#ATLFAMILYMEAL LAUNCHES TO HELP HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/25/20

#ATLFAMILYMEAL is a community of Atlanta area chefs, restaurant owners, hospitality workers, and business/non-profit leaders rallying together to help the Atlanta hospitality community and its people survive and thrive. In the hospitality industry, “family meal” is a universal slang that encompasses the sacred time before or after a shift where the entire restaurant staff comes together, breaks bread over a humble, hearty meal, enjoys each other’s company, and finds their center. Chefs and hospitality groups who are actively participating in this effort include Gina and Linton Hopkins, Electric Hospitality (Golden Eagle, Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, Muchacho), King of Pops, Fox Bros., and more.

MISSION + VISION: The mission of #ATLFAMILYMEAL is to help feed, nurture, and support hospitality workers during and immediately after the COVID-19 crisis by activating and connecting the Atlanta restaurant community unlike ever before. There are more than 500,000 hospitality industry workers in the state of Georgia, and more than half of this group live and work in the metro Atlanta area. The majority of these hospitality industry workers live paycheck to paycheck and have found themselves jobless overnight.

This initiative involves a united front across the industry supply chain, with extraordinary teamwork, communication, and a commitment to attain a common goal––doing whatever it takes to feed the ATL restaurant family. #ATLFAMILYMEAL is a newly-formed nonprofit with end-to-end logistics capabilities actively seeking funding, sponsorships, and in-kind donations to purchase, prepare, and deliver free “family meals” to the doorstep of hospitality workers across the metro Atlanta area, potentially employing hundreds (or thousands) of out-of-work hospitality professionals in the process.

ABOUT: Spearheaded by Michael Lennox, CEO & Founder of Electric Hospitality (Ladybird Grove & Mess Hall, Golden Eagle, Muchacho), the #ATLFAMILYMEAL movement is focused on building a virtual dinner table for the community to gather, share ideas, leverage resources, feed, and provide support for hospitality workers experiencing distress. ATLFAMILYMEAL, Inc. is a Georgia nonprofit that is in the process of seeking its 501(c)(3) designation, and is actively building a leadership team and raising funds to support the following areas of focus:

(1) building and nurturing an online community engaging around ways to help the hospitality community survive and thrive

(2) aggregating, combining, and deploying existing assets in the community (food, money, production space, hospitality leadership and personnel, delivery vehicles) and pairing them with sophisticated logistics/distribution software to route “family meals” across the city to feed tens of thousands of hospitality workers in their homes in metro Atlanta

(3) supporting Georgia Restaurant Association’s (GRA) vital advocacy work on behalf of the restaurant and hospitality industry

HOW WILL IT WORK:

  1. #ATLFAMILYMEAL will take existing resources in the community (food, people, money, delivery vehicles) and connect them in a new way to create temporary links in the supply chain and local economy that have disintegrated during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Specifically, the team of industry leaders and experts is working together to leverage existing resources in the community that are not currently being utilized for food production (e.g. food product in storage, restaurant/catering/banquet kitchen facilities, catering and food-service delivery vans/trucks, etc.) by raising money to reactivate these resources and the talented workers in these industries.
  1. Interested restaurants and hospitality businesses can sign up with #ATLFAMILYMEAL by emailing info@atlfamilymeal.org, share available resources (i.e., kitchen space, food product, staff, catering equipment, etc.) and #ATLFAMILYMEAL provides administrative and logistics support, and access to specialty equipment, as well as a variety of online tools and resources to help them feed their staff.
  1. #ATLFAMILYMEAL then uses donated funds to buy food, pay workers to prepare the food, and pay delivery drivers to deliver the food directly to unemployed restaurant and hospitality workers in the metro Atlanta area, all while following strict federal and state health and safety guidelines over food production and distribution.

CONNECT: In the spirit of hospitality and connection, help build the virtual dinner table by using the #ATLFAMILYMEAL hashtag online and on social media to build awareness for the movement, share ideas, connect dots, leverage resources, and show support for those experiencing distress in the hospitality industry. While we may not physically be together, we can work alongside one another to emerge stronger on the other side. Join the coalition on Facebook (@ATLFamilyMeal) and use the #ATLFAMILYMEAL hashtag to share ideas or resources to support this movement. For more information, please visit www.atlfamilymeal.org.

