Vote on Atlanta's Hottest Chef at Adventurous Tastes

Nothing is hotter than someone who knows their way around a kitchen. In case you haven't been peaking in the kitchen when dining in some of Atlanta's hotspots, Lindsey Zuckerman of the food blog Adventurous Tastes, pulled together a very attractive list of chefs from around the city.

And after two weeks of nomitations from readers, you can now vote on who you think should be crowned Atlanta's Hottest Chef. The list of chefs heating things up in the kitchen include:

Kozmo Gastropub's Chef Travis Collum
Shaun's Chef Shaun Doty
The Shed at Glenwood's Chef Lance Gummere
The Sun Dial's Chef Christian Messier
Pacci's Chef Keira Moritz
Holy Taco's Chef Robert Phalen
La Tavola's Chef Craig Richards
French American Brasserie's Chef Stephen Sharp


Voting ends July 24, so be sure and choose your favorite!

"Yelp Eats!" Menus at 13 Atlanta Restaurants Starts Monday

Even if you're not a Yelper, you'll want to chow down on these three-course prix fixe menus offered at 13 Atlanta restaurants for only $25 apiece during Yelp Eats! 2009. These special menus will only be offered from Monday, July 20 through Sunday, July 26. Ask for the “Yelp Eats” dinner menu for $25 per person, not including drinks, tax or gratuity. Our favorites on the list of participants Fifth Group Restaurants’ Ecco, La Tavola Trattoria, South City Kitchen Midtown and South City Kitchen Vinings as well as Dogwood, Toulouse and WaterHaven. Check out the complete list of restaurants, then wipe drool off face.

It's Time to Take a Chance at Pacci Ristorante

I've never been too lucky when it comes to gambling, but I think I'm willing to give it a shot at Pacci Ristorante in Midtown July 18 through August 30. They've got a good thing going! From 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays, guests ordering from Pacci's special Scramble Gamble breakfast menu have the possibility of enjoying their meal for FREE! At meal's end, a Pacci employee will flip a coin while the guest calls it, determining whether he or she must pay the bill or receive their Scramble Gamble menu items free of charge.

Chef Keira Moritz's special menu is loaded with good stuff, including a mushroom frittata with fresh goat cheese and seasonal mushrooms; two eggs with breakfast potatoes and toast; Midtown Bene - English muffin with prosciutto and hollandaise; Peachtree B&G - buttermilk biscuits and sausage gravy; Pacci house-made granola with fresh berries; salmon with capers, egg, onion, cream cheese and crostini; French toast with cinnamon butter, fresh berries and maple syrup; and ricotta pancakes with caramelized banana syrup ($8-$12). The Scramble Gamble does not include beverages or dishes from the restaurant's regular menus. Pacci Ristorante: 866 West Peachtree Street, NW: 678-412-2402.

Pass the Shrimp

Ever wonder where those delectable shrimp you indulge in came from and when they were caught? Whole Foods Market does--and they want to make sure they provide you with fresh, wild Georgia shrimp. That is why Whole Foods supports local fishermen such as Ambos Seafood in Savannah, GA. Click here to watch a video on how Ambos Seafood delivers fresh seafood daily.

Woodfire Grill Brings N. GA Wine Country to Cheshire Bridge

I dont' make it to the North Georgia wine vineyards as much as I should. We have a great wine country right in our backyard and sometimes forget to take advantage of it. Woodfire Grill will be hosting a wine tasting on Wednesday, July 15, to remind Atlantans of the great vino found in North Georgia.

In addition to the local wines, Woodfire Grill will also host winemakers from the area. Karl Boegner from Wolf Mountain Vineyards, Mary Ann Hardman from Persimmon Creek Vineyards, John and Martha Ezzard from Tiger Mountain Vineyards and Craig Kritzer from Frogtown Cellars will all be in attendance to talk to guests about their vineyards and wines. The tasting goes from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and is $15 per person. Email nick@woodfiregrill.com or call 404-347-9055 for reservations.

Tastes:

Persimmon Creek Seyval Blanc

Persimmon Creek Cabernet Franc

Tiger Mountain TNT

Tiger Mountain Petit Manseng

Wolf Mountain Plenitude

Wolf Mountain Instinct

Frogtown Norton

Frogtown Touché

Cheers to drinking local!

