CURRY UP NOW TO CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING OF NEW MADISON YARDS RESTAURANT ON SEPTEMBER 24

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/15/20

The Award-Winning Indian Fast Casual Will Celebrate With 50% Off App & Online Orders All Day Long

Curry Up Now, the award-winning Indian fast casual known for its innovative and creative approach to Indian cuisine, will celebrate the Grand Opening of its newest restaurant in Atlanta on Thursday, September 24. The restaurant, which is located at 915 Memorial Dr SE Suite 210 in the Madison Yards retail-living center, will celebrate by offering 50% off orders placed via the Curry Up Now app and website all day long with code CelebrateATL. This location joins another in Decatur, which opened last summer, and will be closely followed by another Curry Up Now opening at 24 S Main Street in Alpharetta in October. The local franchisees are also on the fast track to complete another Curry Up Now outpost at The Interlock, which will also feature Curry Up Now’s craft cocktail bar concept, Mortar & Pestle.

“Our Decatur opening last year was the perfect way to introduce Curry Up Now to the greater Atlanta area, but we’re thrilled to be opening closer to the heart of the city in a popular center like Madison Yards,” said Hemant Suri, Atlanta franchisee for Curry Up Now. “We are excited to welcome the community to the newest Curry Up Now restaurant with our Grand Opening event, and look forward to becoming a go-to spot for Indian cuisine lovers in Atlanta.”

Curry Up Now began as a food truck in 2009, founded by husband and wife duo, Akash and Rana Kapoor, and ably supported by co-founder and Senior VP of Operations, Amir Hosseini. Since day one, Curry Up Now has been on a mission to serve Indian flavors and ingredients in a way that is approachable for the everyday American consumer by utilizing formats that are more recognizable to the mainstream. Their signature dishes include Tikka Masala Burritos, Deconstructed Samosas, Indian-style tacos, Naughty Naan and more, as well as a wide variety of Indian street food snacks and traditional dishes like Thali Platters, Kathi Rolls, and more. Ingredients are clean and sourced from local vendors whenever possible, and the menu is designed to support vegan, gluten-free, and Halal diets in an effort to accommodate all guests, no matter their dietary preferences. In the last ten years, the Kapoors have expanded the Curry Up Now empire to include three food trucks, 13 brick-and-mortar restaurants spanning coast to coast, and a globally-inspired craft cocktail bar concept, Mortar & Pestle, that is housed within select Curry Up Now restaurants.

“Despite the crazy and unprecedented year that 2020 has been, we’ve seen great growth as a brand and are very excited to welcome the new Madison Yards restaurant to our expanding Curry Up Now family,” said Akash Kapoor, founder and CEO. “Hemant and the Atlanta team have worked tirelessly to get this restaurant ready for the opening, and now that they have Alpharetta and The Interlock on the horizon, it’s shaping up to be a big year for Curry Up Now’s Atlanta expansion. With the opening of the Madison Yards location, we have now opened 5 restaurants since February.”

The Madison Yards location will be open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Catering and takeout will be available, and guests are invited to order ahead using the Curry Up Now mobile app. For more information, call 678-732-0953, visit www.curryupnow.com, and follow @CurryUpNow on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter

DISCOVER OUTDOOR RECREATION AND RELAXATION AT THE BATTERY ATLANTA THIS SEPTEMBER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/15/20

Live, work and play hub offers an open, walkable layout to safely reconnect with friends and family

The Battery Atlanta is the one-stop spot to work hard and play harder! The Cobb County lifestyle destination’s chef-driven restaurants bring together friends, families and co-workers with daily happy hour specials and live entertainment on patio spaces! The community can also access The Battery Atlanta Walking Trail for a midday break in the fresh air or meet up weekly for a rejuvenating yoga class.

Visitors can keep #FortheA gameday energy alive with Baseball Watch Parties at Live! at the Battery Atlanta. Fans are encouraged to bring lawns chairs or blankets to The Plaza Green – the green space in front of the Omni Hotel – to watch the Atlanta Braves take on visiting teams on the jumbo screen. To-go drinks and take-out meals are available from participating restaurants located along Battery Avenue and Battery Walk.

An up-to-date list of restaurant and retailer happenings is available on the website. Details and hours of operation are subject to change.

Outdoor Activities:

Wellness Series: Yoga by Kaiser Permanente
Every Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Start the week off stress-free with an outdoor yoga class presented by Kaiser Permanente on non-event days at the Plaza Green. This free event is limited to 75 people. Registration and the event participant waiver are available online. A live stream on Facebook and recorded sessions on YouTube are also available to fitness fans on event days for a free virtual class.

The Battery Atlanta Walking Trail presented by UnitedHealthcare
A brisk walk can curb cravings, reduce stress and offer a healthy way to catch up with friends and family! Get out and get active on the 1.5-mile loop circling the campus.

Cornhole ATL Fall League
Every Tuesday at 6:45-9 p.m.
A tailgate favorite is now a league of its own! Spectators are encouraged to watch the action and cheer on league participants as they play games leading up to the season’s final tournament on Oct. 20. League winners will receive a championship trophy and other prizes.

Farmers Market presented by United Healthcare
Sunday, Sept. 13 and Sept. 20 from 1-4 p.m.
Families and friends are invited to stroll and shop a variety of handcrafted and homegrown products on the Plaza Green. Locals can also preorder items from select sellers, including David’s Garden Super Bee, The Cheese Straw House, Keto Bandito or Farm Hounds.

Select Retail and Restaurant Promotions:

Happy Hour at Yard House
Guests can dine from a list of select half-priced appetizers and pizzas from 3-6 p.m.!

Cigar Happy Hour at BURN by Rocky Patel
Cigar-enthusiasts are invited to receive 15% all RP cigars from noon-7 p.m.

Happy Hour at CRU Food & Wine Bar
Friends can relax and un-wine with $3 off glasses of flights of wine, plus small bites from 4-6:30 p.m.

