2021 NIGHT OF SPECTACLES

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

Evening Under The Stars

In Person and Virtual Event

Thursday, May 13 6pm

In Person: Pietra Luxury in Stone, Chamblee, GA

The Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation is excited to announce plans for our annual Night of Spectacles, an evening “Under the Stars” on Thursday, May 13, 2021, as we celebrate local healthcare heroes, frontline medical staff and personnel involved in seeing us through the Covid-19 pandemic. This event will be a hybrid event – limited to 225 participants at PIETRA Luxury in Stone, located in Chamblee Georgia, as well as a virtual event allowing supporters across the State of Georgia (and other locations) to participate. The Live In-Person at PIETRA Luxury in Stone event will provide an opportunity for community leaders to network while raising critical funds to support the GLLF mission. This is in addition to the eye glass and hearing aid help to local Georgians.

The in-person event (limited attendance capacity and safety precautions will be enforced) will be held at Pietra Luxury in Stone in Chamblee, GA:

  • Virtual Event Tickets will be $25 – allowing you to participate in a silent auction, experience an interactive event program and will be eligible to win door prizes.
  • In-Person tickets will be $150/person (features live program, heavy hors d’oeuvres, drinks).  Attendance capacity will be limited for the In-Person event.

About:

Night of Spectacles (NOS) began as a way for the Lighthouse to meet growing patient services funding needs while engaging stakeholders and donors throughout Georgia. The event will support the fundraising needs of patients throughout Georgia who are underinsured or noninsured with vision, vision surgery and hearing programs. The fundraising goal for this year’s Night of Spectacles event is $100,000.

Information/tickets

The Farmhouse at Serenbe

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/18/21

In between the rolling farmlands and the thick forest of South Atlanta sits a small town composed of small business, restaurants, and beautiful houses line the streets. One side, the farm is full of goats and horses, and on the other there is a cozy Inn where you can stay for the night. Serenbe, has come into its own as a day trip destination boasting everything from shopping to dining to the arts and everything in between. Recently, we took a short daytrip down there to explore the community, take in the grounds of the farm and Inn at Serenbe, then enjoy dinner at the The Farmhouse at Serenbe. This day had the perfect weather to sit on the sunporch at The Farmhouse at Serenbe and enjoy a cool Everlasting Lemonade and a stellar Herb Encrusted Lamb Rack. We can’t get over the delicious fare here with everything from carpaccio, foie gras, pork chops, lamb, and lemon cake. Plus, they grow a lot of their veggies in a garden on the grounds and locally source everything else. The Farmhouse is one of those spots you’ll remember forever.

Sitting on the sun porch and gazing out at the lush green lawn and beautiful sunshine, we sipped on the Berry Bramble, which was blackberry forward cocktail with the right balance of sweet from the fruit and spice from the ginger. This one is definitely refreshing! Our favorite cocktail of the day was the Everlasting Lemonade. This patio sitting sipper mixes lemonade and tart strawberries together into a slightly sweet and tart drink. Reminiscent of long summer days in the south, we’d recommend this one to anyone.

Starting with a pair of appetizers, we sampled the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio and Hudson Valley Foie Gras Terrine. The Wagyu Beef Carpaccio starts out with rich, tender beef brightened up with a fantastic, creamy truffle cream, earthy and crunchy capers, plus some deep truffle oil. As you roll around all the ingredients together on your fork, you get a good mix of meaty, creamy, earthy, and a little bit of crunch from the lettuce grown right on the grounds. On the other hand, the Hudson Valley Fois Gras Terrine combines meaty foie gras, tangy and bright dried fruit compote, and an amazing wine-tasting Riesling jelly. What’s amazing out this bite is that it tastes like a gourmet peanut butter and jelly! We’d recommend piling all the ingredients on the toast for the best bite!

For our entrees, we were treated to the divine Double-cut Pork Chop and an amazing Herb Encrusted Lamb Rack. The Double-cut Pork Chop is simply perfection of a pork chop being juicy, thick, and well-seasoned. The meat is so good, that the accoutrements are just icing of the cake. They’re just as special with sweet, creamy, and chunky grits mixing with the tangy and rustic collards and the apple adds a well-rounded brightness to the overall rich dish. When we say divine, we mean heavenly for sure! Needless to say, with how good the pork chop is, we were floored by Liz’s favorite, the Herb Encrusted Lamb Rack. Starting with the tender and succulent lamb perfectly cooked and adorned with mustard and herbs for a tangy, crunchy, and earthy bite. We cannot begin to describe the explosion of flavors this lamb brings. On top of that, the rutabaga puree beneath is sweet and creamy, the root vegetables are earthy, all mixing with the hearty lamb sauce and jus create an unimaginable bite. This dish will always be one of the best we’ve ever had, well, ever.

