Tag Archive for: PONCE CITY MARKET

PONCE CITY MARKET ANNOUNCES CENTRAL FOOD HALL EXPANSION SET TO OPEN EARLY SUMMER 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/14/21

Food Concepts will Include Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken from Meherwan Irani and VIỆTVANA, Serving Vietnamese Phở & Bánh Mì, With More to Come

Plus, JJ’s Flower Shop Will Relocate to a Larger Space Within the Expanded Wing

Ponce City Market, Atlanta’s iconic mixed-use community hub, announces the forthcoming expansion of its Central Food Hall. Set to open to the public early this summer, the extension will add over 5,000 square feet of space to the Central Food Hall on the first floor by taking over the former Onward Reserve space (which has relocated to the second floor) and a former property management office. The aesthetic will mirror the design of the main Central Food Hall with polished concrete floors, red accents, and elements honoring the character of the existing historic building, including exposed brick walls and open ceilings.

In total, the new wing will house six restaurants and retail shops, plus communal seating throughout, including:

  • Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken – From the Chai Pani Restaurant Group, Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken was imagined when the COVID-19 pandemic began and Co-founder Meherwan Irani saw a need for comforting, take-home friendly food like never before. The menu, and in turn the restaurant title, is inspired by his daughter’s maternal grandmother, often referred to in Indian culture as “nani.” Serving American cuisine and specializing in all-natural rotisserie chickens rubbed with Piri Piri or Herbs de Provence spice blends from sister company Spicewalla, the restaurant strives to make familiar food both extraordinary and convenient. Guests can expect to find an assortment of sides like savory corn pudding, charred and chilled green beans, and ancient grains salad at the counter-service restaurant. The Nani’s flagship opened in Asheville’s historic Grove Arcade in November.

  • VIỆTVANA Phở Noodle House – Currently serving Avondale Estates and Midtown Atlanta with two locations, VIỆTVANA Phở Noodle House, also known as VIỆTVANA, is a Vietnamese restaurant that specializes in authentic phở and bánh mì made with the freshest ingredients. Owned by husband-and-wife team Dinh Tran and Khanh Dang, VIỆTVANA’s rice noodles are made fresh in-house daily. Bubble teas and Vietnamese staples like phở, bánh mì, crispy egg rolls, fried rice, specialty soups and more round out the menu. VIỆTVANA’s recipes are created by Tran and his mother, Tina Nguyen, who often is found in the restaurants’ kitchens.

  • JJ’s Flower Shop – Owned by Founder and Florist Sarah Donjuan, JJ’s Flower Shop began in 2018 as a mobile flower business from a 1968 Volkswagen Bus. In 2019, JJ’s opened its first brick-and-mortar location inside Ponce City Market’s Central Food Hall. The shop offers thoughtfully designed seasonal and year-round floral arrangements plus fully customizable bouquets for every budget. JJ’s larger space in the expanded region of the market will allow for a broader assortment of florals and greenery in addition to more room for hosting its popular floral arranging workshops each month.

Additional businesses joining the Central Food Hall expansion will be announced once confirmed.

PONCE CITY MARKET ANNOUNCES SPRING HAPPENINGS 2021

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/24/21

PCM Goes Inside Out – a Festive Series Bringing the Best of PCM Outside – Returns Saturday, April 3

Plus, Ponce City Farmers Market Opens for the Season on March 24, RoleCall Theater Presents High School Musical Theater Showcase this April & May, & More

Ponce City Market announces upcoming happenings taking place throughout the spring. Amid COVID-19, Ponce City Market is adhering to health and safety guidelines, including requiring guests to wear facemasks in the Central Food Hall; requiring property staff to wear face coverings at all times; providing social distancing signage and hand sanitizer throughout the property; and cleaning and sanitizing the property regularly.

PCM Goes Inside Out (Every Other Saturday Beginning April 3, Starting at Noon) – With warmer weather upon us, PCM Goes Inside Out is back! Kicking off on Saturday, April 3, the series will bring the best of PCM outdoors every other Saturday through December. Starting at noon, visitors will enjoy a variety of exciting happenings as PCM Goes Inside Out brings favorites to The Courtyard and Yard where guests can safely relax and spend some time enjoying food and drink from PCM restaurants, music, yard games and family fun.

Ponce City Farmers Market (Wednesdays Beginning March 24, 4-8pm) – Honoring Community Farmers Markets’ commitment to farmers, vendors and community, Ponce City Farmers Market (PCFM) will open for the season on Wednesday, March 24 with COVID-19 safety protocols in place, including requiring face masks. The producer-only market will be held from 4-8pm every Wednesday through November at The Shed, the covered outdoor space alongside Ponce City Market’s entrance to the Atlanta BeltLine.

