Who’s In? Bert’s Big Adventure Launches Restaurant Week September 14-19

Sante Fe steak tacos, lobster cakes, baby back ribs and fried chicken and waffles pave the way to Walt Disney World for children with chronic or terminal illnesses during the inaugural Bert’s Big Adventure Restaurant Week, Monday, September 14 through Saturday, September 19. Tin Lizzy’s Cantina, The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Smokebelly BBQ and Bantam + Biddy are among the Atlanta eateries contributing 10 percent of sales toward the charity’s annual trip -- an all-expenses-paid, five-day journey to Walt Disney World to add joy and laughter to the lives of these children and their families. Skip a home-cooked meal for a magic teacup ride? Do it. 

Terance Mathis Touches Down at Aqua blue for Falcons Viewing September 14

Aqua blue stars on the Monday night football “A” team, leading the pack in Roswell with better-than-sideline views, a menu of mouthwatering specialties and drinks unrivaled by stadium fare as well as, upon occasion, football players themselves. Former Falcons wide receiver Terance Mathis has invited some of his NFL friends to watch the Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles game at Aqua blue on Monday night, September 14 to cap their day on the links in the Terance Mathis Celebrity Golf Classic fundraiser for the Emory ALS Center.

Milton’s Farmyard Chowdown Rings the Dinner Bell for September 13

Sunday, September 13 holds the last chance this year to dine at Milton’s Farmyard Chowdown before the historic Crabapple restaurant herds the summer chowdowns back into the barn, so to speak. From 6-9 p.m., join Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails chef Derek Dollar for a casual evening of Low Country seafood boil, fried chicken, oysters, Southern side dishes, live music and lawn games. Guests sit down to family style dining at long, communal tables sprawling across Milton’s Acre, the restaurant’s ever-essential garden. Buy tickets here, $35 each (excluding tax, gratuity, alcoholic beverages).

Ray’s on the River Cracks Open Oysterfest 2015 September 12. “R” You With Us?

September has an “R” in it, and Ray’s on the River has three. Know what that means? According to folk wisdom, prime oyster feasting season is here. Come aboard Oysterfest 2015 at the Chattahoochee riverside restaurant the afternoon of Saturday, September 12 from noon-3 p.m. Pile fresh Gulf, East Coast and pilsner-roasted oysters on the plate, being sure to save room for buffet sides of jalapeño coleslaw, fingerling potato salad, roasted andouille sausage, corn on the cob, homemade sauces, rolls plus Key lime pie cups for dessert. Includes iced tea and sodas to wash everything down; buy more spirited adult beverages at the cash bar. $40 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reservations, with credit card, required: 770-955-1187. Ray’s at Killer Creek is hosting their Oysterfest on Saturday, September 19 from noon-3 p.m. Good to know in case you can’t dive in this weekend or if you live to slurp oysters! 

Tuesday is $3 Slider Night at Bantam + Biddy Avalon

Slider Night took Midtown by storm when Bantam + Biddy Ansley Mall introduced the gourmet, fist-sized sandwiches back in 2013, and Slider Night is still a Monday night tradition there. Starting this week, those in Atlanta’s northern ‘burbs can wrap hands around the same $3 delicious sliders every Tuesday night from 5-9 p.m. at Bantam + Biddy Avalon. The chef’s inventive array of sliders varies each week. Share a plateful with friends when dining in or take a carry-out bag of sliders along to Cornhole ATL’s fall league or whatever the night’s agenda holds. For a sip-and-slider experience, Bantam + Biddy Avalon offers $2 Big Creek Kolsch from Alpharetta’s Jekyll Brewing, which can be sipped while strolling and window shopping thanks to Avalon’s to-go drink policy. 

