Paul Hobbs Brings His Argentinian Wines to Gypsy Kitchen Wine Dinner March 15

Slip into your favorite Patagonia pullover and think Southern Hemisphere when heading to Gypsy Kitchen for the Paul Hobbs Wine Dinner on Tuesday, March 15. Dinner host Paul Hobbs and his namesake Paul Hobbs Winery are known for crafting terroir-driven wines from small, sustainably farmed vineyards in California and the Mendoza region of Argentina. This intriguing dinner highlights the winery’s Argentinian Collection complemented by passed hors d’oeuvre and a four-course menu prepared by Gypsy Kitchen executive chef Matthew Ridgway. A reception opens the evening at 6:30 p.m. with stuffed profiteroles and Pulenta Estate pinot gris Alto Agrelo Mendoza 2015. Dinner pairings include marinated wild striped bass and Bramare chardonnay “Marchiori Vineyard” Perdriel Lujan de Cuyo 2014; Hudson Valley foie gras escabeche with Alto Limay pinot noir select Patagonia 2014; roasted Chalon duck breast aiguillette with a side-by-side Malbec terroir tasting of Viña Cobos Bramare Lujan de Cuyo Mendoza 2013 and Viña Cobos Bramare Uco Valley Mendoza 2013; and dessert of brut cocoa whoopie pie with cabernet franc Tardio made by Pulenta Estate. $95 per person (not including tax or gratuity). Reserve a seat by emailing Simone@sphospitality.com or calling 404-964-9243.

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Skip the “J” and hand over the “PB” or even just the “P!” March is National Peanut Month, and we exhibit signs of a strong case of Peanut Craze. Savor Asian peanut sauce, Thai chicken tacos, vegan/gluten-free peanut tofu Buddha bowl and an Asian peanut coconut salad dressing so tasty you’ll want to pour it over almost anything in a bowl. We’re sweet on the best no-bake peanut butter pie with no cream cheese and no Cool Whip, peanut butter brownie bombs, salted caramel peanut pie and classic “buckeye” peanut butter balls. Spread the love: no-bake, five-ingredient peanut butter energy bites for you and your friends and a batch of healthy homemade peanut butter dog treats for Fido. Easy, peasy, peanut.

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From the authors of “The Perfect Egg” cookbook, the food lovers @SpoonForkBacon show off photos of original recipes such as mini strawberry upside down cornmeal cobblers (that’s a mouthful), strawberry tiramisu, chilaquiles and, huh? A Trix donut? 

Appetizing Aperture

A little sour, a little sweet, a little perfect. Revival’s Bourbon Sour (bourbon, lemon, egg white and local honey, $11) is the cure for what ails you. Drop by for happy hour Tuesday – Friday from 5-6 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday from 3-6 p.m., including a selection of $5 small bites.

Smoked Prime Rib Special Stokes Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails on Monday and Tuesday Nights

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails opens the week with a prime reason to dine out: a $25 prime rib dinner special on Monday and Tuesday nights. Now through Tuesday, April 19, enjoy Cajun-smoked prime rib with au jus, pinto and garlic mashed potatoes, horseradish hollandaise and buttermilk-herb fried tiny green beans priced at, we repeat, only $25 per person (tax, gratuity, drinks extra). This well-done deal sure beats standing in the express checkout on the way home! 

Where to Go When You’re Wearing St. Pat’s Green on March 17

St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, is one step ahead of the weekend this year, falling on a Thursday. So what are Atlanta leprechauns to do? Start the weekend early and take advantage of charming chow specials, lucky green drinks and a charming cache of handcrafted ice creams chosen to get your “Ire” (-land) up!

St. Paddy’s Day churns up the Irish in all of us, as does the Lick O’ The Irish premium ice cream collection from High Road Craft Ice Cream & Sorbet. The frosty jackpot features two pints each of golden Caramel Pecan, green Fresh Mint Chip, boozy Bourbon Burnt Sugar, and Vanilla Fleur de Sel – to top off a pint of Guinness. Order through High Road’s online store for $139, including shipping. O’cheers, y’all!

If that’s not enough to satisfy your sweet tooth, Sublime Doughnuts’ thin mint doughnut should do the trick: Chocolate yeast-raised doughnut topped with peppermint icing, crushed thin mint cookies and chocolate ganache ($2).

Stop looking for four-leaf clovers and head to HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern where St. Pat’s Day doors open at 11:30 a.m. to charm Midtowners with $5 SweetWater 420-gone-green beers, $16 corned beef and cabbage and rollicking live music. What luck! HOBNOB’s usual Thursday night barbecue specials will still be available to keep diehard Irish-Southerners happy and full.