Ponce City Farmers Market offers fresh produce, artisan products, handmade crafts, goods for the home and body, and more from an average of 30 rotating vendors per week. Market-goers can take home organic produce from Cosmos Farm and Partnership Farm, baked goods from Martha’s Boy Bakeshop and Sweet Lola’s, kombucha from Cultured South and Figment Kombucha, natural body care from Vibrational Living, Helena Kai and SugarMelon Handmade Cosmetics, green cleaning supplies from Squeaky Green Cleaning Co and much more. Throughout the season, the market will also feature special events, arts and crafts and visits from goats.

Each vendor accepts credit cards, while some additionally take payments via Venmo, CashApp, PayPal and Apple Pay. SNAP/EBT dollars are accepted at qualifying vendors. Through the Georgia Fresh For Less program, PCFM will also match the dollar amount of any SNAP swiped. When shoppers spend $10 in SNAP, they will get $10 for free to spend on fresh, local fruits and vegetables.

Guests may access the market via the Atlanta BeltLine or from Ponce City Market. Parking on the third floor of Ponce City Market’s parking deck (accessible via the ramp to the right of Pancake Social) is the most convenient access point to the farmer’s market via the BeltLine Tressel.

Start to Finish Art & Home Showcase (April 2, 3-8pm & April 3-4, 2-7pm) – The Print Shop by FreeMarket Gallery will host Start to Finish, an interactive art and home showcase, from April 2-4, 2021 at Ponce City Market. Located at The Plaza, next to The Shed and alongside the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, the collaborative exhibit will feature artwork by Adelaide Tai and the start-to-finish process of creating complex, large-format artwork. Art from Yoyo Ferro, Jonny Warren, Aliya Smith, Angie Jezez, Aesek, Chris Veal and more, plus home furnishings and decor from Ponce City Market shops like SustainAble Home Goods and The Victorian, will also be available for viewing and purchase.

RoleCall Presents The RoleCall High School Musical Theater Showcase (Throughout April & May 2021, Noon & 3pm) – Created to highlight the best young actors and singers in the state of Georgia, The RoleCall High School Musical Showcase will feature shows from five metro Atlanta high school theatre groups, including Buford High School, West Forsyth High School, Lambert High School, Tri-Cities High School and Denmark High School. Each school will perform two distinct outdoor shows at The Amphitheater at Ponce City Market at noon and 3pm. Information on show dates and tickets ($15 per show or $25 for both) can be found here. A portion of ticket sales will be given to each participating school. For RoleCall Theatre’s full lineup, including details on their popular Laugh Out Loud…Outside (LOLo) series, please click here.

WITH LOVE – A Solo Art Exhibit by Jeremy Brown at The Plaza (May 1-2, Noon-8pm) – Atlanta-based, contemporary visual artist Jeremy Brown will hold his first solo exhibition in over five years at The Plaza, next to The Shed and alongside the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail. Titled WITH LOVE, the collection will include 30+ new, mixed media works exploring the universal concepts of identity, unity, longing and the pursuit of happiness. Brown’s multilayered set includes his signature use of bold colors, loose brushwork and a dynamic blend of actual and implied textures. His art also includes text lifted directly from his personal notes and journals. WITH LOVE is an expression of Brown’s unique visual language inspired by spirituality, philosophy, music, poetry, fashion and the human experience.

PONCE CITY MARKET ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR MERRY MISFIT HOLIDAY SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 11/18/20

Featuring Misfit Wrapping Co., Fireside Roasting & Toasting Pods on The Yard, a Menorah Lighting Celebration, Holiday Pop-Ups, The Roof’s Skate the Sky, Igloos & Noon Year’s Eve Party & More

 

Ponce City Market will celebrate the most joyful time of year with mistiful happenings throughout the holiday season. Festive fun will be all around with the Misfit Wrapping Co.’s gift-wrapping conveyor belt, fireside roasting and toasting pods on The Yard, a Drive-In Menorah Lighting Ceremony & Chanukah Film, holiday pop-ups and celebrations, and The Roof’s Skate the Sky, Igloos and Noon Year’s Eve Party.

Details on this year’s festivities include:

MISFIT WRAPPING CO.:

Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 28 – Dec. 20 – Come one, come all and stop by Misfit Wrapping Co. to jazz up gifts for giving! From 11am-6pm on Saturdays and noon-6pm on Sundays, guests will be able to bring holiday gifts purchased at PCM to a jolly assembly line on the second floor of the Central Food Hall and watch as items make their merry way down a conveyor belt and are decorated by a team of Misfit gift wrappers with complimentary, cheery wrapping. During a final inspection, each gift will be given a stamp of approval before making its triumphant return to the rightful gift-giver.

