SOUTHERN BELLE EXPLORES THE TRAILBLAZING WINE OF THE OREGON TRAIL ON APRIL 27

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/17/22

Grab a Glass and Head West as the Sommelier Team

Uncorks the Innovative Wine of Oregon

Wednesday, April 27 6:30-7:30pm

Southern Belle invites pioneers and pinot lovers alike to explore the wild West as it takes a deep dive into a variety of Oregon wines during the newest installation of its popular Travel in a Glass wine tasting event on Wednesday, April 27.

Guests will join Southern Belle and Georgia Boy’s sommelier team of Cate Hatch, Jordan Traylor, and Fred Torvik as they lead the trailblazing wine-tasting experience. Oregon has long been famous for its stunning pinot noirs, but there is much more to the story. Variety is the spice of the state these days, and guests will be shown a whole new world of innovation in winemaking.

Chef Joey Ward and his team will provide a variety of small bites to accompany the tasting, and attendees will have access to mixed-case discounts on all six featured wines. The cost to attend is $65 per person, and seats can be reserved online. Please note that Southern Belle is normally closed on Wednesdays, and no other food will be available for purchase.

Save the date for the next Travel in a Glass tasting on May 25, 2022.

PATIO PARTIES AT RINA AND AZIZA 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/17/22

Patio weather is here, and Oliva Restaurant Group is ready to celebrate with drink specials and music! Rina, the casual, Israeli, diner-style eatery inspired by beach restaurants in Haifi, Israel and located alongside the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail, and Aziza, the Westside Provisions Division District spot offering modern Israeli cuisine, will both host a series of patio parties throughout the season to celebrate warm weather, good drinks and flavorful moments with friends and family.

 

Held the first and third Thursdays of the month beginning April 21, Rina’s Low Tide Patio Parties will welcome guests to party on the patio from 6-9pm. Guests will be able to enjoy specials on beachy, tropical cocktails, High Noon, beer and an Arak & beer special, all alongside beats from a DJ.

 

Over on the Westside, Aziza hosts Sunset Hour everyday Monday through Friday, and beginning Thursday, May 12, they’ll host Sunset Hour Patio Parties the second Thursday of every month from 6-9pm. The summertime celebrations will feature wine and classic cocktail specials, plus live music. Reservations highly encouraged; walk-ups welcome. 

THE BLIND PIG PARLOUR BAR TRANSFORMS INTO THE PLAYA PIG POP-UP FOR SUMMER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/17/22

Buckhead Speakeasy Channels Jungle-Meets-Beach Vibes

with Tropical Décor, Refreshing Drinks, and Island Bites

The Blind Pig Parlour Bar dives into summer with another immersive pop-up designed to whisk guests away to an alluring tropical island state of mind. The Playa Pig will serve up tropical chic, jungle disco vibes inspired by Tulum, Mexico, along with tempting drinks and a menu of Yucatan-themed bites.

The Buckhead speakeasy will rearrange its Victorian décor to entice those longing to get away to a wild, wanderlust escape. Guests can look forward to creative, refreshing cocktails served with treats and sweets inspired by the unmistakable flavors of the tropics.

Food items will include:

  • Al pastor empanadas with pineapple marmelada
  • Florida rock shrimp fritters with Meyer lemon aioli
  • Tropical fruit parfait with coconut chia seed pudding and macadamia gravel
  • Squash quesadilla with shaved zucchini, queso Oaxaca, pickled serrano, escabeche
  • Carolina Gold Poblano Rice Fritters
  • Polvorones: Mexican wedding cookies

Tropical cocktails and shots include:

