Appetizing Aperture: Revival's Crispy Lamb Shank

 

Cold weather calls for sinking your teeth into something savory, and Revival chef Nicole Edwards knows exactly how to satisfy those comfort food cravings and warm the soul with her crispy lamb shank ($32). Topped with tobacco onions and lamb jus, this dish soothes even the deepest of wintertime blues and is best enjoyed with Southern trimmings at a table full of family and friends.

Uncork Jordan Winery Specials at Ray’s Restaurants Through February

Latch onto wines from Jordan Winery and enjoy special promotional prices at all three Ray’s Restaurants now through the end of February. At Ray’s in the City and Ray’s on the River, Jordan cabernet sauvignon is priced at $26 for an eight-ounce glass or $80 for the bottle, and Jordan chardonnay pours at $20 per eight-ounce glass or $60 for the bottle. At Ray’s at Killer Creek in Alpharetta, the cab is $20 for a six-ounce glass, $30 for a nine-ounce glass or $80 per bottle; the crisp chardonnay commands $15 for a six-ounce glass, $22 for a nine-ounce glass or $60 per bottle. Jordan Winery is committed to producing a singular Russian River Valley chardonnay and a singular Alexander Valley cabernet sauvignon honoring the subtleties of French Old World winemaking traditions. Right wine, right time. Now.

Dabble in Arts and Eats with The Federal and Bantam + Biddy at Art Crush Auction Feb. 3

 

Brush up on art appreciation and acquisitions at Art Crush, Atlanta’s most irreverent art auction. The galleries of ADAC frame this fun-filled event that begins at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3. Bid on artwork by emerging and established artists from Atlanta and around the South as well as an exciting array of unique, artist-driven experiences. Bring your smartphone for mobile bidding -- which eats less time than hovering over bid sheets -- freeing more time to socialize, view masterpieces and conversation pieces, and indulge in artful bites provided by host committee participants The Federal and Bantam + Biddy. Buy tickets online; general admission is $50 per person or choose one of the VIP table host opportunities. BURNAWAY’s Art Crush Auction supports the Atlanta-based nonprofit organization’s mission to provide arts coverage and foster new voices for the arts in Atlanta and the South, including the online art publication Atlanta Art Guide, the Art Writers Mentorship program, and its Teen Art Writing program. Who knows? You might go home with art from an up-and-coming Picasso!

Melissa Libby & Associates is Searching for a Spring 2018 Intern!

Are you a student who is passionate about good food and drinks, restaurant culture and public relations? Are you ready to get started right away? We want to meet you! Melissa Libby & Associates is currently seeking a intern for the spring 2018 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 and organizational skills and a strong work ethic are important traits for this internship. 

Interns at MLA will shadow all departments and be tasked with a wide variety of projects to learn as much as possible. You will help perform important research for client projects, draft social media content for popular Atlanta brands, assist with special event planning and execution, attend meetings with clients, brainstorm new ideas, write blog posts and much more.

Internships require 15-22 office hours per week starting as soon as possible through early May. 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 upon successful 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!

Mix and Mingle at 5Church Atlanta Social Hour

 

Brush away the workday and enter a state of post-stress relaxation with friends by taking advantage of Social Hour at 5Church Atlanta on Peachtree at 14^th in the heart of Midtown. Enjoy quality time catching up with friends over a selection of mouthwatering small plates, beer and wines every Monday through Thursday from 4:30-6:30 p.m. “Eats” ($8) include short rib sliders with pickled red onion and homemade BBQ sauce on a pretzel bun; Margherita flatbread topped with crispy basil, fresh mozzarella and heirloom tomatoes; Prince Edward Island mussels in a tomato garlic broth; duck poutine; and smoked chicken wings in blonde BBQ sauce. For $6, kick back with glasses of Clos Pegase merlot or Riff pinot grigio. Beer specials include Highland Gaelic ale and Modelo Especial for $4 each. Hurry in. There’s a spot waiting for you -- a seat at one of the high-tops or at the bar.

