Tag Archive for: visit sandy springs

ALL THINGS ARE MERRY AND BRIGHT AT THE ELEGANT ELF MARKETPLACE

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/24/24

Nov. 2-3 at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center

Annual Festive Fundraiser for Local Nonprofits hosted by the Sandy Springs Society:

Largest Ever with 100 Specially Curated Vendors

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Since 2011, the Sandy Springs Society has hosted The Elegant Elf Marketplace, a weekend long holiday market where funds are raised to directly benefit local nonprofits. The carefully curated selection of 100 local and regional small business owners and artisans provide shoppers with a unique selection of gift items and personal purchases including holiday décor, clothing and accessories for all ages, stunning home furnishings, delicious gourmet treats, hand-crafted items, and spectacular artistic creations.

The Elegant Elf Marketplace attracts shoppers from throughout the Southeast seeking to get an early start to holiday shopping, while supporting small businesses, and helping make an impact during the season of giving. The festive atmosphere has less stress and more community spirit than making purchases in malls or online. Whether looking for presents for family, friends or neighbors or stocking up for host and hostess gifts for holiday parties, teachers or clients and business associates, the wide variety of vendors at The Elegant Elf offer creative gifting solutions without the hassle of shipping and crazy parking lots at shopping centers.

This year, Sandy Springs Society Members will also be selling hand crafted bows in a variety of sizes to provide a special touch for gifts as well as home décor. 

There is a $8 entrance fee. Parking is complimentary for two hours in the parking garage. Children 10 and under are free.

For more information, visit https://sandyspringssociety.org/the-elegant-elf/ and follow on Facebook,  Instagram and Twitter.

The Sandy Springs Society, a charitable organization of women dedicated to improving the quality of life in Sandy Springs by supporting nonprofits that promote the arts, heritage, education, the environment and social services in Sandy Springs, Ga. To date, the Society has awarded grants of more than $5 million to almost 100 local nonprofits through its annual grants process.

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CULTIVATE CONNECTION + CURE CRAVINGS AT SOCIALBITES, A FOOD HUB DEBUTING IN SANDY SPRINGS – NOW OPEN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/10/24

Restaurant Space Reimagined With 4 Concepts, Interactive Entertainment, Full Bar + Event Space 


 SocialBites, a 6,000-square-foot innovative food hub, is set to debut in Sandy Springs off Roswell Road in late July. Imagine four incredible fast casual food brands under one roof, serving a variety of mouthwatering craveables, with a table service twist complemented by indoor/outdoor spaces, interactive decor, vibrant programming, a full bar and private event capabilities. SocialBites Sandy Springs is bringing together The Original Hot Chicken, INKED Tacos, Flametown Burgers, Pinsa Roman Pizza and BarSocial from the Experiential Brands portfolio to create a unique dining and interactive experience. That’s SocialBites – a new, soon-to-be go-to spot that is being transformed into a deliciously affordable hub of community connection.
 
At SocialBites, no one has to sacrifice their culinary desires to the larger group. Guests will satisfy their individual food cravings with multiple, reasonably priced restaurant options while spending more time connecting and less time navigating. Rather than separating to visit different food stalls for everyone to get what they want, SocialBites will offer four food concepts at one point of purchase or via kiosk for contactless ordering. Once the order is placed, guests grab a number, find a table, and food is delivered tableside with the convenience of a sit-down restaurant instead of everyone waiting counter side at different stalls.  Multiple restaurant offerings, counter service with one point of purchase, and tableside delivery are just part of what differentiates a SocialBites Food Hub from the typical dining experience.
 
“We wanted to create a place where it’s easy for families and friends to enjoy high-quality, craveable food while connecting with each other, without breaking the bank,” said Aziz Hashim, Founder/Principal of Experiential Brands. “SocialBites offers a variety of delicious food options, great prices, and a welcoming environment filled with fun programming and entertainment that you don’t need a ticket or pay an upcharge to enjoy.”
 
