McCray’s Tavern East Cobb

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/30/20

Just as the sun sets in the sky, the lights start to glow inside McCray’s Tavern East Cobb, while the hustle and bustle of the guests, bartenders, and staff picks up. The energy permeates the air and entices you to enjoy a light appetizer, try the latest chef’s special, and maybe a cocktail or two. We also have to admit, McCray’s Tavern is more eatery than the Tavern name suggests with dynamic and diverse dishes that Chef Mo continues to knock out of the park. Yes, McCray’s Tavern East Cobb may have traditional tavern fare like wings and burgers, but when you see the extensive menu and specials, all you know is you’re in for a treat. From feisty, spicy tuna tartare, delectable duck, divine butternut squash agnolotti, hearty pork chop, to the lemony East Meets West cocktail, McCray’s Tavern East Cobb turns tavern into culinary adventure. Who’s ready to eat?

While waiting for our food, we sipped on two frisky cocktails, the East Meets West and the Mayan Copa. East Meets West does a balancing act between the smooth gin, lemon, and tiki bitters. Light, lemony, and refreshing, this patio sipper, has so much flavor! This ended up being the favorite because it’s one of those drinks you could have a few of and really enjoy! The other cocktail was Mayan Copa. This margarita-like number takes it up a notch with a little bit of grapefruit and dark colored salt on the rim to give it some sass. It’s a beautiful cocktail with the dark salt contrasting the pink of the drink.

When the food arrived, we couldn’t wait to dive into our first course, which started with the spicy tuna tartare and ended with thai chili wings. This is not your regular tuna tartare, it’s a fun take on this dish with a perfect mixture of tender, spicy, tuna, plus ginger, lime, and garlic. Not too spicy and with a ton of flavor, it’s topped with a dreamy avocado mousse that gives it that right amount of creaminess. Don’t forget to eat it with the wonton chips, those give it that crunch. Our pro tip is to make sure to mix it all together well and eat with those chips. Flavor time! Something McCray’s does well are wings. From the crispiness of the skin, mighty meaty flats, and spicy, sweet thai chili glaze, we were definitely treated to a plate of goodness. No ranch or blue cheese required.

Something we didn’t expect was that amazing specials that McCray’s Tavern East Cobb offers daily! We sampled both the Tea-Brined Duck and the Pasta of the Day, Butternut Squash Agnolotti. Starting with the pasta, this to-die-for dish marries hearty, sweet pasta stuffed with creamy butternut squash with a phenomenal truffle vinegar and butter pecan glaze. With hints of lemon, butter, and the bite of hard cheese, it’s rich, cheesy, hearty, creamy, earthy, sweet, with the perfect amount of sauce. Are you hungry yet? We’re not done, either. Next, the Tea-Brined Duck started with a tender piece of meat with a little crisp on the skin. Paired with a delectable, slightly crunchy jasmine rice cake and a citrus-forward, orange miso glaze, this was a match made in heaven. The richness of the duck works so well with the orange of the glaze and the crunchiness of the rice and skin. We’re thinking just like pork and peaches is a winning combo, let’s add duck and orange to your dynamic duo list.

Finally, we couldn’t resist a crack at trying the Wood Grilled Pork Chop. Boy, we weren’t disappointed as the pork chop was just as tender and juicy as advertised. Simply seasoned and thick pork chop gives off a slightly charred flavor followed by a deep and rich pork flavor that is so basic, but is just one of the best flavors in the world. Must try. We got it with crunchy, earthy, and garlicy green beans that really brightened the dish! Yum.

Something we love about McCray’s Tavern East Cobb is the energy of the manager and how it permeates his team. His love for food, fine dining, seafood, and the customer experience really made this dinner special and not just for us, but for everyone that goes and eats there. Plus, we can’t wait to see what Chef Mo comes up with next, just watching their Instagram makes us hungry, and a little jealous. We’d love to try ALL of those amazing specials they show!

THE THIRD DOOR’S NOT A HOT TODDY COCKTAIL COMPETITION 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/25/20

The Third Door

Wednesday, December 2 at 6:15 pm

Tickets here.

On December 2, The Third Door located at 131 Church St, just off the Marietta Square, will be hosting the first annual Not A Hot Toddy Cocktail Competition! Bartenders from across the square have been tasked with the challenge of creating a cold cocktail that warms the drinker, each using a different base spirit! Perhaps it’s physically warming in some way or it’s a tipple that warms emotionally! However they can make the case to the judges and guests lies with them and their creativity! The competition will be held on the patio and is B.Y.O.B (Bring Your Own Blanket!).

