GAGIVES RETURNS GIVINGTUESDAY NOVEMBER 30, 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/26/21

Sharing #GAgenerosity to the Nonprofits that Have Supported Georgia Communities

GAgives on GivingTuesday, Georgia’s biggest giving campaign, has already begun: Giving is now open for this year’s campaign, which reaches its pinnacle on November 30, GivingTuesday, as part of the international day of giving that takes place each year on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving.

Despite pandemic conditions, last year saw Georgians showcasing true #GAgenerosity and breaking GAgives records across the board. In 2020, more than 1,200 nonprofits across the state received funds through the official giving portal at GAgives.org, with more than $24 million dollars raised overall (topping 2019’s record total by 84 percent) from 260,546 individual donations, 94 percent more donations than the previous year. As the 2021 season of giving is about to commence, Georgians are being asked to renew their commitment to generosity for the nonprofits that have done so much for their communities – especially over the past two years.

Organized by the Georgia Center for Nonprofits (GCN) for the benefit of all nonprofits located in our state, GAgives is able to expand its efforts and impact each year through the ongoing support of local corporate, foundation, civic, and media partners.

“After the frenzied holiday spending of Black Friday and Cyber Monday, GAgives on GivingTuesday empowers Georgians to showcase our commitment to the true meaning of the giving season. On Tuesday, November 30, be a part of GAgives on Giving Tuesday, and support the nonprofits that have been keeping our communities going, even as their needs have multiplied,” said GCN President and CEO Karen Beavor.

One of this year’s new corporate sponsors is WestRock, offering “Power Hour” prizes that encourage even more donors to contribute to the nonprofits they find most meaningful. Additionally, they’re using GAgives as an employment engagement strategy for those based at their Georgia headquarters. “We’re inviting employees to join in recognizing the invaluable role of nonprofits in their community,” said WestRock Director of Corporate Giving Mandy Burnette. “To further encourage team members to participate in GAgives, we’re leveraging the WestRock Foundation’s Matching Gifts program to enhance their personal giving.” This program gives WestRock teammates, as well as their spouses and domestic partners, the ability to raise additional funding for the nonprofits they support by volunteering, making financial contributions, or both.

Others companies showing their #GAgenerosity for GAgives are Aprio; Arby’s Foundation; Atlanta Business Chronicle; The Atlanta Journal-Constitution; Autotrader; Brooks, McGinnis & Company; Carr, Riggs & Ingram; Coca-Cola; Cox Enterprises; Gas South; Georgia News Network; Georgia’s Own; iHeart Media; Kelley Blue Book; Marshall Jones; Outfront Media; Primerica; and WSB-TV Family 2 Family.

Making Giving Personal 

This year, the GAgives team has provided participating nonprofits with additional trainings and resources to assist in maximizing their fundraising potential. Person-to-Person (P2P) campaigning skills are being taught and supported, empowering nonprofits to engage their board members, volunteers, and other supporters in fundraising. Tapping their own networks, these P2P campaigners share personal stories about the organization they support, explain why they give, and encourage others not only to give, but to use the same P2P campaign methods themselves.

With this approach – using personal connections to spread the word about the specific impact that nonprofits make in the community – more and more Georgians will discover the difference nonprofits make in the lives of people, moving them to give back. Whether by phone, email, or social media, these P2P campaigns are positioned to grow awareness for Georgia nonprofits and #GAgenerosity exponentially.

“Nonprofits, and the people that they support, need our assistance to continue their work – work that benefits us all, from educational resources for students to job trainings and placements for the unemployed to meals for the elderly; protection for our rivers, parks, and nature preserves; medical attention and health care; housing the homeless; rescuing animals; supporting the arts; and more,” said GCN’s Karen Beavor. “We all have causes that are meaningful to us and our communities, and a gift of any size will make a difference – as will encouraging others to give. Together, we hope to lead another record breaking day of #GAgenerosity.”

Whether Georgians have a specific organization they’d like to support, or want to find a nonprofit that aligns with their values, supporters can easily locate nonprofits by name or cause and donate to them at GAgives.org. GAgives.org also offers full-featured campaign tools that anyone can use to launch their own fundraising efforts.

To further spread the call to give, follow @GAgives on Facebook and Instagram, and use the hashtags #GAgives and #GAgenerosity. Be sure to share the GAgives on GivingTuesday date (November 30) and call-to-action; direct contacts and followers to the nonprofit giving portal at GAgives.org; and encourage everyone in your network to spread the word about GAgives, their favorite nonprofit, and why they donate.

IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS, MIRACLE HOLIDAY POP-UPS RETURN – EXTENDED!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/20/21

You Snow the Drill – Atlanta’s Favorite Pop-Up Bars are Back for a Sixth Season of Holiday Fun

UPDATE: Extended!

Sippin’ Santa – Bon Ton

Now thru January 9

5-10pm Mon-Thurs + 12-10pm Fri-Sunday.

Vaccination or negative covid test required.

Reservations available inside with walk-ins welcome on the patio.

Miracle at the Rainbow Room in Wonderkid  (Had been used as a private event space for larger Miracle parties.)

Limited dinner seating with reservations

January 2-9, 2022

Time to get in the Christmas spirits! Atlanta, your presence is requested as Miracle unwraps its sixth season in the city. Miracle on Monroe returns to the Midtown Promenade restaurant Tapa Tapa and Bon Ton will once again get into Mele Kalikimaka spirit as it hosts Sippin’ Santa, a Christmas-themed tiki takeover. Opening Nov. 26, both locations will offer special holiday cocktails, a fun festive staff, and enough cheer for everyone! To ensure a safe and fun experience for all guests, proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test is required upon entry at Miracle on Monroe and Sippin’ Santa.

Treat yo’elf at both pop-up locations with Christmas-themed cocktails to fit each location’s theme! From the Snowball Old-Fashioned to the Naughty and Nice shots, the long list of drinks will put a smile on any resting Grinch face. In addition to the drinks, each location is decked out in holiday spirit. From the staff’s attire to the decorations, you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the North Pole itself. If you want additional holiday cheer, say snow more – everyone’s favorite Christmas tunes will keep you bopping, and sippin’, until the reindeer come home.

