Book Your Christmahaunakwanzika Party at Aqua Blue Early and Save!

Keep more jingle in the holiday season (and in your pocket) by booking your party early at Aqua blue. Do you think Santa waits till the month before Christmas to start planning? Nooo-ho-ho way, and neither should you! You don't have to hold the party now, but if you plan ahead and book your holiday soirée in the next few weeks you’ll be able to save a sizable chunk of change. The popular restaurant and bar in Roswell is extending 10 percent off party food costs and nixing the room rental fee for those who book their event before September 16. Aqua blue simplifies the planning process and offers options ranging from value-priced luncheons to multi-course fine dining and elegant cocktail receptions with chef stations. To book your event, contact Sabrina Rosenberg, srosenberg@sterlingspoon.com, 770-643-8886.

It's Follow Friday; Meet Our Tweep of the Week @BonnieBOTB

Bonnie Tandy Leblang has the healthy degree (she's a registered dietician) but admits loving food -- all kinds of food.  Find out what's going on in her food world bite-by-bite on Twitter (@BonnieBOTB).  For bigger portions, hit up her interactive website -- Bite of the Best.

There’s No Fowl Play in Bluffton: New Chicken Abattoir Opens at White Oak Pastures

Pass the drumsticks, please!  On August 29, White Oak Pastures began processing birds in their brand new, on-farm poultry abattoir -- the only USDA-inspected poultry processing facility available to farmers for processing free-range pastured poultry in Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi.  The timing couldn’t be better, because today marks the start of National Chicken Month, and what better way to celebrate than with some tasty, free-range fare?  Will Harris offers chickens, turkeys, ducks, and geese on his five-generation, family owned and operated Bluffton, Ga. farm.  In addition to the abattoir, Harris is further developing the farm’s Serengeti Plains rotational grazing model that moves cows, sheep and birds through pastures for feeding and fertilizing -- a method that has existed for centuries in Africa.  White Oak Pastures also participates in the Global Animal Partnership's Five-Step Animal Welfare Rating Standards program and is one of only two farms in the country to receive the Step Five certification on its chickens (and one of only a handful of farms to receive the Step Four certification on cattle).  You can find White Oak Pastures chicken in many of your favorite restaurants and grocery stores.  So don’t delay, get some today!

White Oak Pastures: 22775 Highway 27, Bluffton, GA; 229-641-2081

Duck Into Atkins Park Smyrna for Dueling Pianos Tonight!

While you're staring at your computer screen today, you might as well start typing up a list of your favorite song requests so you can head over to Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna tonight for dueling pianos! Every Wednesday night at 8 p.m., pianists Ty Reynolds, Mike Renna and Mark Kovaly will play all the requests you can think of along with their own preferred selections. We suggest keeping an ongoing personal playlist and turning this ivory-tickling entertainment into a weekly outing with friends!

Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna is located in Market Village at 2840 Atlanta Road.

Saved by the Bocce Ball

According to the Atlanta Bocce League (ABL), bocce ranks third in worldwide sports participation (behind soccer and golf) and is considered to be the oldest-known sport in world history. In true southern Italian style, Double Zero Napoletana in Sandy Springs is finishing up installation of bocce ball courts on its generous patio, and both courts will soon be ready for bocce action.

Don't know if you have what it takes? The ABL says bocce essentials are "something to sit on, something to sip on, something to listen to, and the bocce balls." The restaurant will host the Atlanta Bocce Ball fall league from 6:15 - 10 p.m. every Wednesday night for eight weeks beginning on September 14. Don't forget the sips at Double Zero's full bar, or the sits -- as in sitting down to share small plates, dinner or dessert after the match! More on Facebook.

Bocce is already well entrenched in the game repertoire of Ormsby's. The Atlanta Bocce League will play fall games at this Westside bar and eatery on Monday nights beginning September 19 from 6:15 - 10 p.m. Ormsby's is home to Atlanta's premier indoor bocce league...good to know because a) no rainouts (in case it does rain); b) no dry spells (abundance of cold brews and other libations); and c) plenty of fuel for the games with hearty appetizers, sandwiches and burgers.

To participate, sign up at www.atlbocce.com by Thursday, September 1. Registration costs $45 per player with a five-player minimum per team. Teams registering with fewer than five players may absorb other registrants to form a complete team.

Double Zero Napoletana: 5825 Roswell Road; 770-817-8000.
Ormsby's: 1170 Howell Mill Road, NW; 404-968-2033.

What's Cooking This Labor Day Weekend?

Do it. Face the weekend before it swallows you.  

Maybe you have big plans (that don't involve cooking), house guests (not the kind of catering you had in mind) or you'll be pulling back into town after holiday travel (please no more drive thru, and I can't deal with the groceries). 