JP Atlanta Resurrects Fine Dining Experience in Downtown Atlanta Landmark

The name John C. Portman, Jr. has been synonymous with Atlanta’s cosmopolitan flair since the visionary first put his stamp on the cityscape in the 1960s. This December, Portman continues his legacy of transforming downtown with the opening of JP Atlanta, a luxury dining experience in central city landmark 230 Peachtree. Almost 50 years ago, the celebrated Midnight Sun opened in Peachtree Center under Portman’s watch. The sophisticated restaurant elevated the mid-century standard for Atlanta fine dining with its haute Danish cuisine and dramatic design. JP Atlanta brings a modern interpretation of the Midnight Sun experience to another Atlanta icon undergoing a resurgence. 230 Peachtree, the building Portman designed and developed as part of the Peachtree Center complex in 1965, is being reborn under the direction of John Portman & Associates as an adaptive reuse development that will house JP Atlanta, Hotel Indigo and office space. Anticipate attentive service and tremendous execution of new American cuisine, be it for business breakfasts, quick lunches, world-class dinners or late night cocktails and nibbles. Remember we’re talking Portman. Exquisite design is a given. Photo credit: (c) HBA

#Foodgram: Jessie Bearden

After pondering portraits by Jessie Bearden, ordinary oils and acrylics will seem so stale. Bearden uses intense shades of mustard, catsup red and dark brown sugar to style celebrity portraits. Not from an art store. Her edible palette pulls from the pantry and fridge. 

Appetizing Aperture: Grit and Grace Cocktail at The Southern Gentleman

The Southern Gentleman’s Grit and Grace cocktail ($10) stands tall with a strong countenance of rye gentled by lemon, apricot liqueur and mint. If you’re raised in the South, or even if not, do declare, “I’ll have one, please and thank you.” 

Jean-Paul Bourgeois of NYC’s Blue Smoke Joins Gunshow 2015 Hired Guns Series September 29-30

Gunshow, chef Kevin Gillespie’s nationally acclaimed Glenwood Park restaurant, taps Jean-Paul Bourgeois, executive chef of Blue Smoke in New York City, for the “Hired Guns” visiting chef series on Tuesday, September 29 and Wednesday, September 30. Louisiana roots and a passion for locally sourcing ingredients flow in Bourgeois’ Southern soul-style kitchen. Bourgeois grew up where living off the land was the norm. He continued his education at John Folse Culinary Institute at Nicholls State University before honing his personal style at Étoile restaurant at the Domaine Chandon winery in Napa, EPIC Roasthouse in San Francisco, and on the island of St. Thomas. The two dishes on Bourgeois’ agenda are barbecue Gulf shrimp with beer butter, grilled garlic toast and green onions and “Duck, Duck, Duck” featuring Blue Smoke duck ham, soft-boiled duck eggs, duck skin cracklings sided by mustard greens and Creole mustard vinaigrette. The annual “Hired Guns” series enables chefs from around the country to share their dedication and talents in Gunshow’s open kitchen. Visiting chefs work alongside the restaurant’s crew and share stories with dining room guests. The final "Hired Guns" dinner event of the year will take place November 17-18 with Joe Kindred of Kindred in Davidson, North Carolina. Space goes quickly, so make reservations ASAP by calling 404-380-1886. 

Reserve a Seat for Stem Wine Bar Chakana Wine Dinner September 21

Stem Wine Bar owner/chef Doug Turbush and general manager/sommelier Jason Raymond are planning a fabulous evening of food and Argentinian Chakana wine for the Marietta wine bar’s Chakana Wine Dinner on Monday, September 21 from 6:30-9:30 p.m. The five-course dinner with wine pairings treats guests to crab toast with lemon aioli served with Cueva de las Manos white blend; crispy oysters and beef tartare paired with Cueva de las Manos red blend; Riverview Farms pork with late summer field peas and potlikker joined by Chakana Estate Collection red blend; spiced rubbed venison with sweet potato pavé and fried chicken-of-the-woods mushrooms and muscadine jus paired with Ayni malbec; and French silk pie closes with Maipe Reserve cabernet sauvignon. As a bonus, Chakana’s manager for all the Americas Gonzalo Pérez Cerini will join dinner guests at this deliciously informative event. Buy tickets in advance online, $119 per person (including tax and gratuity). 