Being so full, we did save a little room for the Lemon Cake & Blueberry Compote. We love our lemon desserts and cakes. The cake itself was moist, yet dense that went so well with the thick, light icing, and the blueberries around it. The light and not over-sweet bite we needed to end our experience at The Farmhouse at Serenbe.

As the sun set over the rolling farmland, it splashed purples, blues, and pinks into the sky. If you ever need a little day trip or getaway just outside of Atlanta, this is your spot! Can’t wait to get back and try even more of their restaurants and spend a night in the Inn! If you could go to Serenbe would you?

 

 

 

 

 

TRADING UP: POST MERIDIEM SPIRIT CO. LAUNCHES CAMPAIGN TO SAVE ATLANTA FROM BAD, PREMIXED MARGARITAS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/17/21

From May 1-28, Bring Any Bottled or Canned Margarita to the Post Meridiem Production Facility and Receive

a Real Lime Juice Margarita in Exchange

Event: Trade-Up Day: Saturday, May 1

Noon – 4pm

 Atlanta-based Post Meridiem Spirit Co. is on a mission to help its hometown trade up from poor-quality, premade margaritas. No longer should they settle for artificial ingredients and sub-par flavor. Instead, Atlantans should expect a bar-quality cocktail made with 100% real lime juice and tequila – even if the margarita just so happens to come in a can.

As the first and only canned cocktail company to use 100% real lime juice in its margaritas, Post Meridiem champions the difference that real ingredients make in a cocktail. So intent is the Post Meridiem team on saving Atlantans from bad, premixed margaritas, the brand is offering consumers a free upgrade to experience the real ingredient difference firsthand. From May 1-28, bring in the empty container from any premade margarita and receive The Real Lime Juice Margarita from Post Meridiem in return. In fact, people can hand over any empty canned cocktail and Post Meridiem will trade up their beverage for a better one from its own lineup.

“The vast majority of ready-to-drink cocktails are full of artificial ingredients and, as a result, frankly don’t taste very good,” said Post Meridiem Co-Founder Andrew Rodbell. “One of the worst offenders is the premade margarita. Until recently, nearly every premixed margarita has used some combination of artificial lime flavoring. If the package doesn’t mention ‘100% real lime juice,’ it’s not in there. That means drinks with ‘lime,’ ‘natural lime’ and ‘lime with natural flavors’ aren’t made with real lime juice as a primary ingredient. People deserve better. That’s why we developed our Real Lime Juice Margarita with just three, perfectly balanced ingredients: silver tequila, orange curacao and 100% real lime juice – the way we believe a margarita should be made.”

How to Trade Up:

  • From noon-4 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, May 1-28, bring your go-to, canned boozy beverage to the Post Meridiem production facility (1303 Logan Circle NW, Atlanta, GA 30318).
  • Hand over the empty can or bottle.
    • Receive a free Post Meridiem Real Lime Juice Margarita (or another of the brand’s canned cocktails – consumer’s choice).
  • Shake, pour over ice and experience a better premade margarita.

Free Event: Trade-Up Day

To kick off its monthlong campaign to bring Atlantans the margarita they deserve, Post Meridiem will host Trade-Up Day, a free, outdoor event from noon-4 p.m. on Saturday, May 1, at the Post Meridiem production facility (1303 Logan Circle NW, Atlanta, GA 30318). On this day, the first 50 people who trade up their canned cocktail of choice will receive not just the Real Lime Juice Margarita but the complete Post Meridiem suite of five authentic cocktails. The event will feature guided tastings, music, interactive experiences and a few surprises throughout the day – all observing social distancing, proper mask usage and other safety precautions.

 

About Post Meridiem Spirit Co.: The inspiration for Post Meridiem came from a recurring question asked between long-time friends Andrew Rodbell and Charles Sain: “Why can’t I get a good cocktail here?” Frustrated by the general lack of quality cocktail options, the pair founded Post Meridiem in 2017, and, in 2019, they launched the brand’s suite of ready-to-serve, bar-quality cocktails, which they manufacture in a dedicated facility in Atlanta’s West Midtown neighborhood. The brand is available for online purchase and delivery to 33 states and Washington D.C. as well as being offered in retail outlets where liquor is sold throughout Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. For more information, please visit https://postmeridiemspirits.com/ and follow along for updates on Instagram.