Bartenders will compete out of the 1959 Shasta Airflight that adorns the patio and is the leader of the fleet of bars on wheels from @temperencetrailers, the mobile arm of the beverage program at The Third Door. Tickets are $50 per person and include two cocktails of your choosing from The Third Doors menu, a taste of each competitors cocktail, a vote in naming the People’s Choice winner, and the chance to win one of three awesome giveaways form our sponsors Heaven Hill and Spiribam! Bundle up and keep warm as the community celebrates the local bartenders and restaurants who continue to provide the Marietta community with safe and wonderful dining experiences!

JOY CAFE’S FIRST ANNUAL NAUGHTY OR NICE HOLIDAY POP-UP

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/23/20

Joy Cafe

Opening Saturday, November 28th 

This holiday season, Joy Cafe is celebrating the most joyful time of year with its first annual Naughty or Nice Holiday Pop-up! Decked with over-the-top holiday decor and a Christmas tree anchoring the dining room, the restaurant will serve a special holiday cocktail menu with drinks served in festive and cheeky glassware. Cheery servers will don jolly gear, and the restaurant will extend their hours to 1am Tuesday through Saturday for additional merriment.

  • Chestnuts Roasting – Armagnac. Nutty. Boozy. Balanced.

  • Red Nosed Reindeer – Vodka. Tart. Refreshing. Bubbly.

  • The Milk and Cookies Santa Really Wants – Cognac. Housemade milk punch shot. Served in a “shot glass” cookie.

  • Stocking Stuffer – Vodka. Minty. Sweet. Slightly Tart.

  • Joy’s Famous EggNog – Secret family recipe.

  • Vixen’s a Naughty Girl – Housemade hot buttered rum. Served Hot.

GET IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT AT {THREE} SHEETS’ FIRST EVER HOLIDAY POP-UP

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/23/20

Jingle Bar at {three} sheets to Bring Christmas Cheer to Sandy Springs From Nov. 27 Through New Year’s Eve

Jingle bells, Jingle bells, jingle all the way over to Jingle Bar at {three} sheets! For the first time in the lounge and bar’s history, {three} sheets is transforming into a winter wonderland this holiday season. Beginning Nov. 27, the Sandy Springs lounge will be decked out in Christmas décor, playing all the holiday hits on repeat, and mixing up delicious, themed cocktails in specialty glassware, as well as serving deliciously festive small plates.

“The holidays are our favorite time of the year at {three} sheets and usually booked up with private dining reservations and office parties,” said Co-Owner Jonathan Akly. “Since we weren’t able to host those this year due to COVID-19 restrictions, we decided to create a bit of a holiday party ourselves with Jingle Bar! After a year like this, we could all use some extra holiday spirit, and we are very excited to help spread joy to our community.”

Guests can expect cocktails including Minty Grinch with Remy VSOP, crème de menthe, crème cacao blanc and cream, Elsa’s Hawaiian Vacation with Ketel One, coconut, fresh pineapple and curaçao, Christmas in Mexico with house-made hot chocolate, tequila and Aztec chocolate bitters and their signature drink Jingle Juice with red wine, apple brandy, Christmas spices and angostura bitters. Jingle Bar will also serve up holiday comfort bites such as Glazed Ham Sliders, Cranberry and Brie Tartlets, Christmas Queso, Lamb Lollipops and more.

The safety of all patrons and staff is Jingle Bar’s priority, and COVID-19 protocols will be in place, including operating at less than 50% capacity, spacing tables a minimum of 6 feet apart, and enhanced cleaning and sanitizing. In addition, all employees will always be wearing masks, and patrons will be asked to wear a mask when not seated at their table. Outdoor seating will be limited but available, weather permitting.

Jingle Bar at {three} sheets will be open Nov. 27 through Dec. 31 from 5 p.m. to 12 a.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday for ages 21 and over only. Reservations are recommended and can be made by contacting the restaurant at 404-303-8423. The full food and drink menu, as well as high-res photography, are available upon request.

