The Local Expedition Wood Fired Grill: A Picnic at Home

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/30/20

As the weather in Atlanta gets warmer, the sunny Spring days get longer, we are ready to grab our favorite blankets and have a picnic at home feast. Getting almost everything on the menu, The Local Expedition Wood Fired Grill has a whole list of extraordinary vegetables that changes daily, tons of protein options, grilled pineapple, and even epic, loaded, local fries to tempt even the healthiest! We spoke with Danny, who along with his wife own this new Sandy Springs location, as well as the original location in Alpharetta. When we asked about ingredients so we could share with you, he simply said that everyone find their own flavors in each dish, that is why they have “expedition” in their name. He explained you’d find a different flavor combo in every dish that differs from what your friends or partner might taste. Are you ready to go on a tasty exploit? So are we!

When it comes to vegetables and sides, they have everything you could ever want from fries, spaghetti squash, brussels sprouts, beet salad, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and more. Of the ones we tried, which were all good, the stand outs were the local fries and the spaghetti squash. Starting with the local fries, they are medium-cut potatoes with a crispy, heftier batter for more crunch, topped with cheese, and then lemon garlic and cilantro sauces drizzled on top. Insert mind blown emoji here. We were blown away by the flavor, overall bite of the local fries! It was perfectly cooked, crispy, and the batter gave it so much savor that the cool sauces and cheese on top gave it a creamy, dreamy balance. Definitely the lemon and batter stick out in our minds, and we can’t stop thinking about it! On the other hand, the spaghetti squash was a lighter option that married the savory squash with garlic, tasty oil, and spinach. It was crunchy, earthy, and very deep in flavor. We have no idea what was in there, but if you ask us, it tasted like something straight out of Italy. So. Decadent.

Plus, we sampled many others, here’s a taste of our journey! If you know us, you know we tried brussels sprouts, which were a good mix of crunch, char, and caramelized sweetness. Fresh and healthy, which was a great pairing with something a little creamy or rich! Speaking of those, the spicy and sweet fingerlings literally tell you how they’ll taste, spicy and sweet, a lot like your favorite Asian dish. They end up being slightly spicy and then sweet on the back that mixes well with the potato. The mac and cheese oozed super creamy with the right amount of cheese, pasta, and cream. A healthy option we loved were the roasted beets with quinoa and kale. It was roasty, earthy, tart, and slightly crunchy. Must love beets, which we do! Then, get into the Hawaiian spirit with the grilled pineapple. The right amount of char, sweetness, and savory come together in this side. Who doesn’t love grilled fruit for dessert? It’s a great addition to any meal. Finally, one odd combo we would really recommend you try: take some of the mac and cheese and the spaghetti squash and mix them together. You heard us right! You’re mind will be saying, “what is this and how can I get more?” It’s creamy, savory, sweet, and has every flavor you can imagine! Yes, we condone playing with your food.

Any meal exploration wouldn’t be complete without some proteins! Our favorite was the delicious, fall apart in your mouth, pulled pork. It was tender, savory, rich, and very flavorful. It tasted like it had a hint of brown sugar and paired perfectly with their sweet or spicy barbecue sauces. You can even mix them together! That’s what we did, and it really brought out the flavor of the pork. Just like a fine barbecue restaurant. We also really enjoyed the wings, with the perfect amount of char grill, crisp skin, tender chicken, and a sweet and salty rub. Yep, like salt and sugar were mixed together, which perfectly fit with the savory of the chicken. Their grilled chicken plate also had lightly charred, tender chicken. A good pairing with the rice and brussels sprouts. Even a little healthy maybe? Everything was delectable.

Want to bring the food up a notch? Grab the Cilantro Sauce! The absolute best sauce they have, a mix of cilantro, some type of yogurt, mayo, or cream that is reminiscent of a hearty green goddess. We’re a fan. It is a savory concoction that will knock your socks off. Mix the brussels sprouts, grilled chicken, wings, rice, or anything really. Mix it all together in one big tall pile and you have a flavor explosion, we mean expedition. They’re open for take-out and just so you know all of their staff have these cool face shields made of plastic that covers the bottom half of their faces. It makes you feel safe ordering there!