Fifth Group Restaurants Puts Pricey Pours in Their Place and Offers Wines for Our Times

After a long day, everyone deserves a glass of wine - and we deserve to not have to pay an arm and a leg for one. Luckily, all five Fifth Group Restaurants (South City Kitchen Midtown, South City Kitchen Vinings, Ecco, La Tavola Trattoria and The Original El Taco) feel our pain and are offering a "Screw This!" promotion featuring five different high-quality, top-notch wines for only $5 a glass through July 30. The list includes Beringer Napa Valley Chardonnay; Cellar #8 Pinot Noir, California; Chateau St. Jean Fume Blanc, California; Campanile Pinot Grigio, Italy; and Souverain Merlot, Alexander Valley, California.

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.

Aqua Blue Hosts Yelp Elite Group

Last night, the Yelp Elite group headed OTP to Aqua Blue in Roswell. The little treck outside the Perimeter seemed well worth it when I discovered it was also "Ladies Night" - $5 wine, mojitos and select apps at the bar. While I waited for Yelpers to arrive, I hung out with Elbie (bartender) who talked up all of the wonderful wines the restaurant had to offer.

Okay, so on to the event! Close to 90 people attended this outside event, so you can say the patio was packed! Aqua Blue offered Yelpers complimentary wine, beer and a Lake Lanier cocktail (quite tasty and refreshing). Two to three different types of freshly-made sushi was on the food table, along with fried calamari. Unfortunately, I was too full to stay for dinner, but I'll certainly make another trip up there sometime soon!

Atlanta Represents on Top Chef Las Vegas

Bravo TV has announced the contestants for season 6 of "Top Chef: Las Vegas" and you may recognize a few names. Three chefs from Atlanta will be on the show that premieres Wednesday, August 26 at 9 p.m. We are happy to share that our friend, Woodfire Grill's Executive Chef and Partner Kevin Gillespie will be joining 17 other contestants including Pura Vida's Hector Santiago and Eno's Eli Kirshtein on the show.

As a huge fan of the show, I will certainly be tuning in to watch the competition with host Padma Lakshmi alongside judges Tom Colicchio, Gail Simmons and Toby Young. Can't wait!

Whole Foods Market Eat Local Challenge

Are you ready to take on the Whole Foods Market Eat Local Challenge during the week of July 13 - 20? If you're up to the challenge, start checking out local foods from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Tennessee and some parts of Florida, homegrown local land. This is home for the foods you'll be eating next week if you accept the challenge. Not only will you be eating fresh foods that took a very short trip to your shopping bag, you'll be helping local farmers and economies as well. Register for the Eat Local Challenge on Saturday, July 11 at your local Whole Foods Market. At week's end, jot down your thoughts on the Whole Foods Market summary sheet, turn it in and you'll have a chance to win a $100 Whole Foods gift card!

Sushi and Drink Specials at RA

Tokyo Tea and Jade Lotus

Ever since my first visit to RA Sushi in Midtown, I have been craving more. Hearing about the half-priced select sushi and appetizers from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day was like music to my ears. But a visit isn't complete without a signature drink and the restaurant's Tokyo Tea, Rising Sun, Jade Lotus, and a Chang beer and sake bomb mix are $5 each. $4 buys select wine and margaritas; $3 snags lemon drops, mango martinis or Chang beer and $2 will get you PBR or hot sake. I know where the next post-work hangout will be.

Open everyday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with a late night menu available until midnight. 1010 Midtown at 1080 Peachtree Street; 404-267-0114.

Save The Date For Dogwood's Anniversary

Mark your calendars: Dogwood Owners Scott Black and Shane Touhy have planned a special five-course dinner to celebrate their Midtown restaurant’s first anniversary on July 20. Plan on savoring seasonally inspired Southern specialties along with award-winning wines from Napa’s Falcor Winery at the anniversary dinner party. A Falcor winemaker will be at the dinner to review wine and food pairings, and Dogwood will donate 10 percent of all proceeds from the event to Breast Friends, an Atlanta-based non-profit organization that provides support, practical assistance, information and resources for breast cancer patients and their loved ones. The party starts at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails at the bar followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Cost is $70 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Be sure to snag a seat by calling now for reservations. Touhy was named one of Atlanta’s Top 25 Chefs by The Sunday Paper and he was a guest chef at the renowned James Beard House in NYC this past April, so you won't want to miss out on his anniversary specials!