“The past five years have taught us one thing: Atlanta LOVES Christmas,” said Eric Simpkins, founder of Big Citizen. “On that note, we’re incredibly excited to bring back the city’s best holiday bar pop-ups for the sixth year in a row – we hope everyone can come out and celebrate the season with us.”

Miracle on Monroe, like years prior, will set up shop at Midtown’s Tapa Tapa and is the classic stop for a jolly good time. The original Atlanta Miracle will run until Dec. 26 (closed on Christmas Day) – open Wednesday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. until midnight. Miracle on Monroe does not take reservations and seats guests on a first come, first serve basis. Guests must be 21+ and able to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test upon entry. Miracle on Monroe will be providing live entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights ranging from Live DJs to holiday drag shows – cover fees will be charged on these nights.

Bon Ton’s Sippin’ Santa, the all-ages tiki twin to Miracle, returns to Bon Ton in Midtown. The Christmas-meets-paradise drink menu is the perfect opportunity to indulge for those who prefer their holiday on the beach. Reservations can be made through Bon Ton. Sippin’ Santa will run through Dec. 30 (closed on Christmas Day) but will be back for an epic New Year’s Eve party on Dec. 31 featuring drinks from Sippin’ Santa and Bon Ton’s regular menu. Guests must be able to provide proof of full vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test upon entry. Bon Ton will keep its regular lunch and dinner hours; Sippin’ Santa will start at noon Friday-Sunday and Bon Ton will stay open until 1:00 a.m. Friday and Saturday nights. Bon Ton’s regular drink menu will not be offered during Sippin’ Santa.

Beverage and cocktail menus will be different for each location. Bon Ton will be serving its full menu, while Miracle on Monroe will serve snacks such as its signature Miracle Chex mix and cookie plates. Food menus will be customized per location. For more details on how to get into the holiday spirit at this festive joint, head to www.miraclebaratl.com.

There is a two-hour limit for tables at both locations, and due to all the Christmas cheer required to keep Miracle on Monroe and Sippin’ Santa in tip-top shape, a 20% service charge will be added to each check. Due to space limitations at both locations, parties larger than eight cannot be seated during regular business hours. For the first time, Miracle is now offering a private room at a separate location for up to 25 guests. To book your party contact miraclebaratlanta@gmail.com.

Locations include Miracle on Monroe – Tapa Tapa in the Midtown Promenade, 931 Monroe Dr. NE, Suite C-106, Atlanta, GA 30308 and Sippin’ Santa – Bon Ton, 674 Myrtle St. SE, Atlanta, GA 30318. Please send party inquiries to miraclebaratlanta@gmail.com. For updates on Miracle visit Facebook or www.miraclebaratl.com.

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, BUCKHEAD VILLAGE TO HOST ATLANTA’S ANNUAL GERMAN CHRISTKINDL MARKET

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/16/21

Open November 26 through January 2, the German Holiday Market Will Invite the Public to Eat, Drink, Shop & Enjoy Live Music & Entertainment

 

Plus, Buckhead Village will Feature Holiday Festivities Throughout the Season, Including a Sugarplum Fairy Forest, Performance from Atlanta Ballet 2, Shop & Strolls, Holiday Market from Buckhead Art & Co, Pop-Ups & More

 

Buckhead Village announces it will be home to The German American Cultural Foundation’s 2021 German Christkindl Market. Open to the public from Friday, November 26, 2021 through Sunday, January 2, 2022, the German holiday market will be located on the corner of North Fulton and Buckhead Avenue (309 Buckhead Ave) and feature over 50 vendors offering food and beverage treats and items to shop, plus live music and entertainment on the weekends. Market hours will be 11:30am-9:30pm Sunday through Thursday and 11:30am-10:30pm on Friday and Saturday.

 

Attendees will be able to wind their way through the festive holiday market and enjoy drinks like German Glühwein – also known as mulled wine – hot chocolate and cider, and traditional German food, including pretzels, schnitzel, brats and more. To shop, visitors will find items like ornaments from Kaethe Wohlfahrt, one of Germany’s best known Christmas ornament shops, wooden toys, jewelry, clay and hardwood pipes, German handcrafts, and bath and body items, among much more.

 

Alongside the market, Buckhead Village will celebrate the merriest time of year as it transforms into an abstract winter wonderland decked with illuminated sparkling globes in trees, fresh eucalyptus garlands, oversized pastel ornaments and larger than life floral sculptures. Wonderland happenings will abound all season long, including:

 

  • Fri., Nov. 26 – Fri., Dec. 31 – Sugar Plum Fairy Forest: Buckhead Village will welcome guests into a whimsical, immersive Sugar Plum Fairy Forest throughout the holidays at The Veranda. Filled with contemporary photo opp moments, the space will feature pastel floral canopies, life-sized abstract trees and colossal flowers. Guests will be able to let their inner pixie roam free amongst life-size paper trees in Buckhead Village’s reimagining of a classic holiday scene, and strike a pose with sugar plum ballerinas each Saturday beginning November 27 from noon to 6pm. 

 

  • Every Sat., Nov. 27 – Dec. 18, noon-6pm – Holiday Shop & Strolls: Buckhead Village’s Shop & Stroll series will invite guests to enjoy an open-air dining and shopping experience featuring family-friendly activities and crafts like ornament and cookie decorating; holiday performances and appearances throughout the day from Stylish Santa, The Mad Violinist, Tinsletone Carolers and ballerinas; restaurant specials; in-store events from shops around the property; food and beverage carts offering complimentary treats from Saint Germain Bakery, Georgetown Cupcake, Bella Cucina, Shake Shack, The Southern Gentleman and more.

 

  • Sat., Nov. 27, 6pm – Atlanta Ballet 2 Performance: The community can enjoy a free and open-to-the-public magical holiday performance by the Atlanta Ballet 2, presenting selections from classics like The Nutcracker and Snow White plus contemporary works. Selected by audition from all over the world, Atlanta Ballet 2 represents the highest level of training in the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education. The performances at Buckhead Village will take place alongside fire pits in the open-air space across from Le Bilboquet.