BRING A CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA TO YOUR CASA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/29/20

Many of us will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo from home this year, but don’t despair. Atlanta restaurants have you covered with a variety of party-at-home specials, meals and libations to add plenty of olé to the day.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern keeps the margaritas flowing all day at both the Brookhaven and Dunwoody locations. Open from noon-9 p.m., HOBNOB fans can pick up $3 tacos (chicken, pork and veggie) along with $5 margaritas to kick up the festivities at home.

Lazy Llama Cantina throws a fiesta with tacos and margaritas to-go. The Midtown eatery is open from noon-9 p.m. with a Cinco de Mayo special of two tacos (chicken, pork or veggie), chips and salsa and a Llamarita margarita for $12.95. Keep the margaritas flowing with $5 individual margaritas and $15 margarita pitchers. This special is available for pick-up only. Lazy Llama also is offering a 12 taco family meal with 12 tacos (chicken, pork or veggie), chips, salsa, guacamole and queso for $69. The family meal is available for pick-up or delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub.

Marlow’s Tavern livens up the occasion with a Cinco de Marlow’s package that feeds four. For $59, Marlow’s provides a fajita kit with a choice of two proteins (lime and cumin grilled chicken thighs, chili-rubbed grilled skirt steak or blackened and sautéed shrimp), tortillas, peppers and onions, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, black beans, rice, chicken pozole, tortilla chips and churros for dessert. Make it a party and add margarita mix for $10 per quart (tequila not included). Add a bottle of Marlow’s sangria (red or white) for $30. Orders must be placed by noon on Wednesday, April 29, for pick-up on Friday, May 1; by noon on Thursday, April 30, for pickup on Saturday, May 2; or by noon on Sunday, May 3 for pick-up on Tuesday, May 5. Click here to order.

Murphy’s in Virginia-Highland fires up taste buds with its vegetarian enchilada meal for four. This flavorful $40 special includes a vegetable enchilada casserole, avocado salsa, tortilla chips, cabbage slaw and flan for dessert. Place orders online or by calling 404-872-0904 for pick-up between 12-7 p.m. Delivery is also available via Zifty.com.

Taco Mac makes it easy to throw a festive Cinco de Mayo bash at home. Mexican-inspired menu favorites include three tacos (chicken tinga, beef, Southern fried catfish, grilled BBQ shrimp or grilled steak for $9.99) and a variety of quesadillas including chicken tinga ($9.99), grilled steak ($10.29) and grilled vegetable and black bean ($8.99). Pair your Cinco de Mayo feast with a selection of Mexican beers ($2 each) such as Corona, Corona Light, Dos Equis Lager and Dos Equis Amber.

ATLANTA GUYS DINNER GROUP KICKS OFF PANTRY DRIVE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/26/20

NOW COLLECTING NON-PERISHABLE ITEMS FOR RESTAURANT INDUSTRY WORKERS OUT OF JOBS
The Atlanta Guys Dinner Group (#AGDG) is a group of guys who get together once a month to break bread, socialize, and give back to the Atlanta community. Each month the group would support one nonprofit by donating their time, money, or their services. Monthly gatherings used to take place at a different local restaurant in an effort to support local eateries until the onset of the current pandemic.
Due to Covid-19, AGDG has now pivoted their efforts to help support our city’s out-of-work restaurant workers; the workers who have hosted, served, and cooked for the group over the past two years.
“Now it’s our turn to take care of them,” shares #AGDG Founder Sean Palani.
AGDG is currently delivering bags of food to those restaurant workers who cannot make it to scheduled food donation sites due to lack of transportation. Per donations, the AGDG offers contactless porch and curbside pickup and offers the same for delivery to workers.
AGDG is collecting non-perishable items such as the following to help feed Atlanta’s food family.
To schedule a donation, drop off or pick up, please email seanpalani@yahoo.com or valerie@viafailla.com
Items in need include:
Canned proteins (chicken, tuna, SPAM)
Rice, Pasta, Beans
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Soups and Sauces
Crackers, Cereals, Snacks
Powdered Milk, Teas and Coffee
Toiletries
Baby Food and Diapers
For those who cannot get out to shop for grocery items, cash donations can be made to #ATLFamilyMeal – the 501c3 founded by Michael Lennox of Electric Hospitality that delivers two, free meals per week to unemployed hospitality workers in need.
We thank you for your community support!

