starting at 4 p.m. (while supplies last) followed by live music from 6-9 p.m. Cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon are $2 each. Reminiscent of a spiked watermelon, From the Vine mixes vodka, watermelon juice, lime juice and simple syrup for $5 (usually $7).

The Fourth of July barbecue pack from Kevin Gillespie’s Terminus City satisfies four to six of your most-spirited friends with two pounds of barbecue pork, one pint each of coleslaw and Revival potato salad, six sandwich rolls, barbecue sauce, pork cracklings and six chocolate chip cookies for $50. Throw in a copy of Gillespie’s new cookbook “Pure Pork Awesomeness” for just $25. Orders can be placed the day of, but orders placed by July 1 are guaranteed. Pick up orders at Gunshow. To place an order or discuss catering for a larger party, call the restaurant at 404-380-1886. More info: terminuscity@gunshowatl.com.

Skipping beach-bound traffic over the holiday weekend? Sub in Buckhead-bound. Flip-flop over to The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill for Berry United cocktails -- New Amsterdam vodka, strawberries, lemonade, simple syrup and blueberries ($7.50) -- and live music from 1-5 p.m. and 7-11 p.m. on Saturday, July 4.
 
The Southern Gentleman is a patriotic gent. The gastropub atop Buckhead Atlanta serves its modern take on Southern dish and libation traditions at lunch from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5-11 p.m. on July 4. Foil the hot day with a few $2 Miller Lites, especially refreshing post-Peachtree Road Race or pre-Lenox fireworks.

Fire up the grill and toast land stewardship, sustainability, American entrepreneurship and independence from factory-farmed meats. Order White Oak Pastures’ grass-fed meats and pasture-raised poultry online or look for them at local stores including Atlanta-area Whole Foods Markets.

Wear your 2015 Peachtree Road Race T-shirt to Willy’s Mexicana Grill locations on July 4 and buy a burrito for $5 (excludes airport eatery).

Rush In for an Hour of Half-Off Appetizers Monday-Thursday at Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub in Brookhaven

Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub in Village Place Brookhaven is defining its own “rush hour” of sorts by offering half-price appetizers from 5-6 p.m. Monday through Thursday evenings. Who wouldn’t want to rush in for addicting bites like these: house pimento cheese with Tillamook, piquillo peppers, local apples and crostini; Berkshire pork potsticker with ginger, toasted sesame and chili soy; ahi tuna tartare with avocado, tomato, coriander, feta and yuzu; Indian curry chicken spring rolls with garam masala, tamarind and cilantro-yogurt dip; and duck fat pub fries to dab in bacon mayonnaise. Appetizer prices are regularly $4-$12. Summer’s scorchers are no match for Kaleidoscope’s array of cold beer, cocktails and global wine list.

Atlanta Coffee Supply Group Pours Over the Southeast for 20 Years -- Now That’s a Wake Up Call

While you were sleeping, Atlanta Coffee Supply Group (ACSG) was distributing specialty hand-roasted coffees and premium teas across the Southeast for 20 years. That’s news worth jumping out of bed for -- and a whole lot of java. First brewed up in 1995, Smyrna-based ACSG has become Atlanta’s premier, full-service distributor of specialty coffees and teas and now produces its own lines of proprietary coffee and iced tea. Lakehouse Coffee features a range of 10 blends, and Blue Durango Iced Tea offers three blends -- classic, herbal and antioxidant-rich green tea with fresh mint. If you’ve sipped iced tea at Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails, MAX’s Wine Dive or Bantam + Biddy, you’ve sipped Blue Durango. Milton's executive chef Derek Dollar has been serving it for eight years. He’s also an early morning fan of Lakehouse Coffee. ACSG’s cup runs over with additional offerings: Lavazza coffees, Ghirardelli sauces, Mighty Leaf Tea, Rancilio espresso machines, Bunn coffee and tea equipment, Monin flavored syrups and Dr. Smoothie. Even while celebrating its first two decades, ACSG is steeping plans for the next 20 years, including bringing Lakehouse Coffee products to the consumer market.