Cure your craving with these options at SocialBites: 

  • The Original Hot Chicken: Founded in Atlanta, GA, The Original Hot Chicken is known for its unique chicken tenders and sandos that are pickle-brined, southern-style, cornflake-rolled, and made-to-order at six different heat levels. Vegetarians and vegans can still enjoy the heat with Nashville-style Cauliflower Bites, and the restaurant will also offer a southwestern salad that can be topped with Nashville Hot Chicken or the Nashville-Style Cauliflower.
  • INKED Tacos: Born from a star-crossed love between culturally relevant American food and Mexican-inspired dishes, INKED Tacos is a Birria taqueria that will have guests addicted at first bite. Taco lovers can enjoy meat options like carne asada, grilled chicken, birria, and hot chicken or stick to vegetarian toppings – either way, INKED Tacos are full of flavor in every bite.
  • Flametown Burgers: Dig into the extraordinary at this burger and shake heaven originated in Atlanta, GA. Flametown Burgers offers made-to-order premium beef burgers in flavorful varieties, including candied jalapeno, queso bacon, and chipotle honey, paired with out-of-this-world sauces.
  • Pinsa Roman Pizza: Using the freshest ingredients and time-honored techniques, Pinsa Roman Pizza offers Roman-style pizza that’s healthy, artisanal, and simply irresistible. The menu features a classic Margherita, a mushroom pizza featuring portobello mushroom sauce and gruyere cheese, and a Nashville Hot Chicken-inspired pie.
  • BarSocial: In addition to the four food concepts on the main level, the second level will house BarSocial, a full bar serving craft cocktails, wine, beer, boozy milkshakes, and other libations. Expect classic cocktails like cosmopolitans, margaritas, martinis, Manhattans and more, all of which can be made as non-alcoholic beverages. BarSocial will feature clustered, lounge-style soft seating, and can also be transformed into a private event space featuring a separate entrance and upstairs covered outdoor patio.

SocialBites will also offer a separate Shareables menu with easy options for a group to split and enjoy, including family-sized nachos, Nashville Hot Chicken cauliflower bites, queso fries, and hand-battered onion rings. Dessert will also be available, with options like Grandma’s Banana Pudding and premium flavored milkshakes in flavors like chocolate, strawberry, and Oreo.
 
Beyond its culinary offerings, SocialBites encourages patrons to enrich the dining experience by cultivating connection through social activities, including life-sized versions of classic games like Connect 4, massive thought bubbles on walls with letters available for people to create their own messages, trivia nights, bingo, and live music. Additionally, the interior of the space will include two large screens, primarily used for occasions like the Olympics and Atlanta sporting events.
 
The Food Hub will also feature three patios, two on the main level and one upstairs, exclusive for BarSocial. The front patio will feature turf, Adirondack-style chairs, and a cornhole board, and the upper-level BarSocial patio, where guests will often be able to enjoy live music along with their libations.
 
SocialBites represents a new era in the dining space, as the concept is the solution for a formerly vacant large restaurant being converted into a Food Hub. Rather than leaving a closed restaurant with a perfectly functioning kitchen to sit vacant and constructing an entirely new building, SocialBites follows a model that encourages the reutilization of already existing spaces and transforms them into something new, innovative, and attractive to diners in the area. The building set to become SocialBites, located at 6650 Roswell Rd Ste 100, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, closed on Thursday, July 4 to officially convert the interior into that of a SocialBites Food Hub. SocialBites will then officially open later in July.
 
For more information about SocialBites, visit www.gosocialbites.com and follow along on Instagram and Facebook.

FOOD THE ROCKS 2023

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/10/23

Tickets are Officially on Sale for Food That Rocks, Presented by Taste of Atlanta All-inclusive Eatertainment Event Returns June 8 Showcasing Sandy Springs’ Delicious Culinary

Communities, Wine, Beer, Craft Cocktails, Live Music and More

Tickets are officially on sale for the eighth annual Food That Rocks, presented by Taste of Atlanta, Visit Sandy Springs, and the City of Sandy Springs. The carefully curated gourmet gathering takes place on Thursday, June 8, 2023. Recognized as Sandy Springs’ premier food and drink tasting event, Food That Rocks brings an incredible energy to City Green at City Springs for one-night only where attendees will sip, savor and celebrate the community’s vibrant culinary scene. A treat for your tastebuds, this “ultimate eatertainment experience” features unlimited tastes of mouth-watering food from 25+ of Sandy Springs’ best restaurants, a decadent dessert bar, wine, beer & craft cocktails, live music and an array of interactive experiences.