CHIRINGA’S TAKE OUT INITIATIVES AND PLANS TO GIVE BACK THIS MAY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/26/20

Social Responsibility Initiatives to Help Protect and Give Back

Deeply rooted within the community of downtown Alpharetta, CHIRINGA has decided to continue the suspension of their dine-in services until further notice to maintain a safer environment for their patrons and staff and to help enforce the importance of social responsibility. Diners can still dive into the restaurant’s elevated beach food by ordering online for curbside pick up or walk up to the outdoor Fly Up Window, located on the Town Green, for take out orders.

“While we would love to open our doors and help remind everyone of the free-flowing days at the beach, we will always put the safety of our patrons and staff first. We feel that it is too soon to re-open our dine-in services based on the current guidelines set by the CDC. We are so thankful for the continued support from our community, and we encourage our guests to continue practicing social responsibly,” stated Andrew McKoski, Founder and Partner of CHIRINGA.
In efforts to give back in this uncertain time, CHIRINGA will be donating 25% of all online orders during the month of May to non-profit organizations that are helping to supply food to local heroes that need it most, including Atlanta Community Food Bank, Open Hand, Giving Kitchen and Goodr.
“We are all in this together and as a team we strive to support those who are in need at this time. Each week in the month of May, we will be asking our loyal patrons to take all orders online in efforts to give back to those in need around them. Supporting local is not just supporting businesses, but supporting the friendly faces on the frontlines, healthcare workers, first responders, neighbors, family members and friends,” stated Travis Brown, Founder and Partner of CHIRINGA.
CHIRINGA’s full menu will be accessible online and includes whole grain bowls, dips, salads, sandwiches, tacos and plantains, available with fresh fish and clean proteins, along with freshly squeezed juices, specialty cocktails, craft beers and full-bodied wines. For more information and to order online, 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.

Piastra: The Perfect Date Night IN

In the early days of quarantine, we took a drive to Marietta Square to pick-up some Italian food for our first date night IN. The square had some kids playing close to the fountain and a couple sipped on wine at a table outside the restaurant. For a Friday night, it was eerily quiet. Piastra reminds us of that local Italian restaurant that you’d go to on Friday Night, grab a bottle of vino to share at the table and split a pizza or a hearty bowl of pasta, while finished off with some silky tiramisu. This time, when we picked up, we got the duck carpaccio, the rigatoni Domenica, and a Salsiccia pizza. What a meal.

Starting with the duck carpaccio, show of hands who DOESN’T love a solid carpaccio? Told you, everyone does! The duck will melt in your mouth. The fattiness and savory of the duck pairs well with the sweetness of the honey in a melody of flavors topped with earthiness of arugula and acidity of citrus vinaigrette. Pro tip: eat all ingredients together. This way it’s every flavor and done so well. This is a must get.

The best all-around ingredient we loved at Piastra was their mild fennel sausage, crafted in house. The two main entrees we sampled had it in both. While fine Italian restaurants are known for their wine selection and pasta, can’t they also be known for an outstanding Pizza? We got their Salsiccia with the mild fennel sausage and pomodoro and it was an all-around great pizza. From the sausage, crushed tomatoes, and mozzarella, to the tasty and well-seasoned bread, it would be a crowd pleaser for any meat pizza lover. We’ll have to try this when it’s pipping hot at Piastra when restaurants re-open. If it’s this good when you get it home, it must be even more amazing hot!

