Don't Forget About Fifth Group Restaurants' Loyalty Program

Join Fifth Group Restaurants’ Frequent Guest Rewards loyalty program and earn a point for every dollar you spend (including tax and gratuity) at one of their restaurants: Ecco, La Tavola Trattoria, South City Kitchen Midtown, South City Kitchen Vinings or The Original El Taco. Additionally, you’ll earn 250 points every time you dine at three different Fifth Group restaurants in a consecutive 60-day period. Don't forget about the cool complimentary entrée you receive on your birthday and enrollment anniversary ($40 value), as well as invitations to members-only restaurant events. There’s no annual fee. A one-time charge of $15 upon enrollment is completely refunded to you as soon as you dine at one of Fifth Group’s restaurants using one of your registered debit or credit cards. Fifth Group tracks your points so you don’t have to carry around one of those pesky punch cards.

Redeem your points for Fifth Group Restaurants dining cards for restaurant meals; a day as a chef’s apprentice with one-on-one lessons; a custom-created five-course dinner; vintage wines; an exclusive hors d’oeuvre and cocktail party for 20 people; or a private four-course wine dinner for 30 people! Read complete details online.

Fifth Group Restaurants:Ecco: 40 7th Street, NE; 404-347-9555. La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430. South City Kitchen Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358.South City Kitchen Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.The Original El Taco: 1186 North Highland Avenue, NE; 404-873-4656.

Frozen Lemonade at Panera

For each frozen lemonade purchased at Panera today, $1 is donated to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Not to mention, it's the perfect refreshment for a hot day!

Be sure to stop by a location of Panera not only to pick up a frozen lemonade, but also to try some of the new menu items that are being passed out as free samples!



To find an Atlanta-area Panera near you visit their website.

Eclipse di Luna Gives Parents a Lunch Break

Help Children's Healthcare of Atlanta by Chilling Out with New Frozen Lemonade at Panera

Need to beat the heat and refuel on Thursday, June 11? Pull in to one of Atlanta’s 21 Panera Bread bakery-cafes between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. to cool off with free samples of Panera’s new for summer chopped Cobb salad, their beloved strawberry poppyseed salad and frozen drinks like the low-fat strawberry smoothie, frozen lemonade or frozen mocha. What's even cooler is that on this day, $1 from each frozen lemonade purchased at any Atlanta-area Panera location on will go toward sending Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta pediatric patients to summer camp. And if you haven't heard yet, Panera just earned top spots in Zagat’s fast food survey released on June 8 – including Most Popular large restaurant concept, Best Salads and Best Healthiest Options.

To find a Panera Bread location near you, visit www.panera.com.

Flicks on Fifth in WaterHaven's Courtyard

You know it's summer when Flicks on Fifth starts back. It's the next best thing to the Starlight!

Tomorrow night is the first one and they are showing Quantum of Solace. Grab a friend (or two) and head over to WaterHaven early for the best spot. There are lots of options. You can get a $10 "box lunch" with a sandwich, pasta salad, cookie and drink to take to the courtyard and dine on your favorite blanket picnic-style. Or, you can pay $25 and see the movie on a private screen on WaterHaven's patio. This includes an appetizer, entree, glass of wine or beer, and soft drinks. Oh, and parking is free either way.

The show starts when it gets dark, so about 9 p.m. Happy Summer!

Sushi in the RA

This Friday, I was in a sushi-state-of-mind. I have been craving some delectable sushi and hadn't found a good time to get out. Luckily, I had the chance to attend RA Sushi's friends and family dinner. My fellow diner and I spared no calories in the process and hence checked out a wide variety of items off of the menu. Check out some of my favorite menu items!


The Spinach Gyoza was just the beginning for us, but I loved these spicy pot stickers. The sesame-mustard sauce that accompanied gave the perfect hint of heat.


The Viva Las Vegas Roll was my favorite of the night. As one of RA Sushi's signature menu items it isn't your traditional roll, but it is VERY tasty! Paired with my Sea Monkey martini--there was no disappointment here!

RA Sushi is open to the public today and is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with a late night menu available until midnight.