Tickets for Food That Rocks are all-inclusive, providing an all-access foodie fest full of craveable bites and beverage tastings for adults 21+. General Admission and VIP Tickets are now available and can be purchased at FoodThatRocks.org. VIP ticket holders get early access to Food That Rocks from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., a special welcome cocktail and VIP goody bag (one per household) and cost $125 per ticket. General admission is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. and tickets cost $85 per person. Advance ticket purchase is highly recommended as tickets typically sell out prior to the event. Group ticket packages are also available at an exclusive special rate, contact Tickets@TasteofAtlanta.com to inquire.

“I’m incredibly proud of Sandy Springs’ growing restaurant scene. There’s always something new to check out along with favorite spots to re-visit. If you’re having trouble picking one restaurant over another, Food That Rocks lets you sample from some of the City’s most popular dining destinations all in one night,” says Rusty Paul, Mayor of Sandy Springs.


FOOD THAT ROCKS HIGHLIGHTS
• One Night Only, 7-10 p.m.; VIP Early Access 6-7 p.m.
• Eat and greet with local chefs
• Bottomless tastes of a variety beer, wine and craft cocktails
• Unlimited signature bites from 25+ of Sandy Springs best restaurants and top chefs
• Live music by The Geek Squad, cooking demonstrations, plus other exciting entertainment


PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS
• Big B’s Fish Joint
• Breadwinner Café
• Brooklyn Café
• Chef Rob’s Caribbean Café
• CityBar.
• City Barbeque
• Colonial Kitchen & Bar
• Da Vinci’s Donuts
• The General Muir
• Gus’ World-Famous Fried Chicken
• Hearth Pizza Tavern

• il Giallo Osteria & Bar
• McDaniel’s QN2
• Nothing Bundt Cake
• Nowak’s
• SabaRaba’s
• The Select Restaurant + Bar
• Southern Bistro
• Tailgate Taqueria + Bar
• Tupelo Honey
• Under the Cork Tree
• Yalda


*Check Food That Rocks’ website often for most up-to-date restaurant list


“We are thrilled to bring Food That Rocks back to City Springs for the eighth year. This year we will take over City Green for one night only. Our mission is to provide a true eatertainment experience for attendees and unite the community with the amazing Sandy Springs’ chefs and restaurants. It is a wonderful way for people to try new restaurants and revisit old favorites, all in one location and for one ticket price. We promise that the event will truly be a one-of-a-kind culinary celebration,” says Dale DeSena, Founder of Food That Rocks and Taste of Atlanta.

Event goers will eat their music loving hearts out with live tunes from a violinist and popular Atlanta band, The Geek Squad, a lively group is an energetic, get-up-and-dance band, performing all the best Motown, jazz, funk, hip-hop, and Top 40 Hits. In addition to musical talent, Food That Rocks features one jam-packed evening of other captivating entertainment including live cooking demonstrations by some of Sandy Springs’ rockstar chefs, a tarot card reader, caricature artist, 360 photobooth and more. Attendees will have the opportunity to vote on their favorite food and drink at the event. One restaurant will be deemed “best taste” and one drink tasting will take home the “best beverage” and go down as this year’s Food That Rocks crowd- selected favorites. With community connection always in mind, Food That Rocks is a true party with a purpose providing attendees a way to contribute to several area non-profits including Community Assistance Center, The Giving Kitchen, Second Helpings Atlanta, and Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities.

CITY SPRINGS THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2023-2024 SEASON

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/10/23

Fiddler on the Roof, White Christmas, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast and Legally Blonde The Musical

City Springs Theatre Company  (CTSC)is delighted to announce the productions for its 2023-2024 season. Coming to the Byers Theatre at City Springs will be Fiddler on the Roof, White Christmas, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast and Legally Blonde The Musical.

