Appetizing Aperture: Jefe's Tacos & Tequila

Sitting on the patio at Jefe’s Tacos & Tequila and wondering…”Why stop at one?” Cave to the crave and order a basket full of Jefe’s carnitas tacos for yourself or for the table. Priced at $3.50 each, these corn tortilla handfuls hold twice-cooked pork, roasted poblano-tomatillo sauce, onion and cilantro.

Drink to Great Causes at Dolce Italian, Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar, Gunshow, Gypsy Kitchen and Marlow’s Tavern during Negroni Week, through June 11

As they have done each year since launching Negroni Week in 2013, Imbibe Magazine and Campari are again partnering with restaurants and bars around the world to celebrate one of the world’s great cocktails and raise money for a wide range of charitable causes. Atlanta is well stocked with participants for Negroni Week 2017, which runs through Sunday, June 11, and we have our favorites. Gypsy Kitchen and Dolce Italian in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta and Marlow’s Tavern locations in Avalon, Brookhaven, Alpharetta and Midtown are making donations to The Giving Kitchen. Marlow’s Tavern is mixing a special Negroni Week “Left Coast Negroni” cocktail containing Aviation Gin, Giffard Pamplemousse, Grand Poppy and Bittercube Jamaican bitters #2. Sip on a three-week barrel-aged Negroni cocktail with Aviation Gin, vermouth and Campari at Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar and you’ll support No Kid Hungry. Gunshow, chef Kevin Gillespie’s Glenwood Park restaurant, will donate to SHARE, which provides dedicated experienced support for women facing breast and ovarian cancers. Enjoy a Negroni cocktail “on the rocks” knowing you’re helping smooth life’s rocky places for those aided by these charities.  

The Stars are Out, Dining Out – Celeb Sightings at Atlanta Restaurants

Hit the brakes! Here in Atlanta, you never know who will be supping one table over. Several celebs were spotted dining around town during the month of May. Umi always shines, and several May visitors added their glow. Skateboarding legend Tony Hawk spun into the Buckhead restaurant early in May. Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher dined at Umi on May 22, enjoying chef Fuyuhiko Ito’s sophisticated, modern Japanese cuisine centered on showcasing the freshest fish from the world’s finest markets. The two were presumably in town while Kunis films “A Bad Moms Christmas,” the sequel to “Bad Moms.” Pro basketballer Kevin Garnett of the Minnesota Timberwolves beefed up on tender Miyazaki wagyu strip, a specialty cut at American Cut in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. Earlier this year, NASCAR driver Kyle Busch and wife Samantha pulled into 5Church Atlanta in Midtown -- making one delicious “pit stop” for the restaurant’s chef-driven, regional cuisine. The couple has been to 5Church Charlotte and thought they’d give the Atlanta location a spin. Perhaps a cruise down Peachtree was next on their GPS?   

Surrender to Beer Pairings during Creature Comforts Tap Takeover at Marlow’s Tavern Sandy Springs, Benefiting The Giving Kitchen June 8

For the record, we’re expecting a friendly and hospitable coup when Athens’ own Creature Comforts Brewing Co. commandeers Marlow’s Tavern in Sandy Springs for a Creature Comforts Tap Takeover on Thursday, June 8 beginning at 5 p.m. The Giving Kitchen receives the “spoils” of this congenial takeover in the way of 10 percent of the event’s proceeds. Sip and savor one Pint & Plate pairing for $10 or three Pint & Plate pairings for $27. Pairings include Athena Berliner weisse paired with seared scallops, fennel, orange, radish slaw and candied grapefruit; Bibo pilsner paired with house-made bratwurst, potato cake, caramelized onions and Reclaimed Rye mustard; Tritonia Cucumber-Lime gose paired with ceviche, blistered cherry tomatoes and mint; Tropicalia IPA paired with spicy lemongrass-ginger shrimp, green papaya salad and Sriracha lime dressing; Reclaimed Rye paired with pork belly slider, Eastern Carolina BBQ sauce, arugula, tomato and fried shallot; and Blue Star Kettle Sour paired with house-made fritter with Blue Star whipped cream. Already booked? Marlow’s is featuring the event’s special small plates and beers June 8-10.

