Tag Archive for: atlanta

Grana Atlanta: Meatball Heaven

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/21/20

On the busy corner in Piedmont Heights, Grana’s newly built restaurant is a shrine to the almighty meatball – and all things Italian. Herringbone floor, two large wood burning pizza ovens, sweeping lights, and impeccable décor, Grana has an impressively upscale dining room that pays homage to the Chef’s Italian Heritage. It’s a stunner. Heading up to the beach vibe rooftop bar and patio, you’re greeted with the neon sign that reminds you that this place will be known for it’s balls, meatballs that is. Mark our words, the best meatballs in Atlanta. Beyond this, sinful appetizers, array of unique pizza, fantastic pasta, summer sippers, and impeccable main dishes make up the fabric of the best new Italian restaurant in Atlanta. That’s amore. Let’s dig in.

We get it, dreaming of the perfect meatball was never in our realm of reality either. But here we are awestruck by the master meatball-teer.  We opted for the meatball flight which included Mommy’s, Nonna’s, Crisp Veal, Pork, Grana, and Brasstown Beef. All practically perfect in their own way, but our stand-out was the best meatball ever, Crispy Veal. Imagine biting into a crisp, crunchy shell and coming upon tender and mild veal, perfectly seasoned with a blend of spices, and topped with a dollop of spicy aioli. It has everything you’d want in a meatball: meaty, spicy, sweet, crunchy, earthy. Perfection if you ask us. Perusing the reset of the meatball wonders, we also really enjoyed the Brasstown Beef that boasts hearty and tender beef topped with immaculate black truffle jam(!) and gouda that rounds out the bite, bringing in a little earth and a little creaminess. All the flavors on this one!! Break up the meatball and mix in the truffle topping. WOW! As for the Pork with the whipped ricotta, it was also delicious, with a very mellow pork ball and the creaminess and earthiness of the ricotta cheese. Meaty and creamy. Nonna’s mixes the right amount of meatball with mustard seed for tart and a slight pop in the mouth. Then, on top of that the currants are sweet and tart. Cut the meatball up and mix in the toppings, yum! What feels like the original, just plain good Mommy’s that reminds you of something your grandma would make, perfect meatball, sauce, earthy basil. BAM! Finally, The Grana is a simple, yet delicious meatball that is a good mix of sage and meat, perfectly balanced. Be honest, if you could have just one, what would it be?

Now that we’ve gotten you good and hungry, our Italian journey continues on the vendura and pasta. Something we would never think of getting was the wood roasted peppers. Pat sent them up for us to try and boy, what a treat. Slightly spicy of the pepper to the creamy of the whipped ricotta to the sweetness of the honey, mix it all up and you get a great all-around flavor! The most delightful surprise of the night was the Roasted Corn Vendura. Immaculately plated standing up with the stalks in the air, the corn is surrounded by a moat of lemon aioli, peppers, and Calabrian oils, it was visually and tastefully stunning. The crunchiness of the corn, the creaminess of the aioli and then comes the spice on the back end to kick you in the teeth. We’re in love with this dish because it gives you a little bit of everything and it’s so unique! After breathing a little fire, came our Pappardelle pasta. Oh. My. Goodness. Ragu is our love language. This Pappardelle pasta, which is thick and hearty, is perfectly cooked and fresh topped with rich pork ragu and sprinkled with hard mozzarella cheese. So meaty and rich, the ragu is the perfect combination with the heartiness and heft of the pasta, plus the right amount of spices. Top with that perfect amount of cheese and you’ve got a dynamite pasta that we will have to come back for seconds to get!

Next stop, pizza. We sampled the Roni, which was a mix of fresh cheese, crisp crust, pepperoni, honey and Calabrian chili combined inside curled up pepperoni. An everchanging collaboration of flavors that seep together to make one of the most unique flavored pizza’s we’ve ever had! Tip: horde the middle. All of the pepperoni goodness and honey, chili, all come together there. It’s the best bite. We’d like to mention that John really enjoyed the Roni. He said at one point that he couldn’t get over how good the pepperoni, honey, and cheese combination was and never would have thought he would love it so much.