What’s New on Pinterest: Tips for the Perfect Tailgate

Tips for the Perfect Tailgate is the mack daddy of playbooks for fumble-free game-day entertaining. Organize your offense with borderline-genius tailgate tips, portable and potable games for all ages, recipes for football-shaped treats, glorious game-day snacks, manly munchies and make-ahead drinks. Follow our lead on building a cornhole board, a DIY ladder toss or a college-themed football wreath. If the guys are engrossed in stats, let tailgating with the girls begin. 

Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails Progressive Happy Hour Comes to a Close September 7

Sigh. Just as Labor Day Monday, September 7 signals summer’s end, it puts the cap on summer’s daily progressive happy hour at Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails in Jacksonville, Florida. This is the last week to enjoy progressive pricing on craft draft beer, select wines by the glass and happy hour cocktails including classics such as a martini, sloe gin fizz, daiquiri, cucumber Collins, Midwest mule, Pimm’s Cup, French 76, prosecco and Nueva Moda. During Progressive Summer Happy Hour, these drinks are priced at $3 from 3-4 p.m., $4 from 4-5 p.m. and $5 from 5-6 p.m. The bar menu’s regular happy hour pricing resumes from 6-7 p.m. each night. On Friday and Saturday, however, regular happy hour pricing is in effect from 10 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. closing time. Could be Moxie’s way of saying not to let time slip away while sipping away.

Eat Up for $15, $25 or $35 During Midtown Restaurant Week September 5-13

Midtown Atlanta takes the destination dining prize next week when restaurants participating in the 10th annual Midtown Restaurant Week post special prix fixe lunch and/or dinner menus for $15, $25 and $35. Article 14, Bantam + Biddy, Chick-a-Biddy, 10th & Piedmont, HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern and Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar are in the pool of restaurants offering specials over the dates of Saturday, September 5 through Sunday, September 13. Chick-a-Biddy, for example, will offer a $15 three-course dinner menu of pimento cheese with veggies and crackers or home-style veggie chili, a quarter of fresh Carolina chicken (piri piri, jerk or fried) and any dessert on the menu. Article 14’s prix fixe menu shows off a $15 lunch with an entrée and dessert or a three-course dinner for $35 with entrée choices of whole wheat spaghetti with kale and walnut pesto and sheep’s milk feta, grilled Georgia trout or grilled flat iron steak. View menus then make those reservations right away for this popular let’s-eat-out event. 

Smokebelly BBQ Kicks Off Pigskin Season at Buds, Burgers & Bellies Party September 5

Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead tackles football season opening day in a pig way, lining up a Buds, Burgers & Bellies party with live music, games, prizes and food and drink specials from noon until closing time Saturday, September 5. Jot a playbook note that this Buckhead barbecue joint is loaded with 16 screens for game-day viewing from the first kickoff to the last bowl game. Buds, Burgers & Bellies scores a full day of football action, live music and DJ spins beginning with Jacob & the Good People performing on the patio from 3-5 p.m. followed by a DJ from 5-6 p.m. and the Dean Dollar Band from 6-9 p.m. Meanwhile, inside, the Auburn game takes the stage from 3:30-6:30 p.m., and The Park Band parties from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Loosen up that throwing arm over cornhole, ladder ball, darts and a Bud Light table basketball hoops game. The Bud Light Rita sampling team cheers on fun times with prizes and samples for adults. Pound down a bucket of 20 wings for $15 or a bucket of Bud or Bud Light for $15; a Budweiser or Bud Light with Smokebelly’s 50/50 burger of ground bacon and pork with ghost pepper cheese and onion strings on a Holeman and Finch bun plus a side for $9.99; Jack and Coke for $6 or Goose Island IPA Tall Boys or Shock Top Aluminums for $5.

Nightly Specials Land at MAX’s Wine Dive

All roads lead to MAX’s Wine Dive for nightly comfort food meal specials. The Midtown eatery offers a different entrée and sides every night of the week after 4 p.m. MAX’s plates up Monday meatloaf with mashed potatoes and gravy; Tuesday street tacos plus refried beans and spicy red rice; a half slab of baby back ribs with coleslaw and potato salad on Wednesday; a Thursday Low Country boil with shrimp and smoked sausage; Friday fish and chips; Saturday prime rib with mashed potatoes and veggies; and lasagna with garlic bread and salad on Sunday. A long list of wines available by the glass or bottle, craft and draft brews and a burgeoning spirit selection quench thirsts. Pull in and chow down -- MAX’s is open until 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until midnight Friday and Saturday.  