The 4 to 6 at C. Ellet’s Steak House
Half-priced oysters and an extensive selection of bar snacks, mini sandwiches and drink specials are available from 4-6 p.m. for small groups on the patio.

Happy Hour at The Escape Game
Groups of six or more will receive 35% off bookings with limited-time online code “happyhour” from 3-5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

MARLOW’S TAVERN PRESENTS THE WHATCHYA BEEN GRILLIN’ CONTEST

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/15/20

Culinary Competitors Battle for Big Green Egg Package and Marlow’s Gift Cards
To celebrate the September return of the famous Ribs & Whiskey menu, Marlow’s Tavern wants its guests to show off the grilling recipes they mastered during quarantine by entering its Whatchya Been Grillin’ contest.

Marlow’s Tavern will award prizes to the top three grill gurus whose recipes celebrate what makes this season sizzle. The first-place prize is a Big Green Egg package, valued at $1400, featuring a large EGG, an intEGGgrated Nest + Handler, acacia wood EGG Mates, charcoal, starters, ash tool and grid gripper. The winning recipe also will be featured on Marlow’s Tavern’s fall/winter menu. The second-place winner earns a $250 Marlow’s Tavern gift card, third place brings home a $150 gift card, and the People’s Choice award winner receives a $150 gift card.

Contest participants can submit recipes online through Monday, Oct. 5. Entries are limited to one per person or email address. No purchase is necessary to enter. John C. Metz, executive chef, CEO and co-founder of Marlow’s Tavern, will review all entries and announce the winning recipe on Saturday, Oct. 24.

CHATTAHOOCHEE FOOD WORKS ANNOUNCE NEXT ROUND OF CULINARY TENANTS COMING TO THE WORKS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/5/21

