Appetizing Aperture

Ormsby’s executive chef Scotley Innis plants new options for warm weather appetites among adored regulars on the Westside restaurant’s menu. Baked shrimp and crab dip with pita and tortillas, pictured, is irresistible ($9). Newly seen entrées include mushroom ragout pasta, Baja fish tacos, shrimp Pernod, a lamb gyro burger, and seafood and beer paella. Innis wedges heirloom caprese on nine-grain bread and chicken salad on the same between the much-devoured Bruno burger, Uncle Fred’s ultimate BLT, the Richard club and other sandwiches. Cobbler gobblers, there’s a peachy one with your name on it for dessert.  

Smokebelly BBQ Stokes Week with Half-Off Wings, Half-Off Wine and Live Music

Sit in traffic. OR, sit on the patio at Smokebelly BBQ in Buckhead taking advantage of weekly specials. No brainer. Smokebelly BBQ, all the way. Mondays, wings are half price all day. Opt for cherry cola, Buffalo, mild or hot wings all prepped with the house rub, slowly smoked, flash fried to order and joined by celery, carrots, and blue cheese or ranch dressings. Wednesday’s “Wine & Swine” uncorks select bottles of wine at half price, a prime opportunity to try different wines with executive chef Nagib Sued’s smoked meats and Southern chow. Thursday and Friday ease into the weekend with live music to back drinks and hefty snacks or dinner. Then it’s the weekend. Only two more days until weeknight specials come ‘round again. 

Pass the Plate -- Article 14 Serves Sunday Supper for $18

Sundays are supposed to be restful, yet more daylight hours seem to invite more activities and when suppertime sneaks up, that cherished meal once again eludes us. No more.Article 14 takes a stand on the issue by honoring this Southern mealtime tradition. Every Sunday from 5-9 p.m. the Midtown restaurant serves Sunday Supper for $18 per person (excludes tax, gratuity and beverage). Guests can choose a starter, entrée and dessert from the week’s menu selections. Throw the family in the car. Call friends. Gather. Converse. Laugh. Eat. Push away from the table at meal’s end sated and ready to take on the week. Save seats by calling 404-443-8432 or reserve online. 

Take Virtual Tours of Ray’s Restaurants on New Website

Ray’s Restaurants shows off a new, dynamic website this spring. The new site earned website designer DynamiXWebby Award honoree status in the food and drink category. The new website opens virtual doors, inviting guests in for quick “tours” of all three Ray’s locations -- Ray’s in the City,Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek. Open a window on your PC, Mac, tablet or smartphone and walk in. Too tantalizing? Close the window, power up the car and experience Ray’s in real time.  

Flood Atlanta Waterworks Park with Love and Money at “Friendraiser” on April 28

April showers drench our brains with thoughts of water that drift toward a couple of revered Westside watering holes --Ormsby’s and the landmark Atlanta Waterworks. Friends of Atlanta Waterworks want to restore the park surrounding the Waterworks, and they’re hoping for a supportive outpouring of funds at the second-annual Atlanta Waterworks Park “Friendraiser” on Tuesday, April 28 from 6-8 p.m. at Monday Night Brewing. Ormsby’s and other Westside restaurants are floating food tastings for the event, and Monday Night Brewing comes through with beer for guests to imbibe while park advocates and city officials give updates on park progress. Ticket options are: $45 for an AWW Benefactor ticket that includes admission, food, limited-edition souvenir pint glass, six Monday Night Brewing tasting tickets and a $20 donation to Park Pride; $25 for an AWW Thirsty Friend ticket (does not include donation); and $15 for an AWW Non-Drinker ticket (admission and food only). Buy tickets online; small service fee will be added. 

Pulling for Andreas Muller of Revival at Smoke & Glory Smoked Pork Showdown, High Noon on April 26

Routing around with the celebrity chef behind “Pure Pork Awesomeness” only amplifies the talents of someone who’s a boss hog around hog meat. Chef Andreas Muller, the executive chef for Kevin Gillespie’s upcoming Decatur restaurant, Revival, is one such gent. At high noon on Sunday, April 26, Muller and chefs from other Atlanta restaurants face off in the Smoke & Glory Smoked Pork Showdown at Steinbeck’s Ale House in Decatur. Judges and guests alike will sample and rate the bounty. The over-21 crowd also enjoys two adult beverages per ticket. Live music and activities entertain all ages, and a raffle breeds suspense and prizes. $40 per adult; $10 children ages 5-12; free for children under 5 years. Buy tickets here (plus small service fee). Proceeds benefit The Giving Kitchen and its mission to assist those in Atlanta’s restaurant community facing unanticipated hardships.