Dine Out for No Kid Hungry at Aqua blue and Marlow’s Tavern, Receive $5 Coupon with Donation

School busses and bells ring in the start of Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign, reminding us that feeding tummies goes a long way to nourishing young minds.Aqua blue in Roswell and Marlow’s Tavern locations are on the bus, joining restaurants nationwide in the Dine Out for No Kid Hungry annual September fundraising event. Hop aboard by dining at Aqua blue or your favorite Marlow’s Tavern location. During September, any guest making a donation to the cause will receive a $5 coupon to use on an upcoming visit between October 1-December 31, 2015. Think about it. According to Share Our Strength, one dollar helps feed a child 10 meals, and breakfast in the classroom sustains focus on schoolwork instead of hunger pangs. 

Atlanta Botanical Garden Members Reap Discounts at Saltwood and Bantam + Biddy During September

How does your garden grow? Appreciation goes a long way, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden (ABG) nurtures members with special opportunities around town during Member Appreciation Month. During September, ABG members can save some green when dining at Bantam + Biddy and Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar. Flash the membership card to shear 10 percent off tabs at Bantam + Biddy's Ansley Mall location and 20 percent off tabs at Saltwood at the Loews Atlanta Hotel in Midtown. (Discounts exclude alcohol.) Saltwood is pitching in the grand prize for a membership month drawing of an overnight stay for two at the Loews Atlanta Hotel. Those tilling thoughts about joining the ABG can follow through here. 

Revival Opens Patio, Begins All-Day Service on Sunday

Two more Southern traditions unfold at Revival: patio dining and Sunday dinner (that’s the noon meal on Sunday, for those not raised in the South). With the completion and opening of the patio, Revival can now accommodate more walk-in dining guests and give diners the option of indoor or outdoor seating. By offering the dinner menu beginning at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Kevin Gillespie and staff uphold another Gillespie friends-and-family tradition, gathering at grandma’s house for a big meal around noontime on Sunday. Some might come with friends after church, some might sit down for a real meal with delicious conversation before the time-crunched weekday schedule rears its head. Evening diners, no worries. Sunday’s evening meal, whether you want to call it supper or dinner, is on as usual. 

Get to Know Your Whiskeys, Tequilas and Liqueurs via Article 14 Flight Menu

All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Or scotch. Or rye. The new whiskey flight menu at Article 14distills the nuances down even further by curating a dozen flights featuring small batch bourbons, ryes and scotches, as well as one flight each of tequila and cognac for good measure. Flight prices vary from $15 for a Rosy Sampler of Four Roses Yellow Label, Small Batch and Single Barrel to $52 for 12-, 15- and 18-year Macallan with the option of adding 30-year Macallan for an additional $70. Additional groupings include Third Seat (bourbon), Great White Buffalo or Western Blend (rye), Orphan Barrels, Glenlivet, Dalmore, Islay Sampler or Malted in Japan (scotch) and After Dinner Noir of Cointreau Noir, Grand Marnier and Grand Marnier 150. Flights land at the Article 14 bar in Midtown. Take your seat, please. 

Atlanta Eateries are On the Ball with Catering as Tailgating Season Rushes In

Punting it right out there. In the South, we worship football. We embrace the social scene surrounding each game. We feast on rivalries, team colors, mascots, stats, touchdowns, viewing parties and especially tailgating. Do we hear an “Amen?” Yes, from Atlanta restaurants tossing catering ideas and gridiron action our way. Aah. Sweet victory.
 
Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland is ACC/SEC ready with a roster of college game-day cocktails. Cheer on the old alma mater or quaff down the opponent from a list including the Georgia Salty Dawg, Roll Tide, Tech Buzz, Hotty Toddy, Fightin’ Tiger and Grinning Gator ($6-$8).