Specifically curated by CTSC patrons, based on a seasonal survey, the productions were selected to showcase the wide range of musicals for which the Company is known. Season subscriptions are now available, which can save as much as $40+ off individual ticket prices when purchasing tickets for all four shows. Subscription information may be found at:  www.cityspringstheatre.com/subscribe.

Note: Subscribers enjoy the exclusive benefit of complimentary ticket exchanges when they need to move their seats to a different performance.

Fiddler on the Roof, based on the book by Joseph Stein, with music by Jerry Bock and lyrics by Sheldon Harnick, will take place Oct. 6-22, 2023. Winning nine Tony Awards when it debuted in 1964, this classic has touched audiences worldwide with its humor, warmth and honesty. Set in the remote village of Anatevka, the story centers on Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters. With the help of a colorful and tight-knit Jewish community, Tevye tries to protect his daughters and instill in them traditional values in the face of changing social mores and the growing anti-Semitism of Czarist Russia.

Based on the classic Paramount Pictures 1954, White Christmas will play Dec. 8-24, 2023, bringing the timeless music and lyrics of Irving Berlin and the book by David Ives and Paul Blake to the stage. The holiday favorite shares the story of WWII veterans Bob Wallace and Phil Davis and their successful vaudeville routines. With romance in mind, the two follow a duo of beautifulsinging sisters en route to their Christmas show at a Vermont lodge, whichjust happens to be owned by the duo’s former army commander. With adazzling score featuring well-known standards including “Blue Skies,” “I Lovea Piano,” “How Deep Is the Ocean,” and the perennial title song, White Christmas is an uplifting, holiday production that will delight audiences of all ages. 

Inspired by the fairy tale and ground-breaking Academy Award-winning animated film, Disney’s Beauty & the Beast roars into Sandy Springs March 8-24, 2023. With music by Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman & Tim Rice and the book by Linda Woolverton, this beloved tale takes the audience into the enchanted world of Belle, Gaston, Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, and all of the mesmerizing cast of characters as they adventure into a “tale as old as time.” Winning three Tony awards, including Best Costume Design, and running for more than thirteen years on Broadway, Beauty & the Beast became the catalyst for a burst of Disney musical mega-hits, including The Lion King, Newsies, and Aladdin.  This production is captivating with not only its characters and choreography, but also its unforgettable songs including “Be Our Guest,” “Human Again,” and the Oscar-winning title tune, “Beauty & the Beast.”

And finally, City Springs Theatre Company closes the season with the fabulously fun Legally Blonde The Musical, runningMay 3-19, 2024. Based on the adored film starring Reese Witherspoon with the book by Heather Hach and music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe & Nell Benjamin, this musical follows the transformation of lawyer-to-be Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes and scandal in pursuit of her dreams. Action-packed and exploding with memorable songs and dynamic dances, this musical won three Laurence Olivier Awards when it premiered in London’s West End, including Best New Musical in 2010.

“We can’t wait to bring this season to life! Based on input from our patrons, this season will showcase a variety of genres, including classics, newer productions, family productions and those that will have the audience wanting to sing along!” shared City Springs Theatre Company’s Executive Director Natalie DeLancey. “As with all of our productions, we’ll be casting on both a local and national level to ensure that we find the best talent and have the highest quality productions. We’re truly delighted to have audiences be our guests for a fantastic season.”

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.cityspringstheatre.com.

CAST ANNOUNCED FOR MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT BY CITY SPRINGS THEATRE COMPANY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/15/23

Acclaimed Cast “Springs” Into Byers Theatre for Opening “Knight,” March 10

Sandy Springs, GA, – City Springs Theatre Company (CSTC) has brought together a cast of acclaimed musical performance and comedic actors for MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT, presented by PNC Financial Services, its first production of 2023. The Tony Award® winning, riotous romp through the world of Monty Python will be performed March 10-26, 2023, in the Byers Theatre at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center (1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs).