Just when you think you can’t get a better meal, in comes the Wood Roasted Chicken. Having the Porchetta (WOWZER!) at the preview, we figured since our waitress recommended it, we’d give it a whirl. Good. Choice. Tender and fall off the bone roasted chicken in a blend of spices and mixed with peppers and surrounded by the sweet and spicy rosemary lemon sauce that elevates the chicken.  The best part was the fattier chicken thighs paired so well with the spiciness of the sauce and the peppers. If you have any leftovers, make a quick panini or sandwich with it the next day. Delicimo!

Full to the brim, now, while we sat on the patio and the rainstorm rolled in, we sipped on several cocktails, like the Lemonada, which was Liz’s favorite! It’s just a gin slushie with lemon Pellegrino! It’s simply refreshing and perfect for a hot day. They’re frozen cocktail changes every so often so you might go and get an Aperol Spritz slushie or even a Froze. Our favorite shaken cocktail was the Amalfly Coasting that is the right mix of Pellegrino pompelmo, gin, peychaud’s. It’s sippable heaven.

That evening as we left, a lone beam of light shown under the clouds. A glimpse of the sunset could be seen from the rooftop and we stopped to take it in. The perfect ending to a wonderful meal. It just proved to us that meatball heaven does exist.

Piastra: Handmade With Love

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/15/20

With the white table cloth crisp and clean, adorned with fine linen wrapped silverware, china, tall shiny wine glasses, and the smell of fresh baked bread, this sets the stage for the elegant Italian food that Piastra makes from scratch with love. Tucked in the charming downtown Marietta Square, Piastra boasts handmade, in house mozzarella or pasta, fresh baked bread, hand stuffed sausage, and even made-from-scratch desserts like their peach cobbler, it’s all so fresh and feels authentic. From the rich meatballs, to the crunchy risotto balls, refreshing peach caprese salad, to the delicate salmon sausage entrée, to the unbelievable pork chop, and finally finishing it off with crumbly peach cobbler. This authentic Italian meal was a walk through Italy, but with a hint of the south sprinkled in to remind us we’re not in the Lipman family kitchen in the outskirts of Rome. Bring your elastic waste pants, you’ll need them for this journey.

Starting with the meatballs, these three beauties were hand-made with pork, beef, cheese, and perfectly seasoned with garlic and topped with a silky red sauce. They were rich and meaty with great flavor and balance. A good little appetizer to share or on the side. Beyond these, we got two other dishes, the Arrancini (Fried Risotto Balls) and Peach Caprese Salad special. The risotto balls were outwardly crispy and crunchy with creamy risotto and pancetta pieces, then the balsamic drizzle is earthier completed the entire bite. So, a crispy, crunchy, creamy, with hints of meat and earth all in one fun little ball. Enough for sharing or not. We opted for NOT. Opting for something a little lighter after fried and meaty starts, Piastra’s seasonal take on a traditional caprese salad was to add peaches and orange tomatoes. The mozzarella is the freshest we’ve ever had, so light and mild paired well with the earthiness, sweetness, and slight pine of a fresh sliced peach.  Take the peach, mozzarella, basil, tomato, all in one bite, you’ll get a ton of flavors that’s perfect for the patio on a hot summer day.

Every Thursday through Saturday, Chef Lipman offers a Chef’s Tasting Menu, a 4-course menu with appetizer, pasta, entrée, and dessert. It’s only $65 and a steal! Off that menu, we sampled the Salsiccia de Salmone, the salmon sausage. Now this, we’ve never had anything like it! This isn’t your momma’s sausage, it’s lighter and flakier. Just imagine perfectly ground salmon encased and mixed with spices,  herbs, while paired with onions, garlic, and zucchini. It screams summer with the lightness of the fish to the bright and crispness of the zucchini squash, and richness of the onion. The addition of the lemon vinaigrette really brought the whole thing together with a bright, light flavor.  We’re definitely a fan of this one!