 

  • Thurs., Nov. 11 – Sun., Nov. 14 – Buckhead Art & Co. Holiday Market: Buckhead Art & Co., a premier contemporary art gallery located at Buckhead Village, will be hosting its second annual Holiday Market this November, benefiting Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) and supporting Pamela “Pammy” Reid, a local sixth grader who has struggled and overcome pediatric medulloblastoma. The Holiday Market helped raise $62,000 for CHOA last year, and this year’s market will feature paintings, jewelry, holiday gifts and more for purchase from artists including Charlie Hanavich, Laura Deems, Angela Chrusciaki Blehm and Millie Sims. The Market will be open to the public and will be located in the space next to Billy Reid, across from The Veranda.

 

  • Sat., Dec. 11, 5-8pm – Miracle on Peachtree: Hot Chocolate Crawl: Buckhead Village will be a part of Livable Buckhead’s Miracle on Peachtree Hot Chocolate Crawl this holiday season! Participants can view the community hub’s beautiful light displays, explore retailers’ festive window displays and stop by Saint-Germain Bakery for complimentary hot chocolate as well as other Buckhead Village restaurants to enjoy special holiday drinks, live music, beats from DJ Grace and entertainment throughout. Tickets and additional details will be available here soon.

 

  • Opening Mid-November – The Blitzen Room at Biltong Bar: Biltong Bar at Ponce City Market and Buckhead Village are “Up to Snow Good” as they transform their spaces for the third annual holiday pop-up: The Blitzen Room. The restaurants will feature swanky, vintage Christmas decor and seasonally themed cocktails from Chartreuse Hot Chocolate to Frozen Egg Nog.

 

  • All season long – Fire Pits: Buckhead Village will invite guests to stop by and cozy up beside complimentary fire pits next to The Veranda all season long.

FESTIVE HAPPENINGS MAKE THEIR WAY TO PONCE CITY MARKET THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/16/21

Featuring Misfit DIY Wrapping Co., Fireside Pods on The Yard, a Menorah Lighting Celebration, Saturdays with Santa, Festive Pop-Ups, The Roof’s Skate the Sky, Igloos & Noon Year’s Eve Party, & More

 

Ponce City Market will celebrate the most wonderful time of year with merry happenings for everyone. From noon-4pm every Saturday from December 4 through December 18, the community hub will invite visitors to enjoy a winter wonderland on The Trestle – the breezeway connecting Ponce City Market to the Atlanta BeltLine – with special appearances from Santa, holiday carolers, complimentary Misfit Mystery Kits for the first 150 guests, sweet treat pop-ups and more. Other festivities throughout the holiday season include:

 

MISFIT DIY WRAPPING CO.:

 

Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 27 – Dec. 19 – Come one, come all and stop by Misfit DIY Wrapping Co. to jazz up gifts for giving! From 11am-6pm on Saturdays and noon-6pm Sundays during the holiday season, guests will be able to wrap gifts purchased at PCM with a misfit assortment of paper, ribbon and doo-dads at Ponce City Market’s do-it-yourself wrapping and decorating factory on the second floor of the Central Food Hall. Suggested donations will benefit a local charity.

 

FIRESIDE ROASTING & TOASTING PODS ON THE YARD:

 

Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 27 – Dec. 19 – 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 fireside pods accommodating groups of up to four. Classic s’mores supplies – graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate bars – will be provided, and pods can be booked by the hour on Saturdays from noon-9pm and on Sundays from noon-6pm. Reservations will open in late November at www.poncecitymarket.com/events. 

 

FESTIVE POP-UPS:

 

The Blitzen Room at Biltong Bar, Opening Mid-November – Biltong Bar Ponce City Market and Buckhead Village are “Up to Snow Good” as they transform their spaces for the third annual holiday pop-up: The Blitzen Room. The restaurants 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. 26 – 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 drinks.

MixMas at 12 Cocktail Bar, Opening Fri., Nov. 26 – 12 Cocktail Bar is celebrating the season with a Mixmas cocktail menu with returning favorite “Sleigh Fuel,” a spiked coffee eggnog made with Old Grand-Dad Bourbon, plus new holiday-inspired cocktails. Reservations are highly recommended and can be made at 12cocktailbar.com.

 

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.

 

ANNUAL MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY WITH CHABAD INTOWN:

 

Thurs., Dec. 2, 6pm – Join Ponce City Market and Chabad Intown for a traditional menorah lighting ceremony to celebrate the Festival of Lights! This year’s celebration will take place on The Yard with music, live entertainment, food, drink and activities for kids. Attendees can RSVP here.

 

PONCE GOES UPSIDE DOWN HOLIDAY EDITION:

 

Tues., Dec. 9, 5:30-8:30pm – Located on the second floor of the Central Food Hall and in The Trestle, Ponce Goes Upside Down is a new carnival-style block party celebrating local makers and creators, plus everything fun to eat, drink and shop at the iconic community hub. This December, the event series will celebrate the holiday season with a holiday market by Artists & Fleas, festive trees, falling snow, costumed street performers and complimentary popcorn on The Trestle, plus live jazz, cornhole, the Misfit DIY Wrapping Factory, complimentary Misfit Mystery Kits and a range of fun, in-store activations, special products, exhibits and more from PCM’s local merchants on the second floor of the Central Food Hall.

 

SKATE THE SKY:

 

Opening Fri., Nov. 26 – Back for a fifth year, The Roof at Ponce City Market invites guests to “Skate the Sky.” Ten stories above Ponce de Leon Avenue, the Rooftop Terrace will feature a 3,500-square-foot ice skating rink open seven days a week. Skaters can also enjoy unlimited games and rides at Skyline Park while donning a faux fur coat provided by The Roof. Ice skating is $15 for adults and children (plus admission to The Roof). Reservations will be available beginning November 1 and include 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, available here.

