Tag Archive for: things to do in atlanta

SECOND HELPINGS ATLANTA TACKLES FOOD INSECURITY AND WASTE FREE OF CHARGE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/26/22

Atlanta’s Leading Not-For-Profit Food Rescue Organization Continues to Connect Excess Food to Those in Need

Second Helpings Atlanta was born out of a mission to reduce food waste and feed the hungry. What started as a volunteer initiative at Temple Sinai in 2004, officially incorporated as its own 501C3 in 2012, and remains the city’s leading non-profit organization rescuing healthy, nutritious, surplus food and distributing it to those in need through complex supply chain logistics. By diverting food from landfills and providing it to those in need, Second Helpings Atlanta aims to close the gap on food insecurity and keep refuse out of landfills.

“Our deep knowledge of donation nuances and delivery logistics, along with our carefully cultivated relationships with agencies, uniquely positions Second Helpings Atlanta as the frontline food rescue logistics organization in Atlanta,” said Andrea Jaron, executive director of Second Helpings Atlanta.

Every day, hundreds of volunteer drivers rescue food from more than 80 donors, including grocery stores, corporate kitchens, stadiums and big box retailers, and deliver it to more than 40 homeless shelters, food pantries, domestic violence shelters and other nonprofits across the Atlanta metropolitan area. Second Helpings Atlanta currently rescues on average 80,000 pounds of surplus fresh, perishable food each week, which keeps it out of landfills. With efficiency and sustainability in mind, Second Helpings Atlanta developed a 90- Minute Model designed to allow volunteer drivers to make local food rescues and deliveries in 90 minutes or less.

“Our team of dedicated volunteers are the heart of our organization,” continued Jaron. “Together, we hope to create change by helping people think in new ways about food waste and its societal and environmental impact.”

ABOUT SECOND HELPINGS ATLANTA:
Second Helpings Atlanta is a nonprofit food rescue logistics organization dedicated to reducing hunger and food waste in the metro Atlanta area by rescuing healthy, nutritious, surplus food and distributing it to those in need. For more information, please visit SecondHelpingsAtlanta.org or follow on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

ENZO PRESENTS APERICENA AT THE GENERAL STORE AT SERENBE ON APRIL 24

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/18/22

Latest Pop-Up Features Tapas-Style Menu with Wine Pairings

Sunday, April 24 3-7pm

Explore Enzo’s Northern Italian flavors at an Apericena pop-up at The General Store at Serenbe on Sunday, April 24. Apericena is an informal meal serving tapas-style food, and Enzo’s menu features a three-course menu paired with three wines.

The menu boasts a first course of oysters and bubbles followed by tuna tartare, hamachi crudu, beet caponata, and bruschetta paired with a robust white wine. The third course rounds out the meal with wood-grilled spiedini misti made with beef, sausage and seafood served with sauces and vegetables and paired with a light red wine.

Enzo’s Apericena runs 3-7 p.m. and costs $60 per person. Tickets may be purchased online through Eventbrite.

Before Enzo—a new Northern Italy-inspired, chef-driven steakhouse and bar concept from Andrea Montobbio and Carmine Noce—opens in the summer in the Town at Trilith, guests are experiencing the restaurant through catering and private events, pop-ups and special events, and grab-and-go and take-home dishes available through select retail partners. View catering options and Enzo At Home menus on Enzo’s website and follow Enzo on Facebook and Instagram or visit the website for happenings in the community.

GYPSY KITCHEN LAUNCHES UNDER THE MEDITERRANEAN SUN SUNDAY SERIES ON APRIL 24

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/18/22

Afternoon Rooftop Culinary Adventure Explores Different Mediterranean Regions with Rotating Food and Drink Features

Starting April 24th and every Sunday!

Gypsy Kitchen invites guests to explore exciting Mediterranean destinations during its new Under the Mediterranean Sun Sunday series starting April 24. Each Sunday afternoon on the Buckhead Village eatery’s spacious rooftop patio, Gypsy Kitchen’s chefs embark on a culinary adventure featuring food and beverages from a region of the Mediterranean and music from a flamenco guitarist. Specials from each region will be available every Sunday for six weeks at a time.

