STAR GRAZING ALONG THE GREEWAY 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/13/20

Saturday, October 24

Peachtree Creek Greenway, Brookhaven, GA

Sit down to a top notch tasting menu brought to you by some of the very best restaurants and eateries in the Brookhaven area. Draft cocktails, wine and beer will be flowing from the taps of the Bubbles and Brews vintage beverage cart. Our family of participating restaurants will also be showcasing featured wines and specialty cocktails that are near and dear to them to keep you further hydrated. Coffee and espressos will be at the ready from Bean in the Burrough.

Local music will be front and center from flamenco guitar from the La Candela Company to roaming fiddle from Melody Duncan Music. Chalk artists will be whipping up some great walkway art and visit the intuitive painting station for your very own creation.

Our charitable partners for this one of a kind event are Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and the Salvation Army who will be receiving a portion of the proceeds while the participating restaurants receive the rest!

A variety of fun ‘thank you’ gifts are included with the ticket price of $99. Tickets and more information here.

The Brookhaven Epicurean Society is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and worry-free outdoor gathering. COVID rules of the road apply.

THE HAUNTED HIGHWAY HALLOWEEN EXPERIENCE 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/29/20

Georgia’s Only Drive-Thru Halloween Event

Halloween is not cancelled!  We have found a way to save Halloween so all ages can continue to enjoy this special time of year with a drive-thru contactless experience near downtown Atlanta. Keep the fun traditions and excitement of Halloween alive this year in a safe, engaging, and interactive format.

Celebrate all the tricks and treats of Halloween from the comfort and safety of your own vehicle at The Haunted Highway Family Friendly Experience. Get dressed up with us and enjoy the spooktacular fun that makes Halloween what it is. This interactive experience will take you through a not-so-scary adventure suitable for Halloween-lovers of all ages; full of spooky ghosts, goblins, and ghouls with a few tricks and treats along the way.   Wind your way through Witches’ Cove, Candyland, Haunted Hall and a Pumpkin Patch to catch the Halloween spirit.  And capture some pictures and treats along the way.

“My children start planning their Halloween costumes in August and it’s become a family tradition to dress-up.  As Halloween approached and the pandemic remained, we were getting worried that Halloween would be canceled this year.  So we got creative!  We made a safe event for Halloween-lovers of all ages and found local actors, event organizers, set producers and marketers that were also passionate about saving Halloween to produce an event for Atlantans” said Event Organizer, Kevin Cregan.  “It feels good to support families and employ talented individuals by safely bringing a little joy this pumpkin season”

“We will also be supporting a Costume Drive to provide costumes for children in need including kids living in poverty, those with special needs, physical and/or mental disabilities, kids in foster care or those that have experienced a recent trauma or natural disaster. Attendees are encouraged to bring gently used costumes to donate through The Halloween Helpers, a non-for-profit organization, that last year alone saved Halloween for 10,000 children. We are thrilled to be able to provide Georgians with a way to bring a smile and a costume to children across the country”

The Haunted Highway will be open daily, from 3:00pm to 11:00pm from Friday October 16th – Saturday October 31st During the daytime, it be suitable for children ages 3 and up, and from 8 pm and on, frights will increase to terrify those brave souls PG-13 willing to travel down The Haunted Highway. Your 30-40 minute drive-thru only event is located in the parking lot of North Dekalb Mall, 2050 Lawrenceville Hwy, Decatur, GA 30033 – conveniently located just off of Highway 285.

Tickets can be purchased online at thehauntedhighway.com

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What to expect:

  • Scenic Tunnels and Halloween Scenes:  Drive through a winding path and discover pumpkins, princesses, scarecrows, fairies, zombies and many others greeting you from their interactive scenes.
  • Don’t be surprised to see dressed-up characters along the way demonstrating their very own Halloween tricks.
  • A Photo souvenir so Halloween 2020 isn’t forgotten along The Haunted Highway
  • Dressing up in Costume is encouraged.
  • Halloween Treats and/or Non-Candy Goodies will be distributed in a safe manner.