Falcons-loving chef Shaun Doty is flapping his wings to cater tailgate parties with Bantam + Biddy’s famous Southern-inspired, farm-to-plate entrées and sides. Rise up for fried chicken tenders with wasabi honey sauce, meaty sliders, homemade creamy macaroni and cheese, Anson Mills Sea Island red peas and rice and so much more. Find catering prices and locations here. Sister restaurant, Chick-a-Biddy, guards the “fowl” line over in Atlantic Station and offers to-go and catering options for many menu favorites.

Sliders, burgers, sides, chocolate chip cookies, cheesecake and beverages from FLIP burger boutique rock the tailgate or man cave meat-up. Coming at you: one side and two sliders for $10 per person; two sides and two sliders or one full burger for $15 per person; or two sides and two sliders or one full burger for $20 per person. Slider choices include classic, chicken or turkey. Burgers include classic, chicken, turkey, stack, fauxlafel and Oaxaca. For sides, choose kale slaw, Caesar salad, caprese salad, FLIP chips or the vegetable of the day. Add “stack” sliders, RBQ and chorizo burgers and beet salad, caprese and hummus of the day options for the $20-per-person package. Packaging, delivery fees and 18 percent gratuity will be added. Place orders before 6 p.m. on the day prior to event.

Hunker down over soft pretzels and warm cheese and beer dip, braised short rib tacos, wings, even more substantial eats and a comprehensive craft beer list at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern. The Midtown eatery has your back with catering, too. Complimentary valet parking. Call 404-968-2288 for more information.
 
MAX’s Wine Dive keeps action fluid with $4 well drinks and two screens. Huddle up over MAX’s weekend brunch to prepare for midday game action.
 
Smokebelly BBQ is football’s new home stadium in Buckhead, broadcasting college and pro games over 16 televisions boasting screen sizes up to 70 inches. Both kitchen and bar craft great plays: 36 craft beers, craft cocktails and chef-crafted barbecue, as well as plating one of Buckhead’s best burgers, barbecue tapas and lighter fare.

Those hosting viewing parties because “We must protect this house!” can look to Kevin Gillespie’s Terminus City to-go catering options of signature, down-home cuisine. Select items include whole-hog barbecue and country-fried steak along with sides like fried okra, Brunswick stew, shaker-style slaw, squash casserole and creamed corn. Visit the Facebookpage for more information, and call 404-380-1886 or email terminuscity@gunshowatl.com to place orders.

Draft your own team of smoked meats and sides to carry out from Twin Smokers BBQ in Falcons territory -- downtown’s Luckie Marietta District. Buy brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, sausage and chicken by the pound or half pound. Throw in sides of mac ‘n cheese, collards, potato salad, coleslaw, pinto beans, “Burnt Ends” chili, garden salad and seasonal items in single, pint or quart sizes. Choose “Oak” for one meat and one side ($13 per guest), “Hickory” for two meats and two sides ($15 per guest) or “Mesquite” for three meats and three sides ($17). See full catering menu here. Drop-off catering available with 48-hour notice for parties of 25 or more; call 404-698-4707.

Field “The Tin Essentials” on the Tin Lizzy’s Cantina catering menu to fill up on grilled chicken and/or pulled pork (add $1 per person for steak), fajita fixings, salsa and chips for $10 per person. Add fried chicken tenders and other hot or cold à la carte items, cantina salads and drinks including Tin Lizzy’s margarita mix (sorry, they can’t provide the tequila). $100 minimum order for delivery, $25 delivery fee within 10 miles. Prices exclude taxes and gratuity; 24-hour notice appreciated.

Linemen, cheerleaders and number-one fans all love queso dip, guac, salsa, chips and burritos from Willy’s Mexicana Grill. Draw upon Tex-Mex catering options to create your own unique spread that might include a build-your-own taco, fajita or nacho bar. Full catering playbook here. 