Chattahoochee Food Works
Announces the Newest Round of
Culinary Tenants Coming to The Works
Cubanos ATL, Hippie Hibachi, Philly G Steaks,
Belen de la Cruz –Empanadas & Pastries, & Monster Cravings
The globally-inspired food hall, Chattahoochee Food Works, is proud to announce the latest lineup of local, culinary talent expected to open throughout 2021. In addition, a select group of culinary tenants will participate in the first-ever The Works Hoppy Easter event on Saturday, April 3 from noon to 9:00 pm.
Chattahoochee Food Works, curated by Robert Montwaid, creator of New York’s Gansevoort Market and Emmy and James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Zimmern, will introduce a total of 31 culinary tenants to the industrial-glam food hall this coming year. The beautifully crafted indoor and outdoor, full-service bar is slated to open in the coming weeks. The outdoor patio is perfect for enjoying a cocktail and soon-to-come special events and appearances.
The most recently signed food hall tenants, include Belen de la Cruz – Empanadas & Pastries, Cubanos ATL, Hippie Hibachi, Philly G Steaks, and Monster Cravings. All of the vendors to date are Atlanta-owned, small businesses. The 22,000-foot food hall acts as an opportunity for local owners to either jump start their culinary concept or transition from a food truck or online business to a brick and mortar.
Owner Robert Montwaid said, “This is an impactful moment for the Atlanta culinary community. My partner Andrew Zimmern and I are thrilled to provide a space where owners can kick-off their vision and see it come to life. We are here to support and provide consult to every culinary owner who comes on board. We want them to succeed, find their audience, and share their family or original recipes with our guests. We think of Chattahoochee Food Works as a tight knit community within our thriving city. This is “the” place Atlantan’s and those visiting our city will desire to be.”
The Makers Building that houses Chattahoochee Food Works is located on The Works property, an 80-acre, adaptive mixed-use development in the heart of Atlanta’s Upper Westside. Additional retailers include Ballard Designs, BOBO Intriguing Objects, Les Mains Nail Bar, and others.
Currently, the list of food hall vendors includes seventeen that are soon-to-open:
  • From beautifully hand-crafted appetizers and rolls packed with a myriad of flavors to Signature Nigiri plates and Robata Grill options, Flying Fish owners Christine Nguyen and Johnny Cho are excited to bring their new concept to Atlantan’s. The beautiful space was curated and designed by Alex Kinjo
  • Bahn Mi Station is the second concept owned by Christine Nguyen and Johnny Cho, Banh Mi Station will bring traditional Vietnamese cuisine and authentic recipes to the food hall, serving some of Vietnam’s most famous food like bánh mì, pho, and Vermicelli Noodle bowls. Also curated and designed by Alex Kinjo.
  • Sakura Ramen Bar offers classic ramen flavors like Tonkotsu ramen and vegan, and broth-less ramen with beyond meatballs – all created with in-house made ingredients. Owned by Anna Grace, Sakura Ramen Bar will also offer a monthly chef tasting menu with sake pairing, a variety of yakitori selections along with appetizers you would find in traditional izakaya’s such as Takoyaki’s and gyozas. Online ordering, catering, and delivery will be available too. Designed by Alex Kinjo.
  • Sakura Gift is a unique, Japanese gift shop that will showcase rare Japanese whiskey, an array of Japanese sake and sake tasting bar along with beer and boutique wines. Owner Anna Grace is excited to welcome you to this unique space, created by Alex Kinjo who wanted to share a taste of traditional Japanese culture with the locals. The store will also sell sake ware, Japanese fashion, and offer monthly sake and sushi pairing events and ikebana (Japanese floral arrangement) classes.
  • Monster Cravings, owned and created by Veronica Dalzon, are the freshest, handcrafted cookies Atlanta has ever tasted. Veronica has been known to say that her cookies are even better than your grandmother’s cookies! Addicting cookie flavors such as PB&J, Strawberry Shortcake, Cookies & Cream, or the vibrantly colored Bam Bam cookie, topped off with fruity cereal, are just a few customer favorites.
  • After living in several countries, Argentinean native Belen de la Cruz landed in Atlanta and finally felt it was the right place for her to pursue her long-time entrepreneurial dream of opening Belen de la Cruz – Empanadas & Pastries, an Argentinean empanadas shop. Currently Belen and her two brothers run two shops where menu offerings include delicious Argentinean empanadas including beef, chicken, cheese, and veggie as well as traditional desserts.
  • Cubanos ATL has quickly become a go-to spot for authentic Cuban sandwiches and Cuban style coffee. Cuban-born, Owner Ozzy Llanes, and his team craft his authentic Cuban sandwiches using locally and organically sourced ingredients. Ozzy is delighted to share his kitchen, his family’s recipes, and his love of Cuban food.
  • Hippie Hibachi will be the first, hibachi spot to debut in Atlanta that offers vegan dishes on the menu. The concept was created by Joshua Brock when he chose to live a healthy, vegan lifestyle, but could not find many dining options for himself. Joshua’s menu is based on classic hibachi style whereas guests can choose a protein such as Teriyaki chicken, shrimp, or plant-based meat, paired with a variety of vegetables, fried rice, and Hippie Hibachi’s house made Vegan Yum Yum sauce.
  • Philly G Steaks will offer an authentic, ribeye Philly Cheese Steak created by Philadelphia born Gordon Brown. Currently located at Sweet Auburn Curb Market.
  • Pomodoro Bella is a new Italian concept from long-time, culinary industry cohorts and pizza fanatics, James Semanisin and Byars Parham. In addition to pizza and pasta, marketplace items such as make-at-home meal kits, house made sauces, pasta, Italian desserts, and more will be offered. Pomodoro Bella will have an exclusive ordering window located on the expansive outdoor patio and will be open later than the daily food hall hours.
  • Baker Dude founded by Orran Booher, is “more than just frosting.” Orran’s artistic cake work is in the form of cupcakes, cookies, and beautiful cakes but the long-time, pastry pro will also offer an array of savory and sweet breakfast and lunch creations too.
  • Baked Kitchen South African Street Food Owner, Allan Katzef, takes pride in sharing his home-country’s cuisine with Atlantans. Patrons will find a variety of South African dishes such as The Burri Don Dawg, South African boerewors (a type of sausage) and Sosaties, a lamb and apricot skewer grilled to perfection. Evolving, weekly red-eye specials ranging from vegan-friendly burgers to out of the ordinary sandwiches will also be featured.
  • Atlanta’s famous Morelli’s Ice Cream owned by husband-and-wife team Donald Sargent and Clarissa Morelli. Chattahoochee Food Works will be the ice cream dream team’s fourth location.
  • TydeTate Kitchen, a family-owned and operated catering business located in Lawrenceville, Georgia that will serve home-style comfort Thai food.
  • Unbelibubble Tea House will offer handcrafted bubble tea using homemade ingredients by husband-and-wife team, Alex Yoon Kim and Mindy Kim offer. Experience almost 50 bubble tea variations tailored to meet customers’ tastes.
  • Graffiti Breakfast will feature breakfast staples with a southern twist and will “pay it forward” by using local ingredients from Atlanta’s urban farms. This will be the first location for husband-and-wife team, Chef Marcus James Waller and Tonya Waller.
  • Taqueria La Luz, a new Mexican street food concept crafted exclusively for Chattahoochee Food Works by co-owners of Midtown Atlanta icon Zocalo, brother and sister twins Luis Martinez-Obregon and Lucero Martinez-Obregon.
About Chattahoochee Food Works
Chattahoochee Food Works is located at 1235 Chattahoochee Ave NW in the Makers Building at The Works. It will feature 31 food stalls and an extensive outdoor patio covering 22,000 square feet in total, that will offer a collective of global culinary vendors. Additional features include chef-driven demonstrations, intimate events, and artisanal market shops.
