BRING A CINCO DE MAYO FIESTA TO YOUR CASA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/29/20

Many of us will be celebrating Cinco de Mayo from home this year, but don’t despair. Atlanta restaurants have you covered with a variety of party-at-home specials, meals and libations to add plenty of olé to the day.

HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern keeps the margaritas flowing all day at both the Brookhaven and Dunwoody locations. Open from noon-9 p.m., HOBNOB fans can pick up $3 tacos (chicken, pork and veggie) along with $5 margaritas to kick up the festivities at home.

Lazy Llama Cantina throws a fiesta with tacos and margaritas to-go. The Midtown eatery is open from noon-9 p.m. with a Cinco de Mayo special of two tacos (chicken, pork or veggie), chips and salsa and a Llamarita margarita for $12.95. Keep the margaritas flowing with $5 individual margaritas and $15 margarita pitchers. This special is available for pick-up only. Lazy Llama also is offering a 12 taco family meal with 12 tacos (chicken, pork or veggie), chips, salsa, guacamole and queso for $69. The family meal is available for pick-up or delivery via DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub.

Marlow’s Tavern livens up the occasion with a Cinco de Marlow’s package that feeds four. For $59, Marlow’s provides a fajita kit with a choice of two proteins (lime and cumin grilled chicken thighs, chili-rubbed grilled skirt steak or blackened and sautéed shrimp), tortillas, peppers and onions, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, sour cream, black beans, rice, chicken pozole, tortilla chips and churros for dessert. Make it a party and add margarita mix for $10 per quart (tequila not included). Add a bottle of Marlow’s sangria (red or white) for $30. Orders must be placed by noon on Wednesday, April 29, for pick-up on Friday, May 1; by noon on Thursday, April 30, for pickup on Saturday, May 2; or by noon on Sunday, May 3 for pick-up on Tuesday, May 5. Click here to order.

Murphy’s in Virginia-Highland fires up taste buds with its vegetarian enchilada meal for four. This flavorful $40 special includes a vegetable enchilada casserole, avocado salsa, tortilla chips, cabbage slaw and flan for dessert. Place orders online or by calling 404-872-0904 for pick-up between 12-7 p.m. Delivery is also available via Zifty.com.

Taco Mac makes it easy to throw a festive Cinco de Mayo bash at home. Mexican-inspired menu favorites include three tacos (chicken tinga, beef, Southern fried catfish, grilled BBQ shrimp or grilled steak for $9.99) and a variety of quesadillas including chicken tinga ($9.99), grilled steak ($10.29) and grilled vegetable and black bean ($8.99). Pair your Cinco de Mayo feast with a selection of Mexican beers ($2 each) such as Corona, Corona Light, Dos Equis Lager and Dos Equis Amber.

DINING IN FOR LIFE 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/9/20

Open Hand steps up to support restaurant partners with Dining In for Life, April 27-May 3

With the current challenges posed to the city’s food service industry, Open Hand is turning the tables on its annual Dining Out For Life fundraiser by encouraging locals to “Dine In” with restaurant take-out, curbside pick-up or delivery from April 27 – May 3. The change is not only to support Open Hand, but also a step to help support restaurant partners as they navigate the changes necessitated by the evolving COVID-19 developments.


“We find ourselves in uncertain and unprecedented times. Open Hand started 30 years ago serving those affected with HIV/AIDS, and we once again find ourselves advocating for the most vulnerable in our community. Our priority is to ensure our clients continue to receive meals they heavily rely on,” said Executive Director Matt Peiper. “A virtual Dining Out for Life event will provide Open Hand with vital funds to help sustain service to our clients while simultaneously supporting the restaurant partners who have remained steadfast proponents of the Open Hand mission over the years. Our current community crisis reminds us of the earliest days of the HIV/AIDS crisis when so little was known about the disease. Open Hand was a comforting force for our clients then – just as we must be now.”