If you’ve been waiting for our favorite dish, it’s ready for it’s close-up. The Braciola di Maiale, Tomahawk Pork Chop, was a thick cut piece of pork heaven. We only had a pork chop this thick and juicy one other time at a fancy, upscale, Atlanta steakhouse to be unnamed and this one was BETTER! From the absolute divine char on the top, the juicy and thick perfectly cooked cut of pork, to the sweetness of the sauce, this piece of meat is perfection. Then, you pair it with out of this world mashed potatoes boasting of creamy and rosemary(!) goodness. On top of that, the earthiness of the garlic drenched spinach and you’ve got a melody of flavors that work in perfect harmony to bring to life one amazingly beautiful dish. What more could we say about this dish besides, “GET IT?”

One thing we did not anticipate when we stepped into Piastra was the dessert passion that comes with visiting Chef Lipman’s kitchen. Made from scratch and one of the freshest peach cobblers, their desserts are all made fresh daily and change seasonally. Peach is perfect for the summer, especially in this dessert because the sweetness and cool of the peach matches the creaminess of the whipped cream and the nutty, buttery, crumbly, graham cracker crust. Overall, the crunchy crust mixed with the peach and the whipped cream is every dessert flavor we can imagine. We need more peach cobbler in our lives. Don’t you?

We told you that you would need your stretchy pants for this Italian family-style meal. Let’s top that off with a glass of Pinot Grigio, which was so affordable, or some fantastic white sangria that paired perfectly with the peach caprese salad and you’ve got it all. Are you think what we’re thinking? See you at the Chef’s Table next week? You’re in for a treat.

JULY 2020 PONCE CITY MARKET EVENTS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/24/20

Every Tuesday, 4-6pm – Ponce City Farmers Market
Located at The Yard in front of Mountain High Outfitters, Ponce City Farmers Market is now open as an in-person mini-market and pick-up location for ShopCFMATL.org orders, with local fruit and produce available to purchase on-site. For a contactless option, ShopCFM offers CSA-style veggie boxes in addition to their usual offerings.

Fri., July 17 & Fri., July 31, 5:30-7:30pm – Cocktail Classes at 12 Cocktail Bar

12 Cocktail Bar on The Roof at Ponce City Market is hosting cocktail classes taught by their award-winning barmen and Beverage Director Randy Hayden. Guests can enjoy an exclusive and intimate class setting and receive hands-on experience creating four hand-crafted cocktails. Tickets ($75) are available here and include complimentary cocktails, one-on-one demonstrations, four cocktail recipe cards to take home and a 12 Cocktail Class Certificate of Completion.

Every Wednesday, 9:30pm – Movies on The Roof

Guests can catch their favorite flicks from new heights at Movies on The Roof! Classic and new favorites will be played every Wednesday evening at 8:30pm. All guests with 9 Mile Station reservations OR unlimited gameplay wristbands for Skyline Park have access to the movie. The huge Rooftop Terrace has open air and plenty of space for a comfortable experience for all guests, and seating is first come, first served. Tickets available here!

Thursday through Sunday – Velvet Residence Presents “Live at Ponce”

Ponce City Market has teamed up with Velvet Residence, an Atlanta-based platform for artists around the world to be seen and heard, to bring free live music to the community destination every Thursday from 5-8pm and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 11am-2pm and 5-8pm. Performers will be positioned on the Central Food Hall’s Second Floor between Elk Head Clothing and Cobbler Union, and this week’s acts include Symone Royale, Anna Field, Rex Evans, Jaylon Ashaun, Mona and Lee Vasi.

Every Sunday, 11am-3pm & 6-10pm – Summer Sundays at Skyline Park

Each Sunday, guests can enjoy family activities at Skyline Park with friendly competition, balloon artists, and craft stations. From 6-10pm, 9 Mile Station will have live music by local artists and bands. Interested guests can book a reservation for 9 Mile Station here.

THE BATTERY ATLANTA JULY HAPPENINGS ARE TOO HOT TO HANDLE 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/24/20

Kick off summer with endless restaurant specials and fun in the sun

Beat the heat with summer fun from select reopened restaurants and retailers at The Battery Atlanta! With longer evenings and higher temps ahead, all ages can experience unique dining and shopping options at the open, outdoor campus. Cobb County’s hottest lifestyle destination – designed for relaxation and recreation – offers a mix of outdoor events to keep visitors active as well as entertainment ranging from themed game nights to live music. Visitors craving a taste of summer can dine alfresco on patios or order takeout from chef-driven restaurants for a hassle-free and socially distant picnic on the Plaza Green. Haagen Dazs and River Street Sweets Savannah’s Candy Kitchen are serving up classic summer treats, and refreshing brunch libations are fan favorites at Superica, CRU Food & Wine Bar and Goldberg’s Fine Foods.