Dogwood is located in the Reynolds condominium building at 565 Peachtree Street, Suite A; 404-835-1410.

Almost Margarita Time!

I'd be hard pressed to come up with a day or time that's not right for a margarita, but hot July nights certainly beg for one, don't you think? My friend Katie sent me the following message and I just had to trust her on this. If you make it, let me know. Or better yet, call me and let me taste!!

"This is the BEST MARGARITA YOU WILL EVER HAVE…. Is at a restaurant called Lonesome Dove in Fort Worth, TX. Recipe below – I think we should try to make it one night. "

Jalapeno Cucumber Margarita
1- 1/2 oz Milagro Tequila
½ oz Cointreau
Fresh lime juice
2 slices fresh jalapenos
1 slice peeled cucumber
½ oz simple syrup
Muddle jalapenos and cucumber with simple syrup. Add ice, tequila, cointreau and lime juice. Shake and serve in cocktail glass.

Cheering on Hardy!

Murphy-Goode recently announced their top 50 for "A Really Goode Job" and we are estatic to say that Hardy from Dirty South Wine was one of the top 50 finalists chosen!

Now it is a waiting game to find out who is in the top 10 (announced July 7) and then the final pick (announced July 21). It is no secret who MLA will be cheering for--go Hardy!

4th of July Happenings Around Town

If you're looking to take a break from the kitchen this holiday weekend, here are a few places that will be serving out deals for the 4th of July.

Opening for the first time for the 4th, Aria is offering all Facebook fans a killer deal. Make reservations through OpenTable and put "Facebook" in the notes section or mention Facebook when phoning in and receive 50% off the food bill. The restaurant opens at 5:30 p.m. for dinner. 490 East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead; 404-233-7673.

Stop by Aqua blue on Friday, July 3 and enjoy one free 1.5 pound steamed whole lobster appetizer with your dinner purchase. One freebie per table (tax and tip not included). Aqua blue will be open from 4-10 p.m.; mention this offer when making your reservation. 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886.

EVOS will be open serving healthy, slow-roasted steakburgers, Airfries, wraps, salads, and cool fruitshakes. And for the runners taking part in the Peachtree Road Race, EVOS is offering a FREE organic milk shake. Just drop by and show your t-shirt or bib number to receive the special offer. 5590 Roswell Road, NE at The Prado;404-252-4022.

All six Marlow's Tavern locations are open as usual on July 4th. 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.

The Nook, On Piedmont Park will open for brunch at 9 a.m. for runners and their fans to enjoy the terrific Piedmont Park view. 1144 Piedmont Avenue in Midtown; 404-745-9222.

Head over to Panera Bread bakery-cafes for your 4th of July picnic goodies. Each Atlanta location will be open on the holiday during regular business hours providing good eats for firework watchers. Go online to find out which of Atlanta's 21 Panera locations is closest to you.

Midtown's newly opened RA Sushi will be serving light, cool sushi and sashimi on the hot, hot July 4th. Plus, it's convenient for Peachtree Road Race fans and for those heading to view the Centennial Olympic Park fireworks. 1010 Midtown at 1080 Peachtree Street; 404-267-0114.

Toast to the holiday with a Swirl at Uncle Julio's Casa Grande. The restaurant's signature drink is the perfect blend of frozen margarita and sangria. 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767. To go line: 404-974-2991.

Woodfire Grill will be offering a threee-course dinner for $35 per person from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. that includes Chef Kevin Gillespie's roasted whole hog with his own Terminus City barbeque recipe. A $5 suggested donation for the all-you-can-drink SweetWater beer, and proceeds will go to "Save the Hooch."1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!

The Team Celebrates a Wedding

We are all meeting up tomorrow at the Carl House to celebrate Caryn's wedding! This gives me an excuse to come to the city outside of my monthly trip to see the team. We've all been hearing about the planning and can't wait to see how it all works out. I am especially excited about the wedding cake. Oh, and the champagne. Cheers to Caryn and Jason!