Keep this open-on-Labor Day list of restaurants handy.  Tackling meal and party decisions suddenly became much less laborious!

·  Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna and Virginia Highland:  Late night note -- Atkins Park Virginia Highland stays open later, until 2:30 a.m., on Sunday due to the Monday holiday.

·  Briza: Farm-to-table Southern fare in a stylish setting for breakfast, lunch or dinner in the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel.

·  Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant:  Aye, Buckhead's favorite Irish pub always has sports on the screens, cold drinks and hearty fare.

·  Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: The Fleming's 100 wine list is on!

·  Marlow's Tavern:  Ideal meeting place for friends.  All eight locations will be open.

·  Ormsby's:  Come in on Sunday for Brews, chews and games until 2:30 a.m.

·  RA Sushi:  Cool off with $8 Summer Sips specialty drinks, sushi and Japanese fusion dishes. 

·  Smashburger:  Smashing time to try either the Buckhead or Johns Creek locations.

·  Spice Market:  In the W Atlanta-Midtown for exotic eats near at hand.

·  Truffles Grill:  Lunch, dinner and drinks located right across from Lenox Square.

It's Follow Friday; Meet our Tweep of the Week @TastemakerMag

We know Atlantans want to keep up with the newest finds in arts and culture, entertainment, fashion, food, beauty, technology and the finer things in life.  It's easy enough when following ATL Tastemaker Mag tweets (@TastemakerMag) or by reading their online magazine!

Fleming's Uncorks a Month of Specials for Wine Enthusiasts

To celebrate the debut of this year’s Fleming’s 100 wine list, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar is offering a variety of wine specials for the month of September. Come every week and you’ll work your way through the collection by September’s end! On Friday “Opening Nights” -- September 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 -- Flemings will feature 20 different wines from the Fleming’s 100 list from 5:30 - 7 p.m. $25 per person covers wine samples and an exclusive preview of Fleming’s new Small Plates menu. Space is limited; call early to reserve your place.

On every “Winesday" (translation Wednesday) in September, guests can savor 25 percent off any bottle from the new Fleming’s 100 and/or complimentary corkage of their own wine. And guests who take advantage of either of these offers will receive a special Fleming’s card good for 25 percent off any Fleming’s 100 bottle or for complimentary corkage on a future visit before December 30.

Midway through the month, on Saturday, September 17 at 6:30 p.m., Fleming’s will host a five-course Silver Oak Wine Dinner with pairings for $125 per person (excludes tax and gratuity). Five wines from the “twin sister” wineries of Silver Oak and Twomey Cellars will be poured, including a side-by-side vertical tasting of 2006 and 2007 vintages of the Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley. Here’s how the menu flows: passed hors d’oeuvre of roasted red pepper and arugula flatbread with goat cheese served with Twomey Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley, 2010; tuna carpaccio with crispy capers, red onion, baby greens and Dijon vinaigrette paired with Twomey Merlot, Napa Valley, 2006; petite lamb chops with polenta fries, mint pistachio pesto and Fleming’s proprietary F-17 sauce served with Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2006; Newport Club ribeye with thick-cut applewood smoked bacon, sautéed mushrooms and bacon-shallot butter accompanied by a Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley vertical tasting of the 2006 and 2007 vintages. A truffle trio caps the evening in flavors of white chocolate-Meyer lemon, Valencia orange and dark chocolate-cabernet. Don’t let this remarkable evening escape -- make reservations today.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: 4501 Olde Perimeter Way in Perimeter Place Village; 770-698-8112.

Get Your Float on at Ray's on the River

Ray's on the River has created an adults-only treat by substituting real beer for the root beer to make delightfully delicious beer ice cream floats. From 3 - 7 p.m. today and tomorrow, guests can cool off with this childhood favorite turned cocktail! And we just got word that Ray's on the River will be offering these sweet treats every Thursday and Friday in September, too. The restaurant will also have $5 cocktails all day long, half-price appetizers and live music. Ray's on the River is located at 6700 Powers Ferry Road; 770-955-1187.

Get Your Groove on at Fadó's "Ladies '80s" Party for Team in Training on August 27th

Get decked out in your best '80s attire and head over to Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant on Saturday, August 27 for this month's "Ladies '80s" party. Not only do you get an excuse to throw on a rockin’ '80s ensemble, but you’ll also be benefitting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training triathlon team by attending. This totally '80s fundraising party starts at 7 p.m. with tunes from the likes of Madonna and Michael Jackson blasting all night and classic '80s cocktails like Long Island Iced Tea, Mai Tai and Blue Hawaiian priced at just $5 for the ladies. The $20 entry fee will score you two draft beer tickets and a happy hour buffet. Take a break from doing your ‘80s thang on the dance floor to partake in the 50/50 cash raffle and a silent auction. Best part -- all money raised goes toward finding a cure for Leukemia and Lymphoma. Fadó keeps the party rocking into the night with a DJ starting at 10:30 p.m. RSVP and get more info on Facebook. Fadó hosts "Ladies '80s" on the last Saturday of each month. Check out the restaurant's website for more information.