 

IGLOOS ON THE ROOF:

 

Opening Fri., Nov. 26 – Cozy up this holiday season in private igloos on Ponce City Market’s Roof, located alongside the ice-skating rink and at 9 Mile Station! Rink-side igloos will be open weekdays beginning at 3pm for guests 21+. On Saturdays and Sundays from 11:30am-1:30pm and 2pm-4pm, families can enjoy the igloos. Guests 21+ can enjoy food and beverages – think hot cocktails and champagne – and all rink-side igloo guests will have access to general admission to The Roof, skate rentals, 50 minutes of skate time and unlimited games and rides at Skyline Park (when available). At 9 Mile Station, the restaurant will transform into a woodland forest with cozy igloos overlooking the skyline of Atlanta. Available for guests 21+, the restaurant igloos will offer full-service dining, plus general admission to The Roof and unlimited games and rides at Skyline Park (when available). Igloos reservations are available here. Each seats up to six guests. 

 

NOON YEAR’S EVE ON THE ROOF:

 

Fri., Dec. 31, 10am-3pm – Save the date for The Roof’s annual Noon Year’s Eve celebration! Skyline Park will host a family-friendly celebration for parents and children of all ages to ring in 2022 as guests count down to noon. Tickets are $15 for all ages (3 years and under are free) and can be pre-purchased online here or at the door.

 

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

EPICUREAN HOTEL, EPICUREAN THEATRE UPCOMING EVENTS 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/15/21

Tickets here.

Holiday Baking: Brunch of Champions

Schedule: Sunday, December 12, 11.00 am – 1:00 pm

Price: $75

Around the holidays, family traditions and joyful memories often revolve around baking pastries and those sweet treats we love. From nutmeg to ginger to cranberry, it’s the time of year where we can let our favorite flavors shine. Who better to take a tip or two from, than Epicurean’s very own in-house pastry chef, Sabrina Coombs. You may recognize Sabrina as a contestant from Food Network’s hit tv show, Holiday Baking Championship! Featuring four courses of both sweet and savory pastry bites complete with brunch pairings, join us for a seasonal dive into holiday baking and enjoy a brunch of champions!

MENU

Cranberry Doughnuts

Savory Herb & Cheese Popover

Red Velvet Cinnamon Roll

Frozen Gingersnap Swiss Roll

*Paired with festive brunch cocktails.

ABOUT THE CHEF

Born in London, and raised in Atlanta, Sabrina Coombs has made it her mission to bring European techniques to the diverse flavors of modern southern baking. After training as a ballerina in performing arts school, Sabrina decided to take her creative outlet into the kitchen and hasn’t looked back. She trained at Le Cordon Bleu and has held positions at Atlas Buckhead and Four Seasons Atlanta, before recently finding her home at Epicurean Atlanta.

Sabrina’s pastry style is focused – she creates simple, elegant desserts that are full flavor. For Sabrina, food is passion, a sense of community and engagement that brings family and friends together.

When not whipping up sweets, you can find her doing outdoor activities taking her dog Lucky for hikes and yoga in the park. She spends a lot of her free time engaging with her three sisters and her sweet nephew, Noah. She’s loves laughing and having a good time with her loved ones and does the same with her Epicurean family!

PARKING

Complimentary 3-hour valet validation is provided.

Wine For Holiday Fare

Schedule: Saturday, December 18, 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Price: $125.00

ane Garvey (wine educator) & Ewart Wardhaugh (Epicurean Atlanta)
Everybody has different ideas about what makes a good traditional holiday meal. Staple foods and key dishes vary from one culture – and country – to another. From seafood in Spain, to kosher foods for Hanukkah, there is much to be explored in the realm of holiday fare. And when family gathers, there will likely be a variety of wine preferences, from dry to sweet, and from white to pink to red. In this wine and food pairing, we’ll explore a range of wines from a wide swath of wine regions that will pair well with a broad selection of holiday flavors. From classics to some novel ideas, there is nothing better during the holiday season than a good surprise.

MENU

Potato Latkes, Apple Sauce, Sour Cream

Festive Scallop Pork Belly Siu Mai

Basque Marmitako Salad, Fingerling Potatoes, Green Chili Sofrito Mojo

Egyptian Roast Leg of Lamb “Fattah” Pomegranate Eggplant, Tahini Labneh

Sweet Grass Griffin Grits Cheesecake

*Wine pairings provided to accompany each course

ABOUT THE TALENT

Jane F. Garvey

Jane F. Garvey holds a doctorate in Romance languages from the University of Georgia, and uses that skill set to visit wineries all over the world, from Europe to the United States and Canada, as well as the southern hemisphere. She has written about wine for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the Atlanta Wine Report, the newsletter for the Atlanta Wine School, and Lake Oconee Living magazine. She has taught wine classes for a variety of private clients. Currently, she is on the board of the Georgia Trustees Wine & Spirits Competition, which she co-founded with two colleagues, to recognize the quality of Georgia’s rapidly growing wine world, as well as meads, ciders and distilled spirits. Jane also writes regularly for Georgia magazine, published by Oglethorpe Power. She holds the Certified Specialist of Wine designation granted by the Society of Wine Educators. Glassware and serving temperature issues will also be presented.

Ewart Wardhaugh

With an innate passion for cooking, Wardhaugh’s interest took root at home where he grew up in a culinary household, helping host his family’s dinner parties. At 15, his first stint as a dishwasher sealed his fate in the industry and his life was soon engulfed by the culinary world. Throughout his career, Wardhaugh embarked on a world tour that led him to the Lanesborough Hotel in London, and the Raffles Hotel and Resort in Singapore. His first U.S. venture at the Bellagio in Las Vegas proved to be a major milestone, as he oversaw its 22 food and beverage outlets. Wardhaugh continued his upwards trajectory at prestigious hotels around the world, including Barbados, Australia, and Dubai.