Plus, Misfit Wrapping Co. is teaming up with Creating Connected Communities (CCC) – a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring life-enhancing programs to children in need by empowering teens to become engaged community leads and volunteers – to gather and wrap holiday gifts for donation all season long. As part of the nonprofit’s annual holiday program, Amy’s Holiday Party, PCM shoppers can purchase items for donation around the property, have them gift wrapped at Misfit Wrapping Co. from noon-6pm on Saturdays and Sundays, and delivered by CCC to 40 different charities benefiting homeless, foster and refugee children.

FIRESIDE ROASTING & TOASTING PODS ON THE YARD:

Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, Nov. 27 – Dec. 20 – Get warm and cozy with your nearest and dearest outside on The Yard this holiday season! Guests will be able to gather ‘round toasty fires and enjoy s’mores at socially distanced fireside pods. The Firepods will accommodate small groups and can be booked by the hour, and s’more kits and reservations (available beginning in late November at www.poncecitymarket.com) are complimentary. The open-air firepods will be sanitized thoroughly between seatings and will be available from 5-9pm on Fridays, 2-9pm on Saturdays and noon-6pm on Sundays.

FESTIVE POP-UPS:

The Blitzen Room at Biltong Bar, Opening Tues., Nov. 24 – Biltong Bar at Ponce City Market is “Up to Snow Good” as they transform their space into their second annual holiday pop-up: The Blitzen Room. The restaurant will feature swanky, vintage Christmas decor and seasonally themed cocktails from Chartreuse Hot Chocolate to Frozen Egg Nog.

Holiday Social Bar on The Roof, Opening Fri., Nov. 27 – Just inside the tower lobby, the Holiday Social Bar will welcome Roof-goers with an over-the-top experience bursting with whimsical decor and holiday-inspired drinks. Check out the drink menu here.

MixMas at 12 Cocktail Bar, Opening Fri., Nov. 27 – 12 Cocktail Bar is celebrating the season with a Mixmas cocktail menu, including drinks like “Sleigh Fuel” with bourbon, cinnamon, eggnog and coffee, and the “This Christmas I Gave You a Daiquiri,” made with dark rum, lime, pineapple, allspice and cherry. Reservations here are highly recommended.

Modern Mystic Shop’s Local Makers Holiday Pop-Up Series, Sat. & Sun., Nov. 21 – Dec. 20 – The metaphysical goods shop is spotlighting favorite local makers and creators with pop-ups throughout the holiday season. Each weekend, the series will provide curated collections from local, small-batch makers who share the same values as Modern Mystic Shop, with an emphasis on goods from women-identified and POC-owned businesses. Shoppers can expect to find jewelry, bath products, candles and more from vendors including local jewelry makers Kalua Rae and Dragonstone Malas, among others.

SustainAble Home Goods Holiday Gift Box Bar, Now Open – Shoppers can stop by the store throughout the season to create a curated gift box of handmade products made by local and global makers! Each box is $60 and comes with three pick-your-own items, from wellness products and kitchen essentials to gardening kits and so much more. Additional items can be added for $8 each.

PCM GOES INSIDE OUT HOLIDAY MARKET:

Sat., Dec. 12, Beginning at Noon – Bringing the best of PCM outdoors, the Holiday Market will feature holiday shopping, festive food and drink like hot chocolate and mulled cider, holiday entertainment and more as guests safely relax and spend some time outside.

DRIVE-IN MENORAH LIGHTING CEREMONY & CHANUKAH FILM:

Sun., Dec. 13 – Join Ponce City Market and Chabad Intown for a traditional menorah lighting ceremony and screening of a short Chanukah Film! This year’s celebration will take place in the parking lot by West Elm (alongside Glen Iris Drive and Ponce de Leon Ave), and guests are invited to park their cars and enjoy a BYO car picnic starting at 4:30pm. The brief film will begin at 5:30pm, followed by the Menorah Lighting Ceremony and a feature presentation at 6pm.

SKATE THE SKY:

Opening Fri., Nov. 27 – Back for a fourth 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 for all ages to enjoy seven days a week. Family hours will be every Saturday and Sunday from noon-3pm, and during this time, visitors can skate and sing along with The Roof’s resident Ice Queen. Starting at 8pm on Fridays and Saturdays, visitors 21 and over will be able to dance the night away to music spun by local DJs. Before or after skating, skaters 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.

Reservations can be booked here. Ice skating is $15 for adults and $7 for kids ages 5-12 (plus admission to The Roof), and includes 50-minutes of skating, ice skate rentals and unlimited gameplay at Skyline Park. Skaters must be at least five years of age to skate, and individuals under 12 must be accompanied by an adult skater. Hours for the rink will be the same as The Roof’s regular operating hours.