Don't Miss a Weekend of Eating at Corks & Forks on August 27 and 28

You are just days away from a weekend you (and your taste buds) won’t soon forget!  It’s time again for Corks & Forks!  This two-day food tasting frenzy will take place August 27-28 as part of the 9^th Annual Grant Park Summer Shade Festival.  Attendees are invited to try a variety of scrumptious samplings from some of Atlanta’s top chefs.  On tap to participate are Atkins Park Tavern, Ormsby's and Spice Market in the W Atlanta-Midtown, plus White Oak Pastures Owner Will Harris will be judging the steak cook-off competition on Saturday!  During this special showdown, three chefs will compete to see who can cook his top-quality grass fed beef the best!  Guests over the age of 21 (picture ID, please) will also be able to sample some of Atlanta’s latest and greatest wines and craft beers.  Tickets are $35 per day or $60 for both days. You can purchase your tickets online through 5 p.m. on Friday, August 26 or at the gate after that.  Corks & Forks will be held under large covered pavilions, rain or shine, so come out and treat yourself to two delightfully delicious days.

Grand Deals at Marlow's Tavern's Grand Opening Celebration in Cumming

Just one day to celebrate the grand opening of the new Marlow’s Tavern in Cumming?  Perish the thought!  The newly opened restaurant is celebrating all this week with great dining deals for you to take advantage of until Sunday, August 28. 

Today, those folks who are “in the know” by being part of Marlow’s Insider’s Club will receive 20% off their check and the first 100 guests get a free t-shirt! (Pro tip: Anyone can become an Insider by signing up atwww.marlowstavern.com…) Tuesday, August 23 marks Tavern Burger Tuesday where the famous Tavern Burger will be just $5 all day.  On Wednesday, it’s Ladies Night and the feeling’s right with an array of $5 appetizers and drink deals starting at 5 p.m.  

On Thursday, August 25, get your school spirit in check for South Forsyth School Night with a 20% discount to guests who wear their school South Forsyth spirit apparel.  Friday’s celebration officially kicks off the weekend with a delicious happy hour featuring free appetizers from 5 to 7 p.m. and live music at 9.  Saturday, August 27 is Movie Night – guests will get a free appetizer when they bring in ticket stubs from the AMC Avenue Forsyth from that day.  And finally on Sunday, August 28, guests will close out the Grand Opening celebration with crab cake benedict for $7, along with $7 BLT Bloody Marys and bottomless mimosas.  

They say variety is the spice of life and these grand opening deals certainly have something for everyone!

Fadó kicks-off EPL soccer season with a Soccer Fanatic’s Weekend in London Giveaway

GOALLLLLL! It’s time to cheer, soccer fans। Fadó Irish Pub and Restaurant is kicking off the English Premier Soccer League season with the contest of a lifetime for European soccer fanatics. This season’s soccer-prize giveaway contest offers the unbelievable opportunity to win the ultimate Soccer Fanatic’s Weekend in London, courtesy of XL Soccer Tours.

Fadó’s lucky grand prize winner will receive a soccer fan’s dream weekend: a New Year’s trip for two to London that includes airfare, accommodations at a posh London hotel and 2 coveted tickets to highly-anticipated EPL soccer matches.

Dying to spend your New Year’s Eve cheering on your favorite team? Visit Fadó’s website at www.fadoirishpub.com/soccerfanatics to enter before September 6th। Although only one soccer enthusiast will win the trip to London, twelve finalists, chosen in early September, will win an EPL jersey of their choice as well as a Stella Artois keg party.

With a weekly soccer-game score-predictor challenge awarding winners anything from a free print to a free $100 bar tab and a match-day menu, Fadó Irish Pub and Restaurant is the premier spot to catch the EPL action this fall.

It's Follow Friday; Meet Our Tweep of the Week @jennifervcole

Jennifer V. Cole loves the Southern trifecta: pork, bourbon and cornbread. Never thought about that as a trifecta, but it makes total sense her way and throws some tasty tweet (@jennifervcole) fodder out there. That she is an editor at Southern Living adds credibility to the love-the-South gene! Y'all come to her Tales from the Road blog while you're at it.

Toss Your Dinnertime Dilemmas Out the Window...Midtown Restaurant Week is Coming Up!

