Star Grazing

Celebs continue to gravitate to Umi for chef Fuyuhiko Ito’s incredible sushi, nigiri, sashimi and signature rolls. Samuel L. Jackson (“Star Wars,” “The Incredibles”) was spotted dining at Umi on July 20. The King of Cool has appeared in more than 100 films and holds the rare distinction of being eaten by both a shark and a dinosaur in his occupation. At Umi, Jackson played diner, not dinner, with four other guests and enjoyed himself so much he returned for a second visit on July 22.

Book The Blind Pig Parlour Bar for Fantasy Football Draft Parties

Fantasy football drafting is heady stuff, best tackled under utmost concentration in surroundings with few distractions…other than beer, wings and a 65-inch big screen TV for picking drafts online. The Blind Pig Parlour Bar checks all the boxes and more. Book the hidden speakeasy as a private room for a two-hour time block. Huddle up with 10-15 guests, Wi-Fi, four pitchers of beer and 100 wings for $150. Opt in on the 65-inch TV so everyone can view online drafting. To book your fantasy football draft party, email April@sphospitality.com or call direct, 404-931-1251.

Open Now -- $100 Gift for Booking Holiday Parties at Ray’s Restaurants by Sept. 30

Perhaps the event planning elves at Ray’s Restaurants crisped on the beach and started longing for the cool holiday party season. Their desire to jumpstart the holidays at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek rewards early bird party planners with the gift of a $100 Ray’s Dining Card to be enjoyed in the new year. All three Ray’s Restaurants come through with extraordinary cuisine and service, and The Grand Pavilion at Ray’s on the River provides an especially spectacular event space. Surrounded by lush landscaping, The Grand Pavilion affords panoramic views of the Chattahoochee River and direct access to a lighted path meandering along the riverbank. The temperature-controlled pavilion with its own private entrance accommodates up to 180 guests, a band, DJ and a dance floor. To take advantage of Ray’s holiday party gift card incentive, book and confirm your Dec. 1-30, 2017 party with signed contract by Sept. 30, 2017. Food and beverage minimum of $1,500 is required to qualify for the $100 Ray’s Dining Card. Ray’s Dining Card will be mailed in January 2018 provided event invoice has been paid in full.

Be In the Know Before You Go -- Insider Tips for New Babalu Tapas & Tacos

Midtown neighbors are embracing Babalu Tapas & Tacos, which opened June 26 in Midtown’s 33 Peachtree Place mixed-use development at West Peachtree Street and Peachtree Place. They’re buzzing about the fresh flavors of Babalu’s Latin-inspired dishes tweaked with a tad of Southern influence, the fabulous cocktails made with freshly-squeezed juices and a natural sense of hospitality -- right down to welcoming pups on the patio. Even the neighborly grapevine may not know all of Babalu’s captivating traits.

Take the Chef’s Table, for instance, where guests are privy to the best seats in the house -- at no extra cost. Chef’s Table diners order off the same menu as guests seated at other tables, with the bonus of being able to interact with Babalu chefs. Prime food-entertainment here, surveying kitchen action while sharing starters ($4.95-$10.95) like guacamole made tableside and yellowfin tuna ceviche. Or, head straight for tapas ($9.25-$13.50) including braised chicken tamales, pan-seared jumbo lump crab cakes, enchilada of the day, “Fierce” shrimp, pan-roasted redfish or the shrimp and chorizo skillet. Order three of the same tacos for $9 or mix them up ($3.25-$3.75 each) choosing among beef tenderloin Carne de Vaca, smoked Niman Ranch pork belly Carne de Cerdo, veggie-full Vegetal, Atun (spiced seared saku tuna), duck confit De Pato and others. Salads, sandwiches, shareable sides and desserts round out the menu. Sometimes “extras” are thrown into the meal mix for lucky Chef’s Table diners. Although Babalu doesn’t take reservations, guests can request Chef’s Table seats upon arrival. 