Woodward & Park Brunch

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/19/20

Across from Oakland Cemetery in Grant Park, restaurants, bars, and housing are popping up like wildfire and adding to the appeal of the area.  Joining long standing staple Six Feet Under, Woodward & Park like newbies Full Commission and Firepit, have infiltrated and elevated Grant Park into a must-go destination in Atlanta for both food and site seeing. At Woodward & Park everything from the fabulous cocktails to the amazingly staple breakfast fare to the divine Croque Madame Burger to unique dishes like the Shakshuka and Grits, they have to have one of the best brunches in Atlanta right now. You’ll want to write this down and save it for later. Here we go.

Sipping on a few cocktails with brunch is one of the best ways to start your weekend and depending on what you like, you can either go classic Butterfly cocktail or brunchy Roc N Rec Shooter. Starting with the Butterfly, this one had a ton of sass with a melding of gin, tonic, elderflower, lime, and butterfly pea flower. She’s a floral based cocktail that balances between the sweet and tart of the ingredients. This one we’d argue is a great summer sipper for almost any occasion, not just brunch. On the other hand, the Roc N Rec Shooter is perfect for brunching because it reminds us of breakfast itself. You can just think of it as a PBJ milkshake or even reminiscent of the childhood sandwich with a glass of milk. One part peanut butter whiskey, one part blackberry, and a splash of cream, this drink is nutty, creamy, and sweet.  And since we love unique sips, this one is a must sample on our list.

Two of the brunch dishes we chose turned out to be so dynamic and delicious, we wanted to rave about them. The most unique had to be one that we’d never seen on another brunch menu, the Mediterranean inspired Shakshuka and grits. It has so many flavors and textures with the harissa spices, tender tomatoes, eggs, and grainy yet creamy grits. It’s a plethora of spicy, sweet, creamy, crunchy, and ends savory with the runny egg.  One simple, yet amazing bowl, but make sure to mix it up well and get all the ingredients in one bite. Perfect. Something even better than this is imaginable, but we found it, the Croque Madame Burger. Starting with tender and rich meat in the middle and expanding into crunchy and crusty toast and surrounded by tons of cheese and runny egg, this burger wasn’t much to look at really. One bite and you’re in love with the meatiness, richness of the bone marrow, creamy of the cheeses, and savory gooeyness of the egg. It begins with a crunch and ends with so much savor. Our tip is to get the egg all runny and let it sink in a little to the bread. Cannot stop thinking about it!

If you go with more traditional breakfast fare, say the English Muffin Sandwich, you have to get it with the fried chicken! The English muffin made in-house had the right amount of crunch on the outside and warm bread inside! Then, the fried chicken was tender and juicy, while the breading was crispy with a slight spice. You can get it plain or with cheese and eggs. Either way, you’re in for a treat. Why don’t we finishing this off a classic mimosa?

Remember when we said to write this down? If you could have anything at Woodward & Park, what would you have? Next time for us, brisket hash for brunch and at dinner, bone marrow!

VININGS JUBILEE’S 35th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/18/20

BRING HOLIDAY CHEER TO THE YEAR
WITH VININGS JUBILEE’S 35th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING
Vinings’ Longest Standing Holiday Tradition to Offer In-Person and Virtual Options This Year

Virtual option: Livestream Option via Vinings Jubilee YouTube Page

Make this holiday season merry and bright by kicking it off at Paces Properties’ 2020 Vinings Jubilee Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 3 from 6-8 p.m. This annual Vinings tradition is free to attend and features both in-person and virtual options, making it viewable from anywhere, including the comfort of home. The event is guaranteed to be full of festive cheer featuring a variety of entertainment and performances including carolers, a singing Santa, and so much more.

The Magnolias, a 1940s style caroling group, will be in attendance singing everyone’s favorite classics. Guests can expect a grand entrance from Singing Santa performing holiday tunes and spreading Christmas cheer from a safe distance. The fun won’t stop there! Smooth jazz hits will be played live and afterward a performance will be put on for the children by Piccadilly Puppets – complete with Santa’s elves and the famous Battle with the Mouse King from the Nutcracker. Want to continue the celebration at home? Ornament decorating bags will be distributed for families to take home and decorate on their own.

“The safety and wellbeing of our community, patrons and staff has always been the #1 priority when hosting our community events, but when planning the 35th annual Christmas Tree Lighting we had to flip the script to provide a fun and festive evening that was safe and socially distanced,” said David Cochran, CEO of Paces Properties and owner of Vinings Jubilee. “Our community has come together on this evening for the past 34 years and we just couldn’t allow this special night to be another loss during a year where so many have already lost so much. We hope this 35th year will fill the hearts of all ages with hope, joy and wonder for the holiday season and beyond.”