Safety Precautions are Being Taken

-The speed limit is 5 mph once you enter The Haunted Highway.

-All guests must remain in their vehicle at all times, there are no restrooms or concessions on site.

-All vehicles must have current car insurance.

-The driver will be responsible for any damage and injuries that may occur, due to the fault of the driver.

-If vehicle windows are open, passengers must be wearing masks.

-There will be a maximum vehicle height restriction at the event.  No vehicles taller than 7’ 6” and no wider than 8’6” will be able to travel through The Haunted Highway.

Dantanna’s: It’s the Patio Lifestyle

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/20/20

Across from Atlanta’s landmark Lenox Mall in the North Buckhead is Dantanna’s. They’re one-part sports bar and corporate happy hour spot and one-part steak and seafood house. Everything from savory apps, to refreshing cocktails, to staple steakhouse entrée favorites, they have a something for the big game or the corporate dinner. On our patio adventure, we sampled chicken egg rolls, wings, salmon, and a refreshing mojito, while we enjoyed a warm, spring day in the shade of one of their large umbrellas. It’s the patio lifestyle, let’s jump in.

You know what screams patio drink? MOJITO! A bit of bubbles, lots of citrus up front and then comes the mint and tart on the back to finish it off. With a balance between all of these, it was one of those easy, breezy sips you could enjoy all day. It was perfect for our outdoor, patio experience.

Of the appetizers, our hands down favorite was the Cajun Chicken Egg Rolls. If you close your eyes and take a bite, it’s the perfect mix of crispy outside, gooey and soft chicken mixture inside. From the savory of the chicken and beans, crunchy onion, to the crispy outer shell, it’s an overall balanced and delicious dish. The cherry on top is the cajun mustard dipping sauce. With a dollop, dip, or maybe even a little slathering, the sauce is a hearty spicy mustard with cajun spices and something creamy! It elevates the egg rolls and makes it a spicy, savory, crunchy, creamy, tart bite that even re-heated the next day was amazing. Make sure you get all the ingredients, pico on the side, and the sauce into one bite. Insert love emoji.

With fried and rich covered, we opted for something a little lighter with the salmon entrée joined by broccoli and asparagus. First off, the vegetables are signature steakhouse prepared with butter, oil, garlic, and the right amount of salt and pepper. The salmon was freshly pan-seared and cooked medium and came to the table flaky and warm. With a little bit of crunch, it was well-cooked and savory main dish. Don’t get us started on the luscious shitake-brandy-cream sauce because it was “melt in your mouth” delicious. The mushrooms were perfectly sliced, cooked, and marinated in brandy just the right amount of time and combined with a little bit of dairy. It was drizzled over the salmon and gave it a richer, heartier weight that was oh-so good. Altogether, salmon should always come with this sauce. Recipe please?

While you’re at Dantanna’s, sit on the patio, at the bar, or dine on the floor, you’ll never miss a minute of the vibrant people watching, the game, or even a pooch on the patio. Next time, we’re in for a steak. Can we add the shitake-brandy-cream sauce?

CHIRINGA’S TAKE OUT INITIATIVES AND PLANS TO GIVE BACK THIS MAY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/26/20

Social Responsibility Initiatives to Help Protect and Give Back

Deeply rooted within the community of downtown Alpharetta, CHIRINGA has decided to continue the suspension of their dine-in services until further notice to maintain a safer environment for their patrons and staff and to help enforce the importance of social responsibility. Diners can still dive into the restaurant’s elevated beach food by ordering online for curbside pick up or walk up to the outdoor Fly Up Window, located on the Town Green, for take out orders.

