She's Leaving On A Jet Plane....

Melissa is heading to NYC for dinner at the James Beard House where Executive Chef and Co-Owner Shane Touhy of Dogwood restaurant will be cooking a spring supper. Tomorrow night Melissa will indulge in a fabulous meal.....

*Mini southern fried quail biscuits with
peppered strawberry compote

*Fingerling potato crisps with boiled peanut mousseline and caviar

*Cold smoked tuna tartare with apples, pecans, cornbread rounds

*Creamy stone-ground yellow “Logan Turnpike” grits with cornmeal dusted gulf oyster, preserved lemon, hazelnut cream, micro lemon mint

*Pan seared Georgia mountain trout with sunchoke puree, spring pea basil sauce and marinated wild mushroom salad

*Charred rare venison tartare with toasted brioche, sunny side up quail egg, caramelized shallot jam and smoked blackberry-merlot reduction

*Berkshire Pork loin confit with a ragout of spring mushrooms and aged country ham, fava bean pesto

*Brown butter- almond financiere with crème brulee ice cream and Grand Marnier-strawberry syrup

Wow, I am jealous. For a preview of Shane's meal, visit Savory Exposure.

Eclipse di Luna Celebrates Administrative Professionals Day

Put down the files and have some fun! Administrative professionals can take a lunch break on Wednesday, April 22 and head over to Eclipse di Luna in Buckhead or Dunwoody for two free tapas. Hold off on taking that last phone call before lunch—the special is available only until 2 p.m.! Take a breather and kick back on the patio…perhaps honor the day with a margarita or glass of sangria.

Love Me, Love My Tree: Earth Day, Week and Month Events Around Town

Remember when Earth Day was just one Day? Well, not anymore! As we have grown to understand the relationship between our actions and the environment, the need to protect the Earth (from ourselves) has become even more apparent. Next week, several of our favorite local spots are highlighting things we can all do to enjoy Mother Earth a little longer:

Basically, every day is Earth Day at LEED-certified Pizza Fusion in Buckhead. So it's no surprise that on Earth Day, Wednesday, April 22, Pizza Fusion has more green goodies! While Pizza Fusion has been serving pizzas in Atlanta since fall, the team saved the ribbon-cutting celebration to coincide with Earth Day. Live music and food specials will abound, along with $3 select organic beer and $1 Honest Tea. The Captain Planet Foundation will receive a portion of the day’s proceeds, and the good Captain himself will be available for photos between 5-9 p.m. Celebratory giveaways on April 22 include a free personal organic cheese pizza (POCP) and Honest Tea for the first 50 people who walk, run, bike, take MARTA or drive a hybrid/Smart car to the event; a free POCP and Honest Kids beverage for the first 50 kids; a free Pizza Fusion reusable tote to the first 50 people who order a specialty pizza; and an enter-to-win opportunity to win one of six birthday or office parties.

Pizza Fusion: In the Astoria at the Aramore building, 2233 Peachtree Road, Suite M; 404-351-9334.

Whole Foods Markets won't make you dig around for ways to protect the Earth all month. This month, the company marks one whole year without disposable plastic grocery bags, keeping an estimated 150 million bags out of landfills and tripling reusable bag use. Shoppers can pick up Whole Foods Market’s “Make a Green Change: 30 Ways in 30 Days” calendar, crammed with small daily actions that make a big difference over the course of a year. Through month end, enter the “Recycle Your Old Fridge Sweepstakes” online and test your family’s green IQ. You may win a new, ENERGY STAR-qualified Bosch Evolution refrigerator stuffed with natural and organic foods from Whole Foods Market. Earth-loving teens are digging Project Green Prom! Besides creating videos on how they’ll green their proms for Teens Turning Green, they’re attending in-store Prom Prep Day events with eco-makeovers, fashion, flower and decorating tips, and eating right for prom night.

Eclipse di Luna in Buckhead is pouring $15 pitchers of margaritas Monday- Thursday during Earth Week. After all, isn’t this warm weather beverage a lovely shade of green? This high-energy lunch, dinner and night spot tops off your tank with small plates of tapas before you head out to burn some fuel on the dance floor!

Eclipse di Luna - Miami Circle: 764 Miami Circle in Buckhead; 404-846-0449.

Richard Blais at Variety Playhouse

Richard Blais cooking demo at Variety Playhouse on June 27 at 3 p.m. Tickets go on sale this Friday. Thanks for the heads up Ryan!

