Spice Market Steps Outside

Looking for a reason to stay outside on a beautiful day like today? Well, we’ve got the perfect event to embrace this amazing weather. Today, Spice Market Executive Chef Mauro Gomez will provide complimentary appetizers at the Atlanta Botanical Garden's weekly Cocktails in the Garden party. This month’s theme, "Mocha & Mudslides," ushers in the chocolaty goodness of the Garden's newest exhibit, Chocolate: Seed to Sweet. Treats and drinks at the 6-10 p.m. party will be derived from the cacao tree. Tickets are just $15; garden members free; guest passes accepted. Full cash bar.

If today is already booked, then you can catch Chef Gomez at the Piedmont Park Green Market's 11 a.m. chef demo this Saturday, September 18. This event is free, although you'll probably spend some green beforehand on fresh veggies and other finds at the Green Market.

Spice Market: In the W Atlanta-Midtown, 188 14th Street, NE; 404-724-2550.

Two Weeks of Smyrna Eats and Drinks with Atkins Park

It’s time once again for the Taste of Smyrna “Festival of the Delectable” and Atkins Park Tavern is one of over 30 restaurants participating on Saturday September 18^th from 11am – 8 pm on the Village Green in downtown Smyrna.  Samples will range from 50 cents to 4 dollars, but event admission (plus all the smells!) is completely free.  A feast for the eyes and ears too; event attendees can enjoy the acoustic stylings of Scott Thompson on the Veteran’s Memorial and continuous entertainment on the Main Stage.  Plus there will be a Kid’s Zone equipped with impressive interactive inflatables.  The entire food-filled event concludes with a concert on the Main Stage at 7pm.

But wait - the foodie fun in Smyrna is just getting started!  Atkins Park will be hosting the Smyrna Beer Fest on Saturday, September 25 from 1-6pm at Smyrna Market Village, 2480 Atlanta Road.  Admission includes hundreds of local, domestic, and imported beers, wine tastings, and a commemorative 7 ounce tasting glass, plus tasty snacks from Atkins Park and other local eateries.  In addition to the drinks and eats, there will be entertainment by Lethal Rhythms and college football viewing.  Must be 21 and up to attend, but dogs of all ages are welcome (just be sure to clean up after your pooch!).  Purchase tickets for $25 in advance or $35 at the gate.  No strollers, backpacks, or coolers permitted.  Event proceeds will benefit Mustard Seed Communities and the Smyrna Education Foundation.

Atkins Park Tavern - Smyrna:  Market Village, 2840 Atlanta Road; 770-435-1887.

Get Your Taste Buds Geared Up for the Martinelli Wine Dinner at Aria Next Week!

An apple a day keeps the doctor away...yes, we're talking about THAT Martinelli, the company that has been producing both apples and wines since 1896! But this time around they will be gracing Aria guests with a fall wine dinner on Wednesday, September 22 at 7 p.m. Juliana Martinelli will bring Martinelli Estate's fine wines to the intimate Buckhead restaurant for a Sonoma Valley wine dinner experience featuring food from Aria Owner/Chef Gerry Klaskala. Between sips, guests will get to learn about the Martinelli family's winery legacy and winemaking techniques. Cost is $100 per person including tax and gratuity. Call 404-233-7673 for more information and to make reservations.

Aria: 490 East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead.

Cobb County Restaurant Week

You have until this Saturday to "Taste the Good Life" during lunch or dinner for only $20.10 per person during Cobb County Restaurant Week. From Vinings to Kennesaw, a whole slew of Cobb County restaurants are participating in the week long food fest by offering special three-course prix fixe lunch or dinner menus.

Guests can select their appetizer, entrée and dessert from a menu of options at local favorites such as South City Kitchen Vinings, Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna and Marlow's Tavern locations in Kennesaw and Vinings. Be sure to snag your seat before Saturday or this deal will be long gone!

Dine Out For A Cause

I tend to dine out for lunch or dinner several times each week, so now my eating habits will actually benefit a great cause. The Great American Dine Out is being held September 19-25 to help Share Our Strength end childhood hunger in America by 2015. All Marlow's Tavern locations, Aqua blue and Spice Market are among the many participants for the nationwide event.

Aqua blue and Marlow's Tavern locations are asking guests to donate $1 or more toward the cause. In return, they'll receive one $5 gift card to use on their next purchase at the restaurants. Spice Market is taking a different route to encourage diner participation by offering a special three-course menu for $45, with $10 going straight to Share Our Strength.

Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.
Marlow's Tavern: 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 Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033.
Spice Market: In the W Atlanta Midtown, 188 14th Street, NE; 404-724-2550.

Don’t Miss Deadwood’s Opening Party!

We’ve got a cure for the “hump day” blues this week: Deadwood Saloon’s grand opening party this Wednesday night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.! You and all your friends are welcome at the newly-opened Midtown eatery and bar for an evening of complimentary appetizers, drink specials such as $2 Bud Light drafts and $3 Absolut cocktails and two DJs spinning tunes all night long. There is free parking across the street. Let ‘em know you’re coming by RSVPing today!

Deadwood Saloon: 66 12th Street in Midtown; 404-671-4290.

It's Follow Friday! Meet Our Tweep of the Week @BocceAtlanta

Bocce has become a fun pastime in Atlanta thanks to restaurants like Ormsby's and Leon's Full Service, and now the Atlanta Bocce League is turning it into some friendly competition. Find them at Piedmont Park or on Twitter.

The season starts up September 15, and you can still register this weekend if you're joining an existing team that has already been started by a friend. Bocce fans who want to cheer on the players can "Like" the league on Facebook to recieve updates.

Ormsby's is a league sponsor and the spot to end up after the weekly Wednesday night games at Piedmont Park's new bocce courts.

Calling all Cabernet Lovers! Get Your Caboose to Toulouse

For Toulouse’s September wine tasting, the Buckhead restaurant is taking guests on a tour through 15 different Cabernets this Sunday. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on September 12, vino lovers will be able to taste these wines and enjoy light appetizers for only $30 per person. To save your seat, call 404-351-9533.

Toulouse is located at 2293 Peachtree Road, NE, Suite B.

Woodfire Grill Brings the BBQ at the Taste & Tour of Cheshire Bridge this Saturday

Cheshire Bridge Road, the street that never sleeps, has an eclectic mix of restaurants, retail, communities and businesses that are eager to share their vibe with everyone who drops by the annual Taste & Tour of Cheshire Bridge 2010 on Saturday and Sunday, September 11 and 12. Come try some delicious BBQ from Woodfire Grill as part of the Tasting & Market activities from noon until 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 11 only. Live music and art by local artists keeps things colorful. Purchase tickets online for $20 per person for both days or for $25 per person at the event (at the Cheshire Pointe Shopping Center at 2000 Cheshire Bridge Road NE). Parking is available at Cheshire Square Shopping Center, along Faulkner Road (and other side streets), or the Piedmont Road lot of Nakato's. Walk or take the trolley to the event.

Woodfire Grill: 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

LOCAL CHEFS PARTY IN THE KITCHEN FOR A GREAT CAUSE

The 7th Annual Party in the Kitchen event at Mason Murer Fine Art is tonight, September 9th, and some of Atlanta’s finest chefs will be on location to help raise funds and awareness for Open Hand, a nonprofit organization that packs and delivers more than 5,000 meals daily across 17 Georgia counties for individuals living with diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS and cancer. Tonight guests can catch a glimpse into the future of Open Hand since Mason Murer is located right next to the site of their new campus. The evening will include live music, dancing, and food prepared onsite by local chefs Gerry Klaskala of Aria and Craig Sauls of The Original El Taco. Plus, an exciting new addition to this year’s event will be a silent auction, where the grand prize is a meal for a lucky party of 12 prepared in the winner’s home by Peter Kaiser, Gerry Klaskala, Kevin Maxey, Kevin Rathbun, and Shane Touhy! Reserved admission is $150 for a single event ticket or $500 for two Patron tickets (which includes event admission plus access to the exclusive Patron reception at 6:00 p.m. where patrons can meet and greet participating chefs). Event parking is complimentary. Purchase tickets at ProjectOpenHand.org.

Where should I eat lunch? Davio's!

Newly opened Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse in Phipps Plaza will begin opening the doors even earlier -- at 11:30 a.m. every day! The restaurant is now offering lunch, Sunday brunch and an extensive bar menu to satisfy cravings at all hours of the day.

For a business lunch or a shopping and lunch date, Davio's is the place at Phipps.

Also stay up to date with the happenings at Davio's and add them to your Facebook friend list.

Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse: Phipps Plaza, 3500 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-844-4810.

