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.

WINE AND DINE YOUR VALENTINE AT CITY WINERY ATLANTA

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

Atlanta’s Only Urban Winery Presents a Special Three-Course Prix Fixe Dinner and ATL Collective’s Reliving of Sade’s Love Deluxe on the Sweetest Day of the Year

Friday, February 14, 2020

This Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2020, couples and singles alike are invited to visit City Winery Atlanta at Ponce City Market for an unforgettable experience celebrating the sweetest day of the year. The popular urban winery, restaurant and live music venue is hosting a special three-course prix fixe dinner in the Barrel Room Restaurant and Wine Bar for just $40 with hand selected wine pairings by resident winemaker Travis Green for an additional $20.

An ideal gift, City Winery will also have its 2017 Rose of Syrah featuring a special Valentine’s Day label on sale now (available onsite) through Valentine’s day for $20.

Music lovers can also enjoy an intimate performance as ATL Collective Relives Sade’s Love Deluxe.  Tickets are sold out, but wait list signups are still available. For the first show, doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7 p.m. For the late show, doors open at 9:30 p.m. and the show begins at 10 p.m. For more information, to purchase tickets, or to make a dinner reservation for Valentine’s Day, visit www.citywinery.com/atlanta or call 404-946-3791.

~ City Winery’s Valentine’s Day Menu ~

First Course

Pan de Baguette
Marinated Heirloom Tomato, Aged Balsamic Vinaigrette

Or

Baked Mussels
Grated Parmesan, Panko, Herb Blend

Second Course

Cajun Butter Ribeye
Rapini, Saffron Rice

Or

Lobster Mac ‘N Cheese
Gruyere Bechamel, Elbow

Or

Poulet Roti
½ Roasted Chicken, Seasonal Vegetables, Fingerling Potatoes

Or

Cavatappi Alla Putcanesca
Olive, Anchovy, Caper, Garlic, Tomato

Third Course

Red Velvet Skillet Cookie
Maple Bourbon Ice Cream, Whipped Topping

Or

Caramel Pecan Sticky Bun

WAHLBURGERS ATLANTA ANNOUNCES GRAND OPENING DATE

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

The burger-forward casual dining restaurant opens city’s second location on February 4, 2020

Wahlburgers has announced that its highly anticipated restaurant in Atlanta at Peachtree Street will open Tuesday, February 4 at 11 a.m. The new restaurant and bar will be the brand’s second restaurant in Atlanta, with the first located at The Battery. The 5,550-square-foot restaurant is located at the corner of Andrew Young and Peachtree (218 Peachtree Street, Atlanta GA 30303) and will be open daily for lunch and dinner.

The popular casual dining burger concept founded by brothers Mark, Donnie and Chef Paul Wahlberg (which recently wrapped 10 successful seasons as A&E Network’s Emmy-nominated reality show) will give Atlanta fans another opportunity to enjoy its diverse lineup of crave-worthy burgers, sandwiches, sides and specialty drinks from its chef-inspired kitchen.

“We have fallen in love with Georgia and its people as they have been so welcoming to our family. We are truly looking forward to bringing our second location to the state as we open our doors on Peachtree in Atlanta,” said Mark Wahlberg.

Created by Executive Chef Paul Wahlberg, the chef-inspired menu features an emphasis on made-to-order, high-quality, delicious food that represents a selection of his family’s favorite dishes they shared together. The brothers’ favorite burgers include:

  • Donnie’s choice: BBQ Bacon Burger, described as a “spiced-up weekend barbecue on a bun,” topped with white cheddar cheese, bacon, avocado, fresh jalapeños and barbecue sauce
  • Mark’s choice: Thanksgiving Day, “like Thanksgiving leftovers on a bun,” made with fresh ground seasoned turkey, stuffing, Paul’s housemade orange-cranberry sauce, roasted butternut squash and mayo
  • Paul’s choice: Wahlburger’s signature Our Burger with lettuce, tomato, onion, government cheese, Paul’s signature Wahl sauce and pickles “just like Dad used to grill in the backyard”

“Each of our openings here have been really special for us,” said franchise owner Nino Cutraro. “The continued love and support from our guests has been overwhelming, and we are thrilled to add another Wahlburgers to the state of Georgia.”

Wahlburgers’ full-service bar is a perfect gathering spot offering an impressive selection of cocktails, wines and beers including the signature Wahlbrewski: A Boston-based Harpoon Brewery custom, unfiltered Pale Ale. In addition, Wahlburgers is well-known for its dessert selections, most notably its frappes, made with farm fresh milk and local ice cream, available in several delicious flavors.

The location hours will be Sunday – Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday – Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Learn more online, including details about menu offerings, at Wahlburgers.com.

A SPANISH VALENTINE’S AT BULLA

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

Thursday, February 13th at 7 pm

Wine and dine with that special someone. Bulla Gastrobar is bringing Spain to your table with this paella and sangría making class for two! This special event hosted by Bulla’s Executive Chef on Thursday, Feb. 13 from 7-9:30 and includes class, dinner, toast and a limited edition Bulla branded apron.

This event will make for a unique experience and a Valentine’s date that you won’t soon forget. Reserve your spot today!
Cost is $200 per couple.
Tickets and more information can be found here.