DONATE/SUPPORT/VOLUNTEER: Donations are being accepted online through www.atlfamilymeal.org, and 100% of donated proceeds will go toward helping feed and support hospitality workers in the metro Atlanta area. #ATLFAMILYMEAL is also actively seeking and receiving in-kind donations of the following: perishables, non-perishables, food packaging, supplies, delivery capabilities (i.e., vans/trucks). Do you have expertise in one of the following domains: Logistics, Packaging, Distribution, Marketing, Communications, HR, Legal, Accounting, Design? #ATLFAMILYMEAL is also actively seeking part-time volunteers with specialized backgrounds in core functions that support #ATLFAMILYMEAL’s mission and work. Inquiries and interest: please email info@atlfamilymeal.org.

GUSTO! LAUNCHES DINING BONDS TO GENERATE REVENUE FOR EMPLOYEES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/24/20

Buy now and reap the rewards later. gusto! has found an innovative way to generate revenue for their employees by creating gusto! Dining Bonds. Purchase a $100 dining bond now and redeem it for $150 on July 1 or purchase a $200 dining bond now and redeem it for $350 on Sept. 1. Dining bonds help generate revenue now to pay gusto! team members while offering guests a great value on gusto! in the future. Guests can put their bond money towards catering when back in the office or as an excuse to celebrate the end of social distancing when they’re able! Visit gustobonds.com for details and to purchase.

CITY WINERY ATLANTA ANNOUNCES FOOD AND LOCAL WINE TO GO!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/24/20

Easy online ordering for chef-driven meals and wine by the three pack, six pack, or case

In an effort to adapt to these ever-changing times and support public health measures, City Winery is providing new ways to enjoy their locally-produced, award-winning wine and food at home.

New wine packages are available to purchase here and range from $45 for a three-bottle bundle that includes their top-selling ATL Rosé to a $225 mixed case of reds, whites, and rosés.

City Winery’s chef-curated food to-go includes margherita flatbreads, cheese and charcuterie plates, Impossible Burgers, and more. Click here to purchase and set the pickup time.

Pickup for food and wine is available Monday through Friday from 11am to 6pm at the spacious patio, which has been set up for low-contact.

“If you’re in a position to help, we could really use your support right now. While we can’t put on shows at this time, we are still making wine, produced locally, with grapes sourced from incredible vineyards. We’d be truly grateful for the opportunity to sell some to you. Quite frankly, our ability to continue supporting our employees and sustain this shutdown depends on it.” said City Winery CEO and Founder, Michael Dorf. 

Dorf continued: “We’re adapting as quickly as we can, given that our company vision is founded on the unique social bond that occurs when communities of like-minded people gather over a bottle of quality Cabernet, while dining on a freshly-prepared meal and listening to their favorite artists perform. We’re figuring out this new normal and continue to develop creative new ideas in collaboration with the artist, winemaking, and hospitality communities.”

For guests wishing to further support City Winery during these challenging times, additional options include donating to their Employee Relief Fund or tickets for future shows.

For updates, please follow City Winery at @citywineryatl and also visit www.citywinery.com/atlanta.

THE GREAT AMERICAN TAKEOUT: SAVE OUR RESTAURANTS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/23/20

Tuesday, March 24th

Initiative of a coalition of restaurants including one of our faves: Marlow’s Tavern

On March 24, we’re asking everyone in America to show their support for our beloved restaurant industry and incredible employees by joining #TheGreatAmericanTakeout and eating at least one delivery or pick-up meal. Looking for a restaurant to support? You can find a list of local ones here.

Where are you getting takeout?