What’s New on Pinterest: Chocolate Cravings

Hearts afire! February is National Chocolate Lovers Month, and our Chocolate Cravings are kicking in big time. Jump aboard our chocolaty chew-chew and turn out flourless chocolate cake (no flour means more room for chocolate), a multitude of chocolate mint desserts or a gigantic “Kit Kat” bar. Win brownie points for “Knock you Naked” brownies, healthier brownies made without flour or refined sugar and that church/women’s club cookbook classic, “chocolate delight.” Chocolate-dipped tea bag cookies and chocolate pudding cupcakes with fresh strawberry centers are cocoa party ready.

Draft Atlanta Restaurants into Play for Your Super Bowl LII Viewing and Chewing Team Feb. 4

What’s your Super Bowl LII game table and viewing plan for the big game on Sunday, Feb. 4? Home viewing flanked by catering or carry-out? Perhaps you’re envisioning one of Atlanta’s FAN-tastic restaurants as your game-day end zone for big screens, big cheers and a full roster of beers? Decide like the pros: hold a coin toss and honor the call. Unlike the gridiron showdown where either the Philadelphia Eagles or the New England Patriots will get rings and Super Bowl LII glory, this is a win-win situation.

Take-Away Specials
  Atkins Park Restaurant & Bar in Virginia-Highland plans Super Bowl LII takeout platters to prepare your team for well-fueled viewing. Appetite-tackling options include creamy spinach and artichoke dip with chips ($30); fried “mac n’ cheese bites” ($35); bacon cheeseburger sliders ($30/dozen); brat burger sliders with caramelized onion, cheddar cheese, sauerkraut and stout mustard ($35/dozen); and Texas fried chicken sliders ($35/dozen). Atkins Park jumbo chicken wings rule the field. Get two dozen smoked on the Big Green Egg or confit with veggies and a choice of sweet chili garlic, spicy BBQ or Atkins Park’s classic wing sauce and ranch or blue cheese for $30. Place orders by noon on Feb. 3; pick-up time scheduled at time of order; call 404-876-7249.
  Babalu Tapas & Tacos offers multiple packages for groups ranging from intimate gatherings to full on football teams. Order the "Half Time Fiesta" for guacamole and a taco bar priced at $15 per person with a 10 person minimum. "1st and 10 Platters" include Baba wings ($5), torta Cubana bites ($5), mini Baba burgers ($7.50) and a dessert sampler ($2.50), priced per person with a 10 person minimum. Earn extra points for add-ons like pico de gallo ($7), hummus ($12), guacamole ($16), dulce de leche cheesecake bites ($2 each) and cayenne chocolate truffles ($2 each). Orders must be placed 24 hours in advance. Pick up available on Sunday from 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m.; call 404-900-9595.
Food 101 cheers on game-day nibblers with to-go wings that can be ordered in advance and picked up before 3 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 4. Although closed for dinner Sunday evening, football fans can enjoy brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. before picking up orders. Call 404-497-9700 for details.

gusto! encourages fans to pick their favorite players for a “build your own gusto!” self-serve buffet. Choose two gusto! flavors, such as the wildly popular chipotle mango avocado and seasonal white chili pimiento, to go along with mixed greens, brown rice, grilled chicken, grilled portabella mushrooms and a boatload of house-made sweet potato chips. Vegetarian, vegan-friendly, gluten-free and dairy-free choices are available. Add drinks and desserts and you’re ready for kickoff. “Bowled orders” are available for small groups (under 20 guests). Free delivery with $100 order or stop by and get it to go. Contact Trey Strawn at the Peachtree location in Buckhead, 678-800-8372 or trey.strawn@whatsyourgusto.com; or Ryan Harrison on Ponce, 770-856-7417 or ryan.harrison@whatsyourgusto.com.

Henri’s Bakery & Café puts football-shaped and team-themed cookies into play. Pick up a few on Saturday at the new Henri’s Bakery Westside location or the Buckhead or Sandy Springs shops for tailgates or game-watching parties. All locations are closed on Sundays.

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails wallops game-day appetites with à la carte and package options. Choose Kentuckyaki, smoky medium or pickle-fried wings with celery and blue cheese dressing ($25/25 pieces); signature sundried tomato, spinach and artichoke or black-eyed pea hummus dips with house-made lavosh and crostini ($25 per quart, serves eight); and veggie or fruit platters with dipping sauce ($20, serves eight). The team’s ecstatic about assembling a package for your party. Family package satisfies eight guests with 25 wings, one dip and 10 chocolate chip cookies ($55); Party Package feeds 15 guests with 75 wings (25 each flavor), both signature dips, one veggie platter and 25 chocolate chip cookies. Place orders online by 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 and pick up Sunday, Feb. 4 between 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Questions? Call 770-817-0161.

