Appetizing Aperture: RA Sushi's New Skinny Pairing

Trying to get back into those skinny jeans after all that holiday indulging? We can relate! Good thing RA Sushi Bar Restaurant's new tempting Skinny Pairing is around. 

This hitokuchi sashimi and shrimp plate lines up 14 bite-sized pieces of fresh tuna, yellowtail and salmon sashimi plus shrimp and microgreens -- and is less than 200 calories. Pair it with your choice of three under-160-calorie cocktails -- the Colada-teenie, Blueberry Fizz and Skinny Cucumberita. A complete 360 calories for $18, through February 28!

$1 Ribs at Buckhead Barbecue Company on Jan. 7 & 8 Won't Break the Piggy Bank

 

 As many of us are trying to curb spending habits after the holidays, taking advantage of restaurant deals and specials is always a good idea. Luckily, Buckhead Barbecue Co in Smyrna is making your dollar go even further by offering single spare ribs and baby back ribs for $1 each on Monday, January 7 and Tuesday, January 8 starting at 5 p.m. The offer is valid for dine-in only with a six rib limit per guest. To round out the meal, try a cup of Brunswick stew, mac 'n three cheese or sweet potato tots ($2.50 each). 

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

So you say you like baking? Well then, we have the tweep (@Bakerella) for all your dessert and decorating needs. You can find posts about cake pops, fondants, sugar cookies and other divinities conjured up from sugar, butter, flour and flavorings. Also, visit the sister website Bakerella for more details to achieve a blissful sugar coma.

Sample Tweet: Love the cake pop necklace. Thank you Adonia! http://instagr.am/p/TRi_zep_Xt/

Eat Better. Do Good. Two resolutions in one.

Did you resolve to eat better in 2013? And maybe be a little more generous? Well, here's your chance to do both. Come to  "Dine Out & Give Back" at Bantam + Biddy's charity night on Monday, January 7. After 5 p.m. that night, 10 percent of their proceeds will go to Georgia Organics. The casual eatery in Ansley Mall is adamant that regionally raised, all-natural pastured poultry has a place on the family table. Try favorites like a quarter or half of a rotisserie chicken with two sides and jalapeño cheddar bread, pastured chicken sausage and loaded mashed potatoes, fried chicken tenders with wasabi honey, Lance's chicken pot pie, Southern breakfast all day, fresh vegetable plate, pork schnitzel or meatloaf made with grass-fed beef. Tell your friends!

New Year, New Brews: Catch The New Belgium Beer Dinner at Woodfire Grill on January 10

Did you resolve to try new things and explore new experiences this year? Get started with that resolution this week at Woodfire Grill as the restaurant showcases the brews of New Belgium Brewing Company on Thursday, January 10. 

Enjoy a four-course menu, complemented by five different craft beers from the Fort Collins, Colo.-based brewery, including New Belgium Shift, New Belgium Fat Tire Amber, Snow Day Black IPA, Ranger IPA and Imperial Chocolate Stout. Reception begins at 6 p.m. followed by 6:30 p.m. dinner. $80 per person, not including tax or gratuity. Don’t forget to make your reservation at 404-347-9055. Cheers!

Tweet Your "RA" Solutions to RA Sushi for the Chance to Win a $50 Gift Card

From Tuesday, January 1 through Monday, January 7, RA Sushi Bar Restaurant is offering up $50 gift cards to five people who tweet at them with their new year's resolution. All you have to do is tag RA Sushi (@RAsushi) along with your "RA"solution to win! Good luck!

Toss the Kids a Pizza-Making Party at Ammazza and More in this Week's Dish

2013 is finally here with lots of delicious and healthy dining options! Did you resolve to explore more of Atlanta's dining scene? Atlanta restaurants have something to offer everyone, plus way more in this week's Dish!

