Tag Archive for: events in atlanta

Nacho Daddy: Vegas Vibes in Downtown Duluth

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/3/19

The glitz of the strip, glowing neon and customer precured music videos fills Nacho Daddy with vibrancy and sound, but we’re not in Las Vegas, were in Downtown Duluth. Unexpected and welcomed addition to the recently trending Duluth town center, where you can gather to listen to music, drink a margarita, watch the game, and eat a huge plate of nachos. Here’s our take on our recent visit. Nacho Daddy isn’t just nachos, it has it all.

For the appetizer, who doesn’t love a good wing? Their Spicy Grilled Lemon Pepper Wings were tender, slightly spicy about medium hot with a smoky, lemon pepper finish. You’d be surprised how well these flavors all go together for a fun bite. With the appetizer we had two specialty margaritas: Pineapple Mint Margarita with a good mix of muddled mint, tequila, pineapple juice, sweet and sour. It wasn’t overly sweet and was very similar to a mojito with a Mexican twist. Also, got the Beer-Rita. Take their house margarita and stick an 8 oz Corona in it. Fun. Tasty.

The menu at Nacho Daddy was expansive, so we asked for suggestions and landed on the Fajita Nachos to get the best of both the Fajita and the nacho. It has everything except the kitchen sink, tender fajita filet mignon, creamy guacamole, spicy jalapenos, two melted cheeses, queso, seared peppers and onions, and the best topping ever pickled onions. Everything went so well together in a crunch, savory, sweet, spicy melody of flavors. The best part was the pickled onion, it gave it a kick up front that we loved! Our tip would be to get everything you can on one bite: it will be a big bite, but it’s the best one!

Our second entrée choice was a vegan option: fried avocado tacos. One of our favorite things in the world is fried avocado and we couldn’t pass this up. The avocado itself was creamy and deep, with the right amount of beer battered breading. It wasn’t too much and didn’t overpower it. Topped with salsa that gave it a kick. Also, loved the black beans, which were fresh! Found that if you put the black beans, salsa on the taco itself, it deepens the flavor. Try it that way. Yes, you’re thinking, vegan option? Yes, they have a whole page of them! With dinner we had a flight of Nacho Daddy branded beer, the best thing about it, it’s local! They scoured the Atlanta area and landed on having Wild Heaven on tap as the owner instantly loved their brewery and people. Example: their Mac Daddy is Ode to Mercy or Wise Blood is Hop Daddy. So, cool they scouted a local beer we love to be on tap! Cheers!

One of the favorite things about Nacho Daddy is the music videos! They have an iPad and customers can pick an array of songs to play on their screens. While we were there, we saw a large range of songs and even Liz’s favorite band STP, as well as everything from OutKast, to The Joy Formidable. It was fun to just sit there, sip on our flight of beer, and watch music videos. We’ll be back.

THE SHOPS BUCKHEAD ATLANTA HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS 2019

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/3/19, updated 11/18/19

‘TIS THE SEASON TO FETE THE HOLIDAYS AT THE SHOPS BUCKHEAD ATLANTA

Featuring the Buckhead Bake Off to Kick Off the Season, Holiday Block Parties with Spontaneous Performances, Festive Window Displays & More

This holiday season, the streets at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta will transform into a festive holiday destination, complete with merry window displays, holiday block parties, a gift-wrapping station and the Buckhead Bake Off to kick off this joyous time of year. Dazzling art deco decor and holiday lights will thread throughout the shopping and dining destination’s winding streetscape, welcoming kids and adults alike to join in the celebration all season long.

From noon to 4pm on Saturday, November 30, merriment will be all around at the Buckhead Bake Off, launching the holiday season at The Shops. Free and open to the public, the celebration will include spontaneous performances and a friendly baking competition featuring delicious treats from some of Atlanta’s finest bakeries and restaurants. Judged by attendees, the Bake Off will culminate with St. Nick crowning the winner. Plus, there will be lawn games for the whole family to enjoy.

On December 7 and 14, The Shops Buckhead Atlanta will throw holiday block parties from noon to 4pm where guests will be invited to decorate a holiday cactus to take home, enjoy live entertainment and bring their furry friends to snap a festive pet portrait.