IGLOOS ON THE ROOF:

Opening Fri., Nov. 27 – Cozy up this holiday season in life-size, private igloos on Ponce City Market’s Roof! Available by reservation only, igloos located alongside the ice skating rink and at 9 Mile Station seat up to six guests, allowing small groups to have an intimate and socially distanced experience with an amazing view. Family-friendly igloo experiences alongside the ice skating rink are available on Saturday and Sunday mornings from noon-3pm and include a special kid’s menu. Guests 21+ can also enjoy food and beverages – think hot cocktails, champagne and large format cocktails – in rink-side igloos until 8pm Monday through Friday, 9:30pm on Saturday and 7pm on Sunday. At 9 Mile Station, the restaurant will transform into a woodland forest with cozy igloos and outdoor seating areas overlooking views of Atlanta. Restaurant igloos will offer guests 21 and up full dining service.

Reservations for all igloo experiences 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). Rink-side igloos rentals are $175 for two hours, and 9 Mile Station igloos are $125 Sunday through Thursday and $175 on Fridays and Saturday for two-and-a-half hour reservations. All igloos will be sanitized manually and with fogging technology between occupants.

NOON YEAR’S EVE ON THE ROOF:

Thurs., Dec. 31, 10am-3pm – Save the date for The Roof’s fourth annual Noon Year’s Eve! Skyline Park and 9 Mile Station will host a family-friendly celebration for parents and children of all ages to ring in 2021 as guests count down to noon. Tickets are $15 for all ages (3 years and under are free) and will be sold day-of at the door; no advance tickets needed.

Ponce City Market will be closed on Thanksgiving Day (November 26, 2020) and Christmas Day (December 25, 2020).

PONCE CITY MARKET HALLOWEEN HAPPENINGS 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/26/20

Sat., Oct. 31 – PCM Goes Inside Out: Halloween*

PCM Goes Inside Out, a series bringing the best of PCM outdoors is now taking place every other Saturday through December 12. Visitors can enjoy a variety of exciting happenings throughout the fall as PCM Goes Inside Out safely brings food and drink, football, music and fun to The Courtyard and Yard.

Starting at noon on each date, guests can enjoy bites and drinks from restaurant kiosks in The Courtyard alongside restaurant patios, watch live-streams of football games on a big screen, play yard games on The Yard provided by Mountain High Outfitters and more. PCM will also offer plenty of umbrellaed outdoor seating throughout the property. 

On Halloween, visitors can enjoy trick or treating at restaurant tents in the Courtyard and festive decorations throughout the property. Upcoming PCM Goes Inside Out dates and themes are listed below:

Sat., Oct. 31, 11am-3pm – Trick-or-Treat on The Roof

The Roof is hosting another family fun Halloween event with complimentary popcorn and cotton candy, plus trick-or-treating at Skyline Park! Guests are encouraged to come in their best costumes to this fun-filled day. Admission is $15 for adults and $7 for kids at the door — no pre-purchase necessary. 

Sat., Oct. 31, 5pm-1am – Halloween on The Roof

Halloween evening on The Roof kicks off with a 21+ Halloween party for adults beginning at pm. DJ Xavier Blk will be spinning tracks on the dance floor, plus food and beverages and complimentary popcorn and cotton candy will be provided. Admission is $20 at the door. 

Thurs., Oct. 29-Sat., Oct. 31– RoleCall Presents Hell Over Heels

Modeled after the 70s Dating Game Show, Hell Over Heels is a matchmaking game set in the fiery pits of Hell. In this show held throughout Halloween weekend, host Ben Bad will help artisanal voodoo doll-maker Morgana Beltane find love. Tickets ($10) are available for purchase here.

PCM GOES INSIDE OUT 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/4/20

AN OUTDOOR SERIES OFFERING FESTIVE ACTIVITIES, FOOD & DRINK FROM RESTAURANTS AROUND THE PROPERTY & MORE

 

Held Every Other Saturday Through December 12

 

October 3rd to Feature Tailgating Theme with Livestreamed Football Games, Game Day Bites & Drinks, Yard Games & a DJ in The Courtyard

 

Atlanta’s iconic community hub Ponce City Market announces PCM Goes Inside Out, a series bringing the best of PCM outdoors every other Saturday through December 12. Visitors will enjoy a variety of exciting happenings throughout the fall as PCM Goes Inside Out brings favorites to The Courtyard and Yard where guests can safely relax and spend some time enjoying food and drink, football, music and fun.

