WALDORF ASTORIA ATLANTA BUCKHEAD DEBUTS QUEEN OF HEARTS HIGH TEA SERVICE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/15/24

Luxury Buckhead Hotel to Host Tea Party Series Inspired by the Fantastical Tales of Alice in Wonderland

The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead invites guests to step through the looking glass and into a world of whimsy at the hotel’s inaugural Queen of Hearts High Tea inspired by Alice in Wonderland. From August 17 through September 29, guests can reserve this magical tea experience every Saturday and Sunday from 12:30-3:00 p.m., featuring dazzling live entertainment and themed high tea fare fit for royalty.

Guests can indulge in a specially crafted signature cocktail fit for the affair and bright, aromatic teas like the Lady Blue Earl Grey and the Velvet Vanilla Spiced Chai alongside elevated high tea delights, like a White Rabbit’s Cucumber Sandwich, Alice Roast Turkey, Red Queen Egg Salad, and Passion Fruit and Berry Mousse Entremet. For guests seeking an even more luxurious outing, the Royal Caviar Experience add-on is available for an additional $45 per person. To view the full tea service menu, please click here.

In the whimsical spirit of Alice in Wonderland, kings and queens of all ages are invited and encouraged to don their most imaginative royal attire. A live musician will perform during the tea experience, enhancing the hotel’s already-enchanting ambiance and transporting guests to wonderland. Reservations for the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead’s Queen of Hearts High Tea are available via OpenTable, costing $108 per guest and $78 per child aged 11 years or younger plus tax and gratuity.

For more information and to book a hotel stay, please visit Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead. 

UPCOMING WINE DINNERS AT CASA NUOVA – ANTINORI AND CAYMUS VINEYARDS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/9/24

Antinori Wine Dinner – Thursday, August 15th at 7 PM

This event will feature a five-course dinner, each course thoughtfully paired with an exceptional wine from Antinori’s rich collection. In-house Certified Sommelier, Pepe Fundora, will co-host alongside Tiffany Michael from Antinori Vineyards, guiding guests through the flavors and history of these esteemed wines.

Reservations are required, so don’t miss this opportunity to experience the rich flavors and history of Antinori wines.

Wines Featured:
Campogrande Orvieto
Peppoli Chianti Classico
Villa Antinori Super Tuscan Red Blend
iL Bruciato Super Tuscan Red Blend
Dolce


Cost: $99 per person


Menu:
Crème of Mushroom Soup
Beef Ravioli alla Marinara
Lamb Ossobucco over Risotto
Tiramisu


Please RSVP via Casa Nuova at 770-475-9100

Caymus Vineyard Wine Dinner – Tuesday, August 27th at 7 PM

Later in the month, they will host another exquisite evening, this time with Caymus Vineyards. Guests will enjoy a five-course dinner paired with four exceptional wines, with insights from Caymus Vineyards Winery Ambassador Abbie Jo Wiley and Pepe Fundora.

Wines Featured:
Conundrum White Blend
Sea Sun Pinot Noir
Caymus-Suisun Walking Fool Red Blend
Caymus “50” Napa Cabernet Sauvignon

Cost: $99 per person

Menu
Roasted Garlic and Pepper Soup
Tuscan Meatballs
“Italian Big Mac”
Chocolate Mousse Cake


Please RSVP via Casa Nuova at 770-475-9100

BITE INTO BELONGING WITH SUGAR SHANE’S COOKIE FOR A CAUSE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/6/24

All August Long

August is here, and Sugar Shane’s has unveiled its latest Cookies for a Cause creation: the Fosterdoodle. This feel-good snickerdoodle is all about sweetening lives and supporting Georgia Kids Belong, a nonprofit dedicated to improving the experiences and outcomes for kids and families in Georgia’s foster system. Throughout August, the award-winning Atlanta-based bakery will donate 100% of the cookie’s proceeds to Georgia Kids Belong and its “I Belong Project,” amplifying the voices of over 400 children in Georgia’s foster system waiting for families. The perfect blend of warm cinnamon and sugar, this ginormous cookie is available at all four Atlanta locations as well as for nationwide shipping during the entire month of August at sugarshanes.com. Visit Sugar Shane’s Gourmet Bakery in Atlanta at Midtown (398 14th Street Atlanta, GA 30318), Ponce City Market (675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE N 145 Atlanta, GA 30308), Sandy Springs (1110 Hammond Drive Suite 30 Atlanta, GA 30328), and Kennesaw (1635 Old 41 Hwy Ste 107 in Kennesaw, GA 30152). Stay connected on Instagram at @sugar_shanes and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/sugarshanesatl. 