Oh, Boy! Atlanta Restaurants Cover Labor Day Eating

Labor Day marks the last weekend for the boys of summer. The “Oh, boy. I forgot to marinate the chicken, buy the charcoal, fill in the blank.” The “Oh, boy. I’m too wiped out to cook after that long drive back from...” No worries. Atlanta restaurants are ready to send those boys packing on good terms by providing dine-in and take-home meal options for smooth sailing over the Labor Day holiday. Oh, boy! Our informative blog link has the details. 

What’s New on Pinterest

Peachy Keen! August is National Peach Month. Hard to beat a sun-kissed ripe peach, unless the blushing stone fruit is in our new crop of peachy recipes. Summer peach and balsamic pizza; caramelized peach caprese salad with smoked sea salt; basil, bacon and peach baked brie; and grilled pork porterhouse with peach agrodolce lend themselves well to entertaining. Paleo peach coconut smoothies, five-minute healthy peach frozen yogurt and peach margaritas send peachy keen chills down our spines. Peaches? Yep, we’re plum crazy about them.

#Foodgram

Lucky Peach tags food funnies, fantasies, rarities and second glances, like larger-than-life NYC bagels or a wedding cake crafted of mashed potatoes and topped with a hot dog bride and groom. Sister journal Lucky Peach, a quarterly publication, adds essays, art, video, recipes and oodles more. 

Appetizing Aperture

Cocktail glasses are so yesterday. Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar in Midtown gives cocktails the shaft by freezing spirited concoctions on sticks, Popsicle-fashion. Piña pegada (pineapple margarita) solidifies Sauza Blue tequila, fresh lime, muddled pineapple, pineapple juice and triple sec. Summer mojito pops are a Caribbean-gone-Arctic sensation of Sailor Jerry rum, a honeydew melon-mint-cucumber blend, fresh lime and Sprite. More good humor? Each ice pop is a sweet $8.

JAX Hop & Stop Brunch Trolley Stops at Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails August 30

Jacksonville, Florida is planning a brunch-bound Hop & Stop Trolley tour on Sunday, August 30 with stops at Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails plus two more restaurants in St. Johns Town Center. “Tourists” hop off at Moxie to dine on Hangtown omelet of farm eggs, fried oysters, avocado, goat cheese and bacon and summer salad of local leafy greens, shaved farm vegetables and vinaigrette paired with a breakfast brew eye-opener from Intuition Ale Works. Trivia contests and giveaways stand in for car bingo along the 1-4 p.m. trolley trip. $65 per person; 100 person limit. Make reservations with a credit card by calling Amy at 904-396-1213 or emailing catering@mhospitalityfl.com. 

Have a Ball with MAX’s Patric Bell-Good at the Atlanta Meatball Festival August 30

Chef Patric Bell-Good of MAX’s Wine Dive is one of the mighty, meaty Atlanta restaurant hunks squaring off in a “battle of the balls” at the second-annual Atlanta Meatball Festival on Sunday, August 30. The 1-5 p.m. “meat up” takes place under big-top tents in the parking area of Belle Isle Square on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. Judges and attendees vote on chef-prepared dishes to determine who will move on to the afternoon’s Meat Brawl Throwdown. Beer and wine will be available to buy, and sweet treats, limoncello tastings and music by DJ MadFlip round out the day’s offerings. Produced by TasteATL, the savory event benefits Second Helpings Atlanta. Buy tickets online, $25 each through August 30; $30 at the gate. 

Ray’s at Killer Creek Hosts JUSTIN Vineyards Wine Dinner August 28

Paso Robles’ limestone-rich acreage and distinctive microclimate give way to the big, Bordeaux-style wines of JUSTIN Vineyards and Winery pouring front and center at a special reception and four-course dinner hosted by Ray’s at Killer Creek on Friday, August 28. JUSTIN regional director of on-premise John Ford will be the evening’s guest speaker. Ray’s executive chef Mike Fuller’s thoughtful menu takes advantage of Georgia-grown and other seasonal flavors. The 6:30 p.m. reception opens with JUSTIN sauvignon blanc and bites of walnut raisin toast with Georgia gold figs; Logan Turnpike grit fritters with Capra Gia goat cheese and jalapeño pepper jam; and tuna wontons. At 7 p.m., dinner courses progress through cast iron-roasted day boat scallops paired with Overlook chardonnay; summer corn chowder with crispy blue crab and chile oil paired with Overlook pinot noir; wood oven-roasted lamb rack paired with Isosceles and Justification; and a finale of rich chocolate-cherry tarte paired with Obtuse. $80 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Space is limited. Reservations may be made and held with a credit card by calling 770-649-0064.  