Grownup lads and lassies struggling to master Irish jig steps may find success after a couple of complimentary Irish shooters at Johnny’s Hideaway. The foot-loosening libations and corned beef and cabbage are on the house St. Pat’s night from 6-7 p.m.

Still can’t wait for St. Pat’s Day pot of golden goodies at the end of the rainbow? ShamRock the Station barrels through Atlantic Station with a whole day of bands, food, drinks and fun for the whole family on Saturday, March 12. Info above.

Smokebelly BBQ Wings and Beer Specials Add Hoopla to March Madness Beginning March 16

Bracketing teams may be a March Madness toss-up, but Smokebelly BBQ commands the courts throughout all the hoopla with wing and beer specials. Catch primo NCAA Tournament game viewing and share 25 wings plus a bucket of beer with your teammates – for only $30 – while you watch. Following the ball up and down the court generates a thirst, easily quelled by $3 draft beer selections. Grab your brackets and make a fast break to Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead because these specials bounce out when one team nets the championship title.

James Beard Award Semifinalist Vishwesh Bhatt Guest Chefs at Gunshow “Hired Guns” Dinners March 13-14

A couple of weeks ago, City Grocery Restaurant Group chef Vishwesh Bhatt was named as a semifinalist for the James Beard 2015 Restaurant and Chef Awards - “Best Chef: South.” This week, Atlanta diners can put his mettle to the test when Bhatt leads the kitchen crew as guest chef for Gunshow‘s “Hired Guns” dinners on Sunday, March 13 and Monday, March 14 – evenings when the Glenwood Park restaurant is normally closed. Target these dates and taste why everyone’s talking about this Oxford, Mississippi chef. His featured dishes include Kasturi lamb neck, makki ki roti and quick-pickled red onions and fried catfish, pollichattu masala and lemon rice grits. Purchase tickets online, $95 per person (not including drinks, tax and gratuity).

Greet a Green Morning at Kegs & Eggs Bar Crawl and Atkins Park Virginia-Highland March 12

The 5th Annual Kegs & Eggs Bar Crawl in Virginia-Highland jump starts Saturday morning, March 12, by loading more greens into the day’s diet – i.e., green-themed breakfast foods, cocktails and beer. “Crawlers” pay $14.99 to don St. Paddy’s beads and partake of complimentary St. Patrick’s-themed adult beverage and breakfast items at each of six Virginia-Highland neighborhood bars. Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar rouses spirited morning risers with a strong shamrock shot and emerald green fruit cup. Will these mean green goodies pack more antioxidants than paler versions? While that’s hard to say, they’re sure to be powerful. Buy tickets online. Must be 21 or older and show valid ID. First stop, Neighbor’s Pub between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. to register and pick up a map and more program details.

ShamRock the Station with Meehan’s Public House-Atlantic Station and Guinness March 12

Midtown is where it’s at for pre-St. Pat’s festivities and fare on Saturday, March 12. The 134th Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade courses along Peachtree from 15th to 5th Street at noon. Not to be out-shamrocked, ShamRock the Stationunleashes six bands, beer, dancing and other festivities in Central Park at Atlantic Station – only this shindig jigs on from noon-11 p.m. Come at noon or leap over after the parade. Meehan’s Public House – Atlantic Station, Guinness and Radio 105.7 link up with Atlantic Station to charm lads, lassies and even wee little leprechauns at Atlanta’s “biggest family friendly St. Patrick’s Festival.” Those over 21 can pay $5 for a catchy wristband allowing the purchase and imbibing of libations at the outdoor festival – such as the drafts Meehan’s and Guinness will be pulling all day and into the night. Aye, when Irish food cravings tease, Meehan’s menu will set eyes a smiling with fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, Irish bangers and mash, a full-on traditional Irish breakfast plus gourmet pub fare. Shamrocking the social media? Use tag line #ShamrockTheStation. Uncover more information on the Atlantic Station website.

Jig to the “Luck of Colony Square” and Taste a Bit of Soon-to-Open 5Church after St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 12

Extend the excitement of Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day parade through Midtown at the “Luck of Colony Square” festival filling the plaza at Colony Square from 1-4 p.m. on March 12. See performances by parade bagpipers, drummers and Irish dancers then dance a jig to live music by Carter Rude. Equally active, chef Jamie Lynch of 5Church isn’t twiddling his thumbs while awaiting the restaurant’s April opening in Colony Square. He’s throwing his heart for community involvement and his Szechuan pork belly with spicy cabbage specialty into the event benefiting St. Baldrick’s Foundation and its mission to conquer childhood cancers. Trade $1 donation tickets for restaurant food samples from Colony Square restaurants and the City of Refuge “People’s Food Truck” and activities like face painting and balloon arts. The Atlanta 5Church at 14th and Peachtree streets will complete a trio of 5Church restaurants including the flagship location in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the Charleston, South Carolina, venue that opened this past fall.  