CHIRINGA MAKES THE MOVE TO TAKE-OUT AND CURBSIDE PICK UP ONLY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/19/20

From Dine-In to Take Out, Guests Can Still Enjoy Their Surf-Side Favorites

Based on the recommendations of the CDC and the concerns for the health of the community, CHIRINGA has suspended dine-in services and has implemented a strict take-out and curbside pick up policy until further notice. In order to protect the safety of their patrons and the internal team, guests can dive into their surf-side favorites by ordering from their extensive online ordering system, calling into the restaurant or by ordering from the outdoor Fly Up Window located on the Town Green during business hours. Allowing guests to take a staycation, CHIRINGA’s full menu will be available and includes whole grain bowls, dips, salads, sandwiches, tacos and plantains, available with fresh fish packed with Omega 3’s and clean proteins, along with freshly squeezed juices overflowing with Vitamin C. Guests 21 and up can also order specialty cocktails, craft beers and full-bodied wines at the Fly Up Window to enjoy on the Town Green. When completing the order online, guests can specify if they would prefer to pick up their order from the Fly Up Window or curbside. When placing an order for curbside, guests will need to describe the make, model and color of the car picking up the order to ensure prompt delivery. To dive into CHIRINGA’s online ordering system, visit www.chiringa.com and click the “Order Online” icon located at the top of the page. CHIRINGA is very grateful for their loyal patrons that continue to dine at their restaurant and hopes everyone is staying safe. For more information, visit www.chiringa.com or call 770.802.8940. For updates regarding hours, ongoing safety procedures and sanitation methods, Follow the Kite on Instagram at @chiringaatl and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chiringaatl.

GETTABITE APP LAUNCH TO-GO FEATURE!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/18/20

GettaBite App Pivots To Launch A New Feature
to Aid Atlanta Restaurants Amidst COVID-19 outbreak
Founders Evan Walker and Rain Li of the popular GettaBite app that was launched at the start of 2020, features thousands of Atlanta-area food deals each week. The team of two have pivoted the use of the free app to feature GettaBite To-Go! It’s the same app, but with a new option to keep Atlanta restaurant guests well-informed about which restaurants and food vendors are offering pick-up and delivery during this current time.
GettaBite To-Go! is offered to restaurants for free for a limited time. This is in an effort to help the Atlanta service industry get word out which is especially beneficial for those small business owners without public relations or marketing support.
The GettaBite duo is focused on helping those that have helped them. GettaBite Founder, Evan Walker, “We want to help get word out for restaurants and push sales for their industry in this downward market. We want to partner with Atlanta restaurants so we can help communicate to their guests which restaurants are open, which ones have shifted to take-out and delivery, and what people can expect to order from local restaurants at this time. Let’s keep Atlanta restaurants and diners connected!”
Users can expect the app to provide a self-guided experience. The deal feed will show several hours of deal information and pick-up/delivery information from surrounding restaurants in real time. Currently, GettaBite features hundreds of Atlanta restaurants and offers over 1,000 deals every week from popular names such as Hawkers Asian Street Fare, Hampton & Hudson, El Super Pan, Moe’s Southwest Grill, La Hacienda, Real Tacos, Fontaine’s Oyster House, Midtown Bowl, and many more with new restaurants added daily. The app is also a way for users to discover new restaurants by area and learn about new dishes in addition to the new featured launched today.
How It Works
Restaurants can email GettaBite at contact@gettabiteapp.com or send in their pick-up/delivery offering through the appitselfand GettaBite will post the offerings on the app for hungry Atlantans to see at no charge to the restaurant.
Evan Walker shared, “We founded GettaBite on the idea that restaurants and their diners need a strong communication channel. With many cities closing restaurants and only allowing take-out or delivery, we want to make sure communication between restaurants and their customers isn’t lost.”
Creators Evan Walker and Rain Li launched GettaBite in the summer of 2019. While studying at Auburn University, this young, entrepreneurial team felt the restaurant market lacked a focused food discovery tool. Students and younger generations wanted to know where to go to eat for the biggest bang for their buck. GettaBite is primarily a database of deals at a user’s fingertips. For restaurants, GettaBite is a free way to communicate deals and offerings quickly with a younger audience. The app is more than a food discovery app, it’s the missing link the market craves. GettaBite provides an affordable way to share an eating experience that is cultural and social with a younger generation.
  • Download on any smart phone at the App Store for free
  • GettaBite currently has a 5 out of 5 rating
  • Approaching 6,000 registered users
  • 300,000+ total deal views every month
  • 1,000+ restaurant deals featured weekly

GRANA IS OPEN, LAUNCHING CURBISDE PICK-UP!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/18/20

Starting Thursday, March 19th!

