Appetizing Aperture

Ormsby’s guests rave about the veal meatloaf, gussied up with sweet potato mash and Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze ($16). We give thanks for Ormsby’s elevation of this meaty American comfort food. An icon, stuck in the '50s no more. 

Savory News: White Oak Pastures is a Regional Hub for Savory Institute, Hosts Allan Savory Talk and Farm Walk December 11-12

It’s official. White Oak Pastures is a Southeastern U.S. regional Hub for the Savory Institute, an international, U.S.-based non-profit committed to holistic land management. As part of the Savory Institute global network, Will Harris and his Bluffton, Georgia farm will continue to pursue holistic ecological, social and financial regeneration and share expertise with Southern ranchers and farmers through educational, training and consulting services. White Oak Pastures, a vertically integrated, multi-species 150-year-old family farm, is a living testimony to how holistic management practices can restore farmlands depleted by poor farming practices.

Several Hub educational opportunities are planned. On Friday, December 11 at 7 p.m., Allan Savory will speak at Andrew College in Cuthbert, Georgia about decision-making tools that maximize profitability and quality of life while simultaneously building up the environment. Cover more ground on Saturday, December 12 during a 1 p.m. “White Oak Pastures Walk” field day with Will Harris and Allan Savory. Find details and buy event tickets here ($30 per person/event). 

Atlanta Restaurants Are Game-Table Ready for Fans During SEC Championship Game December 5

Football fans are gearing up for the SEC Championship at the Georgia Dome on December 5. Whether you’re rooting for the Florida Gators or your blood runs Crimson Tide, that game face needs to be fed. We have a playbook to put high-scoring dining destinations at your fingertips.

DOWN BY THE DOME

The indoor/outdoor beer garden at Der Biergarten comes through for your team with multiple flat-screen televisions, family style seating and a hefty roster of authentic German food and beer to sustain fans while the game clock counts down to zero and well beyond.

Take a time out at Glenn’s Kitchen in The Glenn Hotel for a casual, yet sophisticated, breakfast, lunch, dinner or relaxing drinks in the Living Room Lounge. Friday night lights (or Saturday afternoon) are one upped by the skyline view at SkyLounge atop The Glenn.

Before, during or after the football fracas, release pent-up energy playing arcade games at Game-X. Game-X presents more than 60 of today’s top games and a few blasts from the past. Catch the game at their two fully stocked bars with a supreme AV system to keep you connected.

Intercept a few pizzas and pitchers of beer at Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria.Whether choosing toppings from Max’s extensive list or slicing into a specialty pie, pizza always scores big points before or after a game. 

Take a quick walk to Ray’s in the City for a satisfying lunchor an evening fine dining experience. Enjoy hand-cut steaks, made-to-order sushi and seafood flown in daily from the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. Saturday night, live music from 6-10 p.m. soothes tears of defeat and pleases those calmly celebrating victory.

Join the STATS team for an SEC Championship Pre-game and Viewing Party from 12-6 p.m. on Saturday and catch every play on the 70 high-definition televisions at Atlanta’s ultimate sports bar. Your football crowd can party like the pros at beer tap tables seating up to eight guests. Drafting more players? Four suites offer semi-private space away from the crowds.Reserve special seating areas of beer tap tables, suites or super suites in advance for noon-3 p.m. or 3-6 p.m. seatings (includes reservation and food and beverage minimum for desired seating area). Cover charge of $5 per person applies during the party (included in special seating reservations).

Before or after the pigskin action in the Dome, barbecue lovers can dine at Twin Smokers BBQ on Marietta Street, a short walk from the game. Feast on smoked meats, fresh sides and imbibe craft beer and strong cocktails for inner warmth.

MINUTES AWAY IN MIDTOWN

Game “cluck” fans, Bantam + Biddy soars with Southern-inspired, farm-to-table main dishes and sides, as well as substantial sideline snacks of fried chicken tenders with wasabi honey or chicken Brunswick stew.

Hunker down over pretzels, cheese dip and tasty bites at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern where a spacious bar provides great game viewing, and complimentary valet parking gets you to the end zone fast. Pub fare and a comprehensive craft beer list including a mix of American and imported high-gravity beers -- draft and bottled -- totally dominate any concession stand options.

Marlow’s Tavern is the perfect spot to grab a drink and watch the big game. Atlanta’s favorite tavern has several flat-screen plasma TVs, booze and classic dishes to keep you going and rooting for your team. 