  • Dressed shots with fruit and Tajin. Selections include watermelon-infused blanco tequila, mango-infused reposado tequila, and pineapple-infused mezcal
  • Ginger watermelon margarita with blanco tequila, watermelon juice, ginger syrup and lemon ​juice​
  • The Jungle Revival with gin, Lillet rosé, pamplemousse, lemon juice, and atomized absinthe
  • Prickly Mule with vodka, prickly pear, lemon juice, and ginger beer
  • Yucatan spritz with gin, Aperol, and lemon, topped with blanc de blanc and orange slice
  • Green Chile Michelada with Mexican-style lager, green chile mix, cucumber juice, and lime juice
  • Playa Breakfast with blanco tequila, Dolin blanc, chile vinegar, lime juice, honey syrup, cucumber juice, and fresh mint
  • Bikini Bottom with pineapple-infused bourbon, lemon coriander syrup, lemon juice, and pineapple

The Playa Pig will be open Wednesday-Saturday beginning April 21 from 6 p.m. until late. Reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are available at the bar on a first-come, first-served basis. The Playa Pig may be reserved for small parties and special events any day of the week.

The Playa Pig is located at 128 East Andrews Dr., NE in Atlanta. For more information, visit theblindpigparlourbar.com.

CARSON KITCHEN ANNOUNCES NEW CHEFS’ DINNER SERIES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/8/22

Sister Location of Cory Harwell’s Popular Vegas Restaurant Launches Biweekly Ticketed Event Featuring Prix Fixe Five-Course Meal; First Dinner Set for Tuesday, April 12

 Carson Kitchen, the Alpharetta location of the Las Vegas restaurant destination from Woodstock, Georgia, native Cory Harwell, is pleased to announce a new Chefs’ Dinner series debuting Tuesday, April 12. This biweekly prix fixe event is a perfect showcase for the talents of the eatery’s new culinary team of executive chefs John Paul Burns and Jaime Sunga and sous chef Cullen Folks.

“We see these dinners as an exclusive peek into the minds of our fantastic team,” says Harwell. “Each carefully curated dinner serves as a great introduction to Carson Kitchen’s philosophy, our approach to reinterpreting and reinventing traditional dishes. I couldn’t be more excited for our friends in Alpharetta and the Atlanta area to get to know this extremely talented staff and experience their work for themselves.”

The menu and optional pairings for the first dinner in the series include:

  • First Course: Carrot and ancho soup made with heirloom carrots and fire-charred chili paired with Highclere Castle Gin French 75
  • Second Course: Grapefruit salad with frisée, goat cheese and Champagne vinaigrette paired with Avalon Napa Valley sauvignon blanc
  • Third Course: Crawfish cake with sea beans and lemon Cajun cream paired with Square, Plumb & Level pinot noir
  • Fourth Course: Rabbit Alfredo made with braised rabbit and truffle Alfredo paired with WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye old fashioned
  • Fifth Course: Strawberry All Over with ice cream and a waffle cone paired with Abita Strawberry lager

The five-course meal costs $60 per person; optional drink pairings are an additional $45. Tickets are available now for these exclusive events, and seating is limited. To purchase a ticket, call 770-696-1752 or email rachel@carsonkitchen.com. Save the date for future Chefs’ Dinners on April 26, May 10 and May 24.

BIGGERSTAFF BREWING FIRST LUAU

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/4/22

Sunday April 24, 2022, 1 pm – 4 pm  

An exclusive event bringing the island vibes to Edgewood. Come get lei’d with us. All your favorite beach music hits will be provided by @edgewoodheavy. The ticket price includes the following Hawaiian style buffet menu:

  • Whole Hogs with Tiki Teriyaki Glaze
  • White Rice, Mac n Cheese with Spam, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
  • Pineapple Upside Down Cake
  • Plus two (2) adult beverages per person, from the event menu (must be 21+)

Tickets here.

FARMYARD CHOWDOWN 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/4/22

MILTON’S CUISINE & COCKTAILS USHERS IN SPRING

WITH ANNUAL FARMYARD CHOWDOWN ON APRIL 24

Sunday, April 24, 2022, 6-8 p.m.

Executive Chef Derek Dollar Celebrates the Season

with Delicious Food, Games, and Live Entertainment

Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails’ executive chef Derek Dollar and his team are kicking things up a notch for this year’s Farmyard Chowdown on Sunday, April 24. Guests are invited to feast on fresh oysters, mussels, pickle-fried chicken, barbecue, and a low country seafood boil brimming with crawfish, crab legs, shrimp, and more. A live band, lawn games, and other activities add to the fun-filled evening.