Nashville Hot Chicken and Waffle Sliders, New Burger Creations, Stout Milkshakes and More Tempt on HOBNOB’s Summer Menus

What’s new on the menus at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern? Sit down while we share the scoop. New salads include “good-for-you” kale and wheatberry salad ($12.50) and classic panzanella salad ($12.95). Chomp into juicy Champion, Triple B and Perimeter burgers or slice into tender hanger steak ($22.95), flavorful lamb meatballs ($12.95) or Tavern salmon ($18.95). “Pig and Grits” ($13.95) and roasted cauliflower ($12.95) add more options. Be on the lookout for weekend brunch menu newcomers such as chicken and waffle sliders stashing Nashville hot chicken between cinnamon roll waffles dolled with powdered sugar, maple syrup and grits on the side ($12); and cauliflower and celery root soup with a grilled cheese sandwich sporting date and fig jam and Thomasville tomme cheese between slices of country loaf ($12). Thursdays, in addition to the regular dinner menu, the BBQ menu touts classic chicken wings, baby back ribs and pulled pork, all smoked and served with HOBNOB’s homemade “BeerBQ” sauce. Leave it to HOBNOB to work spirits onto the dessert menu in bourbon pecan pie ($6), chocolate stout and hazelnut mudslide milkshakes ($8.50-$9.50) as well as after-dinner drinks like The 1551 HOBNOB Old Fashioned and Southern Charm ($12 each).

Count on Johnny’s Hideaway for Sunday through Thursday Nightly Specials

Every night’s a fabulous night to shimmy into Johnny’s Hideaway, “Atlanta’s ONLY Nightclub for Big Kids.” The Atlanta original has extra-good reasons to visit the Buckhead party zone Sunday through Thursday. Hospitality nights treat industry workers to food and drink specials Sunday through Tuesday. Live bands perform beginning at 8:30 p.m. Sundays -- check the music schedule to see who’s playing among Band-X, Cold Draft Beer, The Stephen Lee Band and more. Without question, Team Trivia rules Monday nights from 7:30 p.m. on, and Johnny’s reveals hints each week through Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Wednesdays and Thursdays open with “Happy Hour” and DJ Spin. Later, Wednesdays woo the gals with Ladies Night and DJ Happy Jack. Thursdays, DJ Happy Jack is back to carry the party into Late Night mode. Open 11 a.m.-3 a.m. Monday-Friday, noon-3 a.m. Saturday, 12:30 p.m.-2 a.m. Sunday.

Thank a Vet with a Sam Adams Beer during Taco Mac “Pour One Forward” Event through July 4

Our veterans poured out their hearts, souls and energies for our freedoms over the years and deserve our gratitude on patriotic holidays and EVERY day. Taco Mac and The Boston Beer Company are partnering to launch “Pour One Forward,” a spirited way we can toast veterans and say thanks for their dedicated service to our nation. Visit your favorite Taco Mac location and pre-purchase a Sam Adams beer for a U.S. military veteran; the amount will be added to your tab. For each $6 “Pour One Forward” donation, receive a special thank you card to complete and give back to a Taco Mac team member to display in the restaurant. Vets will be able to see the thank you cards and request to redeem one for a free Sam Adams Boston Lager or Light Lager. Orders are limited to one beer per veteran per visit; military or veterans ID required to redeem. Duck into your local Taco Mac -- and there are 30 across Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee -- to choose from more than 100 beers on draft, the Southeast’s Original Buffalo wings and 50+ HD TVs tuned to sports.