The other dish we got that featured the sausage was the Rigatoni Domenica. Talk about a truly authentic delectable pasta dish, you got it right here. The sausage was savory, meaty, slight spicy but mild, and very tender. You mix that with handmade rigatoni that’s perfectly cooked between soft and al dente, covered in a tomato-based sauce and a hint of cream, that’ll hit the spot. Creamy, savory, sweet, spicy, such a wonderful dish. Next time, we want to try a Secondi Salmon, Pork Chop, or half Chicken. They all sound amazing.

Piastra is open for curbside pickup and delivery through DoorDash and Zifty. They also have $10 and $15 bottles of wine. Who’s hungry for Italian fare and a good bottle of wine tonight?

ANNOUNCING FOOD FIGHT GA!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/23/20

GEORGIA ORGANICS & THE JAMESTOWN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION LAUNCH ‘FOOD FIGHT GA,’ WITH A MISSION TO RELIEVE FOOD & INCOME INSECURITY FOR FOOD SERVICE PROFESSIONALS & GEORGIA’S SMALL FARMERS

 

Sourced Directly from Georgia Farms & Root Baking Co., the Initiative Provides Weekly Boxes of Fresh Produce, Eggs & Bread to Food Service Workers

Participating Restaurants in the Pilot Phase include Bacchanalia, BoccaLupo, The Deer & The Dove, Floataway Cafe, Miller Union, Staplehouse & Star Provisions

Georgia Organics, a nonprofit that connects organic food from Georgia farms to Georgia families, and the Jamestown Charitable Foundation, a public charity from the Atlanta-based real estate investment and management company behind Ponce City Market, have collaborated to launch Food Fight GA with the goal of “Championing Our Farmers and Feeding Our Restaurant Family.” The new initiative’s pilot phase is providing weekly grocery boxes to approximately 200 unemployed restaurant workers at Atlanta restaurants with long-standing commitments to local sourcing, all while helping to relieve income insecurity for small Georgia farms amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funds donated to Food Fight GA by the Jamestown Charitable Foundation, Ponce City Market, the Wilbur & Hilda Glenn Family Foundation and the USDA are used to purchase fresh produce from Georgia farms and ingredients like eggs and Root Baking Co. bread that are assembled into weekly boxes for food service workers to pick up for free at participating restaurants. At this time, the program is open to current and former staff at Bacchanalia, Floataway Cafe, Staplehouse, Star Provisions and Georgia Organics Farmer Champion restaurant partners, including BoccaLupo, The Deer & The Dove and Miller Union.

“Restaurants think of their teams as family, not to mention the farmers from whom we source and who become our friends, and the Atlanta food community is doing what we can to make sure our people are safe and cared for during this uncertain time,” says Chris Wilkins, Owner & Head Baker at Root Baking Co., who was instrumental in ideating the program from its inception and is providing fresh baked loaves made from organic, locally sourced flour for every box.

“The food community is at the heart of our city, and restaurants and small farms have been especially impacted by this crisis,” says Michael Phillips, President of Jamestown. “We are grateful to partner with Georgia Organics to take action now against food and income insecurity in these affected industries, while providing fresh, healthy ingredients for restaurant staff to feed their families.”

By bringing fresh produce to restaurant workers, Food Fight GA is simultaneously helping to support Georgia’s local food system by mitigating farmers’ lost revenue due to COVID-19. Many small Georgia farms derive revenue by selling to restaurants who are now closed or operating on a limited model of takeout or delivery in response to the crisis. The program sources directly from farms who are existing sellers to the participating restaurants or are members of the Georgia Organics Farm to Restaurant Cohort program. Participating farms include, but are not limited to Ellijay Mushrooms, Hickory Hill Farm, Levity Farms, Pinewood Springs Farm, Rodgers Greens & Roots Farm, Snapfinger Farm, West Georgia Farmer’s Cooperative and Woodland Gardens.