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails Stokes a Farmyard Chowdown April 26

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails can add “Sea to Fork” to their “Seed to Fork” tagline on Sunday, April 26. From 5-8 p.m., executive chef Derek Dollar plans a Farmyard Chowdown combining his own rendition of a Low Country boil with garden-fresh picks from Milton’s Acre and Southern delights such as pickle fried chicken. City folk, come casual and ready to lick your fingers as you plow into Dollar’s spread and enjoy live music and lawn games. $35 per person (excluding tax, gratuity and alcoholic beverages); buy tickets online. For information, call 770-817-0161.

Do Good at Chick-a-Biddy: Be The Match Walk Run on April 25 and Walk Now for Autism Speaks April 26

If you’re looking for a philanthropic way to motivate everyone, rise and start moving to Chick-a-Biddy in Atlantic Station this weekend. The restaurant famed for its farm-fresh, all-natural poultry and regional fare is sponsoring theBe The Match Walk Run on Saturday, April 25 and the 1.5-mile Walk Now for Autism Speaks on Sunday, April 26.

On Saturday, the event village for the Be The Match Walk Run opens at 7 a.m. with feet hitting the street beginning at 8 a.m. for the Tot Trot, 5K and 1K. Register, volunteer or donate online. Chick-a-Biddy also is offering Be The Match pin-up cards for $1 each. Cards go up on the “wall of hope,” inspiring others to throw in a dollar or two for their own cards. On Sunday, opening ceremonies rev up striders at 9:15 a.m. before they set off on the Walk Now for Autism Speaks stroll around Atlantic Station at 9:30 a.m. There’s no cost to register; raising $150 or more in donations earns a T-shirt.

Nest at Chick-a-Biddy after each event for cheddar, bacon, cinnamon roll and red velvet waffles, Big Ol’ Biddies breakfasts and Little Biddies favorites. Healthy smoothies, fresh fruit juices and stronger libations nourish thirsts. Opens at 10:30 a.m. weekends for brunch. 

Leave Your Horsepower Home and Ride a Chartered Bus to the White Oak Pastures Farm Tour April 25

Tour White Oak Pastures and enjoy lunch, drinks and dinner on the farm on Saturday, April 25 -- without saddling up your own Mustang, Charger or Bronco. White Oak Pastures is organizing a daylong farm tour field trip from Decatur to the Bluffton, Georgia farm and back, including chartered bus transportation. The White Oak Pastures Special departs from The Friends School in Decatur at 8 a.m. and rolls through farm gates in time for a leg stretch and lunch in the Pavilion. Next up, the tour thoroughly explores the farm from the red meat and poultry abattoirs through the farm grounds and on to the organic vegetable garden. Sit a spell at the Pavilion and hash over the day while enjoying wine, beer and farm-to-table-on-the-farm fine dining. Afterward, your steed awaits to return to the big city. Onboard, there’s time enough to add photo fodder to Facebook or catch some ZZZs before arriving back in Decatur around 9 p.m. $125 per person; limited to 55 guests. Reserve your seat online or call 229-641-2081.

Pick Up Ray’s Restaurants Cards for Administrative Professionals Day April 22

Administrative professionals keep those large and small details in check. Picking up the lunch check on Administrative Professionals Day, Wednesday, April 22, is an appreciative way to say “Thanks for all you do.” Even more meaningful, write a note of gratitude and slip in a gift cardor gift certificate for Ray’s Restaurants. Pick up gift cards right away by purchasing them at Ray’s in the City in downtown Atlanta, Ray’s on the River in Sandy Springs orRay’s at Killer Creek in Alpharetta. Gift certificates, only available online, will be emailed to the recipient. Either option allows the holder to dine at any of Ray’s three locations where specialties include succulent prime meats, market-fresh seafood, signature salads, shareable appetizers and favorite cocktails, wines and beer. A leisurely and luscious Sunday brunch at Ray’s on the River or Ray’s at Killer Creek satisfies the goodness gap between (thank goodness it’s) Friday and (oh my goodness it’s) Monday.