The first stop on April 24 is Morocco showcasing a celebration of Moroccan-inspired bites and beverages including:

  • Marrakesh Trio ($14) – zaalouk and olive, charred onion labneh, harissa and pepper relish with toasted sesame babari bread. Add hummus for an additional $8.
  • Honey Roasted Sumac Carrots ($15) – turmeric couscous, cashew cheese, and smoked cinnamon citronette
  • The Casablanca ($14) – white wine, tequila, smoked cinnamon blanc vermouth, pineapple, amaro, and Moroccan-spiced rim
  • Tangier Sunset ($40, shareable serving for four) – vodka, elderflower, watermelon, cucumber, and habanero honey

Under the Mediterranean Sun kicks off when the restaurant opens at noon with the flamenco guitarist starting at 4:30 p.m. Gypsy Kitchen’s revamped rooftop patio oasis boasts lush greenery, richly patterned woven rugs and tapestries, and new furniture perfect for fostering conversations with friends. The culinary journey continues each week exploring a new destination.

ATLANTA DERBY DAY 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/18/22

Atlanta Derby Day

Blue Martini Buckhead on May 7th, 2022 from 4pm – 8pm

Tickets: HERE.

Put on your floppy hats and seersucker and join us for a full day of Derby themed fun at Blue Martini Atlanta for the Derby Watch Party! On May 7th, enjoy a variety of deliciously crafted bourbon cocktails, sparkling wines, themed menu, live music by DJ One Nate, and a day of the races on the big screen. Hookah and cigars available for purchase.

​Valet Parking for $10 will be available on site. Uber/Lyft are always encouraged.

​Dress code will be enforced – Please dress in themed attire. No athletic caps or sleeveless shirts.

TICKETING:

GRAND STAND TICKET

  • Admission for one to Blue Martini Atlanta

  • One Complimentary Mint Julep or Grey Goose Cocktail ($15 Value)

  • Access to Live Entertainment & Watch Party

  • Viewing space for best hat and best dressed contest

  • $45
COUPLES RACE TICKET

  • Admission for two to Blue Martini Atlanta

  • Two Complimentary Mint Julep or Grey Goose Cocktail ($30 Value)

  • Access to Live Entertainment & Watch Party

  • Viewing space for best hat and best dressed contest

  • $80
CLUBHOUSE EXPERIENCE

  • Admission for Four to Blue Martini Atlanta

  • Guaranteed Seating & Premium Viewing Space

  • Four Complimentary Mint Julep or Grey Goose Cocktails ($60 Value)

  • Access to Live Entertainment & Watch Party

  • Viewing space for best hat and best dressed contest.

  • $180

INAUGURAL BODACIOUS BLOOMS FLOWER FESTIVAL

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/17/22

THURSDAY, APRIL 28 – SUNDAY, MAY 1

 

Featuring Vibrant Installations, Flower Markets, Colorful Floral Workshops, Immersive Exhibitions & More

 

Welcoming spring with open arms, the flower fête of the season is set to kick off in the Buckhead Village neighborhood in the form of a show-stopping Bodacious Blooms Flower Festival Thursday, April 28 through Sunday, May 1. Stacked with heavy-hitter partners including New York’s conceptual silk flower studio Floratorium and renowned florist Canaan Marshall of HBO Max’s “Full Bloom,” the community-wide festival invites visitors to the area to join in for a weekend of larger-than-life floral installations, hands-on floral workshops from master floral designers, colorful in-store activations, exclusive promotions and endless photo-ready moments – all vibrantly designed to celebrate the spring season in style. 

 

“Flowers are an amazing way to bring people together,” said Marshall. “As a Georgia native, I’m thrilled to be a part of uniting our communities in such a beautiful way – we have big plans for the weekend, and the best part is, all are welcome!”

 

To celebrate the inaugural event, Jamestown’s Buckhead Village has joined forces with neighboring properties EDENS’ Andrews Square, Selig’s Buckhead Commons, The Charles and The St. Regis Atlanta, plus Livable Buckhead, to create a walkable weekend complete with a budding line-up of ticketed events, open-to-the-public floral displays and over-the-top installations across all properties. Buckhead Village will also host live music, themed activations, in-store promotions from retailers including Veronica Beard, diptyque and alice + olivia, celebratory beverages from dining destinations like Gypsy Kitchen, Taverna and Shake Shack, and of course, various complimentary floral stops along the way.