More information 11/18/19:

  • Buckhead Bake Off (Saturday, Nov. 30, Noon – 4pm) – Merriment will be all around at the Buckhead Bake Off, launching the holiday season at The Shops. Free and open to the public, the celebration in the streets will include spontaneous performances and a friendly baking competition featuring delicious treats from Atlanta bakeries and restaurants including Georgetown Cupcake, The Southern Gentleman, Root Baking Co., Spiller Park Coffee and King + Duke, among others. Guests will each receive seven complimentary tastings and a Best in Show coin to vote for their favorite treat. Judged by attendees and special guests, the Bake Off will culminate with St. Nick crowning the winner for Best Sweet, Best Savory, Best Classic and Best in Show. Plus, there will be a decorate-your-own holiday succulent station, a cupcake decorating tutorial by Young Chef’s Academy and lawn games for the whole family to enjoy. Commemorative Buckhead Bake Off totes and additional tastings will be available with a donation to Giving Kitchen, the local nonprofit providing emergency assistance to food service workers through financial support and a network of community resources.

 

  • Holiday Block Parties (Saturday, Dec. 7 & 14, Noon – 4pm) – The Shops Buckhead Atlanta will throw two Holiday Block Parties throughout the destination’s streets, inviting guests to enjoy live performances, bring their furry friends and cameras to snap a festive pet portrait and check off a holiday chore at a gift-wrapping station located in the Center Plaza.

 

Details on festivities, specials and complimentary offerings at shops and restaurants during the Buckhead Bake Off and Holiday Block Parties can be viewed here. Highlights include:

  • Bites, Sips & Fashion Illustrations at TOD’S (Saturday, Nov. 30, Noon – 4pm) – Guests can enjoy sips of prosecco, espresso and hot chocolate while browsing Italian shoes and leather goods. A fashion illustrator will be creating Tod’s personalized sketch art for shoppers purchasing gifts for others or themselves.

 

  • Small Business Saturday at Bella Cucina (Saturday, Nov. 30, 11am – 7pm) – Join Bella Cucina for Shop Small Saturday! The premiere artisan specialty food brand and shop offering all-natural, artful foods and gifts will have refreshments and a photo booth to celebrate a special pop-up open through December, featuring clothing, tabletop items and Heath Ceramics from Alabama Chanin. Peroni will be pouring beer and will give away a special glass to shoppers, while supplies last.

 

  • Home-Baked Treats & Gourmet Beverages at Abbey Glass (Saturday, Nov. 30, Noon – 4pm) – Shop Abbey Glass’s seasonal collection during the Buckhead Bake Off, and enjoy home-baked treats and gourmet beverages from Abbey’s favorite holiday recipes. Shoppers will receive free gift wrapping and a gift with purchases over $150.

 

  • The Southern Gentleman (Saturday, Nov. 30 and Saturday, Dec. 7 & 14, Noon – 4pm) – Cozy up at the New-American-meets-Southern restaurant and enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate bar during the Buckhead Bake Off. Guests can add a “spike” to the hot chocolate for an additional cost. 

 

  • Holiday Market at Buckhead Art & Company (Saturday, Dec. 7, Noon – 7pm & Sunday, Dec. 8, Noon – 3pm) – Sponsored by Wyndy – a free app helping parents find, book and pay trusted college babysitters – the Holiday Market will feature works from Buckhead artist moms including Emma Bell, Lindsay Von, Parrish Hoag and Christine Sommerville. On Saturday, December 7, the gallery will host a Holiday Happy Hour from 4 – 7pm.