The Line-Up:

The Real Lime Juice Margarita

27.5% ALC/VOL, 55 Proof

1 2/3oz Silver Tequila

1 oz Orange Curacao

3/4oz 100% Real Lime Juice

The Double Old Fashioned

37% ALC/VOL, 74 Proof

3 oz Straight Bourbon Whiskey

4 Dashes Blend of Three Bitters

1/3 oz Demerara Syrup

Orange Zest Oil

 

The Lemongrass Vodka Gimlet

25% ALC/VOL, 50 Proof

2 oz Vodka

2/3 oz 100 % Real Lime Juice

2/3 oz Cane Sugar Syrup

Lemongrass Oil

 

The 1944 Mai Tai

23.5% ALC/VOL, 47 Proof

1 1/2 oz Blend of Caribbean Rums

3/4 oz 100% Real Lime Juice

2/3 oz Orange Curacao

1/2 oz Almond Orgeat

The No. Four Daiquiri

27% ALC/VOL, 54 Proof

2 oz Silver & West Indies Rums

1/3 oz Italian Maraschino Liqueur

2/3 oz 100% Real Lime Juice

1/3 oz Cane Sugar Syrup

WILDWOOD REVIVAL PRESENTS ‘INTO THE WILDWOOD’ SUMMER CONCERT SERIES, IN ATHENS, GEORGIA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/17/21

The Socially Distanced Series Kicks Off With Old Crow Medicine Show, May 28, 2021 at Cloverleaf Farm
General Admission, Premium, and VIP Tickets Options on Sale Now
After a tumultuous year, the team behind Wildwood Revival is bringing a new concept to help remind fans of the curated gathering that has been converging upon Cloverleaf Farm for the past six years. Into the Wildwood Summer Concert Series is a safe and socially distanced live music experience that will be taking place beginning May 28th, with Old Crow Medicine Show. Focused on friends and family enjoying live music at a quality and in a community that fans have become accustomed to at a Wildwood Revival event, each concert will feature a popular artist in Country, Rock, or Alternative music. As an added bit of news, dates for Wildwood Revival 2021 have also been revealed and will be beckoning fans to get out of the city October 8 – 10.
Following State of Georgia and CDC guidance on outdoor gatherings, Into the Wildwood will be diligently working to ensure
 the safety of fans, artists, and staff. The event will be following full health and safety protocols in accordance with local standards. Fans will be able to enjoy the evening within their private pod, which will be available for parties of two or four, with a designated space between each pod to provide further distance. Complete safety information can be found at www.WildwoodRevivial.com.
Into the Wildwood will also feature a Chef that fans can either purchase meals in advance or order onsite.  There will also be multiple beverage options, including cold craft beers from Creature Comforts Brewing Co, which fans can use to fill up stylish drinkware options from YETI.
All tickets for the May 28th date of Into the Wildwood Revival are on sale now, starting at $65 per person plus fees for pods of two and four. Premium tickets, including seating directly behind the first two rows of VIPs and are available starting at $85 per person plus fees. VIP Pods with designated seating in the first two rows of the concert space also include access to the VIP lounge, food and cocktail experiences, and private restrooms. Individual tickets are not available, and pods must be purchased as a whole.  For pod options and to purchase tickets, visit www.WildwoodRevival.com. Into the Wildwood Summer Concert Series is an all-ages event. Stay connected via Instagram and Twitter at @wildwoodrevival and Facebook at www.facebook.com/wildwoodrevival.

MOONDOGS HOSTS A TEXAS HOLD’EM CHARITY TOURNAMENT BENEFITTING WINGS FOR LIFE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/17/21

Proceeds Will Benefit Wings for Life, A Non-For-Profit Spinal Cord Research Foundation
 
Thursday, April 29, 2021, Beginning at 9 p.m.

On Thursday, April 29th, avid poker players are invited put their card skills to the test during Moondogs’ Texas Hold’em Charity Tournament benefitting Wings for Life, a not-for-profit spinal cord research foundation that funds world-class scientific research and clinical trials aimed at healing the injured spinal cord.