The sixth annual Midtown Restaurant Week - Saturday, August 27 through Sunday, September 4 - is right around the corner, ready to free you of the nightly "what's for dinner?" debate that you have with yourself as you stand in front of the open refrigerator. It's the perfect chance to try out new restaurants or return to some of your favorites. Our favorite part: prix-fixe menus of three awesome courses will set you back only $25 or $35 (excluding beverages, tax and gratuity). Some of our must-eat picks: Briza, Ecco, RA Sushi, South City Kitchen Midtown and Spice Market in the W Atlanta- Midtown. Drool over their menus, see the complete list of participating restaurants and make your reservations at OpenTable.

Double Zero Hosts Caruso & Minini Wine Tasting on August 23

On Tuesday, August 23, Leonardo Nicotra from Caruso & Minini in Sicily, Italy is coming to Double Zero to lead guests through a fabulous, four-course wine tasting starting at 7 p.m.  The tasting begins with cantaloupe and prosciutto bruschetta paired with Caruso & Minini Inzolia '08.  Round two calls for Caruso & Minini Grillo Timpune '08 served with rancini -- lemon saffron risotto croquettes with peas, red pepper scamorza cheese, roasted yellow pepper coulis and Meyer lemon honey.  Next up is Double Zero's much-loved Margherita pizza topped with DOP San Marzano tomatoes, Mozzarella di Bufala Campana DOP and basil and served with Caruso & Minini Nero D' Avola '07.  Finally, course four ends the night on a sweet note with a strawberry Napoleon of fresh strawberries, lemon crème and strawberry basil compote in puff pastry.  Cost for the event is $39 per person (excluding tax and tip).  Make your reservations in advance by calling 404-991-3666. 

Double Zero Napoletana:  5825 Roswell Road; 404-991-3666.

Won’t You Be Our Neighbor?

On Tuesday evenings Rooftop 866 (located adjacent to the Renaissance Atlanta Midtown Hotel) offers a 20 percent discount to all guests who live in the surrounding neighborhood!  You can use the discount to sample the deliciously shareable bar bites like lemon garlic hummus, grilled ham and cheese, and house-made chips with a chili-peach and Vidalia onion dip (menu $.99 - $9).  At the bar, choose from a wide selection of wines by the glass and microbrews.  If you’re feeling fancy, you can sample a cocktail like the Blackberry Mojito (menu $9-$11) or try even cooler Boozy Pops ($3)!  The rooftop garden and the glowing stars create the perfect backdrop for a block party you won’t want to miss!

Rooftop 866:  866 West Peachtree Street, NW, adjacent to the Atlanta Renaissance Midtown Hotel; 678-412-2400.

One More Doughnut Won't Hurt When It's For A Great Cause

Muscogee County marshals must be hoping the Krispy Kreme "Hot Now" sign will pertain to the fresh, hot Krispy Kreme doughnuts...and not to the temps on their store-top perch during their "Deputies and Doughnuts" fundraiser this Saturday. Being hot is a small discomfort compared to the challenges 7-year-old Rhiannon Griggs faces as she deals with Rett Syndrome. The genetic neurodevelopmental disorder prevents Rhiannon's brain from communicating with her body - she can't speak and needs help feeding, dressing, walking and tackling basic daily activities. The deputies' goal is to raise money to buy Rhiannon a mobility stroller, which costs $3,000. To do so, they'll park themselves on the Krispy Kreme roof from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, August 20. Customers who donate money will get a sweet treat in return, ranging from a free Original Glazed doughnut to a complimentary doughnut party for generous corporations, organizations or individuals donating $1,000 or more.

Krispy Kreme: 6761 Veterans Parkway in Columbus, Ga.; 706-320-2124.

Helping Make the Workday Delicious: Chicken and the Egg is Now Serving Lunch!

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, after being open just one week Chef/Owner Marc Taft and Executive Chef Joseph Ramaglia are now offering lunch at Chicken and the Egg!  With their “meat and three” format and a variety of à la carte options there’s something to satisfy every appetite.  Ranging from $7 to $12, each lunch includes seasonal ingredients from local farms and purveyors as well as sustainable beef, poultry, and seafood.  Pair that with hand-crafted cocktails by Mixologist Brandon King and an indulgent dessert by Pastry Chef Karie Brown and you’ve got a tasty trifecta to help you get through your workday.  Chicken and the Egg is open for lunch weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., brunch on weekends and dinner nightly.

It's Follow Friday; Meet our Tweep of the Week @jollymom

Piera Jolly out of Lawrenceville, Ga. is one of Nielsen's 50 Power Moms!  The wife/mom/wannabe photographer and cookbook author founded her Jolly Mom blog as an outlet for her passions.  Jolly tweets (@jollymom) save-ry tips on giveaways, bargains and food finds.  


Her blog passes on more details on the latest trends for moms and kids, crafts, parenting info and child-friendly activities.  Oh yeah, and recipes to help you crank those meals out!