Bogey and Boogie for New Story Charity at Southern Proper Hospitality’s Golf Tournament Aug. 14 and The Blind Pig’s Great Gatsby Party Aug. 19

Golfers, Southern Proper Hospitality invites you to kick up your heels on the greens for New Story Charity, an organization that builds homes for impoverished families around the developing world. Swing through a day of golf and socializing at Cumming’s Polo Golf & Country Club on Monday, Aug. 14. Tee up for a day inclusive of all green and cart fees, range balls, practice facilities, on-course hosted beverages, event prizes, hot lunch, awards reception dinner and silent auction. Registration is at 11 a.m. with a 1 p.m. shotgun start. Try your hand at the Trick Shot Expo and Beat the Pro Competition with Golf Entertainer Brad Denton. Secure your spot here, $750 per foursome or $200 single player.

On Saturday, Aug. 19, Gatsby’s back in town, dining and partying hard at The Blind Pig Parlour Bar. Buckhead’s discreet speakeasy steps back to the Roaring ‘20s for its third annual and much-adored Gatsby Party. At 7 p.m., a lavish four-course dinner opens the door to a lively evening followed by a rollicking after-party with limited open bar, passed hors d’oeuvre, live entertainment, a tarot card reader and gambling at 10 p.m. Choose your ticket, depending on your revelry capacity. The All-Access Gatsby Pass ($200) includes dinner, wine pairings and access to the Gatsby Party. Golden Ticket Party Pass ($75) includes Gatsby Party with limited open bar from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Proceeds also benefit New Story Charity.

Half-Off Half-Shells Honors National Oyster Day at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill Aug. 5

Saturday’s special is “shore” grabbing attention among the bivalve set at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill. On National Oyster Day, Aug. 5, the local beach house satiates oyster slurpers with half off the price of a dozen oysters from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at both locations (Canton Street and Buckhead). If Saturday’s sunk for you, reel in this offer every Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m. during Oyster Happy Hour.

Friday Night Blues and Orpheus Tap Takeover Hit HOBNOB Midtown Aug. 4

Trend watchers, summertime blues are out, Friday Night Blues are in at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern in Midtown. Do bop into this neighborhood fave for its new weekly series promising top-notch blues music by notable local bands. Expect some takeovers, too, by way of local breweries and beer-and-a-shot specials showcasing local whiskey distilleries. British blues music by the Backyardbirds launches the series this Friday, Aug. 4 from 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Look out for Midtown’s own Orpheus Brewing to take command of the taps. Team an Orpheus draft selection with a shot of American Spirit Whiskey for $9. Friday Night Blues and beer pairings continue through the month:

Aug. 11 - The Hollidays and Scofflaw Brewing Co.
Aug. 18 - The Wild Hares and Eventide Brewing
Aug. 25 - Tiki Tonk and Creature Comforts Brewing Co.

Follow The Dish for upcoming blues, brewery and distillery lineups.

Auction Bidding Ends Aug. 2 for a Coveted Table at Gunshow’s Sold-out Aug. 6 “Hired Guns” Dinner

Urgent action required! Use this link and bid today because tomorrow, Aug. 2, is the last day to vie for a chance to win a table for four at the 8:30 p.m. seating of Gunshow’s Aug. 6 “Hired Guns” dinner. Specifically, the benefit auction closes at 11:59 p.m. ET Wednesday night. New Orleans sensation chef Justin Devillier blows into the Glenwood Park restaurant to unleash a storm of culinary creations along with Gunshow chef/owner Kevin Gillespie, executive chef Joey Ward and the talented Gunshow kitchen crew. Devillier is the chef/owner of La Petite Grocery and Balise in New Orleans and winner of the 2016 James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: South. The charity auction proceeds go to Hogs for the Cause Atlanta, an annual fundraising music festival and barbecue competition that raises money for families with children fighting pediatric brain cancer. Notice we’re not giving a ticket purchase link? We did mention the event is sold out, didn’t we?