The Georgia Aquarium Hosts Toast of the Town

Water and wine are coming together for one incredible event on Thursday, April 16 in Atlanta. Wine Enthusiast's premier wine tasting event, Toast of the Town, will be held at the Georgia Aquarium, where more than 500 wines and spirits will be available for tasting. Attendees can also dine on dishes from Atlanta's top restaurants including Aqua blue, Eclipse di Luna, Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead and Downtown, Toulouse and Woodfire Grill. In addition to fantastic food and wine, there will be a silent auction benefiting the Georgia Aquarium! Purchase tickets online: $175 VIP Tasting / $95 Grand Tasting. VIP Tasting starts at 5 p.m. with privileged access to reserve and estate wines and Atlanta's best restaurant dishes all in a quieter, more relaxed setting and includes a six-issue subscription to Wine Enthusiast magazine. The Grand Tasting follows from 7-10 p.m.

Georgia Aquarium: 225 Baker Street.

Last Call for CPA's To Sign Up And Win Free Dinner at Morton's

As I posted a couple weeks ago, both locations of Morton's The Steakhouse are taking submissions from local CPAs for a complimentary dinner during CPA Appreciation Day on April 16. The winning CPA will be drawn on Tuesday, April 14, so call Morton’s Buckhead at 404-816-6535 or Morton’s Downtown at 404-577-4366 before April 14 to submit your name, phone number and email address.

The complimentary steak and seafood dinner valued at $99.99 is only offered to official CPAs, so be sure and bring proof of profession. Here are the locations - Morton’s The Steakhouse Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Morton’s The Steakhouse Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

Forward on to your stressed out CPA friends that are in need of a little appreciation this April 16!

Quick Tip!

Thinking about dining out this weekend or heading out for a few spring cocktails? Why not save $10 and head to Marlow's Tavern! When you sign up for Marlow's newsletters you will recieve a $10 giftcard valid at any Marlow's Tavern location. So enjoy that extra drink or dessert and venture to your nearest Marlow's Tavern!

Don’t Be A Basket Case Over Where To Dine for Easter!

There are lots of "good eggs" in the way of places to meet and eat this Easter Sunday.

Aqua blue sets an Easter buffet table with high style and a generous line-up of classic Easter dishes from 10:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Order a bottomless mimosa and toast the occasion before heading to the buffet, which will be laden with dishes to please adults and children. Fill your plate with carved leg of lamb or ham, blackened fish with lobster sauce, chicken rotini primavera in cream sauce, London broil with Marsala and mushroom sauce and roasted turkey with giblet gravy. Round it out with wild rice pilaf, sautéed vegetables, sweet potato soufflé, broccoli casserole, macaroni and cheese, smoked salmon, chilled shrimp and house, Caesar and spring salads; fresh fruit and a variety of sushi. "Morning" foods include made-to-order omelets, eggs Benedict, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage, French toast, sausage gravy and biscuits, home fries, grits, artisan breads, muffins and pastries. Kids will love the chicken fingers, and there are desserts to please everyone's sweet cravings! Adults, $29.95; children ages 4-12, $9.95; children under four dine free of charge. Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886.

There's a Marlow's Tavern location a hop away from wherever you are in metro Atlanta with tables set for a casual Easter brunch. Marlow's Tavern Northlake will offer two buffets from 10 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.: the extended buffet for adult appetites and the "knee high" buffet for children. Along with tavern favorites, Easter diners will savor the prime rib carving station and omelet station. $19.99 for adults, $9.99 for children 5-12 and free for children under five. In Vinings, Marlow's guests will find crab cakes Benedict, glazed ham and crab legs on the brunch buffet priced at $19.99. Bottomless mimosas and bloody Mary's are $15. The Sunday brunch menu satisfies hearty appetites as always at Marlow's in Alpharetta, Midtown and Kennesaw. Stay tuned - Marlow's Duluth will soon offer weekend brunch! Marlow's Tavern locations include 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.



Morton's The Steakhouse in Buckhead and Downtown are open from 1-9 p.m. on Easter Sunday. Guests can peruse the full menu to choose succulent steaks, seafood and other specialties that have made Morton's famous. Morton's upscale atmosphere goes hand-in-hand with special occasions...so wear your Easter dress. Morton's The Steakhouse-Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Morton's The Steakhouse-Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

Those dreaming of a scenic Easter Sunday surrounded by nature and enjoying the fruits of the vine will find Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery the idyllic holiday setting. Did somebody say photo op? Bring the entire family up to Dahlonega for Wolf Mountain's elaborate 7th Annual Easter Brunch. $30 per person plus tax and gratuity. Purchase wine by the glass or bottle to complete your special Easter meal. Advance reservations are required and can be made for either the 12:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. seating by calling 706-867-9862. Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery: 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega, Georgia; 706-867-9862.

Happy Easter!

Easter Baking Ideas

I have confessed my love for Bakerella a time or two on this blog. With Easter this weekend, I have to share with you all the cute things she has been baking. From bunnies and chicks to a more modern peep, she has the most adorable ideas.

I can't cook, but I love to bake so I can't wait to show up to lunch on Easter Sunday with a few edible baskets like the ones she posted about yesterday.

