Getting Ready for Taste of the Nation '09

For the second year in a row, I will be co-chairing the restaurant committee for Share Our Strength's annual Taste of the Nation event. Talk about fun volunteer work! This has always been one of my favorite events to attend - all the best restaurants are there, the Aquarium is a killer setting and they always have a fun honorary chef (last year was Tom Colicchio!).

Last night was the first planning meeting of the year. There are some great new restaurants attending the event for the first time this year and an honorary chef that I am excited to meet (stay tuned to find out who...)! So mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 6, 2009 at the Georgia Aquarium.

Next up for the restaurant committee - getting 40+ chefs to show up on the same day and time for a group photo. No easy feat I assure you!

Dogwood Weighs in With Ways to Keep Your Wallet Fit: $20 Buys Mussels and Wine

Dogwood invites you to hoist “all-you-can-eat mussels” at the bar for $20 and satisfy your thirst with a free glass of Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, all day and night, Tuesday through Friday. Here’s the warm-up: Chef Shane Touhy's PEI mussels are sautéed in olive oil with garlic, white wine and house-smoked tomatoes then dressed with butter and fresh parsley. And you're sure to find a "workout buddy" while working on your mussels - the restaurant's bar is a lively and inviting space that's perfect for meeting new friends or chatting with the friendly bartenders. Dogwood is located at 565 Peachtree Street in The Reynolds condominium building; 404-835-1410.

Personalize Your Drink

Usually when you give someone alcohol as a gift, it means you completely forgot the occasion and stopped by the liquor store on the way over. But for those that do plan ahead, Knob Creek offers personalized labels to add to the bottle. And it's available through the Knob Creek website year-round. Just fill out the label with a personal message and submit. Discretion is advised and Knob Creek states on the site that they "reserve the right to refuse printing of any inappropriate material," so don't get too crazy.

I first read about this at Drive-Thru where Jill states that shipping could take 4-6 weeks. I guess that means you have to really plan ahead.

Cheers!

Dogs Can Be Foodies, Too

My puppy, Brett, loves food. She is especially gifted at picking out the good stuff. When I add yogurt to her breakfast, it is always the first thing to disappear from the bowl. She likes when it's organic just as much as I do. When I came across this blog post at Bay Area Foodie about frozen yogurt for dogs, I immediately found the closest retail shop with the stuff in stock.

Yöghund uses all ingredients that are certified organic by the US Department of Agriculture and all boxes are made from 100% recycled materials (just incase the dog eats the carton). That is something to wag your tail about little Brett. According to the website, the closest location to our office in Buckhead is The Pet Set on Briarcliff.

PS - This was my way of showing everyone the picture I took of Brett in front of my Christmas tree.

UGA Young Alum Take Over Harry Bissett's

Last night the UGA Young Alumni Council hosted a Back to Work party at Harry Bissett's in Atlanta as an excuse to party one more time before we officially say goodbye to the holidays. It was a great event! Nearly 100 young alumni showed up to eat, drink and boo the Gators.

Bissett's set up a nice buffet for the group - red beans and rice, a gumbo and some of the best wings I've ever had (I don't usually even like wings). There were actually several different events going on at the restaurant last night (everyone was watching the National Championship game) but Bissett's did a great job making sure each party had plenty of private space, attentive servers and lots of TVs.

Go Dawgs!

Happy Hour at Il Mulino

Yesterday evening I ventured downtown for the American Institute of Wine and Food Wonderful Wednesday event at Il Mulino. The Italian restaurant, originally out of Greenwich Village in New York City, recently opened in the 191 building on Peachtree. Il Mulino served us a tasty spread of ratatouille, lamb meat balls, bruschetta, melon with prosciutto and a selection of fresh breads. Unfortunately, I couldn’t stay for dinner but enjoyed the appetizers and glass of wine. Il Mulino will stay on my list of restaurants to try.
Il Mulino

191 Peachtree St
Atlanta, GA 30303
(404) 524-5777

http://www.ilmulino.com/

Redbook Loves Tsp Spices

Looks like we aren't the only ones who *love* tsp spices. Redbook Deputy Editor Melanie Mannarino talks here about the individually packaged, organic spices. Sage and marjoram are the stars of her segment, but there are several more to choose from on their website. A must have for any cook's kitchen.