CITY WINERY ATLANTA’S FEBRUARY EVENTS CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY MONTH

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

CITY WINERY’S OBSERVANCE OF BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Celebration of Culinary Artisan Events features African-American Chefs and Wineries

 
City Winery celebrates the achievements of the African-American community this February for Black History Month with food and beverage events curated by Beverage Director James Brim. Brim himself is a trailblazer in a growing number of African-American sommeliers and beverage directors in Atlanta.

City Winery’s Celebration of Culinary Artisans ft. Edna Lewis’ “The Taste of Country Cooking” on Saturday, February 15th celebrates the life and achievements of the late Edna Lewis. Edna Lewis was an African-American author and chef, renowned for her traditional Southern cooking that emphasized fresh and locally grown foods. Towards the end of her career, Lewis relocated to Decatur, GA, where she spent the rest of her days. The South’s answer to Julia Child, Edna Lewis has inspired an entire generation of African-American chefs. Her life and impact will be celebrated at City Winery for Black History Month. Chef Vawanda Richardson will prepare an interpretation of the fresh taste of early spring, served family style and paired with wines from African-American producers.
7 p.m. start, 9 p.m. end. Tickets $75 plus applicable fees.

On Saturday, February 29th, City Winery hosts a Celebration of Culinary Artisans: Vertamae Smart Grosvenor “Vibration Cooking, or Tales of a Geechee Girl”. Vertamae Smart Grosvenor was a world-renowned author, performer, and chef. Born in South Carolina in 1937, Vertamae was strongly influenced by her Gullah Geechee community. Having befriended some of the most influential artists, writers, actors, and musicians of the twentieth century, Vertamae held a treasure trove of stories about her experiences  with people like novelist and poet Maya Angelou, and jazz musician Hugh Masekala. The dinner will be with wines from African-American producers paired with the dinner.
7 p.m. start, 10 p.m. end. Tickets $75 plus applicable fees.

Tickets are available online at citywinery.com/atlanta or by calling 404-946-3791.

AIX JORDAN WINERY TASTING DINNER 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/30/20

AIX

Wednesday, February 5 at 6:30pm

Join us on Wednesday, February 5 at 6:30 p.m. for a four-course tasting menu paired with select wines from the Jordan Collection. With a focus on Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and hospitality, Jordan Winery creates high-quality wine and memorable experiences. John Jordan’s guiding philosophy is that every vintage, every meal, and every tasting should be better than the last, and we invite you to join us for an exciting evening celebrating that tradition. Tickets for the tasting dinner are available for $90 per person, tax and gratuity not included. To reserve your spot, please call 770.838.3501 or email matt@aixatl.com. To view the menu for the evening, please visit aixatl.com.

RIVER STREET SWEETS ATLANTA GRAND OPENING SET FOR FRIDAY, FEB 7!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/26/19

River Street Sweets • Savannah’s Candy Kitchen opens at The Battery Atlanta

River Street Sweets • Savannah’s Candy Kitchen invites the metro-Atlanta community to its grand opening on Friday, Feb. 7 with a ribbon cutting, giveaways and free samples beginning at 3 p.m.  The famed Southern candy franchise continues to expand its presence in the Atlanta area by welcoming its newest franchisees, Doug Hicks, of Milton, Georgia and Jamie Wright, of East Cobb, to the candy family.

“We looked at several potential locations in Atlanta and it was obvious that none compared to The Battery Atlanta,” said Doug Hicks. “The product, the location and the people on the team are a perfect fit for us.”

Friends and associates, as well as members of the Cobb Chamber and the Strickland family, will be in attendance at the grand opening to officially welcome River Street Sweets • Savannah’s Candy Kitchen to the destination. A portion of the proceeds from all Chocolate Loggerhead® sales on opening day will be donated to the Caretta Research Project, a charity partner of River Street Sweets • Savannah’s Candy Kitchen.

River Street Sweets • Savannah’s Candy Kitchen will be located at 455 Legends Place at The Battery Atlanta and will feature Southern confections that guests have come to know and love since the flagship store opened in 1973. Popular confections include World Famous Pralines®, handmade Chocolate Loggerhead® and homemade ice cream and gelato, to name a few.

“We’ve seen time and again that our Southern confections, family friendly atmosphere and old-fashioned approach to candy making appeals to people nationwide,” said Jennifer Strickland, co-founder and co-CEO of River Street Sweets • Savannah’s Candy Kitchen. “We’re confident that The Battery Atlanta’s visitors will fall in love with our historic brand and are excited that Jamie and Doug are the ones to bring it to the area.”

WILD HEAVEN AVONDALE GALENTINE’S DAY CELEBRATION 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/23/19

Wild Heaven Avondale

Saturday, February 15th at 10:30 am

Our 5th annual Galentine’s Day party at Wild Heaven Beer (Avondale) is Saturday, February 15 from 10:30am-1pm – a half hour longer this year! Your $39 advance ticket ($45 at the door), gets you a roomful of great women to celebrate with, three full pours of delicious Wild Heaven Beer (including Emergency Drinking Beer Mimosas!), brunch from the famed Waffle House food truck, craft supplies, a commemorative stemmed glass (new this year!) plus a flower crown building station to get you ready to show off for the day. Space is limited, get your tickets today! More about the brewery here.