Spear Harpoon Summer Beer for $2 at Bantam + Biddy Avalon

Those waves shimmering on the horizon would be oh, so chillin’ if they weren’t heat waves rising above the asphalt. Ride that thought to Bantam + Biddy Avalon where $2 Harpoon Summer beer does its part to keep summer sanity afloat. Cooling thoughts prevail: the $2 price tag stands all summer for this German Kölsch-style ale brewed at Harpoon’s Boston and Vermont breweries, destinations 10 or 20 degrees cooler than Georgia about now. All the more reason to come in this summer for a Harpoon Summer beer and something light like a pimento cheese snack, Jb Farm deviled eggs or a substantial rotisserie chicken dinner. Bantam + Biddy Avalon in Alpharetta is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  

Say, “Through!” to Drive-Thru. Opt for Ray’s at Killer Creek $12 Value Lunch

How will you spend $12 for lunch today? Conversing with a menu mic, swapping $12 at the window for a lucrative lunch to savor in your (hot) car or office (interruptions)? Opting for the weekday $12 Value Lunch at Ray’s at Killer Creek in Alpharetta sets a more pleasing picture: you, friends, sitting in a chair, at a table, decompressing amid air-conditioned comfort while scanning the special menu and sipping a soft drink, coffee or iced tea from a real glass or cup (included with meal; tax and gratuity not included). Achievable, Monday through Friday from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. In addition to a daily blue plate special, selections spotted on the menu include an Angus beef cheddar burger on toasted brioche with choice of house-cut fries, chips or side salad; slow-roasted chicken baguette with roma tomatoes, melted havarti cheese, champagne vinaigrette, arugula, pesto aioli and fries, chips or side salad; Ray’s chopped chicken salad; salmon Caesar salad; chopped steak of fresh-ground Angus beef with Yukon gold whipped potatoes, wood-roasted mushrooms and crispy onions; and soup and salad. Ray’s welcoming and efficient staff is always glad to see you -- and you’ll leave refreshed and ready to seize the afternoon. 

How Do Chefs Stay Cool as Cucumbers When They’re In a Pickle? Panel Tells All at Heart of the House, ATL industree Debut on June 29

Ah, the stories they could tell, especially the chefs and food and beverage folks who have watched Atlanta’s restaurant world explode and rise in reputation faster than yeast dough in hot sun. Hear their stories at Heart of the House, the debut event for ATL industree on Monday, June 29 from 2-5 p.m. Following cocktails and passed hors d’oeuvre in The Marianna, located above Wrecking Bar in Little Five Points, hear Atlanta’s top toques share challenges and chutzpah during a panel discussion moderated by Aria executive chef/owner Gerry Klaskala. ATL industree will provide an event-based platform to draw together seasoned Atlanta restaurant industry veterans, future trailblazers, everyone in between and those interested in the city’s food scene and related industries. The “tree” in industree branches out with ways for industry members to connect, mentor and support each other -- and make opportunities happen. Read details here. Proceeds from the event benefit The Giving Kitchen, and tickets are $15 for industry folks, $30 for non-industry when you use the code “ATLFBVIP." 

Forecast Calls for Chicken and Waffles when Al Roker and SORTEDfood Visit 10th & Piedmont -- Watch the “TODAY” show June 24

NBC’s “TODAY” show weatherman Al Roker and the SORTEDfood blog guys pulled into 10th & Piedmont recently to investigate a hot spot shining on their respective radar screens: chicken and waffles with a chance of sorghum syrup, Sriracha and confectioner’s sugar. Roker knows his way around the kitchen as well as he does the weather map. The SORTEDfood bloggers? They’re clocking miles across the U.S.A. on a #LostAndHungry eating adventure, following lead suggestions from blog fans. All three gents join chef Javier Viera and owner Gilbert Yeremian for table talk and kitchen time to witness how Viera turns the tables on this dinner and breakfast food combo. The unconventional chef dunks skewered chicken and smoked bacon into waffle batter, runs it through the fryer and perches the crispy wonder alongside the sweet and spicy dipping trio. Roker’s camera entourage captured many a mouthwatering moment for the Wednesday, June 24 “TODAY” show segment. Convinced that yes, breakfast and dinner foods can share a plate and loving the “corn dog” approach, the SORTEDfood dudes are now chicken and waffle converts. (#todayshow, #sortedfood)

Marlow’s Tavern Throws Six-Week-Long Midsummer Cocktail Party Beginning June 23 with Inspired Drinks, Fare and a South Africa Trip Giveaway