Outdoor Activities:

Wellness Series: Yoga by Kaiser Permanente
Every Monday at 6:30 p.m.
Start the week off stress-free with an outdoor yoga class presented by Kaiser Permanente on the Plaza Green. This free event is limited to 25 people. Registration and the event participant waiver are available online. Participants are required to bring a mat and show ID upon arrival. Those unable to attend in person can follow along with the live stream on Facebook or recorded sessions on YouTube.

The Battery Atlanta Walking Trail presented by UnitedHealthcare
A brisk walk can curb cravings! Get out and get active on the 1.5-mile loop circling the campus.

Cornhole ATL Summer League
Every Tuesday at 6 p.m.
A tailgate favorite is now a league of its own! Spectators are encouraged to watch the action and cheer on league participants as they play games leading up to the season’s final tournament on July 28.

Farmers Market presented by United Healthcare
Every Sunday 1-4 p.m.
Families and friends are invited to stroll and shop a variety of handcrafted and homegrown products on the Plaza Green. Locals can also preorder items from select vendors, including David’s Garden Super Bee, Pearson Farm, The Cheese Straw House and The Cocktail House Shop.

Select Retail and Restaurant Promotions:

Singo Night at PH’EAST
Every Monday at 5 p.m.
Music lovers can test their knowledge in this version of bingo played with song titles and compete to win for $5 off their tab at the Asian food hall.

Kids Eat Free at Goldberg’s
Every Tuesday
Bring the kids for an after-school treat! A free kids’ menu item is available with the purchase of one adult entrée at the New York style deli and restaurant.

Wine Wednesday at Yard House
Every Wednesday
Wine lovers can celebrate making it to mid-week with half-off bottles of wine at this modern American gathering place for food and drinks.

‘Ketel One & ?’ at BURN by Rocky Patel
Every Thursday at 4 p.m.
Cool off with a refreshing botanical cocktail for just $8! Guests can enjoy new Ketel One Botanicals – a vodka distilled with real botanicals and infused with natural fruit essences.

Champagne Thursdays at CRU Food & Wine Bar
Every Thursday
Patrons can enjoy 50% off a bottle of bubbly. Guests are also invited to eat their fill of fresh artisan cuisine from the extensive lunch and dinner menu.

Live Entertainment at Sports & Social
Every Thursday – Sunday
A variety of live entertainment returns to the outdoor space Thursday through Sunday afternoons and evenings!

The most up-to-date list of restaurant and retailer happenings are available on the website. Details and hours of operation are subject to change.

NETHERWORLD’S ESCAPE GAMES REOPEN THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 19

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/19/20

Attraction to Reopen with New and Enhanced Safety Guidelines in Place

Ready to switch up your quarantine routine, Atlanta? After three months of being closed due to COVID-19, NETHERWORLD’s escape room games, dubbed Escape the NETHERWORLD, will reopen to the public beginning Friday, June 19. Guests can once again get all the thrills and chills they’ve come to expect from the creators behind one of the country’s most beloved haunted houses at NETHERWORLD’s four escape rooms.

“We are so excited to be reopening our doors to the public,” said NETHERWORLD Haunted House Co-Creator Billy Messina. “While this time has given us plenty of opportunity to prep for this season’s new haunts, we have missed hosting our community at our year-round attractions. As always, the safety of our guests, staff and community is of the utmost importance to us, so we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of everyone’s health while still having fun.”

While the COVID-19 pandemic is unprecedented, NETHERWORLD remains committed to putting the health and well-being of team members and guests first. Read on for details regarding procedures put in place by NETHERWORLD to ensure safety and comfort, and click here for a downloadable infographic.