Cost is $50 per person and $20 for children 12 and younger. Alcohol will be sold separately. Tickets may be purchased online and are not refundable within 48 hours of the event.

THE BIG KETCH SALTWATER GRILL SURFS INTO SPRING WITH WEEKLY PATIO PARTIES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/4/22

Neighborhood Beach House Lures Guests to Coastal Life in The Heart of Buckhead

 The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill, Buckhead’s favorite beach house known for handcrafted cocktails and coastal-inspired fare, invites guests to experience laid-back ocean life at lively patio parties every Thursday night through May 19. The weekly parties make waves with rotating themes and seafood offerings, live music starting at 5 p.m., $9 glasses of frosé and High Noon, and Corona bucket features.

Patio party themes and dates are:  

  • March 31: Fish Fry
  • April 7: Low Country Boil
  • April 14: Luau
  • April 21: Oyster Fest
  • April 28: Fish Fry
  • May 5: Low Country Boil
  • May 12: Luau
  • May 19: Oyster Fest

For the latest information, follow The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. 

THE BATTERY ATLANTA STEPS INTO SPRING THIS APRIL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/4/22

Cobb County’s favorite sports and entertainment destination offers events to usher in warmer weather

Atlanta’s ultimate open-air destination for spring, The Battery Atlanta, has planned a packed entertainment lineup this April, featuring events and activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy. From relaxing yoga and cornhole competitions, to girls’ nights out and patio dining, to music bingo and live music – and, of course, baseball –The Battery Atlanta is the place to be to soak up the best spring has to offer!

Outdoor Activities:

Wellness Series: Yoga by Kaiser Permanente
Mondays, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Start the week off stress-free at an outdoor yoga class presented by Kaiser Permanente. As part of the Wellness Series at The Battery Atlanta, this free event is open to all ages to relax and unwind on the Plaza Green. Participants are required to bring a mat and encouraged to bring water. Guests can register here.

The Battery Atlanta Walking Trail

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

Cornhole ATL Spring League
Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m.

A tailgate favorite is now a league of its own! Spectators are encouraged to watch the action and cheer on league participants as they compete each week, leading up to the spring season’s final tournament. League winners will receive a championship trophy and other prizes.

Bark at the Park
Sunday, April 10 and 24, Games begin at 1:20 p.m.

Atlanta Braves fans are invited to bring their furry friends to cheer on the team at Truist Park. Tickets must be purchased online in advance here. Every dog in attendance will receive an Atlanta Braves dog leash, compliments of Kroger. For every ticket sold, a $3 donation will be made to benefit the Animal Rescue Foundation. All dogs must be kept of a leash at all times.

American Red Cross Blood Drive
Thursday, April 14 at 9 a.m.

Step up to the plate! The American Red Cross continues their blood drive at The Battery Atlanta. Interested donors can visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or use the Blood Donor App to schedule an appointment in advance. Free parking is available in the Delta Deck for donors and free 3-hour parking is available in the Red Deck.

Allatoona Jazz Band
Friday, April 15 at 7 p.m.; Thursday, April 21 at 7 p.m.; Friday, April 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Guests are invited to watch the Allatoona High School Jazz Band perform jazz classics on the Georgia Power Pavilion Stage.

Select Restaurant Promotions:

Terrapin Twilight Tours at Truist Park
Tuesday, April 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Sip a Terrapin beer while getting an up-close look at the World Series champions’ ballpark on a guided tour of Truist Park. Tours begin at Terrapin Tap Room. Attendees can purchase tickets here.

Divas Drag Brunch at Live! at The Battery Atlanta
Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Guests are invited to join Evon Dior Michelle and special guests for Sports and Social’s debut Drag Brunch! This show features a delicious a la carte brunch menu along with a vast list of specialty cocktails. This event is 21 and up. Attendees can purchase tickets starting at $20 here.