Miniature Easter basket cupcakes

My pictures won't be as good as hers, but if I can snap a few before they disappear I'll share them with you guys. Happy Easter!

Thursdays at JCT. Kitchen & Bar Feature Live Music, Cheap Eats and Patio Punch

Westside Urban Market is filled with fun on Thursdays, thanks to JCT. Kitchen & Bar. Chef/Owner Ford Fry prepares goodies for $1, including oysters, JCT. deviled eggs and pimento cheese toasts with pickled sunchokes. The restaurant's mixologist Lara Creasy prepares $24 carafes of Patio Punch, a potent libation with fresh fruit juices from local farms. A large selection of wine and cocktails including $5 special martinis, margaritas and sangria are also available. The rooftop bar at JCT. is an excellent place to unwind and start the weekend early, especially when the live music cranks up at 6 p.m. on Thursday nights. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m. on Thursdays, but the bar keeps going from 5 p.m. until midnight.

JCT. Kitchen & Bar: 1198 Howell Mill Road, Suite 18; 404-355-2252.

This Week's Wine Events

It's wine time! Here are some great wine events going on this week:

For those of you outside of the perimeter, head to Aqua blue on Wednesday, April 8, for a five-course winemaker dinner featuring the diverse wines of Domaine Chandon. This special menu features a bounty of spring’s refreshing flavors, each course complemented by the appropriate Domaine Chandon wine for $60 per person, not including tax and gratuity. The evening begins at 6:30 p.m. Reservations are required; call 770-643-8886. On the menu: seafood kabob with spicy chile and lime glaze, Domaine Chandon Rose Sparkling Wine, Napa Valley NV; grilled shrimp and peach salad, goat cheese and watercress, Domaine Chandon Chardonnay, Carneros 2005; roast duck, Japanese eggplant, summer squash, fried sweet potato and smooth cherry broth, Domaine Chandon Pinot Noir, Carneros 2006; pork tenderloin pad thai, Domaine Chandon Pinot Meunier, Carneros 2006; strawberry and kiwi flan; Domaine Chandon Riche Sparkling Wine, Napa Valley NV.

Aqua blue is located at 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road.

Inside the perimeter people can make their way to Woodfire Grill for wine on Wednesday, April 8. Guests can try Italian red wines from the Piedmont regions: Barolo, Barbera d’Alba, Barbera d’Asti and Dolcetto. The tasting is $15 per person and can be experienced from 6 to 10 p.m. in the bar area at your own pace or at your dinner table. Reservations are required for the wine tastings as space is limited.

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

This just in: new seating at Star Provisions!

Woot! They have put in two large tables for eating those delicious sandwiches and cupcakes at Star Provisions. I just happened on it at lunch today. You order at the counter as usual and then they bring it out to you. Awesome! They are not quite finished but people were already sitting there.

Peachtree Road Farmers Market is Back!

Recipe for a great Saturday morning: pick up a cup of Batdorf & Bronson coffee, buy two jars of Hope's Gardens basil pesto for $11, and take a walk in the crisp morning air through the Peachtree Road Farmers Market. See, who says I don't know how to cook?

And what's the perfect morning recipe without bacon? New to the market this year is Avondale Estate's Pine Street Market. They were serving samples of their Applewood Smoked Bacon and Sopressata Salami. Oh. Yes. Must buy this every week.



Also new is the Riverview Farms Meat CSA. Now you can sign up to get monthly deliveries of sustainable meats grown by nearby family farms just like you've signed up to get your regular delivery of produce/eggs/honey from Moore Farms! My friend Suzanne (that's her cool blue truck in the back of the bacon photo) can fill you in: suzanne@grassfedcow.com.









When it's early in the season and there's not a lot of produce yet, the artisans really fill out the market. Tracy Hartley does some cool stuff with recycled materials like the rooster art above. He has some work at Holeman & Finch and I was thinking maybe he should have some work at the new world headquarters of Melissa Libby & Associates. This would look good in a loft, yes? I also loved the ceramic lamb salt/pepper shakers by artist Karen Fincannon - she assured me I could find them on Etsy if I didn't purchase today.
Last stop of the day is always at Taj Ma-Hound. Norma Jean is a big fan, as are all the dogs who visit the market. Her cookies are so healthy and you should see the decorated ones - adorable! Since Norma's on a diet, I got her the Low Fat Cinnabones.
I think Norma Jean pretty much sums up this recipe: A yummy way to start your Saturday!

Uncork A Cure...An Inspi(red) Event

I enjoyed a fun filled night of wine sampling, food tasting, mingling and auction bidding at the ARCA's 19th annual Uncork a Cure. The Foundry at Puritan Mill was a wonderful space to hold such a large event. Although I sipped many fabulous wines, I have to say the most clever was Cabernet Glavingnon, Tom Glavin's new wine.