“Reely” Enticing News! Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar Weekly $29 “Chef’s Catch” Three-Course Dinners Hook Summer Appetites

Landlocked locals need only cruise as far as Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar in East Cobb to catch right-off-the-boat seafood on a chef-driven menu that’s new each week. “The Chef’s Catch” three-course dinner menu highlights the best and freshest in-season fish, shellfish and locally sourced ingredients in ways that are both imaginative and affordable,” says chef/owner Doug Turbush. Guests can choose from a menu featuring two small plates, two entrées and two dessert options from executive chef Brendan Keenan. And though the menu changes weekly, this week’s lineup includes first course choice of blue crab beignets or Pearson’s Farm peach salad; second course choice of wood-grilled arctic char or Georges Bank monkfish; and choice of sweet finishes including Key lime pie or Georgia peach crisp. Available Monday through Thursday, the menu changes each week and is announced on the restaurant’s Facebook page and via email every Sunday. Treasure it all for $29 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Add wine pairings for $10 per person.

Chillax with a Jolt, $3 Shaken Cold-Brew Coffees at The Federal

Want to give summer heat the jitters? Chefs Shaun Doty and Lance Gummere are on it. The Federal, their Midtown Atlanta bistro, conquers hot Atlanta days with ice-cold caffeinated blasts to subdue summer’s sizzle. Cool down and rev up with $3 shaken cold-brew coffees during breakfast and lunch service (8 a.m.-2 p.m.) throughout the month of June. Icy, shaken specialties feature Batdorf & Bronson’s Dancing Goats blend and include iced coffee (cold brew over ice); Café Sua Da (cold brew with sweetened condensed milk); The Wilson (cold brew with coconut milk, palm sugar and lime); and Café Cielo (cold brew with sorghum cinnamon and vanilla).   

Searching for that Lost Shaker of Salt? Try The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill Margaritaville Beach Bash June 11

Wasting away, looking for that elusive lost shaker of salt could be challenging due to being “Buffeted” with so much fun at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill– Buckhead Margaritaville Beach Bash on Sunday, June 11. Parrotheads can sing along as the live band covers favorite Jimmy Buffet and beach music hits at the 3-7 p.m. beach ball of a party. Quarter-pound cheeseburgers are $5 each. Chase ‘em with ice-cold $3 Coronas and $5 flavored margaritas. Wear that loud and proud Hawaiian shirt. Really, what else would you wear?

#Foodgram: Julie's Kitchen

First, Julie dabbled in food collages showcasing seasonal and local offerings at her neighborhood farmers markets. Julie’s Kitchen evolved and now fans can sign up for the L.A. blogger’s Skillshare photography classes and learn how they can take marvelous photos on smartphones and more. Get the picture? 

What’s New on Pinterest: Get Glazed

Get Glazed, jellied, powdered and funfettied for National Doughnut Day, June 2. We show you how to DIY and turn out doughnuts galore such as old-fashioned buttermilk, vanilla cream, baked fluffernutters, jolly jelly, ombre-hued, triple chocolate or triple coconut and copycat Krispy Kremes. Gluten free? You’re included. This Pinterest board’s a doughnut hole-in-one.

Appetizing Aperture: Chicken and the Egg

Only the tipsiest bananas will do for banana pudding ($5) on the “After Supper” menu at Chicken and the Egg in Marietta. Woodford Reserve imbues a bit of Southern spirit, along with ‘nilla wafers and Chantilly cream for a bit more sweetness and light. Makes you wonder, why not indulge before instead of waiting until “After Supper.”

Summer Reading: Soak Up Good Stuff in “The Potlikker Papers” by John T. Edge

What’s in your Southern summer reading bag? A real page turner, we hope, like “The Potlikker Papers: A Food History of the Modern South,” newly released from John T. Edge. Garden & Gun magazine surmises, “In the South, Edge notes, food and eating intertwine inextricably with politics and social history, and he deftly traces these connections from the civil rights movement to today’s Southern eclectic cultural cuisine.” Publisher’s Weekly calls it “one of the ten best summer reads.” Order the paper, electronic or audio book online. Traveling this summer? So is Edge, promoting his new book. Glance at his schedule to see if he’s passing through the same towns as you. 