Private Bookings:
All games will be private and cost $28 per person with a minimum purchase of four players (fewer may participate). All games must be booked online at least two hours prior to the scheduled start time. Guests can call ahead at 678-580-5642 if they would like to schedule a room inside that booking window. While walk-ins are discouraged, walk-in customers will be accommodated if a private room and game master are available but cannot be guaranteed.

Amended Check-In Procedures:
Upon arrival, guests will call from the car prior to entering the building where they may be asked to wait in the vehicle while NETHERWORLD prepares for their check-in. Social distancing will be highly encouraged, so please follow guidance on NETHERWORLD’s downloadable infographic. All guests will be asked to wash their hands thoroughly prior to the start of the game. To facilitate the check-in process, NETHERWORLD asks that most belongings be left in vehicles. Small personal items like purses and cell phones can be brought into the game. Cell phones and cameras may not be used during the game.

Face Coverings and Other PPE:
NETHERWORLD requests the use of face masks and/or face shields by guests while in public areas of Escape the NETHERWORLD. This includes but is not limited to the lobby, public bathrooms, outdoor picnic tables and benches. Hand sanitizer is available at several locations throughout the property, and disposable gloves are available by request.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Procedures:
NETHERWORLD has added extra measures to their already thorough cleaning regimen which includes disinfecting props, doorknobs, and touch surfaces with high grade disinfectants. Each room is cleaned before and after each game. As appropriate, additional cleaning procedures may include but are not limited to fogging the rooms with a non-toxic hospital grade disinfectant. The lobby, bathrooms and other public areas will also be disinfected regularly.

Staff Health and Safety:
For the health and safety of staff and guests, employees will be wearing face coverings while interacting directly with each other and their groups. They may choose to wear additional PPE at their discretion including gloves and face shields. Staff members will have health screenings regularly which may include but are not limited to temperature checks and interviews about health and possible exposure and will wash their hands regularly throughout their shift.

Right to Refuse Service:
NETHERWORLD reserves the right to refuse entry to anyone exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19. If guests are feeling ill, are exhibiting symptoms, or have had a possible exposure to the coronavirus, please call to reschedule your game.

Updated Hours:
Escape the NETHERWORLD will reopen with limited game slots on Fridays and Saturdays. See below for more details:

Friday:
Nosferatu – 6:00pm, 8:00pm, 10:00pm
Tiki Island – 6:20pm, 8:20pm, 10:20pm
Haunted – 6:40pm, 8:40pm, 10:40pm
Sasquatch – 7:00pm, 9:00pm, 11:00pm

Saturday:
Nosferatu – 2:00pm, 4:00pm, 6:00pm, 8:00pm, 10:00pm
Tiki Island – 2:20pm, 4:20pm, 6:20pm, 8:20pm, 10:20pm
Haunted – 2:40pm, 4:40pm, 6:40pm, 8:40pm, 10:40pm
Sasquatch – 3:00pm, 5:00pm, 7:00pm, 9:00pm, 11:00pm

Guests can book their escape room game through NETHERWORLD’s online booking platform. Be on the lookout for discount codes and special gift vouchers to celebrate reopening by joining NETHERWORLD’s mailing list or follow along on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Details on the reopening of NETHERWORLD Laser Adventure Battle Arena will be announced soon.

9 Mile Station: Stunning Sunsets Included

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/8/20

The orange and yellow rays of the sun fade behind a Midtown skyscraper throwing a cascade of pinks, blues, and purples over the clouds in perfect unison. Once the sun finishes its descent, the lights of the city illuminate the sky with a pale yellow halo. It’s a jaw dropping site that everyone should experience! Sitting on the corner of the Ponce City Rooftop, 9 Mile Station is the go-to place to spend a warm, sunny sunset over the Atlanta Skylines like we just described, while enjoying a refreshing cocktail, and nibbling on a light bite with your favorite people. Stunning sunsets included! On top of that, fill your stomach with great food and drinks that pair well with any weather. Color us impressed.

