Secret, Secret – We’ve Got a Secret! Play Marlow’s Tavern’s Secret Sign Contest for a Delicious Reward

Looking for a sign to point you towards your next dining destination?  How about a SECRET sign to lead you to a FREE burger and beer? 

To celebrate the beginning of their Red, White & Brew menu tomorrow, Marlow’s Tavern has hidden a poster in Midtown – the first person to snap a picture of themselves by the poster (just like the picture above) and email it to marlowstavernatlanta@gmail.com will receive a free burger and beer!

Now, we wouldn’t just send you out into the Midtown wilderness without a clue, would we?  Of course not! 

Steer yourself in the direction of where Midtown’s finest and smartest technical students go to get their literary fix, and perhaps a jersey or two.  A billboard outside the back door there holds your shot at free burger and beer!

Get to snapping, so you can get to snacking at Marlow’s!  We’ll be hiding flyers over the next few weeks and sending out clues, so stay tuned.  If you are the first fan to submit photos of yourself next to all four posters, you’ll win the grand prize – burgers & beer for 10 at Marlow’s Tavern!!  It’s going to be a fun, hot, delicious summer with Red, White & Brew!

World Cup Madness – Let the International Fun Begin

It’s hard not to be infected with World Cup Fever – it’s sweeping Atlanta as the games begin today! There are lots of great spots around town to watch your favorite countries and wave your flag, but both Marlow’s and Ormsby’s are making it even more enticing to plop down in your proud country colors for a brew and the big games!

Wherever your neighborhood is, there is sure to be a Marlow’s Tavern nearby and there’s lots of great reasons to stop by! From 2 to 5 p.m. during the big game, you can get half price appetizers and be entered to win a gift card. Social media junkie? Check-in on Foursquare and get even greater rewards – 20% off your bill when you show your server your check-in! Sweet!

You already know Ormsby’s for all the fun games like bocce ball and skeeball. Now you can add soccer to the mix of sports! Ormsby’s is participating in the Atlanta International Soccer Fest 2010 with other area venues all donating a segment of profits to benefit SOS Children’s Villages. For example, when you order the $10 Paulaner beer and brat special, 15% of the brat’s proceeds will go towards this great cause. This will be going on the entire month during the World Cup, so stop by anytime to watch and help this worthy cause.

Whoever you’re rooting for, raise your vuvuzela and cheer your loudest cheer this weekend! Viva la World Cup!

It’s Follow Friday – Meet Our Tweep of the Week @MySkinConcierge

Your epidermis is showing, and Ava @MySkinConcierge knows how to treat it right.  She admits she's obsessed with skincare and trying new products.  Her obsession could be a time and money saver for you as she digs down deep.  Ava pores over more than skin.  The magazine travel and feature writer covers spas, travel and fun stuff with more details on her blog. 

Quality Wines & Great Values at Toulouse

If you're like me, you enjoy a good glass of wine. Those glasses of wine start adding up on the wallet, though. Luckily, Toulouse Restaurant is having their monthly wine tasting on Sunday, June 13 a 6:30 p.m. and is featuring wine values. There's no need to have to resort to a box of Franzia, because Toulouse will feature at least 15 wines to be tasted that are of great quality and value. There will also be light appetizers and the wine tasting is $35 per person. Toulouse’s wine tastings are very popular, and seats for this informative night are sure to go fast. Reserve a spot by calling 404-351-9533.

Toulouse: 2293 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite B; 404-351-9533.

YEAH! Burger Opens Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the day - FINALLY! I have been patiently waiting to try out Chef Shaun Doty's new burger joint and after pouring over the menu I already know what I'm trying first - a White Oak Pastures local beef patty on a whole wheat bun (I heard the buns are so light they actually bounce in your mouth. That is a quote.) with YEAH! sauce. I'm also saving room for a side of fifty-fifty (fries AND onion rings) and a peanut butter cup Concrete (a Concrete is very similar to Dairy Queen's Blizzards, and as a girl who can't pass a Dairy Queen without stopping for a fix, you can imagine I'm pretty excited...).

As I leave you anxiously waiting for lunchtime tomorrow, I thought I would share a few photos from Chef Doty's appearance on Good Day Atlanta this morning. As Good Day host Suchita Vadlamani said, "you can taste the love."

Toasting Up Some Artsy Fun for a Good Cause - The Bread Art Project

Like to play with your food? We do! Thanks to the internet, Share Our Strength and the Grain Foods Foundation, now you can play with your food AND help a great cause.

The non-profit Grain Foods Foundation created The Bread Art Project in 2009 to help create awareness of the growing hunger problem in our country. Last year alone, visitors to the site created more than 25,000 pieces of Bread Art; they’re hoping to reach their goal of 50,000 this year! For each piece of art created and posted, the Grain Foods Foundation will donate $1 to Share Our Strength. Get this - $1 can help provide THREE nutritious meals to a hungry child. Pretty amazing!