Worm Your Way into Taco Mac Casa Herradura Tequila Dinner Aug. 2

Your first tequila tip from Ruben Acevas, brand ambassador from Mexico’s Casa Herradura: take sips, not shots of Casa Herradura’s legendary handcrafted, barrel-aged tequilas. Sense 145 years of tequila-producing history flowing across your palate, the results of a dedication to craft that has earned Casa Herradura the recognition as the “World’s Most Gold Medal-Awarded Tequila.” Acevas will enlighten guests at a four-course Casa Herradura Tequila Dinner hosted by Taco Mac at The Prado in Sandy Springs on Wednesday, Aug. 2. Explore four unique tequilas -- Reposado, Double Reposado, Blanco and Ultra -- at the 6-9 p.m. dinner in The Georgia Chapter Room. Buy tickets on Xorbia, $45 per person.

Claw-a-Bunga! Ray’s Lobsterfest Traps $29.95 Lobster Dinner Beginning Aug. 1

Perhaps you’ve heard the deep discussions -- the table talk about Maine lobsters at Ray’s Restaurants. How deep were those lobster cages anyway?  Way down where Maine’s coastal waters raise up the most tender, succulent lobsters to be found. During Ray’s Lobsterfest at Ray’s in the City, Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek, delve into this delectably weighty matter, enjoying a 1.25 pound whole Maine lobster for dinner served with your choice of artisan field greens or Caesar salad and a side choice of Yukon Gold whipped potatoes or chef’s vegetable du jour for $29.95 per person (excludes tax, gratuity, beverages). Clawing for more? Two- and three-pound lobsters are also available. Limited time only; subject to availability.

What’s New on Pinterest: Under the Sea

Some swim with sharks and risk being bitten, we prefer doing the biting...into riches from Under the Sea. Scuba, dooba do into an ocean of recipes including the South’s best oyster recipes. Master perfectly seared scallops then swim toward Sriracha or apple cider-balsamic glaze, brown butter with Parmesan risotto or cauliflower purée with pine nuts and raisins. Be selfish and serve all the shellfish in Italian seafood pasta, paella or a sheet pan clam bake. Claw for crabcake burgers, lobster bakes, grilled tails and toasts. No scrimping on shrimp: go pesto-grilled, risotto-ed or coconut-baked. Calamari? Fish? Oh, mahimahi. You, po’boy, are landing way too big a catch.  

#Foodgram: Hungry Girl 325

Hungry Girl 325 eats her way from San Fran to L.A. on a regular basis. She’s dealt with anxiety and eating disorders and offers encouragement to those hesitant to jump out of their comfort zones and into beneficial opportunities. How else would she be able to share bread bowl breakfasts in London and queen-worthy Peggy Porschen tea and cake with us?

Appetizing Aperture: 5Church Atlanta

Let 5Church Atlanta bless your day with a heavenly glass of Holy Water ($12). This angelic cocktail extols Southern summer pleasures -- Four Roses bourbon, sweet tea, tart lemon juice, fresh blackberries and crisp, green mint leaves enhanced by a dash of blue agave. Have one or two and you’ll be singing praises to summer in the South.

Star Grazing

Umi continues to draw locals and celebrities alike. Recent sightings include SPANX founder Sara Blakely (whose shapewear empire is conveniently headquartered across Peachtree), “Ironman” Robert Downey, Jr. and Jaleel White, best known for his role as Steve Urkel in the ‘90s sitcom “Family Matters.” Described as a “very nice guy,” White dined on Ito-kase along with a few of the restaurant’s more exotic items -- monkfish liver and sea urchin.

Get On Board -- Storico Fresco Meat and Cheese Boards -- for Easy Entertaining

Simplify menu planning for poolside gatherings, picnics and outdoor concerts by picking up a Storico Fresco Alimentari e Ristorante weekly featured meat and cheese board ($16). No need to pre-order the rotating selection of authentic Italian meats and cheese portioned to serve two to four people. Pop in, place your request at the counter and your board will be ready in about 10 minutes. Browse or enjoy a beverage while waiting or call ahead if you’ve no time to spare. Combination examples include Prosciutto San Daniele, soppressata, pantaleo, Ubriacone and mixed olives; mortadella, Lou Bergier and Santa Teresa with mixed olives and pistachios; and finocchiona, bresaola, Canestrato de Madaio and provolone piccante, with pistachios and other wonderful Italian charcuterie and cheeses.