This open-air event will be taking plenty of safety precautions including providing hand sanitizing stations, requiring masks for entry, and encouraging social distancing. Prefer to stay home for the holidays? The Vinings Jubilee Christmas Tree Lighting will also be streaming live on their YouTube so families interested in virtually attending can easily access the festivities. For more information, stay tuned on Vinings Jubilee’s Facebook and Instagram.

PONCE CITY MARKET ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR MERRY MISFIT HOLIDAY SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/18/20

Featuring Misfit Wrapping Co., Fireside Roasting & Toasting Pods on The Yard, a Menorah Lighting Celebration, Holiday Pop-Ups, The Roof’s Skate the Sky, Igloos & Noon Year’s Eve Party & More

 

Ponce City Market will celebrate the most joyful time of year with mistiful happenings throughout the holiday season. Festive fun will be all around with the Misfit Wrapping Co.’s gift-wrapping conveyor belt, fireside roasting and toasting pods on The Yard, a Drive-In Menorah Lighting Ceremony & Chanukah Film, holiday pop-ups and celebrations, and The Roof’s Skate the Sky, Igloos and Noon Year’s Eve Party.

Details on this year’s festivities include:

MISFIT WRAPPING CO.:

Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 28 – Dec. 20 – Come one, come all and stop by Misfit Wrapping Co. to jazz up gifts for giving! From 11am-6pm on Saturdays and noon-6pm on Sundays, guests will be able to bring holiday gifts purchased at PCM to a jolly assembly line on the second floor of the Central Food Hall and watch as items make their merry way down a conveyor belt and are decorated by a team of Misfit gift wrappers with complimentary, cheery wrapping. During a final inspection, each gift will be given a stamp of approval before making its triumphant return to the rightful gift-giver.

Plus, Misfit Wrapping Co. is teaming up with Creating Connected Communities (CCC) – a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring life-enhancing programs to children in need by empowering teens to become engaged community leads and volunteers – to gather and wrap holiday gifts for donation all season long. As part of the nonprofit’s annual holiday program, Amy’s Holiday Party, PCM shoppers can purchase items for donation around the property, have them gift wrapped at Misfit Wrapping Co. from noon-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and delivered by CCC to 40 different charities benefiting homeless, foster and refugee children.

FIRESIDE ROASTING & TOASTING PODS ON THE YARD:

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 27 – Dec. 20 – Get warm and cozy with your nearest and dearest outside on The Yard this holiday season! Guests will be able to gather ‘round toasty fires and enjoy s’mores at socially distanced fireside pods. The Firepods will accommodate small groups and can be booked by the hour, and s’more kits and reservations (available beginning in late November at www.poncecitymarket.com) are complimentary. The open-air firepods will be sanitized thoroughly between seatings and will be available from 5-9pm on Fridays, 2-9pm on Saturdays and noon-6pm on Sundays.

FESTIVE POP-UPS:

The Blitzen Room at Biltong Bar, Opening Tues., Nov. 24 – Biltong Bar at Ponce City Market is “Up to Snow Good” as they transform their space into their second annual holiday pop-up: The Blitzen Room. The restaurant will feature swanky, vintage Christmas decor and seasonally themed cocktails from Chartreuse Hot Chocolate to Frozen Egg Nog.

Holiday Social Bar on The Roof, Opening Fri., Nov. 27 – Just inside the tower lobby, the Holiday Social Bar will welcome Roof-goers with an over-the-top experience bursting with whimsical decor and holiday-inspired drinks. Check out the drink menu here.

MixMas at 12 Cocktail Bar, Opening Fri., Nov. 27 – 12 Cocktail Bar is celebrating the season with a Mixmas cocktail menu, including drinks like “Sleigh Fuel” with bourbon, cinnamon, eggnog and coffee, and the “This Christmas I Gave You a Daiquiri,” made with dark rum, lime, pineapple, allspice and cherry. Reservations here are highly recommended.