Atkins Park Virginia-Highland Lip Sync Battle Mouths Off August 27

Sync or swim? Opt to “sync” and command the mic in the first-ever Lip Sync Battle at Atkins Park Virginia-Highland on Thursday, August 27 at 10 p.m. There’s room for individuals, duos and groups in the epic reveal of lip sync and showmanship skills hosted by the Mayor of Ponce and Atkins Park’s own Star-Tender. Props provided, costumes encouraged. Banish bashfulness because prizes of two weekend passes to Music Midtown, house cash and Milli Vanilli memorabilia are at stake. The night’s beer selections, from cosponsor Boulevard Brewing Company, should help loosen the tongue. 

Table 1280 at Woodruff Arts Center Frames Wine Tasting August 26

Time to call it curtains on a day at the office and dabble in a little wine tasting at Table 1280 at the Woodruff Arts Center. Receive 10 wine tastes for $15 on Wednesday, August 26 beginning at 5:30 p.m. (not including tax or gratuity). It’s worth remembering that Table 1280 stages these wine tastings on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. No need to bow out early, the restaurant offers a dinner menu of locally sourced, farm-to-fork fare until 8 p.m.

Top Rollers Competition and $5 Burritos Wrap Up Summer of Willy’s at Newly Re-opened West Paces Ferry Location August 25

Unfurling one special after another throughout the summer, the Willy’s Mexicana Grill 
#SummerofWillys 20th anniversary celebration pulls a few more tricks out of its sombrero before the party rolls out the door. Tortillas and toppings fly fast and furious when top burrito rollers from each Willy’s Mexicana Grill location compete for bragging rights and cash prizes ranging from $100 to $1,000 at the eatery’s newly re-opened West Paces Ferry location on Tuesday, August 25. The bracket-style play-off starts rolling at 3:30 p.m. with team members competing for a $1,000 prize, and Willy’s general managers put their reputations on the line in their own 4:30 p.m. competition, vying for a $500 prize. 5:30 p.m. brings the final roll-off with Willy Bitter himself going head-to-head with the top winners in each category. Willy’s fans come out as winners all around, nabbing burritos rolled to order for $5 each from 6-10 p.m. plus a raffle, live music, a prize wheel and giveaways. Since we’re mentioning prizes, August 31 marks the deadline to enter the Summer of Willy’s Orlando vacation sweepstakes; read details here. Don’t miss the #SummerOfWillys” last “Happy Hour Monday” on August 31 for 20 percent off a selected menu item and a free small cheese dip. 

“#sb4me” to Win Free Food for a Month in Smokebelly BBQ Instagram Contest

Open season has begun! Capture pics of your favorite Smokebelly BBQ dish to enter into the Buckhead barbecue joint’s Instagram photo contest. Focus your view finder on the Delta Double, baby back ribs, 21-hour Angus beef brisket, the pimento cheese and smoked turkey BLT or any of your other Smokebelly favorites for a chance to win free food for a month. Upload the photo to Instagram tagged “@smokebellybbq” and “#sb4me.” Deadline to enter is October 5. The winner, to be announced October 6, receives $500 Smokebelly BBQ credit to use as he or she chooses.

Labor Day Eats Never Looked so Sweet

Labor Day comes “late” this year - Monday, September 7 - squeezing in time for one last summer getaway or cookout before fall unofficially arrives. Some of our favorite Atlanta restaurants are remaining open on Labor Day for destination dining, serving sustenance for those returning from vacations and providing the fixings for labor-less holiday eating.

At Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland, regular hours of 11:30 a.m.-3 a.m. prevail on Labor Day, but the Sunday fun is extended until 3 a.m. Monday morning.
 
Bantam + Biddy locations (Ansley, Crescent, Lenox and Avalon) are open normal hours serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Ansley restaurant is home plate for Monday Slider Night beginning at 5 p.m. At Avalon, guests can tilt back $2 Jekyll Brewing Big Creek Kolsch in the restaurant or take their brews out to the streetscape for a stroll and window shopping.
 
Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station will be open 11 a.m.-10 p.m. and offering its usual lunch and dinner menus packed with all-natural chicken dishes, burgers, wraps and more.

If you’re heading downtown for Labor Day, swing by Der Biergarten, Glenn’s Kitchen, Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria, SkyLounge, STATS or Twin Smokers BBQ.  Each will be operating normal business hours. Pay no mind to the villains and creatures you’ll see walking down Peachtree for Dragon Con though. 

The new Tin Lizzy's Cantina downtown location will be open as usual, along with all other Tin Lizzy's locations! Tacos, anyone?

Loyal to the core, Johnny’s Hideaway is open normal hours on Labor Day so Johnny’s friends can uphold their Monday night traditions. Team trivia begins at 7:30 p.m., the DJ spins dance tunes at 9 p.m. and food and drink specials twist the night away until 3 a.m.

With 14 metro Atlanta locations, all open as usual on Labor Day, there's a Marlow's Tavern close at hand with hearty American food and beverage favorites.

In addition to being open for lunch and dinner, MAX’s Wine Dive spreads out its popular 11 a.m.-4 p.m. weekend brunch over all three days of the holiday weekend.
 
Ray's Restaurants cover lunch and dinner on Monday, September 7. Ray's in the City, Ray's on the River and Ray's at Killer Creek will be open from noon-8 p.m. and offering Ray’s Dining Club cardholders triple points on Labor Day purchases. Newly opened Ray’s Rio Bravo in Sandy Springs stays open for a holiday fiesta from 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
 
Revival in Decatur will be open from 5-9 p.m. on Labor Day and serving its dinner menu of à la carte and family-style dishes inspired by the Southern culinary heritage of Kevin Gillespie’s family tree.

Nothing says end-of-summer celebration like a frozen cocktail on a stick. Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar has that - in pineapple margarita or cucumber melon mojito flavors - and more on Labor Day until 10:30 p.m.

Summer in the South is all about barbecue, sweet tea and cold brews. Sounds like Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead, which is open 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m.

Even the landlocked can wiggle into their flip-flops for a coastal holiday weekend both inside and out on the covered deck at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead. Atlanta’s local beach house will be open on Labor Day from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. offering an ocean of seafood dishes and evening live music.

Firing up the grill this Labor Day? Pick up some White Oak Pastures pastured poultry or grass-fed beef for the backyard barbecue.

What’s New on Pinterest

Sushi for the Choosy reaches out to the squeamishly hesitant and chopstick champs jaded by the usual choices. Salmon sashimi with ginger and hot sesame oil or in a rice bowl intros simply into the sushi scene before stepping up to easy-to-make spicy tuna hand rolls. Smokey portobello rolls and raw collard greens sushi rolls welcome vegans to the party. Adorable spring kazari makizushi decoration sushi rolls and shrimp-shaped into Japanese koi entice youngsters to try something new. There’s an ocean of ideas on our Pinterest board. Jump in.

#Foodgram

Cattle! Give them free range and they start hamming it up for White Oak Pastures’ Instagram page...so of course the chicks and pups have to finagle their way onto the page. Farm life. Love it. Eat it up.

Appetizing Aperture

Japanese matcha tea is high in antioxidants, amino acids and the chlorophyll that imparts its rich green hue. Bantam + Biddy Crescent Avenue whips up a matcha latte ($5) that’s the perfect blend of decadence and health with just enough caffeine to perk up your afternoon at the office. Lenox Square shoppers, grab the same at Bantam + Biddy on the mall’s main level to power up while accomplishing some retail therapy.