 

The theme will change with each date, and with football season in full swing, this weekend’s October 3 festivity will feature a tailgating theme. From noon-4pm, guests will be able to enjoy bites and drinks from restaurant kiosks in The Courtyard alongside restaurant patios, watch livestreams of football games on a big screen – South Carolina v. Florida at noon and Alabama v. Texas A&M at 3:30pm – play yard games on The Yard provided by Mountain High Outfitters and listen to beats from a DJ. PCM will also offer plenty of umbrellaed outdoor seating throughout the property for guests to enjoy. This weekend’s food participants include Batter Cookie Dough Company, Biltong Bar, Botiwalla, El Super Pan, King of Pops, Minero, Pizza Jeans, Saint Germain and W.H. Stiles Fish Camp. 

 

Additional PCM Goes Inside Out dates and themes are listed below:

 

  • October 17: Fall Apple Market

  • October 31: Halloween

  • November 14: Tailgating

  • November 28: Thanks for Giving

  • December 12: Holiday Market

 

Ponce City Market is adhering to health and safety guidelines, including requiring guests to wear facemasks in the Central Food Hall; requiring property staff to wear face coverings at all times; providing social distancing signage and hand sanitizer throughout the property; and cleaning and sanitizing the property regularly.

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.

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.

TOP ATLANTA PATIOS 2020

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/3/20

Umbrellas are blossoming all over town so spring must have sprung! As you can imagine, here in Atlanta we have warm Spring weather and one way to truly enjoy the city is to take it all in on a Patio! Especially, this year being outside has been a game changer to the restaurant experience. We thought intently about our favorite spaces, patios, and outdoor dining destinations and came up with a carefully curated list of our top patios. We considered everything from type and range of views, bites, sips, and the little things in between. Are you ready for the patio lifestyle? Who do you want to see on the list? These are in no particular order.

Ray’s on the River’s Luxurious Lawn Party

We’re in love with Ray’s on the River. On a sunny day in late May, there was a light breeze over the Chattahoochee River and the intermittent clouds cooled down the late afternoon heat. Next to the river sits a beautifully landscaped lawn dotted with large patio umbrellas and a collection of tables, patio furniture, and a serene walkway with purple, red, and pink flowers. Ray’s on the River is the ultimate lawn party that reminds us of an all-day Kentucky Derby soiree with pretty dresses, upscale, sippable cocktails, and on-point tasty bites. They wooed us with their impeccable cocktail menu and service, plus you absolutely can’t beat that view. Being from Atlanta, why hadn’t we visited this wonderful, magical happy place before?

There isn’t a bad bite on this menu, but if we had to chose a recommendation we’d say the Ahi Tuna Poke would be our choice of appetizer because it’s so dynamic, and the Horseradish Black Grouper because it has it ALL. Plus, we mentioned their cocktail menu is perfection, can we recommend them all? If we MUST choose, we’ll go with the Vitamin Sea that reminds us of the beach, and the Fig Old Fashioned because being their most popular drink on the menu, we know why, it’s one of the best Old Fashioned we’ve ever sipped.

Ray’s on the River is located at 6700 Powers Ferry Road, Sandy Springs, GA 30339 and more information can be found at here.

Brews and Views a top New Realm Brewery’s Rooftop Patio

Directly off the Atlanta Beltline, New Realm Brewery is a beer and food lovers paradise with expansive patio, large beer list, and serious bar eats. Whether you settle yourself on the Beltline side patio, beer garden, or rooftop bar, you’ll have midtown Atlanta skyscraper views, an amazing amount of people watching, and a killer sunset views over the Atlanta Skyline. Beyond the view, you can relax with the New Realm Brewery’s latest and greatest brew and a hearty set of wings or a meaty pizza. Beer not your thing? They’ve introduced a line of fun seltzers like Cherry Cola and even distill their own liquor from vodka to bourbon!

Our recommendation is to at least try one of their beers, like Lime of the Party, and either the Cherry Cola Seltzer or cocktail. They have so many beer varieties and depending on your taste, they pretty much have something for everyone. Don’t forget the food here either. If you’re looking for bar food go with the Asian Loaded Fries or the Meathead Pizza. If you want something southern inspired, go for the Spanish Style Meatballs and the Beer Can Chicken. Really, you can’t go wrong with anything!

New Realm Brewery is located at 550 Somerset Terrace NE, Unit 101, Atlanta, GA  30306 and more information can be found here.

Riverside Relaxation and Romance at Canoe

Take a stroll with us through the grounds at Canoe. The quiet river flows by as the covered patio keeps you cool from the late Spring sun and the winding walkways meander around the lawn sending you down hidden paths, can you see it? Good. Located right on the Chattahoochee river near Vinings, Canoe is the perfect escape with a mix of gardens, patio space, ambiance, as well as top notch food and drinks. From the moment you enter Canoe, the staff and servers are there for you and make you feel right at home. Canoe, where have you been all our lives? 