“We have this chance to take care of the people that always take care of us,” says Ilana Richards of Levity Farms in Alpharetta, Georgia.

“During the program’s pilot in the last two weeks, Food Fight GA put nearly $10,000 back into the hands of farm partners and has provided approximately 200 produce boxes to Atlanta restaurant workers each week,” says Alice Rolls, Executive Director of Georgia Organics. “Thanks to donors like Jamestown Charitable Foundation and Ponce City Market, we’re hoping to expand the program to feed more food service professionals and support additional farms across the state over the coming weeks.”

Food Fight GA is now accepting donations from the public here via PayPal, and restaurants interested in joining the initiative can learn more here.

IMAGINE MUSIC FESTIVAL CONFIRMS NEW LOCATION FOR 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/19/20

Seventh Annual Event to Take Place at Bouckaert Farm in Chattahoochee Hills, September 18 – 20, 2020
 
Special Personal Message from Founders Included
After swirling rumors and much speculation, the southeast’s biggest and most immersive electronic dance music festival has officially announced that it will yet again be enhancing the fan experience- this time with a move to Bouckaert Farm in the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. Faced with increased limitations with its previous venue, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Imagine decided that it had to explore other options to take the festival into its next chapter and create an experience in line with the original vision of the aquatic fairytale. The site which has played host to such marquee events as The Echo Project, CounterPoint Music Festival, and TomorrowWorld will host the seventh annual Imagine Music Festival September 18 – 20, 2020. A rich history with the electronic music community, the site’s beauty and natural setting was an obvious choice when planning 2020.
 
With the current climate presenting festival organizers across the globe with the difficult decision to reschedule or postpone their events, Imagine has decided to move forward with pulling together details, all while keeping fan, artist, and staff safety paramount.
 
“While we wanted to be sensitive to the stresses that everyone is facing with COVID-19, we also wanted Imagine to be a positive light through the barrage negative news,” says Iris Presents founders Glenn and Madeleine Goodhand. “After much deliberation, we are ready to make a positive change that will usher Imagine Festival into the next chapter and will give our guest something to look forward to,
 
 
3-day General Admission passes are available starting at $169, before fees. VIP passes with express entry into the festival, commemorative VIP wristband, exclusive viewing areas, VIP bars, and lounges, and private air-conditioned VIP trailer restrooms start at $269 for a 3-day pass, before fees. 4-pack bundles and camping options are also available. Payment plans are still available for a limited time. Tickets are available online at www.imaginefestival.com. Imagine Music Festival is an 18 and over event.
Imagine Music Festival is produced by Iris Presents. Visit www.imaginefestival.com for the most up-to-date information. Fans can stay connected for updates on Instagram at www.instagram.com/imaginemusicfestival, Twitter at www.twitter.com/imaginemusicfes, and Facebook at www.facebook.com/imaginemusicfestival.

VININGS JUBILEE RESTAURANTS AND RETAILERS PIVOT TO CONTINUE SERVING COMMUNITY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/19/20

Latest Updates on How Lifestyle Center is Adjusting in Light of Current Events 
For decades, Vinings Jubilee has been a centerpiece of historic Vinings, bringing the community together over delicious food, great shopping and a family-centric neighborhood experience. While the continually evolving developments surrounding COVID-19 affect the day-to-day, the tenants at Vinings Jubilee are taking necessary precautions and adjusting. Whether updating business hours, policies, or temporarily closing, each business is doing what is best to continue to serve the community and for the safety of Vinings Jubilee. Restaurants are making dining at home as easy as ever, Southern Baked Pie and Whimsy Cookie Co. are still serving up their delicious treats and many retail stores have pivoted to online shopping options.

“While the landscape of COVID-19 is ever evolving, the health and safety of our tenants and patrons is our number one priority. We plan to follow all the guidelines set forth by the government and respect any decisions our retailers choose to make for their best interest,” said David Cochran, President and CEO of Paces Properties. “We have always loved being a gathering place for our community to enjoy and we look forward to being able to serve them all again in a safe manner.”