 

Open Hand depends on funds raised by its signature events, such as Dining Out for Life, to continue to operate as one of the nation’s largest community-based providers of home-delivered meals and nutrition education. Open Hand staff and supporters will utilize online peer-to-peer fundraising to encourage their social networks to donate to their mission that Atlanta chefs and restaurant owners had hoped to help fulfill.

The organization has refocused its efforts on a virtual event in hopes to join the community together to “Dine In” and do good for the generous restaurant partners that have supported Open Hand over the last three decades. Many of the restaurants are currently open – offering take-out, curbside pick-up and delivery in various metro-Atlanta neighborhoods. Locals can find a full list of restaurant partners here. Open Hand encourages the community to support local restaurants by also purchasing giftcards or donating to online “tip jars” that support staff members and employee relief programs.

Open Hand continues to serve the community during this crisis by preparing, packing and delivering nutritious meals to the most vulnerable in our community empower neighbors to live healthier, more independent lives.

Ways to Support Open Hand:

  • Make a donation to Open Hand online at org/donate.
  • Connect with Open Hand via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and share posts, information and more.
  • Enjoy restaurant take-out, curbside pick-up or delivery and “Dine In” from April 27 – May 3. Post about the experience using #dininginforoh.

For more information on Dining Out for Life and Open Hand, as well as to stay up-to-date on events and volunteer opportunities, please visit the Dining Out for Life website at www.diningoutforoh.org and www.openhandatlanta.org or connect via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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DRIFT FISH HOUSE & OYSTER BAR’S FOURTH ANNIVERSARY BLUEGRASS BIRTHDAY BASH

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/23/20

Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar

Tuesday, March 3

Oyster Roasts, Live Music and Exclusive Entrée Specials

To celebrate four successful years in East Cobb, Doug Turbush, chef and owner of Drift Fish House & Oyster Bar, has teamed up with Gate City Brewing Company and The Jeff Mosier Ensemble for a fourth anniversary Bluegrass Birthday Bash on March 3.

Turbush has thoughtfully created three new and exclusive entrées for guests to try. Crab and lobster enthusiasts will be thrilled to devour the All of the Alaskan King Crab Platter or a whole Maine lobster. Guests also will enjoy live bluegrass music from The Jeff Mosier Ensemble and $4 Gate City drafts served on the patio (weather permitting) and at the main bar. Gate City beers pair exceptionally well with the evening’s James River oysters on the half shell and oyster roast specials.

Oyster Specials

  • One dozen James River oysters on the half shell with traditional accompaniments ($16.44)
  • Oyster Roast ($3.44 each or $13.44 for a flight of all four options)
    • Broiled oysters with Parmesan garlic and lemon
    • Broiled oysters with chili, garlic and lime
    • Oysters Bienville with shrimp, bacon and mushroom
    • Oyster Rockefeller with spinach, bacon and Pernod

Entrée Specials

  • Oak-grilled whole Florida sun shrimp with low country crab rice, tomato jam and shrimp à l’Américaine ($34)
  • Whole Maine lobster (1.25 pounds) served Bienville, Rockefeller, steamed or grilled with hush puppies, slaw, corn, potatoes, sausage and drawn butter ($44)
  • All of the Alaskan King Crab platter with crab salad, crab bisque, crab leg, crab roll, crab beignets and slaw ($54)

5TH ANNUAL ATLANTA BRUNCH FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/16/20

Saturday, March 7th at Noon

Atlantic Station

The 5th annual Atlanta Brunch Fest will be held on Saturday, March 7th from 12-4pm, with Early Entry ticket holders entering at 11am.

Over 60 restaurants will be participating in the event (10 more than last year!) and they will all bring their tastiest brunch items for the crowd to sample. Samples will all be priced at $3 and paid directly to the vendors. There will be Bloody Mary’s, mimosas, Brunch Punch, as well as a selection of beer, wine, cider and hard seltzer to choose from. A live band and everyone’s favorite DJ Q-Tip will get the crowd moving. The list of restaurants and menu items are continuously being added to the website. https://atlantabrunchfestival.com/menu/

Early Entry tickets include all of your drinks and four food tickets to be used for any food vendor sample. (Tickets must be used between 11am and 1pm.) Cost: $65; $70 after Feb 27th, $80 day of.