Recession Proof Drink Deals

Who doesn't love a good time, or a night out on the town? Lots of restaurants in the area are making it more affordable than ever to head out and enjoy one of your favorite cocktails or a glass of wine. Here are some of the great deals hitting the Atlanta area. This way, you won't have to skimp on your beverages, or a night out with the girls.

Good times at Eclipse di Luna - Miami Circle are affordably endless. Bottomless, you might say, when you consider the $10 bottomless glasses of sangria on Sundays followed by buy-one-get-one-free Monday Mojito Madness. Friends can easily find their way to Buckhead's congenial tapas restaurant and bar where laughter flows as readily as the sangria, and sharing specialty tapas is a cinch.

Midway through the week you may find yourself in need of some relaxation. What better way to enjoy a Wednesday night than with Aqua blue Restaurant's wine flight? The $14 wine flight will consist of 3 different types of wine paired with a delicious cheese plate. Each Wednesday, a different wine and cheese pairing will be offered so don't be afraid to go more than once!

Half-off wine can never go wrong in my book, that is why I am so glad I heard about Woodfire Grill's deal to offer their wine list at half price every Thursday night through March! This 50 percent discount will be taken off every wine, both by the glass and by the bottle. The diverse list changes weekly to stay current with the best new releases from all over the world as well as to complement Chef Kevin Gillespie's ever changing menu.

Eclipse di Luna - Miami Circle: 764 Miami Circle; 404-846-0449.
Aqua blue Restaurant: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886.
Woodfire Grill: 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

Cocido at Ecco: Que Bueno!

My Spanish friends are always saying, "que bueeeeeeeeeno" whenever they think something is great. So last night when I tried the cocido at Ecco that was the first phrase that came to mind.

I must admit that I had forgotten Tuesdays were the special night for this hearty Spanish stew. Ecco does a deal where you get cocido and a glass of wine for $24. Only on Tuesdays. Because that's the traditional Tuesday dish in Spain.

It changes up each week but last night the meats were two types of sausage and two types of beef. The brisket was melt-in-your-mouth good. Que bueno! Then there were beans and potatoes too. It's served on a plate with the broth in a small bowl on the side. Eating instructions were not included so I spooned the broth onto the meats. YUM.

They were pretty busy so you'll probably want to make a rez, but it's not a must. See you there next week! Que bueeeeeeeno!

Shane Tuohy of Dogwood to Cook at the Famous James Beard House

The year 2009 is already off to a great start for one of our favorite local chefs. Shane Tuohy of Dogwood has been invited by the James Beard Foundation to be a guest chef at the prestigious James Beard House. The mission of the James Beard Foundation, a not-for-profit organization, is to celebrate, preserve, and nurture America's culinary heritage and diversity in order to elevate the appreciation of our culinary excellence. It is an honor to have Chef Tuohy representing Atlanta when he presents his unique Southern culinary perspective at the storied house.

The April 18 dinner will be a five-course affair, complete with wine and dessert. One can only hope Chef Tuohy finds a way to incorporate his famous grits bar into the menu! Congratulations to Dogwood and to Chef Tuohy.

CHEERS!!

DailyCandy Definition

The DailyCandy Lexicon affectionately dubs these chef idolizers “Kitchen Aids.” Clever, clever! Foodie fans that we are, where do we buy the tee-shirts?

Kitchen Aid n. a chef groupie.

Michael Tuohy's California Restaurant Gets 4 Stars!

Big woo hoo to Michael Tuohy and the great review of his new restaurant Grange in The Sacramento Bee! We were happy to see Michael's great talents so quickly recognized in his new city and more than a little proud that his Atlanta roots and Woodfire Grill also got a shout-out in the article!

Congrats, Michael! We miss you, but we're so happy for you!

BCS National Championship Match-Up at Marlow's

I'm back from a long holiday vacation of eating, traveling and watching football. While the traveling is over and the left-overs are long gone, I still have football.