We had the pleasure of heading over to the Atlanta Community Food Bank this morning for a special presentation by Next Food Network Star Melissa d’Arabian, who filled us in about how the website can help fight hunger with your whole grain artworks.

She also shared some very fun ways to incorporate whole grain foods into your family’s diet with some easy, affordable recipes. Lucky for us some of these treats were there for us to try for ourselves! We’ve posted a recipe for one of her easy and yummy sandwiches that we tried below.

Feeling ready to get toasty yourself? Head over to The Bread Art Project, click Workshops and get creative! They’re up to 46,000 already, so let’s help them reach their goal of 50,000 pieces of toast and $50,000 for Share Our Strength!

Crispy Ham, Tomato and Mozzarella Sandwich
Recipe developed by Melissa d’Arabian for the Grain Foods Foundation
2 T olive oil plus 1 teaspoon, divided
1 t dried basil
1 garlic clove, peeled and smashed
4 thin slices ham
4 slices sandwich bread
4 slices mozzarella cheese
½ tomato, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper

In a small bowl, mix 2 T of the olive oil, basil, smashed garlic clove and salt and pepper with a
fork to release flavors and let sit while preparing the rest of the sandwich (at least five minutes).
In a small sauté pan, cook the ham in a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat 2-3 minutes per
side, or until beginning to crisp. Toast the bread. Lay the cheese on one slice of the toast and
brush generously with the flavored olive oil, using a pastry brush. Add the ham, and top with
tomatoes. Brush the tomatoes with the olive oil, and top with the second piece of toast. Repeat
for the second sandwich.
Yield: 2 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Ease of preparation: Easy

South City Kitchen Vinings Offers a Smokin' Good Time

South City Kitchen Vinings' annual Blues, Brews & BBQ event is back, which means it's time for your dose of live music, finger lickin' food, draft beer and drink specials. From Thursday, June 10 through Sunday, June 13, the Vinings restaurant will be serving up plates of Texas-style smoked beef brisket, chopped smoked pork butt, sweet tea-brined smoked half-chicken and half-racks of St. Louis-style spare ribs ($7-$8). Guests who just can't decide can opt for a combo Q plate for $15. Smoked meat plates come with Texas toast, house pickles and three BBQ sauces. Diners can also choose special appetizers, desserts and side items to complete their meal while listening to blues on the patio.

For reservations, call 770-435-0700 or book online .

South City Kitchen Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.

It’s Time to Truly Experience Midtown

Don’t miss all the excitement at the "Experience Life on the Midtown Mile" event this Thursday, June 10 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. During this time, event attendees can truly take in the gorgeous city skyline from the 1010 Midtown building while enjoying tastes from many of Midtown's favorite dining spots like South City Kitchen Midtown, RA Sushi and Marlow's Tavern-Midtown. Musician Troy Cono will be providing the sweet summertime tunes. Ticket proceeds benefit the Piedmont Park Conservancy. Purchase your tickets for $10 each when you RSVP to http://lifeonthemidtownmile.eventbrite.com/.

Pacci in the Park... Piedmont Park Green Market, that is

Pacci Ristorante is one cool place to dine.  As much as she loves her Pacci kitchen, Pacci Executive Chef Keira Moritz enjoys cooking al fresco whenever she gets a chance.  Her opportunity arises on Saturday, June 5 as she leads the Piedmont Park Green Market cooking demonstration from 11 a.m. until noon under the patio at the Community Center.  Come see what garden-fresh goodies she's picking up and tossing around, then head over to nearby Pacci for lunch!

IT’S FOLLOW FRIDAY – MEET OUR TWEEP OF THE WEEK @SAVORYEXPOSURE

Lights, camera, action! Atlanta blogger and gifted photographer Broderick exposes a gamut of fabulous foodie events, luscious links, gotta-eats and food photos on Savory Exposure. Time constraints? Make sure to stay exposed via his Twitter account!

Summer + Festival = SummerFest

In my mind, Memorial Day meant the beginning of summer, and summer means it's festival season! I'll be getting mine started this weekend at theVirginia Highland 2010 Summerfest, which is "Celebrating 27 Years of Art, Food & Fun" on Friday, June 4 through Sunday, June 6. On Friday night, impersonate your favorite movie character and be a part of the opening parade. Register online, then be at the start, Inman Hardware at Drewry and North Highland at 6 p.m. The parade ends up at the Inman Park field for a community/volunteers dinner with prizes, an outdoor movie and sweet dessert treats courtesy of La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco.

So go out, enjoy festival season and once you've had too much sun and fun, pull up a seat at Atkins Park Tavern on Friday, Saturday or Sunday for appetizers, ice cold brews and cocktails, wine and great grub.