Bottomless Drink tickets include all of your drinks. (No food included.) Cost: $45; $50 after Feb 27th; $60 day of.

Buy tickets here.

DOS BOCAS MARDI GRAS PARDI 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/15/20

Dos Bocas, Downtown Atlanta

Tuesday, February 25th

Free to attend

Join us on Fat Tuesday for a celebration full of festive cocktails, Cajun food, live Zydeco music, and more! Enjoy a taste of Louisiana with our beignets, crawfish boil, bayou shrimp, po’boys, hurricane cocktails and other Cajun favorites! Check out our Facebook event for event details and updates! FREE to attend! Drinks and food are also available for purchase.

SERPAS TRUE FOOD CELEBRATES MARDI GRAS WITH A BIG FAT TUESDAY CELEBRATION 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/15/20

MARDI GRAS AT SERPAS TRUE FOOD
Fat Tuesday Is the Last Day to Party
Before Ushering in 40 Days of Good Behavior!
Tuesday, February 25
5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Reservations are highly recommended
ABOUT
New Orleans native Chef Scott Serpas will offer a
traditional Louisiana influenced menu all night long!
Mardi Gras music, decor, masks, beads and
traditional hurricane drink specials at the bar.
Hang on until the end of the evening and
join the kitchen, staff, and guests
for the Second Line fun at the end of the evening!
MENU
(subject to change)
Jambalaya
Seafood Gumbo
Shrimp Po’boys
Plus …Beignets and King Cake

THE WHITE BULL SECOND ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION: POLENTA PARTY!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/14/20

Thursday, March 5 at 7 pm

Go party with The White Bull in honor of their 2nd Anniversary and be ready to Grab. A. Fork.
The White Bull is the ONLY place in Atlanta that hosts The Polenta Party crafted by Chef/Owner Pasquale “Pat” Pascarella.
An interactive, table-top dining experience starts with fresh greens and to-die-for bread and butter then the magic happens.
The Polenta Table–
a generous serving of freshly-milled, piping-hot polenta
poured down the center of The White Bull’s extensive communal table.
Chef Pat then tops off the polenta with a variety proteins and locally-sourced veggies.
Final touches of fresh Pecorino Romano cheese and high-quality olive oil, accompany the polenta spread–all directly from Chef Pat’s Italian homeland.
Oh, and there’s dessert to top it off!
And the best part??
There aren’t any plates!
$65 per person
(excludes beverages, tax, gratuity)

WHOLE FOODS MARKET CELEBRATES ITALIAN CUISINE WITH POP-UP, TRATTORIA-SYTLE DINNERS ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND COMING TO ATLANTA – FEBRUARY 20TH!!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/10/20

National Grocer Invites Customers to Experience ‘A Little Italy’ With Unique Italian Products and Ingredients 

 

On Feb. 20, Whole Foods Market customers in New York, Los Angeles, Austin and Atlanta can indulge in an evening of Italian culinary discovery at intimate pop-up dinners co-hosted by the grocer’s cheese, wine and culinary experts alongside Italian cheesemakers and prosciutto suppliers. Each ‘A Little Italy’ event will feature an authentic, family-style meal composed of six courses, including Cacio e Pepe featuring Pecorino Romano with Parmigiano Reggiano grated tableside and Osso Buco served over creamy rosemary polenta.  

 

“Our dedicated team members travel throughout Italy to bring the finest traditionally-produced Italian items to Whole Foods Market stores, and we’re excited to offer these authentic products together on a dinner menu for one night only,” says Whole Foods Market Vice President of Specialty Cathy Strange. “We want our guests to feel like they’ve been invited for a meal in Nonna’s kitchen.” 