Georgia Organics Night at Pizza Fusion

Join Georgia Organics for a green pizza party TONIGHT! Member and supporter Pizza Fusion is hosting a Georgia Organics night from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with 10% of all proceeds supporting the organization. Enjoy organic pizza, beer, giveaways and get information on eating locally.

Pizza Fusion is located in the Astoria at the Aramore building, 2233 Peachtree Road. Free parking is available behind the restaurant.

Live Music Makes Me Happy

Having live music at a restaurant is kinda like having chocolate sauce on your ice cream. Not a necessity, but it sure does make it better. I have really enjoyed some good music this spring, including a recent spur-of-the-moment trip to the 40 Watt Club in Athens. Something about this time of year makes me want to listen, sing and, yes, dance. Here's a quick run-down of some good places to catch some tunes and add a little something extra to your night!

• Salsa, Latin jazz and acoustic guitar rotate through the week -- seven days a week -- at Eclipse di Luna - Miami Circle.


• JCT. Kitchen & Bar takes it to the terrace for live music from 6 – 9 p.m. every Thursday and in the bar on Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 8 p.m.


• Marlow’s Tavern makes music all over town with live music everywhere except Midtown.


• At Marlow’s in Alpharetta, John Oswald plays Thursday nights from 8 – 11 p.m.


• In Marlow's Duluth, Andrew Black takes on Friday nights from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m., and Andy Birdsall entertains Saturdays from 9 p.m. until midnight.


• Local acoustic favorites are popular Thursday and Friday nights from 8 – 11 p.m. at Marlow’s Tavern Northlake.


• There’s a full musical agenda at Marlow’s in Vinings: Under the Porch plays Tuesday nights from 8 – 11:30 p.m.; Andy Birdsall and Dave Onorato take over Wednesdays from 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Eric Hinton and Troy Rushing perform Thursdays from 8:30 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Nelson Brownstone plays Fridays from 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.; Jason Fulton and Troy Rushing cover Saturdays from 9 p.m. – 1:30 a.m.; and Galen Crader finishes the week on Sundays from 8 – 11 p.m.


• Up in Kennesaw, Marlow’s Tavern has live music Fridays and Saturdays from 7 – 11 p.m.

An Evening At Aria

Yesterday evening I joined the American Institute of Food and Wine for their monthly meet up at Aria. The vibe in the lounge was relaxed yet cool and my glass of Schwarzbock, a white wine from Austria, was fabulous. We nibbled on toasted brioche topped with capers and hard boiled egg and bite sized open-face BLTs. Gerry Klaskala also treated us to short rib on focaccia buns and spring rolls with laughing bird shrimp and vegetables. Aria's menu is especially tempting now that they give guests in the bar 20% off their entire food bill. This generous offer is available Monday through Saturday from open until close.

Aria is located at 490 East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead. Operating hours are 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., and valet parking is available. For reservations and additional information, call
404-233-7673 or visit www.aria-atl.com.

Kozmo on the Cover

Kozmo Gastro Pub in Johns Creek has landed the June cover of Alpharetta magazine and they are celebrating! Tomorrow night, the new Alpharetta eatery is throwing a party to mark this exciting occasion and also launch their new Thursday ladies' night! There will be a live band from 7-10 p.m. and a DJ from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Kozmo's contemporary comfort foods, shi-shi Kozmo-politans and other classic cocktails make for a fulfilling girls' night out close to home!

Kozmo Gastro Pub: 11890 Douglas Road, Suite 105; 678-526-6094.

Welcome Your Neighborhood EVOS!

Back in 1994, three guys were driving around Florida in a hot car, craving burgers and fries, but dreading the aftershock those greasy, not-so-healthy burgers and fries would wreak on their systems. A few miles down the road, the idea for EVOS® was born. They still didn't have a place for lunch, but they had an evolutionary idea about low fat, fast food eating that spread like ketchup. Getting right to the low-fat meat of the matter, EVOS will open in The Prado on Roswell Road on Friday, June 5.