While you’re there, we’d recommend starting with the scones that are flaky and wonderful, while washing it down with our new favorite thing, a Sparkling Mule. You also must try the Smoke Salmon starter and the Smoked Chicken on a bed of silky grits. We’ve also heard that they make a mean Duck burger for brunch. Next time?

Canoe is located at 4199 Paces Ferry Rd, SE Atlanta, Ga 30339 and more information can be found here.

Camp Yourself at Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall

Located in Atlanta’s historic Old Fourth Ward district, Ladybird is the first outdoor-oriented restaurant and bar to open along the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail. The restaurant’s pet-friendly “Grove” space is a go-to for outdoor revelry and includes an outdoor bar in a vintage, painted camper, relaxed seating, communal, beer garden-style tables, string lights and more. Ladybird’s full-service menu of elevated campfire cuisine and beverage program of craft cocktails, wine and local beer can be enjoyed on the outdoor patio overlooking the Grove. Michael Lennox, Founder of Electric Hospitality, is behind the restaurant and its sister spots Golden Eagle and Muchacho in Atlanta’s Reynoldstown neighborhood.

Ladybird Grove and Mess Hall is located at 684 John Wesley Dobbs Ave, Atlanta, GA 30312 and more information can be found here.

Photo c/o Blue Hominy PR and photographer Andrew Thomas Lee.

Beer Heaven at Wild Heaven West End’s Patio

Quickly you realize you have arrived at Beer Heaven when you step off the West-Side Beltline and are greeted with Wild Heaven West End Brewery and Gardens extensive patio. With tons of space, they have several places to sit and relax all along the lawn and the space even extends up to Boxcar ATL, ASW Exchange, and up into Monday Night Garage, who has some fun spaces of their own. So, you can stop by for a tasty brew, hard seltzer, wine, cocktail, and even a Whiskey Slushie and just relax after a long beltline walk or ride. We’d recommend grabbing a brew from Wild Heaven like one of the Happiest Hour Exploration Project Series that brought you Fauci Spring or our favorite, Zoom Fatigue Porter. Please don’t forget to pick up a snack, like our favorite taco in Atlanta, Walking Taco from their on-site Fina Fine Foods. Then, stay a while for a Whiskey Slushie like the strawberry lemonade from ASW Exchange or try one of Monday Night’s new Narwhal hard seltzers. Monday Night Garage also does a tasty stout if that’s your thing. HINT: It’s ours. If you’re feeling even more adventurous head over to Best End, they’re building a tiki bar on the beltline!!

Wild Heaven West End and Gardens is located at 1010 White St SW, Atlanta, GA 30310 and more can be found here.

9 Mile Station’s Sweeping Skyline Views on Ponce City’s Roof

You’re in for a treat up a-top Ponce City’s Roof from the moment you enter the elevator hearing about the rich past of the Ponce City Market’s history and then walk out onto the game-centric boardwalk. If you delve a little bit deeper, 9 Mile Station just beyond the boardwalk is the destination for spectacular skyline views of downtown and midtown Atlanta. Whether you sit on the covered patio, around the fire pit, or on the ledge seating, you can’t help but marvel at the stellar view. Being one of the IT spots to spend a sunset, let’s not forget the bites and sips that will compliment any occasion. We’d recommend you sip on one of their cocktails, like the One Way Ticket to Mars that was whiskey and wine (what!) to the Rose All Day 2.0 which was bubbly and refreshing or opt for a wide variety of beer and wine. Plus, their light bites are the perfect pairing to relax and watch the sunset, be it the delectable lemon pepper chicken wings to the beautifully plated, earthy, and crunchy smoked trout croquettes.

9 Mile Station is located on top of Ponce City Roof at 675 Ponce de Leon Ave. Atlanta, GA 30308 and you can find out more information here.

Show me the Cocktails at the Fox Theatre’s Marquee Club

The Marquee Club Presented by Lexus is the Fox Theatre’s premium membership club, recognized by Venues Now magazine as 2019’s “Best New/Refurbished Space in Food and Drink.” The Moroccan and Middle Eastern-style club is 10,000 square feet of interior and exterior space with five stationary. Open only during public events at the Fox Theatre, the Marquee Club offers a preeminent pre-show through post-show experience for club guests with amenities, including priority pre-sale ticketing notifications, access to private restrooms, concierge guest services and self-parking access to an adjacent lot for some membership levels. Visit FoxTheatre.org/MarqueeClub for limited, single-event access passes.