 

‘A Little Italy’ dinner guests will also enjoy curated wine and prosecco pairings to complement each of the six courses. At each dinner experience, American Cheese Society Certified Cheese Professionals will take on an 80-pound Parmigiano Reggiano wheel-cracking demonstration, all while explaining the craftsmanship that goes into producing the Northern Italian favorite. In addition, during the antipasti course, Italian suppliers will shave prosciutto on-site for sampling and pairing; during the dessert course, trained baristas will expertly pour Allegro Coffee using state of the art La Marzocco espresso machines. 

 

Starting Feb. 13 at 12 p.m. ET, customers can reserve a coveted, complimentary dinner seat—first come, first served—by visiting: 

 

Authentic Italian Offerings and In-Store Promotions 

 

“If you aren’t able to score a seat to ‘A Little Italy,’ we invite you to experience our extensive assortment of delicious Italian products – all of which meet our rigorous quality standards – at your local Whole Foods Market store,” Strange said. “Visit select stores on Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. local time to watch a hand-selected wheel of authentic Italian Parmigiano Reggiano be cracked live. It’s our annual celebration of the ‘King of Cheeses!’” 

 

Whole Foods Market invites food lovers to live la vita bella by embracing its unique assortment of Italian offerings. From Whole Foods Market Italian Gelato, to 365 Everyday Value Italian Olive Oils, to imported offerings like Principe Prosciutto Di Parma and Peroni Beer, Whole Foods Market offers a wide selection of authentic ingredients, products and specialty items to take any Italian meal to the next level. 

Whole Foods Market shoppers can also enjoy special offers on the following Italian specialties, starting Feb. 12:  

 

·         15% off Bertagni Fresh Pasta – From Bologna, by the oldest producer of filled pastas in Italy. Rich, flavorful, classic easy-to-cook pastas that feel homemade. 

·         $2 off per lb. IGOR Gorgonzola Dolce – A creamy, tangy blue with a delicate flavor and subtle sweet notes. Matured for at least 50 days.  

·         30% off Mitica Parmigiano Reggiano – Hand-selected from specific farms across Reggio-Emilia, Modena and Parma and always hand-cracked in-house. This raw-milk cheese is made from milk collected from autumn through spring and aged a minimum of 24 months.  

·         $3.99 per lb. Made-In-House Italian Sausage for Prime Members – Spiced to deliver big Italian flavor—add to red sauce, on pizza or as a stuffing for peppers. Choose varieties made from Animal Welfare Certified pork or chicken, in hot or mild. Product not from Italy. 

LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL AT BON TON AND TAPA TAPA MARDI GRAS POP-UPS 2020: MARDI-VAL ON MONROE AND MARDI GRAS MUSICAL!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/7/19

No road-trip needed to experience the magic of Frenchmen Street during Mardi Gras this year. Big Citizen (behind Atlanta favorites The Lawrence, Bon Ton, Wonderkid, Miracle Bar Atlanta) is bringing carnival vibes a la Mardi Gras to Atlanta by hosting ‘Mardi Gras Musi-cal’ at Bon Ton in Midtown through Fat Tuesday. In addition, they’ll be joining forces with the team at Tapa Tapa with an exclusive “created by Bon Ton cocktail menu” only available at the pop-up. The event is aptly titled ‘Mardis-Val on Monroe – Parade of Cocktails’. Gather your krewe and get ready to celebrate carnival season!

Eric Simpkins, co-owner of Big Citizen, is excited to bring experience from Bon Ton’s past Mardi Gras celebrations to Tapa Tapa. “Mardi Gras has always been a favorite at Bon Ton, and we’re thrilled to make it bigger and better than ever this year, with not only a unique cocktail menu only available at Bon Ton, but another exclusive menu offered only at Tapa Tapa. These events not only offer Atlanta options to enjoy Mardi Gras, but also showcase the spirit of the holiday, drawing inspiration from music and celebrations all over the world.”