Marlow’s Tavern Vinings Turns 10, Throws Birthday Bash April 22

Marlow’s Tavern in Vinings celebrates a decade well done and cheers for the years to come with a big birthday bash on Wednesday, April 22. Toast the occasion with complimentary Marlow’s punch all day long and stay on for the real party from 5-11 p.m. Snag some swag when Marlow’s gives away T-shirts, door prizes and raffle goodies throughout the evening. Sample complimentary appetizers from 6-7 p.m. and segue to complimentary draft beer from 7-8 p.m. while supplies last. Hold on, the icing is coming at 9 p.m.: the cake cutting carves out a slice and a glass of bubbly for every guest, and Marlow’s will announce which lucky guest will take home “Marlow’s Tavern for a Year,” translating to $30 in Marlow’s Tavern fare per week for a year. (Need not be present to win.) Completing the party scene are fun-loving guests like you, party poppers, decorations and live music by Brad Jackson from 5-8 p.m. and Michael Magno from 8-11 p.m. 

Well, Lime Me! Time to Buy Tickets to the Atlanta Margarita Festival at Atlantic Station

Churning up generous amounts of that concoction that helps you hold on, the Atlanta Margarita Festival shakes up Atlantic Station Friday and Saturday, June 19-20. Tickets are now available online, and it’s well worth your salt to think forward and buy yours now because ticket quantities are limited. On opening night, the Tequila “101” seminar and tasting is capped at 300 guests, and the Taste of Tequila showcase accommodates an additional 700 guests. On Saturday afternoon, local and regional bands and margaritas provide auditory and liquid refreshment for adults 21 and over, and the Margarita Grand Championship crowns the best margaritas in town. Need a triple sec to think about it? Blend up the classic margarita recipe in the “Fun Facts” section of the event website, but don’t wait until your ice cubes melt to act. Ticket prices go up June 1.

FLIP burger boutique Poncey-Highland Sizzles with School Night Out for Montessori In Town April 21

For a juicy lesson in having fun with your food, eat your evening burger at the FLIP burger boutique Poncey-Highlandlocation on Tuesday, April 21. From 5-9 p.m., the burger boutique known for its creative ways with burgers and shakes will donate 10 percent of sales to Montessori In Town school. Guests must mention Montessori In Town when paying for their meals for the school to receive a cut of the tab. Study up on the menu with highlights like the Earth & Turf, shrimp “Po-Boyger,” the Vedge and the Fauxlafel, plenty of salads and unique milkshakes. Tip: there’s self-parking in front of the restaurant and on side streets for the family “bus.”

What’s New on Pinterest

Produce counters stacked with ruby-filled cartons shout strawberry season is here. Can’t get enough of those Sweet Sweet Strawberries! Wake up with a healthy strawberry coconut breakfast pie then lunch on strawberry salads and salsas. Strawberry basil lemonade cocktails, strawberries in frozen yogurt balls, ice pops and strawberry sorbet are berry cool on a hot afternoon. Buy a couple flats and try your hand at grilled strawberry hand pies or some gorgeous pies and cakes. Do it from scratchers, we picked “caring for strawberry plants” just for you.

#Foodgram

New takes on Southern classics continue to rise in favor faster than grandma’s biscuits in a hot oven. The Kitchen Dudes at @gunshowatl are driving forces in this #defendsouthernfood movement, ready and eager to satiate Southern appetites. Bless their strawberry pie, bacon-wrapped torchon of Easter bunny and “Pure Pork Awesomeness”-filled hearts. 

Appetizing Aperture

Hellacious thunderstorms have been known to muscle their way across Atlanta in spring and summer months. They’re nothing like the Texas Thunderstorm taking Article 14 by storm. Bourbon lovers are hailing the Midtown restaurant’s bourbon-rich twist on a Dark and Stormy that swirls Balcones Rumble Cask Reserve with ginger beer and maple syrup and adds a sunny lemon wedge. Big kick? You know it. Texas-sized. 