What a life. Summer in Atlanta, winter in South Africa. Marlow’s Tavern spans the best flavors of both hemispheres during a six-week-long Midsummer Cocktail Party stretching from Tuesday, June 23 to Monday, August 3. Toast summer with festive handcrafted cocktails, craft beers and bold South African wines while reviewing a menu of authentic South African cuisine created with party partner 10 Degrees South and registering for a chance to win an eight-day trip to Cape Town, South Africa. One lucky winner and a guest will jet off to experience the culture driving Marlow’s midsummer celebration. The rest of us can unpack a culinary lunch or dinner adventure of South African-inspired fare such as peri peri firecracker eggs; watermelon and buffalo mozzarella salad; daily cocktail party flatbread; and the classic “Gatsby” of grilled filet mignon, leafy greens, roma tomato and thin red onion on a toasted roll slathered with peri peri aioli. A must-eat South African sweet is the traditional baked malva cake, a cream-soaked pound cake with Baileys Irish Cream and apricot jam. Marlow’s regular menu favorites also will be available. South African wines include Riebeek Creek Cellars 2013 chenin blanc, Boschendal chardonnay/pinot noir, KWV pinotage and Mulderbosch Faithful Hound red blend. For those seeking summery cocktails, Georgia peach lemonade, The Gin Job and watermelon margarita fit the bill. Midsummer night’s dreaming about the trip giveaway? Register at all Marlow’s Tavern locations or online. 

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National Vanilla Milkshake Day is Saturday, June 20. Ask yourself, why stop at vanilla? Exactly. We couldn’t either, so we’ve blended a frosty board of frozen delights for all ages: sweet with bubblegum or Little Debbies; boozy with beer or bourbon chocolate; patriotic red, white and blue or apple pie; novelties like wedding cake shakes and Cookie Monsters for kiddies or adults. Georgia peach? You know it. Hit the on switch with us and Shake it like a Polaroid picture.

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Not everything worth eating is food. Proof in point and photos: Adam Goldberg / A Life Worth Eating. The editor in chief of @driftmag and @ambrosiamagazine presents
eye-popping photos that slice into food, travel and design. Eat up.

Appetizing Aperture

“Zigeuner schnitzel!” is not something you say when someone sneezes. “Zigeuner schnitzel, please” is what to say when ordering the June schnitzel of the month at Der Biergarten. The lightly breaded pork cutlet, crisp yet tender, wears a red sauce chock full of mushrooms, onions and bell peppers and sports spätzle alongside ($23). Light enough for summer, hearty enough to take on high-powered FIFA Women’s World Cup Soccer viewing. Add König Ludwig Hefeweizen ($9/liter), Der Biergarten’s beer of the month, for an authentic beer garden meal.

School’s Out. Feed Me.

Shifting into summer vacation mode and looking for summer enrichment the kids are sure to eat up? Atlanta restaurants come through with kid-friendly fare and a side order of entertainment. If you’re exploring Atlanta, peruse the list for convenient, interesting places to refuel or designate a fun eatery as the day’s destination. For those ballpark or pool bound, many of these spots are well coached in the fine art of grab and go.

Outdoor treks to Piedmont Park or the Atlanta Botanical Garden in Midtown call for a stopover at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern with its sunny (and dog-friendly) patio.

Play with your food? There’s a play area in the dining room at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia Highland.
 
Game-X in the Luckie Marietta District near Philips Arena offers the X-Treme Combo Monday - Friday, 3-10 p.m. Add a $10 value X-card for $6 to any entrée. (Must mention combo when placing order and include on same check as the entrée. Not valid for private events.)

Little Clucker’s menus bode well with the kids at all Bantam + Biddy locations and include gluten-free fried chicken fingers. Pick up a family meal for a quick take-out option after a full day or long drive back from the beach.

Tykes feel grown up ordering Surf & Turf at Marlow's Tavern. The kid’s menu version includes one tiny burger, cheddar cheese and tempura fried shrimp.

At Tin Lizzy's Cantina, kid-friendly items include the crowd-pleasing taco plate: one grilled chicken or grilled steak taco with lettuce and Monterey Jack cheese and a choice of tater tots, rice or black beans. Locations by Perimeter Mall and the Mall of Georgia yield delicious shopping breaks without the food court chaos, and the Grant Park cantina is a good place to feed your tiger cub before a Zoo Atlanta safari.

Youngsters love the noodle bowls and chopsticks at Tin Drum Asiacafé. There’s something about those Asian flavors and crisp, colorful stir-fries that make veggies extra appealing. Atlantic Station and Akers Mill locations are convenient to movie theaters and a bit more exotic than popcorn.