From a large beer on tap menu, cocktails, wines, and more, 9 Mile Station has a good selection of local and national brews, an array of wines, and a fun cocktail menu. The first cocktail we sampled was One Way Ticket to Mars and it reminded us of the color of the setting sun. In flavor, it is deeper and richer of the two cocktails we tried with a sweet and citrus nose to start and finished off with slight mint and tart. From the deepness and warmth of the whiskey, to the richness of the passionfruit, to the mint, lemon, and bubbles, it’s a fun drink to sip all the way around. Also, beautifully presented in a champagne flute, you’d never know it was a whiskey and sparkling wine combo cocktail. Our second cocktail was refreshing and perfect for the rooftop, sunset vibe you get from 9 Mile Station. The Rose All Day 2.0 is a combination of gin, hint of lemon, rose wine, and sparkling rose wine. It’s one of those drinks you could sit on their ledge seating and just sip on for hours. You’d never get tired of the view or the drink.

From sipping a cocktail while taking in the sunset view, why not stay for a bite while you relax at the firepit and enjoy the nighttime vibe by the fire? They have some delicious options, we were impressed with the array of starters, as well as entrees. Plus, 9 Mile Station has blown us away with their presentation. Seriously beautiful, like the croquets had an array of color and the wings were stunning. It elevates the experience, like your eating at an upscale restaurant!

One of the best little all-around balanced bites was the smoked trout croquettes. They are a delicious ball of flavor from the light, flaky fish, perfectly crunchy fried shell, and the earthiness and cream of the mint tarragon yogurt. Make sure to get yogurt and a bite of the pickled onions in each bite, it’s perfection. Beyond that, the lemon pepper wings were some of the best wings in Atlanta. The whole wing was perfectly cooked, charred evenly, and the skin popped when you took a bite. The lemon pepper sauce was balanced with the right amount of lemon and pepper, as well as the richness of the butter. We cannot say enough about how delicious these wings on their own, you MUST but dip every bite in that perfect Alabama White BBQ sauce, because it’s one of the best white sauces EVER. The perfect blend of spices and creaminess is to die for. What a wonderful bite!

When you enter the elevator to Ponce City Market and head to the roof, you know you’re in for something special. You get that on the roof. Beautiful views, food, drinks, and if you still have room for more fun, why not try your hand at a carnival game or a round of mini-golf? Next time we head up to the roof, we’re going to try a 9 Mile Station Beer Smash (beer cocktail) and eyeing the smoked baby back ribs. Reservation for two, please.

ROCK ‘N’ TACO KICKS OFF SUMMER WITH LIVE MUSIC SERIES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/8/20

Late-Night Gourmet Taqueria and Live Music Hub Now Offering Fun for Everyone

Rock ‘N’ Taco, Roswell’s favorite late-night gourmet taqueria, live music venue and incubator of local musical talent, is excited to splash into summer with a live music series. Rock ‘N’ Taco kicks off its summer music series this Friday, June 12 at 9:30pm with local favorite Aunt Betty. Rock ‘N’ roll lovers can also see featured artists like Carter Horne, Francisco Vidal and the Justin Borgman Band.

“Rock ‘N’ Taco has always been a launching pad for amazing homegrown talent that have gone on to compete on TV shows like ‘The Voice’ and ‘American Idol,’” says co-owner John Michael Brunetti. “We’re excited to bring music back to Roswell residents.” Guests also can catch local bands Denim Arcade, Dueling Pianos , 84 (a Van Halen tribute band) and more. To check out the live music line-up, visit Rock ‘N’ Taco online.

Rock ‘N’ Taco showcases rare music memorabilia and boasts a state-of-the-art audio and video system that makes the restaurant one of Roswell’s best-sounding live music venues. The varied menu features authentic Mexican and Tex-Mex favorites with a distinct rock ‘n’ roll attitude, along with healthy salads and creative cocktails.

“Our large, open garage doors make room for plenty of patio seating and fresh air while guests enjoy the music, and we continue to follow all safety guidelines and maintain social distancing to keep our guests, staff and musicians safe,” says Brunetti.

When the music is not playing, guests can expect to see headline events like the UFC International Fight Week featured on Rock ‘N’ Taco’s abundance of high definition TVs.