Owner Robert Montwaid, creator of New York’s Gansevoort Market, and celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, are the curators behind Chattahoochee Food Works and are currently selecting vendors.
Robert Montwaid is the former owner of one of the top ten nightclubs in the world, The Pink Elephant, which formally occupied spots in New York City, Hamptons, Mexico, and Brazil. Montwaid will blend his 15-plus years of craft cocktail and entertainment experience with Chattahoochee Food Works in the form of an industrial-glam, center-style, indoor and outdoor bar, and welcoming lounge. Ample public seating, a retractable glass wall, and eye-catching chandeliers that dot the clerestory ceiling are a few of the bar and lounge featured highlights. A simple menu with high-level offerings such as a raw bar, champagne and prosecco list, craft cocktails, and charcuterie will be available.
ORIGINAL RELEASE: SEPTEMBER 202
Pomodoro Bella, Baker Dude, and Baked Kitchen South African Street Food
Highly anticipated food hall, Chattahoochee Food Works, curated by Robert Montwaid, creator of New York’s Gansevoort Market and Emmy and James Beard Award-winning chef Andrew Zimmern, will open this fall at The Works, a Selig Development located in the heart of Atlanta’s Upper Westside. Three new tenants, Pomodoro Bella, Baker Dude, and Baked Kitchen South African Street Food have confirmed participation as part of the new 31-vendor, 22,000 square-foot space including an extensive outdoor patio.
Pomodoro Bella
An Italian concept from long-time, culinary industry cohorts, James Semanisin, General Manager and chef, and Chef Byars Parham, most recently Executive Chef of Cru Food & Wine Bar at Avalon. James shared, “Why pizza? We are both pizza fanatics and love good, fresh ingredients. As chefs, we only work with the best produce and cheese we can source and will be dedicated to finding and using the perfect tomato.” Byars added, “One of the most interesting parts of our stall will be the dough room where patrons can catch a glimpse of us working giant sheets of dough for our house-made pasta and pizza. Working dough is an art. The right ingredients and the right vision are key. We brought in a Forno Bravo oven that we will fire up at 600-700 degrees — our pizzas will cook quickly in 1-2 minutes.”
In addition to pizza and pasta, marketplace items such as make-at-home meal kits that will vary weekly, house made sauces, pasta, Italian desserts, and more will be offered. Pomodoro Bella will have an exclusive ordering window located on the expansive outdoor patio and will be open later than the daily food hall hours.
Baker Dude
Founder Orran Booher, began baking Christmas cakes as a teenager in Kingston Jamaica where he grew up. His Christmas cakes became so popular that he started to outsell his talented baker mom who taught him this trade. At the age of twenty, he moved to the United States and raised his cake game to include decadent fondant-style cakes and European-style desserts so he could express his artistic ability. Fast forward more than a decade and patrons can now find miniature versions of Orran’s artistic cake work in the form of cupcakes at his pastry shop Baker Dude at The Beacon Atlanta.
Orran shared, “After years of baking birthday cakes for colleagues and family, it was a no-brainer to bag corporate life and lead with my passion — art. I’m a strong creative so there is nothing I would rather do than use my art and tasty cupcakes to make our guests smile. Right now, our world can use all the happy it can get — my goal is to provide that to anyone who comes to our new stall.” Guests will find “more than just frosting” at the Baker Dude. The pastry pro will offer an array of savory and sweet creations in addition to cupcakes such as the Bou-Cake, a beautiful, seven cupcake bouquet. Menu items include, Super Ah-Vocado Toast, the must-have Farmer’s Market Egg Wrap, Classic Quiches, mouth-watering Plum Galettes, scrumptious blondies and an array of vegan, gluten-free, keto, and paleo treats.
Baked Kitchen South African Street Food
Owner, Allan Katzef, culinary arts graduate of The Art Institute of Atlanta, wanted to learn everything there was to understand about how to open and successfully run a restaurant. “My inspiration for our Baked Kitchen food truck was driven from attending music festivals around the nation. Long lines and mediocre food offerings — I wanted to bring my South African-inspired menu to these spots and share exceptional food with great folks while my team and I could enjoy the surroundings. Now that my food truck business has grown, we feel it is time to set up a brick and mortar.” His girlfriend, Kelsie Lam, will design their new food stall and include elements that are a nod to Allan’s birthplace, South Africa.
Allan takes pride in sharing his home-country’s cuisine with Atlantans. Patrons will find dishes such as The Burri Don Dawg, South African boerewors (a type of sausage) in a toasty baguette topped with caramelized onions, cheese sauce, monkey gland sauce and guacamole, garnished with scallions. Another inspired creation is Sosaties, lamb and apricot skewers grilled to perfection and coated with a heavy layer of apricot jalapeno barbecue sauce and paired with a side of yellow wild rice and a South African delicacy called Pap, which is mielie-meal — a course flour mixed with water. Baked Kitchen South African Street Food will also feature an evolving, weekly red-eye special ranging from vegan-friendly burgers to out of the ordinary sandwiches and various off-the-cuff dishes. Look out for Allan’s Dragon Sauce too — what’s in it? We can’t tell ya!
The first round of recently released tenants included:
  • Atlanta’s famous Morelli’s Ice Cream, owned by husband and wife team Donald Sargent and Clarissa Morelli. Chattahoochee Food Works will be the ice cream dream team’s fourth location.
  • TydeTate Kitchen, a family-owned and operated catering business located in Lawrenceville, Georgia that will serve home-style comfort Thai food.
  • Babakabab!, the decade-old food truck known for their authentic Lebanese barbecue dishes and bowls as well as a variety of grilled kebabs and falafel, owned by Samer Bakri and Mark Haddad.
  • Unbelibubble Tea House will offer handcrafted bubble tea using homemade ingredients by husband and wife team, Alex Yoon Kim and Mindy Kim offer. Experience almost 50 bubble tea variations tailored to meet customers’ tastes.
  • Graffiti Breakfast will feature breakfast staples with a southern twist and will “pay it forward” by using local ingredients from Atlanta’s urban farms. This will be the first location for husband and wife team, Chef Marcus James Waller and Tonya Waller.
  • Taqueria La Luz, a new Mexican street food concept crafted exclusively for Chattahoochee Food Works by co-owners of Midtown Atlanta icon Zocalo, brother and sister twins Luis Martinez-Obregon and Lucero Martinez-Obregon.
About Chattahoochee Food Works
Chattahoochee Food Works is located at 1235 Chattahoochee Ave NW in the Makers Building at The Works. It will feature 31 food stalls and an extensive outdoor patio covering 22,000 square feet that will offer a collective of global culinary vendors. Additional features include chef-driven demonstrations, intimate events, a test kitchen, and artisanal market shops.
Owner Robert Montwaid, creator of New York’s Gansevoort Market, and celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern, are the curators behind Chattahoochee Food Works and currently selecting vendors for a fall 2020 opening.
Robert Montwaid is the former owner of one of the top ten nightclubs in the world, The Pink Elephant, which formally occupied spots in New York City, Hamptons, Mexico, and Brazil. Montwaid will blend his 15-plus years of craft cocktail and entertainment experience with Chattahoochee Food Works in the form of an industrial-glam, center-style, indoor and outdoor bar, and welcoming lounge. Ample public seating, a retractable glass wall, and eye-catching chandeliers that dot the clerestory ceiling are a few of the bar and lounge featured highlights. A simple menu with high-level offerings such as a raw bar, champagne and prosecco list, craft cocktails, and charcuterie will be available.