 

Can’t-miss signature weekend events include:

 

Thursday, April 28 – 6-8pm

 

Buckhead Village will be hosting a grand unveiling and first-look at the property’s celebratory installations from New York-based flower and art studio Floratorium, floral designer Canaan Marshall and local florist and art installation extraordinaire Pinker Times, plus a new botanical-themed mural by local artist Niki Zarabi.

Guests will enjoy floral-infused cocktails and canapés from Le Bilboquet and live floral arranging demonstrations by Floratorium, plus live music and an exclusive first look at all of the gorgeous floral installations throughout the property. The event will take place in the beautiful, weather-protected, open-air area of The Veranda – located at the corner of Bolling Way and Buckhead Avenue across from Le Bilboquet.

 

Thursday, April 28 – 5-7pm

 

Buckhead’s Southern Baked Pie Company will offer a festive flower arranging class with Roswell Flower Farm Posie Fields! Guests will be provided with all florals and vessels needed to create their own blooming masterpiece, all while indulging in petite savory pies from Southern Baked Pie Company. Tickets are $95 – spots are limited. Call the Southern Baked Pie Company at 404-263-0656 to RSVP.

 

Friday, April 29 – 11:30am-1:30pm

 

Top floral designer Canaan Marshall will be leading an intimate, hands-on floral arrangement class. As seen on HBO Max’s Full Bloom (S2), Canaan describes this experience as a fantastic introduction for those who are interested in creating a breath-taking arrangement for their own home, or anyone who would like to learn to use everyday floral elements to enhance their next get together. 

 

Tickets are $200 per person, and guests will be provided with florals, a vessel and all of the necessary supplies to design a beautiful centerpiece to bring home. The class will be held in The Veranda, and boxed lunches and refreshments will be provided by Saint Germain Bakery.

 

Friday, April 29-Sunday, May 1 – 9:30am-12:30pm

 

Sakara Life, the New York-based wellness company on a mission to transform lives through food as medicine, will be popping up at Buckhead Village’s beloved Bella Cucina! Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1, Sakara invites the community to Café Sakara to rev up the morning with complimentary Metabolism Super Powder Lattes, Goji Rose Donuts and exclusive samples of Sakara’s best selling wellness essentials. Attendees can also peruse some of the freshest locally-sourced produce around and check out Sakara’s very own flower market (all available while supplies last!). The pop-up will be open to the public, and guests are encouraged to RSVP for the event here.

 

Saturday from 1-7pm & Sunday from 1-6pm

Located on Buckhead Avenue next door to B.M. Franklin & Co.

 

Multidisciplinary artist, designer and Pinker Times founder Skye Lin will welcome visitors to escape reality for a relaxing stroll through LIGHT – a luminous, immersive floral walk-through exhibition conceptualized to capture the beauty of spring with vibrant colored blooms, metallic florals and ambient mood lighting. Manifesting otherworldly beauty, LIGHT illuminates parallels between man-made and natural floral elements through deconstructive, interactive and innovative processes. 

 

In 2020, Skye founded Pinker Times, a team she led to work on experiential sculptures, installations and space activation. On a daily basis, Pinker Times is a hybrid retail and exhibition space that offers a forever flower bar, ready-made arrangements and floral gifts for visitors.

 

Saturday, April 30 – 10am-noon

 

Livable Buckhead is hosting a community planting day on PATH400 benefitting Hands on Atlanta! This event provides guests with the opportunity to be an integral part of establishing a Georgia Audubon Certified Wildlife Sanctuary through helping create pollinator gardens to support local wildlife along PATH400. The event is limited to 50 guests – registration is required.

 

Saturday, April 30 & Sunday, May 1 – 1-7pm

 

Join the “king of vintage,” fashion guru and author of the legendary Decades Cameron Silver for a jaw-dropping trunk show at Jerrimiah James, Buckhead’s premier showroom and concierge shopping service offering personalized, luxury shopping experiences alongside one-of-a-kind designer and vintage pieces. 

 

The lavish pop-up will take place on Saturday and Sunday, and feature vintage men’s and women’s pieces along with a selection of new looks from local sustainable designers. Guests will be able to shop the latest and greatest while imbibing in bespoke cocktails adorned with edible flower cubes and enjoying live music throughout the showroom. The pop-up will be open to the public, and guests are invited to meet and greet with the fashion curator and author, Cameron Silver. 