Atkins Park Virginia-Highland is 94 and Still Happy to Pour at Anniversary Party March 9

Proving one is never too old to party, ageless and spry Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland is pouring it on for their 94th anniversary party on Wednesday, March 9. Arrive at 6 p.m. for the open bar and tasting station, swag-snag a coveted T-shirt (while supplies last) and ooh and aah over a signature Jägermeister deer head ice luge. These party specials exit at 7 p.m., but unless that’s your bedtime, there’s no need to head home. Atkins Park serves food until 2:30 a.m. Atlanta’s oldest continuously licensed tavern opened its doors as a deli in 1922 and has been serving enthusiastic customers ever since. What comes next for this neighborhood comfort zone? Why, sakes alive, anniversary 95! 

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Colorful Easter eggs are to “dye” for, but don’t stop there. These Eggcellent Dishes are all they’re cracked up to be and then some. Recipes for protein-packed brunches, low-carb lunches, Easter and Mom’s Day segue gracefully into cookout and tailgate seasons. Family and friends will scramble for baked eggs and asparagus with Parmesan, roasted red pepper and baked egg galettes (puff pastry easy), bacon and egg breakfast muffins, Buffalo ranch deviled eggs, a chickpea, avocado, tomato and egg wrap – and a whole lotta frittatas. Survivalists, we’ve even uncovered instructions for dehydrating eggs so they’ll be handy eggs-actly when you need them.

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Instagram snaps, crackles and pops thanks to Mister Krisp, where everything tastes like Rice Krispies Treats, be it sushi and avocados or monumental tributes to Mt. Rushmore and the State of California. Psst. The original krisp creator is actually a “Ms.” named Jessica Siskin. Let her conquer your krispie cravings at www.misterkrisp.com

Appetizing Aperture

What’s the rush? Gold! Diamonds! Pearls! Sublime Doughnuts in Midtown unveils its gem-dandy, “#1 Stunner” crème brûlée doughnut ($7) at 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Like precious jewels, limited quantities of chef Kamal Grant’s inventive treat are available. The thin-sliced doughnut is filled with crème brûlée, topped with gold and white chocolate and glitzed with white chocolate pearls and sugar diamonds. Sweet bling, just the thing for late-night munching! Besides, you’re an adult now. Mom won’t know if you sneak one in for dinner.

Pig Out Wherever -- Terminus City Whole Hog BBQ Package Trots Pig and Rig to Your Party

They’ll bring the pig, your party provides the squeals of glee.Terminus City now carries the ‘cue to you, all prepped and ready to be prepared wherever your hoedown is happening. A Terminus City BBQ rig travels your way along with pork to be cooked and chopped, KOG’s Terminus City pepper vinegar sauce, buns, four sides, dessert and paper products for 40-55 people. This is the barbecue backed by Atlanta’s own Kevin Gillespie, prince of pork and author of “Pure Pork Awesomeness.” Place orders at least two weeks in advance and pull more details by contacting JR Zincone,j.r.@redbeardrestaurants.com.

Set Sail to Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar, Now Open in The Avenue East Cobb

Diners seeking upscale seafood in a casual setting can prepare to drop anchor at Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar, the third dining destination from chef/restaurateur Doug Turbush. A port-side view reveals a chef-driven showcase of sustainable seafood and the high level of service guests have come to expect from Turbush and his other popular Marietta establishments Seed Kitchen & Bar and Stem Wine Bar. Drift executive chef Brendan Keenan and Turbush collaborated on menu offerings, netting an appealing mix of shareable plates, raw bar favorites, enticing entrées and traditional seafood staples. Oyster platters, oven-roasted clams, wood-grilled whole fish and rib-eyes and seaside delights such as seafood po'boys and lobster rolls will appeal to everyone at the table. Drift director of operations Jason Raymond and bar manager Jose Pereiro have respectively developed a wine list to complement the seafood menu and a program of craft cocktails built around top-notch spirits. A beach theme prevails from the "Oar Room" where approximately 100 oars dangle from the ceiling to the handsome bar area, the oyster bar backing up to a wood-burning oven, and an ample, partially covered outdoor patio. Custom-built furniture and sculptures from local artisans are complemented by a collection of antique oyster cans. Drift serves dinner nightly with lunch and brunch service to follow at a later date. Find Drift in The Avenue East Cobb, 4475 Roswell Road in Marietta. Call 770-635-7641 for reservations. 