Bistro Niko: Taste of Paris

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/11/20

When you walk into Bistro Niko, you’re transported out of Buckhead to a quaint café on the Champs-Elysees in Paris. You can just feel the Parisian air filled with soft music, the smell of baguettes and the clatter of patrons enjoying their wine. From French staples like fantastic escargot, charcuterie, tartes, cocktails, and French inspired Skate Wing, there’s a little bit of that French inspiration in every dish. Would you take a stroll down to the Arc de Triomphe with us?

Starting with the hors d’oeuvres, we sampled the escargot, Jambon de asparagus, a little bit of the country pate plate, as well as the best little salmon tarte.  The favorite of these was the fresh and bright smoked salmon tarte with it’s slow-smoked in house and tender salmon atop a crisp “French pizza” bread and drizzled with an amazing crème fraiche. With the salt and slight fishiness of the salmon, crisp of the bread, creaminess of the crème, and earthiness of the minced onion and capers, it was a balance and delicious bite. A lox bagel all grown up!

Plus, who knew we loved escargot this much? Something we don’t eat very often, this is going on the “we need to try more” list, because it’s so rich and decadent you need your own bowl. You won’t want to share. From the buttery-goodness of the sauce surrounding the salty snail to the crunch and heft of the puff pastry, to the slight cheesiness around it, it was a fantastic little mouth full. It had so much deepness that it was unforgettable. Eat the entire bite at once. YUM.

Moving on to the Jambon and Pate, the Jambon, which is known to us as prosciutto, was PERFECTLY cut and literally would melt in your mouth. One of the best prosciutto slices we’ve ever tasted, the flavor itself was phenomenal! Perfectly paired with crunchy and tender asparagus, crunchy lettuce, and a rich poached egg, it was an all-around great bite. Salty, rich, crunchy, tasty. The traditional country pate reminded us of a make-your-own sandwich. Accompanied by crunchy lettuce, bread, pickles, and mustard, you could add all of it in one bite or eat the pate plain. The best bite here was to put some of the pate, lettuce, mustard, and one pickle on top. It’s a crunchy, salty, and meaty bite. Now, that’s a sandwich!

Don’t leave Bistro Niko without trying the chef’s favorite dish, Skate Wing. Something you don’t see very often on menus, we had to jump at the chance to try it this once. Let us tell you, it’s super rich and delectable! Starting with the ray itself, it starts out with a crunch on the outside and ends with tender and meaty, lightly salty on the back. Perfectly cooked in a brown butter that is so rich and deep that it simply melts in your mouth. The Skate is paired with tender spinach and potatoes to add earthiness and balance out the buttery fish. It was one of the best fish dishes we’ve had this year with so many complex flavors, yet so simple. We’d highly recommend!

What would a French dinner be without wine and cocktails? Not very Parisian, right? So, with each course, we sampled a different cocktail. With the escargot and Jambon we sampled the Trois Martini. This beauty is the perfect mix of vodka infused with strawberry, raspberry, and blueberry. It drinks just as juicy and bright as the fruit in it but with the vodka booze on the back. It’s so refreshing and good. With our second course of the tarte and pate, we decided to go with a wine cocktail mix called the Specialite Le St. Germain. One of the best champagne cocktails you can find here in Atlanta, it’s a delicate balance of floral St. Germain, champagne, and club soda. The perfect Parisian patio sipper with fizzy bubbles followed by floral notes and ending cool and crisp. Last but not least, with the Skate we enjoyed our favorite sip of the day, the Nouvelle Vie. Made with one of our favorite gins, Highclere Castle Gin and shaken with elderflower, Chareau, and Cucumber, it’s a dynamic all-around crowd pleaser. Imagine the earthy and piney of the gin on the front and finishes with floral and cucumber on the back. So flavorful and bold, this one is a must try.

The late lunch in the French café seeped into the evening and the lights of the Eiffel Tower started to glow in the background. The delicious meal now fading into memory but will mark an unforgettable portion of our trip to Bistro Niko, that spot that reminds us of Paris.

Fin.

STK Atlanta

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/3/20

The large glass doors open slowly to reveal a swanky, low-light opulent bar, and luxury greeting space dotted with flashes of lights and a smooth beat permeating the air with cool vibes. STK Atlanta is one cool cat with sleek design and top-notch service, but don’t let its vibe fool you, they’re also very serious about their food. Everything your traditional steak house offers like a myriad of perfect cuts of steak, sauces, decadent sides to fun happy hour dishes like the rich beef tartare, stellar seafood options like the sea bass to specialty cocktails that reminisce of a hip night club. Our chef’s tasting had all of this, plus a dash of pizzazz to culminate in one of the most epic of culinary journey’s the city has to offer. Are you ready to be amazed?

Starting with our first course, the beef tartar. Beautifully presented, this beauty is packed with flavors, like the richness of the tender beef juxtaposed to the creaminess and tartness of the horseradish and earthiness of the olives. Mix that all up and pile it on a large, crunchy banana chip and you got a complete array of textures. We can’t get over how crunchy and hearty this dish turned out to be in the end. What better way to start your meal with a little bit of beef, and a cool sweet drink to complete it? With this course we sipped on the Strawberry Cobbler. A sweet and sassy pink drink that’s one-part sweet and tart strawberry and one-part boozy vodka martini. Finish it off with a sweet and rich graham cracker crust rim and you have a dessert in a glass. Pinky up.

Something we can’t stop thinking about is the second course dish, the sea bass. A fantastic and flaky, melt-in-your-mouth piece of decadence simply seasoned with salt, pepper, and dusted with butter. Even thought it is simply done, it is perfection. Just image that perfectly done fish on top of a fava bean puree mixed with fava beans, snap peas, and butter. It was soft, light, buttery, earthy, and crunchy. It had the gamut of flavors and knocked our socks off. Mark our words, this is one of the best fish dishes in Atlanta. For best bite, mix all the dish ingredients together. With our sea bass, we opted for the Shake Your Honey Maker cocktail. Their take on the tiki cocktail with a blend of pineapple, rum, honey, and vanilla. This was my (Liz’s) favorite cocktail because it reminded me of a cool beach day, sitting under an umbrella, watching the ocean waves crash on the beach. It was the beach in a glass. Don’t forget to get some of the sugar rim for something a little sweeter!

