ATLANTA GUYS DINNER GROUP KICKS OFF PANTRY DRIVE
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/26/20
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/26/20
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/26/20
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.
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/23/20
GEORGIA ORGANICS & THE JAMESTOWN CHARITABLE FOUNDATION LAUNCH ‘FOOD FIGHT GA,’ WITH A MISSION TO RELIEVE FOOD & INCOME INSECURITY FOR FOOD SERVICE PROFESSIONALS & GEORGIA’S SMALL FARMERS
Sourced Directly from Georgia Farms & Root Baking Co., the Initiative Provides Weekly Boxes of Fresh Produce, Eggs & Bread to Food Service Workers
Participating Restaurants in the Pilot Phase include Bacchanalia, BoccaLupo, The Deer & The Dove, Floataway Cafe, Miller Union, Staplehouse & Star Provisions
Georgia Organics, a nonprofit that connects organic food from Georgia farms to Georgia families, and the Jamestown Charitable Foundation, a public charity from the Atlanta-based real estate investment and management company behind Ponce City Market, have collaborated to launch Food Fight GA with the goal of “Championing Our Farmers and Feeding Our Restaurant Family.” The new initiative’s pilot phase is providing weekly grocery boxes to approximately 200 unemployed restaurant workers at Atlanta restaurants with long-standing commitments to local sourcing, all while helping to relieve income insecurity for small Georgia farms amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
Funds donated to Food Fight GA by the Jamestown Charitable Foundation, Ponce City Market, the Wilbur & Hilda Glenn Family Foundation and the USDA are used to purchase fresh produce from Georgia farms and ingredients like eggs and Root Baking Co. bread that are assembled into weekly boxes for food service workers to pick up for free at participating restaurants. At this time, the program is open to current and former staff at Bacchanalia, Floataway Cafe, Staplehouse, Star Provisions and Georgia Organics Farmer Champion restaurant partners, including BoccaLupo, The Deer & The Dove and Miller Union.
“Restaurants think of their teams as family, not to mention the farmers from whom we source and who become our friends, and the Atlanta food community is doing what we can to make sure our people are safe and cared for during this uncertain time,” says Chris Wilkins, Owner & Head Baker at Root Baking Co., who was instrumental in ideating the program from its inception and is providing fresh baked loaves made from organic, locally sourced flour for every box.
“The food community is at the heart of our city, and restaurants and small farms have been especially impacted by this crisis,” says Michael Phillips, President of Jamestown. “We are grateful to partner with Georgia Organics to take action now against food and income insecurity in these affected industries, while providing fresh, healthy ingredients for restaurant staff to feed their families.”
By bringing fresh produce to restaurant workers, Food Fight GA is simultaneously helping to support Georgia’s local food system by mitigating farmers’ lost revenue due to COVID-19. Many small Georgia farms derive revenue by selling to restaurants who are now closed or operating on a limited model of takeout or delivery in response to the crisis. The program sources directly from farms who are existing sellers to the participating restaurants or are members of the Georgia Organics Farm to Restaurant Cohort program. Participating farms include, but are not limited to Ellijay Mushrooms, Hickory Hill Farm, Levity Farms, Pinewood Springs Farm, Rodgers Greens & Roots Farm, Snapfinger Farm, West Georgia Farmer’s Cooperative and Woodland Gardens.
“We have this chance to take care of the people that always take care of us,” says Ilana Richards of Levity Farms in Alpharetta, Georgia.
“During the program’s pilot in the last two weeks, Food Fight GA put nearly $10,000 back into the hands of farm partners and has provided approximately 200 produce boxes to Atlanta restaurant workers each week,” says Alice Rolls, Executive Director of Georgia Organics. “Thanks to donors like Jamestown Charitable Foundation and Ponce City Market, we’re hoping to expand the program to feed more food service professionals and support additional farms across the state over the coming weeks.”
Food Fight GA is now accepting donations from the public here via PayPal, and restaurants interested in joining the initiative can learn more here.
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/9/20
Open Hand steps up to support restaurant partners with Dining In for Life, April 27-May 3
With the current challenges posed to the city’s food service industry, Open Hand is turning the tables on its annual Dining Out For Life fundraiser by encouraging locals to “Dine In” with restaurant take-out, curbside pick-up or delivery from April 27 – May 3. The change is not only to support Open Hand, but also a step to help support restaurant partners as they navigate the changes necessitated by the evolving COVID-19 developments.