Storico Fresco Alimentari scores big points for any party with their wide selection of meats and cheeses. Make your own platter at home, or have the retail shop create a custom antipasti platter for you. Even better, bring in your own platter and let the friendly faces behind the retail counter design one atop your favorite tailgating tray. Don’t forget to grab a tiramisu or burnt ricotta pie for the perfect game-day dessert! Questions? Call 404-500-2181 or email retailorders@storicofresco.com.
Taco Mac’s catering options are a win for fans of all ages. Place orders of wing party platters and pick up before 1 p.m. on Saturday or Sunday to earn a $10 bonus gift card for every 50-wing tray purchased. Make it home with plenty of time before kickoff, and be the MVP of the viewing party? Now that’s a win-win.
Tin Lizzy’s Cantina catering touches down at home parties for big game FlexMex feasting. A taco buffet wins points, lining up a choice of meats, black beans, Jack cheese, lettuce, flour tortillas, pico de gallo, choice of sauce, and chips and salsa ($10/person). Stacked taco bar adds grilled onions and peppers, guac and rice ($12/person). For sideline action, add chicken tenders ($4/person), salad ($2.50/person), queso or guac ($1.50/person), bag of tortilla chips ($5/serves 10) and “The Grand Tinale,” fried tortillas tossed in cinnamon and sugar ($1/person). Tin Lizzy’s also can provide tea, lemonade, bottled water and disposable chafing dishes. Order takeout online, call 404-846-6011 or email catering@tinlizzyscantina.com
Restaurant In-House Viewing Specials

We can already hear football fans cheering for chili at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern. During the game, both the Brookhaven and Midtown locations will run an $8 chili special and serve a pileup of chili fries for $9.50.

Hone in on great game views, those renowned wings and beers from a seemingly gridiron-long list at all Taco Mac locations. No matter which team you root for, you can still be on the Brewniversity team -- a champion choice for beer aficionados.

Don’t Hold Back: Tacos are $2 on Taco Twosdays at Babalu Tapas & Tacos

 

On Tuesdays at Babalu Tapas & Tacos, all tacos are $2 each, all day long. The dine-in-only “Taco Twosday” deal opens up the Midtown’s eatery’s entire taco list as fair game. Pollo frito boasts flash-fried or grilled Joyce Farms chicken, tomatoes, arugula, cotija cheese, pickled red onions and buttermilk avocado dressing. Costilla enfolds Creekstone Farms braised short rib, fresno pepper slaw, cilantro, cotija cheese and pickled red onion. Pig out on carne de cerdo with smoked Niman Ranch pork belly, citrus BBQ sauce, roasted peanut slaw and cotija cheese or carnitas, filled with citrus-braised pulled pork, roasted peanut slaw, salsa roja and pickled red onions. A trio of seafood-filled tacos please seafarers: atun with spiced and seared saku tuna, cilantro slaw, Sriracha lime crema and spicy tortilla strips; blackened or fried Gulf redfish with fresno pepper slaw, jalapeño-poblano vinaigrette and radish; or camarones of grilled or fried Gulf shrimp, cilantro slaw, radish and comeback sauce. Vegetal gets those veggies in with yellow squash, zucchini, crimini mushrooms, grilled red onion ring, red chimichurri, arugula and cotija cheese. Any other day of the week, these tacos are $2.95-$3.75 each. Taco Twosdays afford a primo opportunity to go through the list a few at a time or go totally taco crazy and try them all.