Have you ever had an experience that went down as one of the best of your lives? Enter the Tomahawk Steak with truffle and butter. Brought to the table plain, the butter is slathered on top and then the truffle is sliced FRESH right in front of you and layered on top of the steak. Beyond the top-notch presentation, it comes with all-out decadent sides and so many sauces, you almost have an endless combination of flavors to choose! Starting with the steak itself, tender and medium temperature, it has everything you’d imagine in a perfect steak with that meaty burst up front and a slight char on the back. Topped with the butter and truffle, you get a ton of creaminess up front, but the truffle comes in and mellows it into an earthy, creamy, meaty bite. You really don’t need ANY sauce for this gorgeous piece of meat, but if you do you can mix and match to find your favorite combination. With the butter and the truffle, we found that you can brighten up the bite with the chimichurri sauce or turn up the richness with the au poivre. If some tartness is what you’re looking for to pair with the butter and earthiness of the truffle and butter, why not MIX both the STK sauce and the STK sauce with sriracha? No matter what you pick, you’re in for a real treat. Perfection on a plate.

You can’t go to a steak house and not get an array of fabulous sides that are beyond good. From the truffle mac n cheese to the jalapeno cheese grits and the newest side, egg-in-a-hole, you’re taste buds are in for a roller coaster! The best of the three was the truffle mac n cheese, which was so rich, deep, cheesy, creamy, and earthy, there’s no way to you’re NOT finish that whole thing. It’s one of those sides you can’t stop eating. They also offer bacon, lobster, and other flavors to top on there, but for just the base mac n cheese it’s one of the best we’ve ever had, EVER. The jalapeno cheese grits were the perfect blend of out-of-control cheesy to slightly spicy. Plus, the egg-in-a-hole was a fun, different side with a runny egg that created a sauce over the succulent mushrooms. Which side would you choose?  Put us down for some more mac n cheese, please.

To end our epic night of decadence, was the dessert board with a little bit of every dessert on the menu. We sampled the bag of donuts, cheesecake, chocolate cake, and the cookie sundae. Each were delicious in their own way, the cheesecake with hints of key lime and rich crust was tart and slightly sweet, while the donuts were flaky, puffy, and sweet with spicy or sweet dipping sauce. These are good for those who like their desserts on the lighter and sweeter side. Of all the desserts, the chocolate cake and the cookie sundae stood out. Being a decadent dessert lover, we both really enjoyed the chocolate cake. It was an explosion of rich, dark chocolate with tender cake. The cookie sundae was so rich, chocolate-forward, and delicious topped with ice cream and chocolate sauce. This was Liz’s favorite because it was warm, gooey, and so deep and rich that it was the perfect icing on the cake for this great meal.

Did we mention we wish we would have worn our elastic waist pants? With the evening winding down and the darkness coming over the buildings, we left happy and stuffed. This is one of those meals, you’d never forget! So, next time you’re in midtown, whether you want a light bite for happy hour, which they have daily with great deals, or in for a full meal, this is the spot to go. Next time, I want to try that $5 Lil’ Burger for happy hour. It’s so cute and looks amazing! What do you want to try?

COBB TRAVEL & TOURISM LAUNCHES COBB FOODIE WEEK TO SUPPORT LOCAL RESTAURANTS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/3/20

WHAT:    Restaurants are such an important part of Cobb County’s hospitality and tourism community. Now, more than ever, Cobb Travel & Tourism wants to help the local restaurant industry recover and thrive. After 12 years of Cobb Restaurant Week, Cobb Travel & Tourism is excited to announce the newest way to experience Cobb’s dining scene, Cobb Foodie Week.

From September 12 to September 19, diners and food enthusiasts can enjoy sweet deals from restaurants around Cobb County. From discounts and giveaways, to coupons and new menu items, Cobb Foodie Week is the best time for residents and visitors to eat their away around the county, while saving some money and supporting local restaurants.

Participation is 100% free to restaurants, and there are no tickets, passports, or punch cards for residents and visitors. Visit cobbfoodieweek.com for more information and to see participating restaurants.

WHO:      Hosted by Cobb Travel & Tourism 

WHEN:    September 12, 2020 through September 19, 2020

WHERE: Thirty-six various restaurants around Cobb County, GA including:

  • Drift Seafood & Oyster Bar
  • Heirloom Market BBQ
  • Henry’s Louisiana Grill
  • Old Vinings Inn
  • Piastra
  • SOHO
  • Taqueria Tsunami

This list is not exhaustive and restaurants are continually added to cobbfoodieweek.com as they submit their deals and discounts.

HEREAFTER, AN IMMERSIVE THEATRE EXPERIENCE POPS BACK UP IN SOUTH DOWNTOWN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/3/20

A Drive-in Performance. A Grief Circle. A Healing Cypher Atop an Empty Parking Garage.
HEREafter, Episode 2 Launches in September + Tickets Are on Sale Now!
WHAT:       HEREafter Episode 2: An Immersive, Live, Socially Distant Theatre Experience
WHEN:       Thursday, Sept. 10 through Sunday, Sept. 13 | 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m.
WHERE:     76 Forsyth Street, Atlanta, GA 30312
TICKETS:   On Sale Now: https//www.freshtix.com/organizations/here
$20+ (Please note, parking fees are not included in the ticket price.)
This event is rain or shine.
Also note, Episode 1 is not a necessary prerequisite to enjoy Episode 2.

Prepare to be swept into a powerful multi-sensory experience when HEREafter, an immersive theatre production, returns for Episode 2, after premiering Episode 1 to sold out audiences in fall of 2019. This one-of-a-kind production engulfs the audience in the story of a family thrown into chaos after the death of their matriarch.

“HEREafter Episode 2 is our creative team’s answer to the question: how do we navigate togetherness safely and offer an intimate experience during a global pandemic? We wanted to create a space where the physical restrictions we are all experiencing right now feel less hindering,” said Co-Director Kelly Bartnik. “HEREafter tells the story of dealing with grief, so its themes translate to this time where we are all grieving in our own ways. We hope that through this production, we can create some sense of togetherness.”

The HEREafter team’s goal is to put the safety and health of the audience and the cast members first and foremost throughout this experience. In order to ensure this, each performance will take place first from the convenience of the audience members’ cars and then move guests into an outdoor, open-air environment where social distancing will be enforced – all while maintaining the feeling of being completely entrenched in the show’s narrative. Audience capacity is also extremely limited to ensure appropriate physical distancing.