MARDI GRAS MUSICAL @ BON TON (674 Myrtle St NE | Regular restaurant hours)
Starting today, and running through Fat Tuesday, February 25, Bon Ton, Midtown’s eclectic Viet-Cajun restaurant and bar, will be offering their unique libations inspired by classic NOLA music, such as George Lewis’ “Down by the Riverside,” Rebirth Brass Band’s “Do Whatcha Wanna” + “I Feel Like Funkin’ It Up,” and The Dixie Cups’ “Iko Iko” and more. Each Bon Ton bartender contributed to the limited-run cocktail menu with modern takes on timeless Southern cocktails such as the Hurricane and Pimm’s Cup. Reservations for Bon Ton can be made on Open Table.

MARDI GRAS IN MIDTOWN FEATURING BON TON’S MARDI-VAL ON MONROE: PARADE OF COCKTAILS @ Tapa Tapa (931 Monroe Drive NE | Tuesday-Saturday 5pm-12am)
For the third year in a row, beginning today, Tuesday, February 4, and running through Fat Tuesday, February 25, Tapa Tapa will transform into a Mardi Gras celebration. This year’s pop-up is not only inspired by the New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration, but five other world-renowned carnivals around the globe happening now – Rio de Janerio in Brazil, Venice in Italy, Mazatlan in Mexico, Trinidad & Tobago in Port of Spain, and Cadiz in Spain.

On the heels of the success of the holiday collaboration Miracle on Monroe, they will be teaming up with Big Citizen’s Bon Ton, who will provide an exclusive Mardi-Val on Monroe: Parade of Cocktails, eight unique drinks for the pop-up experience. Bar manager Nick Chaivarlis (ink+elm, 8arm, The Lawrence, and Miracle Bar Atlanta) will also have a hand in the pop-up cocktail menu. Each drink name draws inspiration from the Mardi Gras Krewes that march in the famous New Orleans parade. Traditional New Orleans food will also be served to complete the Mardi Gras experience.

Andy Alibaksh, owner of Diem Restaurant Group, is thrilled to collaborate with the Big Citizen team for another pop-up at Tapa Tapa. “Our location has been the home to Miracle on Monroe for Big Citizen the past four years and so it felt only fitting to have the Bon Ton team craft a menu of specialty cocktails to compliment the Mardi Gras décor and Carnival party vibe of the pop-up.” The pop-up is free entry and first-come, first-served – no reservations are being accepted at this time. Should there be a wait, guests can also enjoy Apres Diem, next door to the pop-up and part of Diem Restaurant Group, which offers relaxed-European style dining and cocktails.

RED SKY FAT TUESDAY PARTY 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/7/20

Tuesday, February 25th at Red Sky in Marietta, GA

Put on your Mardi Gras mask and head over to Red Sky for Fat Tuesday on February 25th with live New Orleans music from PR3 Project from 6:30 pm to 9 pm. Plus, guest chef Eric Nelson will partner with Red Sky chef Brian Kennington for an evening of New Orleans style tapas.

New Orleans Style Tapas Menu:
Lobster & Roasted Corn Dip
jalapeños, onions, red peppers
$11
Crawfish Hush Puppies
Sriracha mayo
$7
Gumbo by Special Guest Chef Eric Nelson
shirmp, chicken, andouille, okra
$8
Shrimp & Filet Medallions
filet medallions, shrimp red pepper sauce
$11
Bacon Wrapped Scallops
jumbo sea scallops, bacon, orange-creole glaze
$11
Cajun Shrimp & Grits
jumbo shrimp, parmesan grits, tomatoes, jalapeños,
roasted red peppers, cilantro
$9
Crawfish Pasta New Orleans by Special Guest Chef Eric Nelson
blackened shrimp, alfredo, andouille
$10
Bourbon Pecan Pie
served warm with vanilla ice cream
$7

You can also get Mardi Gras cocktails, like Hand Grenade, Hurricane, Vieux Carre Cocktail, Sazerac all for $12 each.

Reservations are strongly recommended.