Rooftop has spirit, yes they do! Rooftop has spirit, how about you?

Get your game face on!  Fans wearing or carrying ANY Georgia Tech gear – including Georgia Tech shirts, hats, pom-poms, pens, IDs, bumper stickers, you name it – to Rooftop 866 on Tech game days (home and away!) will score 20 percent off the tasty bar bites!  The deal starts this Saturday, September 10 when the Yellow Jackets face off against Middle Tennessee State University, so dust off your Tech paraphernalia and get ready for a delicious discount!  You can sample house-made chips with chili, peach and Vidalia onion dip, lump crab potato skins, short rib sliders, pork carnitas tacos, grilled ham and cheese with arugula and tomato jam or halibut ceviche!  Need a celebratory drink to wash it all down?  Rooftop 866 has plenty of signature cocktails, wine, and beer to keep the party going.  Open daily, weather permitting, from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Rooftop 866:  866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402.

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

From copy and podcasts on music, restaurants, ritzy and boutique travel options, nightlife and clubs to top chef and celebrity sightings and interviews, Carly Redgers and journeyPod peek behind the scenes to keep you well fed on a luxurious diet. It's also a savvy spot for honeymoon ideas, spas and even interesting festivals -- all over the world. Download and listen in or read the online magazine.  For smaller doses, join in on the Twitter (@journeypod) conversation.

Our Appetizing Aperture Of The Week

Touchdown! Football season is back and so were these awesome football doughnuts from always crave-worthy Krispy Kreme on a recent visit to their Columbus store.  This calls for excessive celebration!

Kevin Gillespie on Squidbillies Sunday at 11:45 p.m.

Don't miss it! Kevin plays himself on the popular Adult Swim show Squidbillies. According to sources, it's hilarious. According to Kevin, it's a dream come true. Weigh in on his Facebook page.

You Can't Spell Sunday Southern Comfort Without R-A-Y-S

Buttermilk fried chicken, house-cut pork chops and turkey with dressing...these are just some of the Sunday classics that have brought friends and family together around the table! Now, Ray's at Killer Creek is cooking up these southern comfort foods with a gourmet twist for Sunday supper from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Executive Chef Tracey Bloom is sending out bottomless sides and oven-fresh biscuits or cornbread to accompany her new family style meal that replaces Sunday brunch. Quite a find at $16 per person! When an afternoon or evening calls for a cocktail, stop at Ray's at Killer Creek to enjoy their new line-up of lounge specials. Taste your way through the new flavors of Ray's signature martinis and other daily deals such as half-price appetizers, $5 cocktails, and beer and wine specials. Live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights.

Ray's at Killer Creek: 1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064.

Vote for Your Favorite Chefs So Their Face Can Grace a Street Banner!

Hurry! Every vote counts as Taste of Atlanta selects its top 12 chefs according to Facebook polling. We're campaigning for some of our favorites: Andrew Smith of Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland, Asha Gomez of Spice Route Supper Club and Cardamom Hill, Drew Belline of no. 246, Ford Fry of JCT. Kitchen & Bar and John Coley of Double Zero Napoletana. The only "voter registration" required is to "Like" the Taste of Atlanta Facebook page so you can participate in the vote count. Voting ends September 9. The 12 top vote recipients will be listed on festival banners. This year's fill-the-streets-with-eats festival takes place the weekend of October 23 - 24. Get to voting and tasting!

We've Got the Cure for the Back to Work Blues: National Coffee Ice Cream Day

We know it's extra hard to get back into the work week groove after a long holiday weekend, but luckily today is National Coffee Ice Cream Day so you have an excuse to double up on the sugar and the caffeine. What keeps our buzz going is the Vietnamese coffee ice cream at Spice Market in the W Atlanta-Midtown. As an office full of java junkies, we can promise you it's creamy, caffeinated and totally tasty. And trust us, it's not a dessert that you want to share. You can also get it to go ($4/half a pint) for an even faster fix!

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.