Too Sweet To Miss: Taria Camerino “Sweet Genius” Viewing Party at JCT. Kitchen & Bar on January 3

 

When it comes to “sweet geniuses” around town, Taria Camerino is one of our favorites! This Thursday, January 3 at 9 p.m., head to the upstairs bar at JCT. Kitchen & Bar (or stay if you’re already there) to watch Taria on Food Network “Sweet Genius” during a special viewing party! Camerino is the pastry program creative director for JCT. Kitchen & Bar, The Optimist and No. 246 and she’s also the one responsible for those amazing European pastry windows at No. 246. She will surely be whipping up some episode-inspired bites to nibble during the party for the episode that airs at 10 p.m. Even better, JCT. beverage manager, Eduardo Guzman, will be doing the same with cocktails. What a sweet event!

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

 

You can tell from her photo she's full of smiles, stories and serious skills for mixing up beverages behind the bar at new Seven Lamps in the Shops Around Lenox. Atlantan Arianne Fielder (@Ariannebar) dubs herself a Southern Cocktail Resurgen, bourbon and American Whiskey aficionado and a "Big Dog Mom." When not mixing it up behind the bar, Arianne tweets about cocktails and her thoughts on current events. 

Appetizing Aperture: Strawberry and Champagne Cupcakes From Little Cake Bakery

Adult or not, anyone can pop a Little Cake Bakery strawberry and champagne cupcake into his or her mouth when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Eve. But then, why wait? 

More good eating in 2013

 

 

Over here at MLA we are working hard on some exciting restaurant happenings in 2013. Kevin Gillespie is opening his new restaurant in March in the Glenwood Park area serving great flavors in an intimate atmosphere. Chef Ford Fry, owner of Westside's  JCT. Kitchen & Bar and The Optimist and Oyster Bar at The Optimist and Decatur's No. 246, will add two Buckhead restaurants to his family when he opens King + Duke in the former Nava space in March and another in the old Bluepointe space later this year.  Bantam + Biddy is increasing its family tree as owners Shaun Doty and Lance Gummere open new Chick-a-biddy at Atlantic Station in April. We also can look forward to more delicious tavern fare with another Marlow's Tavern location (maybe two!) coming this year. Meanwhile, seafood lovers will gain one more sweet spot for succulently prepared fresh fish when Bonefish Grill lands another Atlanta-area restaurant. St. Patrick's Day is always a huge party at Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant - one that spills out onto the street around the pub like a good flow of green beer. And we're thrilled to announce that South City Kitchen Midtown will celebrate its 20^th anniversary in April. One of us over here, ahem, remembers when Crescent Avenue wasn't a very nice street and no one outside the state thought Southern food was anything special. So there's much to celebrate! We're looking forward to another fun year!
 

Ecco Stays on Top of Conservation Goals with Rooftop Garden and Condensation Irrigation

Sophisticated yet casual Ecco in Midtown has always been ahead of the restaurant industry's conservation efforts. Georgia's first dumpster-free restaurant was also the state's first to receive Green Foodservice Alliance (GFA) certification. The Fifth Group Restaurant continues to grow in sustainability and environmental consciousness by adding eight new cedar beds with "cold frame" structures to its rooftop garden, all of which are covered with Agribon protective material. Farmer D Organics custom-built the beds and also installed a new irrigation system with a 250-gallon food-grade tote capable of containing 195 more gallons than the previous rain barrel. All of the water filling the tote is collected from air conditioning condensation and pumped through drip irrigation into the beds. City water and a timer also kick in when needed for optimal moisture. When dining at Ecco be sure to ask what's in season on the roof. Right now, Tuscan kale, broccoli rabe and Southern giant curly mustard are growing for the restaurant's seasonally inspired menu.

Happy Holidays from Melissa Libby & Associates: A Look Back at 2012

Drink a Cup of Cheer with New Winter Cocktails and More in this Week's Dish

Still have no idea what you are going to do for New Year's Eve? Do not fret! There is still time to plan an extravagant evening with Atlanta-area restaurants. Plus, wintertime cocktails are being offered at many restaurants to warm up guests through the chilly weather. There's plenty to keep you busy and more in this week's Dish! 