Learn more about some of what Vinings Jubilee’s tenants are offering:

Café at Pharr
Nothing says comfort food like a chicken salad sandwich. Café at Pharr is still open for business, offering curbside pickup and delivery to select locations. Follow along on Facebook or Instagram for updates.

Cold Stone Creamery
Social distancing doesn’t have to put a hold on your ice cream craving with Cold Stone Creamery. The nationwide favorite is scooping and offering curbside pickup, so patrons can enjoy all their menu offerings. For updates, check Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Fab’rik
Spring cleaning is upon us and that means there is plenty of time for new threads from Fab’rik. The store is closed but their online store is up and running, offering everything from spring dresses to comfortable loungewear that is perfect for working from home. Stay up-to-date on Facebook or Instagram.

Mellow Mushroom
Mellow Mushroom Vinings is open for business and offering curbside pickup, delivery through third party services and convenient meal packages to switch up your dinners including a movie night package with pizza and wings and a “Veg Head” package with hummus and salad. For more details and updates, follow along on Facebook.

Southern Baked Pie Company
Vinings’ favorite pie shop is serving up all the delicious pies guests know and love in a safe and sanitized manner. Whether you want the Chicken Pot Pie for lunch or a slice of Caramel Pecan Pie for dessert, they have you set. Call ahead to place your order and arrange for curbside delivery. If you’re looking to stay home, they also offer delivery and shipping to make indulging even easier. Check Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for updates.

Waiting on Martha Everyday + Waiting on Martha HOME
Retail therapy doesn’t have to wait. While Waiting on Martha Everyday and Waiting on Martha HOME are temporarily closed, they are continuing to offer online shopping to curb your retail fix. Whether you’re sprucing up your home, redecorating or looking for some fun at-home activities, they offer it all from trendy kitchenware to vibrant adulting coloring books and paint by numbers kits. For updates, follow Waiting on Martha Everyday on Facebook or Instagram and Waiting on Martha HOME on Facebook or Instagram.

The Whimsy Cookie Company
Cure your sweet tooth with The Whimsy Cookie Company. They are open for business and not only delivering your favorite sweets, but also offering care packages to mail to friends and family, including decorating kits that are perfect for channeling your inner chef while staying safe at home. Ideal for kids, these decorating kits offer fun shapes and colors like dinosaurs, princesses and of course, the delicious icing Whimsy Cookie is so famous for. Call or visit online to enjoy. Stay in the know on Facebook or Instagram.

A+ Pediatrics, Another Broken Egg, Banana Republic, Boardroom Salon, Dermani Medspa, Etc. East, HotBox, J. McLaughlin, Loft, Orangetheory, Paces & Vine, Pure Barre, Read Shop by the Merchant, SOHO, and Stockyard Burgers & Bones are all temporarily closed until further notice. The details above are subject to change. Stay up-to-date on the latest developments by visiting the Vinings Jubilee website and following on Facebook and Instagram.

DINING IN FOR LIFE 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/9/20

Open Hand steps up to support restaurant partners with Dining In for Life, April 27-May 3

With the current challenges posed to the city’s food service industry, Open Hand is turning the tables on its annual Dining Out For Life fundraiser by encouraging locals to “Dine In” with restaurant take-out, curbside pick-up or delivery from April 27 – May 3. The change is not only to support Open Hand, but also a step to help support restaurant partners as they navigate the changes necessitated by the evolving COVID-19 developments.


“We find ourselves in uncertain and unprecedented times. Open Hand started 30 years ago serving those affected with HIV/AIDS, and we once again find ourselves advocating for the most vulnerable in our community. Our priority is to ensure our clients continue to receive meals they heavily rely on,” said Executive Director Matt Peiper. “A virtual Dining Out for Life event will provide Open Hand with vital funds to help sustain service to our clients while simultaneously supporting the restaurant partners who have remained steadfast proponents of the Open Hand mission over the years. Our current community crisis reminds us of the earliest days of the HIV/AIDS crisis when so little was known about the disease. Open Hand was a comforting force for our clients then – just as we must be now.”