Most recently, Wardhaugh acted as the regional executive chef for Wolfgang Puck Catering in Los Angeles, a multi-faceted company with catering, events, corporate dining, restaurants, and, most notably, the Oscars Governors Ball. With years under his belt, Wardhaugh was named a finalist in the Académie Culinaire de France’s Annual Award of Excellence, a Salon Culinaire winner, a semifinalist in the gourmet category of the Taste of Scotland Challenge, and a finalist for the “Young Scottish Chef of the Year” at age 20. With a hand in menu development, training implementation, menu tasting activities and global industry trends, Wardhaugh looks to create his place within the buzzing culinary scene of Atlanta as Executive Chef at Epicurean Atlanta.

PARKING

Complimentary 3-hour valet validation is provided.

THANKSGIVING ROUND-UP 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/15/21

A round-up of all things Thanksgiving.

Hampton + Hudson’s Thanksgiving To-Go + Thanksgiving Day Offering

The community bar and grill will open at 6pm on Thanksgiving Day and offer a limited menu until 11pm, featuring burgers, mac & cheese, wings, fries and a Thanksgiving Place Special. For $25, the plate includes sliced turkey with gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, a roll and pumpkin pie cheesecake. Items can also be ordered individually as sides, and the restaurant will offer drink specials and play the evening’s football games on all TVs.

Just Announced! – Le Bilboquet’s Thanksgiving Offering

Le Bilboquet will be open from noon to 8pm on Thanksgiving Day and serve a three-course prix fixe menu to enjoy at the restaurant or to-go. Menu highlights include Wagyu Beef Tartare and Butternut Squash & Mushroom Velouté for starters, Pan Seared Tuna Loin with barbeque sauce, orange segments, diced tomatoes, black olives & micro cilantro, and Traditional Roasted Turkey with homemade stuffing, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sauteed brussel sprouts butternut squash, celeriac confit & gravy on the entree side and Almond Pear Tart with Caramel Ice Cream for dessert. The menu here is $85 per adult; a kid’s menu is $25 per child. To-go orders will be accepted through November 21 at 5pm.

Dantanna’s Thanksgiving To-Go
Take the stress of preparing the perfect feast away and let Dantanna’s do the cooking this Thanksgiving. Spend more quality time with friends and family this year and take home a fully prepared, delicious meal to feed up to four people. For $189, diners can delight in a traditional, three-course Thanksgiving meal and choose a soup or salad, four sides, and a whole bird flavored with a choice of roasted sage butter, house rubbed and slow smoked hickory, or flash-fried in zero trans-fat soybean oil. Satisfy sweet tooth cravings with a choice of apple cobbler or pumpkin pie for dessert. All orders must be placed online at dantannas.com by November 15, 2021. Dantanna’s Buckhead is located at the Shops Around Lenox, 3400 around Lenox Road NE #304, Atlanta, GA 30326. For more information, visit www.dantannas.com or call 404.760.8873. 

Dantannas Thanksgiving To-Go Menu: 

Soup or Salad
(Choose One) 
Caesar Salad 
House Salad 
Chicken & Sausage Gumbo
Seafood Stew 

Turkey 
Whole Turkey (12 lb. average) 
(Choice of: sage butter roasted, house rubbed and slow hickory smoked, or flash-fried in zero trans-fat soybean oil) 
House-Made Cranberry Sauce 
Yeast Rolls 
Brown Gravy 

Sides
(Choose Four) 
Dressing 
Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes 
Green Beans 
Brussel Sprouts 
Southern Fried Corn 
Whipped Sweet Potatoes

Dessert
(Choose One) 
Apple Cobbler 
Pumpkin Pie
 
STK Thanksgiving
 
here is always something to be thankful for at STK Atlanta, especially a decadent Thanksgiving meal. Beginning on Thursday, November 25 through Sunday, November 28, 2021, guests are invited to indulge in Thanksgiving specials in a chic, high-energy atmosphere or take it to-go. Known for its signature and seasonal offerings, STK will be serving a roasted free range Turkey with all the trimmings, including cornbread, sage stuffing, shallot and thyme confit thighs, sautéed green beans, maple baked sweet potato, Yukon gold mashed potatoes, classic gravy, and cranberry-orange chutney for $59 per person. The little turkeys, 12 and under, can also enjoy these offerings for $29. Finishing the holiday on a sweet note, a slice of delicious spiced pumpkin pie candied with ginger cream and crunchy caramel honeycomb is available for $12 per slice. Those wanting to relax at home can order a takeout dinner for two for $119, which includes a slice of pie. Pre-orders begin on Monday, November 15th, and must be picked up on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 25th, during select times. Thanksgiving Day hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. with a live DJ starting at noon so guests can toast to the holiday season. 
 
For more information, to make a reservation or place an order, visit https://stksteakhouse.com/venues/atlanta/ or call 404-793-0144.
Mindy Osler 

Now Available for Pre-Order! – Thanksgiving Pies at South Main Kitchen

For Thanksgiving this year, guests can pre-order a variety of fresh, homemade pies from Pastry Chef Elise Vitale. Guests have the choice of Apple Pie for $30, Chocolate Pumpkin Brûlée for $25 and Bourbon Steen’s Pecan Pie for $25, or pre-order all three for $70. Orders can be placed over the phone or by emailing info@southmainkitchen.com.

Holiday Offerings at Cremalosa

The gelateria from gelato master and acclaimed Atlanta food writer Meridith Ford in Decatur is excited to announce its holiday offerings for Thanksgiving and throughout December. The gelateria is featuring The Cremalosa Holiday Marketplace, presenting fresh and frozen baked goods to enjoy throughout the season and at holiday meals, plus seasonal gelato flavors, an affogato bar and a warming fire pit on the patio. The Marketplace offers cinnamon buns, mini pies, holiday cookie bars and special holiday-themed gelato cakes, in addition to holiday gelato flavors such as Gingersnap, Maple Mascarpone, Spice Cake and Orange Vanilla. Items are now available in-house in a limited amount and can be pre-ordered online at Cremalosa.com. 

