VARUNI NAPOLI CELEBRATES NATIONAL PIZZA WEEK WITH PIZZA WEEK-ONLY MENU

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/12/23

Sunday, January 14-Saturday Jan 20

National Pizza Week will be celebrated this year beginning on Sunday, Jan. 14 through Saturday, Jan. 20. There’s no better way to honor the occasion than by indulging in Atlanta’s best pizza – Varuni Napoli! This year, Varuni will be offering TWO very special National Pizza Week-exclusive pizzas! Available only at the Midtown location, patrons can enjoy:

The  My Sweet Fire is a red pizza topped with homemade peppadew pepper cream, buffalo mozzarella, hot soppressata, and peppadew peppers. Then, once outside the oven, it’s finished with stracciatella cheese and a drizzle of fresh basil pesto.

The  Melanzanella is a white pizza first topped with fried eggplant, smoked mozzarella, artisanal salame, and roasted grape tomatoes. Once outside the oven, it’s finished with stracciatella cheese, fresh basil, black pepper, and EVOO.

These are two specials Atlantans won’t want to miss, but if they already have their go-to order, the normal menu is also available to order from. 

Did you know Varuni Napoli pizzas are also available for nationwide shipping on Goldbelly? Atlantans (and beyond) can ship their favorite Varuni pizzas to friends + family across the nation to spread the National Pizza Week love!

BROOKHAVEN’S BELOVED HAVEN CELEBRATES 20 DELICIOUS YEARS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/10/23

Staple Restaurant on Atlanta’s Dining Scene Marks Two Decades of Business  

Word of Mouth Restaurants is proud to announce the 20th Anniversary of HAVEN Restaurant. The milestone celebration takes place on Thursday, Nov. 16 starting at 7 p.m. Word of Mouth Restaurants invites the community to join in the festivities and enjoy an evening of signature HAVEN fare, live music by Penelope Road, select signature cocktails, beer and wine, giveaways and more. Benefiting Ashford Park Elementary School, tickets cost $60 per person (tickets include food and drink) and can be purchased online at https://buy.stripe.com/aEU8A21aU4sGglW4gk.   

Established in 2003, HAVEN, was Word of Mouth Restaurants’ Founder Michel Arnette’s first restaurant. The inception of HAVEN brought Dresden Drive its first upscale dining experience, showcasing modern American cuisine with southern flair. Over the years, HAVEN has become a beloved Brookhaven institution, known for its seasonal cuisine, warm ambiance, and unwavering commitment to superior hospitality. Since opening, HAVEN has remained a favorite among locals and visitors alike, earning a reputation as a neighborhood gem for unforgettable dining experiences.  

“I would like to take a moment of reflection and personally thank every family team member who has been an integral part of our 20-year journey of nourishing our community and serving up great food and genuine hospitality. Additionally, I want to celebrate our neighbors in Brookhaven and Atlanta. This 20-year celebration would have never been possible without their support and friendship! As we continue to build on this success, my team and I promise to blaze new trails and offer our guests and friends new and exciting dining destinations,” says Arnette.   

Celebrate 20 years of HAVEN with Word of Mouth Restaurants and purchase tickets for an unforgettable night of food, drinks, music and memories in Brookhaven.   

DANTANNA’S CELEBRATES 20 YEARS WITH FAN-FUELED OFFERING

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/17/23

Beginning Tuesday, October 17 through Thanksgiving, November 23, 2023, Dantanna’s is celebrating two decades of success with an array of special offerings, givebacks, a raffle, and more. An Atlanta dining institution founded by restauranteur David Clapp, the go-to destination for sports, steak, and cigar enthusiasts is bringing back fan-favorite classics like the Frueben, Salmon BLFGT, Dirty Bird, and Short Rib Loaded Fries along with the Scallop Lobster Risotto where $5 from every purchase goes to The Kyle Pease Foundation, a non-profit whose goal is to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities through sports. Patrons are invited to raise a glass with limited-time specialty 20th anniversary giveback libations, the Double Decade Dantini and Citrus Slam Paloma. Not only will $1 be donated to The Kyle Pease Foundation for each cocktail sold, but guests will automatically be entered to win an anniversary gift basket. Additionally, the restaurant will reveal surprise offerings on Facebook and Instagram at @dantannas. Dantanna’s is located at the Shops Around Lenox at 3400 Around Lenox Rd NE #304, Atlanta, GA 30326 and is open for dine-in, takeout and delivery. For more information or to make a reservation visit www.dantannas.com or call 404.760.8873. 