Easter Brunch at Cru Food & Wine Bar
Sunday, April 17 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Bring your friends and family to Cru’s annual Napa-style wine country Easter Brunch where they can choose from a mouthwatering array of special and classic brunch items to build their own 3-course meal. Pair it with a $6 mimosa, Bellini or specialty brunch cocktail. Guests are encouraged to call Cru Food & Wine Bar for reservations.

Miller Monday at Sports and Social Atlanta
Every Monday all day

Guests can kick off the week with the crew at Sports & Social with all-day specials, discounts and watch games on the 32-inch LED TV screen!

Music Bingo at ASW Distillery
Every Thursday from 7-9 p.m.

Patrons can sing along and dance to an engaging playlist of back-to-back song clips while they check off song titles during an entertaining game of Music Bingo.

Coca-Cola Roxy Events:
The Battery Atlanta’s iconic concert venue, Coca-Cola Roxy, brings a wide range of music each month to the stage for guests to discover. Review enhanced venue safety guidelines here.

  • Lil Durk
    Wednesday, April 20 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.

EASTER 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/4/22

The Easter 2022 Round-up!

Available Now! – Georgetown Cupcake’s Easter Dozens

Georgetown Cupcake is offering the sweetest selection of Easter treats this year with their Easter dozens, including the Bunny Dozen, Hoppy Easter Dozen and Easter Celebration Dozen for $38/Dozen and the Limited Edition Easter Egg Dozen for $43/Dozen. Each includes a variety of festive flavors such as Vanilla Confetti & Sunshine Buttercream, Cherry Cheesecake and Peanut Butter Fudge. Orders can be placed here.

 

Order Through Friday, April 15 – Juniper Cafe’s Easter Brunch, Plus Pie, Cupcake & Cake Sale

Juniper Cafe, the recently opened modern Vietnamese cafe and bakery from the team behind Lazy Betty, will be hosting Easter Brunch on Sunday, April 17 from 11:30am-2:30pm. The family-style menu will featured assorted pastries, apps like French Toast with toasted coconut syrup & whipped cream, entrees including Viet Hot Friend Chicken with homemade chili crisp & honey and Grilled Lemongrass Center Cut Pork Chop with corn & tomato succotash, and a Carrot Cake or Red Velvet Cupcake. They’ll also have Easter egg painting for kids. Tickets are available here for $40 per adult and $25 per child. 

 

Plus, they’re selling to-go cakes, cupcakes and pies for Easter. Pre-orders are now being accepted on Juniper Cafe’s website here. The deadline to order is Friday, April 15, and pickup at Juniper Cafe can be selected for Saturday, April 16 or Sunday, April 17 during regular business hours. Options include:

 

  • 6” Heirloom Carrot Cake with mascarpone cream cheese filling & walnuts (also available as half-dozen cupcakes)
  • 6” Red Velvet Cake with a touch of citrus syrup & layered with mascarpone cream cheese filling
  • Apple Pie with Granny Smith apples & a butter crumble crust
  • Coconut Cream Pie with coconut-infused pastry cream, pandan whipped cream & shaved coconut
  • Lemon Meringue Pie with lemon curd, meringue  flaky butter crust. 

 

Hot Cross Buns from THE CHASTAIN | Photo credit Heidi Harris

 

Coming Soon! Easter Hot Cross Buns at THE CHASTAIN 

To celebrate Easter this year, THE CHASTAIN will be offering housemade traditional hot cross buns for a limited-time only! Lightly spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla and studded with citrus candied peel, currants, raisins and sultanas, the specialty buns will soon be available for online pre-order (by the dozen) from THE CHASTAIN’s AM CAFÉ. The deadline to order is April 15 at 2pm and pick-up will be available Friday, April 15 through Sunday, April 17 from 7am to 2pm. 

 

A limited supply of individual buns will also be available at the AM CAFÉ on Saturday, April 16 and Sunday, April 17 only (while supplies last).

