Relax. It’s Labor Day. Let Atlanta Restaurants Do the Cooking for You

Labor Day arrives Monday, September 5, signaling the unofficial start of fall activities. Might as well squeeze in one last weekend of summer fun! Spend it in the grocery store and kitchen? We think not, because some of our favorite eateries are open over the holiday. Keep these Atlanta restaurants in mind if you’re returning from vacation, beat from a day of outdoor activities or just ready to let someone else labor over the stove.

For high-quality steaks and seafood, head to 101 Steak. Vinings’ newest chophouse is open regular hours all weekend and will be open for dinner on Monday from 4-9:30 p.m., offering mouthwatering dishes like the 32-oz. tomahawk chop, East and West Coast oysters and more than 100 wines by the glass.

Newcomer 5Church carries its weekend brunch service over to Monday for a special holiday treat. Cornmeal waffles, Southern fried steak, duck confit with cabbage pancake and more will be on the menu from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., with dinner service in the evening.

Out late on Sunday? Celebrate into the wee hours at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland or Ormsby’s in West Midtown. Both are staying open until 3 a.m. Monday morning. Atkins Park will cure your hangover with its full brunch menu available on Monday starting at 11:30 a.m.

Ponce City Market favorite Bellina Alimentari continues its monthly Bluesin’ Bellina live music series on Sunday from 4-7 p.m. Enjoy food, libations and great music from the Cody Matlock Band. Regular Monday hours stand.

Bid summer a final farewell with a special edition of Basque in the Sun on Sunday at Gypsy Kitchen. Enjoy paella on the patio, $5 glasses of rosé, $4 tinto de verano and half off select bottles of wine, as well as a live flamenco guitarist from 4-7 p.m. and a DJ starting at 7 p.m. Closed on Monday.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern is open regular hours all weekend and Monday. Stop by and enjoy the brunch menu and $17 bottomless mimosas. Order half-price wings on Sunday from 5-11 p.m. and return for Monday’s date night special -- dinner for two for $24.95.

Johnny’s Hideaway, Atlanta’s favorite neighborhood nightspot, is open late on Sunday for a pre-Labor Day bash with live music from Cold Draft Beer. Monday regulars, Johnny’s is open for you as usual.

Whether you’re attending the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game on Saturday or going sci-fi at Dragon Con, be sure to make Ray’s in the City part of your itinerary – the downtown restaurant is open all weekend. Come Monday for the two-course 1.25-pound whole Maine lobster dinner available all day for $24.95. More? That dinner also is available on Labor Day atRay’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek. If you’re craving Mexican food, visit Ray's Rio Bravo on Monday for half-priced drinks all day.

Smokebelly BBQ turns the corner from summer to fall by honoring barbecue and the start of college football season. Friday through Monday specials include $3 Bud Light drafts, $10 Bud Light pitchers, $15 Bud and Bud Light buckets and $5 Tito’s drinks. The Whispering Gypsies start in with live music at 8 p.m. Friday. Saturday, enjoy gridiron action on 16 TVs, along with enough barbecue to feed every college team in the country. Smoked brisket and an Irish whiskey are just the ticket for catching Sunday’s Texas vs. Notre Dame game. Cap off the weekend on Monday with waffle fries, mac and cheese and pulled pork as FSU faces off against Ole Miss. Beginning September 5, Monday’s mean 25-cent wings starting at 4 p.m.

Additional restaurants open regular hours on Monday, September 5:

• Affairs in Alpharetta
• Marlow’s Tavern (all locations)
• Sublime Doughnuts (both locations)
• The Big Ketch Buckhead and Canton Street (Roswell)
• Tin Lizzy’s Cantina (all locations) 

Cheeky Sells #MORETHAN4 T-shirts and Cups for CURE Childhood Cancer during September

Childhood cancer is the number one cause of death by disease in kids, yet according to CURE Childhood Cancer, the National Cancer Institute currently allocates less than 4 percent of its budget to pediatric cancer research. Cheeky hopes to channel more funds toward childhood cancer research by selling #MORETHAN4 T-shirts and color-changing cups. Buy the colorful shirts ($15.04 each) and cups ($5.04 each) at any Cheeky location (except Chastain) during September. Support the cause even further by purchasing donation cards in $1 increments.

September Live Music Calendar Rocks Ray’s at Killer Creek

The acoustic sounds of live music in the bar and lounge of Ray’s at Killer Creek in Alpharetta provide an intimate alternative to loud and crowded big concert venues. Date night potential? We think so, because sometimes you want to have a conversation. Plus, Ray’s food and drinks are spot on. Music plays 6-9 p.m. Thursdays, and 7-10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Who and when: Brandon Cocker on September 1, 17, 23 and 30; Marty Manous on September 2, 3, 8, 15 and 22; David Pretlow on September 9; Lauren Jordan on September 10, 16 and 29; and Lee Gamble on September 24.