For a drink and entertainment, pop over to Ormsby’s. This Westside neighborhood tavern offers an extensive craft beer selection, a fresh pub menu and a wide range of traditional games.

“Meat” at Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar at the Loews Atlanta Hotel. Saltwood’s doors open at 6:30 a.m. for hearty and healthy breakfast fare, run long through lunchtime and provide a “fifth” quarter option for dinner and handcrafted cocktails. Executive chef Olivier Gaupin’s shareable small plates and house-made charcuterie keep everyone cheering.

BACK IN BUCKHEAD

Smokebelly BBQ wins the coin toss for terrific game watching and foot-stompin’ good times. Smoked meats, chef-crafted ‘cue, Southern fixin’s, cold brews and craft cocktails put a taste of the South in your mouth, whether “South” means Gators or a rolling Crimson Tide. 

Sign, Dine + Design with Kevin Gillespie at the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse on December 1

Put your sugar cookie dough in the fridge to set up and join celebrity chef, speaker, restaurateur and cookbook author Kevin Gillespie in the kitchen of the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse forSign, Dine + Design: Let’s Party in the Kitchen on Tuesday, December 1 from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Indulge in light bites, wine and refreshments, meet “Pure Pork Awesomeness”author Gillespie, cookbook author/chef Virginia Willis and cookbook author Carolyn O’Neil and sneak in a Home for the Holidays private tour. Holiday helper hint: giftees will squeal with delight over signed copies of “Pure Pork Awesomeness” -- seize this opportunity to pick up a few copies. Buy event tickets in advance here for $50 each plus service fee; includes $5 credit toward the purchase of any book.  

Do the Hump Night Hop to HOBNOB Hop Head Wednesdays for Draft Beer Specials and Free Cheese and Beer Dip

Vault over the midweek hump with beer to down and beer to dip at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern Hop Head Wednesdays. From 6-10 p.m. every Wednesday evening, buy 20-ounce draft beers for the price of 16-ounce beers. That’s a four-ounce upgrade! The friendly staff at this Midtown hotspot will throw in a complimentary order of HOBNOB’s dynamic duo, pretzels and warm cheese and beer dip for you and a friend (one cheese dip order per two guests). 

Bye-Bye, Birdie. Hello, Terminus City BBQ Served by Santa Gillespie with Elves Müller and Ward at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market November 28

The bird will be history by Saturday. Still, an attitude of gratitude prevails because Santa Kevin Gillespie and his cohorts, elf-chefs Andreas Müller and Joey Ward, are bringing a load of Terminus City barbecue to the Peachtree Road Farmers Market on Saturday morning, November 28. Smokey chopped pork, saucy and peppery, conquers post-turkey cravings whether inhaled in a hefty barbecue sandwich ($6) or packed by the pound ($16) to take home. Touch down to watch your favorite college pigskin rivalry later that day with a few pounds of Terminus City ‘cue in hand, and you’ll surely win MVP with the home team. 

Black Friday Dining Deals and Bonuses Feed the Frenzied and Help Harried Shoppers

Black Friday is almost here and shoppers are checking lists and calculating deal-nabbing strategies. Be sure to schedule time to fuel up during the day. You. Not the car.

Ansley Mall shoppers can cross Piedmont to reach HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern and receive 10 percent off all food and drink orders when showing a shopping receipt dated November 27 on Black Friday only. Bantam + Biddy at Ansley supports power shopping sprees from morning through dinnertime.

Ponce City Market browsers can “ciao" down at Bellina Alimentari's fast-casual kitchen or full-service bar, then stroll through Bellina's market for Italian foodie finds. Outdoor strolling and indoor shopping at open-air center Avalon inspire ducking into Bantam + Biddy or Marlow's Tavern (also found at Mall of Georgia, Merchant’s Walk, Woodstock and Emory Point) for lunch or dinner. Walk off the Thanksgiving meal while shopping at Midtown gem Atlantic Station then take a break at Chick-a-Biddy.

If it’s a Buckhead Black Friday, pull into The Shops Buckhead Atlanta to refuel with style at Gypsy Kitchen and The Southern Gentleman. Over at Lenox Square, you're in "cluck" with Bantam + Biddy.

OTP bound? Mexican dining options abound around Perimeter Mall with Tin Lizzy's Cantina (also found at Mall of Georgia and Emory Point) and Willy's Mexican Grill (Barrett Pavilion and Town Center at Cobb, too). Finish shopping by wine-thirty at Merchant's Walk in East Cobb so you can unwind over wine, small plates or specialties with Doug Turbush's team at Seed Kitchen & Bar and Stem Wine Bar.

