Dine Your Way Through Midtown During Midtown Restaurant Week Plus More in this Week's Dish

Mix up your usual eating habits and dining routine during Midtown Restaurant Week. Restaurants are offering delicious prix fixe menu options for prices that you can't turn down. Barbecue lovers -- be sure to enter our contest to win a ticket to the Atlanta Bar-B-Q Festival on September 13 and 14. Check out what else is happening around town, plus much more in this week's Dish!

Atlanta's Top Chefs Gather at Serenbe for Southern Chefs Potluck on Sept. 8

The only thing you'll need to bring to the 4^th Annual Southern Chefs Potluck on Sunday, September 8 is a healthy appetite. Atlanta's top chefs Kevin Gillespie of Gunshow, Shaun Doty of Bantam + Biddy and Chick-a-Biddy, Ford Fry of JCT. Kitchen, No. 246, The Optimist and King + Duke and Tyler Williams of Woodfire Grill are taking over the pastoral grounds of The Inn at Serenbe from 3-6 p.m. to create some mouth-watering, family style dishes. White Oak Pastures meats also will be featured. Enjoy Terrapin beer, Quivira wines, cocktails and an outstanding auction overflowing with culinary experiences. Tickets, available online, range in price from $125 per person up to $1,000. Monies raised at the annual fundraiser for Wholesome Wave Georgia will increase access to good, wholesome and locally grown foods for all Georgians.

Lionheart School Hosts Grilling and Gridiron Competition in Alpharetta on September 7

There's a lot to love about the return of football season: the roar of the crowd, the thrill of a clutch touchdown pass and the touch of perfect autumn weather are all great, but our hearts will always belong to the food. Milton's Cuisine & Cocktails agrees, so they're joining other restaurants and community groups for the City of Alpharetta Grilling & Gridiron competition on Saturday, September 7, hosted by the Lionheart School. This new event brings samplings of beverages, food and fun to downtown Alpharetta from 2-5 p.m. Buy bracelet-style tickets at the event for $15 each for the grill tasting or $25 for both the grill and beer tastings. Stick around and watch the UGA vs. South Carolina game on the 8' by 12' LED screen kicking off at 4:30 p.m.

Leave the Labor to Your Fave ATL Restaurants this Labor Day Weekend

 

You have to love the devoted chefs and wait staff at these Atlanta restaurants. They're laboring in hot kitchens on the last holiday weekend of summer, making sure all of those farm-fresh finds and cold brews find their way to your table. When you love what you do, it's not really work anyway.

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland will remain open late on Sunday, September 1 for pre-Labor Day enjoyment. The neighborhood favorite plans a special Labor Day brunch feature on Monday, September 2. Over on the Westside, Ormsby's almost pulls an all-nighter, staying open until 3 a.m. as Sunday becomes Monday, then naps through lunch before opening again at 5 p.m. on Labor Day evening.

If you're "chicken" to dine out because you just want something comfy and family friendly, head over to Bantam + Biddy in Ansley Mall for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Get it to go if you are envisioning a picnic or patio supper at your place. Fast and casualChick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station will be open for its usual weekend brunch menu and lunch and dinner. Both eateries offer regional, all-natural and pastured poultry dishes plus loads more down-home goodies and cold libations.

Inspired and wood-fired describe the pizzas at Hearth Pizza Tavern just outside the perimeter in Sandy Springs. Salads, sandwiches and burgers round out the menu while wine, draft and bottled beer, plus other beverages keep everyone hydrated and happy.

There are lots of reasons to head downtown, one of them being that with many offices closed for the holiday there will be less traffic! Located in the Glenn Hotel, Glenn's Kitchen is a casual-yet-sophisticated spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner. SkyLounge, also at the Glenn, is a lovely place to coddle a cocktail while taking in a skyline view. With more than 60 games and lots of sports-viewing screens, Game-X is headquarters for an active and fun holiday. A full bar and lots of nourishing nosh options keep everyone's adrenalin pumping.

On this all-American holiday weekend, meet up with friends for a labor-less meal at an American classic, Marlow's Tavern. With 10 locations around Atlanta (and two in Florida), there's a Marlow's Tavern near your neighborhood.

Fifth Group Restaurants La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco will be open in Virginia-Highland, and Ecco will please those heading to Midtown.

That beachy getaway is as close as the deck and seafood-laden menu at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill in Buckhead. Margaritas, cold brews, and eat-in or to-go cantina fare are all yours at Tin Lizzy's Cantina Buckhead, Grant Park and Perimeter locations.

Those craving sushi and cocktails will be glad to know that RA Sushi Bar Restaurant in Midtown will be open on Labor Day.

If you've been meaning to try Ray's on the River, Ray's on the Creek or Ray's in the City (or if they're already your loves), take note that all three Ray's Restaurants will be open and offering 20 percent off meal checks on Labor Day, September 2.