Touchless check-in and enhanced sanitizing practices, including cleaning and sanitizing the chairs between each show, are being implemented. All audience members will be six feet apart and required to wear masks upon exiting their cars and all cast members will have their faces covered during the performance.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.freshtix.com/organizations/here. Please note due to the nature of the performance, late entry will not be permitted. In addition, a smartphone with data capabilities is necessary to enjoy the full experience.

About HEREafter, Episode 2:  Co-founded by Kelly Bartnik and Kathleen Wessel, HEREafter is an integrative pop-up theater experience from talent involved in NYC’s smash hit, “Sleep No More.” This unique Atlanta-based performance, HEREafter, popped up in the fall of 2019 and is returning again for part 2 of the whirlwind story. The five Atlanta-based cast members of HEREafter wrote and pre-recorded monologues, which were mixed and scored by New York-based sound designer John Glover, minimizing the need for spoken text. Coupled with choreography and staging by co-directors Kelly Bartnik (New York City) and Kathleen Wessel (Atlanta) in collaboration with the performers, the soundscore reveals inner and outer monologues, moving through grief and towards healing.

THIS YEAR’S DISCOVER ADAC RETURNS VIRTUALLY SEPTEMBER 22-24 TO REDEFINE DESIGN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/3/20

Design Center to Kick off Fall Market with
Leading Interior Designers, Visionaries, and Luxury Brands
Registration now open here.

ADAC is excited to announce that its annual DISCOVER ADAC will return Sept. 22-24 in a virtual format, with inspirational presentations and product launches by acclaimed interior designers, creative visionaries, and the finest luxury brands in the business. During these unprecedented times, it is important to bring people together and design is a unifying form of artistry, where standing out does not mean standing alone. The three-day virtual celebration will feature a series of guest speakers, book signing, panels, and more, all available to join from the comfort of home. While the programming this year may be virtual, all ADAC showrooms will still be open daily (following strict health and safety guidelines), allowing designers to shop in person.

“If this pandemic has taught us anything, it is that creativity is a constant and unbreakable energy, and good design simply does not stop,” said Katie Miner, general manager at ADAC. “The past several months caused many of us to look inwards to our environments and made the concept of home as a sanctuary more important than ever. We are so excited to present all-virtual DISCOVER ADAC programming this year. We’ll be offering the same exciting panels and discussions, but the virtual aspect actually allows us to reach an even wider audience, allowing more people in neighboring cities and states, or even countries, to join in the conversation.”

Join ADAC as they bring together some of the industry’s most beloved names throughout the three-day event. Attendees can look forward to hearing from designers Alessandra Branca and Anthony Baratta on creating a space rooted in tradition yet redefined for modern life; interior designer Alex Papachristidis, fine arts and antiques dealer Gerald Bland, contemporary art gallerist Timothy Tew, and VERANDA’s Ellen McGauley discuss harmony between furnishings and fine art; and ELLE DECOR’s Ingrid Abramovitch talks with Ellie Cullman about her work on the new VIP Lounge at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall before embarking on a behind-the-scenes tour of a spectacular family home designed by Cullman and her team. ADAC will also welcome a host of new voices that have not spoken at ADAC before, including Sid Evans, editor of Southern Living; designers Matthew Patrick Smyth and Sasha Bikoff, both of New York; Marie Flanigan from Houston; Jean Liu from Dallas; and Eric Goujou, the owner of La Tuile a Loup boutique in Paris.

Here are just a handful of the more than 20 spectacular events to expect at this fall’s market:

Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 10:00 a.m. ET – MODERN HISTORY | Steele Marcoux, Alessandra Branca with Anthony Baratta
How do you create a space rooted in tradition yet redefined for modern life? What is your approach for decorating with color, and how has that evolved? What roles does formality play in American homes today? How do regional style differences across the country influence your work? Join VERANDA Editor in Chief Steele Marcoux for an in-depth look at American interior design today with two modern masters, Alessandra Branca and Anthony Baratta. This event is sponsored by VERANDA and Jim Thompson.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 2:00 p.m. ET – STATE OF THE ARTS | Alex Papachristidis, Gerald Bland, Timothy Tew with Ellen McGauley
What is the secret to sourcing and building a great art collection? Who are the rising stars to watch? How do we discover dynamic new artists in an era of travel and event restrictions? This panel of masters will discuss everything from how to educate clients to ensuring harmony between furnishings and fine art. Join acclaimed interior designer Alex Papachristidis, fine arts and antiques dealer Gerald Bland, contemporary art gallerist Timothy Tew, and VERANDA Executive Editor Ellen McGauley as they discuss the exciting state of the arts today.  This event is sponsored by VERANDA and Made Goods.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 3:00 p.m. ET – REDISCOVERING THE SOUTHERN HOME | Dana Wolter, Erika Ward, Brandon Ingram and Barrie Benson with Sid Evans
The design world is constantly evolving—perhaps now more than ever. Join moderator Sid Evans, Editor in Chief of Southern Living magazine, as he and a panel of southern experts including Dana Wolter, Erika Ward, Brandon Ingram, and Barrie Benson discuss reaching (and guiding) clients, staying nimble and future-focused during a pandemic, and collaborating to ensure that each project is customized and noteworthy. They will also discuss the tides of southern design and what has the region’s design trade excited currently. This event is sponsored by Southern Living and Englishman’s Fine Furnishings.

Tuesday, Sept. 22 at 5:00 p.m. ET – INSIDE THE KIPS BAY DALLAS SHOW HOUSE | Steele Marcoux, Michelle Nussbaumer, Jan Showers with Mark D. Sikes 
A show house is the ultimate runway show for designers, and the opportunity to participate in a Kips Bay Decorator Show House has been compared to that of receiving an Oscar nomination within the design industry. New in 2020, Kips Bay, VERANDA, and The Shade Store proudly unveil the Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas, a fresh market featuring an entirely new set of design personalities and trends.