Cocktail World Mover and Shaker and International Bartender of the Year Shingo Gokan Visits Himitsu July 26-29

World renowned cocktail ace Shingo Gokan, who’s also the creative director behind the bar program at Himitsu, will visit the Tokyo-style cocktail lounge in Buckhead over the dates of July 26-29. Over the weekend, Gokan took home the International Bartender of the Year title at the Tales of the Cocktail conference in NOLA. Read more about Gokan on The Dish blog and open his Instagram @SoberSpeaker for insight on his thoughts and inspirations. Reserve a seat at Himitsu to experience the wow factor of Gokan’s signature sips such as the Raichi of lychee-cello, lemon, grapefruit and rosewater ($16); Serori with gin, celery, Chartreuse, elderflower and lime ($19); Kyuri, potent with gin, cucumber, lemongrass, pineapple and absinthe ($18); Yashinomi of rum, coconut, Kaffir lime, galangal honey and chili ($16); Ko-Hi, alert with mezcal, coconut, cold-press coffee, kokuto and vanilla salt ($18); or Kemuri, strong with Japanese whisky, Kijoshu sake, Oloroso sherry, Benedictine, bitters and smoke ($21). Serious about his cocktails, Gokan pays “Homage” to fun concoctions like Beton cappuccino of mezcal, Becherovka, cacao butter, citrus, egg white and tonic water ($17); a lavender-laced Kiwi gin gimlet ($17); and Peanut Alexander blending bourbon, peanut butter, Averna and vanilla cream ($16). You go, Gokan!

Third Thursday Evenings Come “Alive in Roswell” with Music, Food and Family Fun -- July 27

The back-to-school bus will arrive soon, ferrying a load of afterschool activities. Let the whole family celebrate summer’s last few unstructured evenings at Alive in Roswell on Thursday, July 27. The monthly free festival, sponsored by Explore Roswell, parties hearty from 5-9 p.m. each third Thursday evening from April through October. Activities running concurrently on Historic Canton Street and in Historic Roswell Square entertain all ages, whether tastes run toward food trucks, live music, kids’ games, face painting, balloons or visiting boutiques and businesses around the festival. A free trolley transports between the two venues. Adults, take cheer in hand. Alcoholic beverages may be purchased and consumed at Alive in Roswell!

Long Days Lead to Happy Hours, in Town and Out

Atlanta restaurants are ensuring summer’s long, lingering afternoon into evening hours are extra happier by planning happy hour food and drink specials. Pick your chill factor -- air-conditioned cool or patio people-watching wearing your killer sunglasses. 5Church Atlanta, at the corner of 14^th and Peachtree, in Midtown throttles up a Rush Hour Remedy Monday through Thursday afternoons from 4:30-6:30 p.m. in the bar and high-tops area. Munch on ahi tuna poke with herb and cheese flatbread, PEI mussels, a charcuterie and cheese board or Prime C.A.B. Sliders ($6-$8). Tank fillers include Three Taverns Brewery Prince of Pilsen, Storypoint Chardonnay or Chateau d’Eau Viognier at $5/glass; Les Trois Couronnes Cotes-du-Rhone at $7/glass or Square Plumb & Level cabernet sauvignon-cabernet franc for $8/glass.

Dock at Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar in The Avenue East Cobb every day from 4-6 p.m. to join the crew for Oyster Happy Hour featuring $1 “Buck-a-Shuck” oysters of the day, $5 draft beer of the day and $5 house punch.

The outlook is rosy for those who relax in the bar area at Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails for Rosé & Happy Hour every Monday-Thursday from 5-6:30 p.m. Slurp up a baker’s dozen of oysters at half price while sipping rosé wine priced at $5 a glass.

During The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill Oyster Hour, crack half the price off a dozen raw oysters from 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday at both the Buckhead and Canton Street locations. Every Monday, enjoy a pound of peel ‘n eat shrimp at the half-pound price. Tuesdays, all bottles of wine are half off.

Caravan, carefree, to Gypsy Kitchen Gypsy Hour Monday through Friday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. for a rotating selection of wine vintages and unique varietals at $5 a glass, the perfect go-withs for tapas priced at $4-$5 each.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern in Midtown pours $3 well drinks and $3 SweetWater 420 drafts every Monday through Friday from 3-6:30 p.m. HOBNOB keeps kids and parents alike happy and full by offering one free kid’s menu item free per adult entrée purchase on Sunday through Thursday nights from 5-7 p.m. at their Midtown and Brookhaven locations.