Beginning at 9 p.m., the decks will be cut and the players will take their seats for a chance to win top tier prizes including a $400 cash prize, Red Bull bag and a Red Bull fitted shirt for first place. Second place will receive a $200 cash prize, Red Bull straw hat and a Wings for Life shirt, while third place will earn a $100 cash prize, Wings for Life hat and a Red Bull shirt.
Players looking to give back even more are able to donate $5 to Wings For Life before the tournament begins and receive a 5,000 chip (one time only). Guests can also purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win exciting prizes including Lindsey Vonn Vulcano FIS Signature Series Ski Helmet, Yeti cooler with Red Bull, and so much more. Patrons that register for the upcoming Wings for Life World Run on May 9th will receive extra raffle tickets upon showing their confirmation page. To sign up for the Wings for Life World Run, visit www.wingsforlifeworldrun.com/en.
 
To maintain a safe environment for players, guests and staff, the establishment will be limiting 6 players per table, players are required to wear face coverings at the poker table and hand sanitizers will be provided. Doors will open at 8:00 p.m. with the tournament beginning at 9:00 p.m. For ages 21 and up, the buy-in is $25 per player and can be purchased at www.eventbrite.com/wings-for-life-texas-holdem-charity-tournament.
For more information, visit www.moondogsbar.com or call 404.231.4201. For more information on Wings for Life, visit www.wingsforlife.com.

PONCE CITY MARKET ANNOUNCES CENTRAL FOOD HALL EXPANSION SET TO OPEN EARLY SUMMER 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/14/21

Food Concepts will Include Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken from Meherwan Irani and VIỆTVANA, Serving Vietnamese Phở & Bánh Mì, With More to Come

Plus, JJ’s Flower Shop Will Relocate to a Larger Space Within the Expanded Wing

Ponce City Market, Atlanta’s iconic mixed-use community hub, announces the forthcoming expansion of its Central Food Hall. Set to open to the public early this summer, the extension will add over 5,000 square feet of space to the Central Food Hall on the first floor by taking over the former Onward Reserve space (which has relocated to the second floor) and a former property management office. The aesthetic will mirror the design of the main Central Food Hall with polished concrete floors, red accents, and elements honoring the character of the existing historic building, including exposed brick walls and open ceilings.

In total, the new wing will house six restaurants and retail shops, plus communal seating throughout, including:

  • Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken – From the Chai Pani Restaurant Group, Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken was imagined when the COVID-19 pandemic began and Co-founder Meherwan Irani saw a need for comforting, take-home friendly food like never before. The menu, and in turn the restaurant title, is inspired by his daughter’s maternal grandmother, often referred to in Indian culture as “nani.” Serving American cuisine and specializing in all-natural rotisserie chickens rubbed with Piri Piri or Herbs de Provence spice blends from sister company Spicewalla, the restaurant strives to make familiar food both extraordinary and convenient. Guests can expect to find an assortment of sides like savory corn pudding, charred and chilled green beans, and ancient grains salad at the counter-service restaurant. The Nani’s flagship opened in Asheville’s historic Grove Arcade in November.

  • VIỆTVANA Phở Noodle House – Currently serving Avondale Estates and Midtown Atlanta with two locations, VIỆTVANA Phở Noodle House, also known as VIỆTVANA, is a Vietnamese restaurant that specializes in authentic phở and bánh mì made with the freshest ingredients. Owned by husband-and-wife team Dinh Tran and Khanh Dang, VIỆTVANA’s rice noodles are made fresh in-house daily. Bubble teas and Vietnamese staples like phở, bánh mì, crispy egg rolls, fried rice, specialty soups and more round out the menu. VIỆTVANA’s recipes are created by Tran and his mother, Tina Nguyen, who often is found in the restaurants’ kitchens.

  • JJ’s Flower Shop – Owned by Founder and Florist Sarah Donjuan, JJ’s Flower Shop began in 2018 as a mobile flower business from a 1968 Volkswagen Bus. In 2019, JJ’s opened its first brick-and-mortar location inside Ponce City Market’s Central Food Hall. The shop offers thoughtfully designed seasonal and year-round floral arrangements plus fully customizable bouquets for every budget. JJ’s larger space in the expanded region of the market will allow for a broader assortment of florals and greenery in addition to more room for hosting its popular floral arranging workshops each month.

Additional businesses joining the Central Food Hall expansion will be announced once confirmed.