Now on to the food. My first bite was a trout snack from Shane Touhy at Dogwood.

I was then drawn to a field of strawberry topped sushi from Steel.

While at the sushi plate, I eyed mini beers and chocolate dessert from Gordon Biersch. The beer tasting was refreshing after all the wine.

My sweet tooth was satisfied again with a red velvet cupcake from Highland Bakery.

Back to the savory side for steak and mashed potatoes courtesy of Morton's Steakhouse.

As the night is winding down, I visit El Taco for a pork filled tortilla.

And to end my culinary adventure, I stopped at Eclipse di Luna for a taste of Ben McPherson's unique combination of popcorn and shrimp.

Any event that encourages me to indulge on dessert in between wine tastings and food samplings is a success! Uncork the Cure 2009 proved to be a relaxed yet elegant event for a wonderful cause.

Does it get any better than wine and pizza?

Well, yes, if it's organic wine and organic pizza.

Last night the Atlanta Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF) had their monthly "Wonderful Wednesday" at Pizza Fusion in Buckhead. Steve Hinternhoff from Quality Wine & Spirits brought Kristin Freund of Terre Rouge Wines. The group was able to taste five wines from their portfolio while sampling delicious pizza and mingling with fellow foodies. The verdict: the wines were awesome and they all went well with pizza!

My personal favorite was 2005 TERRE ROUGE Roussanne - Sierra Foothills. A Rhone Ranger, of course. I think I might stop by after work to see if there's any left ...

(My apologies to Kristin for making her look like she has a huge green bow on her head.)

April Fools!

Whole Foods Market displays their wit and ability not to take themselves too seriously for April Fools Day. Check out their Web site for other "April Fools" and quick quips sure to make you chuckle.

Get Your Very Own James Beard House Dinner at Dogwood Without Leaving Atlanta

Don't miss out on your chance to get first dibs on Chef Shane Touhy's James Beard House menu that he'll be preparing in NYC on April 18. This talented Atlanta chef is serving a sneak preview at Dogwood, his home restaurant, on Tuesday, April 14. He’ll offer the same menu he’s preparing for his April 18 James Beard House Dinner, paired with Swanson Vineyards wines for the fixed price of $95 per person plus tax and gratuity. Shane wants "the people that support us day in and day out to experience this special menu right here at Dogwood.”

Click here to check out Shane's special menu and the Swanson Vineyards wines that will accompany it. Seats are going fast, so call 404-835-1410 to reserve a table for the special evening. Note: all guests at the table must order the James Beard House menu. New York-bound diners can make a reservation at The Beard House for Touhy’s April 18 dinner ($125 members/$165 non members) by calling 212-627-2308. Dogwood is located at 565 Peachtree Street; 404-835-1410. The Beard House is located at 167 West 12th Street in New York City; 212-627-2308.

Attention CPAs - Call Morton's Before Tax Deadline

I used to work for a CPA back in college when I thought that was what I wanted my career to be. Obviously I took a much different route. But years later I can still remember the intensity of the office from January through April. There was no question that I would work on weekends and we all dreaded giving the boss bad news for fear his head would explode. If only we had been able to sign up the boss for Morton's The Steakhouse CPA Appreciation Day on April 16.

Notify all your CPA friends that both locations of Morton's in Atlanta will pick a winner on Wednesday, April 15, to enjoy a complimentary steak and seafood dinner valued at $99.99 during their CPA Appreciation Day celebration on April 16. To enter, call Morton’s Buckhead at 404-816-6535 or Morton’s Downtown at 404-577-4366 before April 14 to submit your name, phone number and email address. Winners will be notified by phone on Tax Day and must bring proof that he/she is a CPA.

Morton’s The Steakhouse-Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Morton’s The Steakhouse-Downtown: SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366.

Mark Your Calendar for Chocolate! 2009

The team at Melissa Libby and Associates is proud to take part in Chocolate! 2009 for another year! The ninth annual fundraiser for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Georgia chapter will take place on Thursday, June 18th from 5 pm-10 pm. They are back for another year of pure indulgence at Villa Christina restaurant. Chocolate tastings from Atlanta’s premier pastry chefs take the main stage. Come enjoy martini tastings, a full dinner buffet, chocolate beer and chocolate espresso. Live entertainment, a silent auction, a cash bar and FREE valet parking promise to make this special evening one to celebrate in style!
To learn more and purchase tickets, please visit www.chocolateforcf.org .

Boo hoo! Mussels Deal Ends at Dogwood Friday!

In the "all good things must come to an end" category: the all-you-can-eat mussels special at Dogwood ends tomorrow night. You might want to make one more trip over there with a $20 bill and eat yourself silly on those awesome mussels and that glass of Kim Crawford sauvignon blanc. I'll save you a seat at the bar!