 

Sun., April 17, 11:30am-3pm – Easter Brunch at Lazy Betty

Usually open for dinner only, the Candler Park restaurant will be serving Easter Brunch from 11:30am-3pm this year. Guests can enjoy a five-course tasting menu featuring dishes like Egg Custard with caviar, French Omelette with wild mushrooms & truffle, Turbot with hushpuppy panade, braised collards & pot liqueur nage. The menu is $125/person, plus $80 for wine pairings. Reservations are available here.

 

Sun., April 17, 11am-2:30pm – Easter Brunch at South Main Kitchen

This Easter Sunday, South Main Kitchen will be open for brunch from 11am to 2pm, offering a seasonal, Southern-inspired menu featuring honey butter fried chicken biscuits, deviled eggs, jam and ricotta toast, country pork steak, and ham and broccolini omelettes. Reservations are available here. 

 

Sun., April 17 – Easter Brunch at Hampton + Hudson

The Inman Park community bar and restaurant is offering two options for the holiday:

 

  • Easter Brunch To-Go – Customers can “build your own” meal to go, featuring the below. The meal is $55 for two people or $100 for four. Pre-orders will be accepted Monday, March 28 through Thursday, April 14 on H+H’s website here.
  • Deviled Eggs
  • Bone-in Ham Chops with Grand Marnier glaze OR House Smoked Salmon with lemon-dill aioli
  • A choice of two sides (Mac & Cheese, mashed Potatoes, Crisy Brussel Sprouts, Green Bean Almondine)
  • Cornbread with maple butter or Biscuits
  • Strawberry Bread Pudding with nocino butter sauce
  • Easter Brunch & Dinner for Dine-In – Hampton + Hudson will be open for brunch from 10am-2:30pm on Easter Sunday and offer drinks crafted for the holiday, like Sunday Sermon Spritz – Ketel One Botanicals, cucumber, mint, lavender, hibiscus, Blanc de Blancs.

 

Easter Highlight! – Beautiful Briny Sea’s Magic Unicorn Sprinkles

Beautiful Briny Sea’s signature blend of sprinkles is the perfect addition to Easter sweets.

The 24oz container is unequaled in size and is the ultimate compliment to cookies, cakes, cocktails, milkshakes, pancake Batter, cakepops, ice cream and so much more. Available here.

Easter Brunch at Barcelona Wine Bar

Barcelona Wine Bar is an unexpected brunch destination for a family – or any group – who likes fun, full of-energy tapas and family-style sharing style of dining plus brunch-approved cocktails, sangrias, and bubbles. Brunch combines the best aspects of a Spanish-style tapas bar – small plates, bursts of flavor, and weekend-worthy drinks – for a lively experience ideal for a family, couples, or groups of any size. Think dishes like the layered traditional potato tortilla, the sign of hospitality in Spanish homes, with spreads of salty, cured meats and cheeses, fishes and salads, Huevos dishes, sweet tastes like torrijas  and of course the paellas, the stars of the show, served family-style for all to share and typically customizable to meet the needs of any diners. It’s not brunch if it’s not boozy, so wash it all down with a selection from the award-winning menu of wines from Spain and South America, or a craft cocktail like the springlike Dos Penínsulas or the Guns & Rosés rosé based cocktail. If the weather’s cooperating don’t miss the cheery outdoor patio to complete the experience. Please contact them to make a reservations.

5Church Midtown welcomes diners with an Easter buffet from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. The meal is priced at $55 for adults and $20 for children. Make reservations online.

Chido & Padre’s will be open for brunch from 12-3 p.m. and will reopen for dinner from 4-9 p.m. Celebrate Easter surrounded by vivid colors and handcrafted Mexican art and savor the eatery’s classic menu and chef features. View the menu here and make reservations online.