LAZY BETTY FRONTLINE WORKERS APPRECIATION DINNER 2021 – CALL FOR DONATIONS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/14/21

Wednesday, April 21

Lazy Betty will be hosting a special dinner on April 21 to celebrate local healthcare workers working the COVID–19 frontlines. To support the dinner, Lazy Betty is accepting donations from the public here. All profits from the dinner will be donated to Wellstar Foundation in support of COVID–19 Relief.

Those who make a donation will receive a gift card to the restaurant in exchange – $10 gift card for a $25 donation, $20 gift card for a $50 donation, $45 gift card for a $100 donation, $125 gift card for a $250 donation, $325 gift card for a $500 donation and $750 gift card for a $1000 donation. Once a donation is made, the restaurant will follow up with donors with gift card details via email.

“We are so thankful for healthcare workers and have had the honor of cooking around 1,000 meals for hospital employees during the pandemic thanks to generous donors,” said Chef Hsu. “Now, we’re excited to welcome these heroes into our dining room to treat them to a well–deserved evening out.”

MOTHER’S DAY ROUND-UP 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/14/21

Lazy Betty – Lazy Betty will offer an elevated five-course brunch tasting menu from 11am to 3pm on Mother’s Day featuring new dishes with luxury ingredients. The menu will be $125 per person, and beverage pairings will be available for $80. Brunch reservations are available now via Resy. 

Lazy Betty is also offering specialty Mother’s Day cakes for the holiday. Celebrate mom with a one-of-a-kind cake from Pastry Chef Carelys Vazquez. The custom cakes come in five different flavors and three different sizes. Learn more and place an order here.

Hampton + Hudson – The Inman Park community restaurant and bar is offering Mother’s Day brunch and dinner to-go. For brunch, customers can order Quiche Lorraine (bacon, caramelized onions, parmesan and white cheddar cheese – $20, 9”) with sides like cheese grits ($10) and breakfast potatoes ($8). The restaurant’s “Steak Frites Dinner” includes grilled hanger steak, garlic parmesan fries, mixed green salad with lemon vinaigrette and bourbon caramel bread pudding ($45, serves two). Plus, customers can pick up mimosa and sangria kits and flower bouquets from Flower Bar Atlanta for $10 and $25. Mother’s Day pre-orders can be placed by emailing events@hamptonandhudson.com before 5pm on Friday, May 8.

BUCKHEAD VILLAGE

Sun., May 9, Noon-6pm – Mother’s Day Celebration at Buckhead Village

From noon to 6pm on Sunday, May 9, Buckhead Village welcomes guests to celebrate Mother’s Day in the heart of Buckhead. Guests can enjoy live tunes from DJ Grace, browse the latest spring collections, taste complimentary treats like cotton candy from Sparkle + Fluff and cupcakes from Georgetown Cupcake, and more! Finish the day by grabbing a photo in front of Pinker Times’s floral art installation, and taking home a complimentary floral stem for mom.

Le Bilboquet – To celebrate Mother’s Day, Le Bilboquet will be serving a three-course prix fixe menu for $75 per person with beloved dishes including a lobster tail and diver scallops duo with watercress coulis, marinated cherry heirloom tomatoes, sautéed hon shimeji mushrooms and fingerling potatoes.

Georgetown Cupcake – The beloved cupcake shop’s Buckhead location is offering two special assortments decorated with handmade pink and gold fondant and Mother’s Day-themed fondant decorations. Both options are available by pre-order May 1 through May 31. View flavors and order online at georgetowncupcake.com. Available for pick-up at Georgetown Cupcake Buckhead as well as local delivery for an additional $10.

Taverna – This Mother’s Day enjoy a special brunch menu and chef specials at the Buckhead Village staple, Taverna. Open from 10am to 3pm, guests can indulge in specials like the delicious Triple Berry Stuffed French Toast served with raspberry, blueberry & strawberry compote, topped with cream cheese & mint or the Banana Foster & Granola Parfait served with greek yogurt, strawberries & blueberries. Pair any dish with a featured $3 single Mimosa or Aperol Spritz. Taverna is now taking reservations here. To view Taverna’s full Brunch Menu and Mother’s Day Specials, click here. 

PONCE CITY MARKET

Bellina Alimentari – This Mother’s Day at 6:30pm, Bellina Alimentari is celebrating moms with a special Virtual Pasta Making Class. For $45 per ticket, mom can learn the art of traditional fresh pasta making in her own home kitchen. Bellina Alimentari will supply everything she needs for the Zoom class, and a pasta machine is not required! Class registration will close 48 hours prior to class date of May 9.