“While we would love to open our doors and help remind everyone of the free-flowing days at the beach, we will always put the safety of our patrons and staff first. We feel that it is too soon to re-open our dine-in services based on the current guidelines set by the CDC. We are so thankful for the continued support from our community, and we encourage our guests to continue practicing social responsibly,” stated Andrew McKoski, Founder and Partner of CHIRINGA.
In efforts to give back in this uncertain time, CHIRINGA will be donating 25% of all online orders during the month of May to non-profit organizations that are helping to supply food to local heroes that need it most, including Atlanta Community Food Bank, Open Hand, Giving Kitchen and Goodr.
“We are all in this together and as a team we strive to support those who are in need at this time. Each week in the month of May, we will be asking our loyal patrons to take all orders online in efforts to give back to those in need around them. Supporting local is not just supporting businesses, but supporting the friendly faces on the frontlines, healthcare workers, first responders, neighbors, family members and friends,” stated Travis Brown, Founder and Partner of CHIRINGA.
CHIRINGA’s full menu will be accessible online and includes whole grain bowls, dips, salads, sandwiches, tacos and plantains, available with fresh fish and clean proteins, along with freshly squeezed juices, specialty cocktails, craft beers and full-bodied wines. For more information and to order online, visit www.chiringa.com or call 770.802.8940. For updates regarding hours, ongoing safety procedures and sanitation methods, Follow the Kite on Instagram at @chiringaatl and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chiringaatl.

IMAGINE MUSIC FESTIVAL CONFIRMS NEW LOCATION FOR 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/19/20

Seventh Annual Event to Take Place at Bouckaert Farm in Chattahoochee Hills, September 18 – 20, 2020
 
Special Personal Message from Founders Included
After swirling rumors and much speculation, the southeast’s biggest and most immersive electronic dance music festival has officially announced that it will yet again be enhancing the fan experience- this time with a move to Bouckaert Farm in the City of Chattahoochee Hills, Georgia. Faced with increased limitations with its previous venue, Atlanta Motor Speedway, Imagine decided that it had to explore other options to take the festival into its next chapter and create an experience in line with the original vision of the aquatic fairytale. The site which has played host to such marquee events as The Echo Project, CounterPoint Music Festival, and TomorrowWorld will host the seventh annual Imagine Music Festival September 18 – 20, 2020. A rich history with the electronic music community, the site’s beauty and natural setting was an obvious choice when planning 2020.
 
With the current climate presenting festival organizers across the globe with the difficult decision to reschedule or postpone their events, Imagine has decided to move forward with pulling together details, all while keeping fan, artist, and staff safety paramount.
 
“While we wanted to be sensitive to the stresses that everyone is facing with COVID-19, we also wanted Imagine to be a positive light through the barrage negative news,” says Iris Presents founders Glenn and Madeleine Goodhand. “After much deliberation, we are ready to make a positive change that will usher Imagine Festival into the next chapter and will give our guest something to look forward to,
 
 
3-day General Admission passes are available starting at $169, before fees. VIP passes with express entry into the festival, commemorative VIP wristband, exclusive viewing areas, VIP bars, and lounges, and private air-conditioned VIP trailer restrooms start at $269 for a 3-day pass, before fees. 4-pack bundles and camping options are also available. Payment plans are still available for a limited time. Tickets are available online at www.imaginefestival.com. Imagine Music Festival is an 18 and over event.
Imagine Music Festival is produced by Iris Presents. Visit www.imaginefestival.com for the most up-to-date information. Fans can stay connected for updates on Instagram at www.instagram.com/imaginemusicfestival, Twitter at www.twitter.com/imaginemusicfes, and Facebook at www.facebook.com/imaginemusicfestival.

VININGS JUBILEE RESTAURANTS AND RETAILERS PIVOT TO CONTINUE SERVING COMMUNITY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/19/20

Latest Updates on How Lifestyle Center is Adjusting in Light of Current Events 
For decades, Vinings Jubilee has been a centerpiece of historic Vinings, bringing the community together over delicious food, great shopping and a family-centric neighborhood experience. While the continually evolving developments surrounding COVID-19 affect the day-to-day, the tenants at Vinings Jubilee are taking necessary precautions and adjusting. Whether updating business hours, policies, or temporarily closing, each business is doing what is best to continue to serve the community and for the safety of Vinings Jubilee. Restaurants are making dining at home as easy as ever, Southern Baked Pie and Whimsy Cookie Co. are still serving up their delicious treats and many retail stores have pivoted to online shopping options.