What’s New on Pinterest: Rave-Worthy Ravioli

Pillow talk time. In this case, we’re referring to plump pillows of Rave-Worthy Ravioli, yielding cold weather comfort in appetizers, mainstays, salads and even desserts like Nutella ravioli or chocolate ravioli with white chocolate mascarpone. Earn “oohs” and “aahs” over red beet ravioli with spinach and goat cheese, short rib ravioli, flower-shaped ravioli and homemade pesto, ricotta and mozzarella ravioli. Wonton wrappers hug fillings for pear and Gorgonzola ravioli with walnuts and rosemary butter. Ravioli lasagna and spinach artichoke ravioli bake are fast crowd pleasers. Paleo dieters, try folding thin slices of squash around a chicken, spinach and mascarpone filling and serving with caulif-redo sauce. Change out the usual game table cheese sticks with baked, toasted ravioli to dunk in hot pizza sauce or say “ole!” to nacho chicken ravioli.

#Foodgram: The Art of Plating

There’s a place for messy food like sloppy Joes, saucy wings and Frito pie. Then there’s The Art of Plating, where presentation woos eyes and appetites. We have a feeling these masterpieces, destined for dining, will never make it to the Louvre.

Appetizing Aperture: American Spirit Works Terminus City Sour at Revival

How do they do that? Brand an “R” monogram to the foamy head of the American Spirit Works/Terminus City Sour at Revival? Leave it to chef Kevin Gillespie to pull this trick out of his toque for guests at his Decatur restaurant. Underneath the “R” pools a potent mix of rye whiskey and apple brandy, both from Atlanta’s own American Spirit Works Distillery, along with smoked spices, blackstrap molasses, lemon and bitters. Are spirits topped by tattoos next?

Come and Get It! Fried Chicken Night Sunday Suppers at HOBNOB

Can’t you hear that dinner bell ringing, smell the enticing aroma of chicken frying and anticipate the golden glow of crisp-tender bird flying hot from the kitchen to your place at the table? Sunday Night Supper at HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern harkens back to a much revered Southern tradition: Sunday fried chicken. HOBNOB buttermilk batters and fries 100 percent all-natural, hormone- and antibiotic-free Springer Mountain Farms chicken. The juicy bird comes flanked by Southern sides of mashed potatoes, gravy and a different vegetable each week. HOBNOB hosts Fried Chicken Night every Sunday from 5 p.m. until close. Yes, in grandma’s day, Sunday’s fried chicken feast flourished as a midday meal, and supper might have included some leftover wings and a prayer. Nudging the dinner staple to suppertime clears the day for appetite-building activities, warranting you’ll be a member of grandma’s “clean plate club.”

Babalu is on GrubHub and DoorDash -- Cozy Up with Tapas and Tacos at Your Place

You’re craving redfish and camarones tacos, Mexican street corn and cinnamon bread pudding. But you just made it home and the thought of bundling up, again, keeps you frozen in thought. Relax and drop the gloves. Babalu Tapas & Tacos now comes to you via GrubHub and DoorDash. Warm, sunny Latin-inspired flavors will be on their way to you in an instant. Wow. That torta Cubana with citrus-braised pulled pork or Baba burger would hit the spot. So order up and find those sunglasses -- Babalu sunshine is headed your way.

Melissa Libby & Associates is Searching for Summer 2018 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 summer 2018 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 and organizational skills and a strong work ethic are important traits for this internship. 

Interns at MLA will shadow all departments and be tasked with a wide variety of projects to learn as much as possible. You will help perform important research for client projects, draft social media content for popular Atlanta brands, assist with special event planning and execution, attend meetings with clients, brainstorm new ideas, write blog posts and much more.

Internships require 15-22 office hours per week from May through early August. 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 upon successful 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!

Mardi Gras Reigns and Henri’s Bakery has Your King Cakes

Crown your Mardi Gras festivities with a king cake from Atlanta’s local slice of NOLA life, Henri’s Bakery & Cafe. Henri’s creates tempting king cakes with cream cheese, cinnamon or almond fillings, dollops of creamy frosting, the sparkle of gem-hued sugar crystals, and tosses on a few strands of Mardi Gras beads and a mask to boot. The wreath-shaped standout comes wrapped on a foil platter for a regal presentation. The legendary bakery offers three sizes to accommodate your krewe or court: small, medium and large. Say, perhaps you have experienced the same calendar epiphany we’ve realized. This year, Ash Wednesday falls on the same day as Valentine’s Day, giving an extra reason to be sweet on sharing a king cake from Henri’s Bakery with all of your loved ones. What fun to see who will find the baby inside his or her slice and get to be “king” for the day (and host next year’s celebration). Order yours, allowing 48-hour notice, from one of Henri’s three locations: Upper Westside, 404-968-9412; Buckhead, 404-237-0202; or Sandy Springs, 404-256-7934. Lest we forget to mention, Henri’s rolls out some praise-worthy po’boys as well. 