ATLANTA RESTAURANTS GO ABOVE AND BEYOND TO ENHANCE SAFETY MEASURES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/17/20

Safety and Wellbeing of Staff and Guests Remain Top Priority as Dining Rooms Reopen

The restaurant industry has been devastated by COVID-19, causing closures and service industry employees to lose their jobs. Many establishments have turned to takeout and delivery to stay afloat while others remained completely closed. As the stay-at-home order has been lifted by Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, restaurants are preparing to reopen, and some are going above and beyond required measures to ensure the safety of staff and guests.

Johnny’s Hideaway, the iconic Atlanta nightclub, has partnered with CleanWell, the exclusive certified applicator of Monofoil in the Southeast. Johnny’s is the first nightclub to use this nanotechnology-based cleaner that sticks to surfaces and provides protection for 30-60 days. It molecularly bonds to any surface and provides ongoing efficacy in physically killing pathogens that can carry viruses. CleanWell will come to Johnny’s every 45-60 days to reapply the cleaner.

Marlow’s Tavern has installed an upgraded Reme Halo air filtration system that kills 99% of all germs and viruses. They are temporarily installing plexiglass dividers between booths and sanitation stations throughout the taverns. Single-use paper menus and QR code menus will be available for guests to read on their phones. Marlow’s Tavern also will be controlling the number of guests entering the building.

Following the trend, Murphy’s owner Tom Murphy is taking proactive measures to implement new safety protocols and improve the air quality at his iconic Virginia-Highland restaurant with the installation of Synexis, a biodefense technology to reduce the opportunity for infectious microorganisms. Murphy’s is the first independent casual dining restaurant in Atlanta with this state-of-the-art microbial reduction system. Synexis is the same advanced technology used to continuously reduce bioburden in sectors such as schools and hospitals and is effective against airborne and surface viruses, bacteria and fungi.

Ray’s on the River and Ray’s at Killer Creek are also implementing increased precautions to ensure a healthy, safe environment for all guests and employees. Added precautions include installing UV lights by Global Plasma System to combat dangerous pathogens and viruses that may be in the air, single-use menus, contactless pay options, plexiglass booth dividers and more.

Rock ‘N’ Taco, Roswell’s late-night, gourmet taqueria spot, has taken several steps to ensure a safe reopening. While the eatery was closed, the team renovated, updated décor and strategized on how to serve their guests safely. All employees are now required to wear masks and practice extensive hygiene protocols. They have a handsfree, virtual menu so that guests do not have to unnecessarily touch anything. Rock ‘N’ Taco is opening its six, large garage doors to encourage patrons to eat on the patio so that everyone is getting fresh, clean air. Additionally, the restaurant has made more room on the patio by roping off some of its large parking lot for extra, spaced-out seating.

Taco Mac is following strict sanitation guidelines upon reopening and implementing several additional safety recommendations from the local, state and federal governments, as well as the CDC. Staff performs a thorough cleaning and sanitation of the entire restaurant before opening a dining room, utilizing ready-to-use peroxide disinfectant to regularly spray all contact surfaces. All employees are required to wear masks while in the building. Taco Mac has installed sanitation stations throughout the restaurant and removed all caddies and condiments from tables. Team members will bring out sanitized salt and pepper shakers as well as single-use condiments upon request. Dining areas have been rearranged for intentional social distancing through limited seating as well as planned traffic flow and taped six-foot markings in key areas to show guests where to stand when waiting. Taco Mac is continuously monitoring the situation and applying additional measures as needed. View detailed guidelines and safety measures here.

It is important for people’s livelihoods that these restaurants reopen, and guests need to know that their health and safety is of the upmost importance to the owners of these establishments. As patrons return to their favorite local restaurants, they can take comfort knowing restaurants have gone above and beyond to enhance protocols for their wellbeing.

Piastra: The Perfect Date Night IN

In the early days of quarantine, we took a drive to Marietta Square to pick-up some Italian food for our first date night IN. The square had some kids playing close to the fountain and a couple sipped on wine at a table outside the restaurant. For a Friday night, it was eerily quiet. Piastra reminds us of that local Italian restaurant that you’d go to on Friday Night, grab a bottle of vino to share at the table and split a pizza or a hearty bowl of pasta, while finished off with some silky tiramisu. This time, when we picked up, we got the duck carpaccio, the rigatoni Domenica, and a Salsiccia pizza. What a meal.