For Thanksgiving, Hummingbird Cakes – a Southern favorite filled with Maple Mascarpone gelato – and mini pumpkin pies will be available for purchase in the shop Wednesday, November 17 through Wednesday, November 24, on a first come, first served basis. From December 1 through 23, Peppermint Fudge Brownies, mini pecan pies, cinnamon buns and Gelato Spice Cakes filled with Vanilla-Orange gelato will be available for in-store purchases or pre-order online. Plus, White Chocolate Peppermint gelato will make its debut in December.

Sugar Factory Milkshake!

November, Sugar Factory Atlanta has rolled out its Gobble Gobble Milkshake- a decadent pumpkin spice shake that tastes like fall in a glass. This milkshake combines velvety smooth vanilla ice cream and chunks of homemade pumpkin pie. It’s served in a milk chocolate ganache coated mug, decorated with candy pumpkins and topped with a slice of pumpkin pie, whipped cream and a dark chocolate turkey. This dessert combines two of fall’s most iconic desserts: pumpkin pie and ice cream! 

Atlas + The Garden Room

Atlas at St. Regis will be offering a $145 per person Thanksgiving dine-in, three-course feast including choices like choices like oyster Rockefeller, turkey with truffle mousse, pumpkin risotto, and pumpkin pie. Each guest will be given turkey, stuffing, gravy + bread to be able to make a “leftovers” sandwich the next day, recipe card included. There will also be 3 levels of wine pairings available, pricing varies by level. The Garden Room will also be open with a la carte options and a family-style turkey available to order for the table. Both Atlas and The Garden Room open at 4 p.m. Call 404-600-6471 or make online reservations at Atlas and Garden Room.

Varuni Napoli

The Varuni at-home pizza kit is available for purchase for $80 and includes a can of Varuni branded tomatoes, 4 balls of dough, flour, basil, Pecorino Romano, buffalo mozzarella, EVOO imported from Sorrento and detailed instructions from Chef Luca himself. Patrons can purchase by calling 404-709-2690 at least 24-hrs in advance, pick up at Midtown location only. Additionally, Varuni offers a Varuni holiday bundle with the pizza kit, 6-pack cannoli kit and a 6-pack to-go cocktail pack for $165, as well as a 6-pack cannoli $30, 12-pack cannoli $50 and 6-pack to-go cocktails $70 individually. Same ordering and picking up instructions.

­Vinings Jubilee’s Southern Baked Pie

Ordering for Thanksgiving pies is now open, and they have lots of yummy offerings to pick from like Salted Caramel Dutch Apple Pie, Caramel Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie, Apple Pie, and even savory pies as well! There are physical locations in Vinings Jubilee, Gainsville, Alpharetta and Buckhead, and online ordering is available too. For online ordering arrival by Thanksgiving, patrons must select Nov. 15, 16, or 17 for ship date.

Vinings Jubilee’s Whimsy Cookie Co.

Vinings Jubilee’s Whimsy Cookie Co. is offering custom decorated Thanksgiving cookies like pumpkins, leaves, turkeys and more! Four day noticed needed for Thanksgiving pre-orders. Pick up before noon on Wednesday, Nov. 24.

Vinings Jubilee’s Paces & Vine

Make your reservations now for a Thanksgiving Day celebratory feast. Paces & Vine will be featuring a traditional family-style Thanksgiving dinner, including turkey, mashed potatoes, croissants, fall salad, pumpkin pie, and more, from 12-6 p.m. The cost is $65 per adult, $25 per kid ages 6-12 and $55 for to-go.

CELEBRATE THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR WITH VININGS’ OLDEST HOLIDAY TRADITION

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/15/21

Vinings Jubilee Christmas Tree Lighting, a Beloved Annual Event, Returns Dec. 2!

WHAT:
Vinings Jubilee Christmas Tree Lighting featuring special guest Santa Claus

WHEN:
Thursday, Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m.

WHERE:
Vinings Jubilee at Tower Stage
4300 Paces Ferry Road SE
Atlanta, GA 30339

COST:
FREE to Attend

 Ring in the holiday season on a cheery and bright note by gathering at Paces Properties’ 2021 Vinings Jubilee Christmas Tree Lighting on Thursday, Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m. at the Tower Stage. This annual event transforms Vinings Jubilee into a holiday wonderland for the entire family to enjoy and is free for all to attend.

“We are thrilled to host the Christmas Tree Lighting at Vinings Jubilee again this year,” said David Cochran, CEO of Paces Properties. “We look forward to this event every year, as do families across the metro Atlanta area who have made this event their own family tradition for 36 years. To have the chance to gather with our loved ones in a cheerful and festive setting is part of what makes this time of year incredibly special.”

The Vinings Jubilee Christmas Tree Lighting would not be complete without a visit from the one and only, Santa Claus. The jolly man will be available for photo opportunities with families and taking wish list requests because he’s making a list and checking it twice! This year’s event is decked out with fun holiday activities that cannot be missed! Throughout the evening, guests can decorate their own ornaments to take home, and there will be a balloon artist and face painting. Don’t forget to make time to hop on Santa’s train as it scoots around the center before creating your own puppet and checking out the live puppet show that is open for all ages.

There’s no better way to get in the spirit of the season than enjoying live Christmas music. A group of 40’s style carolers will be singing beloved holiday classics for all to hear throughout the evening! Also on the roster for the night is Whitefield Academy’s Jazz Band playing ensembles that will match the joyful ambience. Before the celebrations begin, stop in for a bite or a sweet treat from one of Vinings’ delicious eateries which include Another Broken Egg Café, Café at Pharr, SOHO, Paces & Vine, Mellow Mushroom, Stockyard Burgers, Southern Baked Pie Company and Cold Stone Creamery.

This open-air event will be taking plenty of safety precautions including providing hand sanitizing stations and encouraging mask wearing and social distancing. For more information, follow along on Vinings Jubilee’s Facebook and Instagram.