It's Time to Get Your "Chop" on at Aqua blue

Today officially kicks off "Chop Month" at Aqua blue! Make your way to the Roswell restaurant for incredible menu items like the Aqua blue "Chop" salad ($9), St. Louis-style hoisin rib chop ($10), bone-in spicy Guinness-marinated chicken ($19), Caribbean-spiced pork chop ($21) and Australian lamb chop ($30). All chops are accompanied by forest mushroom and asparagus tip risotto with sweet herbs. Aqua blue is also offering delightful drinks to pair with your chops: AB classic martini with Gorgonzola-stuffed olives ($7); the Black Bourbon "Chop" -- Jim Beam Black bourbon and peach with a splash of cranberry and a pickled ginger-stuffed cherry ($7); 2007 Benziger Sangiacomo Vineyard Carneros Chardonnay ($8) and 2007 Trapiche Broquel Malbec ($9). Guests may also order off Aqua blue's menu of à la carte items and award-winning sushi during "Chop Month." The special menu ends on Monday, October 11.

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

Who's Open on Labor Day?

Forgot to clean the grill? Don't have a staff? No worries! Here's a list of restaurants that will gladly cook for you and yours on Labor Day. Hope it's a great day!

Ray's Killer Creek will be open and serving its signature seafood, beef and chicken dishes to Alpharetta diners. Both the Buckhead and Sandy Springs locations of Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food will dole out their generous plates of Mexican specialties and chilling margaritas in a mucho lively atmosphere. Spice Market, in the W Atlanta Midtown, will be open on Labor Day to welcome guests to a globally inspired holiday. Have the gang meet you at Marlow's! With six locations conveniently located in neighborhoods all over town, Marlow's Tavern will be serving their classic American tavern fare that's sure to whet any appetite.



In Virginia Highland, La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco will respectively serve up authentic Italian and plenty of fiesta fare. Both Atkins Park locations -- Virginia Highland and Smyrna -- will be open on Labor Day with staples such as Big Green Egg-smoked all-natural chicken breast, wild Georgia shrimp and grits, fresh North Georgia trout and lots of cold libations and brews. Atkins Park Virginia Highland starts the holiday early by staying open late on Sunday, September 5.




In Midtown, RA Sushi will be keeping folks happy on Labor Day with their deliciously fun menu of sushi, like their fan favorites Tootsy Maki and Viva Las Vegas roll. Buckhead residents can satiate themselves after a full day of Labor Day sale shopping with an incredible dinner at Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse featuring menu items such as a grilled porterhouse veal chop or pan-roasted Maine lobster.




Westsiders can sidle into YEAH! BURGER for all-natural beef, bison, turkey or veggie burgers, toppings, sauces and sides, as well as shakes made with organic milk. Night owls, note Ormsby's is open late the night before Labor Day as well as being open on Labor Day to quench beer thirsts and provide classic game action like darts, for instance. West Egg Café, near the White Provision complex on Atlanta's Westside, will be open Labor Day, serving breakfast and locally roasted Batdorf & Bronson coffee from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Beef Up Your Day with Whole Foods and White Oak Pastures

There are some deals  that are worth the time to clean out your pantry or your freezer.  In this case, I spent a good chunk of time cleaning out my freezer this week because Whole Foods Market has a fantastic deal on grass-fed beef TODAY!  I foresee a lot of tasty sauces and burgers in our future this fall.

All Whole Foods Markets and Harry's Farmers Markets will serve up burgers made from White Oak Pastures' tender and juicy grass-fed beef at the remarkable price of a buck a burger!  Note to travelers:  special applies to Whole Foods in Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee and the Carolinas.  Also today, grillmasters can purchase ground, grassfed beef to shape into their own patties for $3.99 a pound -- that's $2 off the regular price! 

You can also pick up some free handy cooking tips if you’re in Duluth or West Paces Ferry areas today - White Oak Pastures Owner Will Harris will be at the Whole Foods Market - Duluth from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. (5945 State Bridge Road; 678-514-2400) and at Whole Foods Market - West Paces Ferry from 4 - 7 p.m. (77 West Paces Ferry Road, NW; 404-324-4100) showing some of the best ways to prepare grassfed beef. 

Also, make sure to check out the video above – Whole Foods recently visited White Oak Pastures along with Woodfire Grill’s Executive Chef and Owner Kevin Gillespie.  Take a look at the farm and learn some grilling tips from Chef Kevin!

It's Follow Friday! Meet our Tweep of the week @CookingwCaitlin

How smart is your phone and how helpful is it as a sous chef? Depends on if you follow Cooking with Caitlin via Twitter. 

Find Kelly, Caitlin and Molly at Twitter (@cookingwcaitlin) or on their blog for surprising twists on everyday food, recipe advice and more!