Enjoy an Italian Easter at home curated by Enzo Steakhouse and Bar. The meal includes deviled eggs and a choice of green beans and asparagus salad or caponata bruschetta; primi options of Roman semolina gnocchi or lemon risotto with scallops; and entrée choices of rosemary leg of lamb, oven-roasted bass or maple-glazed turkey. The sweet ending features an Easter pastiera Napoletana along with limoncello and Italian cookies. This at-home experience is $125 for two guests, $200 for four guests, and $300 for six guests. View the full menu and place orders online by Thursday, April 14 for delivery Friday, April 15 through Sunday, April 17.

For an elevated experience, Easter diners should head to Gypsy Kitchen in Buckhead Village, which opens at noon on April 17. A shrimp fritter small plate, fresh grilled lamb chop entrée with fried rice mujadara, and a new take on the tres leches dessert will all be featured alongside the eatery’s regular Spanish-inspired menu. Browse the menu and make reservations online.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern—the neighborly gathering spot with locations in Brookhaven, Perimeter, Atlantic Station, and Halcyon—is serving its regular menu along with Easter specials for brunch and dinner. Specials include roasted ham with pineapple, green bean casserole, and roasted carrots. Select a location and make reservations online.

Hop over to Milton’s Cuisine & Cocktails for a prix-fixe, three-course brunch prepared by chef Derek Dollar from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. The comfortable and quaint restaurant, located in historic Crabapple, is preparing delicious Easter favorites such as spiral-cut ham with smoked cheddar mac ‘n cheese, a farmhouse scramble with farm eggs, and applewood bacon, and a warm carrot cake with orange cream cheese frosting. Pricing is $49 for adults and $24.50 for children. The prix-fixe menu is the only menu available on Easter Sunday. Make reservations online.

 

Those wanting to celebrate Easter with a weekend getaway can head to the Monte Vista Hotel and dine at Milton’s Black Mountain. The regionally inspired Southern restaurant is hosting an Easter brunch buffet boasting house-made banana walnut bread, crostini with avocado crema and smoked salmon, a prime rib carving station, roasted steelhead trout, collard greens, baked four-cheese and herb elbow macaroni, and brown sugar pie with whipped crème fraîche. Brunch runs 11 a.m.-4 p.m., and pricing is $55 for adults and $20 for children. To enjoy the spring weather, Milton’s has planned fun lawn games, and the Easter Bunny will be ready for pictures outside the gazebo from 12-2 p.m. View event details and make reservations online.

Experience Ocean & Acre on Easter Sunday for special chef’s features along with the eatery’s regular menu. Features include deviled eggs with smoked trout and fresh blue crab ($10), Anson Mills stone-ground grits cooked with Benton’s bacon lardon and a 62° egg ($12), and smoked lamb shank with warm lemon orzo pilaf complemented with goat cheese brûléed heirloom tomatoes ($34). Find more menu details and make reservations online.

Kick off Easter Sunday at The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill. Buckhead’s favorite beach house is serving its regular menu along with delicious chef’s features. Guests start with an appetizer feature of deviled eggs and a lobster and chive salad ($12) before moving on to regular menu favorites or a special of brown sugar-glazed Easter ham and a warm salad of roasted carrot and spring asparagus with Parmesan and toasted almonds ($22). For something sweet, the chocolate-filled milk chocolate egg will make even the Easter Bunny jealous.

The Southern Gentleman is open 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Easter Sunday serving three-course prix-fixe menus (one menu early in the day and a second in the afternoon/evening) priced at $49 for adults and $24 for children. Choose from first-course options such as whipped ricotta toast with honey and black pepper, buttermilk yogurt, baby gem lettuces with pimento ranch, and more. Second-course options include griddled Nueske’s ham with a white cheddar frittata, fried chicken with pancakes and bacon, banana French toast, pecan-crusted redfish, and crowd-favorite fried chicken. Cap off the meal with a choice of buttermilk lemon tart, double chocolate blondie with whipped mascarpone or a salted caramel budino with chocolate mousse. Make reservations online.