Kevin Gillespie and “Hired Guns” Guest Chefs Vishwesh Bhatt and Vivian Howard are James Beard 2016 Semifinalists – Join Bhatt March 13-14 at Gunshow

Kevin Gillespie has a knack for scoping out some of the most talented chefs in the nation and inviting them to Atlanta as guest chefs in the Gunshow “Hired Guns” dining series. They accept the challenge, much to the delight of Atlanta diners. Affirming his picks, two chefs in this year’s “Hired Guns” series join Gillespie as semifinalists for James Beard 2016 Restaurant and Chef Awards. Vishwesh Bhatt of City Grocery Restaurant Group in Oxford, Mississippi, is on the “Best Chef: South” short list, and Vivian Howard of Chef & The Farmer in Kinston, North Carolina, joins Gillespie on the “Best Chef: Southeast” list. Finalists will be announced on Twitter March 15. Act fast and you can still score seats at Bhatt’s “Hired Guns” dinner events, 6-9 p.m. Sunday, March 13 or Monday, March 14; $95 per person (excluding tax, gratuity and drinks). Buy tickets online. Calendar scroll through to fall and save October 16 and 17 for Vivian Howard’s “Hired Guns” visit.

Bellina Alimentari Chalkboards Class-y Kitchen Moves, Single Mingle, 3 Wine 3 Cheese and More in March

Bellina Alimentari Culinary Club classes and events are hot topics at Ponce City Market in Midtown. Roll call shows rosters filling fast. The magnet? “Mangia!” Given the convivial nature of preparing and enjoying Italian food and wine, anyone can be a culinary arts major while bonding over the pasta press, laughing over durum and dough or analyzing vino and Amaro. Pick an interest and sign up today. All classes are $45 per person (plus tax) unless otherwise noted. To register, click on the class name or call 404-330-9933.

• Kids Kitchen: Book a date with your kid (8-12 years old) and join the chef in making pasta from scratch. ($45 for two people, one adult and one child); Tuesday, March 8 from 4-5 p.m.
• Single Mingle Pasta Making: Meet and mingle in a hands-on fresh pasta cooking class and tasting. Take home some of the night’s pasta; Tuesday, March 15 from 6-7:30 p.m.
• Introduction to Amaro:  Learn about Italy’s Amaro culture while enjoying a guided tasting of bar selections and nibbles from the kitchen; Wednesday, March 16 from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; $28 per person.  
• Pizza Making: Toss the dough with the best of them after learning the art of pizza crafting and sampling class-made creations; Tuesday, March 22 from 6-7:30 p.m.
• Easter Seafood Dinner: A special dining event only offered in the Culinary Club, this classic fish-based Italian dinner includes starter, entrée and dessert accompanied by sparkling, white and red wines; Wednesday, March 23 from 7-9 p.m.; $65 per person.
• Pasta Making: Mix, roll, cook, eat, take some home. Boxed pasta migrates to the back of the pantry after mastering fresh-made pasta; Tuesday, March 29 from 6-7:30 p.m.   
• 3 Wine 3 Cheese: A little bit Italy, a little bit local, this guided tasting pairs some of Italy’s finest natural wines with local artisanal cheeses; Wednesday, March 30 from 6-7 p.m.; $28 per person.

Nosh Talks Bubbles with Food Industry Socializing and Panel Discussion at Monday Night Brewing March 7

It’s not like those in Atlanta’s restaurant industry can gather round the coffeepot (or coffee pod, these days) to dish on trends, give high fives for successes and gulp in some of the latest gourmet gossip (in a nice way). They’re too busy chopping, muddling and dishing all over Atlanta. Nosh Talks stands in the gap. The food industry networking organization is hosting a social at Monday Night Brewing (670 Trabert Ave., NW in Atlanta) from 2-5 p.m. on Monday, March 7. Count on time to talk as well as listen to the panel discussion featuring Aria’s Andrés Loaiza and other beverage experts. Our Atlanta Dish blog pours out more information.

Gerry Klaskala Opens Serenbe Southern Chef Series 2016 March 6-7

Chef Gerry Klaskala is the first phenomenal chef to step up to the plate for the Serenbe Southern Chef Series 2016. Ten guests will have an opportunity to don aprons, roll up sleeves and set to prepping, cooking and eating Sunday supper and Monday lunch with the chef/owner of Aria at The Inn at Serenbe on March 6-7. Breakfast and an overnight stay at The Inn at Serenbe, located in peaceful Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia, also are included in the $695 per-guest package price. Small class size means spaces go quickly. Email Guest Services to reserve a spot or call 770-463-2610.

Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar and High Road Craft Ice Cream Spoon Specialties at Sold-Out Atlanta Brunch Festival March 5

Do brunch? Atlantans love to. And that’s why this Saturday’s Atlanta Brunch Festival in Historic Fourth Ward Park is totally sold out. Lucky ticket holders will brunch on tastings from some of Atlanta’s best brunch spots washed down with classic brunchy beverages (i.e. bloody Marys and mimosas). Brunch newcomer Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar will dish out samples from its new brunch menu. No worries if you don’t have an event ticket, head on over to Saltwood in Midtown and order full-sized favorites off their menu. High Road Craft Ice Cream & Sorbet, another Atlanta favorite, will spoon out samples of its premium, chef-crafted ice cream, sorbet and gelato. Once available only at fine restaurants, High Road junkies can pick up pints at area grocery stores, specialty food stores and scoop shops.

Artful Area High Schoolers, Enter the Peachtree Road Farmers Market Reusable Bag Design Contest by March 4 -- $2,000 in Prizes

All Atlanta-area high school students – brown baggers and cafeteria eaters alike – are invited to enter the Peachtree Road Farmers Market Reusable Bag Design Contest. Gulp! The deadline is 4 p.m. this Friday, March 4. For inspiration, eat fruits and veggies and consider prompts from contest sponsors Country Financial and the Peachtree Road Farmers Market (PRFM). Designs should reflect this year’s theme of “Our Farms, Your Tables,” include imagery relating to the spring/summer farm season and corresponding regional farmers market goods and illustrate the spirit of the city. One more must-do, all entries must include the phrase “2016 Peachtree Road Farmers Market.” The big reveal takes place at PRFM on Saturday, April 16. One student will win a $1,000 scholarship and see his or her artwork printed on the abundance of canvas shopping bags the market hands out each year. Two runners-up will each win $500 scholarships. To enter, go to Country Financial for entry packet and complete rules. Pass this info on to artsy teen friends, and maybe they’ll bag a winner.

Melissa Libby & Associates is Searching for Summer 2016 Interns!

Are you a student who is passionate about food/wine culture and public relations? We want to meet you! Melissa Libby & Associates is currently seeking interns for the summer 2016 semester. Interns who join the MLA team will work with and learn directly from all agency functions, including media communications, social media, special events and client services. Creativity, positive energy, great writing skills and a strong work ethic are important traits for this internship.

Internships require 15-22 office hours per week from May to August. Schedules are fairly flexible, although Monday mornings from 10:30 a.m. to noon are required. Local candidates only! The ideal candidate will also receive school credit for his or her experience with MLA. Interns will be paid a $500 stipend at the completion of the program. To find out more about Melissa Libby & Associates, please visit our website and our Facebook page. If you are interested, please send your resume, cover letter, writing samples and availability to brandon@melissalibbypr.com. We're looking forward to hearing from you!

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White Russians and B-52s commandeered many a cocktail round back in the 80s, and Kahlúa, the java-juked key ingredient, is still going strong. In fact, with National Kahlúa Day topping off the week on Saturday, February 27, we're going Kahlúa Kah-razy around here! Kahlúa infiltrates every frozen drink, dessert, appetizer and cocktail on the board: mud slides (to eat or drink), pecan Brie bites, pecan and brown sugar baked Brie, tiramisu, dark chocolate cheesecake with Kahlúa truffles, donuts, homemade "Kahlúa," kicked-up granita, espresso martinis, gingerbread martinis, flaming B-52s and adult Fudgesicles.

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@MilkBarStore shows off the genius behind Milk Bar, sister bakery to global Momofuku restaurants. This is the place where founder, award-winning pastry chef and "Masterchef" judge Christina Tosi came up with cereal milk ice cream, compost cookies and crack pie while revamping homemade desserts with her playful spin and penchant for locally sourced dairy. Gallons more info at www.milkbarstore.com.

What Obstacles? White Oak Pastures Ruff Run is March 19

Run into White Oak Pastures and run into a lot of history: one family, one farm, five generations, 150 years -- and the second-annual White Oak Pastures Ruff Run on Saturday, March 19. First heat sets off at 10 a.m. followed by second and third heats at 10:30 and 11 a.m. Go all out in "Run & Fun" featuring 10 obstacles and receive a Ruff Run T-shirt, one beer ticket (for entrants 21+ years old) and join in "After Run" activities (see "Fun"); $35 per person. "Fun" lovers, stick to the "After Run" activities for $15 per person: ride on the mechanical bull, try your hand at cowboy jousting, play cornhole, paintball and more. When the run's done, what's your hurry? Hang around for lunch, available to purchase at the White Oak Pastures food truck (cash, debit and credit cards accepted). Register by calling 229-641-2081 or visiting the online store, designating "pick up" to avoid automatic delivery charges.