 

Open Hand depends on funds raised by its signature events, such as Dining Out for Life, to continue to operate as one of the nation’s largest community-based providers of home-delivered meals and nutrition education. Open Hand staff and supporters will utilize online peer-to-peer fundraising to encourage their social networks to donate to their mission that Atlanta chefs and restaurant owners had hoped to help fulfill.

The organization has refocused its efforts on a virtual event in hopes to join the community together to “Dine In” and do good for the generous restaurant partners that have supported Open Hand over the last three decades. Many of the restaurants are currently open – offering take-out, curbside pick-up and delivery in various metro-Atlanta neighborhoods. Locals can find a full list of restaurant partners here. Open Hand encourages the community to support local restaurants by also purchasing giftcards or donating to online “tip jars” that support staff members and employee relief programs.

Open Hand continues to serve the community during this crisis by preparing, packing and delivering nutritious meals to the most vulnerable in our community empower neighbors to live healthier, more independent lives.

Ways to Support Open Hand:

  • Make a donation to Open Hand online at org/donate.
  • Connect with Open Hand via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and share posts, information and more.
  • Enjoy restaurant take-out, curbside pick-up or delivery and “Dine In” from April 27 – May 3. Post about the experience using #dininginforoh.

For more information on Dining Out for Life and Open Hand, as well as to stay up-to-date on events and volunteer opportunities, please visit the Dining Out for Life website at www.diningoutforoh.org and www.openhandatlanta.org or connect via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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FRONTLINE DINE INITIATIVE 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/9/20

TRUE STORY BRANDS LAUNCHES “FRONTLINE DINE” INITIATIVE WITH SPANX BY SARA BLAKELY FOUNDATION TO DELIVER MEALS TO WORKERS AT CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA

Starting 4/10, Atlanta Hospitality Group will Cook & Deliver Thousands of Meals to Healthcare Workers 

With meal deliveries beginning this week, True Story Brands (10 Degrees South, Yebo Beach Haus, Biltong Bar) is set to deliver nearly 2,500 meals per week to workers of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as part of new “Frontline Dine” initiative. The initiative is funded by Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation, the charitable arm of Spanx that has donated millions of dollars to charities around the world since its inception in 2006.

The idea for Frontline Dine was born as a collaboration between longtime friends Justin Anthony, Founder of True Story Brands, Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx, and her entrepreneur husband Jesse Itzler, who see it as a way to help provide for two communities: the hospitality and healthcare industries. Over the course of two weeks, with hopes to continue longer, the initiative will be responsible for delivering nearly 2,500 meals a week to workers at three Children’s campuses (Scottish Rite, Egleston and Hughes Spalding) during shift change.

Prepared at Biltong Bar at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, the meals will feature traditional South African dishes like Savory and Sweet Curry with chicken or beef and Peri-Peri Chicken. Ideation and execution of the menu will derive from Anthony’s parents, Derek and Diane, who are also the Executive Chef team behind True Story Brands’ flagship restaurant 10 Degrees South. Derek and Diane Anthony, along with Biltong Bar’s Chef plan to serve a menu that honors the South African tradition of convivial, family-style dining while also supplying healthcare workers with hearty and nutritious meals to help get them through this challenging time. In March, Anthony’s young cousin was diagnosed with a severe case of coronavirus and was cared for by the staff at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. She is now on the road to recovery, but Anthony says his cousin’s experience at Scottish Rite played a large role in his decision to take action. He, along with staff from True Story Brands’ temporarily closed restaurants, will deliver meals to each Children’s campus.

“Now more than ever, it’s important to do our part to help the community and we’re so proud to announce this initiative in collaboration with the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation,” says Anthony. “Not only will it help those on the frontlines battling COVID-19, but this will help provide work for True Story staff who have been temporarily furloughed because of the pandemic.”