Atkins Park Tavern - Virginia Highland: 794 North Highland Avenue; 404 -876-7249.
La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Ave, NE; 404-873-5430.
The Original El Taco: 1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.

Take Time To Toast Tuscany at Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery

Yesterday, I got the chance to visit the beautiful Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery in Dahlonega. Even after a torrential thunderstorm, the winery was such a peaceful and pleasant sight. You can experience this breathtaking travel destination for yourself by making reservations for Wolf Mountain’s upcoming "Tribute to Tuscany" Sunday brunch event. Throughout June, the winery is offering delicious dishes such as Mediterranean salad tossed in white balsamic vinaigrette; house-made minestrone soup; roasted red pepper and olive tapenade; tomato, basil and mozzarella tapenade; garlic bread and bruschetta; prosciutto eggs Benedict; chicken Marsala; linguine with clam sauce; mini vegetable stromboli with pomodoro sauce; and a carving station with leg of lamb. Save room for tempting desserts of tiramisu trifle, mini Key lime tarts and cheesecakes and chocolate-covered strawberries. Brunch is $30 per person (plus tax and gratuity) and wine by the glass or bottle is also available at an additional cost. Brunch is offered every Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.

On Father's Day, June 20, Wolf Mountain Vineyards puts Tuscany on hold to honor fathers with its 8th Annual Father's Day Gourmet BBQ.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery: 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega; 706-867-9862

Living La Vida Lobster at Aqua blue!

Beginning today, Maine lobster is the main event at Aqua blue in Roswell. The restaurant is offering a special Tailapalooza menu through July 3, so guests can get their fill of cuisine made with this tasty crustacean. From roast lobster bisque with a Maine lobster dumpling ($6) to the two tail combo served with house-made lobster mac 'n cheese, lemon-garlic butter, summer vegetable sauté and lobster knuckle sauce ($35), lobster leads the pack of delicious dishes. To wash it all down, try a mango tango lemonade with Absolut Mango and a splash of Watermelon Pucker, Villa Sandi prosecco or William Hill Chardonnay, all $7 a glass.

Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.

Memorial Day Eats

Picnic rained out? Need to get away from house guests? Just looking for some good eats on Memorial Day? We've pulled a list of some of our favorites to save you the trouble of calling around. Have a wonderful holiday!

• Ray's in the City will be open for dinner from 5 - 9 p.m., serving fine American fare and some of the best meats and seafood in town. It's located downtown and could be a nice stop if you're going to one of the attractions or just stopping in on your way home from the airport.


• Marlow's Tavern, with six locations convenient to wherever you may be spending Memorial Day, will be open serving mouthwatering American Tavern fare in a comfortable neighborhood setting. Nothing says "work-free Monday" like Kettle Chips and a cold beer.


• If you're in the mood for some homemade pasta and a nice glass of Chianti, head over to La Tavola for a quality visit with Chef Craig Richards. Open regular hours.


• For a memorable margarita and some fish tacos, you'll need to get to The Original El Taco in the Highlands pronto. Open regular hours on Monday.


• Tired of hamburgers and hotdogs? Take a virtual trip to the Mediterranean and dine at Ecco. We recommend the goat cheese balls drizzled with honey. Open regular hours.


• Midtown residents will be happy to know that they can celebrate this special day nearby at RA Sushi. There are always great specials and you know you'll have fun.


• Pretend you're in Southeast Asia and spice up your holiday at Spice Market. Open all day.


• Looking for a casual and delicious finale to the weekend? Look no further than beloved tavern Atkins Park. Both locations (Smyrna and Virginia Highlands) are open.


• Start a new Memorial Day tradition of bocce, darts, and skee ball at Ormsby's. More fun than a picnic - and no ants!


• Tell the bartender that you'll have a Swirl and your 3-day weekend is complete at Uncle Julio's (Perimeter and Peachtree Road). Trust me on this one.
  
  

Nicky’s Week – The Fun Begins at RA Sushi

RA Sushi, Midtown's favorite spot for sushi, sashimi, fusion and fun-loving lounge action, will join the other 24 RA Sushi's across the nation for Nicky's Week, May 30-June 5.  This is the sixth year the restaurants have designated a week where proceeds from the sales of various beverages and menu items will go straight to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  

Nicky's Week was developed in memory of longtime St. Jude patient and 13-year-old Nicky Mailliard of Scottsdale, Ariz., who lost a long fight against brain cancer in 2005. Nicky was the nephew of one of RA Sushi's founders.  Since its start, yearly Nicky's Weeks have brought more than $500,000 to St. Jude's.  Guests who chow on edamame, tootsy maki, shrimp nigiri, pork gyoza, tuna tataki and chicken yakitori, and those who tilt back FIJI, Red Bull and Sugar Free Red Bull, The Republic of Tea, and other select beverages will be helping St. Jude's provide healthcare and continue research to help children from across the U.S. and around the world fight cancer and other life-threatening diseases. 