THE BATTERY ATLANTA KICKS OFF THE HOLIDAYS THIS NOVEMBER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/15/21

Tree lighting, live music and classic movies happening at Cobb County’s fan-favorite destination

Throughout November, The Battery Atlanta will provide a wide variety of festive activities, deals and entertainment to gear up for the holiday season! Seasonal events include Santa Photos and the Xfinity Movie Series. Guests can indulge themselves with specials from local eateries, including Margarita Mondays at El Super Pan and Wing Crush Wednesdays at Terrapin Taproom, or enjoy a meal from newly opened EATaliano. The Coca-Cola Roxy will also feature a lineup of live music and events.

Santa Photos
Beginning Friday, Nov. 26 (Hours vary)

Santa Claus is coming to town! The Man in the Red Suit will make his annual appearance at The Battery Atlanta to accept children’s letters and pose for pictures. Families can also stop by for special events, including Santa Paws nights and Sensitive Santa mornings. For more information for all types of photo sessions offered, please visit batteryatl.com.

The Battery Atlanta Annual Tree Lighting

Nov. 27 from 5:30-7 p.m.

The Battery Atlanta is lighting up the night at the fifth annual holiday Tree Lighting! Festivities will feature a performance from The Block Party on the Georgia Power Pavilion Stage, followed by a special appearance from Mark Owens and Blooper, on behalf of the Atlanta Braves, who will help track down Santa as he gets closer to lighting the tree at approximately 7 p.m. Immediately following the celebration, guests are invited to stay and enjoy an outdoor showing of “Abominable” as part of the Xfinity Fall Movie Series on the Georgia Power Pavilion screen.

Outdoor Activities:

Xfinity Fall Movie Series

Friday evenings at 7 p.m. (with exception of Saturday, Nov. 27)

Families and friends can enjoy a movie under the stars located at the Plaza Green! Continuing every weekend this fall, the community will discover a variety of family-friendly films.

  • Land of the Lost 

Friday, Nov. 12 at 7 p.m.

  • The Muppet Movie
    Friday, Nov. 19 at 7 p.m.
  • Abominable

Saturday, Nov. 27, following the Tree Lighting

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.

Select Retail and Restaurant Promotions:

Margarita Mondays at El Super Pan

The eatery serves up $6 margaritas every Monday starting at 5 p.m.

Kids Eat Free Tuesday at Goldberg’s Fine Foods

Guests can enjoy a free kid’s meal every Tuesday with a purchase of an adult entree.

Wing Crush Wednesdays at Terrapin Taproom

The eatery offers 20% off on smoked wings!

Music Bingo at ASW Distillery  

Every Thursday guests will enjoy themed bingo playlists while sipping on locally crafted spirits.

Jazz Brunch at C. Ellet’s
The restaurant jazzes up weekends with a delicious brunch and live jazz music every Saturday and Sunday from noon-3 p.m.

Park Bench Events:

The popular dueling piano bar and live music venue has announced a line-up of live shows this month, in addition to its Karaoke Wednesday at Park Bench programming. Visit parkbenchbattery.com/calendar for more information.

  • Karaoke Wednesday
    Wednesday, Nov. 10 at 9 p.m.
  • Dueling Pianos
    Thursday, Nov. 11 at 9:30 p.m.
  • Odd Man Out Band
    Friday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 p.m.
  • 90 Proof Band After-Party for Jelly Roll Concert
    Saturday, Nov. 13 at 10 p.m.

Coca-Cola Roxy Events:

The Battery Atlanta’s iconic concert venue is gearing up for a full range of live-performances! This month, Coca-Cola Roxy brings a wide variety of music to the stage for guests to discover. Review enhanced venue safety guidelines here.

  • Jelly Roll 
    Saturday, Nov. 13 at 8 p.m.
  • Tesla
    Sunday, Nov. 14 at 8 p.m.
  • Rahat Fateh Ali Khan
    Sunday, Nov. 21 at 6 p.m.
  • Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening
    Tuesday, Nov. 23 at 8 p.m.
  • Dark Star Orchestra
    Friday, Nov. 26 and Saturday, Nov. 27 at 8 p.m.

An up-to-date list of restaurant and retailer happenings is available on the website. Details and hours of operation are subject to change. Visitors are asked to follow public safety guidelines while on property.

Hogansville: Relax in Luxury at The Grand Hotel

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/14/21

Only about 40 minutes outside of Atlanta, there’s a cute, small town that boasts a gorgeous Grand Hotel downtown opposite from some small shops, a hometown pub with food and beer, a pizza joint with slices and wings, a market, coffee shop, and a cool little driving range and bar, a short walk away. Hogansville is a small town has all the small town feels and the most charming people you’ll ever meet. We didn’t meet a stranger the entire night! It’s where stories from veterans, movie industry people, factory workers, and farmers all intermingled to create a patchwork of small-town American Life. Phones don’t work very well here, so it was refreshing to get out and actually engage people and learn more about this town and their way of life.

Back at our hotel, stepping into the Grand Hotel, your immediately greeted with a beautiful blue couch with an original, ornate chandelier hanging in the middle of the warm, wood room. The fireplace and mantle sprawl on the opposite wall as the paneling leads into the hallway and the rich, wood stairs lead up to a common room upstairs surrounded by guest rooms. Couches, tables, lamps, inhabit the common room, a spot to relax and chat with your neighbors if you will. This hotel only has about 9 rooms, and is very affordable for a weekend getaway out of the hustle and bustle of the city.

Entering room 2 with an actual key, it’s like staying in another era, a quieter, simpler time where people sat and chatted in their seating area, warmed by the fire, and turned in when the sun went down. This is how The Grand Hotel feels. In our room, you’re immediately in a sitting room with a small desk and decorative couch. To the left is the gas fireplace that emits a warm glow that you can see through the opulent stained-glass window. On the other side of the wall is the bedroom with it’s own fireplace, a large, comfortable king bed, and it’s private door to the wrap around balcony outside.