Cornhole ATL Bags September 3 at Atkins Park Restaurant and Bar in Virginia Highlands

For some of us, to play or to watch is truly a toss-up decision. Whichever side of the bag you're on, there's a spot for you at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland as fall league Cornhole ATL cranks up Tuesday nights beginning September 3. Just in time to kick-off football season and get your practice in for tailgating, this seven-week season promises lots of cow pies, sliders and "cornfusion" plus a hefty dose of bar specials, prizes, team t-shirts, food and drink specials, and team and post-game festivities. Whether you decide to play or hang out with the crowd, there will be plenty of fun to last you throughout the fall. Register to play at Cornholeatl.com.

120 Days Til Christmas!

Don't shoot the messenger! We know it's not Labor Day yet, but it's time to start planning your holiday party or you'll be left hosting everyone in your den. Fortunately, the good people at  Old Vinings Inn are ready to help you plan a wonderful celebration with a little holiday bonus included for your trouble! Here are the details: book your party at the historic restaurant before Monday, September 30 and receive 10 percent of the total event cost back on an Old Vinings Inn gift card. Parties must be booked for November or December of 2013 and have a $500 minimum, and planners must mention the code "EB10" when making a reservation to obtain the gift card special. Executive chef Don Diem and staff treat all parties, large and small, with the same attention to detail in customizable buffets, menus, entertainment, décor and other needs. Gift cards hold no expiration date but are not valid on Thanksgiving Day, New Year's Eve, Valentine's Day and Valentine's Day weekend and Mother's Day. For more information or to make a reservation, call 770-483-2282 or email privatedining@oldviningsinn.net. Happy Holidays!!

Appetizing Aperture: Back-to-School Bash at RA Sushi

School may have just started, but that doesn't mean it's too soon to pull an all-nighter at RA Sushi Bar Restaurant's back-to-school bash beginning at 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 29. Leave the lunch box and thermos at home, because the themed food and drink specials are all straight-"A" hits. With a guest DJ and gift card prizes, you'll have plenty to party about while you study up on Professor Pineapple's wontons, School House shrimp and Teacher's chicken or fish tacos ($4-$7). Sushi studies highlight the Dean's roll and the Honor roll ($6), and Chemistry class stirs up concoctions such as All-Nighter sangria, Brain Freeze cocktails and the Bookworm Bite ($5). Beer and sake specials include School Girl hot sake ($5), Sapporo/Sapporo Light ($5) or Kirin/Kirin Light ($6). No need to enroll to get your hands on these rolls!

Leave the Kitchen Labor to ATL Chefs on Labor Day Plus More in this Week's Dish

This Labor Day, give yourself a break and dine out at one of the many Atlanta restaurants staying open to serve you. Need something else to do this weekend? Plan ahead and book your holiday party with Old Vinings Inn. The restaurant is offering a pretty sweet deal for booking your party in the month of September. Learn more about this deal and other special offerings, plus more in this week's Dish!

Hula at the Lure Luau on August 31

Throw on your hula skirt and favorite lei for the Lure Luau on Saturday, August 31. After a few mai tais, cups of boozy Hawaiian punch or a couple of Kona Brewing Company beers you'll be dancing along to the sweets sounds of the ukulele. Tiki torches and tropical flowers add Hawaiian ambiance and fit in perfectly with a special menu of lomi-lomi salmon, tuna poke lettuce wraps, pork lau lau on steamed buns, whole-roasted fish cooked over hot coals, Hawaiian potato salad, coconut rice and even Spam sushi. Buy tickets online; $45 per person (including tax and gratuity). Space is limited so surf online for yours today.

Appetizing Aperture: Big Green Egg Classes at Ray's on the Creek

The kids are all back to school, so why not brush up with some lessons of your own? The Big Green Egg cooking classes at Ray's on the Creek put your high school home economics class to shame with an outdoor classroom space, "desks" set with delicious foods and a chef/professor delivering the tastiest lecture in town. Honor roll, here we come!

#foodgram: @whiteoakpastures

Take a photo tour with White Oak Pastures (@whiteoakpastures) as they post a downright homey mix of photos snapped on the 145-year-old farm. Scroll through to see a yummy supper shot taken at White Oak Pastures' Pavilion, which recently made the list of The Daily Meal's World's 25 Best Farmstead Restaurant Experiences. You'll also see where the chickens roost, s'mores roast, puppies hush and what cows do when they are coming home (nibble rearview mirrors). Follow now to get your farm fix!

Chicken Recipes That Will Have You Clucking

This week, the cluck is all about chicken feed on our Chicken of Choice board. This Southern staple pleases all and saves many a budget and time-strapped cook. No wonder, with ideas such as these: petite chicken and waffle sliders, big chicken and waffle breakfast sandwiches, cola-glazed wings to nibble and an oven-fried chicken that specifies "do not lose this pin!" -- meaning it is sinfully good.