When Thanksgiving and Black Friday roads lead to Birmingham, Alabama or Nashville, Tennessee, be sure to try the Turkey Dinner "burger of the month" at FLIP burger boutique. Down in Jacksonville, Florida, chef Tom Gray'sMoxie Kitchen + Cocktails covers your dining and cocktail time needs. 

Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails Celebrates Turning Two with $2 Specials November 24-25

If your GPS is programmed for Jacksonville, Florida on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, drop by Moxie Kitchen + Cocktails and join them in celebrating their second anniversary. On November 24-25, Moxie is offering $2 specials to the first 22 guests who order them, along with another item, during dinner service each evening. On Tuesday, the first 22 guests ordering Moxie burgers, along with an additional purchase, will pay only $2 for their burgers. The deal bubbles over onto a $2 toast on Wednesday, when the first 22 guests (21+ years) ordering Mumm Napa Brut Reserve will pay $2 for their sparkling glass. Limit one $2 special per person; tax and gratuity not included. On Moxie’s “Kitchen” side, chef Tom Gray’s menu overflows with mouthwatering contemporary American, Southern and globally inspired cuisine. Handcrafted cocktails and progressive happy hour drink pricing beginning at 3 p.m. daily are reasons enough to make any day a celebration at Moxie, located in The Markets at Town Center. 

There’s a Reason It’s Called a Gobbler -- Atlanta Restaurants Swoop in with Thanksgiving Feasts and Take-Aways

Though the other 364 days of the year may be crazy busy, Thanksgiving Day interjects a pleasing pause in the mayhem to express gratitude for blessings and the tasty feast on the table. Find out which Atlanta restaurants are setting elegant dining tables, bountiful buffet tables and offering take-away traditions for your home table on our blog.

#Foodgram

Travel for the food or the experience? Tastemade finagles crafting culinary temptations into seconds-long video loops so delectable you really want to stick a fork in them. But then a fork appears in the clip, out of nowhere, to stab first dibs. What a bite. Look to their sister website for longer playing travel + food adventures.

Appetizing Aperture

Zuppa! A bowl of Bellina Alimentari’s zucca, butternut squash soup with winter pesto and creamy mascarpone ($5), spoons comfort and joy to the soul. Butternut squash is well-coached in vitamins, minerals and beta carotene’s antioxidant riches. Go ahead. Order a second bowl full. 

What’s New on Pinterest

Coming down to the wire on planning the Thanksgiving dinner menu. Still some vacancies on the menu? Dishes to be Thankful For saves the day when you need a proven side dish recipe fast, like brown butter Parmesan mashed potatoes, sweet potato crunch, sausage, apple and cranberry stuffing, pumpkin cornbread and a litany of side dishes under 200 calories. Thanksgiving teepee cupcakes are hits at the children’s table.    

Nab Some Now: Pumpkin and Duck Paella for Dinner at 10th & Piedmont Through November 25

10th & Piedmont executive chef Michelle Matlock rakes in autumn’s glory for her savory and filling pumpkin and duck paella. In its native Spain, paella is a chameleon dish easily adapted to show off each season’s bounty. Globally inspired yet not bound by borders, Matlock loads her version with seared duck breast, peas, cranberries, fennel, thyme and sage pumpkin stock. One paella only sets you back $14 or order 2 for $27. Take flight to Midtown for this limited-time special, only available during dinner hours through Wednesday, November 25. Like duck hunting season, this trophy of a dish will be gone in a flash.

Johnny’s Hideaway New Year’s Eve Tickets Go On Sale November 23

Better hop on this tip faster than a cork popping out of a Champagne bottle. Six weeks until 2016 but only a few days until tickets go on sale for the New Year’s Eve bash at Johnny’s Hideaway. Set your phone alarm for 10 a.m. Monday, November 23, the time ticket sales open. Each $40 ticket includes a seat for the evening and a party favor at midnight. Set another reminder on your phone -- you must arrive at Johnny’s by 9:30 p.m. on December 31 or your seat will be forfeited, and your dancing shoes will be welcoming 2016 on the street instead of the dance floor. Purchase tickets at Johnny’s or via phone at 404-233-8026. 