 

Saturday, April 30

 

Buckhead visitors and event-goers are invited to visit Boxwoods Gardens at Andrews Square for an informative demonstration of how to plant your pots for summer, as well as a question and answer session with the Master Gardeners on staff.

 

Andrews Square will also have live music playing throughout the property from 1-4pm for all visitors, shoppers and guests to enjoy.

 

  • Buckhead Village Festivities

Saturday, April 30 – Noon-6pm

 

Buckhead Village invites visitors to enjoy beautiful floral installations and live music while taking advantage of in-store promotions and a line-up of other complimentary onsite experiences including florals from Joli Jardin Farm’s flower truck Blumenwagen, pours of floral lemonade from Bella Cucina and family-friendly flower crown making stations. 

 

  • Floral Installations Across Buckhead Village Neighborhood

Saturday & Sunday

 

Floral installations will remain on display for the public to enjoy at Buckhead Village, Andrews Square, Buckhead Commons, The Charles and The St. Regis Atlanta. Visit the official event website for a full list of locations.

 

For a list of additional can’t-miss weekend in-store events, promotions, and workshops throughout the neighborhood, click here. 

SOUTHERN BELLE EXPLORES THE TRAILBLAZING WINE OF THE OREGON TRAIL ON APRIL 27

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/17/22

Grab a Glass and Head West as the Sommelier Team

Uncorks the Innovative Wine of Oregon

Wednesday, April 27 6:30-7:30pm

Southern Belle invites pioneers and pinot lovers alike to explore the wild West as it takes a deep dive into a variety of Oregon wines during the newest installation of its popular Travel in a Glass wine tasting event on Wednesday, April 27.

Guests will join Southern Belle and Georgia Boy’s sommelier team of Cate Hatch, Jordan Traylor, and Fred Torvik as they lead the trailblazing wine-tasting experience. Oregon has long been famous for its stunning pinot noirs, but there is much more to the story. Variety is the spice of the state these days, and guests will be shown a whole new world of innovation in winemaking.

Chef Joey Ward and his team will provide a variety of small bites to accompany the tasting, and attendees will have access to mixed-case discounts on all six featured wines. The cost to attend is $65 per person, and seats can be reserved online. Please note that Southern Belle is normally closed on Wednesdays, and no other food will be available for purchase.

Save the date for the next Travel in a Glass tasting on May 25, 2022.

PATIO PARTIES AT RINA AND AZIZA 2022

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/17/22

Patio weather is here, and Oliva Restaurant Group is ready to celebrate with drink specials and music! Rina, the casual, Israeli, diner-style eatery inspired by beach restaurants in Haifi, Israel and located alongside the Atlanta Beltline’s Eastside Trail, and Aziza, the Westside Provisions Division District spot offering modern Israeli cuisine, will both host a series of patio parties throughout the season to celebrate warm weather, good drinks and flavorful moments with friends and family.

 

Held the first and third Thursdays of the month beginning April 21, Rina’s Low Tide Patio Parties will welcome guests to party on the patio from 6-9pm. Guests will be able to enjoy specials on beachy, tropical cocktails, High Noon, beer and an Arak & beer special, all alongside beats from a DJ.

 

Over on the Westside, Aziza hosts Sunset Hour everyday Monday through Friday, and beginning Thursday, May 12, they’ll host Sunset Hour Patio Parties the second Thursday of every month from 6-9pm. The summertime celebrations will feature wine and classic cocktail specials, plus live music. Reservations highly encouraged; walk-ups welcome. 

THE BLIND PIG PARLOUR BAR TRANSFORMS INTO THE PLAYA PIG POP-UP FOR SUMMER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/17/22

Buckhead Speakeasy Channels Jungle-Meets-Beach Vibes

with Tropical Décor, Refreshing Drinks, and Island Bites

The Blind Pig Parlour Bar dives into summer with another immersive pop-up designed to whisk guests away to an alluring tropical island state of mind. The Playa Pig will serve up tropical chic, jungle disco vibes inspired by Tulum, Mexico, along with tempting drinks and a menu of Yucatan-themed bites.

The Buckhead speakeasy will rearrange its Victorian décor to entice those longing to get away to a wild, wanderlust escape. Guests can look forward to creative, refreshing cocktails served with treats and sweets inspired by the unmistakable flavors of the tropics.