Eleven TLC – This Mother’s Day, Eleven TLC is offering a free gift – a recycled, reusable bag made out of plastic bottles – with the purchase of any product or drink at the Ponce City Market shop.

Mother’s Day Special at Batter Cookie Dough

This Mother’s Day, Batter Cookie Dough at Ponce City Market is celebrating moms with a sweet special! All moms who come in on the day will receive free sprinkles on their cookie dough order.

Celebrate Mom at Dantanna’s:
Dantanna’s, located in the heart of Buckhead, is excited to welcome all the amazing moms and spoil them with the best seafood they have to offer. On Sunday, May 9th, moms are invited to indulge on seafood delicacies including Oysters Rockefeller for $16, Shrimp Louis for $18, Crab Linguine for $28, Salads Nicoise for $24, Seared Scallops for $28, and Grilled Wild Salmon for $30. To sweeten the day and make mom feel like a queen, moms will get a free dessert of their choice. Dantanna’s is located at the Shops Around Lenox at 3400 Around Lenox Rd NE #304, Atlanta, GA 30326. For more information or to make a reservation visit www.dantannas.com or call 404.760.8873.

Roses & Rosé at STK Atlanta:
Make Mother’s Day sparkle at STK Atlanta on Sunday, May 9th. Located in the heart of Midtown, STK has prepared an exclusive Mother’s Day brunch and dinner menu that is guaranteed to impress. For brunch, spoil mom with Lobster or Eggs Benedict, Cinnamon French Toast, and $9.99 Rosé specials featuring Whispering Angel and Chandon Sparkling Rosé. For Mom’s Night Out, moms can savor two filets with grilled prawns, a bottle of Whispering Angel Rosé, and top it off with a delicious cheesecake. For more information or to make a reservation, visit www.stkhouse.com or call 404-793-0144.

BOHO Mother’s Day Weekend at Red’s Beer Garden:
Mother’s Day weekend just got bigger and better with Red’s Beer Garden’s BOHO pancake. On Saturday, May 8th and Sunday, May 9th, Red’s Beer Garden, located in Benteen Park, celebrates all the mamas with a tasty brunch offering, the acclaimed ‘BOHO pancake’ back and bigger than before for $7. To wash down Red’s sweet special, fried bohemian pancakes with berry compote and sweet yogurt, moms can dive into the self-serve refrigerators for a diverse selection of brews and wine or sip on bottomless mimosas. For more information, call Red’s Beer Garden at 770 637-2299 or visit redsbeergarden.com.

Enjoy A Fiery Mother’s Day at TWO urban licks: 
Conveniently located on the Atlanta BeltLine, TWO urban licks is serving up a special menu just for Mom this Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 9th, from noon to 10 p.m. Guests can enjoy acclaimed Executive Chef Matt Weinstein’s fiery brunch and lunch creations, including traditional favorites and signature items from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. while listening to live music and taking in exceptional skyline views on the patio. Those looking for a later celebration can celebrate Mom with a delicious dinner between 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. To make a reservation, call 404.522.4622 or visit  twourbanlicks.com.

Chiringa 

Looking for a bubbly-infused break this Mother’s Day? On Sunday, May 9th, moms are invited to unwind into a beach state of mind with elevated, vibrant surfside cuisine paired with a complimentary “Mom-Mosa” made with freshly squeezed orange juice. Beginning at 1 p.m., Josh Jeffords will be strumming a live acoustic performance until 5 p.m. on CHIRINGA’s breezy patio overlooking the charming Town Green Fountain.
CHIRINGA’s full menu is accessible online and includes saltwater staples, elevated proteins and fresh produce, whole grain bowls, dips, salads, sandwiches, tacos and plantains, along with freshly squeezed juices, speciality cocktails, craft beers and wines. One complimentary “Mom-Mosa” per mom. For more information and to order online, visit www.chiringa.com or call 770.802.8940.

Two Urban Licks: Brunch Edition

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/14/21

Right off the beltline in between Inman Park and Ponce City Market, Two Urban Licks is perched on a small hill with an inviting patio, amazing outdoor space, and even warmer interior. Just imagine the warm sun above and the clatter of patio diners enjoying a meal near you, then the smell of fresh food wafting from the kitchen where a wood burning oven’s fire glows ever so slightly. It’s also the perfect place to sit and watch people walk, run, or scoot on the beltline while sipping on a mimosa and feasting on everything from salmon chips to confit turkey wings, as well as brunch items like amazing brisket and eggs, a phenomenal biscuits and gravy, and flaky catfish and grits. Bring your brunch bae along for a sensational brunch adventure.