Skip PBJ today and let the children order kids combos at Willy’s Mexicana Grill where they can offer input as their burritos and tacos are being filled. Combo beverage choices include a fountain drink, apple juice or organic milk. Count on grabbing a meal at one of Willy’s many locations -- whether you’re planning a hike at Kennesaw National Park or through the concourses at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Seafood on the deck at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill is about as close to pier dining as you can get in Buckhead. All kids’ items -- including crispy fish bites and grilled or fried shrimp -- are served with chips, coleslaw or corn on the cob and a beverage.

Righteous. Kevin Gillespie Brings Müller and Faircloth into the Revival Family Fold for Decatur July Opening

Atlanta-based chef, restaurateur and cookbook author Kevin Gillespie is gathering family ‘round to bring Revival to Decatur in July. The new restaurant will serve elevated Southern fare and family style dining evolving from Gillespie’s own Georgia upbringing--with the help of a family oriented team including executive chef Andreas Müller and general manager Christy Lee Faircloth. Gillespie and Müller have worked together for a long time and share a penchant for preparing traditional meals with farm-fresh ingredients. Geographically, Müller and Gillespie grew up worlds apart -- Müller in a small town in Sweden and Gillespie in Georgia. Miles aside, the two chefs are close in experiences and interests. Both were reared amid multi-generational families, eating rustic dishes at home and fancier fare when visiting family in larger towns. Müller has worked alongside Gillespie at Woodfire Grill and Gunshow. Faircloth, who’ll oversee the front-of-house team, already has close ties within the Decatur community from her previous years in Decatur restaurants and serving on the management teams of Rocket Farm Restaurants’ No. 246, St. Cecilia and The El Felix. Large families are up her alley—she grew up with seven siblings and is mother to four children and two stepchildren. Follow Revival, located at 129 Church Street, on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

Shout Out to Atlanta.About.Com -- Now on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

Chances are you’ve clicked on About.com when sleuthing out information on various topics and how-tos. The online engine has added an “About Travel” Atlanta-specific section with volumes of useful information for visitors, newcomers and those already well-entrenched in Atlanta ways, means, ins and outs. Click in for freebies and attraction discounts, activity ideas, who’s who and even how to transfer your driver’s license to Georgia if you’ve recently moved here. Which will be your most-used mode to information? Atlanta expert Kate Parham Kordsmeier has everything you need online at Atlanta.About.com, Facebook, Twitter or Pinterest.

Set Your Mind on Sweet Tea Smoked Chicken -- Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails Kicks Off BBQ & Blues Series June 28

Tangy sauce and twangy tunes are coming to Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails in Crabapple on the Sunday between Father’s Day and the July 4th weekend. The farmhouse-turned-restaurant throws summer’s first BBQ & Blues evening on Sunday, June 28, ushering in lazy evenings with live music, cornhole, craft brews and cocktails. Eats? Right on cue, chef Derek Dollar presents a choice of three meats basking in the glory of distinctly different sauces: sweet tea-smoked chicken with Carolina gold BBQ sauce and cheddar corn muffins ($18), pulled BBQ pork shoulder with Crabapple BBQ sauce and Texas toast ($17) or a half rack of ribs with Georgia red BBQ sauce and cheddar corn muffins ($20). Choose two of these Southern sides to round out your entrée -- white cheddar-and-bacon mac, creamed Silver Queen corn, garden potato salad or cracked mustard coleslaw. Feel free to make a meal of sides ($4 each) or order them alongside a bowl of thick Brunswick stew ($7). Shindig runs 5-9 p.m. Pull your phone out and call 770-817-0161 for reservations, then flag the remaining three BBQ & Blues 2015 dates: July 26, August 30 and September 27. 

Tops for Pops -- Father’s Day is June 21

Every dad has his day, and it’s almost here. Father’s Day is Sunday, June 21. Sure you can give him a card and a kiss, but do it over brunch, lunch or clinking beer glasses. Whether your guy is king of the drill, grill, bench press or French press, you’ll find an Atlanta restaurant befitting his honor and interests on our blog. 

Of Pork and Produce -- Kevin Gillespie Mans Demo Booth at Morningside Farmers Market June 20

Farmers markets epitomize the passions of chef Kevin Gillespie: casting fresh, organic, sustainably raised and locally focused ingredients into sublime dishes for his guests. Saturday, June 20 finds the Gunshow owner and “Top Chef” celebrity in his hay day at the Morningside Farmers Market where he’ll be showing ways to keep farm-fresh produce in the forefront. Demo starts at 9 a.m. Market opens at 7:30 a.m., and just as the first pig gets the pick of the trough, you’ll want to get there early for best dibs on the season’s field-fresh produce.