The Woodall opens for brunch at 10:30 a.m. on Easter Sunday offering its signature brunch menu featuring favorites like jumbo lump crab cake Benedict with seared crab cake, sautéed spinach, sunny egg, English muffin, heirloom tomato brûlée, and creamed corn béarnaise; and Serious steak and eggs with prime New York strip, fried egg, toasty baguette, steak frites, cognac, peppercorn gravy, and béarnaise. Reservations are available via OpenTable.

 

Bastone

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/2/22

The lure of neon red draws you in from the road, while the outside patio sits ready for hungry patrons. Inside there is a mirror wall that casts beautiful light into the dining room, while the large bar that is the length of the restaurant puts out amazing cocktails.  From the genius of Pat Pascarella, the brand spanking new Bastone is an upscale mozzarella and wine bar that doesn’t skimp on their perfect pasta dishes, carefully curated wines, amazing apps, cool cocktails, and let’s not forget the magnificent mozzarella flight! The Porchetta Group has another winner! Let’s dig in.

Starting with the sips, they have huge, carefully curated wine list that boasts one of the best crisp white wines we’ve ever had, the Cincinnato Bellone from the rare Lazio region. It’s the perfect wine to go with the creaminess of the mozzarella. Want to try Italian beer? They have a crisp and cool, Birra Lucana, that’s the right body and lightness to go with the cheese, as well. Run, don’t walk to try the Ace of Spades. It’s so cool with the ingredients themselves: gin, salted pasta water(!), tomato, and a mozzarella ball! The salted water starts salty but ends with the carbines of the pasta mixed with a piney gin then stuffed with what Pat said was a “caprese salad in a glass.” They’ll blister tomatoes, basil and olive oil and add it table-side for an exciting experience cocktail. It’s different, yet something everyone should at least experience. He’s spot on with his description. Must try.

Something that Bastone does so well is Mozzarella, and they show it off with their signature item, the Mozzarella flight. It’s the combination of Fatt Amano (favorite of the four), Burrata Siano, Stracciatella, and Burrata Di Stefano. The Fatt Amano was both of our favorites being a little more bold and saltier, while the Burrata Siano is milder with a light creaminess and tang on the end. As you go down the board, you’ll get Stracciatella that is sweet and smooth, as well as Burrata Di Stefano! We also got a hand-pulled mozzarella in house from Pat himself and it was so fresh and bright! If you want a little meat to pair with that cheese, they have meat and cheese boards. We got the Taglierino mini board that had a large array of meats for the size, mozzarella to pair, and vegetables like garlicky artichokes that round out the flavors.

We didn’t find a bad bite in their tasting plates, like the Caldi Arancini or the Freddi Lamb Tartare. Arancini is always a go-to as it’s crunchy, savory, and creamy and this one didn’t disappoint. We call them crunchy balls of goodness! They’re stuffed with savory short rib, earthy butternut squash that melts into the cheese. It’s crunchy, sweet, savory, and creamy! On the other hand, is the Lamb Tartare that’s fresh and bright with a ton of fun flavors. It starts hearty and savory with a good crunch, then a mustard-forward tang comes in on the back. Pile it all on the crunch and salty chip for the best bite.

We’re not going to lie, the pastas at Bastone are the real showstoppers. Something that Pat does so well is his fresh, homemade pastas that are perfectly cooked in salted pasta water! He always says, “Salt your pasta water!” The first one is the Orecchiette with a fun presentation: a bone sticking right out of the middle. So, with a bone marrow indulgent middle, perfectly cooked hat pasta, pancetta for salt and savor, and tangy stew, it was a well-rounded bite. The favorite bite of the night is the Cresc’ Tajat. It is stuffed with rich herbaceous sausage, fantastic creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked inside out corkscrew pasta. It went from savory up front to creamy and sweet on the back, the myriad of flavors culminates in one of the best bites you can have here.

Not only is the dessert pretty to look at, but it also tastes just as good. The Pear Lemon Torta was tangy pear enveloped in creamy meringue, mellow tart, and creamy ice cream. The lemon explodes from the middle and then mellows with the as you eat all the other ingredients. So, yes, stay for dessert.