Marlow’s Tavern Rewards September Dine Out for No Kid Hungry Donations with $5 Come-back Coupon

The kids have been back in school for a few weeks. For some students, concentrating on schoolwork is a challenge because hunger pangs echo louder than lessons. Marlow’s Tavern has a way to help, and even non-math majors will see this win-win adds up. Visit any Marlow’s Tavern location in September and join in Dine Out for No Kid Hungry by making a donation to No Kid Hungry. Throw it on your tab when anteing up for that juicy Tavern Burger or ice-cold handcrafted beverage. Any size donation qualifies, although supersizing is always appreciated. Marlow’s will return the kind-hearted action with a $5 coupon redeemable October 1 through December 31, 2016. One coupon per donation per person per visit. Come again and donate again throughout September. No Kid Hungry is ending childhood hunger by ensuring kids start the day with a nutritious breakfast and helping families learn the skills they need to shop and cook healthy meals on a budget. No Kid Hungry is a campaign of national anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength.

Stem Wine Bar Segues to Sunny Spain for September Wine Tastings

Stem Wine Bar steers the oenophile train from August’s tour of German wines to sunny Spain for September’s Wednesday night wine tasting series. Owner and chef Doug Turbush will prepare six small bites to pair perfectly with sommelier Chris McNeill's selections of wines from Albariño to Rioja. No passport needed, but you will need a reservation to come along for the easy-going trip packed with sips and tidbits to eat and learn. Seats go fast for these 6:30-8 p.m. events; reserve yours today. Purchase tickets online by clicking on your preferred date: September 14 or September 28. Cost is $40 per person (plus small service fee; gratuity added at in-store checkout).

#Foodgram: Melina Hammer

Photographer, stylist, recipe developer and cook Melina Hammer transforms simple ingredients into sensational creations that entice grown-up and kid chefs alike. Along the same thought train, this past April Melina released her new cookbook, “KID CHEF: Healthy Recipes & Culinary Skills for the New Cook in the Kitchen.” Nifty gifty for young kitchen Padawans. Adults, go ahead and peek. Scouts honor, we won’t tell.

What’s New on Pinterest: Lunchbox Love

Send ‘em off to face the day knowing noontime Lunchbox Love is coming their way. Healthy snacks and trail mixes, pineapple coconut energy balls and no-bake s’mores protein bars fill fuel tanks for the afternoon. Surprise the sandwich set with rainbow veggie pinwheels, wraps, rolls and “copycat” sandwiches. Cool bento box stackers, kid-approved vegan lunch box ideas and cultural crossovers like Italian sub sandwich tortilla pinwheels add diversity. Made-you-laugh edible animal look-alikes devour a youngster-sized case of the back-to-school blues. 

Milton’s Patriot Day Chowdown Salute to America Honors Local First Responders on September 11

First responders put others first on a daily basis. The tables turn on Sunday, September 11 when Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails executive chef Derek Dollar transforms the traditional Farmyard Chowdown into a Patriot Day Chowdown as an expression of gratitude to these selfless heroes. Milton’s invites the entire community – along with the city of Milton’s firefighters, police officers and Milton mayor Joe Lockwood – to enjoy an afternoon of family fun. Dollar calls this month’s chowdown a “low country boil on steroids,” thick with shrimp and corn. His kitchen team pulls out the stops by serving piles of lobster, crab legs, pickle-fried chicken, pulled pork, pastrami-rubbed ribs, side dishes and other goodies as well as kid favorites like chicken fingers, french fries and cotton candy. Every corner of the lush grounds will celebrate good works with awesome entertainment from 4-8 p.m. including fire truck tours in the parking lot, live music in the garden, lawn games, a balloon release and a lively children’s play area in the backyard with a bounce house, face painting and more. The $40-per-adult and $20-per-child price includes food, music and entertainment (tax, small online service fee, alcoholic beverages are extra). Buy tickets online. Plenty of parking! 

Appetizing Aperture: Gypsy Kitchen's KYX Cocktail

Get your kicks on Route 66, but for KYX, pull up to the bar at Gypsy Kitchen in Buckhead. Wanting to create a distinctly Spanish cocktail to complement Gypsy Kitchen fare, Garn McCown marries Kentucky bourbon (KY) with East India Lustau sherry from the Jerez (also known as Xerez) region of Spain (X) for KYX ($12).  The family tree becomes even more interesting with a hand-blended mix of quince, lemon, sugar and a touch of black walnut bitters punctuated by a flamed lemon peel for a hint of smokiness.