Big Green Egg Smoked Wings and More Land on New Menu at Atkins Park Virginia-Highland

Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland has summer fun in mind and on its new menu. Don’t panic, favorites are still there. But think how wonderful it will be to share “Always Available” dishes that shout “Summer!” such as Big Green Egg smoked wings ($11) and Guinness-dipped pretzels with pimento cheese and stout mustard ($6). Or, hoist a spicy Texas chicken sandwich or wrap ($11), salmon BLT with house-smoked bacon ($12), Big Green Egg pulled pork on a jalapeño bun ($9), smoked prime rib French dip ($13) or wild mushroom and spinach on toasted multigrain bread ($11). For lunch, try power-packed grilled salmon or steak salads ($12), beef short rib sliders with Vidalia onion jam ($7), “Flatbread of the South” ($12) or “The Local Vegetable Plate” ($12). Appetizers, entrées and small plates load up the dinner menu. Think meat and cheese board ($15), cornbread-crusted Georgia trout ($19), braised short ribs with sweet potato gnocchi ($20) or Louisiana BBQ shrimp lettuce wraps ($11). It’s easy to linger over weekend brunch to savor a fried chicken pancake sandwich ($12), Big Green Egg smoked wagyu beef brisket and eggs ($14) or a chorizo skillet ($10). Cocktails, beer, wine -- Atkins Park accessorizes perfectly with these liquid refreshers. 

Drafting Home Brewers to Hop into Taco Mac Southern Home Brewer’s Challenge

Home brewers, Atlanta-based Taco Mac and Woodstock’s own Reformation Brewery have your talents in mind, partnering to produce the fifth annual Southern Home Brewer’s Challenge, an exciting pro-am competition where one winning home brew recipe will be produced by a commercial brewery and sold at Taco Mac restaurants across the Southeast. Home brewers can turn in beer submissions at various Georgia Taco Mac restaurants during June and July according to the date/location schedule found here. First drop off is at Taco Mac Woodstock on Tuesday, June 6. The Southern Home Brewer’s Challenge panel of judges (Taco Mac and Reformation reps) will judge submissions throughout the month of July and announce a winner on July 22. Reformation will then fine tune the recipe to work in its brew system for commercial production, aiming for a release date during Reformation’s Beer of the Month slot in November. Read all of the rules regarding submissions here. Brew-sers, step away from your browsers and hop to it. Looking forward to tasting the winning brew in November!

Melissa Libby & Associates is Searching for Fall 2017 Interns!

Are you a student who is passionate about good food and drinks, restaurant culture and public relations? We want to meet you! Melissa Libby & Associates is currently seeking interns for the fall 2017 semester. Interns who join the MLA team will work with and learn directly from all agency functions, including media communications, social media, special events and client services. Creativity, positive energy, great writing skills and a strong work ethic are important traits for this internship.

Internships require 15-22 office hours per week from August to December. Schedules are fairly flexible, although Monday mornings from 10:30-11:30 a.m. are required for our weekly team meeting. Local candidates only please! The ideal candidate will also receive school credit for his or her experience with MLA. Interns will be paid a $500 stipend at the completion of the program.

To find out more about Melissa Libby & Associates, please visit our website and our Facebook page. If you are interested, please email your resume, cover letter, writing samples and availability to brandon@melissalibbypr.com. We're looking forward to hearing from you!