Appetizing Aperture

Cast your eyes on chocolate chunk skillet cookies topped off with house-made vanilla ice cream and hot fudge sauce ($8.95) at Seed Kitchen & Bar, and there's no way you're walking out the door without spooning into one yourself...or at least sharing one with your tablemate. Two spoons, please.

Matthew Ridgway of The Southern Gentleman and Gypsy Kitchen Caravans to Charleston Wine + Food Festival March 2-6

The Low Country calls, and y'all must go to the 10^th annual Charleston Wine + Food Festival (CWFF), Wednesday, March 2 through Sunday, March 6. Charleston is already deemed one of the top food and wine destinations in America, and the CWFF adds about 400 more reasons to visit -- the approximate number of chefs, farmers, beverage professionals, artists and experts contributing to the week of exclusive dinners, fine wine and food tastings, cocktails, beer, demos and classes, Culinary Village experiences, live entertainment and much more. Count Matthew Ridgway in on the punch list. The executive chef of The Southern Gentleman and Gypsy Kitchen leads several demos on Saturday and Sunday afternoons in Marion Square, the Culinary Village and the SCE&G Tent. His plans include preparing chickpea socca pancake with farmers cheese and torn herb salad in the Hands-On Kitchen/SCE&G Tent and Gypsy Kitchen red lentils with coconut milk, basil and hot chorizo in the Culinary Village. Visit the website to choose the ticket options you desire, from individual events to packages. Makes for a sumptuous grown-up getaway because one must be age 21 or over to attend. Feel-good factor (along with food and wine) -- festival proceeds benefit area charities and provide culinary scholarships at three Charleston colleges.

Derek Dollar and Doug Turbush Selected for Georgia Restaurant Association's Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program

Derek Dollar of Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails and The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill and Doug Turbush of Seed Restaurant & Bar, Stem Wine Bar and new Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar have been selected for the Georgia Grown Executive Chef Program by the Georgia Restaurant Association (GRA) and the Georgia Department of Agriculture (GDA). GDA Commissioner Gary S. Black and GRA CEO Karen Bremer announced the 2016 class of five chefs on February 17 at GRA's eighth annual Taste of Georgia Legislative Reception at the Georgia Railroad Freight Depot. These chefs bring incredible experience and unique talents to the table and are already supportive of Georgia products, according to Bremer. As part of the Georgia Grown program, Dollar and Turbush will, even more so, foster relationships with farmers to strengthen ties between Georgia farmers, chefs, restaurants and consumers.

Take-O Time Out for Free Tacos at the Bar in Ray’s Rio Bravo

For real, mi amigo. Ray’s Rio Bravo sets out a special taco bar, complimentary for bar patrons only, every Monday through Friday from 4-6 p.m. and 9 p.m. until closing time. Living the Tex-Mex life is easy with so many tacos waiting to be held. Another reason the bar at Ray’s packs in so much olé -- $15 pitchers of house margaritas and $10 pitchers of draught beer all day, every day.

Atkins Park Va-Hi Musters a Leap Year Lip Sync Battle so Epic It Only Happens Every Four Years on February 29

Lip balming, jaw stretches, singing to the bathroom mirror -- start doing whatever you do to prep and mobilize your lips for the Leap Year Lip Sync Battle at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland on Monday, February 29. DJ Captain Jam runs the show starting at 10 p.m. Featured beverages from Terrapin and Jack Daniel’s are sure to loosen the lips for showtime. Fake it til you make it. Who knows? Perhaps you’ll be one of the lip sync contest winners taking home prizes of Atlanta Hawks basketball tickets. Miss out on the mouth-umental battle and you’ll have four more years of practicing until leap year 2020

Will They Sing for Their Supper? Shaun Doty of Bantam + Biddy and Revival’s Rémi Granger Among Chefs Cooking at Songs for Kids Foundation Food + Music Festival February 28

Chefs and musicians will rock Park Tavern when Songs for Kids Foundation Food + Music Festival commandeers the Piedmont Park-side restaurant on Sunday, February 28 from 1-5 p.m. Bantam + Biddy founder/owner Shaun Doty and Revival executive sous chef Rémi Granger are gourmet groupies, i.e. participating chefs, serving lip-smacking good samples to guests while Yacht Rock Revue churns out the hits. The beat goes on with tunes from Songs for Kids artists and kids from the organization’s programs and live and silent auction excitement. A bouncy castle, face painting, magic and other fun activities entertain youngsters. Buy tickets, which include food and drink tastings, on Xorbia for $75 each ($10 for kids ages 16 and under). All proceeds benefit Songs for Kids Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that integrates musicians into the lives of children who are suffering from illness and hardship in and out of children’s hospitals and special needs camps through interactive concerts and the Songs for Kids Records songwriting and recording program.