CELEBRATE THE 2024 SUMMER OLYMPIC GAMES WITH AN ALL-DAY HAPPY HOUR AT DANTANNA’S

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/25/24

Friday, July 26 all day

Dantanna’s

Raise a glass to the 2024 Summer Games at Dantanna’s during an all-day happy hour on Friday, July 26th in conjunction with the Opening Ceremonies. Beginning at 11 a.m., sports fanatics can enjoy $8 refreshing cocktails as they excitedly count down to the kickoff event. From specialty sips like the Bourbon Berry Bramble and Prickly Pear Margarita to classics including the Old Fashioned and Lychee Martini, Dantanna’s hand-crafted cocktails are always first place. For revelers looking to celebrate with a frosty cold brew, the all-day happy hour also includes $1 off all bottled beers and $6 or under draft beers including Georgia favorites like Sweetwater 420 and Tropicalia. End the evening with the Buckhead staple’s surf and turf favorites perfect for pairing with a $6 glass of the daily red or white wine as the happy hour sips continue until midnight. With TVs throughout the bar and on the covered patio, there’s nowhere better for sports lovers to watch all the action of the 2024 Summer Games. Dantanna’s happy hour drink menu will be available on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 11 a.m. to midnight and happy hour appetizers will be available from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Serving sports, substance, and sips for two decades, Dantanna’s is located at the Shops Around Lenox, 3400 Around Lenox Dr. Suite 304, Atlanta, GA 30326. For more information or to make a reservation visit www.dantannas.com or call 404-760-8873. Stay connected on Facebook at Facebook.com/dantannas and on Twitter and Instagram @dantannas. 

GEZZO’S COASTAL CANTINA HOSTS SUMMER COOKING CLASS FOR KIDS: HOMEMADE TORTILLAS 101

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/16/24

Interactive Cooking Class for Kids and Teens Led by Chef Cam Floyd 

Tuesday, July 23, 2024 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Calling all young chefs! Gezzo’s Coastal Cantina is excited to host a summer cooking class, Homemade Tortillas 101, for kids and teens on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. This fun and interactive experience is perfect for introducing curious cooks to the world of culinary arts. The family-friendly, coastal Latin-inspired restaurant will teach participants how to make handmade corn tortillas from scratch, guided by Chef Cam Floyd. Kids will learn all about masa, a staple of Mexican and Latin American cuisine while exploring essential cooking fundamentals such as measuring and mixing properly, picking and caring for produce, and more. At the end of the lesson, the group will dive into delicious tacos using a variety of ingredients and their homemade tortillas. With only 15 spots available, this class is $100 per child plus tax and is open to ages 8 and up, and no prior cooking experience is required. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.gezzos.com/cantina or call 470.427.3057. Gezzo’s Coastal Cantina is located on Atlanta’s Westside at 2260 Marietta Blvd NW Atlanta, GA 30318. Stay connected on Facebook at  www.facebook.com/gezzos and Instagram at www.instagram.com/gezzos. 

CULTIVATE CONNECTION + CURE CRAVINGS AT SOCIALBITES, A FOOD HUB DEBUTING IN SANDY SPRINGS – NOW OPEN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/10/24

Restaurant Space Reimagined With 4 Concepts, Interactive Entertainment, Full Bar + Event Space 


 SocialBites, a 6,000-square-foot innovative food hub, is set to debut in Sandy Springs off Roswell Road in late July. Imagine four incredible fast casual food brands under one roof, serving a variety of mouthwatering craveables, with a table service twist complemented by indoor/outdoor spaces, interactive decor, vibrant programming, a full bar and private event capabilities. SocialBites Sandy Springs is bringing together The Original Hot Chicken, INKED Tacos, Flametown Burgers, Pinsa Roman Pizza and BarSocial from the Experiential Brands portfolio to create a unique dining and interactive experience. That’s SocialBites – a new, soon-to-be go-to spot that is being transformed into a deliciously affordable hub of community connection.
 