Baby, It's Cold Outside. Marlow's Tavern New Wintertime Menu Warms the Soul

 

Colder weather usually sneaks into Atlanta with the new year, and Marlow's Tavern is ready with the hot and hearty comfort foods Atlantans crave. Seasonal ingredients in savory dishes lead to highly satisfying dinner fare including: goat cheese French toast served with wild mushrooms; goat cheese "stuffed" turkey burger with sweet and spicy red pepper relish; grilled Prestige Farms chicken paillard with hand-cut pappardelle pasta, asparagus, Roma tomato, caramelized onion, wild mushroom cream and shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano; grilled turkey meatloaf made from Golden Legacy organic turkey with shaved Brussels sprouts on the side; and crispy Carolina trout with sautéed spinach, applewood smoked bacon and Pommery mustard cream sauce ($9-$17). Dessert brings out a hot and flakey pecan and apple turnover dolloped with hand-dipped vanilla ice cream ($6). A wintry mix of craft cocktails ($9-$11) features Blackthorn Suppressor with Byrrh aperitif and jasmine liqueur; Blueberry Buck 3.0 with Hanger Blueberry and fresh lime; Classic Martinez of Hayman's Old Tom Gin, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, Leopold Brother's Maraschino and orange bitters; St. George Gin Sour with St. George Botanivore Gin, Rothman & Winter Peach Liqueur, Cardamaro, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, Fee Brothers Aromatic Bitters and club soda; and the Orchard Manhattan apple-y spin on the classic Manhattan using Riverboat Rye Whiskey. Saintsbury Chardonnay, Carneros, 2010 and Left Coast Cellars Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, 2011 are available by the glass or bottle ($12/$50). Bun warmers, Marlow's Tavern definitely has you beat.

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

Susie Middleton of Six Burner Sue (@sixburnersue) wants to see veggies at every meal. She's penned two cookbooks toward this mission: "Fast, Fresh & Green" and "The Fresh & Green Table." Living on a small farm in Martha's Vineyard may have something to do with her voracious appetite for growing, cooking and eating fresh and green. Snatch a recipe link off her Twitter or fill up on all things veggie on her Six Burner Sue blog.

What's New on Pinterest: Cookie Corner

Who's ready for an online cookie exchange? Our Pinterest board is a virtual bakery case of ideas and finger-licking photos. Especially useful: the step-by-step guide to decorating gingerbread folk, gluten-free chocolate thumbprint cookies and the so-cute peanut butter reindeer cookies. 

Appetizing Aperture: National Sangria Day at Uncle Julio's

Thursday, December 20 is National Sangria Day - cool stuff at Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food. Take it straight up in homemade sangria-on-the-rocks or stir your straw around in The Swirl, Uncle Julio's signature drink that layers homemade frozen sangria and frozen margarita. Ho, ho, ho, it's quite a festive swirl of deep red and pale green in a frosty mug. 

Kaleidoscope Celebrates 2 Years and You're Invited!

Kaleidoscope Bistro and Pub has two reasons to celebrate this season: the restaurant celebrates its 2nd anniversary and its on the same day as Christmas Eve! The globally attuned restaurant wants its guests to come out and enjoy a special three-course meal for $20.12 (see the pun?) Anniversary parties are all about tradition though, so K-Pub will still have its regular menu available along with some awesome drink specials, because what better way is there to celebrate than to raise a glass? The best part, there's no cover charge for this gathering. Dinner service begins at 5 p.m. 

Also worth celebrating... if you have great photos of the first two years at Kaleidoscope, be sure to enter the restaurant's Facebook contest - the winner will win dinner for two in January! 

Reservations are optional, call 404-474-9600 for more details.

Speaking Easily About Winter Cocktails at Atlanta Restaurants

Cocktails at No. 246

Ice has its place in the winter, preferably sparkling in a glass ready to host a mixologist’s potion at one of Atlanta’s warm and amiable restaurants. While we won’t divulge recipes, we will share some of the ingredients and tip you toward places to find the alluring elixirs.