All three Ray’s Restaurants set aside time for happy hour bar and bite deals. When downtown, retreat to the calm of Ray’s in the City bar and lounge Monday through Friday, 3-6 p.m. and 9 p.m. until close. During happy hours, bar-friendly bites are half-price, including Ray’s “New Orleans” barbecue shrimp, steamed mussels, Crispy Point Judith calamari and Ray’s blue cheese chips. Raw bar is half the usual price Monday through Friday from 9 p.m. until closing (excludes cold seafood tower). Drink specials include $6 house wines by the glass, $8 Tito’s cocktails and $8 Savanah Bourbon. Enjoy live music Tuesday through Saturday evenings.

Happy hour specials flow through the bar and lounge areas of Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs and Rays at Killer Creek in Alpharetta: Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m. (Ray’s on the River) and 3-7 p.m. (Ray’s at Killer Creek), 9 p.m. – close at both restaurants and Sunday from 5-9 p.m. (Ray’s at Killer Creek). At both restaurants, enjoy $1 oysters on the half shell and select half-price appetizers including Ray’s brisket burger, Ray’s “New Orleans” barbecue shrimp, goat cheese pimento fritters and Ray’s blue cheese chips. Spiked punch is $6 a glass and local draft beers command $4 at both establishments; glasses of house wine are half price at Ray’s at Killer Creek and $6 at Ray’s on the River.

Marlow’s Tavern, Willy’s and Babalu are Sweet on Charity, Donate Almost $75K this Summer

That mighty mouthful satisfies senses even more when you know the restaurant behind it is reaching out to help others and aid local communities. The June 26 grand opening event for Babalu Tapas & Tacos in Midtown raised $10,426.96 in donations to be split between the Atlanta Children’s Shelter and Shepherd Center. Look for more community benefitting opportunities from this new hotspot!

Thanks to guests’ donations, Marlow’s Tavern locations raised nearly $40K for Special Olympics Georgia in June, exceeding expectations. In return for their June generosity, Marlow’s gave each guest donating $1 or more a $5 gift card to use on a future visit. The 19^th Annual Marlow’s Tavern Golf Classic in Roswell on Sept. 18, hosted by Marlow’s Tavern and Sterling Spoon Culinary Management, will drive even more funds toward Special Olympics Georgia.

Willy’s Mexicana Grill strives to inspire youth and support children in our community through donations and hands-on learning experiences. Calling upon loyal customers to pitch in during June and help raise $22K in 22 days, Willy’s was thrilled to surpass its goal and present a total of $25,585 to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta. Willy’s presented the check July 11 at The Boys & Girls Clubs’ “Salsa, Salsa” event, where the Brookhaven club proved to be hot stuff, winning the competition.

Airport Travelers, Try this New Wine Blend: HBF and Premier Airport Wine Bar Chain Vino Volo

Life’s a journey. If your journeys fly through airports across the USA, drop this info pin in your oenophile notebook. Atlanta-based Hojeij Branded Foods (HBF) is joining forces with Vino Volo, a premium wine bar with more than 40 locations in 32 airports across the U.S. and Canada. Vino Volo (Italian for “wine flight”) provides a sophisticated and relaxing wine experience for airport travelers who want to enjoy wines from around the world by the glass while waiting for their flights. In Vino Volo wine shops, travelers can select high-quality wines -- perfect for that last-minute gift. The merger is a natural blend. According to HBF CEO Regynald G. Washington, “Both HBF and Vino Volo are widely recognized for operational expertise, top-notch guest service and a strong commitment to employees.” Like HBF, Vino Volo has received extensive accolades from the industry, counting 34 "Airport Revenue News" awards including "Food Operator with Highest Regard for Customer Service" 11 years in a row and “Best Airport Wine Bar” at the Airport Food & Beverage awards. The coupling of HBF and Vino Volo embraces and enhances the spirit of HBF founder Wassim Hojeij’s vision of “enhancing the passenger’s dining experience, one airport at a time.”