EL SUPER PAN AT THE BATTERY TO HOST NATIONAL MOFONGO DAY CELEBRATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/11/23

Hispanic Heritage Month Event Set To Showcase Creations from Lineup of Esteemed Chefs

Portion of Proceeds To Benefit Ser Familia

El Super Pan, the lively Latin kitchen and bar from Puerto Rican Chef Hector Santiago, will host a National Mofongo Day celebration on Sunday, September 24 at the restaurant’s location at The Battery (455 Legends Pl #862), organized by Taste Network. Celebrated during Hispanic Heritage Month, National Mofongo Day honors Puerto Rico’s national dish, which  features ingredients such as pork, garlic, olive oil, broth, and of course, the main ingredient, plantain. The event at El Super Pan will marry the robust flavors of Mofongo with the culinary artistry of an acclaimed lineup of chefs, immersive cocktail experiences and Spanish wines. Participating international talent will include National Mofongo Day Founder Jose Mendin of Pubbelly (Miami), Host Chef Hector Santiago of El Super Pan (Atlanta), Andre Gomez of Jose Sucio (Atlanta), Julio Delgado of Fogón and Lions (Atlanta), Santiago Gomez of Palo Santo (Atlanta), Cesar Zapata of Phuc Yea (Miami), Xavier Pacheco of Bacoa & Los Guapos (Puerto Rico), Fernando Desa of Goya Foods (New Jersey), Justin Sutherland of Handsome Hog (St. Paul) and Brady Lowe of Taste Network.

Established by celebrity Chef Jose Mendin, National Mofongo Day expands upon the plantain-based recipe by inviting guests to engage with Puerto Rican culture. The tasting event at El Super Pan will do just that by showcasing vibrant creations from a remarkable roster of Latin culinary experts. The evening’s festivities will include exclusive cocktail experiences, expertly crafted to complement the delightful Mofongo dishes including a specially brewed beer from Wrecking Bar Brewpub. The standup tasting experience will emulate the lively streets of San Juan with the Jim Beam® Lechón A La Varita whole roasted pig experience, savory and sweet libations from Bacardi Reserva Ocho, prestigious Spanish wines hailing from Ribera del Duero and Rueda and more.

The event will take place at El Super Pan (The Battery) on Sunday, September 24 from 5-9pm. Tickets are now available for $85 per person. A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to Ser Familia, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Latin families through educational initiatives, community engagement and family services. For more information, please visit www.tastenetwork.com/mofongo

BASQUE IN THE SUN SUNDAYS ARE BACK AT GYPSY KITCHEN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/4/23

Guests Are Invited to Unwind on the Buckhead Rooftop Oasis,

Savor Pan-Mediterranean Cuisine and Soak in the Sounds of Live Music

Every Sunday 4:30 pm

       

Get ready to Basque in the Sun” again at Gypsy Kitchen. Guests will feel as if they have been transported to a land far, far away, thanks to the restaurant’s Moorish design and delectable food with blended flavors from the cultures of Spain, Morocco, Greece, and more. Gypsy Kitchen is also named one of Atlanta’s best rooftop restaurants thanks to its enviable views of Buckhead.

“Basque in the Sun Sundays” take place every Sunday on Gypsy Kitchen’s rooftop, with live music starting at 4:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy a curated menu that features three varieties of flatbread (lamb sujuk, jamon serrano, and roasted mushroom) and libations such as the hibiscus gin spritz, watermelon basil, and 50 Shades of Purple that serves four guests and mixes flower-infused gin, passion fruit, lemon, and cava.

PONCE CITY MARKET ANNOUNCES ‘PUNK FOODIE @ PONCE’ TO OPEN FALL 2023 IN THE CENTRAL FOOD HALL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/24/23

Culinary Pop-Up Accelerator will Host Chef Residences, a Monthly Rotation of Chefs Serving Weekend Brunch, & Themed Collaboration Dinners on Mondays 

 Ponce City Market announces Punk Foodie, an Atlanta pop-up restaurant curator and storytelling platform that amplifies and cultivates the city’s thriving underground and independent food scene, will open a food stall in the Central Food Hall this fall. Named Punk Foodie @ Ponce, the concept will be a restaurant and chef accelerator, with a rotating, curated roster of pop-up chefs that represent the often unheralded diversity and talent driving Atlanta’s future restaurant landscape.