Modern Mystic Shop’s Local Makers Holiday Pop-Up Series, Sat. & Sun., Nov. 21 – Dec. 20 – The metaphysical goods shop is spotlighting favorite local makers and creators with pop-ups throughout the holiday season. Each weekend, the series will provide curated collections from local, small-batch makers who share the same values as Modern Mystic Shop, with an emphasis on goods from women-identified and POC-owned businesses. Shoppers can expect to find jewelry, bath products, candles and more from vendors including local jewelry makers Kalua Rae and Dragonstone Malas, among others.

SustainAble Home Goods Holiday Gift Box Bar, Now Open – Shoppers can stop by the store throughout the season to create a curated gift box of handmade products made by local and global makers! Each box is $60 and comes with three pick-your-own items, from wellness products and kitchen essentials to gardening kits and so much more. Additional items can be added for $8 each.

PCM GOES INSIDE OUT HOLIDAY MARKET:

Sat., Dec. 12, Beginning at Noon – Bringing the best of PCM outdoors, the Holiday Market will feature holiday shopping, festive food and drink like hot chocolate and mulled cider, holiday entertainment and more as guests safely relax and spend some time outside.

DRIVE-IN MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY & CHANUKAH FILM:

Sun., Dec. 13 – Join Ponce City Market and Chabad Intown for a traditional menorah lighting ceremony and screening of a short Chanukah Film! This year’s celebration will take place in the parking lot by West Elm (alongside Glen Iris Drive and Ponce de Leon Ave), and guests are invited to park their cars and enjoy a BYO car picnic starting at 4:30pm. The brief film will begin at 5:30pm, followed by the Menorah Lighting Ceremony and a feature presentation at 6pm.

SKATE THE SKY:

Opening Fri., Nov. 27 – Back for a fourth year, The Roof at Ponce City Market invites guests to “Skate the Sky.” Ten stories above Ponce de Leon Avenue and overlooking Old Fourth Ward, the Rooftop Terrace will feature a 3,500-square-foot ice skating rink for all ages to enjoy seven days a week. Family hours will be every Saturday and Sunday from noon-3pm, and during this time, visitors can skate and sing along with The Roof’s resident Ice Queen. Starting at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, visitors 21 and over will be able to dance the night away to music spun by local DJs. Before or after skating, skaters can warm up at outdoor fire pits at the woodland forest-themed Nine Mile Station or play mini golf at Skyline Park donning a faux fur coat provided by The Roof.

Reservations can be booked here. Ice skating is $15 for adults and $7 for kids ages 5-12 (plus admission to The Roof), and includes 50-minutes of skating, ice skate rentals and unlimited gameplay at Skyline Park. Skaters must be at least five years of age to skate, and individuals under 12 must be accompanied by an adult skater. Hours for the rink will be the same as The Roof’s regular operating hours.

IGLOOS ON THE ROOF:

Opening Fri., Nov. 27 – Cozy up this holiday season in life-size, private igloos on Ponce City Market’s Roof! Available by reservation only, igloos located alongside the ice skating rink and at 9 Mile Station seat up to six guests, allowing small groups to have an intimate and socially distanced experience with an amazing view. Family-friendly igloo experiences alongside the ice skating rink are available on Saturday and Sunday mornings from noon-3pm and include a special kid’s menu. Guests 21+ can also enjoy food and beverages – think hot cocktails, champagne and large format cocktails – in rink-side igloos until 8pm Monday through Friday, 9:30pm on Saturday and 7pm on Sunday. At 9 Mile Station, the restaurant will transform into a woodland forest with cozy igloos and outdoor seating areas overlooking views of Atlanta. Restaurant igloos will offer guests 21 and up full dining service.

Reservations for all igloo experiences are now available at www.poncecityroof.com and include general admission to The Roof, skate rentals, 50 minutes of skate time and unlimited games and rides at Skyline Park (when available). Rink-side igloos rentals are $175 for two hours, and 9 Mile Station igloos are $125 Sunday through Thursday and $175 on Fridays and Saturday for two-and-a-half hour reservations. All igloos will be sanitized manually and with fogging technology between occupants.

NOON YEAR’S EVE ON THE ROOF:

Thurs., Dec. 31, 10am-3pm – Save the date for The Roof’s fourth annual Noon Year’s Eve! Skyline Park and 9 Mile Station will host a family-friendly celebration for parents and children of all ages to ring in 2021 as guests count down to noon. Tickets are $15 for all ages (3 years and under are free) and will be sold day-of at the door; no advance tickets needed.

Ponce City Market will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (November 26, 2020) and Christmas Day (December 25, 2020).