What’s New on Pinterest

Greet the sunrise on National Gingerbread Day, November 21 with gingerbread bagels, pancakes, coffee and lattes. Watch the sunset over a gingerbread martini and truffles. Plenty of time in between to bake autumn’s dynamic spice and squash duo into pumpkin pie gingerbread bars, stir together gift-worthy batches of gingerbread-spiced hot cocoa mix and 15-minute gingerbread Chex mix, and watch a gingerbread house-building tutorial for aspiring architects. Thinking of remodeling? Disneyland’s recipe will surely turn your kitchen into a magical kingdom. 

Run, Speak, Listen with Bantam + Biddy at Autism Speaks 5K at Piedmont Park November 21

Autism is becoming the fastest-growing serious developmental disability in the U.S. with one in 68 children diagnosed, and Autism Speaks is on the run toward determining causes, prevention, treatment and a possible cure. Join event sponsor Bantam + Biddy in taking the cause under wing. Slip on those running shoes for a morning jaunt around Piedmont Park in the 4th annual Autism Speaks 5k Run/Walk on Saturday, November 21. The more the merrier! Round up family, friends and coworkers to cross the start line at 9 a.m. Register online before 8 p.m. Friday, November 20. Even if you can’t participate in person, Autism Speaks will give thanks for your “virtual 5k” contribution when you donate here.

Chick-a-Biddy and Alliance Stage “A Christmas Carol” Link Up for $60 Dinner and Show Package

Chick-a-Biddy and the Alliance Theatre are offering a dinner and show package that even frugal Scrooge would appreciate. On Thursday and Saturday evenings (except for November 26 and December 24), sit down to a three-course dinner at the Atlantic Station restaurant followed by the evening’s performance of “A Christmas Carol” for just $60 (including taxes and fees, excluding gratuity). Chick-a-Biddy is just a short drive from the Alliance Theatre at Midtown’s Woodruff Arts Center. Dinner includes a choice of appetizer, entrée, dessert and beverage (cocktail, beer, glass of wine, soft drink or tea) from a special pre-theater menu befitting of the merry dinner scene at the story’s end. Magical experiential gift idea for those who already have plenty of coal and other stuff. Use promo code BIDDY60 when purchasing online or at 404-733-5000. Limited to parties of six or less; may not be combined with other offers or discounts; not valid on previously purchased tickets or for all seating sections. Subject to availability.

Kevin Gillespie Chairs “A Night in Good Taste” Wine Tasting and Auction for Day League Fight Against Sexual Assault November 19

The Day League’s “A Night in Good Taste” wine tasting and silent auction shines the light on sexual assault, a topic all too often left in the dark. Chef Kevin Gillespie serves as the honorary chair for this year’s fundraiser at the Druid Hills Golf Club on Thursday, November 19 from 6:30-9 p.m. Wine, a delicious buffet and smooth jazz sounds provide a relaxing background so guests can concentrate on shopping the silent auction for goodies and experiences like dinner at Revival. Proceeds sail directly to the non-profit’s healing work in providing sexual assault care, prevention education and advocacy for youth and adult survivors in and beyond the metro-Atlanta area. Buy tickets online, $85 per person. Info:natalie@dayleague.org.

Oh, Queso, What’s New? Ray’s Rio Bravo Margarita Specials and Freebies

Ray’s Rio Bravo is better than ever with specials for its Atlanta amigos of all ages. Thirsty adults, Ray’s has some all day, every day deals for you: $15 pitchers of house, strawberry and seasonal fruit margaritas and $10 pitchers of draught beer for cerveza lovers. Kiddos, steer the folks to Ray’s on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday nights when kids eat for free. Choose cheese quesadillas, chicken tacos, chicken enchiladas, mini beef burritos or chicken fingers -- all served with a soft drink, choice of side and a scoop of ice cream. That headliner chile con queso or queso blanco? Complimentary from the 11 a.m. opening hour until 3 p.m. Wednesday, November 18 through Wednesday, November 25. Hold your horses, there’s another big deal going on that week. Every hour from open to close, the cantina will cover the final check for one randomly selected table or bar tab. Fast math calculates that’s 80 hours and 80 complimentary checks.

Give Thanks for Atlanta Restaurants Nixing Feast-Fixing Stress with Bountiful Buffets and Tantalizing Takeouts

Seen the planning charts for organizing Thanksgiving dinner? One month out do this. Two weeks out do that. Set the table and the buffet. Buy the wine and thaw the turkey. Stop. Reflect. Be thankful for family, friends and Atlanta restaurants ready to gobble up any stress with all-you-can-eat buffets and scrumptious take-away entrées and sides. You’ll only need to make reservations. So blessed.