At SocialBites, no one has to sacrifice their culinary desires to the larger group. Guests will satisfy their individual food cravings with multiple, reasonably priced restaurant options while spending more time connecting and less time navigating. Rather than separating to visit different food stalls for everyone to get what they want, SocialBites will offer four food concepts at one point of purchase or via kiosk for contactless ordering. Once the order is placed, guests grab a number, find a table, and food is delivered tableside with the convenience of a sit-down restaurant instead of everyone waiting counter side at different stalls.  Multiple restaurant offerings, counter service with one point of purchase, and tableside delivery are just part of what differentiates a SocialBites Food Hub from the typical dining experience.
 
“We wanted to create a place where it’s easy for families and friends to enjoy high-quality, craveable food while connecting with each other, without breaking the bank,” said Aziz Hashim, Founder/Principal of Experiential Brands. “SocialBites offers a variety of delicious food options, great prices, and a welcoming environment filled with fun programming and entertainment that you don’t need a ticket or pay an upcharge to enjoy.”
 
Cure your craving with these options at SocialBites: 

  • The Original Hot Chicken: Founded in Atlanta, GA, The Original Hot Chicken is known for its unique chicken tenders and sandos that are pickle-brined, southern-style, cornflake-rolled, and made-to-order at six different heat levels. Vegetarians and vegans can still enjoy the heat with Nashville-style Cauliflower Bites, and the restaurant will also offer a southwestern salad that can be topped with Nashville Hot Chicken or the Nashville-Style Cauliflower.
  • INKED Tacos: Born from a star-crossed love between culturally relevant American food and Mexican-inspired dishes, INKED Tacos is a Birria taqueria that will have guests addicted at first bite. Taco lovers can enjoy meat options like carne asada, grilled chicken, birria, and hot chicken or stick to vegetarian toppings – either way, INKED Tacos are full of flavor in every bite.
  • Flametown Burgers: Dig into the extraordinary at this burger and shake heaven originated in Atlanta, GA. Flametown Burgers offers made-to-order premium beef burgers in flavorful varieties, including candied jalapeno, queso bacon, and chipotle honey, paired with out-of-this-world sauces.
  • Pinsa Roman Pizza: Using the freshest ingredients and time-honored techniques, Pinsa Roman Pizza offers Roman-style pizza that’s healthy, artisanal, and simply irresistible. The menu features a classic Margherita, a mushroom pizza featuring portobello mushroom sauce and gruyere cheese, and a Nashville Hot Chicken-inspired pie.
  • BarSocial: In addition to the four food concepts on the main level, the second level will house BarSocial, a full bar serving craft cocktails, wine, beer, boozy milkshakes, and other libations. Expect classic cocktails like cosmopolitans, margaritas, martinis, Manhattans and more, all of which can be made as non-alcoholic beverages. BarSocial will feature clustered, lounge-style soft seating, and can also be transformed into a private event space featuring a separate entrance and upstairs covered outdoor patio.

SocialBites will also offer a separate Shareables menu with easy options for a group to split and enjoy, including family-sized nachos, Nashville Hot Chicken cauliflower bites, queso fries, and hand-battered onion rings. Dessert will also be available, with options like Grandma’s Banana Pudding and premium flavored milkshakes in flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and Oreo.
 
Beyond its culinary offerings, SocialBites encourages patrons to enrich the dining experience by cultivating connection through social activities, including life-sized versions of classic games like Connect 4, massive thought bubbles on walls with letters available for people to create their own messages, trivia nights, bingo, and live music. Additionally, the interior of the space will include two large screens, primarily used for occasions like the Olympics and Atlanta sporting events.
 
The Food Hub will also feature three patios, two on the main level and one upstairs, exclusive for BarSocial. The front patio will feature turf, Adirondack-style chairs, and a cornhole board, and the upper-level BarSocial patio, where guests will often be able to enjoy live music along with their libations.
 
SocialBites represents a new era in the dining space, as the concept is the solution for a formerly vacant large restaurant being converted into a Food Hub. Rather than leaving a closed restaurant with a perfectly functioning kitchen to sit vacant and constructing an entirely new building, SocialBites follows a model that encourages the reutilization of already existing spaces and transforms them into something new, innovative, and attractive to diners in the area. The building set to become SocialBites, located at 6650 Roswell Rd Ste 100, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, closed on Thursday, July 4 to officially convert the interior into that of a SocialBites Food Hub. SocialBites will then officially open later in July.
 