Gerry Klaskala Cooks, Entertains Guests at “Atlanta Eats” Inside the Chef's Studio in the Sub-Zero and Wolf Showroom on August 31

Thirty-five guests will savor a heaping helping of stories, a chef’s demo, four-course dinner and great wines with Atlanta’s own legendary chef Gerry Klaskala at Inside the Chef's Studio, presented by Oxygen Financial, on Wednesday, August 31. Aria chef/owner Klaskala and “Atlanta Eats” host Steak Shapiro will spill some stories of life in the restaurant field during the 6:30-9 p.m. event taking place in one of Atlanta’s coolest kitchens, the Sub-Zero and Wolf Showroom in Buckhead. Tickets, $175 per person (plus online service fee), are available on FreshTix. Price includes complimentary valet, wine, beer, four-course meal and cooking demo. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank. 

Indian and Latin American Cuisines Fuse at Affairs, Ricky Walia’s New Restaurant in Alpharetta

A love for Indian and Latin American cuisines threatened to cause tabletop tug of war for restaurateur Ricky Walia. That is until he decided to unite the two cultures in a spicy East meets West marriage at his new restaurant and tapas lounge Affairs. Now open at 4120 Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta (former Urban Spice location), the joint venture from the Walia Hospitality Group and the Thakkar Group promises a blessedly bold union of culinary experiences. Walia is behind the successful Masti – Fun Indian Street Eats in Toco Hills as well as the recently opened Bombay Brasserie in Roswell. A traditional tandoor oven and the small, open-flame sigri stove yield Indian staples such as aromatic biryanis (mixed rice dishes) and rich, thick dal stews in addition to a wide array of dishes and styles from across Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia. Rice dishes, breads, barbecue platters, salads and appetizers round out the menus. Turn to Affairs for a spicy romance with lunch and dinner seven days a week. More info: 678-566-0169.

Stem Wine Bar Spins Mother Earth Brewing Beer Dinner August 29

Mother Earth Brewing Company road trips south from Kinston in eastern North Carolina and pulls into Stem Wine Bar in Marietta for a Mother Earth Beer Dinner on Monday, August 29 at 6:30 p.m. Executive chef de cuisine John Flagello creates a five-course menu that orbits around Mother Earth Brewing selections chosen by Stem general manager Chris McNeill and beverage manager David Peek. Casey Turner from Mother Earth comes along for the ride to talk about the evening’s beer pairings. The out-of-this-world menu lands red snapper crudo with nectarine supreme, hibiscus, jalapeño, radish and Georgia olive oil paired with Endless River Kolsch-style ale; chorizo, fig and focaccia-stuffed Judith Point calamari, plantain crisp, black garlic purée and micro cilantro served with Weeping Willow Wit; braised Cheshire Farm’s pork cheek, stewed hominy, sweet corn, roasted chili and okra, Mexican chocolate mole and queso cojito with Dark Cloud Dunkel; Maple Leaf Farm’s duck breast, sweet potato and duck confit hash, ancho chili and blackberry gastrique paired with Sisters of the Moon IPA; and a rich ending of espresso panna cotta, Mexican chocolate biscotti, brûléed nectarine supreme and nectarine chocolate sauce with Silent Night Imperial stout. Buy tickets online in advance; $79 per person (includes tax and gratuity).

Intercept Marlow’s Brie Fondue and Crab Cakes at Sandy Springs Kickoff Cookout Tailgate August 27

Gridiron season is only a few downs away, and tailgaters are already jotting game-day noshing ideas in their playbooks. The Sandy Springs community rallies fans for its second annual Kickoff Cookout at 5 Seasons Brewing in the Prado from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, August 27. Marlow’s Tavern is on the team of local restaurants participating, selling samples of Warm Brie Fondue for $1 and Lump Crab Cakes for $2. Live music, traditional tailgate games including cornhole and QB Toss, and crafted brews kick this football season celebration into the family friendly (sorry Fido, not this time) party zone. Entry is free; purchase food and drinks with cash or card. Free parking.

Wing It with Some of the Southeast’s Best Chefs at Springer Mountain Farms' Atlanta Wing Fest Presented by Taste of Atlanta September 25

The inaugural Springer Mountain Farms' Atlanta Wing Fest presented by Taste of Atlanta takes flight at The Foundry at Puritan Mill on Sunday, September 25. Wings are the thing here, flanked by beer, Southern spirits and local music. Appropriately, Atlanta-based charity Angel Flight Soars benefits from the charitable event, as does Second Helpings Atlanta. General admission tickets, $20 each, include 1:30 p.m. event entry, wing tastes from 25 local and Southeastern restaurants, eat and greets with chefs, live entertainment and a complimentary bottle or two of water. A cash bar is available for more potent liquids. For those 21 and over, the $45 VIP First Taster ticket pays the way for early admission plus entry into Southern Spirits Lounge with café seating and an open bar pouring Southern spirits and craft beers.