Kevin Gillespie Brings Home the Bacon in Cincinnati

In cupcakes or alongside eggs, bacon is so hot right now. No one knows this better than Kevin Gillespie, executive chef and co-owner of Atlanta’s Woodfire Grill, whose passion for pork was clear on Bravo’s “Top Chef.” Now the pork enthusiast will celebrate his love with humans and dogs alike as the host of the Purina Beggin’ Bacon Bash in Cincinnati on International Bacon Day, Saturday, September 4. Cincinnati locals are in for a bacon-flavored treat complete with live music, a bacon-eating contest, and cooking demonstrations by Kevin Gillespie himself. Their furry friends can run hog wild in bacon mazes, costume contests, and can even participate in the “loudest group bark” attempt for the Guinness Book of World Records. What better way to wake up and smell the bacon?

Happy Cabernet Day!

Well, who knew? There's a day for my favorite wine grape! Today is the day to celebrate Cabernet, one of the most popular red wine grapes in the world. Find fellow Cab lovers on Twitter (#Cabernet) and Facebook. To be a part of it, just sample Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Blend and/or Cabernet Franc and engage with others doing the same with conversation, tasting notes and suggestions. Better yet, enjoy a glass of Cabernet at Morton's The Steakhouse. Both Atlanta locations serve a selection of Cabernet options that are sure to honor this holiday in a delicious way. Sit back, relax and tweet your heart out as you experience Cabernet Day in the comfort of Morton's bar or dining room.

Bring Your $25 To Midtown

Woot! Midtown Restaurant Week is back and it starts THIS SATURDAY! Three-course, prix-fixe lunches for $15 and dinners for $25 at more than 30 of Midtown's best restaurants are a tempting reason to get out and try some place new.

The week affords an opportune time to try the European and Mediterranean bistro flavors of Ecco, Italian steakhouse dining at Pacci Ristorante, tantalizing sushi rolls and Pacific Rim fare at RA Sushi, new-South favorites at South City Kitchen Midtown and the exotic Asian market-inspired cuisine of Spice Market. The nine-day "week" begins on Saturday, September 4 and runs through Sunday, September 12. (Prices are per person and do not include beverage, tax or gratuity). Find out more about participating restaurants and make reservations on the Midtown Restaurant Week website.

Put Some South in Your Mouth at Shaun's Southern Beer Dinner

Photo courtesy of Benay Krissel for Tribal Chicken Designs, Inc.

On Wednesday, September 8, Chef Shaun Doty of Shaun's in Inman Park is hosting a five-course Southern Beer Dinner featuring a perfect pairing of regional brews and foods. The evening begins with a 7 p.m. reception boasting beer-battered bay leaves, Berkshire pork gravy sliders and flatbread with fresh Carolina ricotta and hot chilis, accompanied by a SweetWater beer and scuppernong cocktail. Guests will sit down to dinner at 7:30 p.m. to indulge in White Oak Pastures beef cheek ravioli with chicken liver sauce paired with Terrapin Golden Ale (Athens, Ga.); Heritage pork pie with foie gras and mustard greens paired with Red Brick Brown Ale (Atlanta); Neil's Yard Dairy Farm House cheddar with muscadine jelly and pecans, paired with Duck-Rabbit Schwarzbier (Farmville, N.C.); and roast summer fruit bruschetta with Nutella and Tupelo honey ice cream, paired with Highland Black Mocha Stout (Asheville, N.C.). Cost is $55 per person ($40 per person for food only). Reservations are required and seating is limited; call 404-577-4358 to reserve a spot.

Shaun's: 1029 Edgewood Avenue, NE; 404-577-4358.

Don't Miss the Hop City Beer Event Happening at Ormsby's

Ormsby's, the friendly neighborhood tavern located on the Westside, is teaming with Atlanta's Hop City Craft Beer & Wine for a five-beer, three-course dinner beginning at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 1. I can't think of a better place to relax after a long hump day! With menu items like local heirloom tomato salad with Sweetgrass Dairy goat cheese, Vidalia onions and balsamic vinegar; IPA-steamed black mussels and crusty bread; and roasted pork tenderloin, pimento cheese grits, green beans and a local fig glaze, this dinner is worth every bit of its $30 price tag (excluding tax and gratuity). Don't forget about the beer! The evening's courses are matched with a variety of offerings including Dupont Foret, Brooklyn Local 1, SweetWater IPA, Maredsous 8 and Trois Pistoles. Contact Ormsby's for reservations and more info.

Ormsby's: 1170 Howell Mill Road, NW; 404-968-2033.