Eating at EVOS is healthy for you and for the environment. The guys at EVOS are glad to explain without getting preachy. When you choose burgers, wraps, salads, soups and shakes from the menu, you get 50-70 percent less fat, 100 percent pure taste. Meats are slow-roasted, and Airfries are Airbaked so there are no greasy grills or dirty oils to pollute your veins or municipal drains. Meats are humanely raised, antibiotic and hormone free; Certified Organic and Fair Trade Certified ingredients are used wherever possible. Steakburgers are made from prime cuts of beef (not grab-bag cuts), and fresh "fruitshakes" blend organic fruits and juices, organic milk and a complementary multivitamin supplement. Vegetarian and vegan options abound. And, since the founders have kids of their own, the Healthy Kids menu stars tasty, healthy foods instead of cheap, shiny toys.




The Friday, June 5, EVOS will be open daily from 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. at 5590 Roswell Road, NE; 404-252-4022.

Wine Tasting at Eclipse di Luna!

Eclipse di Luna at Miami Circle hosts a wine tasting the first Tuesday of each month and you know that means. The tasting for June is tomorrow! From 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. the restaurant offers wines tastes with appetizers for only $10. This is such an awesome deal that you should go ahead and mark your calendar for the rest of the year! Located in Buckhead at 764 Miami Circle; 404-846-0449.

Atlanta Knows Brunch!

I love brunch-- I truly believe a perfect weekend begins with a scrumptious brunch and giant cup of coffee. So this weekend, sleep in a tad then rise and shine because here are some places for you to go, dishes for you to eat and drinks for you to tilt at these weekend brunch destinations.

Enjoy a classic Italian-style brunch? Begin your morning at La Tavola Trattoria in Virginia Highland. Enjoy a range of items from house-made challah French toast; chicken sausage with potato-leek hash and spicy cherry pepper chutney; poached eggs with warm bruschetta, crispy pancetta and sautéed spinach; stuffed egg “cannelloni” and many more options.

Need to get out of the city? Head up to the mountains--Wolf Mountain that is! Monthly themes and seasonal finds reward those who head for the hills to Sunday’s brunch buffet at Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery outside Dahlonega. This month’s Seafood Festival is net-worthy! You’ll definitely want to add a glass or bottle of Wolf Mountain’s European estate-style wines. Reservations are required so plan in advance for either the 12:30 p.m. or 2:30 p.m. seating; call 706-867-9862.

Wearing your Sunday’s best? Check out the new Pacci Ristorante adjacent to the chic new Hotel Palomar. Brunch is a Saturday and Sunday affair here and is served from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. both days.

If you need to add a little spice to your weekend, check out Uncle Julio’s Casa Grande! Prepare for an egg-ceptionally lively at brunch on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Eggs are king on the menu, scrambled and peppered with Mexican flair.

Look out over Piedmont Park from your perch at The Nook . . . if you can peel your eyes off the scrumptious menu! Wander around the farmer’s market on Sunday in the park and run over here to complete your morning by parking yourself on the porch!

Panera is a popular meeting place for brunch favorites anytime of day. The variety of bagels and cream cheese flavors keeps everyone smiling. On the bakery menu, pastries and sweets, granola parfaits, baked egg soufflés and bagel sandwiches join the parade of freshly baked breads that smell heavenly and taste even more divine. Can’t stay? Grab brunch to go!

Marlow’s Tavern is another easy choice for Sunday brunch, especially with six locations around Atlanta. Order from the brunch menu at Marlow’s Alpharetta, and don’t forget your $14.99 bottomless mimosa! In Duluth, Marlow’s offers a brunch menu and $3 mimosas (per glass). Marlow’s Midtown, Northlake and Kennesaw spread out full brunch buffets for $14.99 per person and pour bottomless mimosas for $15 each. And Marlow’s Vinings also sets forth a sumptuous full buffet for $14.99 for west siders.

Vote For Your Favorite Atlanta Restaurants

Support your favorite Atlanta restaurants by voting in Jezebel Magazine's 100 Best Restaurants survey. There are many categories including best dessert, best outdoor patio, best presentation and best power lunch so none of your favorites will be left out. Click here to vote!

And The Winner Is...

Congratulations to Doug Hines!!! Doug won the Kenny Chesney prize pack from Kozmo Gastro Pub, which includes dinner for two, two tickets to the May 28 Kenny Chesney concert at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre and a VIP parking pass for the event. (Click here for original post.)