Hit The Big Ketch for Sun, Sea and Sandwiches during National Sandwich Month in August

National Sandwich Month spreads across August like PB&J, but with much more intriguing options (not to dis the lunchbox staple). Atlantans fishing for a beach feel and seaworthy sandwiches can steer to The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill Buckhead or Canton Street locations to pull in prize “Ketch” sandwiches, each served with your choice of side item, Aug. 1-31. A ciabatta grouper sandwich ($17.95) layers blackened grouper, bacon, tomato, Arcadian lettuce and honey horseradish dill sauce within a toasted ciabatta bun. Or, drift toward the luxury of lobster grilled cheese boasting chunks of lobster meat sautéed in butter and nestled amid melty American cheese, tomatoes and jalapeño cornmeal Texas toast ($16.95). Cool and lovely, the shrimp and crab salad croissant ($14.95) heaps a salad of large diced shrimp, lump crab meat, Meyer aioli and diced celery onto a buttered and toasted PFG croissant, dressed with tomato and lettuce. Unlike the usual beachy chow, these are all sandwich, no sand.

What’s New on Pinterest: All About Avocados

Getting peeled, smashed and smeared can be the pits. Unless you’re an avocado. All About Avocados goes beyond guac and avocado toasts, adding the creamy dreamy fruit to nearly everything. Stock up and add its healthful riches to egg rolls, blackened shrimp cucumber bites, dips, hummus, deviled eggs, sandwiches, soups and “supergreen” ice cream. Elevate chickpeas and feta, caprese salads, vinaigrettes and even grilled cheese with a touch of avocado. That secret pesto sauce ingredient? You guessed it.

#Foodgram: Drizzle and Dip

Skip the 24-hour trip to Cape Town, South Africa and visit Sam Linsell’s blog Drizzle and Dip instead. The Cape Town food stylist-writer-photographer-cookbook author-baker hunts down the delish. Lick the screen? You might.

Appetizing Aperture

If you want to keep a rosé from wilting (punchy pun intended), follow Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar beverage manager Jose Pereiro’s lead and make it a slushie. Jose’s Frosé ($9) is equally refreshing on the first sip and the last. Ah, summer’s savior, found.

Star Grazing

British actor Sacha Baron Cohen was spotted dining at Umi in Buckhead on a July Saturday. To copycat, sit at table 61, tilt some Moscow Mules and relish Umi starters of yellow tail jalapeño, spicy tuna crispy rice, madai carpaccio and sanmori followed by specialty typhoon and soft shell crab rolls.

Marlow’s Tavern Raises More Than $38K for Special Olympics Georgia during June

Marlow’s Tavern friends and neighbors came through with donations for Special Olympics Georgia (SOGA) during the restaurant’s June donation drive. For every donation of $1 or more, guests received $5 gift cards to use on a future visit. The June drive raised a total of $38,976 -- $18,000 more than last year’s drive. Fundraising swings to the greens on Sept. 18 for the 19^th Annual Marlow’s Tavern Golf Classic hosted by Marlow’s Tavern and Sterling Spoon Culinary Management. Since 1999, this annual event has raised more than $685,000 for SOGA athletes. This year’s tournament goal is to raise $95,000. Information on sponsorships, attending and making donations can be found online.

Willy’s Wows Parents with $2.99 Monday Meals for Kids through Labor Day

Dinner under $3? It’s a reality on Mondays at Willy’s Mexicana Grill. From 3-10 p.m., children, ages 12 and under, can grab a Kid’s Combo for $2.99. Choices include cheese quesadillas or chicken burritos, tacos or quesadillas (+ $.50 for steak), fresh tortilla chips, a cookie and a fountain drink. Mom and dad, you can take advantage of this deal for your kids even if you don’t buy an entrée for yourself. But then, how can you resist? And remember your Willy’s refillable cup for a thirst quencher. The $2.99 promo holds at all Willy’s locations except Peachtree Center, AT&T Midtown, Georgia State and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Touting $2 1800 Tequila Shots at Tin Lizzy’s during National Tequila Day Week, July 24-30

National Tequila Day on Monday, July 24 is a holiday well worth its salt. Tin Lizzy’s Cantina partners with 1800 Tequila to carry the spirit of the day through the whole tipsy-turvy week of July 24-30. Guests can sip or toss back $2 shots of 1800 Tequila (limit two per person) at any of the 13 FlexMex taqueria locations. Top-shelf quality, cheap-shot price. Leaves more moolah for chips, guac and tacos.