“We find ourselves in uncertain and unprecedented times. Open Hand started 30 years ago serving those affected with HIV/AIDS, and we once again find ourselves advocating for the most vulnerable in our community. Our priority is to ensure our clients continue to receive meals they heavily rely on,” said Executive Director Matt Peiper. “A virtual Dining Out for Life event will provide Open Hand with vital funds to help sustain service to our clients while simultaneously supporting the restaurant partners who have remained steadfast proponents of the Open Hand mission over the years. Our current community crisis reminds us of the earliest days of the HIV/AIDS crisis when so little was known about the disease. Open Hand was a comforting force for our clients then – just as we must be now.”
Open Hand depends on funds raised by its signature events, such as Dining Out for Life, to continue to operate as one of the nation’s largest community-based providers of home-delivered meals and nutrition education. Open Hand staff and supporters will utilize online peer-to-peer fundraising to encourage their social networks to donate to their mission that Atlanta chefs and restaurant owners had hoped to help fulfill.
The organization has refocused its efforts on a virtual event in hopes to join the community together to “Dine In” and do good for the generous restaurant partners that have supported Open Hand over the last three decades. Many of the restaurants are currently open – offering take-out, curbside pick-up and delivery in various metro-Atlanta neighborhoods. Locals can find a full list of restaurant partners here. Open Hand encourages the community to support local restaurants by also purchasing giftcards or donating to online “tip jars” that support staff members and employee relief programs.
Open Hand continues to serve the community during this crisis by preparing, packing and delivering nutritious meals to the most vulnerable in our community empower neighbors to live healthier, more independent lives.
Ways to Support Open Hand:
For more information on Dining Out for Life and Open Hand, as well as to stay up-to-date on events and volunteer opportunities, please visit the Dining Out for Life website at www.diningoutforoh.org and www.openhandatlanta.org or connect via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
%MCEPASTEBIN%
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.”
Date: Saturday, February 1st
Time: 12 pm
About:Spectators are invited to this unique and entertaining festival that features a game of tackle football played by men and women in three-piece suits! Admission is free to watch the game along with VIP Reception ticket options available (see ticket link below). Beer, hard seltzers, and premium drinks (by Tito’s Handmade Vodka) will also be sold at the festival to support the charities. Other exciting aspects of TPSF include a Frisbee dog halftime show by the Greater Atlanta Dog and Disc Club, live music by Wasted Potential Brass Band & The Murphs, and food trucks!
More Information:
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/12/19
January 22 – 26 @ The Cathedral of St. Philip
Metamorphosis…Change is in the Air
Atlanta’s favorite festival of antiques and decorative arts returns for its 49th year!
Tickets and more information at www.cathedralantiques.org
Celebrity Speakers and Event Highlights:
Parties:
Home Tours:
Main Floor and Flower Festival:
The Cathedral Antiques Show has raised more than $5 million for Atlanta-area nonprofits since its inception in 1969. An annual community outreach project sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women of the Cathedral of St. Philip, 100% of the net proceeds go to a different human services-based beneficiary each year.
The Cathedral of St. Philip, 2744 Peachtree Road, NW www.cathedralantiques.org
Our 2020 beneficiary is Moving in the Spirit, an award-winning creative youth development program that uses dance to teach young people the social, emotional and cognitive skills they need to thrive. Through programs that integrate high-quality dance instruction with performance, leadership and mentor opportunities, Moving in the Spirit helps children and teens to overcome the obstacles they face each day and realize their highest potential. www.movinginthespirit.org
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 1/2/19
Gato
Monday, January 20th at 5:30 pm
Four Atlanta chefs – Nick Stinson of Gato, Maricela Vega of 8Arm and Chicomecoatl, Arnaldo Castillo of Minero and Ron Hsu of Lazy Betty – are teaming up to host a seven-course dinner at Gato to raise funds for RAICES, a nonprofit agency that promotes justice by providing free and low-cost legal services to underserved immigrant children, families and refugees. Beverage pairings will be curated by Tim Faulkner of Octopus Bar. Tickets ($130 per person) are available here, and 100% of proceeds will be donated to the nonprofit.