The rooftop terrace at Marquee Club presented by Lexus overlooks the famed Peachtree Street, offering public access to the Fox Theatre rooftop for the first time in decades. Club guests can get up close and personal with the iconic marquee sign while also enjoying pre-show through post-show amenities. The perfect blend of outside and in, there are three rooftop environments including the climate-controlled Conservatory, patio covered Arcade Terrace and the outdoor Rooftop Terrace with access to private bars and restrooms.

From the grand atmosphere to seasonal bites, the Marquee Club was intentionally designed to enhance your night beyond the performance. Start your night at the Fox Theatre with a warm welcome, then enjoy delicious, locally sourced foods; hand-crafted drinks; and vibrant company before and after the show. At the Marquee Club, you get the time you want to enjoy and savor each performance.

Photo c/o Brave PR.

Park it at Park Tavern at Piedmont Park

Several groups of people dot the lawn outside Park Tavern at Piedmont Park, one group is enjoying a picnic, the other are stretching for a long run, while the third are laughing as their dog jumps, this is the scene at Piedmont Park almost every day. Next to it, situated on the corner of 10th and Monroe is Park Tavern, THE go-to hang out for Piedmont Park lovers. Beyond the beauty of the park and magnificent midtown views, Park Tavern also invites you to enjoy a cocktail, some upscale bar food, or maybe some sushi. If we had to recommend a bar bite, we’d suggest the super plump and juicy Nashville Hot Chicken Sandwich or when sushi returns, that’s a must. Park Tavern brews their own beer, so grab a crisp and cold pint, or even some of their refreshing sangria, as well as a ton of fun options like High Noon canned cocktail.

Park Tavern is located at 500 10th St NE, Atlanta, GA 30309 on the edge of Piedmont Park. More information here.

Meatballs are a Must at Grana

On the busy corner near Rock Springs on piedmont, Grana’s newly erected rooftop bar and patio, as well as impressively upscale dining room pay homage to the Chef’s Italian heritage. It’s stunning. The second you enter the patio, you’re greeted with the neon sign that reminds you that this place will be known for it’s balls, meatballs that is. As you come around the corner from there, you immediately get a beach vibe with beautiful outside bar adorned with blue tile, lounge furniture, and partial cover to keep you out of the sun. Plus, we’re being told that they have spectacular sunset views. On top of the ambiance, they have stellar bites and sips. We’d recommend the best meatball ever, their Crispy Veal Meatball or one of their array of pizzas like the Roni that boasts of pepperoni and honey. Of the sips, let us recommend the Frozen Aperol Spritz. They sometimes will have Froze instead, but frozen sips are all the rage right now, so get this while you can.

Grana is located at 1835 Piedmont Ave Atlanta, GA and more information/reservations can be found here.

All the Possibilities at “Patio Row” on the Beltline

For as a long time, Krog Street Market and Auburn was about the end of the Beltline, but then along came our friends at Hawkers, Nina and Rafi, Guac Y Margys, Pour, and more in a conglomerate of wonderful patio space, what we call Beltline Patio Row. What’s amazing about this little spot is the unlimited possibilities you can get by just hanging out here for an afternoon. You can start with some tacos and margaritas at Guac Y Margys to a good stout down at Pour Taproom to our favorite lettuce wraps at Hawkers to some delectable pizza at Nina and Rafi. It’s a smorgasbord of tastiness.

We reached out to Nina and Rafi since their one of the main go-to destinations the Beltine Patio Row and they wanted you to know, “Named one of Bon Appétit’s 50 Nominees List for Hot 10: America’s Best New Restaurants in 2019, Nina & Rafi is an Italian-American restaurant and bar from restaurateur and bar aficionado Billy Streck of Hampton + Hudson and Anthony Spina of O4W Pizza. Located in Old Fourth Ward on the Atlanta BeltLine’s Eastside Trail, the restaurant features expansive steel-frame garage doors to offer patio seating on warm days. Nina & Rafi’s menu of Italian-American comfort food includes famed pizzas from Spina’s nationally renowned O4W Pizza, Italian snacks to start, salads, parmesan heroes, and Italian specialties – chicken parmesan and eggplant parmesan – available after 5pm. The “Meat Me in Detroit” pizza, a favorite among diners, was a “Best Dish” finalist in the 2019 Eater Awards. Curated by Beverage Director Corey Phillips, the bar offers craft and Italian beers on draft and in cans and bottles, as well as a selection of Italian wines – red, white, sparkling, orange, and rosé. A tight cocktail list rotates regularly, and the full bar features a very large selection of Amara and Italian spirits.”