Der Biergarten and Ormsby's Join 10th Annual German Bierfest on August 24 at Woodruff Park

Break out the lederhosen and get ready for the 10th Annual German Bierfest on Saturday, August 24 from 2-7 p.m. at Woodruff Park. Raise a glass to Der Biergarten and Ormsby's for sponsoring the authentic, family friendly celebration featuring German food, kids' zones, sports games and nearly 50 beers for enthusiasts to try. Bring a friend and sample to your heart's content because designated drivers attend for free. Purchase Bierfest tickets online. The event benefits the non-profit German American Chamber of Commerce of the Southern U.S., Inc. More on information available on Facebook.

Have a Ball & a Few Beers at Atkins Park in Virginia-Highland's Pong Wars Tournament

Speed, agility, accuracy and New Belgium Fat Tire beers will all play a big part in who wins the Pong Wars Ping-Pong tournament at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland on Wednesday, August 28. Balls start flying at 9:30 p.m., and only the tournament victor will take home a brand new New Belgium Fat Tire cruiser. Sorry, no cruiser for the loser, but all who enter are sure to have a ball and a few beers. Registration is free after a New Belgium Brewing purchase. Plus, a dollar from every New Belgium product purchased will be donated to the Atlanta Bicycle Coalition to help fund Atlanta Streets Alive.

Catch Adam Evans of The Optimist at the "Muscle Shoals" Premiere on August 24

If you're looking for weekend plans, we recommend taking a road trip to The Shoals, Ala., an area comprised of Muscle Shoals, Florence, Sheffield and Tuscumbia along the Tennessee River in northwest Alabama. There, you'll find some hellacious music, art and down-home Southern culture. Need another reason to visit? This weekend from August 23-25, Billy Reid is hosting Shindig No. 5, a three-day event featuring live music performances and the movie premiere of "Muscle Shoals." VIPs attending the August 24 premiere should skip the popcorn and soda. Instead, save room for small plates from Adam Evans of The Optimist  and Josh Habiger, last year's Food & Wine "Best New Chef," and a couple of Bulleit Bourbon cocktails.

Restaurants Support Farmers in Africa Thursday #forthefarmer

 

Atlanta chefs aren't just using "farm fresh," "local" and "sustainable" to describe their own cuisine, they're talking about supporting the Kula Project, a program that assesses conditions for farmers in Rwanda and Kenya and equips these farmers with innovative farming methods for sustainable agriculture. On Thursday, August 22, The Optimist,King + Duke and Chicken and the Egg are three of the 11 restaurants donating 20 percent of their sales to support Kula Project's farm sponsorship programs. Your role? Eat at one of these restaurants Thursday! You can also LIKE the Kula Project Facebook page and start using #forthefarmer on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook now through the day of the event for a chance to receive a $100 gift card to Fifth Group Restaurants.

Aqua blue Celebrates 12th Anniversary with Party on August 21

The 12 year anniversary celebration at Aqua blue in Roswell kicks into high gear on Wednesday, August 21, with a party and a special three-course menu priced at $20.01 per person to commemorate the 2001 opening. Read up on the menu on our blog, and don't forget about the live band, cake and champagne. Need more reasons to celebrate? Along with the recent introduction of weekday lunch service and the advancement of longtime chef Kien Sam to operating partner, party-goers will have a chance to win free dinner for a year. We'll raise a glass to that!

Reserve a Front-Row Seat at the New Chef's Counter at King + Duke Plus More in this Week's Dish

The summer season is quickly heading out, but juicy peaches aren't going anywhere! Purchase your end-of-season fruits from Watsonia Farms, available at farmers markets through Labor Day. Plus, there are many preserving methods for the refreshing peach taste all year long. There's plenty to be peachy about and more in this week's Dish!   

Save Your Seat at King + Duke's New Chef's Counter

Buckhead's new restaurant, King + Duke, is bringing guests in on the culinary action with the new chef's counter. Executive chef Joe Schafer and his talented team cook a five-course tasting menu on the 24-foot open hearth right in front of your eyes. The cost is $75 per person, and the menu changes daily. Nightly seatings are at 6 p.m. and 8:45 p.m., and each seating can accommodate two parties of two. For reservations, call 404-477-3500 and let the staff know any dietary restrictions at that time.

Pick Up Watsonia Farms Peaches Through Labor Day

Beat those back to school blues by staying peachy with mouthwatering produce from Watsonia Farms. Their organically grown and conventional peaches are available at Atlanta-area farmers markets through Labor Day. Stock up on these orbs of summertime awesomeness and carry the warm season well into winter. The Monetta, S.C. farm offers plenty of ideas to make the most of your treasure. Try your hand at canning and preserving peach jam, conserve, honey, relish or marmalade or put up some peach pickles. Watsonia Farms suggests checking this link for how-tos. If you’ve already snapped up a basket too many and they’re trending overripe, turn them into peach pie or cobbler, smoothies, puréed baby food or add to bread, muffins or pancakes. Try adding some to chicken stock with balsamic vinegar for a piquant meat glaze or sauce. Tuck away a few freezer bags of peach slices – you’ll be so glad you did when winter’s gray days are here.