Soak Up Swizzling Skills from Bellina Alimentari’s Corey Phillips at Decatur Stirs on February 27

Afternoon plans are on the rocks this Saturday, February 27, for those muddling in cocktail mode at the Decatur Stirs Craft Cocktail Experience 2016. Drink in cocktail crafting know-how from local spirit experts and bartenders while sipping and swirling through a showcase of 100 craft spirits, syrups, bitters and new cocktail products at the 2-5 p.m. event spilling through the Courtyard by Marriott Decatur Downtown and Decatur Conference Center. There’s more to crafting cocktails than meets the highball. Bellina Alimentari bar manager Corey Phillips adds Italian flair to the afternoon’s cocktail repertoire by mixing apertivo-worthy sippers with Cynar, Cynar 70 and Aperol. Stop by and absorb some ideas for throwing your own Italian happy hour! Purchase tickets online, $50 each. Limited to ages 21 and over only.

Enjoy Three Courses for $25 at Ray’s at Killer Creek During Alpharetta Restaurant Week Through February 27

So you missed treating someone special to a Valentine’s Day dinner out on the town? Redeem yourself by making a date for Ray’s at Killer Creek during Alpharetta Restaurant Week, going on through Saturday, February 27. Guests can select their choice morsels on Ray’s $25 prix fixe, three-course dinner menu (excludes tax, gratuity or beverages). The first course offers artisan field greens, Caesar salad or a cup of crab bisque. Mains float land and sea options: salmon Oscar with jumbo lump crab meat, béarnaise, grilled asparagus and whipped Yukon Gold potatoes; Springer Mountain Farms chicken with grilled king trumpet mushrooms, grilled asparagus and bacon-thyme demi-glace; or filet trio with mushroom bordelaise and whipped Yukon Gold potatoes. Dessert demands the willpower to choose either Key lime pie with raspberry coulis or crème brûlée with seasonal fruit compote -- fresh whipped cream dollops both selections. Call the restaurant for reservations: 770-649-0064. Heck, belated Valentine’s dinner or not, this delectable deal is irresistibly sweet.

Ride the Oyster Trend at The Big Ketch Roswell Oyster and Beer Flight Dinner February 25

Oyster appreciation netted a top spot when we pried chefs for 2016 food trends, and The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Roswell is on board with a fine and briny opportunity. The Canton Street restaurant is hosting an Oyster and Beer Flight Dinner on Thursday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m. Shell out $35 per person to savor eight oysters (four varieties), four (4-oz.) beers from local beer crafters Gate City Brewing Company and Second Self Beer Company and hushpuppies and boiled peanuts aplenty. Space is limited for this oyster bed and brew-fest. To reserve a seat, email Jill List at jill@tbkroswell.com.

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For far too long, veggies perched meekly on plates like wallflowers at a dance. No more. The trend spotlight beams on Vivacious Vegetables as the dinner table’s newest darlings, and the conversation’s never been so colorful. Set a plant-iful precedent by serving the ultimate winter bliss bowls, smoked grilled vegetables, sweet potato corn cakes with garlic dipping sauce, roasted veggie and goat cheese grilled sandwiches or raw spiralized Thai salad. Vegetarian recipes for the ultimate Australia Day barbecue attest that veggies are on top, even down under. 

Atlanta Restaurants Celebrate National Margarita Day Feb. 22

No need to bring out the blender at home! These Atlanta restaurants are celebrating National Margarita Day this year great specials and promos:

Now through February 25, Tin Lizzy’s Cantina is celebrating all week long with 22-ounce Big House Margaritas (1800 tequila, Agavero and sour mix) for $10 and 22-ounce Grandma’s House Margaritas (1800 tequila, Agavero, sour mix and a hefty floater of Grand Marnier) for $12. These two featured margaritas are served in commemorative maroon cups that guests can keep and are available for a whole week surrounding National Margarita Day (while cup supplies last).

Hop on over to HOBNOB in Midtown for $10 Don Julio Blanco margaritas available all day on February 22. Guests can also take home swag from Don Julio representatives to keep the party going all night long.

Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar is shaking things up with their limited-time pomegranate margarita! Sip on this cool cocktail featuring Don Julio Blanco and fresh lime juice for $12.