Kick off the celebration early and give thanks at Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland where they’re throwing a Thanksgiving Eve party with New Belgium Brewing Company on Wednesday, November 25. Make your way back on Thanksgiving Day for dinner service beginning at 4 p.m. featuring Big Green Egg smoked turkey and all the fixin’s. Priced at $28 for adults, $18 for young adults and $10 for children 10 and under. Reservations are recommended for dinner. Call 404-876-7249.

10th & Piedmont hosts its traditional Thanksgiving Day buffet from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Stations cover all the food groups: a carving station for roasted garlic prime rib and slow-baked brown butter turkey breast; cold station for salads, fruits and cheeses; a hot station bears roasted butternut squash bisque, Creole shrimp and stone-ground yellow grits, traditional turkey cornbread dressing, triple-cheese mac and cheese, candied sweet potatoes and more; and dessert central offers pumpkin pie, Southern pecan pie, chocolate ganache cake, apple butter crumble bread pudding, Dutch apple pie and Chantilly banana pudding. $34.95 per person. Call 404-602-5510 for reservations.

Ray’s Restaurants’ buffets give center stage to Thanksgiving staples and signature Ray’s favorites. Dine at Ray’s on the River from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. for $45.95 per adult and $22.95 per child (ages 5-10). The spread at Ray’s at Killer Creek also is available from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and is priced at $37.95 per adult and $18.95 per child. Ray’s in the City closes an hour earlier, with its buffet running from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. and also priced at $37.95 per adult and $18.95 per child. For full menus and reservations, visit raysrestaurants.com.

Saltwood Charcuterie & Bar spotlights a family style lunch and dinner menu on Thanksgiving Day. For $65 per person, guests can enjoy a traditional turkey dinner or baked Chilean sea bass along with such selections as roasted butternut squash soup, smoked country ham, roasted root vegetables, sweet potato roulade and local apple fritters. Lunch, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.; dinner, 5-9:30 p.m. Call 404-745-5000 for reservations.

Turkey to go

Let Bantam + Biddy on Crescent Avenue handle the cooking this year with a to-go Thanksgiving feast that easily feeds 10-12 hungry and grateful guests. Spread includes a 12- to 15-pound roasted Amish turkey, classic mashed potatoes, braised collard greens, sage and wild rice stuffing, homemade giblet gravy, a quart of spicy cranberry sauce, cornbread and North Georgia apple pie, all ready to heat and serve. Place orders for the $200 feast by 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 21. Pick up between 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 25 at the Crescent Avenue location only. To place your order, call 404-725-5059 or email wecater@bantamandbiddy.com.
 
Make Wednesday night prep even easier or say, "arrivederci!" to tired turkey leftovers. Please the family with grab-and-go Italian fare from newly opened Bellina Alimentari in Ponce City Market (PCM). Bellina's Market in the PCM Food Hall has take-home, family style portions of lasagna and other Italian favorites to heat, eat and satiate your crowd pre- and post-Thanksgiving feast.

Feed a table of six to eight guests for $75 with a 12-to 14-pound apple-brined Thanksgiving turkey from Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails accompanied by Madeira gravy and sage-corn spoonbread. Sides of mashed or rosemary-roasted potatoes, green beans, grilled asparagus and pimiento cheese grits are available for $20 per quart. Place orders online by Friday, November 20 for pick up November 24 and 25.

Traditionalists preferring to roast or smoke their own Thanksgiving turkey will give thanks for White Oak Pastures'high-quality American Standard Bronze birds that are Animal Welfare Approved, Certified Humane and rated Step 5+ (highest possible rating) by the Global Animal Partnership. Raised completely unconfined on White Oak’s farm, they come to the table free of antibiotics, hormones and other additives—and completely delicious. Pricing is $75 for small (8-12 pounds), $100 for medium-sized birds (12.1-16 pounds) and $125 for large (16.1 pounds and heavier). Order via White Oak Pastures’ online store. All turkeys will be shipped the week before Thanksgiving (Monday, November 16 – Friday, November 20) to ensure timely delivery.

Post-Turkey Tango

After the big meal, excuse yourself from the table and ease your way to Johnny’s Hideaway to dance off the stuffing and pie. The Buckhead nightspot will open at 7 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. Reservations are accepted until 8:30 p.m. Call 404-233-8026.