At Fifth Group Restaurants, mixologists generate cocktails with vision. Picture where you’ll be as you sip The Shores of Paris made with Breckenridge Vodka, Lillet Rouge and Combier and Kümmel liqueurs; Fireside with smoky hints of Fidencio Mezcal Joven, The Irishman Irish Whiskey, Flor de Cana 7-year Rum, Grand Marnier and bitters; Brickwalker with baked apple and black walnut bitters muddled with Dolin Rouge Vermouth dressed with Bulleit Rye, a sugar cube and a brandied cherry; and the forceful Renegade of Redemption Rye, Cynar, amaretto and bitters.

For a cocktail as lovely to look at as to imbibe, try the elegant Haute Holiday at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Each champagne flute bubbles with Mionetto Prosecco, St. Germain and Quady Elysium. Spice girls and guys may crave the Merry Mint Spice where Gentleman Jack, Domaine De Canton Ginger Liqueur, POM juice, simple syrup and fresh mint leaves meet over ice in a bucket glass.

Atlanta’s Westside is home to JCT. Kitchen & Bar where guests are going gaga over winter mixers such as the Poinsettia with poached cranberries, Ruby Liqueur and prosecco; Stocking Full of Coal with Gosling’s Black Rum, Nux Alpina Walnut Liqueur, Black Strap Molasses and Smuttynose Porter; Figgy Pudding rich with brown sugar syrup, aromatic bitters and fig-infused Jim Beam; Reindeer Games  playfully blending Averell Damson Gin, Knickerbocker Gin, Leopold’s Cranberry Liqueur, lemon and cranberry bitters; Feliz Navidad’s heady blend of Lunazul-infused cinnamon, Domain de Canton Ginger Liqueur, chocolate and orange; a Little Rummer Boy that snares vanilla-infused 10 Cane Rum, falernum, Tuaca Liqueur, lemon juice and Whiskey Barrel Bitters; a heartwarming Mistle Toddy mug of spiced Redemption Rye, Cherry Heering, honey and chai tea; and Mull it Over served hot, cold, sparkling or still with mulled wine, wassail and spiced cider.

This winter, The Optimist promises smooth sailing with a cocktail glass or mug for every taste. Coconut eggnog twists a tropical classic of eggs, cream, Brinley Gold Shipwreck Spiced Rum, coconut milk and nutmeg while Shandy Claus wraps a woodsy blend of Tanqueray, Zirbenz Stone Pine Liqueur of the Alps, IPA, lemon, sugar and grapefruit bitters. Cold noses will thaw over Mexican hot chocolate spiked with Hangar One Chipotle Vodka, Kahlua, cinnamon and sea salt or a hot buttered rum with The Kraken Black Spiced Rum, cinnamon-clove butter and brown sugar. Ticklers include Christmas on Cape Cod, which tops citrus vodka and cranberry juice with a prosecco floater and spice-poached New England cranberries or the Sparkle Motion of cava, true-pomegranate grenadine and pomegranate seeds.

Come in from the cold to cheery No. 246 in downtown Decatur where gem-hewed glasses include Pimm’s Cup, Red Ryder, Poinsettia, Royal Tannenbaum and a fragrant spiked cider with a cinnamon bark swizzle stick.

Ten nostalgically named winter signature cocktails top the cocktail menu at The Pinewood in Decatur. Roots Radicals mixes Bulleit Bourbon, Angostura Bitters, sugar beet, Maraschino and lime; El Wormhole shakes up Laird’s Bonded Apple Brandy, Fidencio Mezcal, amaretto, caramelized apple gastrique and bitters; Golden Fiddle strums Bacardi Solera, Cardamaro, Georgia sweet potato, white balsamic, house ginger soda and Grains of Paradise spice. More options include Day that I Die with Riverboat Rye, buckwheat honey and Georgia pecan tincture; the PWTR Draft Old Fashioned of small batch bourbon, bitters and oleo saccharum; PWTR Draft Sazerac with rye, bitters, gomme syrup and absinthe rinse; Pinewood Porch Punch of spiced tea-infused vodka, fresh citrus, orange flower water, bitters and sugar or a star-struck list including B. Bardot, Violet Beauregarde and Jackie O. 

Roots Radicals at The Pinewood