Join VERANDA Editor in Chief and Kips Bay Design Chair Steele Marcoux, along with Kips Bay Dallas design luminaries Michelle Nussbaumer, Jan Showers, and Mark D. Sikes as they offer you an exclusive preview of their exceptional designs. This event is sponsored by VERANDA and The Shade Store.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 10:00 a.m. ET – Decorating with Florals | Keith Robinson, Stephanie Booth Shafran, and Mallory Mathison with Margot Shaw
Cowtan & Tout invites you to join Margot Shaw, Founder and Editor in Chief of FLOWER, in a dynamic discussion on designing with florals. More important now than ever, acclaimed tastemakers share expert advice on incorporating natural elements and motifs into our homes and lifestyles. Event designer and floral expert, Keith Robinson, author and hostess, Stephanie Booth Shafran, and acclaimed interior designer, Mallory Mathison Glenn, discuss how they take inspiration from nature to curate and create a beautiful, spirited lifestyle indoors and out. This event is sponsored by FLOWER and Cowtan & Tout.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 11:00 a.m. ET – Elegance with Ease | Amanda Lindroth with Steele Marcoux
Having ignited widespread fervor for sophisticated island style from Florida to Maine, revived the art of setting colorful and kaftan-cool tables, and officially elevated wicker from porch staple to parlour essential, Amanda Lindroth has redefined gracious style in the 21st century. Join Lindroth and VERANDA Editor in Chief Steele Marcoux as they discuss key tenets of her approach to design, from interiors to furniture, tableware, and linens. This event is sponsored by VERANDA and Thibaut.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 2:00 p.m. ET – ROMANCING THE GARDEN | Janice Parker, Ed Hollander, Bill Curtis with Ellen McGauley
Call it “The Year of the Garden.” As homeowners the world over rediscover the riches right outside their doors, this award-winning panel of landscape architects examines the long-term potential this natural-world renaissance will have on design, the keys to a successful landscape, and the immutable relationship between house and garden. Plus, designers’ bucket list picks for the most beautiful gardens in the world! Join VERANDA’s 2020 Outdoor Award winners Janice Parker, Ed Hollander, and Bill Curtis, with VERANDA Executive Editor Ellen McGauley, for a tour of today’s enchanted gardens. This event is sponsored by VERANDA and Logan Gardens.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 3:00 p.m. ET – IN THE KITCHEN WITH | David Cook, Marie Flanigan, Jean Liu with Phebe Wahl
Join designers David Cook, Marie Flanigan, and Jean Liu from their homes as they discuss all things kitchen related. Moderated by Modern Luxury’s Vice President of Editorial Phebe Wahl, this virtual panel will have expert designers weighing in on renovations, current trends, lessons learned, how to get the most out of your kitchen’s design, and more. This event is sponsored by Modern Luxury Interiors Atlanta, The Atlantan, and Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio.

Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 5:00 p.m. ET – A HOUSE FOR ALL OCCASIONS | Ellie Cullman with Ingrid Abramovitch
In an exciting partnership with ELLE DECOR, A-List designer Ellie Cullman is reimagining the design of the VIP Lounge at Lincoln Center’s Alice Tully Hall. The magazine’s Executive Editor Ingrid Abramovitch will interview Cullman on her vision for the space. In addition, Cullman and her team will give participants a behind-the-scenes tour of a spectacular family home recently featured in the A-list issue of ELLE DECOR. This event is sponsored by ELLE DECOR and Julian Chichester.

Thursday, Sept. 24 at 10:00 a.m. ET – THE ART OF THE TABLE | Eric Goujou and Stacey Bewkes
For Eric Goujou, the owner of La Tuile à Loup, the beloved ceramics boutique in Paris, setting the table represents much more than merely preparing for a meal. It is an essential part of l’art de vivre, a way of life that celebrates beauty, quality, craftsmanship, and authenticity. With a mission of preserving those crafts which might otherwise disappear, Goujou continues the legacy of original made-in-France products by selecting the very best artists and artisans throughout the country with whom to work, approving each and every piece before it comes into the shop. And while the primary focus is on pottery, Goujou also sources basketry and table linens to complete the experience for himself and his discerning clientele around the world. Please join Goujou and Stacey Bewkes of Quintessence to learn more about these beautiful French ceramics, collecting, curating, and creating memorable moments à table. This event is sponsored by Quintessence and Pierre Frey at Jim Thompson.

Thursday, Sept. 24 at 1:00 p.m. ET – THE ART OF BEING BOLD | Sasha Bikoff with Mary Logan Bikoff
New York design darling Sasha Bikoff joins Mary Logan Bikoff, executive editor of Atlanta Magazine’s HOME, in a lively discussion about the roots of her bold and daring style. The it-girl designer made a splash with her technicolor nightclub-inspired stairwell at her Kips Bay Decorator Showhouse debut in 2018, and since then has collaborated with Versace, ELLE DECOR at the Plaza Hotel, and now, with Vervain for Fabricut. She will tell us how she manages to mesh styles from Memphis to rococo to Space Age chic, breaking all the rules, and pushing the design world ever forward. Her designs bring a much-needed, uplifting hit of brashness and confidence to a time of uncertainty—and an extra dose of pulsing positivity. This event is sponsored by Atlanta Magazine’s HOME, Atlanta Magazine, and Fabricut.

Thursday, Sept. 24 at 2:00 p.m. ET – THROUGH THE DESIGNER’S EYE | Matthew Patrick Smyth with Katy Olson
Beloved designer Matthew Patrick Smyth is known for interiors that are at once sophisticated yet approachable, elegant yet livable. Smyth’s newest book, “Through a Designer’s Eye: A Focus on Interiors,” explores how his eye for photography and extensive travels influences his design. Join Smyth in conversation with AD PRO Editor, Katy Olson, for an exclusive look at this new book featuring Smyth’s own home in Connecticut and an in-depth discussion about the five elements of interior design that guide his work. This event is sponsored by AD PRO and JANUS et Cie.

Attendees must register for all events beforehand.