For more information about SocialBites, visit www.gosocialbites.com and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

TWO URBAN LICKS HOSTS SENSORY TEQUILA TASTING DINNER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/2/24

 Tequila Pairing Dinner Hosted by Concentrics Restaurants’ Todd Rushing Featuring Award-Winning Komos Tequila

Wednesday, July 10th at 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday is the halfway point to the weekend, so why not kickstart the festivities early with Komos Tequila and TWO urban licks? Proudly serving Atlantans for almost 20 years, the BeltLine establishment invites tequila lovers to spice up their weekday dinner plans on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., Todd Rushing, Concentrics Restaurants partner and resident tequila expert will host a tasting dinner with award-winning Komos Tequila featuring a welcome cocktail, passed appetizers, four tequilas to taste, dinner created by Executive Chef Chad Clevenger and dessert. To enhance the tasting experience, guests will be guided through a unique sensory experience, smelling and tasting ingredients like pink peppercorns and butterscotch cookies, accentuating the flavor profiles and offering a fresh perspective as they learn about each tequila. Tickets to the  TWO urban licks’ Komos Tequila Dinner are $70 per person and do not include tax and gratuity. TWO urban licks is located at 820 Ralph McGill Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30306. For more information, visit www.twourbanlicks.com or call 404-522-4622. 

MAISON CHAPOUTIER WINER DINNER AT LAZY BETTY ON JULY 10

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/1/24

An evening with winemaker Maison Chapoutier coming up on Wednesday, July 10 at 6:30pm at Midtown restaurant Lazy Betty. All guests will be seated at a communal table to enjoy a night of MICHELIN-Star food and storied Rhone wines with a special guest from Maison Chapoutier. 

Michel Chapoutier believes that only healthy vines growing within a balanced ecosystem can make great wine. Since 1990, Maison M. Chapoutier has pursued an unwavering commitment to practicing Biodynamic viticulture. M. Chapoutier has more 100-point scores from Robert Parker and more 90+ ratings than any other winemaker.

The evening’s menu at Lazy Betty will feature (subject to change):
Amuse 
Wine Pairing: M. Chapoutier, La Combe Pilate, “Esteban,” Viognier, Brut Nature, 2019

Shrimp Causa — Georgia Shrimp Salad, Avocado, Aji Potato Mousseline & Pepper Relish
Wine Pairing: M. Chapoutier, “Chante Alouette,” Marsanne, Hermitage, 2018

Truffle Agnolotti — Perigord Truffle Agnolotti, Truffle Vierge, Garlic & Brioche
Wine Pairing: M. Chapoutier, “Les Meysonniers,” Syrah, Crozes-Hermitage, 2020

Cherry & Pistachio Duck Breast — Crown Roasted Dry-Aged Duck, Sicilian Pistachio Crémeux, Rainier Cherries, Smoked Ruby Beet & Sauce Bigarade
Wine Pairing: M. Chapoutier, Monier de la Sizeranne, Syrah, Hermitage, 2018

Stone Axe Wagyu “Tongue and Cheek” Strip — Corned Beef Tongue Ragu 
Wine Pairing: M. Chapoutier, “La Bernardine,” Chateauneuf-du-Pape, 2021

PB & J Dessert — Peanut Butter Mousse, Chocolate Sable & Cherry Sorbet
Wine Pairing: M. Chapoutier, Grenache, Banyuls, Languedoc-Roussillon, NV

Petit fours

Tickets are $300 per person for five courses with bespoke wine pairings.
Please click here for tickets

THE AMERICANO ONGOING EVENTS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/5/24

Every Wednesday, 4-6pm – Oysters & Champagne at The Americano 

The Americano welcomes guests every Wednesday night for a mid-week “Oysters & Champagne” from 5-7pm. Guests can wind down with fresh oysters shucked live ($2.50 per piece) paired with a refreshing glass of Veuve Clicquot ($20). 

Every Sunday, 11:30am-2:30pm – Brunch at The Americano with Live Jazz Music 

Chef Scott Conant’s The Americano hosts Sunday brunch featuring live music, with house-made favorites including Steak & Eggs, Wagyu Beef Cheek Hash, Pasta al Pomodoro, a tableside Bloody Mary Cart and much more. Brunch reservations are encouraged and can be made by visiting OpenTable or by calling the restaurant at 404.946.9070. For photos, please click HERE (photo credit: Ken Goodman).