11:30 am – 8 pm

Call 404-231-9000
Pick-up inside or call us and we’ll run it out to you.
Available every single day!
Executive Chef Pasquale “Pat” Pascarella, known for The White Bull on Decatur Square, shared, “Our entire team has been very excited about this opening due to the buzz in the neighborhood surrounding Grana — we all talked about it and agreed that we should open the doors and offer daily, food pick-up during this current time. While this may not be our opening menu, we have a large offering of menu options and will make it easy for those who are currently at home and not going out.”
In addition to the menu below, guests may purchase pasta and tomato sauce complete with recipe cards from the Grana kitchen team.
Address:

1835 Piedmont Avenue NE
Atlanta, GA 30324

ADVENTURES IN ATLANTA AMID COVID-19: SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS WHILE STAYING SAFE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/15/20

Amid these times in our country, you and your family’s health is more important than anything else. With the continued cancellation of events and gatherings, what we’d really like is for you to support your local breweries and restaurants, while staying safe. How can you do that?

  • Purchase gift cards from your favorite spots online.
  • Buy local beer and wine at grocery stores.
  • As long as local restaurants are open: get take-out, curbside, or delivery.
  • Over tip in these lean times.

Once events come back and we get through this together, we will be back at it having more adventures in our beautiful city, recommending restaurants and events, but in the mean time, be nice to each other. It’s time to come together. Cheers!

Chiringa: The Beach Awaits

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/15/20

Happiness is a day at the beach, and we all need a little beach right now. That’s what you’ll get at Chiringa in Alpharetta; it’s like walking into a surfside bar. From the sweetness of perfect plantains, to healthy blackened fish tacos, to meaty wings, flavorful bowls, and the perfect beach drink, Chiringa has serious eats, warm beach vibes, and breezy cocktails. Can you smell the salt in the air and a warm ocean breeze? We can too, let’s dive into a surfside food adventure.

Starting with the breezy cocktails, imagine a cool Shandy or the perfectly frozen Froze while you listen to the waves crash on the sand. That’s Chiringa. We loved both! The Shandy was fresh-squeeze lemonade paired with Grayton Beach’s 30A Blonde Ale. It was refreshing and lemony-sweet with the right amount of beer and lemonade. Drinkable and fresh, it’s an all-day sipper! If you go to Chiringa this spring or summer, the must-get drink is definitely their Froze. A mix of vodka, lemon, and strawberry, its sweet and tart, one unbelievable adult slushie. The perfect beach-day cocktail.

What impressed us most about Chiringa was the quality and flavor of the food. For a fast-casual type restaurant, this is on another level. Every single thing they have on the menu is delicious! Our first taste were the wings. We have wings A LOT and these are our favorite so far this year. They were very meaty and you can taste Springer Mountain Farms quality in every bite. On top, the glaze was the perfect blend of spicy, savory, and sweet. It grows spicier as you eat, so use the ranch dip to cool it down. These were paired with fries, which were also very good. Perfect companion with the wings. Tip: find the fries sitting in the wing glaze, dip in ranch! Enjoy.

Being a beach-centric place, they have a ton of healthy eating options and the blackened Mahi Tacos were just that, whether you get a tortilla or get it as a lettuce wrap, it’s fresh all the way around! The fish was perfectly seasoned, plump, and tender, topped with pickled onions, lettuce, jalapeno, and a rich chipotle creama. It was a balanced dish you could get without the creama to make it low calorie, diet friendly. We added some avocado for even more creaminess. You wouldn’t think this was healthy because it’s so good, but it is. Sounds like the perfect stop for your next Taco Tuesday.

Staying on the healthy kick, the Core 57 bowl has it all! Hearty black beans, rice, tender chicken, arugula, cilantro sauce, plantains, and avocado. What an amazing, delectable bowl that mixes a ton of flavors into a crescendo of everything from savory, sweet, to creamy. Most surprising the sweetness of the plantains to the savory of the beans and creaminess of the avocado all worked so well together on the palate. To make it even better, we mixed the cilantro sauce and the ranch from the wings and added some of it the bowl to taste. Insert heart-eye emoji here. Amazing! I’m (Liz) is still thinking about this dish. My favorite.

Now, if you get one thing at Chiringa, it’s the plantains. Just take a moment to think about warm apple pie filling, warm and sweet. That’s just about right, but then being plantains, its heavier and meatier than an apple, so it’s a perfect storm of sweet and savory. It eats like a dessert, but with a tropical vibe. Paired with the cilantro sauce, added some earthiness and savor. We’re in love.

Who knew a beach trip was so close? Grab your favorite beach gear, your favorite kite equipment, a towel and head up to Alpharetta. The beach awaits.