PONCE CITY MARKET’S NAUGHTY V. NICE HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR RETURNS FOR 2019

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/3/19, Updated 11/18/19

Photo Ops & Special Events with the Grinch & Santa, the King of Pops Tree Elves Holiday Forest, a Menorah Lighting Celebration, The Roof’s Noon Year’s Eve Party, Holiday Pop-Ups & More

Kicking Off on Black Friday (Nov. 29)

Additional information added 11/18/19:

Santa and the Grinch are back at Ponce City Market for another year of naughty and nice celebrations at the historic community destination’s Holiday Spectacular. Festive fun will be all around with the King of Pops Tree Elves Holiday Forest, visits with the Grinch and Santa, a Menorah Lighting Celebration, holiday pop-ups and The Roof’s Noon Year’s Eve Party. Plus, the mean, green anything but clean trickster and the jolly man in the red suit will be spreading merriment at special events throughout the community hub all season long. This year’s festivities include:

KING OF POPS TREE ELVES HOLIDAY FOREST:

Fri., Nov. 29 – Sun., Dec. 22  – Join the King of Pops Tree Elves at the best tree lot in town! The Yard at Ponce City Market will transform into a winter wonderland, featuring a lush, winding forest of trees, fire pits and live music ensembles on weekends throughout the season. Guests can choose a tree to take home or place an order for the King of Pops Tree Elves to deliver one right to their doorstep. They can also pick up trees for easy recycling after the holidays. Trees will be available for purchase on Saturdays and Sundays from 11am – 7pm.

 

THE GRINCH & SANTA IN RESIDENCE:

Beginning Fri., Nov. 29 – The Grinch and Jolly Old St. Nick will grace Ponce City Market with their presence throughout the most cheerful time of year! Both will take up residence on the second floor above the Central Food Hall, and guests will be invited to bring a camera to snap photos with each beginning Friday, November 29 from 11am – 6pm. Following, the Grinch will be available for visits and photos from 11am – 6pm on Saturdays and Sundays through December 22. Guests can bring their gift lists to Santa and take photos with the jolly one on Sundays through December 22, plus Monday, December 23 and Tuesday, December 24, from 11am – 6pm. 

 

PCM will exclusively use digital lines for visits with the Grinch and Santa this year, so visitors won’t have to wait in a physical line. It’s quick and easy to sign up once onsite – staff will be at each check-in to help, and guests will get a confirmation text with the number of people “in line” before them. PCM will then send a text 15 minutes before time slots to confirm when Santa and the Grinch are ready. Meanwhile, guests can wander PCM to grab a bite to eat, do some holiday shopping or write letters to Santa and the Grinch at the North and South Pole Post Box Stations presented by Archer Paper Goods. Please note, guests will not be able to sign up in the digital line until they are on the premises.

 

Santa and the Grinch will also be making appearances at festive events, including the following. View www.poncecitymarket.com for more details and updates on additional events.

  • Santa & the Grinch on The Roof (Sat., Nov. 30, 7pm – 9pm) – Guests 21+ can stop by The Roof at Ponce City Market to check out revelry from the Grinch, merriment from Santa Claus and more festive fun from 7-9pm on November 30. To receive complimentary admission after 6pm, attendees can bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate to Toys for Tots.

  • Drinks with Santa at Biltong Bar’s The Blitzen Room (Sat., Dec. 14, 7pm – 9pm) – Join Old St. Nick at Biltong Bar’s holiday pop-up, The Blitzen Room, to enjoy seasonally themed cocktails including Chartreuse Hot Chocolate and Frozen Egg Nog. No RSVP is necessary for this holiday fete.

  • The Victorian’s Holiday Plant Decorating Workshop with the Grinch (Sat., Dec. 14, 7pm – 9pm) – The Victorian’s team will teach participants how to decorate a beautiful holiday plant to spruce up their space during the season. Drinks will be provided by Likewise. Tickets will be available soon on The Victorian’s website here.

  • Santa Brunch at Pancake Social (Wed., Dec. 18, 8:30am & 10am) – Come one, come all and celebrate the joyous time of year at brunch with Santa! The jolliest man around will be spreading holiday cheer all morning while guests enjoy breakfast. Tickets ($35 per person) can be purchased here for two seating times and include the Pancake Social Breakfast Plate and photos with Santa.

  • The Grinch Brunch at Pancake Social (Thurs., Dec. 19, 8:30am & 10am) – The mean green anything-but-clean trickster will be up to no good throughout brunch at Pancake Social! Tickets ($35 per person) can be purchased here for two seating times and include the Pancake Social Breakfast Plate and photos with the Grinch.