Every Mon.-Thurs, 4-6pm – Happy Hour at The Americano

The Americano invites guests to unwind after work with friends and colleagues over artisan crafted cocktails and sommelier curated Italian wines alongside Italian-inspired antipasto every Monday-Thursday. Highlights from the happy hour menu includes:

  • SHE’S SICILY with Prosecco, Brandy, Aperol & Mint Soda 
  • VENICE CHARM with New Amsterdam Vodka, Elderflower, Amaretto, Lychee & Citrus
  • SALT & PEPPER FRITTO MISTO with Shrimp, Calamari, Cherry Peppers & Green Onion
  • MEATBALL SLIDERS with Pomodoro, Basil & Stracciatella 

Every Friday & Saturday, 5-11pm – Tableside Pasta

On Fridays and Saturdays during dinner service only, guests can order the Fettuccine Al Burro for two, which is finished tableside in a Parmigiano Reggiano wheel.

Every Day, 11am-9pm – The Americano Pool Menu 

Hotel guests at the InterContinental Buckhead can call (404) 946-9070 to order from The Americano while enjoying the pool. Locals who would like to visit the pool can purchase a day pass HERE. The menu includes: 

  • Ahi Tuna Ceviche with Watermelon, Lime, Aleppo Chili, Avocado & Pickled Onion
  • Roasted Turkey Club with Bacon, Avocado, Lettuce, Tomato & Calabrian Chili Aïoli
  • Grilled Pineapple Margarita with Cimarron Blanco, Dos Hombres Mezcal, Pineapple, Lime & Agave\

Every Friday-Sunday, 11am-7pm – Poolside Bar Service

Hotel guests at the InterContinental Buckhead can enjoy poolside bar service from The Americano every weekend. Locals who would like to visit the pool can purchase a day pass HERE.

Monthly (June 20, July 25, August 22, September 5), 5-6pm – Yappy Hour

In collaboration with Livable Buckhead, The Americano will host Yappy Hour for dogs and their owners. InterContinental Buckhead and The Americano will offer complimentary dog treats, water bowls and light bites for humans. Cocktails and additional food will be available for purchase. Entry is free, but RSVP is recommended here.

LAZY BETTY CHEF COLLABORATION PASTA DINNER ON JUNE 17

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/30/24

On Monday, June 17 at 5pm Lazy Betty hosts a pasta-centric chef collaboration dinner with some of Atlanta’s best chefs at the one-MICHELIN-star, Midtown restaurant Lazy Betty. Chef-Partners Ron Hsu and Aaron Phillips will welcome the following guest chefs to prepare an 8-course “pasta” tasting menu alongside their team, showcasing each chef’s interpretation of what “pasta” can be. 

The menu, below, will highlight the collective creativity, flavors and overall master of craft of the chefs. 

  • Amuse (A Mano): Pasta Tart, patty pan squash & pepper jelly | Cacio e Pepe cracker with smoked cod, roasted tomato mousse & heirloom tomatoes | Tagliatelle Bolognese Fritter & Herb Ricotta
  • Course 1 (Southern Belle & Georgia Boy): Heirloom Tomato, Burrata, Cured Meats, Olives & Pickles
  • Course 2 (Lazy Betty): Sunchoke Tortellini, Creme Fraîche, Lemon, Uni & Caviar
  • Course 3 (Porchetta Group): Cecamariti, Sungolds, Stracciatella di Casa, Pine Nut Dukkah
  • Course 4 (BoccaLupo): Aged BlueFin Puttanesca with Saffron Malloreddus
  • Course 5 (Lyla Lila): Pork Rib Tortellini, Thai Basil, Fermented Ramps & Peppers, Squid Ink Butter Breadcrumbs 
  • Course 6 (Lazy Betty): A-5 Ribeye, French Onion Raviolo, Charred Onion, Preserved Black Truffle, Smoked Maitake
  • Palate Cleanser (Lazy Betty): Limoncello Granita Raspberry Diplomat
  • Course 7 (Lazy Betty): Chocolate Hazelnut Ravioli, Hazelnut Ganache, Toasted Hazelnut & Mint Anglaise 

In addition to bread service, Lazy Betty will offer optional supplements throughout the menu including caviar service with an oyster, scallop or risotto, and A-5 Wagyu. The dinner is $225 per person with an optional wine pairing for $165 or zero-proof cocktail pairing for $100.

Please click here tickets