On top of that, we love Hawkers and when you to see them on Patio Row, you should grab a lettuce wrap and definitely get one of their adult capri suns called, That’s My Bag Baby. You heard us, stick a straw in it and enjoy. Plus, we know John who owns Pour Taproom, and we love that you can get lost for hours in the beer offerings that the pour-your-own-beer store has, as well as wines and cocktails. It’s amazing how many stouts we’ve discovered there, from Monday Night down the street to IPAs from across the country.

This row is located off the Beltline at 661 Auburn Ave, Atlanta, Ga 30312.

Nina and Rafi photo by Bart Sasso provided by Blue Hominy PR.

CANSTRUCTION ATLANTA PUBLIC ART COMPETITION COMES TO PONCE CITY MARKET IN APRIL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/8/20

Canstruction Atlanta Kicks Off 21st Annual Public Art Competition Benefitting Atlanta Community Food Bank & Raising Awareness of Atlanta-Area Hunger Insecurity

Renowned Metro Atlanta Design Teams to Build Giant Canned Food Structures for Public Display at Ponce City Market from April 21 – May 5, 2020

In Association with the Atlanta Chapters of the American Institute of Architects & Society for Design Administration

 

Canstruction® Atlanta, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization benefitting the Atlanta Community Food Bank, announces the launch of its 21st annual art exhibition program and philanthropic event in association with the American Institute of Architects (AIA, Atlanta Chapter) and Atlanta Chapter of the Society for Design Administration (SDA). The announcement kicks off months of advanced planning and participation on the parts of Canstruction Atlanta committee members, a variety of sponsors and numerous design teams, resulting in massive art structures made of canned food goods. Free and open to the public, the structures will be on public display throughout the first and second floor of the Central Food Hall at Ponce City Market from April 21 – May 5, 2020.

 

The Canstruction Atlanta organization, which comprises Architectural, Engineering and Construction (A/E/C) industry members and a wide range of related community members, inspires and facilitates metro-area participants to create and build food can art displays. The program raises awareness of Atlanta-area hunger insecurity and generates food and funds for the Food Bank, while shedding a spotlight on the local design industry. Since its inception in 1998, Canstruction Atlanta has donated approximately 1.2 million meals to the local food bank.

 

The art structures will feature design expertise from some of Georgia’s most talented architects, engineers, construction professionals and designers. Each canned food art display will showcase a design concept as a standalone part of the exhibition’s entire series and draw inspiration from futuristic cars and airplanes; popular cartoon characters; items related to Atlanta’s burgeoning film industry; iconic area landmarks; and more. Participants will be able to use canned goods of all sizes, wood, tape, rubber bands, wire and Velcro to create self-supporting structures.

 

The can structures art exhibition will commence with an initial build-out day on April 20, during which up to 20 design teams will have 10 hours to assemble their individual can structures at Ponce City Market. 

Culminating during an awards gala at The Plaza at Ponce City Market on Friday, April 24 from 7-10pm, a jury will select one winner in each of six Canstruction International categories, including “Best Meal,” “Most Cans,” “People’s Choice,” “Best Use of Labels,” “Structural Ingenuity” and a new award this year: “Best Original Design.” A seventh award, selected by the Canstruction Atlanta committee, known as the “Can-ambassador Award” is presented to the team that goes above and beyond the original scope of the Canstruction event. Tickets ($25) to the gala can be purchased at www.canstructionatl.com in advance or at the door.

 

The annual program and event activities will end with a special Disassembly and Donation Day on Wednesday, May 6, when all structures will be dismantled and bestowed to the Food Bank for distribution to hundreds of interrelated, nonprofit organizations with hunger-relief programs benefitting Metro Atlanta and North Georgia citizens.

 

Canstruction Atlanta is seeking individual and corporate sponsors to provide participatory support. Seven sponsorship packages are available in exchange for applicable benefits. Sponsorship levels include “Elite,” “Corporate,” “Platinum,” “Diamond,” “Gold,” “Silver” and “Bronze.” Sponsorships and donations are tax deductible and can be attained through www.canstructionatl.com/sponsors.

“The annual Canstruction Atlanta program and canned food exhibition help enrich the Atlanta-area community and bring together people from different design-oriented industries,” says 2020 Co-Chair James Byers. “Most of all, the program provides a sense of unity which lends to the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s goal of conquering area hunger.”

 

About Canstruction® Atlanta: Canstruction Atlanta is a unique charity which hosts competitions, exhibitions and events showcasing colossal structures made of full cans of food. After the structures are built, the creations go on display free of charge for the public as a giant art exhibition. At the conclusion of the event, all food is donated to local hunger relief organizations. Recognized for commitment to innovation, hunger relief and collaboration, the organization has helped raise more than 25 million pounds of food since 1992. Learn more at www.canstructionatl.com.