Get to Know One in 10,000 – Shingo Gokan, the Internationally Recognized Cocktail Maestro behind Himitsu’s Bar Program

Competing in – and winning -- the Bacardi Legacy Global Cocktail competition against 10,000 bartenders representing 26 countries is enough to make even the strongest cocktail crafter nervous. Unless you’re Shingo Gokan. He wasn’t shaken. He was stirred -- into pouring himself into the art of classic Japanese bartending. Gokan, who started his career in Tokyo in 2001, became the first guest bartender ever to be invited to the Savoy Hotel in London, going on to teach a master class and guest bartend at historically celebrated venues around the world. His cocktail crafting travels have taken him to more than 30 countries, leading him to open the speakeasy Speak Low in Shanghai in 2014 followed by founding Sober Company, also in Shanghai, in 2017. He’s recently been nominated for the 2017 Tales of the Cocktail Spirit Award: International Bartender of the Year for having the most influence and impact on the cocktail culture this year. So you’re asking, “Where can I experience Gokan’s sensational cocktail maestro skills? Shanghai is no “Waze” near my daily commute?” Cheers! Gokan is the creative director behind the bar and beverage program at Himitsu, giving libations at Buckhead’s by-reservation-only cocktail lounge a distinct modern vibe you won’t find anywhere else in Atlanta…or perhaps, in the world. Find him on Instagram @soberspeaker.

5Church Atlanta Welcomes Scotley Innis as Executive Chef

Owner Ayman Kamel and his team at 5Church Atlanta are excited to welcome new executive chef Scotley Innis, who was formerly sous chef at South City Kitchen in Midtown and executive chef at Ormsby’s in West Midtown. Innis brings a more “up-tempo” Southern feel to the menu, drawing upon a personal pantry of ingredients: Caribbean heritage, a knack for applying unorthodox techniques to traditional dishes, a penchant for proving to locals that modernizing Southern staples yields extraordinary results and a wealth of culinary experiences. Innis began his culinary career working in local Jamaican-style restaurants in New York before heading south and earning his culinary degree from Le Cordon Bleu. He moved up through kitchens at Marriott Hotels and Au Pied de Cochon at the InterContinental Hotel, immersed himself in the role of executive chef at Cajun/Creole Mudcatz Bayou Bar and Grill in Dunwoody and honed skills in fine dining cuisine at Tom Collichio’s Craftbar in Buckhead. Innis moved to Ormsby’s in 2009 and became executive chef in 2011, building a menu of from-scratch comfort food and fresh pub favorites that relied heavily on local produce and herbs. Joining the team at South City Kitchen furthered his knowledge of Southern cuisine. Now, Innis is excited about joining the 5Church Atlanta family and providing guests with a dining experience they’ll rave about.

Explore Wines of Oregon’s Famed Willamette Valley at Drift Wine Dinner June 15

Is touring Oregon’s lush Willamette Valley, wine glass in hand, on your bucket list? First, book a ticket to the Tour of Willamette Valley, Oregon Wine Dinner at Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar “taking off” Thursday, June 15. Drift executive chef Brendan Keenan plans an outstanding five-course menu paired with some of the best Willamette Valley wines selected by general manager/sommelier Jason Raymond. Guests will nibble gougères when arriving for the 6:30 p.m. dinner at the restaurant located at The Avenue in Marietta. Courses and Willamette Valley wine pairings progress through scallop tartar with UGA caviar and Meyer lemon sabayon paired with NV Sparkling rosé, Maysara, (McMinnville); gnocchi-cacio e pepe with peas, mint, king crab, Pecorino Romano and black pepper tuile served with 2015 Gruner Veltliner, Illahe (West Salem); halibut cheek and braised veal cheek with sunchoke, morels and beurre rouge served with 2015 pinot noir, Beaux Freres (Ribbon Ridge, Chehalem Valley); tuna Wellington with spring onion soubise and bordelaise paired with 2014 syrah, Bergstrom “Gargantua” (Dundee Hills); and dessert of local strawberry panna cotta, aged balsamic and marcona almond brittle with NV rosé, Domaine Serene “R” (Yamhill County). Buy tickets in advance through Eventbrite, $119 per guest (plus service fee; tax and gratuity is included).