Support Your Local Pastured Birds and Restaurants during Pastured Poultry Week July 24-30

Pastured Poultry Week, July 24-30, roosts at the top of the pecking order as far as chicken chowing (and chowing down on chicken) goes. Who wants to be cooped up when there’s a world to explore and taste? You certainly don’t and neither do these happy birds. These slower-growing breeds have continuous daytime access to outdoor pastures for at least half their lifetimes (extreme weather exception), shelters for safety and pre-slaughter stunning. During Pastured Poultry Week, savor their superior flavor in special dishes featuring pastured poultry at Aria, The Federal, Gunshow, Revival and Seed Kitchen & Bar.

Fill Up on Low Country Boil and Abita at Taco Mac The Prado July 22

It’s hot as a low country boil outside, so go ahead and enjoy one on the breezy patio at Taco Mac in The Prado, Sandy Springs. The party rolls on Saturday, July 22 from 12-6 p.m. Tickets, available through July 22, are $30 each and include all-you-can-eat crab, shrimp, sausage, potatoes, onions and corn plus two frosty Abita beers.

Feed Your Appetite for Art at Historic Roswell Galleries

To quote Dr. Seuss, “Today is your day! You’re off to great places! You’re off and away!” Count Historic Roswell as a nearby “great place” for art lovers. The Ann Jackson Gallery on Canton Street is one of only 30 galleries worldwide licensed to represent The Art of Dr. Seuss Collection along with showcasing some of the finest artwork available in the Southeast. Dabbling the day away here is an art lover’s dream because so many galleries are within walking distance of one another: Taylor Kinsell Gallery, Ford Smith Fine Art, Muse & Co. Fine Art, Peter Brandi Gallery & Estate Sales, Raiford Gallery, Synergy Fine Art Gallery, Vinings Gallery in Historic Roswell and Vinings Gallery on Canton Street for a multitude of mediums and styles from local, emerging, established and global artists. See artists at work and their masterpieces on display at My Art Studio on the Square, a working studio and gallery. Express your own artistic bent by taking a workshop at FlameTree Glass, which also sells glass art and glass-blowing supplies. Along the way, feed your inner artist at one of Roswell’s many eateries and pencil in some calendar dates such as Explore Roswell’s First Friday Art Walk on Aug. 4 or an upcoming Muse & Co. Fine Art studio ON live music experience in the gallery’s artful setting.

Georgia, Dine Out Again and Again during Georgia Restaurant Week July 17-23

Not just a city’s worth, Georgia Restaurant Week dishes out prix fixe dining deals all over our peachy-keen state. There’s even an interactive map for zeroing in on wherever the road takes you during the week. Atlanta restaurants come through with $25 and $35 three-course lunch and dinner menus offering choices for each course and crammed with Georgia products from cheese and ice cream to meats and North Georgia trout. Our “A” list for Georgia Restaurant Week tables to reserve around Atlanta:

• 5Church Atlanta in Midtown offers a dinner menu priced at $35 (reservations).
• Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland serves a lunch and dinner menu for $25 per person (not offered 11 am-3 p.m. July 22 or 23) (reservations).
• Avalon in Alpharetta is the port o’ call for a Brine Modern Seafood Shack dinner menu, $35 per person (reservations).
• Chicken and the Egg in Marietta cracks open a dinner menu highlighting Georgia producers; $25 per person (reservations).
• Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar at the Avenue East Cobb casts a $35 dinner menu (reservations).
• Seed Kitchen & Bar in East Cobb plants delicious choices on its $35 dinner menu (reservations).
• Stem Wine Bar plans a special three-course tasting menu priced at $25 per couple.