With a mission to champion budding local chefs, grant their culinary creations broader exposure, and enhance their commercial success while enriching Atlanta’s culinary scene, Punk Foodie @ Ponce will be home to one- to two-month chef residences, a monthly rotation of pop-up chefs serving weekend brunch, and themed chef collaboration dinners on Mondays. Guests will be able to explore a variety of cuisines and dishes not easily found across the city.

“Pop-up chefs are creating pictures of the new South through local and global ingredients served in styrofoam take-out boxes from borrowed kitchens and 10×10 tents with tabletop fryers all over the city,” says Sam Flemming, Founder of Punk Foodie. “Now, with the new food stall at Ponce City Market, we’re helping pop-up chefs accelerate to the next level by allowing them to test concepts, build a brand and establish a track record as a means to open brick-and-mortar restaurants that will drive the evolution of Atlanta’s dining scene.”

Upon opening, Ganji will take up residence in the new food stall and serve Asian-inspired fast fusion – American fare infused with Asian essentials and flavors. Ganji Founders Jess Kim and Jun Park are culinary school graduates of Le Cordon Bleu and Culinary Institute of America, respectively, and have extensive experience in kitchens and management positions at multiple Atlanta restaurant groups including Korean Wives, Seed Hospitality and Castellucci Hospitality Group. Other chefs slated for the first month include Mighty Hans (Taiwanese-American), Krupana (Bosnian-ish) and Jimmie’s Jerk Chicken (American Jerk & BBQ). The chefs for a Fripper’s Hot Dog night will be announced in September.  

Chefs who are interested in being part of the accelerator program are invited to claim a chef profile on the Punk Foodie ‘pop-up finder’ app. Chefs are selected based on app analytics of their activity and Punk Foodie’s deep understanding of the pop-up scene. 

When Punk Foodie Founder Sam Flemming moved to Atlanta, he fell in love with the city’s burgeoning underground dining scene filled with pop-up chefs and food trucks – aspiring restaurateurs serving some of the most interesting, cutting-edge, authentic, and unique food in Atlanta. The whole thing reminded him of a punk rock scene, but for food. This interest led him to launch Punk Foodie in 2021. Today, the Punk Foodie platform consists of @punkfoodie.atl Instagram account, a weekly newsletter, a weekly column in Rough Draft Atlanta, the Road Crew foodie content agency, an events arm that curates chef-driven events like Punk Foodie Fest, and the ‘pop-up finder’ Punk Foodie app. With the launch of Punk Foodie @ Ponce, Punk Foodie now has an integrated and powerful platform that generates content, builds community, provides information, and offers tangible business opportunities to pop-up chefs and the broader independent restaurant scene driving the evolution of the Atlanta dining.

Since opening to the public in 2015, Ponce City Market has become a must-visit place on travelers’ Atlanta bucket lists, a beacon in Atlanta’s skyline and a destination for locals to gather, shop, eat, explore art and cultural happenings, live, and more. Small business owners – both retailers and restaurateurs – have turned their dreams into realities at Ponce City Market, with many starting as pop-ups or within Citizen Supply and expanding into their own spaces, like Pizza JeansCake Culture, Modern Mystic Shop, and Elk Head Clothing. One of Atlanta’s few female restaurateurs, Tal Baum, opened her first concept Bellina Alimentari in 2017, and since has opened a second restaurant at Ponce City Market, Atrium, and Aziza and Falafel Nation at Jamestown’s property Westside Provisions District. Her sixth concept, Carmel, opened earlier this summer at Jamestown-owned Buckhead Village.

AZIZA HOSTS FALL EQUINOX DINNER 2023

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/24/23

Sunday, September 17, Aziza is hosting a Fall Equinox & Rosh Hashanah Dinner to celebrate new beginnings in honor of the two occasions. The menu is $90 per person, and reservations can be booked here from 5-10pm.

Located in West Midtown, Aziza (“happiness” in Arabic) offers modern Israeli cuisine with fresh takes on traditional dishes, while paying homage to Founder Tal Baum’s childhood in Israel. This dinner will celebrate the season’s harvest and incorporate the restaurant’s staple flavors, all  with a particular focus on 10 symbolic Rosh Hashanah food items through various dishes & courses. 

“Our upcoming dinner aims to blend the spirit of renewal associated with both Rosh Hashanah and the equinox,” says Oliva Founder Tal Baum. “It is an opportunity to celebrate an evening of new beginnings together.”