ATLANTA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/18/20

Atlantic Station, Pinnacle Event Space

December 1, 2020 – January 18, 2021; 6pm-11pm
(Closed Dec 31st & Jan 1st)

The 1st annual Atlanta Festival of Lights is a great way to celebrate the season with friends and family while staying safe in the comfort of your car! Atlanta Beer Festivals, Atlanta Wine Festivals and Atlantic Station have partnered to bring this event to life for the holidays.

You don’t want to miss the beautiful display of hundreds of thousands of lights displayed over six acres of land. It will be held for seven weeks starting on Tuesday, December 1st and running through Monday, January 18th. The hours are from 6pm through 11pm nightly with the exception of New Years Eve and New Years Day when it will be closed. Tickets must be purchased in advance and are designated for 30 min time slots so be sure to buy your tickets early to choose your desired time slot! This is a COVID-safe event where you aren’t permitted to get out of your car and tickets can be scanned through your car window. This is a great way to ring in the holiday season! More details on the website:  www.atlantafestivaloflights.com

Sunday – Thursday: $25/ vehicle
Friday and Saturday: $35/ vehicle
Tickets go on sale Wednesday, November 18th at 10am.

BILTONG BAR’S BLITZEN ROOM HOLIDAY POP-UP RETURNS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/18/20

BILTONG BAR’S BLITZEN ROOM HOLIDAY POP-UP RETURNS THIS MONTH, NOW IN THREE LOCATIONS!

The Annual Pop-up Will Be Bigger Than Ever & Feature A Collaboration with Maker’s Mark, Festive Decor, Seasonal Libations & More

Biltong Bar – the acclaimed South African-inspired restaurant and bar specializing in dry-aged beef jerky and craft cocktails – will kick off the holiday season with its signature Blitzen Room. The pop-up will take place at the Ponce City Market and Buckhead Village locations, and near Biltong Bar’s newest location at Avalon in collaboration with Maker’s Mark. Blitzen Room will run from late November through early 2021 and feature swanky, vintage decor, festive seasonal libations and more.

Launching on November 22 and lasting until January 3 as part of Avalon’s Holiday Market, Biltong Bar’s newly opened location in Alpharetta will host Blitzen Room in collaboration with Maker’s Mark. Located inside Avalon’s Holiday Market, the pop-up Blitzen Room bar will feature a menu of seasonal libations made with Maker’s Mark, like Stave Me An Old Fashioned with Maker’s Mark, Calvados, Walnut, Bitters; Comet’s Cider featuring Maker’s Mark, Spiced Cider, Maple, Lemon; and Not Your Grandma’s Eggnog, served frozen and made with Jim Beam Rye, Courvoisier VSOP, Rum, Sherry, Egg, Sugar, Cream, Spice.. The pop-up bar will be separate from Biltong Bar’s location at the property and will include an awkward family photo wall where guests can snap pictures in addition to festive decor. Maker’s Mark will be on-site throughout the season hosting events and activations.

Launching at Buckhead Village on November 24 and at Ponce City Market on November 25, Blitzen Room will also return to Biltong Bar’s intown Atlanta locations this year. Guests can expect to get “Up to Snow Good” with seasonally themed cocktails including Chartreuse Hot Chocolate, green chartreuse, almond, drinking chocolate, white chocolate whipped cream; The Famous Eggnog, brandy, rye, rum, pedro ximenez, milk, eggs, spices; and Elf on the Top Shelf, rye, calvados, oloroso, champagne gum, brown butter. The restaurant’s moody interior will once again transform into a winter wonderland complete with swanky, vintage Christmas decorations, trees with twinkling lights and more.

Originally opened in 2016 at Ponce City Market, later in 2018 at Buckhead Village and most recently at Avalon, Biltong Bar is part of restaurateur Justin Anthony’s South African-inspired hospitality group, True Story Brands. In 2019, Biltong Bar was recognized as one of Thrillist’s “21 Best Cocktail Bars in the Country” for its standout cocktail program.

Biltong Bar values the safety and comfort of all guests and is following safety precautions including socially distanced tables and limited seating capacity, extensive sanitation measures, a mask requirement for guests and staff and more. For more information, visit Biltong Bar’s website: biltong-bar.com.