  • Bellina Alimentari with the Grinch (Thurs., Dec. 19, 6pm – 9pm) – Bellina Alimentari is throwing a special Grinch-inspired holiday dinner, complete with cocktails and the Grinch himself. Tickets ($75) are available here for guests ages 21+.

  • Yippee Ki-Yay – Pizza & Pints with the Grinch at Root Baking Co (Sat., Dec. 21, 7pm – 9pm) – Root Baking Co. will be hosting a screening of Die Hard with the Grinch! Guests will enjoy housemade pizza and beer while the Grinch spreads revelry all around. Tickets will be available soon at www.rootbakingco.com.

  • BYOB Adult Candle Making Workshop with Santa at Candlefish (Sat., Dec. 21, 7pm – 9pm) – Join Santa Claus at this workshop and learn to make candles at Candlefish! Alongside the most cheerful fellow, participants will get to pick a scent from the shop’s signature fragrance library with over 100 types and leave with two 9 oz. jar candles. The class is BYOB (the shop provides glassware!), and tickets ($65) are available here.

SKATE THE SKY:

Fri., Nov. 29 – Sun., Jan. 5 – Back for a third year, The Roof at Ponce City Market invites guests to “Skate the Sky.” Ten stories above Ponce de Leon Avenue and overlooking Old Fourth Ward, the Rooftop Terrace will feature a 3,500-square-foot ice skating rink. Guests will be able to enter the ice rink as a walk-in from Skyline Park or Nine Mile Station. Admission to The Roof is $10 for adults and $7 for kids ages 3-12 – or free with a Nine Mile Station reservation – and skating is $15 for adults and $8 for kids ages 5-12. Hours for the rink will be 11am to 9pm on Sunday, 3-10pm Monday through Wednesday, 3-11pm on Thursday and Friday and 11am-11pm on Saturday. On Friday and Saturday, Skate the Sky is 21+ only after 5pm and a DJ will be spinning starting at 7pm. Before or after skating, guests can warm up at outdoor fire pits at the woodland forest-themed Nine Mile Station or play mini golf at Skyline Park donning a faux fur coat provided by The Roof.

IGLOOS ON THE ROOF:

Fri., Nov. 29 – Sun., Jan. 5 – Cozy up this holiday season in life-size, private igloos on Ponce City Market’s Roof! Available by reservation only, they will be located alongside the ice skating rink for guests 21 and up to explore. Food and drink will be available to enjoy in the cozy hangouts, which can be booked in two-hour increments for $150 (up to 8 people). Reservations are now available at www.poncecityroof.com and include general admission to The Roof, skate rentals, 50 minutes of skate time and unlimited games and rides at Skyline Park (when available).

THE BLITZEN ROOM POP-UP AT BILTONG BAR:

Mon., Dec. 2 – Thurs., Dec. 26 – This holiday season, Biltong Bar at Ponce City Market is “Up to Snow Good” as they transform for their inaugural holiday pop-up, The Blitzen Room. The restaurant will feature swanky, vintage Christmas decor and seasonally themed cocktails including Chartreuse Hot Chocolate and Frozen Egg Nog.

LIKEWISE BAR’S HAWAIIAN HOLIDAY TIKI EXPERIENCE:

Thurs., Dec. 5 – Sat., Dec. 7 – For three days only, Likewise will transform into a Hawaiin Holiday Tiki Experience. Their beverage team will be shaking and stirring classic and signature tiki cocktails, such as Navy Grog, Zombie, Mai Tai, a Daiquiri with Swedish Kronan, the shareable Scorpion Bowl and more.

MENORAH LIGHTING ON PONCE:

Mon., Dec. 23 – Join Ponce City Market and Chabad Intown for a traditional menorah lighting ceremony on the Yard beginning at 6:30pm. Attendees will celebrate the Festival of Lights with an evening of food and drinks, activities for the kids and live music.

NOON YEAR’S EVE ON THE ROOF:

Tues., Dec. 31 – Save the date for The Roof’s third annual Noon Year’s Eve! Skyline Park and Nine Mile Station will host a family-friendly celebration for parents and children of all ages to ring in the new year as guests countdown to noon. Stay tuned for additional information coming soon at www.poncecityroof.com.