Traditionally, Rosh Hashanah starts with a small Seder (similar to the Passover Seder), composed of different blessings all related to successful new beginnings, positivity, prosperity and renewal. A seasonal ingredient or dish is associated with each blessing – think pomegranate, apple, honey, dates, pumpkin, lamb and fish. The seasonal fare and the different blessings will be weaved throughout the menu and will allow guests to learn more about this beautiful Jewish New Year tradition while enjoying a phenomenal multi-course dinner. 

Menu: 

Bread 

Challah

Salatim for the Table

Roasted Beets – honey vinaigrette, hazelnut oil, apples

Chirshi – butternut squash, pepitas, sumac

Babaganoush – pine nuts, pomegranate, tehina

Rishon

Choice of:

Hummus

Hummus Lamb Mechoui –  silan, harissa oil

Hummus Vegetarian – leeks, black garlic, Laban Kishk

Entrees

Choice of:

Lamb Loin Kebab – Turnip, fennel, cipollini, green chermoula

Lamb & Brisket Manti – tomato brown butter, labne, Aleppo, mint

Grilled Branzino – tamarind, fenugreek, spiced potatoes, toum

Stuffed Grape Leaves – lentils, walnuts, smoked cinnamon, chraime, crispy okra

Desserts 

Apple Tart – honey ice cream

Malabi – Rose, Pistachios 

Pomegranate Sorbet

TACO AND TEQUILA THURSDAYS AT TWO URBAN LICKS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/3/23

Every Thursday through 8/31!

Join TWO urban licks as they raise a glass to its newest summer offering, Taco and Tequila Thursdays. Running until August 31st from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., guests are invited to enjoy three chef’s choice tacos for $20 on their spacious, dog-friendly patio on the BeltLine. To further embrace the season of alfresco sipping, the Old Fourth Ward destination will have an array of tequila infused drink specials on hand including margaritas, Palomas, and more. Making Thursdays a whole lot tastier. TWO urban licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd. Atlanta, GA 30306 and boasts an expansive, dog-friendly patio, spacious dining room and bar area. For more information or to make reservations, call 404.522.4622 or visit twourbanlicks.com.

ATLANTA’S ESTEEMED ATLAS RESTAURANT WELCOMES CHEF MICHAEL ELÉGBÈDÉ TO OFFER EXCLUSIVE FOUR-NIGHT CULINARY EXPERIENCE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/13/23

In the Next Installment of the Four Hands Collaborative Dinner Series,
Atlas Will Host the Nigerian-Born Chef from July 19 – 22
 

 Known for its elevated dining experiences, Atlas, located at the St. Regis in Atlanta, continues to lead the way in Atlanta’s culinary scene. In a continuation of its Four Hands Collaborative Dinner Series, Atlas Underground will host award-winning Chef Michael Elégbèdé for a four-night tasting menu experience from Wednesday, July 19 through Saturday, July 22.
 
“I am honored to have the opportunity to work alongside Chef Elégbèdé,” said Atlas & Garden Room Culinary Director Freddy Money. “I’m looking forward to learning, sharing, and collaborating together as we produce a stunning and tasteful dining experience for our guests.”
 
A Nigerian native and third-generation chef, Michael Elégbèdé has revolutionized traditional Nigerian gastronomy through his philosophy of celebrating his indigenous food, traditions, and ingredients. Chef Michael studied at the Culinary Institute of America, Greystone, and trained at two of the world’s leading restaurants – Eleven Madison Park and Nomad.
 
Since then, Elégbèdé has gone on to found Abòri, an organization aiming to facilitate the continual development of the Nigerian culinary space, and open ÌTÀN T.K, which offers an exciting tasting menu and wine pairings in his hometown of Lagos. ÌTÀN was listed as one of the best places to eat in the world by La Listé in 2022, and in the same year, Chef Michael received a World’s 50 Best Next Award. Chef Elégbèdé’s work in Nigerian gastronomy has also been recognized by the James Beard Foundation, Chefs’ Manifesto, Dangote, CNN, BBC, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations.
 
The Four Hands Dinner with Chef Michael Elégbèdé will take place in Atlas Underground, Atlas’s exclusive summer experience located in the Maisonette Room of the St. Regis Buckhead. At $220/person, guests can expect four nights of culinary artistry, featuring an exquisite tasting menu experience inspired by the traditional ingredients of Nigerian cuisine. Reservations are now open and can be made here with seating options open from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Guests may enter Atlas Underground through the Maisonette front entrance located to the right of the hotel valet as they arrive, or from the hotel lobby, by using the hallway to the right of the Salon.