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/11/19
Open Hand fires up fun with annual Party in the Kitchen fundraiser, September 26
Mingle with Atlanta’s celebrated chefs while enjoying live music, cocktails and more
The Stave Rome at American Spirit Works
Chef Chairs Kevin Rathbun and Gerry Klaskala, along with Co-Chairs Nan Street and Carmen Titelman, invite Atlantans to mix and mingle with local chefs and fellow foodies during the 16th annual Party in the Kitchen benefit at The Stave Room at American Spirit Works in support of Open Hand Atlanta. On Thursday, September 26 at 7 p.m., guests will enjoy delicious fare from more than 20 of Atlanta’s finest restaurants, including Aria, Rathbun’s, Local Three Kitchen & Bar, The General Muir and Table & Main, as well as hand-crafted cocktails provided by top mixologists.
Open Hand Atlanta hosts the culinary-focused event annually to raise much-needed funds to support its programs which provide access to home-delivered, health-promoting meals as well as nutrition education to Atlantans living with or disabled by chronic disease, homebound seniors and at-risk youth and families. As guests enjoy food prepared by some of Atlanta’s finest chefs, the event will also include a live auction with opportunities to win incredible one-of-a-kind experiences, such as exclusive in-home dinners prepared by renowned chefs Kevin Rathbun and Gerry Klaskala, as well as a silent auction which will feature an array of luxury items including travel packages, entertainment opportunities and fine dining experiences.
Open Hand will also host a Patron Party at the Spanx Rooftop Terrace a few weeks prior to the main event which will provide another opportunity to showcase some of Atlanta’s most divine bites as well as a sneak peek of the live and silent auctions. The Patron Party event will take place on Friday, September 13 at 7 p.m.
Tickets for the main event begin at $250 and include access to unlimited food tastings and an open bar. Patron Party tickets are $1500 and include two tickets to the Patron Party as well as two tickets to the main event. For information on sponsorship packages or to purchase tickets, visit PartyintheKitchen.org.
Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/7/19
Kicking Off Fall Social Season, Atlanta’s Most Philanthropic and Fashionable Affair Will Descend Upon Phipps Plaza for an Extraordinary Evening Featuring a Cocktail Reception, Fashion Show, and Silent and Live Auctions
Monday, August 26, 2019 at 7 p.m.
Atlanta’s most philanthropic and fashionable affair, Jeffrey Fashion Cares, is set to celebrate 27 stylish years on Monday, August 26, 2019 at 7 p.m. The annual event, which has become a mainstay on Atlanta’s social circuit, is founded by acclaimed retailer and arbiter of style, Jeffrey Kalinsky, who recently expanded his Atlanta store in Phipps Plaza and is now offering both men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, accessories and jewelry. What is always an unforgettable evening, Jeffrey Fashion Cares will kick off with a cocktail reception and dynamic silent auction followed by a high-energy live auction. The evening’s pièce de résistance, a runway show featuring Kalinsky’s style selections from high-end designers, once again promises to dazzle with looks from Celine, Christian Dior, Givenchy, Dries Van Noten, Sacai, Saint Laurent Paris, Balenciaga, Valentino, Christian Louboutin and Manolo Blahnik. The 2019 event will be held at Phipps Plaza and benefit Susan G. Komen Greater Atlanta, the Atlanta AIDS Fund (AAF), and the Medical University of South Carolina.
New this year, Marsha Archer, CEO and President of M Squared Public Relations, joins veteran co-chairs Lila Hertz and Louise Sams to continue Kalinksy’s mission to raise as much funds and awareness for the event’s beneficiaries as possible. Selling out year after year, guests will slip into a completely transformed and private environment in the Monarch Court at Phipps Plaza located in the heart of Buckhead. Last year’s event raised nearly $625,000 for the organizations, and in its history, Jeffrey Fashion Cares has grown into one of the largest combined AIDS and breast cancer benefits in the country. Sponsor and patron packages are currently available. A limited number of single seat tickets will be on sale beginning July 15, 2019. For more information, visit jeffreyfashioncares.com.