Keep checking back with us for more opportunities like this. Again, congrats to Doug, have fun watching Kenny!!

Taste Spanish and Italian White Wines at Woodfire Grill Tomorrow

Co-Owner and Wine Director Nicolas Quinones of Woodfire Grill will host a wine tasting tomorrow, May 27 featuring Spanish and Italian whites. The floral, crisp whites are perfect for warm summer months we have ahead. Guests will taste Albariño, Verdejo, Soave, Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, Viura and others from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m for $15 per person. What I love most about the tastings at Woodfire Grill (besides the nice price point) is the fact that you can enjoy from wherever you sit - bar top, table in the dining room or even on the patio. It's as simple as that. Call the restaurant at 404-347-9055 for reservations. Located at 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road.

They are on facebook, too!

Mmmmmm Chocolate! 2009

In less than a month, Atlanta’s top bakers, chefs, vintners and caterers will come together and create chocolate delights for The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's ninth annual fundraiser.The sinful event will take place on Thursday, June 18 at Villa Christina.

Contributing restaurants this year include:

Aqua Blue

Bold American Events & Catering

Canoe

City Grill

Dailey’s

Dantanna’s

JD Rothschild & Co.

Jim ‘N Nick’s BBQ

Kheesekakes by Kelli

Kozmo Gastro Pub

Max Lager’s Wood-Fired Grille & Brewery

Pacci Ristorante

Rathbun’s

Silk Restaurant

The Capital Grille

The Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton-Buckhead

The Land of 1,000 Hills Coffee

The Melting Pot

Veni Vidi Vici

Villa Christina

Wildfire

The team at Melissa Libby and Associates is proud to support and attend this annual event. The exclusive evening features two live bands, a chocolate martini bar, a chocolate lager and a chocolate cappuccino tasting, full dinner buffet, silent auction and, of course, all-you-can-eat chocolate treats. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.chocolateforcf.org/.

~~ GIVEAWAY ALERT~~ Kozmo Gastro Pub Giving Away Kenny Chesney Tickets!!!

Country music fans, listen up: Kozmo Gastro Pub in Johns Creek has a special treat! Everyone who dines at the restaurant from Friday, May 22 and until Wednesday, May 27, 2009 will be entered to win a Kenny Chesney prize pack. The pack includes dinner for two at the restaurant on the day of the concert (May 28, 2009 at 8 p.m.), two tickets to the concert and a VIP parking pass at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre for the show.

The winner will be announced Wednesday, May 27 via phone and Facebook. Be sure to become a fan of Kozmo if you have not already! Send them a message on Facebook for more information.

Good Luck, and be sure to try the house poutine when you go!

A New Fish Coming to Town!

This is Gil. He's with RA Sushi and here's here to tell you that there's a new fish in town!

RA Sushi is opening June 8 in Midtown and it's going to be awesome. I took a tour recently and was blown away by how big and pretty the space was. It's two stories but the upstairs overlooks the downstairs so it's really open. The decor just screams "have fun" and I'm looking forward to doing just that. This is no stuffy sushi joint - MF is safe. This is a place to meet friends after work, have some great drinks, yummy apps, and fun.

Gil and I will see you there!

Dogwood Offers New Bloom Plate Special

Tuesday through Friday Dogwood restaurant's Bloom Plate Special blossoms at lunch or dinner with three courses for $25. This includes a choice of any soup or salad, the daily entrée and a choice of dessert. We've listed daily entrées here so you can plan your week accordingly: Tuesday - half roasted chicken with new potatoes, asparagus and natural jus; Wednesday - Southern-fried catfish served with creamy yellow grits and pimentos topped with fresh herb tartar sauce; Thursday - Kobe beef meatloaf with buttermilk-bacon smashed potatoes and squash casserole; Friday - prime rib with sweet corn pudding and buttermilk-horseradish whipped potatoes. (This special deal cannot be combined with any other offers or coupons).

Also, don't forget about Dogwood's "Toss Up Tuesday and Thursday." There's a 50/50 chance that the appetizers you order at the bar are on the house!

Dogwood: In the Reynolds condominium building at 565 Peachtree Street, Suite A; 404-835-1410.