BUCKHEAD VILLAGE ANNOUNCES 2020 HOLIDAY PLANS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/18/20

BUCKHEAD VILLAGE ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR HOLIDAY SEASON WITH DAZZLING, ILLUMINATED WINDOW DISPLAYS, FESTIVE DECOR, POP-UPS, SLEIGH-IN HOLIDAY MOVIES & WEEKLY SIP & STROLLS

Kicking Off on November 28, the Sip & Stroll Series Will Be Held Every Saturday Through December 19 & Feature an Artist Market, Special Food & Beverage, Live Entertainment, Roaming Performers, Holiday Decor, Photo Opps & More

This holiday season, Buckhead Village will transform into a holiday wonderland, complete with dazzling window displays and festive decor, jolly events and pop-ups, and a series of Sip & Strolls to celebrate the most merry time of year. The Veranda and the property’s iconic streetscapes will be decked out in green and white, and adorned with eucalyptus garland, wreaths, ornaments and colorful string lights. The paseo alongside Dior will be outfitted with lit archways overhead, and throughout Buckhead Village’s common areas, festive flagpole banners, cheery lighted window displays and more will ignite the holiday spirit.

Kicking off on Black Friday weekend (November 28) and held every Saturday through December 19 from noon-6pm, the Sip & Stroll series will welcome guests to enjoy an open-air dining and shopping experience featuring seasonal food and drink specials at Buckhead Village restaurants; discounts from retailers like Bella Cucina, Tod’s, alice + olivia, Warby Parker, Kimberly McDonald and more; live entertainment in The Veranda; family-friendly activities and crafts; and holiday performers and musicians. Patrons will have the opportunity to purchase a custom mug to gain access to exclusive specials and discounts around the property during each Sip & Stroll and to be entered into a raffle. Each weekend will also feature a different complimentary holiday treat cart offering individually wrapped goodies from on-site restaurants and shops, including Georgetown Cupcake, Biltong Bar, Shake Shack and Bella Cucina.

The property will offer ongoing holiday fun with pop-ups and events like:

  • Opening Mon., Nov. 23 – The Blitzen Room: Biltong Bar at Buckhead Village is “Up to Snow Good” as they transform their space into their second annual holiday pop-up: The Blitzen Room. The restaurant will feature swanky, vintage Christmas decor and seasonally themed cocktails from Chartreuse Hot Chocolate to Frozen Egg Nog.

  • Fri., Nov. 27 – Tues., Dec. 1 – Buckhead Art & Co. Artist Market: The Buckhead gallery will host an Artist Market featuring work from 50 artists the weekend following Thanksgiving at 3039 Peachtree Rd. NE. Ten percent of proceeds from the market will be donated to Pediatric Brain Cancer Research through Children’s Hospital of Atlanta. Guests can register for the event here.

  • Fri., Nov. 27 – Thurs., Dec. 24 – The Drawing Room x That’s a Wrap Holiday Gift Wrapping Service: Shoppers can stop by The Drawing Room’s showroom Monday through Friday from 11am to 7pm and from noon-6pm on weekends to have their holiday gifts wrapped by That’s a Wrap! Atlanta. There will be two curated tiers of design, and all services are inclusive of a gift box, tissue paper, ribbon, bow, gift tag and embellishment.

  • Tues., Dec. 1 – Tues., Dec. 24 – Good+ Toy Drive: alice + olivia’s annual Good+Foundation Toy Drive returns for another year! From December 1 through December 24, shoppers will receive a 15% discount when they bring a toy to the Buckhead Village store.

  • Fri., Dec. 11 – Sun., Dec 13 – Sleigh-In Holiday Movies: Presented as part of Miracle on Peachtree with Livable Buckhead and located at 309 Buckhead Avenue NE, the “sleigh-in” movie series invites people of all ages to enjoy holiday classics outdoors this holiday season. Guests can purchase bites and drinks from Biltong Bar, Fado Irish Pub and Taverna through their online ordering platforms, and tickets will be available here. The cost is $25 per car and $35 per car for double showings ($5 discount for Livable Buckhead members and electric vehicles), and there will  be front row seats reserved for those who ride bikes or walk ($10 per person). The schedule includes:

    • Fri., Dec. 11: Elf at 6pm, Die Hard at 8:30pm

    • Sat., Dec. 12: Home Alone at 6pm, A Christmas Story at 8:30pm

    • Sun., Dec. 13: An American Tail at 6pm, Love Actually at 8pm