Is dad a real ham? Tickles your ribs until you squeal with laughter? Brings home the bacon? On Father’s Day, give him the rest of the story – “Pure Pork Awesomeness” ($30). Gillespie will have copies of his porcine page turner at the demo booth that morning. Let him personalize a copy for dad when you buy the cookbook at the market.

Does Ice Cream Melt at Slow Food Atlanta’s Annual Ice Cream Social? Bring Your Own Spoon and Find Out June 20

They’re serious. Polish up your “sundae best” spoon and buy tickets to Slow Food Atlanta’s ninth annual Ice Cream Social-- the place to gather all the scoop on Saturday, June 20. When the Peachtree Road Farmers Market ends at noon, Atlanta’s professional chefs and ardent amateurs will start divvying out tastes of their homespun, “Cream of the Crop” recipes at The Cathedral of St. Philip (rain backup, the Cathedral’s Child Hall). Appropriately, one category of flavors is designated “Produce,” reserved strictly for frozen concoctions bursting with goodies from the garden. Squash sorbet, maybe, but doubtful there’s a local cotton candy explosion orchard. Be sure to dig your spoon into samples from Seed Kitchen & Bar and Stem Wine Bar. Tickets cover a taste of each ice cream and a ballot to vote for your top-rated treats. Buy tickets online before they sell out: $15 adults, $5 children ages 5-10 years (plus small service fee); free for tykes under 5 years. Shop the market beforehand to be there when the noon-2 p.m. social opens. The event benefits the Atlanta chapter of Slow Food International and the Peachtree Road Farmers Market. 

RA Sushi Rolls with International Sushi Day June 18

Be worldly. Even when you feel grounded by traffic. Park yourself at RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown and jet off on International Sushi Day, Thursday, June 18. Settle in for a day of globally inspired food and drink specials. Share spicy tuna or salmon hand rolls ($4); Tootsy maki or California rolls ($5.25); RA chips and salsa or shrimp tempura rolls ($6); and lobster nigiri ($7). Bar specials include Kirin/Kirin Light and premium mixed drinks ($5); sake sangria, Baby Umami punch, Blushing Geisha and Fire Bomb ($6); and a huge Umami punch bowl ($14). One day only -- don’t miss the flight!

Are Those Kids STILL in Study Hall? The Breakfast Club Strides into MAX’s Wine Dive as June Saturday Brunch Theme

“The Breakfast Club” turned 30 this year. School years haven’t gone by so fast for the characters repped by Molly, Ally, Judd, Emilio and Anthony. The perpetual high schoolers are still spending Saturday mornings in study hall, peeling back their stereotypes to reveal similarities and differences. Saturdays in June, you’ll find them doing so at MAX’s Wine Dive’s congenial brunch. The Midtown restaurant salutes a catchy theme each month, and “The Breakfast Club” pulls in a hall pass for June. Shermer High detention hall was never like this -- mimosas at $3 a glass, Bellinis at $5 a glass and Chef Patric Bell-Good’s brunch menu -- and the campy, coming-of-age movie circulating on screens from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. MAX’s advice: come Saturday, don’t you forget about me.

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Next time they ask “What’s pho dinner?” you’ll be prepared, thanks to our board of Pho-nomenal Dishes. Served hot or chilled, a sweet-spicy Vietnamese noodle bowl could be your summer savior. Exotic? Bun bo xao. Quick? Shortcut pho bo. Veggie? Coconut veggie soup or bok choy-and-cauliflower pho with roasted tofu. Life in the slow lane? Slow-cooker rare beef pho. More noodles? Vietnamese charbroiled pork vermicelli. In Atlanta, you’ll find the ingredients in your supermarket, but a pho-ray into one of the many international markets around town will really entice you to go with the pho.

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How does Virginia Willis keep a spoon in so many pots with just two hands? Five cookbooks. Food Network. Cooking Channel. Mega-magazine contributing editor and food writer. Missionary to the word that Southern food can be healthy and easily prepared. Help yourself to a “square” meal from her buffet of Instagram pics (https://instagram.com/virginiawillis/). Inevitably, you’ll hunger for more. Her blog awaits. Y’all come.