#Foodgram

Chefs and mixologists can’t claim all the glory. Let’s hear it for the guy behind the menu art and eye candy-filled walls. That would be Patrick Nguyen, restaurant/bar/brewery artist. Peruse his portfolio at Dozfy and email him with suggestions of restaurants wanting menu art.

Appetizing Aperture

Lobster. Butter. Cream. Whole baked lobster, a specialty at Cotton Calf Kitchen, epitomizes luxury on a plate. Claw your way out of the city to the peaceful streets of Braselton for this market-priced catch. 

Kevin Gillespie Rousts Sleepyheads Out of Bed on CBS This Morning: Saturday on February 20

Rise and shine to chef Kevin Gillespie on CBS This Morning: Saturday on February 20. The feisty Southern chef/owner of Gunshow in Glenwood Park and Revival in Decatur pays tribute to the loves of his life -- Southern cuisine and awesome pork -- on the 9 a.m. show. Stars of his segment include Coca-Cola glazed pork shoulder, cabbage dumplings with country sausage, overnight grits with tomato-braised greens, glazed root vegetables, banoffee trifle with candied bacon and a boozy peach party liquor beverage. Put a fork under the pillow and get ready. They’ll be no sleeping through all these yums!  

Ormsby’s Weekend Brunch -- Less Taxing, More Relaxing

Only two days in a weekend. Which will define it, crochet, croquet or croquette? No brainer. Ormsby’s salmon croquette Benedict with poached eggs, wilted spinach, hollandaise, English muffin and chipotle cheddar grits ($14) is the obvious choice. Find it on the Westside restaurant’s finely honed weekend brunch menu, available from noon-3 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. Rather than overwhelm valuable weekend time wading through a voluminous menu, Ormsby’s whittles the list down to well-mastered favorites: a cheddar jalapeño biscuit hugging fried chicken, scrambled eggs, more cheddar and honey alongside grits, bacon or potato hash ($10); chicken and waffles uniting Southern-fried chicken strips and Belgian or red velvet waffles with chipotle syrup, whipped butter and two eggs ($10); raisin challah French toast ($10); classic corned beef and hash with piping-hot braised corned beef, steamed cabbage, potato hash and a sunny side up egg ($12); and shrimp and grits sporting roasted red peppers, caramelized onions and cream sherry, for smaller or larger appetites ($12/$16). Similarly, spend less time poring over a lengthy cocktail list and get to the point of enjoying one of the four high-powered selections -- Ormsby’s yellow bloody mary ($10), the Monkey Mosa ($8), blackberry ginger bourbon iced tea ($9) or the classic Champagne cocktail ($9). Less time making taxing decisions opens up more time for relaxing before tackling whatever else the weekend holds.

Award-Winning Mississippi Chef Vishwesh Bhatt Zeroes in on Gunshow “Hired Guns” March 13 and 14

Gunshow’s popular “Hired Guns” series is already one chef into its third year and continuing along a tantalizing trajectory with the guest appearance of chef Vishwesh Bhatt of City Grocery Restaurant Group in Oxford, Mississippi on Sunday, March 13 and Monday, March 14. The Gujarat, India native, known for connecting Southern, French bistro and South Asian foodways, serves as corporate chef of City Grocery Restaurant Group (City Grocery, Snackbar, Big Bad Breakfast, Main Event Catering and Lamar Lounge). A quick glance through Bhatt’s viewfinder reveals his path from a humble start as City Grocery Restaurant Group line cook in 1997 to hitting marks as catering chef, opening Snackbar in 2009 and earning a People’s Best New Chef nomination from Food & Wine in 2011 and a James Beard Awards finalist slot for Best Chef: South in 2014 and 2015. Gunshow’s kitchen is always abuzz with energy, and the high-caliber combination of Bhatt, chef Kevin Gillespie, Gunshow executive chef Joey Ward and the rest of the “kitchen dudes” will only ratchet up the action -- to the delight of diners experiencing the restaurant’s unique service style. To lock onto one of the limited number of tickets available for the evening, visit Xorbia. The cost is $95 per person (not including drinks, tax and gratuity). Looking forward, the remaining 2016 “Hired Guns” lineup includes Brian Baxter from HUSK in Nashville, Tennessee, over May 22-23; Kenny Gilbert of Gilbert's Underground Kitchen in Fernandina Beach, Florida, over June 12-13; Brooke Williamson of Hudson House in Redondo Beach, California, over September 11-12; and Vivian Howard of Chef & the Farmer in Kinston, North Carolina, over October 16-17. For more information about Gunshow in Glenwood Park, visit the website or call 404-380-1886.