Bellina Alimentari in Ponce City Market Hosts Flux Projects’ VIP Event for Nick Cave April 23

While Bellina Alimentari in Ponce City Market is not open to the public yet, the all-in-one Italian eatery, market, wine bar and culinary club extends warm Tuscan hospitality to artist Nick Cave and Flux Projects for a special VIP patron party on Thursday, April 23 at 7 p.m. The celebration and dress rehearsal preps guests for Cave’s upcoming “Up Right Atlanta” performance series April 24-26. Hors d’oeuvre, cocktails and a performance preview are in the cards for 100 lucky event ticket holders. Don’t wait for your olives to cure and pasta pot to boil. Grab tickets now and experience the authenticity of Bellina Alimentari.

Johnny’s Hideaway Dances Through 36 Years with Anniversary Party April 23

Johnny’s Hideaway, Atlanta’s original grown-up party place is 36 years young this month. Owner Chris Dauria is celebrating the dance club’s anniversary with a big bash on Thursday, April 23. The anniversary party opens with a complimentary buffet and open bar from 7:30-8:30 p.m., then DJs keep the dance floor swinging until the wee hours. Who’s going to show? Heck, fun-seekers of all ages congregate here, and 20- and 30-somethings who weren’t even born when Johnny’s opened its doors now throng the place for late-night footwork and revelry. Surely you fit somewhere in that mix. No need to RSVP, just show up with a fun-loving attitude and dancing shoes. 

Eat More, Pay Less during Buckhead Restaurant Week, April 18-26

Buckhead Restaurant Week, April 18-26, stretches a seven-day week to nine days, giving Atlanta diners a couple of extra days to savor lunch or dinner at a wealth of top-notch restaurants for bargain prices of $15, $25 or $35 per person. Tax, gratuity and beverages are not included in these prices.

Pick a date and make reservations for an elegant dinner atAria where Buckhead Restaurant Week diners are privy to a special three-course dinner menu for $35 per person. The regular à la carte menu also will be available, and wine pairings are always an excellent add on.

Do lunch or dinner at Bantam + Biddy in Lenox Square and chow down on Southern favorites for $15. Choose pimento cheese and veggies, chopped pastured chicken liver and toast or Jb Farm deviled eggs with bourbon-smoked paprika as a first course; a quarter chicken with two sides, White Oak Pastures grass-fed beef meatloaf with two sides or pork schnitzel with one side as a main; and close with your choice of desserts.

Catch a $15, $25 or $35 lunch menu at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill and dine in or out on the covered deck. All three menus start with appetizer choices of a full order of hushpuppies, sweet ‘n spicy calamari or crab and shrimp dip and end with your choice of dessert. For the second course, the $15 menu offers a choice of fish “in” chips, TBK steak burger, or sweet ‘n spicy or Buffalo shrimp po’boy with one side; the $25 menu includes two sides with either crabcakes, shrimp skewers or fresh salmon; the $35 menu shows off fresh grouper, sea scallops or fresh fish of the day with two side stars.

A $25 lunch and dinner menu at Buckhead’s Smokebelly BBQis your cue for ‘cue. Start with Smokebelly’s classic cherry cola wings then segue to the “Delta Double,” a duo of your choice of pulled pork, chopped brisket and/or smoked turkey with two sides. The featured dessert of the day pleases sweet spots.

Shaun Doty, executive chef and co-owner of Bantam + Biddyand Chick-a-Biddy, alights at the Morningside Farmers Marketon the morning of Saturday, April 18 to lead the day’s chef demo. Doty draws upon seasonal, local produce and regional, free-range poultry for his restaurant menus. That said, this gent knows his way around the weekly organic market like a fox in a henhouse, scooping up farm-fresh produce to create dishes that taste of springtime. The “Shop with a Chef” demo starts at 9 a.m. Peek at “This Week’s Market” after 5 p.m. Thursday to see what market members anticipate offering on Saturday. Rise with the rooster and arrive when the market opens at 7:30 a.m. for the best selection!