Atlanta Summer Beer Fest at Marlow's Tavern in Midtown

On Saturday, June 27, a good time is brewing at Marlow's Tavern. Marlow's is the place for some ice cold hydration in the form of frosty beer during the Atlanta Summer Beer Fest, taking place inside and out at the restaurant's Midtown location. From 4 p.m. until midnight, festival goers can try beers from Atlanta Brewing Company, SweetWater Brewing Company and Terrapin Beer Company from Athens, Ga. Each brew is $4, and tasting-size beers are $2. Guests can cast their votes for the festival’s best beer. Admission is free, and live music plays from 4 p.m. until 2 a.m. Free parking is available behind Marlow's in the garage, which is one block from MARTA’s Midtown station.

Marlow’s Tavern Midtown: 950 West Peachtree Street; 404-815-0323.

Homemade Ice Cream For a Cause

Don't let this yummy opportunity melt away; come for the market and stay on! Slow Food Atlanta and the Peachtree Road Farmers Market are a dipping duo as they host their 2009 Ice Cream Competition on Saturday, June 27 from noon until 1 p.m. in the garden of the Cathedral of St. Philip on Peachtree Road. Taste all of the ice cream submissions and vote for your favorite ice cream, homemade the old-fashioned way with maybe, just maybe, a funky modern twist on flavors. Ice cream makers include amateurs and renowned local chefs, including Ron Eyester (Food 101 Morningside), Jake Rothschild (Jake's Ice Cream), Shaun Doty (Shaun's), Cynthia Wong (Cakes & Ale), Ford Fry (JCT. Kitchen & Bar) and Chrysta Umberger (Restaurant Eugene). Tickets are $10 per person (children under five are free) and will allow ticket holders to taste each flavor and submit a vote for the winner. Proceeds benefit Slow Food Atlanta and the Peachtree Road Farmers Market. Purchase tickets online or at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market Saturday morning. Interested ice cream makers should contact Judith Winfrey to complete registration. For more information about this event, email Meryl Arnett or call her at 770-503-6063.

P.S--Word on the street is that Meryl makes some tasty ice cream and will be competing; don't miss out!

It's Time to Toast Summer at Aqua blue

Celebrate the first real weekend of summer at Aqua blue's Summer Wine Festival starting at 6 p.m. this Friday night, June 26. Come try a selection of 12 new wines from the chic Roswell restaurant's Wine Spectator award-winning list, matched with bite-sized appetizers from their mouthwatering menu. While you're sipping and supping, enjoy the live music of Michael King starting at 7 p.m. and view artwork by Kimberly Ashman and photography by Ella de Amicis. $30 per person, not including tax or gratuity. Reservations are requested; call 770-643-8886. Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886.

Ormsby's Is Where You'll Want to Hang Out

So, I'm not going to tell you how long I've known Warren Bruno. Let's just say I have more than one Aunt Charley's Peachtree Road Race t-shirt in my drawer.

If you don't remember Aunt Charley's, I'm sure you know Atkins Park. Warren is the guy who started both places, as he puts it, "as the kind of bar I wanted to hang out in." Lucky, lucky us that he's at it again. There's not much to tell yet, but Ormsby's is set to open in late September under Room & Board in the White Provision building.

Trust me that if Warren wants to hang out there, then so will you! If you ask him to describe it he'll say, "it's a good place to be." That sounds like my kind of place. No word yet on whether there will be t-shirts ....

The Gods of Chocolate

Pacci provided unofficial mascots for the Chocolate! 2009 fundraiser last night. Chef Keira Mortiz sprayed her bravest servers in real chocolate and put them on display for a crowd of 800+. They served mini s'mores covered in chocolate...one of the many decadent treats I indulged in last night.

Chef Kein of Aqua blue whipped up Kahlua laced chocolate mousse and

Rathbun's baked little chocolate bread puddings and served them in chocolate milk.

The night was as beautiful as the chocolate desserts.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation successfully hosted the ninth annual fundraiser,Keira successfully painted her servers in chocolate, and I successfully ate a completely chocolate supper.