Food items will include:

  • Al pastor empanadas with pineapple marmelada
  • Florida rock shrimp fritters with Meyer lemon aioli
  • Tropical fruit parfait with coconut chia seed pudding and macadamia gravel
  • Squash quesadilla with shaved zucchini, queso Oaxaca, pickled serrano, escabeche
  • Carolina Gold Poblano Rice Fritters
  • Polvorones: Mexican wedding cookies

Tropical cocktails and shots include:

  • Dressed shots with fruit and Tajin. Selections include watermelon-infused blanco tequila, mango-infused reposado tequila, and pineapple-infused mezcal
  • Ginger watermelon margarita with blanco tequila, watermelon juice, ginger syrup and lemon ​juice​
  • The Jungle Revival with gin, Lillet rosé, pamplemousse, lemon juice, and atomized absinthe
  • Prickly Mule with vodka, prickly pear, lemon juice, and ginger beer
  • Yucatan spritz with gin, Aperol, and lemon, topped with blanc de blanc and orange slice
  • Green Chile Michelada with Mexican-style lager, green chile mix, cucumber juice, and lime juice
  • Playa Breakfast with blanco tequila, Dolin blanc, chile vinegar, lime juice, honey syrup, cucumber juice, and fresh mint
  • Bikini Bottom with pineapple-infused bourbon, lemon coriander syrup, lemon juice, and pineapple

The Playa Pig will be open Wednesday-Saturday beginning April 21 from 6 p.m. until late. Reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-ins are available at the bar on a first-come, first-served basis. The Playa Pig may be reserved for small parties and special events any day of the week.

The Playa Pig is located at 128 East Andrews Dr., NE in Atlanta. For more information, visit theblindpigparlourbar.com.

CARSON KITCHEN ANNOUNCES NEW CHEFS’ DINNER SERIES

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/8/22

Sister Location of Cory Harwell’s Popular Vegas Restaurant Launches Biweekly Ticketed Event Featuring Prix Fixe Five-Course Meal; First Dinner Set for Tuesday, April 12

 Carson Kitchen, the Alpharetta location of the Las Vegas restaurant destination from Woodstock, Georgia, native Cory Harwell, is pleased to announce a new Chefs’ Dinner series debuting Tuesday, April 12. This biweekly prix fixe event is a perfect showcase for the talents of the eatery’s new culinary team of executive chefs John Paul Burns and Jaime Sunga and sous chef Cullen Folks.

“We see these dinners as an exclusive peek into the minds of our fantastic team,” says Harwell. “Each carefully curated dinner serves as a great introduction to Carson Kitchen’s philosophy, our approach to reinterpreting and reinventing traditional dishes. I couldn’t be more excited for our friends in Alpharetta and the Atlanta area to get to know this extremely talented staff and experience their work for themselves.”

The menu and optional pairings for the first dinner in the series include:

  • First Course: Carrot and ancho soup made with heirloom carrots and fire-charred chili paired with Highclere Castle Gin French 75
  • Second Course: Grapefruit salad with frisée, goat cheese and Champagne vinaigrette paired with Avalon Napa Valley sauvignon blanc
  • Third Course: Crawfish cake with sea beans and lemon Cajun cream paired with Square, Plumb & Level pinot noir
  • Fourth Course: Rabbit Alfredo made with braised rabbit and truffle Alfredo paired with WhistlePig PiggyBack Rye old fashioned
  • Fifth Course: Strawberry All Over with ice cream and a waffle cone paired with Abita Strawberry lager

The five-course meal costs $60 per person; optional drink pairings are an additional $45. Tickets are available now for these exclusive events, and seating is limited. To purchase a ticket, call 770-696-1752 or email rachel@carsonkitchen.com. Save the date for future Chefs’ Dinners on April 26, May 10 and May 24.

BIGGERSTAFF BREWING FIRST LUAU

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/4/22

Sunday April 24, 2022, 1 pm – 4 pm  

An exclusive event bringing the island vibes to Edgewood. Come get lei’d with us. All your favorite beach music hits will be provided by @edgewoodheavy. The ticket price includes the following Hawaiian style buffet menu:

  • Whole Hogs with Tiki Teriyaki Glaze
  • White Rice, Mac n Cheese with Spam, Hawaiian Macaroni Salad
  • Pineapple Upside Down Cake
  • Plus two (2) adult beverages per person, from the event menu (must be 21+)

Tickets here.