Starting with the duck carpaccio, show of hands who DOESN’T love a solid carpaccio? Told you, everyone does! The duck will melt in your mouth. The fattiness and savory of the duck pairs well with the sweetness of the honey in a melody of flavors topped with earthiness of arugula and acidity of citrus vinaigrette. Pro tip: eat all ingredients together. This way it’s every flavor and done so well. This is a must get.

The best all-around ingredient we loved at Piastra was their mild fennel sausage, crafted in house. The two main entrees we sampled had it in both. While fine Italian restaurants are known for their wine selection and pasta, can’t they also be known for an outstanding Pizza? We got their Salsiccia with the mild fennel sausage and pomodoro and it was an all-around great pizza. From the sausage, crushed tomatoes, and mozzarella, to the tasty and well-seasoned bread, it would be a crowd pleaser for any meat pizza lover. We’ll have to try this when it’s pipping hot at Piastra when restaurants re-open. If it’s this good when you get it home, it must be even more amazing hot!

The other dish we got that featured the sausage was the Rigatoni Domenica. Talk about a truly authentic delectable pasta dish, you got it right here. The sausage was savory, meaty, slight spicy but mild, and very tender. You mix that with handmade rigatoni that’s perfectly cooked between soft and al dente, covered in a tomato-based sauce and a hint of cream, that’ll hit the spot. Creamy, savory, sweet, spicy, such a wonderful dish. Next time, we want to try a Secondi Salmon, Pork Chop, or half Chicken. They all sound amazing.

Piastra is open for curbside pickup and delivery through DoorDash and Zifty. They also have $10 and $15 bottles of wine. Who’s hungry for Italian fare and a good bottle of wine tonight?

FRONTLINE DINE INITIATIVE 2020

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

TRUE STORY BRANDS LAUNCHES “FRONTLINE DINE” INITIATIVE WITH SPANX BY SARA BLAKELY FOUNDATION TO DELIVER MEALS TO WORKERS AT CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA

Starting 4/10, Atlanta Hospitality Group will Cook & Deliver Thousands of Meals to Healthcare Workers 

With meal deliveries beginning this week, True Story Brands (10 Degrees South, Yebo Beach Haus, Biltong Bar) is set to deliver nearly 2,500 meals per week to workers of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta as part of new “Frontline Dine” initiative. The initiative is funded by Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation, the charitable arm of Spanx that has donated millions of dollars to charities around the world since its inception in 2006.

The idea for Frontline Dine was born as a collaboration between longtime friends Justin Anthony, Founder of True Story Brands, Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx, and her entrepreneur husband Jesse Itzler, who see it as a way to help provide for two communities: the hospitality and healthcare industries. Over the course of two weeks, with hopes to continue longer, the initiative will be responsible for delivering nearly 2,500 meals a week to workers at three Children’s campuses (Scottish Rite, Egleston and Hughes Spalding) during shift change.

Prepared at Biltong Bar at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, the meals will feature traditional South African dishes like Savory and Sweet Curry with chicken or beef and Peri-Peri Chicken. Ideation and execution of the menu will derive from Anthony’s parents, Derek and Diane, who are also the Executive Chef team behind True Story Brands’ flagship restaurant 10 Degrees South. Derek and Diane Anthony, along with Biltong Bar’s Chef plan to serve a menu that honors the South African tradition of convivial, family-style dining while also supplying healthcare workers with hearty and nutritious meals to help get them through this challenging time. In March, Anthony’s young cousin was diagnosed with a severe case of coronavirus and was cared for by the staff at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Scottish Rite. She is now on the road to recovery, but Anthony says his cousin’s experience at Scottish Rite played a large role in his decision to take action. He, along with staff from True Story Brands’ temporarily closed restaurants, will deliver meals to each Children’s campus.

“Now more than ever, it’s important to do our part to help the community and we’re so proud to announce this initiative in collaboration with the Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation,” says Anthony. “Not only will it help those on the frontlines battling COVID-19, but this will help provide work for True Story staff who have been temporarily furloughed because of the pandemic.”