Ray’s on the River Plants New Signature Salads on Menu

“Brrr,” shows the weather app…or did it read “burrata”? Or, were you carried away, dreaming of creamy burrata, summery tomatoes and fragrant basil or sunshine-laden tropical mangos and ahi tuna fresh from the sea? Dreams do come true. Ray’s on the River fulfills all of those yearnings with fresh, new Signature Salads on its lunch and dinner menus. On the lunch menu, an empowering ahi tuna and kale salad with quinoa and the refreshing twist of mango, avocado and Asian vinaigrette ($20) sticks with you all afternoon. Ray’s heirloom tomato and burrata salad with basil pesto and toasted panko ($15, dinner only) stands on its own as a light dinner option or as a complement to Ray’s much-loved starters and specialties. Why wait for summer to fuel your body with kale, hearty green goodness and colorful fruits and veggies? Salad days and nights are here and now at Ray’s on the River.

What’s New on Pinterest: Kick That Cold

Kick That Cold with soothing, homeopathic recipes that appeal to under-the-weather appetites. Liquid assets include a cold remedy hot toddy, immunity tonic, tropical turmeric boost, cold-killer shots and a DIY electrolyte drink. Gut-healing bone or vegetable broth, detox immune-boosting chicken soup, cold-fighting couscous chicken soup and spinach and white bean soup tackle sniffles and coughs. Make flu and cold-conquering gummies for kids and adults or blend essential oils to create a healthy home atmosphere. Relieve scratchy sore throats with popsicles, golden milk, teas and a “natural antibiotic.” Wipe the nose, wash hands, start mixing and feel better soon.

Toast a Hoppy New Year as Taco Mac Taps into Limited Double IPA from Oregon’s Rogue Ales Beginning Jan. 28

 

Welcome 2018 Taco Mac style, toasting the year ahead over a glass (or two) brimming with a remarkable -- and extremely limited -- one-off double IPA from Rogue Ales in Newport, Oregon. Rogue Straight Outta Newport DIPA (8.7% ABV) is “the first-ever West Coast IPA from the Westest Coast brewery.” Bold and beautiful, this huge West Coast DIPA, bursting with Citra, Mosaic and Comet hops, citrusy aromas, fruity flavors and the promise of a juicy finish, will satisfy the thirstiest hop heads. Straight Outta Newport will be available beginning Jan. 28 at 12 Taco Mac locations: Duluth, Kennesaw, Dallas Hwy., Johns Creek, Newnan, Philips Arena, Cumberland, Canton, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Roswell and Cumming. Further your immersion in the West Coast brew experience by trying Taco Mac’s special East Coast/West Coast beer flights flying high through Mar. 31 at all locations.

#Foodgram

What’s new in Bilbao, Spain? Gorgeous photographs, life stories and do-able recipes from Laura Arias @BecauseGB. The IT engineer humors her creative side addressing food, life and travels through photography, food styling and developing recipes. Want more? Read her award-winning blog in English or Spanish.

“Steak” Claim on All-Day Eats, Happy Hour Specials at The Cut Bar

Rejoice! There’s even more to love at The Cut Bar, the top-notch bar and lounge on the ground level of American Cut in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. An expanded menu, extended hours and new happy hour specials enhance day-long dining pleasure, whether for a snack session or a full-fledged meal. Starting at 11:30 a.m. and continuing until closing time, guests can savor a juicy burger as well as chicken, salmon and steak sandwiches and entrée plates. Weekdays from 4-7 p.m., The Cut Bar’s happy hour features half-priced appetizers from the all-day menu with the addition of $1 chef’s choice oysters. Handcrafted cocktails, beer and sparkling, white and red wines by the glass are available all day, as well as a daily specialty cocktail. And, while bubbles tickle the nose, live piano music will tickle the ivories come late winter. Reservations welcomed but not required.