Being a destination patio on the beltline, we started out with Cool It Ginger cocktail that was served frozen with a perfect mix of pineapple and ginger for a savory, spicy balance, then finishing with booze on the back of the throat. This is an amazing patio sipper that will get you through the summer. On the other hand, we’re suckers for a good old fashioned and opted for the Up In Smoke! With a ton of citrus up front and the booze on the back of the palate, this one is a solid smoky old fashioned cocktail. Your father would approve. If cocktails aren’t your thing, they have a fantastic assortment of Mimosa flavors from traditional orange to blood orange to grapefruit. You can’t go wrong on a beautiful Sunday sitting on the patio with one of these babies.

Before we arrived, rumor had it that Two Urban Licks does some fantastic Salmon Chips. Rumor confirmed! We got the Salmon Chips and they’re so beautifully presented, almost too pretty to eat. From the crunch of the seasoned hearty potato chip to the flaky and cool salmon, the spice of the chipotle cream to the earthiness of the capers and onions, that’s one completely satisfying bite. It really has the gamut of flavors, meaty, crispy, tangy, earthy. More please. To go with our Salmon Chips, we got the spectacular Confit Turkey Wings. The second you bite into one of these you know it’s going to be special with the tender, smoky, and crunchy turkey! Then, amazing flavor explodes from the lemon pepper rub as it mixes with the creamy blue cheese sauce. This ends up being lemony, creamy, savory, and crunchy all in one bite. I didn’t share.

Moving onto the brunch dishes, we got three very different bites, but we’d highly recommend each! Starting with the Catfish and Grits, the catfish itself was perfection with the three ways it should always be served, crispy, flaky, and tender. The fish was perched on top of a concoction of creamy grits and creole seasoning that was reminiscent of N’awlins. Our pro tip is to use the lemon squeeze they give you because it elevates the flavor of the entire dish! Going from creole to barbeque with the Brisket and Eggs. This was John’s favorite bite with the rich, deep, juicy, brisket seasoned with a plethora of flavors. It is paired with a savory jus and a couple of savory runny eggs that when mixed with the brisket balanced some of the richness with some brightness and savory. Finally, my favorite dish was the Biscuits and Gravy. Imagine a large, flaky, crumbly, and buttery biscuit piled high with crispy and crunch chicken that’s tender and juicy inside. You got that picture, now introduce some eggs and top it with creamy, savory, and rich sausage gravy with hearty chunks of sausage. This is what dreams are made of with all the complexity of all the ingredients coming together. Our tip is to make sure to get every ingredient in one bite including the well-seasoned and crispy potatoes on the side. Drool.

Whatever you do, PLEASE stay for dessert because they have this Peanut Butter Pie that literally have people falling all over it to try. It’s creamy, peanut butter forward, but ends smooth on the palate. The best part is they top it with jam so you have a peanut butter and jelly vibe and these charred marshmallows that add to the sweetness! It’s so good you will want to put this on your must try list. If you don’t get ANYTHING ELSE at Two. Get this.

Next time you’re on the beltline stop by for a cool cocktail and Peanut Butter Pie at Two Urban Licks and get in a reservation for brunch. You won’t regret one bite of it.

CHEF, BAKER AND COOKBOOK AUTHORS LEAD SECOND HELPINGS ATLANTA “ZERO WASTE COOKING CLASSES” IN APRIL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/10/21

Second Helpings Atlanta celebrates Earth Day each Sunday throughout the month of April, starting Sunday, April 11, with a virtual series of “Zero Waste Cooking Classes” to promote sustainability. Classes will be led by Chef and owner of Mercer Street Meals Lance Gummere, author of “Chez Marc’s Quarantine Cookbook” Marc Pollack, and “Southern Ground” author Jennifer Lapidus. Each class will feature recipes created with ingredients that otherwise might be thrown away, adding to a landfill. 

Sunday, April 11 – Lance Gummere, Chef and owner of Mercer Street Meals

Sunday, April 18 – Marc Pollack, author of “Chez Marc’s Quarantine Cookbook”

Sunday, April 25 – Jennifer Lapidus, founder of Carolina Ground and author of “Southern Ground”