Coming back down the maze of stairs, you can either go straight into the chess room or travel to the bottom and turn left you’ll immediately move into the 1890 Room. An evening cocktail spot adorned with a beautiful fireplace, it’s very own stained-glass window, and a large piano in the corner. The bar turns out classic cocktails that fit into the hotel’s 1900s feel, like Call Me Old Fashioned with it’s bourbon and booziness, or the 1890 Sour that’s sweet and creamy, to The HVLLE, a classic Tiki cocktail with tons of coconut. If you’re hungry, they have tapas like an amazing charcuterie board stuffed with 4 meats, three cheese, and all the essential accoutrements! They also have fresh empanadas brought in from Atlanta. Even if you just want to grab a beer, that’s on the menu! The bartenders are friendly and enjoy telling stories!

Down the street from the hotel, is Drive Bar. Owned by James, a Navy Vet, is THE spot to try the latest, local craft beer, and hang out in the bays and hit some golf balls. Almost like a small-town top golf, golf aficionados or friends that just like some friendly competition gather to enjoy the company, the beer, and play one of the many games they have online. They use top golf technology for smaller markets and driving ranges so you can see how far your ball goes and can compete with others on a myriad of games like who can drive it the farthest or hit a target. They are by the hour, affordable fun with a great selection of beers from everyone like Line Creek to Wild Leap and food trucks at night for hungry customers.

Other things to do in Hogansville is the Pub for a burger and a wide selection of drinks, there is also Karvela’s pizza where you can grab a slice for lunch or wings, Brett from Drive Bar said, “you can’t do Hogansville without going to Karvela’s.” After a fun night listening to stories, sipping on cocktails, and eating wonderful food, we headed back to the traffic and busyness of the city. We won’t forget Hogansville, though. It’s a great little town to get away from it all.

Atlas: Four Hands Collaboration

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/8/21

The moment you walk into the St. Regis, you’re greeted with a towering chandelier and sweeping staircase leading you to a dimly lit library with a sprawling illuminated bar and intimate tables filled with couples and friends smiling over delicious dishes. At Atlas, there are three words to describe it: impeccable, perfection, opulent. This does not only describe the ambiance, but some of the best food in all of Atlanta. The night we went was during the Four Hands collaboration 7-course tasting menu that married the genius of Chef Money and Chef Paul Liebrandt, the guest chef, in one miraculous meal. It’s a culinary masterpiece with the beautiful plating, scrumptious tastes, wonderful wine pairings, and the best white-glove service. This is definitely one to remember and we want to share the details with you.

 

When you arrive and sit down at your table, they immediately send over treats before you get your meal, like the Foie Gras Bon Bon, the “Cloud”, Puff Pastry, and Liquid Olive. Being about one bite each, the perfect little tastes are packed with flavors like the foie gras is rich and meaty, the cloud is earthy and literally melts in your mouth, while the puff pastry is dill forward and crispy, and the liquid olive was smooth with a little bit of olive on the end. We think the cloud was the best with the balance of cheese and beet flavor and were very impressed with the liquid olive, not too strong.

 

The first course is the Golden Caviar. Starting out, they place the caviar from their exclusive collection on the trout and accompany it with a tuna belly and a fantastic aioli. The caviar itself is a wonderful mix of saltiness and slight fish that accompanies that perfect pop. Underneath is the light, silky trout and juxtaposes the earthy micro greens. On the side, the crispy lightly fried tuna belly is perfection with a tasty creamy and earthy aioli for dipping. This course (and the next two) was paired with a delicate Rose champagne that is light and crisp to go with the lightness of the fish and caviar.

 

On to the second course, we got the Beets, which were paired with preserved plums and soft goat cheese. On top, the earthy and tangy beets are frozen in a ball then below is a moat of cheese, plums, and roasted beets that you can mix up together to get an amazing earthy, creamy, tangy bite. This one was so much fun to eat, a real treat.

 

Just behind this course, was the Scallops, but we opted for the Hamachi Crudo instead since we don’t eat shellfish. The presentation on this one was the absolute best of the entire meal. Served on a hand plate, it felt “hand delivered” to you! The fish is served raw but is so tender, it literally melts in your mouth and goes flawlessly with the creamy avocado, bright citrus vinaigrette, and amazing cold cilantro jalapeno sauce. In love with all the flavors creamy, earthy, spicy, bright, and add the crunchy beet flakes for one of the best bites of the night.

 

Moving on the fourth course where we got to pair a perfect poached cod and a bright Chablis. One of the best poached cods we’ve ever had, it was fall-apart tender. It’s light and mellow and pairs so well with the multiple forms of grapes that accompany this dish. The sweet and tart of the grape gives this little number an earthy and tart with a slightly salty end. The Chablis on the other hand was acidic that juxtaposed the sweet and salty of the dish. Just perfect.

 

When you didn’t think it couldn’t get any better, course five knocked it out of the park with the Westholme Wagyu. Buttery, slightly charred, and melt-in-your mouth wagyu that was too tender and delicious to even use the Italian knife they let us pick out. Topped with a candied fig that gives the meat a sweet, brown sugar, earthy, and tart bite on top of the already perfectly cooked wagyu. On the opposite end of the plate is a too beautiful to eat flower and gelatin concoction. It adds the right amount of creaminess. Overall, when you mix all the flavors together you get a creamy, rich, sweet, salty and a myriad of other flavors that let’s you know this IS the dish to remember. Paired with a heavy Cabernet is just right.

 

On to the dessert portion, they brought out course six, the Green Apple palate cleanser. They pour a citrus green apple sauce over this frozen, green apple treat for a boost of brightness. The entire dish is earthy and crisp with a complex mix of tartness and nuttiness from the pistachios, granola, diced apples, and mandarin. Then, for the finale, the Vol Au Vent is a decadent, crispy, bold bite. With layers of flaky pastry and bold caramel and apple flavor all around. Then, on the side, a rare dessert wine ice cream is boozy and sweet that goes well with the bold apple and caramel flavors. Paired with a Royal Hungarian dessert wine is rich and drinks like brown sugar, what a great sip with the dessert.

 

As a thanks, the Chefs brought out Petit fours after our meal. These candies are so fun, what looked like an Oreo, matcha gummies, and more. Just like these gifts, the entire meal is a total gift from beginning to end. From the delicious meal to the best service, it was one to remember.

 

Would you go to Atlas for a tasting menu?