Original post 11/3/19:

This holiday season, the ‘Naughty v. Nice’ Holiday Spectacular will return to Ponce City Market for merriment throughout the community hub!

Make your list, and check it twice – Santa Claus (and The Grinch) are coming to town! The Naughty and Nice duo will take up residence at Ponce City Market and spread mischief and merriment at special events and festivities all season long. Beginning Friday, November 29, bring a camera to snap photos with the mean one and the jolly man in the red suit, and write letters to the Grinch at the South Pole and Santa at the North Pole post box stations.

Free and open to the public, photo opportunities with Santa and the Grinch can be reserved onsite. A digital line will allow you to wander PCM to grab a bite to eat or do some holiday shopping while waiting. Once you sign up, you’ll get a confirmation text with the number of guests “in line” in front of you and another text 15 minutes before your turn. Please note, you will not be able to sign up in the digital line until you are on the premises.

Outside, The Yard will transform into a winter wonderland complete with the King of Pops’ Tree Elves Holiday Forest, a menorah lighting celebration and more. Featuring a lush, winding forest of trees for purchase, The Yard will welcome you to choose a tree to take home or place an order for the King of Pops Tree Elves to deliver the green prize right to your doorstep. The Tree Elves can even pick up trees for easy recycling after the holidays.

On The Roof, Skate the Sky and festive igloos will return for another year. Ten stories above Ponce de Leon Avenue and overlooking the Atlanta BeltLine and Old Fourth Ward, the Rooftop Terrace will feature a 3,500-square-foot ice skating rink. Available by reservation only, the private igloos will be located alongside the ice skating rink for guests 21 and up to explore. Plus, food and drink will be available to enjoy in the cozy hangouts, which can be booked in two-hour increments for $150 (up to 8 people). Ice skating is $15 for adults and $8 for children (5-12 years old). For more details and igloo reservations, please visit The Roof’s website.

19TH ANNUAL AFTERNOON IN THE COUNTRY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/1/19

AFTERNOON IN THE COUNTRY 2019 TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE; EVENT PROCEEDS
WILL BENEFIT LOCAL WOMEN IN THE CULINARY ARTS
AND GEORGIA’S FARMING COMMUNITY

Les Dames d’Escoffier Atlanta’s Annual Fall Culinary Event Supports Life-Changing
Scholarship Programs and Educational Grants

Foxhall Resort 

Sunday, November 3 at 1 pm

Les Dames d’Escoffier (LDEI) Atlanta, part of an international society of female leaders in culinary professions, is hosting the 19th annual Afternoon in the Country (AITC) on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 1-4 p.m. at Foxhall Resort in Douglasville, Georgia. Tickets for both general and VIP admission are now available, and proceeds from the event directly fund scholarships for women in culinary and agriculture, as well as support other food-related philanthropic efforts.

“Afternoon in the Country isn’t just a fun way to enjoy amazing food and beverages, it’s also an opportunity to meet the incredible women making an impact in our community and to help us continue education for females pursuing careers in culinary arts, hospitality and agriculture,” said Angie Mosier, Les Dames d’Escoffier-Atlanta board president.

Dedicated to promoting the achievement of women in culinary professions through educational and charitable activities, the Atlanta Chapter of LDEI has been offering annual scholarships and continuing education grants since 2001. The organization also provides thousands of dollars of funding to local non-profit organizations related to farming, global culinary initiatives, nutrition programs and anti-hunger work. AITC’s ticket sales, raffle and auction items help fund these initiatives.

While supporting these important causes, AITC attendees get to spend an afternoon sampling food and beverages from more than 150 of the region’s top chefs, restaurants, farms, wineries, breweries and distilleries. The afternoon also includes a cake raffle featuring delectable creations from Atlanta’s most talented pastry chefs and a celebrated silent auction offering exciting getaways and food and wine merchandise.

General admission tickets to AITC are $125 per person and include unlimited tastings. For $250, the VIP ticket experience includes special perks such as early admission, valet parking, a gift tote with an array of curated goods, and access to the Georgia Grown VIP Tent and the Foxhall Resort After Party at the glorious Legacy Lookout. Both tiers of tickets are available
for purchase online.