ATLAS GOES UNDERGROUND WHILE THE GARDEN ROOM POPS UP THIS SUMMER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/10/23

With a Kitchen Remodel Underway, Atlas + The Garden Room Offer Unique Summer Spins for the Next Seven Weeks
Reservations Are Now Open, Don’t Miss These Limited Time Experiences
 

Atlas and The Garden Room are taking guests to places they haven’t been before for a limited time only. Both restaurants have created a set of unique dining experiences for guests to enjoy through July and early August. This summer, Atlas guests are invited to go underground with Atlas Underground in the Maisonette Room of the St. Regis Buckhead, enjoy exclusive libations in Atlas Tavern (the bar area of the restaurant), and delight in decadent pastries in a whole new way in the Choux Box aka Papillion Room (Private Dining Room of Atlas). The Garden Room has also introduced its Summer Staycation Pop-Up Series, a series of rotating culinary experiences featuring elevated takes on comfort food.
 
“What do you do when your kitchen needs a refresh, and you have two restaurants to run? You get creative, you improvise, and you find ways to innovate while you renovate,” explained Atlas + The Garden Room Culinary Director Freddy Money. “We’ve rolled out a variety of unique, one-time-only dining offerings that offer an impeccable experience while tapping into the lightness of summer and fun vacation/staycation vibes.”
 
Here are more details on all the ways you can dine with Tavistock Atlanta’s offerings this summer, before each experience ends:
 
ATLAS Underground + The Tavern at Atlas:
Located in the Maisonette Room of the St. Regis Buckhead, Atlas Underground takes the Atlas culinary experience to new heights (or, more fittingly, exciting lows). The experience takes guests on a gastronomic adventure highlighting powerful flavors, textures, and the freshest ingredients. Atlas Underground features the restaurant’s acclaimed Chef’s Tasting Menu, along with three-tiered wine pairings from its renowned cellar. Guests of Atlas Underground may enter through the Maisonette front entrance located to the right of the hotel valet as they arrive, or they may enter from the hotel lobby, by using the hallway to the right of the Salon. Reservations are limited for Atlas Underground and are available Wednesday – Saturday, 6:00 –10:00 p.m.
 
The Tavern at Atlas is the bar area in the front of the Atlas dining room. The Tavern serves an array of beverage offerings, including curated mocktails, delicious cocktails, and wine selections from the renowned Atlas cellar. Atlas Tavern will also feature dishes from The Garden Room’s Summer Staycation Pop-Up Series. Reservations for the Tavern are available Wednesday – Thursday 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 5:00 – 11:00 p.m.
 
The Garden Room:
The Garden Room is giving guests a taste of vacation with its Summer Staycation Pop-Up Series. Complimenting the relaxed vibe the summer weather brings, each exclusive experience will generate a buzz that guests won’t want to miss. The Summer Staycation Pop-Up Series will feature three distinct culinary experiences, all focused on guilty pleasures. While the dishes take inspiration from American comfort food classics, the series also emphasizes innovative cocktails and sommelier selections. The June pop-up is already underway and features the theme “Burger & Lobster,” and features an array of indulgent plates, including the Hamptons Delux, a lobster roll featuring butter-poached lobster, remoulade, celery, chives and lemon zest on a toasted Parker house roll, and the Savage Burger, featuring a Westholme beef patty topped with seared foie gras, bacon, Swiss cheese, lettuce, and truffle mayo. The July and August pop-ups will feature more fun and delicious summer menu items that leave guests wanting more. Reservations for each Summer Staycation Series pop-up are available Wednesday – Thursday 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. and Friday – Saturday 5:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
 
Choux Box in the Papillion Room at Atlas:
The Papillion Room at Atlas has transformed into a boutique pop-up experience for the summer months called Choux Box. This unique pastry concept was created by Atlas Executive Chef Freddy Money and Pastry Chef Eric Snow, and focuses on an innovative approach to pastry, using only the finest ingredients to create unique flavor combinations that delight the senses. Each pastry is carefully crafted to taste incredible while exuding a sense of luxury and elegance, making it a delectable masterpiece. Starting at 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, guests will have the opportunity to explore the Choux Box Pastry Boutique, where they can indulge in delectable Choux pastries and savor a delightful combination of Caviar and Champagne, brought to them in collaboration with Moët Hennessy. Stay tuned for the full announcement on this experience.