“While the landscape of COVID-19 is ever evolving, the health and safety of our tenants and patrons is our number one priority. We plan to follow all the guidelines set forth by the government and respect any decisions our retailers choose to make for their best interest,” said David Cochran, President and CEO of Paces Properties. “We have always loved being a gathering place for our community to enjoy and we look forward to being able to serve them all again in a safe manner.”

Learn more about some of what Vinings Jubilee’s tenants are offering:

Café at Pharr
Nothing says comfort food like a chicken salad sandwich. Café at Pharr is still open for business, offering curbside pickup and delivery to select locations. Follow along on Facebook or Instagram for updates.

Cold Stone Creamery
Social distancing doesn’t have to put a hold on your ice cream craving with Cold Stone Creamery. The nationwide favorite is scooping and offering curbside pickup, so patrons can enjoy all their menu offerings. For updates, check Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Fab’rik
Spring cleaning is upon us and that means there is plenty of time for new threads from Fab’rik. The store is closed but their online store is up and running, offering everything from spring dresses to comfortable loungewear that is perfect for working from home. Stay up-to-date on Facebook or Instagram.

Mellow Mushroom
Mellow Mushroom Vinings is open for business and offering curbside pickup, delivery through third party services and convenient meal packages to switch up your dinners including a movie night package with pizza and wings and a “Veg Head” package with hummus and salad. For more details and updates, follow along on Facebook.

Southern Baked Pie Company
Vinings’ favorite pie shop is serving up all the delicious pies guests know and love in a safe and sanitized manner. Whether you want the Chicken Pot Pie for lunch or a slice of Caramel Pecan Pie for dessert, they have you set. Call ahead to place your order and arrange for curbside delivery. If you’re looking to stay home, they also offer delivery and shipping to make indulging even easier. Check Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for updates.

Waiting on Martha Everyday + Waiting on Martha HOME
Retail therapy doesn’t have to wait. While Waiting on Martha Everyday and Waiting on Martha HOME are temporarily closed, they are continuing to offer online shopping to curb your retail fix. Whether you’re sprucing up your home, redecorating or looking for some fun at-home activities, they offer it all from trendy kitchenware to vibrant adulting coloring books and paint by numbers kits. For updates, follow Waiting on Martha Everyday on Facebook or Instagram and Waiting on Martha HOME on Facebook or Instagram.

The Whimsy Cookie Company
Cure your sweet tooth with The Whimsy Cookie Company. They are open for business and not only delivering your favorite sweets, but also offering care packages to mail to friends and family, including decorating kits that are perfect for channeling your inner chef while staying safe at home. Ideal for kids, these decorating kits offer fun shapes and colors like dinosaurs, princesses and of course, the delicious icing Whimsy Cookie is so famous for. Call or visit online to enjoy. Stay in the know on Facebook or Instagram.

A+ Pediatrics, Another Broken Egg, Banana Republic, Boardroom Salon, Dermani Medspa, Etc. East, HotBox, J. McLaughlin, Loft, Orangetheory, Paces & Vine, Pure Barre, Read Shop by the Merchant, SOHO, and Stockyard Burgers & Bones are all temporarily closed until further notice. The details above are subject to change. Stay up-to-date on the latest developments by visiting the Vinings Jubilee website and following on Facebook and Instagram.

CITY WINERY ATLANTA ANNOUNCES FOOD AND LOCAL WINE TO GO!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/24/20

Easy online ordering for chef-driven meals and wine by the three pack, six pack, or case

In an effort to adapt to these ever-changing times and support public health measures, City Winery is providing new ways to enjoy their locally-produced, award-winning wine and food at home.

New wine packages are available to purchase here and range from $45 for a three-bottle bundle that includes their top-selling ATL Rosé to a $225 mixed case of reds, whites, and rosés.