“Taste of Atlanta Tuesdays” Neighborhood Dinner Series Sponsored by Springer Mountain Farms Debuts September 13

Food aficionados prepping for Taste of Atlanta weekend October 21-23 can go ahead and begin with a little amuse bouche  — “Taste of Atlanta Tuesdays,” a series of four weekly five-course paired tasting menus in several of the city’s most iconic neighborhoods created by some of Atlanta’s finest chefs. Thanks to a Taste of Atlanta and Springer Mountain Farms partnership, diners will have opportunities to meet the chefs at their restaurants and experience each one’s creativity over an intimate dinner. Priced at $85 per person, tax and tip included, these dinners won’t bite into wallets. Each dinner begins at 7 p.m., and reservations are limited. Click on a date to purchase tickets:

• September 13 -- wood-fired, modern Italian cuisine from Chef Michael Perez of Colletta at Avalon in Alpharetta. 
• September 27 -- seasonal American fare from Chef Drew Van Leuvan of Seven Lamps in Buckhead.
• October 4 -- globally flavored small plates from Chef Tom Catherall of TomTom in Virginia-Highland.
• October 18 -- Southern-accented American fare from Chef Todd Richards of White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails in downtown.

Bite into more Taste of Atlanta details on TasteofAtlanta.com; follow updates on Facebook, Twitterand Instagram and sign up for A Bite of News newsletter.

Trivia, Not Trivial: Dirty South Bingo at Communion on Wednesday Nights

There’s bingo. Then there’s Dirty South bingo, the varietal served Wednesday nights at Communion, the backyard beer garden at chef Kevin Gillespie’s Revival in Decatur. Stop in for a midweek pick-me-up beer and stay to play Dirty South bingo at 8 p.m. Thursday nights, switch gears to Dirty South trivia, also at 8 p.m. Thank goodness the prizes are useful and not trivial – champs win Communion tokens redeemable for beer and other menu items. Didn’t win? You can still score a token; buy six and Communion throws in number seven on the house. Plus, everyone (21 and over) can take advantage of spirited drink specials. Communion is open Wednesday-Saturday from 5-10 p.m. and Sunday from 5-9 p.m. (weather permitting). Check Communion's Facebook,Twitter and Instagram pages for updates.

$2 Tacos Take Over Tin Lizzy’s after 2 p.m. on Tuesdays

Time out for Taco Tuesdays at Tin Lizzy’s Cantina. Unfurl that stack of ones or whip out your plastic because the FlexMex cantina crew is folding $2 tacos on Tuesdays after 2 p.m. Available at all Tin Lizzy’s locations, the two buck clucks include grilled, fried, Buffalo, club and chicken con queso tacos. The fried fish taco jumps aboard the $2 deal as well. Order a bunch for the table, and you’ll be more popular than a loaded piñata. These tasty tacos will fly out of serving baskets, especially when a couple of pitchers of Blue Moon beer, $14 each, make an appearance. (Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.)

Sublime Doughnuts Scoops Free Ice Cream Through August 25 in Honor of Turning Eight

When it’s your birthday, “Happy Birthday!” greetings, cake and ice cream make the day extra special. Sublime Doughnuts is making the whole week special as they celebrate birthday number eight. Now through August 25, Sublime’s doling out a free scoop of their homemade Sublime Blue Birthday Cake ice cream to customers who walk into either the Midtown or North Druid Hills stores and say, “Happy Birthday, Baby Blue.” It’s always the right time to impart birthday greetings because the stores are open 24/7. Party hearty by purchasing one of the bakeshop’s chef-inspired doughnuts or another scoop of ice cream in flavors like mango moscato, strawberry rose, butter pecan caramel and peach riesling. Go social and look to Sublime’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram posts for a special birthday surprise.

Play Cornhole for Team in Training – Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at Atkins Park Va-Hi August 28

Hooker, shucker, blocker -- whatever your strategy -- pitch proudly and purposely. Enter the Team in Training Cornhole Tournament at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland, going down at 2 p.m. on Sunday, August 28. All proceeds benefit the Georgia Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The $50 entry fee per two-person team includes two beers and two raffle tickets. Winners walk out with more than $1000 in cash and prizes. Cornhole athletes and spectators, toss the idea around and come while away a Sunday afternoon sipping cold ones and doing good. Register at Atkins Park on tournament day.

#Foodgram: The Sprouted Kitchen

Sara Forte documents life, food, friends, family, travel…and did we already say food, mainly seasonal food and produce? Grow with her at the Sprouted Kitchen or www.sproutedkitchen.com. She has already sprouted two cookbooks: “The Sprouted Kitchen,” which is mostly vegetarian, and “Sprouted Kitchen Bowl + Spoon,” centered on food in, well, bowls.