It’s Follow Friday – Meet Our Tweep of the Week @ksolo22

For Kisha Solomon (@ksolo22), the essence of living the good life is doing something you love. She's made this a serious pursuit...yet not so serious that she can't have a little fun along the way. The witty and wisecracking ksolo22 writes about food, travel, art, cultural events, recipes and (drum roll), craft beer. What a line up! Read all on her blog BonVivant Online or skim the Twitter short version.

Party like it's 1965 with the Atlanta Classics Bar Tour!

Atkins Park circa 1922

You remember all those boring field trips to ancient, historical, dusty places when you were a kid? History, who needs it, right? You’re all about the present, man! Well, listen up, because we’re about to show you that history can be fun!

Pubs and taverns have long been American gathering places, from the days of our nation's founding fathers to the celebratory toasts of victories. History and beer mugs come together again over Memorial Day weekend at the 2nd Annual Virginia Highland's Classic Bar Tour from 1 - 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 29. Gallivant through the in-town neighborhood's oldest and wisest bars at this event sponsored by Miller High Life and benefiting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. You’ll get the chance to really soak in history when you’re having fun at Atkins Park Tavern (originally a 1922 deli; tavern in 1983), George's Restaurant and Bar (1961), Limerick Junction Irish Pub (1988), Manuel's Tavern (1956) and Moe's & Joe's Tavern (1947)!

You can visit each for food, adult beverages, prizes and a historic peek at Atlanta's oldest neighborhood bar scene along North Highland Avenue. Tickets are $10 per person in advance and $20 at the door and cover admission, t-shirt and drink refills at a discounted price at participating bars. Stops also will offer menu specials priced the same as they were back in the 1960s.

See? Knowledge is power. And fun. Now to make it even more fun, we have TWO SETS of tickets to give away. Woohoo! To win, email a picture of yourself at any of the fine establishments taking part in this event and we’ll pick two at random. We’ll show your smiling mug on our site and send you packing to the Bar Tour with free tickets!

I'll take my cocktails in the garden please

Looking for a reason to make it out to the Atlanta Botanical Garden? Have no fear, Atlanta Dish is here to provide such reasons. Pacci Ristorante will be at the Atlanta Botanical Garden for Thursday Night Canopy & Cocktails. Enjoy an evening of complimentary Italian bites and light appetizers from Pacci while enjoying the Atlanta views from the Canopy Walk.

So pick up a cocktail at the full cash bar and relax under the mesmerizing spell of falling water in Cascades Garden or DJ tunes from 6 - 10 p.m. tonight, May 27. Just consider it a head start to your Memorial Day weekend. Guests $15; free for Garden members.

Sex and the City 2 + $5 Martinis = Perfect Girls' Night Out!

We may be in the Big Peach instead of the Big Apple, but that doesn’t mean your inner Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte can’t come out to celebrate the release of the newest Sex and the City movie tonight! Heading to the movie theatre? Steer your stilettos to Ray’s Killer Creek tonight for a martini for just $5 to make the evening even more fabulous!
Stay traditional like Charlotte with a Cosmo (White Cranberry, Absolut Citron, Triple Sec) or be sensible like Miranda with The Big Apple (Absolut, Apple Schnapps). Commit like Carrie to new concoctions like the Mr. Big (Absolut, Olive Juice, Blue Cheese Olives), Sex and the City (Absolut, Peach Schnapps, Orange & Cranberry), or Blue City Lights (Absolut, Blue Curacao, Pineapple). Feeling flirty like Samantha? Indulge in a Flirtini (Absolut, Champagne, Pineapple) or Tartini (Absolut Raspberry, Chambord, Cranberry & Lime).
What better way to kick off a chic evening out with your girls to see the summer’s first big movie? Like many summer romances, these martini deals are fleeting, so make sure to stop by before this Sunday!

Grocery Shop with A Gourmet!

Still haven't had a chance to meet Woodfire Grill Executive Chef/Partner and "Top Chef" star Kevin Gillespie in person? Well, now is your chance!!

This week, he's giving a cooking demo at the Apron's Cooking School in Publix at Alpharetta Commons. Gillespie will share how to make a savory and sweet summer supper at 7 p.m. on Friday, May 28. His menu is made up of four simple courses: sweet corn soup with almond butter, watermelon and lime zest; yogurt-marinated skirt steak with roasted garlic and cilantro puree; skillet-roasted green onion, carrots and small tomatoes with green chili sauce; and strawberry and banana pudding.

For those trekking OTP just for Kevin, Publix at Alpharetta Commons is located at 4305 State Bridge Road. Grab your grocery cart and your camera and go wild!