City Winery’s chef-curated food to-go includes margherita flatbreads, cheese and charcuterie plates, Impossible Burgers, and more. Click here to purchase and set the pickup time.

Pickup for food and wine is available Monday through Friday from 11am to 6pm at the spacious patio, which has been set up for low-contact.

“If you’re in a position to help, we could really use your support right now. While we can’t put on shows at this time, we are still making wine, produced locally, with grapes sourced from incredible vineyards. We’d be truly grateful for the opportunity to sell some to you. Quite frankly, our ability to continue supporting our employees and sustain this shutdown depends on it.” said City Winery CEO and Founder, Michael Dorf. 

Dorf continued: “We’re adapting as quickly as we can, given that our company vision is founded on the unique social bond that occurs when communities of like-minded people gather over a bottle of quality Cabernet, while dining on a freshly-prepared meal and listening to their favorite artists perform. We’re figuring out this new normal and continue to develop creative new ideas in collaboration with the artist, winemaking, and hospitality communities.”

For guests wishing to further support City Winery during these challenging times, additional options include donating to their Employee Relief Fund or tickets for future shows.

For updates, please follow City Winery at @citywineryatl and also visit www.citywinery.com/atlanta.

THE GREAT AMERICAN TAKEOUT: SAVE OUR RESTAURANTS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/23/20

Tuesday, March 24th

Initiative of a coalition of restaurants including one of our faves: Marlow’s Tavern

On March 24, we’re asking everyone in America to show their support for our beloved restaurant industry and incredible employees by joining #TheGreatAmericanTakeout and eating at least one delivery or pick-up meal. Looking for a restaurant to support? You can find a list of local ones here.

Where are you getting takeout?

CHIRINGA MAKES THE MOVE TO TAKE-OUT AND CURBSIDE PICK UP ONLY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/19/20

From Dine-In to Take Out, Guests Can Still Enjoy Their Surf-Side Favorites

Based on the recommendations of the CDC and the concerns for the health of the community, CHIRINGA has suspended dine-in services and has implemented a strict take-out and curbside pick up policy until further notice. In order to protect the safety of their patrons and the internal team, guests can dive into their surf-side favorites by ordering from their extensive online ordering system, calling into the restaurant or by ordering from the outdoor Fly Up Window located on the Town Green during business hours. Allowing guests to take a staycation, CHIRINGA’s full menu will be available and includes whole grain bowls, dips, salads, sandwiches, tacos and plantains, available with fresh fish packed with Omega 3’s and clean proteins, along with freshly squeezed juices overflowing with Vitamin C. Guests 21 and up can also order specialty cocktails, craft beers and full-bodied wines at the Fly Up Window to enjoy on the Town Green. When completing the order online, guests can specify if they would prefer to pick up their order from the Fly Up Window or curbside. When placing an order for curbside, guests will need to describe the make, model and color of the car picking up the order to ensure prompt delivery. To dive into CHIRINGA’s online ordering system, visit www.chiringa.com and click the “Order Online” icon located at the top of the page. CHIRINGA is very grateful for their loyal patrons that continue to dine at their restaurant and hopes everyone is staying safe. For more information, visit www.chiringa.com or call 770.802.8940. For updates regarding hours, ongoing safety procedures and sanitation methods, Follow the Kite on Instagram at @chiringaatl and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/chiringaatl.

ADVENTURES IN ATLANTA AMID COVID-19: SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS WHILE STAYING SAFE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/15/20

Amid these times in our country, you and your family’s health is more important than anything else. With the continued cancellation of events and gatherings, what we’d really like is for you to support your local breweries and restaurants, while staying safe. How can you do that?

  • Purchase gift cards from your favorite spots online.
  • Buy local beer and wine at grocery stores.
  • As long as local restaurants are open: get take-out, curbside, or delivery.
  • Over tip in these lean times.

Once events come back and we get through this together, we will be back at it having more adventures in our beautiful city, recommending restaurants and events, but in the mean time, be nice to each other. It’s time to come together. Cheers!