Wine Spectator Pours “Best of” Awards over Aria, Ray’s in the City and Umi

Could it be the toast heard ‘round the world? Wine Spectator magazine raises a glass to its 2017 “Best of Award” recipients, honoring restaurants exhibiting outstanding dedication to their wine programs. Award winners hail from all 50 states and more than 75 countries. In Atlanta, “Wine Spectator” applauds Aria, Ray’s in the City and Umi among a cast of outstanding restaurants. Ray’s in the City and Umi each claim an “Award of Excellence” commending merit in satisfying discerning wine lovers with well-chosen assortments of quality wine producers and prowess in achieving a thematic match of wine price and style to restaurant menus. Ray’s in the City offers a lengthy wine list of wines by the bottle, including alternative reds and whites, global labels, French wines, Champagnes, sake and dessert wines in a wide price spread. The downtown restaurant pours a well-curated selection of wines by the glass to complement executive chef Dean Berthelot’s menu of premium seafood, sushi and prime, hand-cut steaks and chops served daily at lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. At Umi, an exceptional wine and craft sake list enhances the sophisticated evening dining experience afforded by chef Fuyuhiko Ito and his team. Reservations are suggested to enjoy Umi’s menu of modern and classic Japanese fare and sushi prepared using the highest quality fresh fish flown in daily from around the world.

Aria, chef/owner Gerry Klaskala’s Buckhead jewel, goes a step further and brings home the “Best of Award of Excellence” accolade. In addition to mastering “Award of Excellence” criteria, attaining “Best of“ status lauds the restaurant for a wine program that excels in breadth across multiple regions and/or significant vertical depth of top wines and carries out superior presentation. Stunning contemporary American cuisine, incomparable hospitality and an award-winning wine program land Aria on “Best of” lists year after year. Reservations are suggested at Aria for dinner served evenings Monday through Saturday.

Willy’s Summer Road Trip is Off and Running through Aug. 12, Driving Quest for Year of Free Burritos

You’re in the driver’s seat for Willy’s Summer Road Trip 2017 -- you and an insatiable appetite for fresh guac, burritos, bowls and other beloveds at Willy’s Mexicana Grill locations…ALL of the locations. Download and put the road trip map to work charting your way to every Willy’s location (see airport exception below) and enjoying your faves. To enter, prove you’ve landed at each destination by saving every receipt (or photo of receipt) to submit at the end and posting a selfie or Willy-wild photo at each cantina. The first five guests to visit ALL Willy’s locations receive free burritos for a year in the form of 52 free entrée cards per winner. The first one done also wins a Willy’s catered party for 20 amigos. Those passing through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport have a chance to win a bonus. Since this Willy’s is past the security point, any of the five winners who have also touched down here will win a $50 gift card. Be sure to post your “Burrito Love” on social media using #WillysRoadTrip17 to have a chance to win a prize even if you aren’t one for the first five speedsters to complete the challenge. Whoever “tacos” the most creative photo, as determined by the Willy’s team, wins a Fujifilm Instax Mini 8 instant film camera. Start your road trip right by purchasing a Willy’s souvenir cup to fill up with $1 refills at each location shown on the Willy’s Road Trip map. Willy’s Summer Road Trip ends Aug. 12; find complete details here.

What’s New on Pinterest: Cool Down with Pops

Cool Down with Pops and stick it to hot days by converting favorite foods and cocktails into luscious licks on sticks. Start by exploring 50 ice pop recipes for the whole family. Strawberries make merry with chia seeds, moscato, dairy-free cream and in fresh fruit salad ice pops. Happy hour calls for boozy mimosas, blueberry mojitos, tropical tequila sunrises or margarita frozen pops. Switch up afternoon tea or iced coffee breaks with creamy matcha green tea, chai tea latte, coffee and coconut milk vegan-paleo or cold-brew iced mocha pops. Turns out if it’s freezable, it’s good to go.

#Foodgram: Salty Seattle

Pasta goes Technicolor @SaltySeattle. Linda Miller Nicholson possesses skills for creating vegetable-dyed pasta. See stills of her patriotic pasta and other artistry on Instagram, watch her live show on Food Network’s Facebook page each Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. EST and look for her 2018 book release from Harper Collins.