You better believe that I am anxiously awaiting the The FedEx BCS National Championship this Thursday between Oklahoma and Florida. If you aren't going to be in Miami for the match-up, Marlow's Tavern will be broadcasting on multiple big screens. Kick off is at 8 p.m. - see you there!

Signing up for Marlow’s e-blast newsletter will earn you $10 to go toward a purchase of $30 or more at any Marlow’s location around Atlanta. Simply visit Marlow’s website, click on “Join our Email List,” type in your e-mail address and voila, a $10 gift certificate is sent to your inbox. Print it out before the big game this Thursday!

Marlow’s Tavern locations: Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526; Northlake at 4156 LaVista Road; 678-987-1197; and coming in January to Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard.

Riding Dirty Rates the Best Wine and Food Pairings in Atlanta

Eight weeks ago one of our favorite Atlanta bloggers Dirty South Wine, began a quest to get some of Atlanta’s top restaurants to compete in a wine pairing contest; this challenge became known as “Riding Dirty”. Dirty and two of his friends began Riding Dirty by setting some ground rules. They wanted to find the best demonstration of wine and food working together, but at an affordable price. Therefore, all the entries had to be paired with the glass of wine totaling under $25. Each pairing was documented by photos, videos and each restaurant had a chance to tell their story behind the wine and dish. At the end of the contest, Dirty selected the best wines and pairings from the restaurants. Here are some of our favorite picks by Dirty!

Best Traditional Pairing: Dogwood Restaurant
Dogwood paired a Rutz Maison Grand Cru Chardonnay with Lobster Grits.

Best Dish: Woodfire Grill
Pan roasted diver scallops, braised leeks and fennel, Bouillabaisse sauce, and herb salad.

Best Value: Toulouse

Best Belly Pairing: La Tavola

I think it is fair to say I have lots of new food and wine to try in 2009! With Dirty’s advice I know to expect nothing but the best!

Put a Little Mexican Food Into Your Resolutions

I'm an everything-in-moderation type of girl. Life's too short to pass on the pork belly in favor of a plate of lettuce with dressing on the side. But this is the time of year when we all evaluate our lives, especially our health, and make resolutions to do better. The thought of eliminating Mexican food from my life is enough to ruin my day so how happy was I to learn about Uncle Julio's "heart healthy" selections? Think mesquite grilled salmon filet, ensalada especial or grilled vegetable platter. The salmon comes with sautéed veggies and fresh pineapple pico de gallo. The ensalada boasts mixed field greens with grape tomatoes, jicama, cucumber, red onions and red cabbage plus a cap of grilled salmon or portobello mushrooms and citrus vinaigrette dressing. Loading up on veggies is no problemo with the scrumptious grilled veggie platter piled with zucchini, yellow squash, portobello mushrooms, red potatoes, red and yellow onions, roasted red and poblano peppers and a side of pineapple pico de gallo. Back in Uncle Julio’s hometown of Dallas, the restaurant’s chefs collaborated with medical and nutrition experts at Medical City Heart of Medical City Hospital to develop these tantalizingly good-for-you dishes.

Just think, if you get one of these dishes you can have an extra margarita! Just saying.

DailyCandy Definition

Lest you think it's all about outward appearances, let us expand on that comment. The DailyCandy Lexicon recognizes that some of us may be a little squeamish over eating certain foods. "Tripe-Idation" politely describes this foodie phobia.

Tripe-Idation n. Fear of innards and other scary foods. (the bone marrow gave me serious tripe-idation.)

Suggested usage: Paul ordered the pork belly tapas as nonchalantly as if asking for a Varsity hot dog. Tina quaked in tripe-idation anticipating what would soon appear at their table.

From My Kitchen To Yours

If you are in need of a comforting breakfast food or afternoon snack, try making my easy homemade granola.