The cast includes Broadway veterans David Rossetti (Broadway: Annie) as the not-so-brave Sir Robin, Billy Harrigan Tighe (Broadway: The Book of Mormon, Pippin) as Sir Galahad, and Kristine Reese (Broadway: Les Misérables) as the Lady of the Lake, and stars local favorite and City Springs Theatre Company regular Googie Uterhardt in the lead role of King Arthur.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT also features Nick Walker-Jones as Sir Lancelot, Roberto Mendez as Patsy, Kyle Robert Garder as Sir Bedevere, and Tyler Pirrung as The Historian.

Cast members also include Grace Arnold, Danny Iktomi-Bevens, Tecia Chavez, Emmanuel Cologne, Leigh Ellen Jones, Imani Joseph, Emmanuel Kikoni, Paige McCormick, Robert Millerick, Hamilton Moore, Ryley Perry, and Charles Pruitt.

“Lovingly ripped off” from the 1975 classic comedy film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT hilariously retells the legend of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table in their search for the elusive Holy Grail, and how they “always look on the bright side of life.”Assisted in their journey by the glamorous Lady of the Lake, the knights sing and dance their way through medieval England, where they encounter cows, chorus girls, a killer rabbit, and assorted Frenchmen. With the book and lyrics written by Monty Python member Eric Idle and music by John Du Prez, the original 2005 Broadway production won three Tony Awards®, including Best Musical.

Lauded for being “resplendently silly” by the New York Times and as “a big, crowd-pleasing Broadway musical comedy” by Newsday, MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT led Variety to applaud that “the irreverent Arthurian romp’s brash, lunatic spirit is impossible to ignore and almost as hard to resist,” and The Telegraph to pronounce, “I suppose there are a few people who won’t enjoy ‘Spamalot.’ The chronically depressed, the criminally insane and the snootier drama critics may find it hard to raise a smile. The loss is all theirs, however, and I suspect everyone else will have an absolute ball.”

“Monty Python has been bringing laughter and delight to audiences for generations,” said Artistic Director Shuler Hensley. “We’re thrilled to have an incredible, entirely local cast with Broadway and National Tour experience, as well as some that have been a part of past City Springs Theatre Company productions. It’s a delightful way to kick off 2023 and guaranteed to be an incredible evening of fun and laughter for all patrons.”

Bringing together the City Springs Theatre Company’s first musical of 2023 is the creative team of Shane DeLancey (Director), Greg Matteson (Music Director), Liz LeGrande (Choreographer), John Clanton (Vocal Director), Dalton Hamilton (Lighting Designer), and Anthony Narcisso (Sound Designer). Set, costumes, and props provided by 3-D Theatricals. This production is stage managed by Shay Holihan.

All performances are held at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center’s Byers Theatre at 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs.

MONTY PYTHON’S SPAMALOT is included in current subscriber season packages. Individual tickets range from $37-$100 with discounts for seniors, students, groups, and active and retired military personnel, and are on sale now. Visit www.CitySpringsTheatre.com or call 404-477-4365 for more information. Two-show season subscription packages are also available for sale now that include the May performances of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s CATS.

Performance Schedule

Friday, March 10 | 8:00pm

Saturday, March 11 | 2:00pm & 8:00pm

Sunday, March 12 | 2:00pm

Thursday, March 16| 8:00pm

Friday, March 17 | 8:00pm

Saturday, March 18 | 2:00pm & 8:00pm

Sunday, March 19 | 2:00pm

Thursday, March 23 | 8:00pm

Friday, March 24 | 8:00pm

Saturday, March 25 | 2:00pm & 8:00pm

Sunday, March 26 | 2:00pm

About City Springs Theatre Company:

City Springs Theatre Company is dedicated to entertaining, educating, and enriching lives by creating world-class theatre experiences and innovative arts education that drive cultural richness and economic vitality. Through Broadway-style musical theatre featuring regional and national artists, creating a broad range of arts education programs for the enrichment of the community, and providing entertaining and inspiring productions for diverse audiences, City Springs Theatre Company establishes Sandy Springs as a growing cultural center. City Springs Theatre Company is a 501(c)(3) non-profit cultural organization.

For tickets and information call 404-477-4365 or visit www.CitySpringsTheatre.com.