Granola Goodness:

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

Whisk together in the bottom of a very large mixing bowl:

¾ cup veggie oil
½ cup honey

Mix in and coat with sweetened oil mixture the following:

4 Cups oatmeal (not quick cooking)
2 Cups sweetened shredded coconut
2 Cups nuts (suggestion 1 cup slivered almonds, 1 cup walnuts)

Spread the raw granola on a large baking sheet (line with parchment paper if available).

Bake for a total of about 22 minutes.
Stir the mixture after 10 minutes and then again after another 8 minutes.
*Every oven is different and you may need to adjust the mixing and cooking times as the granola burns easily!

At this point your home will smell of sweet, irresistible granola, but you’re not finished.

Cool the granola in the sheet pan. If you prefer the oats to cluster together, do not disturb until completely cooled.

Mix a few handfuls of your favorite dried fruit. I like to use dates, golden raisins and cranberries, but feel free to get creative… my friend Annie adds white chocolate chips!

Store your Granola Goodness in the refrigerator if you plan to eat within a few weeks. I keep large batches in the freezer.

Enjoy on top of vanilla yogurt or ice cream! Caryn, Tanai and Lindsay pass on the yogurt and eat the Granola Goodness alone.

Moms-Before You Slip into Your New Year's Eve Party Dress, Dash Over to the New Year's Eve Morning " Good Life Jam Session" at Whole Foods Market

I know my mom had to have been in pretty good shape to chase around my brothers and I for the past 27 years. From our first steps to our first job, she has been there for it all. I am sure she would have loved to get some great tips and talk with other moms about parenting throughout some of the more "trying" years. Now, Whole Foods Market in Buckhead is offering

an awesome event, perfect for moms vowing to stay healthy and sane in the new year.

Boost your energy level for New Year’s Eve night and jump start your 2009 commitment to good health by joining Whole Foods Market Lifestyle Consultant Candice Hood from 9 – 10:30 a.m. this Wednesday morning at the Whole Foods Market Buckhead “Fit & Fabulous Mommy Club.” Each week focuses on a different topic and always includes a workout session with a top Buckhead trainer, a cooking demonstration and an empowerment session. Leave the frou-frou frock at home and dress in warm athletic wear. Reserve your spot for this free event at fitandfabulousmommyclub@gmail.com or at Customer Service.

Whole Foods Market Buckhead: 77 West Paces Ferry Road, NW; 404-324-4100.

Chef Party at El Taco Sunday

Feeling a little let down now that all the holiday parties are over? Don't despair! There's a great party on Sunday night at El Taco - and you're invited. A while back, Kirsten Ott from The Sunday Paper named her top 25 chefs in the city and Shaun Doty has invited them all to come celebrate with him. And you know there's nothing more fun than partying with a bunch of chefs!

Sunday night, Dec. 28, starting at 9 p.m. El Taco will be serving $1 tacos and $2 beer. No deals on the FroMos though - boo! Nevertheless, it will be tons of fun. All the chefs have been invited and we know for sure that Joe Truex/Repast, Craig Richards/La Tavola Trattoria, Micah Willix/Ecco, Shane Touhy/Dogwood, Riccardo Ullio/Beleza, Cuerno, Sotto Sotto and Fritti and of course Shaun will be there.

I can't wait!

Marlow's Tavern in Northlake Opens its Doors on Christmas Day!!

There’s nothing like family. Since we all live so far apart, it’s always a treat to have everyone in one place. I find though, that no matter how much we chat and visit throughout the year, for some reason, when we all get together, everyone reverts back to their role; just like when we were growing up. The youngest becomes the baby (even though she is 25 years old!), the oldest becomes the boss of everyone and the men always get together to do something that will ultimately crown the manliest among them. Sometimes it’s funny to sit back watch the whole thing play out; other times, it’s exhausting and I need a moment to get away!

So, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be grateful to know that Atlanta’s favorite neighborhood spot, Marlow's Tavern Northlake, is providing refuge on Christmas Day by opening the doors from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. For those of us needing a moment of solitude before sitting down to dinner with our favorite aunt and least favorite cousin, this is exciting news!

Enjoy your holidays and meet me at Marlow’s tomorrow!

Marlow's Tavern Northlake: 4156 La Vista Road, 678- 987-1197.