Excellence Playa Mujeres

Isn't it always so tragic to come home after vacation? It already feels like a million years ago that I was lounging poolside at the Excellence Playa Mujeres. Fortunately even a week later I'm still enjoying the residual mellowness of five days of frozen cocktails and sunshine. Sigh...

Those who know me well know that I'm a hard core travel junkie and love getting knee deep in travel arrangements and research. But last time I tried to plan a tropical getaway, that was a liability. There are simply too many islands and too many fabulous resorts to properly research, and once I went down that rabbit hole I was frozen with indecision. 

This time I decided to just pick the first resort that had good prices, direct flights and great trip advisor reviews. Turns out that's easier said than done, so I was thrilled to find The Excellence Playa Mujeres met all three requirements.

Rarely have I ever found a hotel that had such universally great reviews, and after experiencing it for myself, I think it's merited. Last time my honey and I planned a tropical trip, we were snobs about all-inclusives. Since we're intrepid travelers, we thought all-inclusives were for lazy Americans too fearful to experience the real culture.

After a pleasant but not all that luxurious jaunt to the Semana peninsula in Dominican Republic, complete with epic mosquitos and a near-death experience with a moped-driving local, we came to the conclusion that while we're all about authenticity in destinations like Morocco or Argentina, on a tropical vacation, a little American-style pampering isn't a bad thing!

We arrived to the Excellence to find a gorgeous resort, resplendent with turquoise pools, a well groomed beach, peaceful palapas, and a bounty of nine different all-inclusive restaurants.Greeted with a smile and a glass of champagne, we couldn't wait to explore! 

What we had so missed out on during our previous trip was the ever-important role service plays. This is where Excellence excels. The staff is truly eager to address and even anticipate your every need. When they heard it was our birthdays, they arranged for balloons, a cake and a bottle of Mexico's finest bubbly (who knew?!) to show up in our room.

A birthday treat for us

Each day we took our perch at a different spot around the pool and were taken care of by a waiter plying us with frozen delights like the banana mama or the dirty monkey. Too lazy to even make a proper decision when it came to drinking, I'd say something like - ooh, something with Kahlua and not too sweet, and mere moments later I'd be slurping down some tropical treat always tailored to my specifications. Is there a 12-step program for banana mama's? If so, I'm checking Mr. AT in stat.

Who knew Mexican sparkling existed?

On our first day, we were starving for guacamole and chips but the kitchen wasn't open yet. As soon as it was 12, our waiter remembered our hours earlier order, and brought us the food and our 5th cocktails of the day (what else are you supposed to do while waiting for guac?) It's just that kind of place.

I would be remiss to ignore the relative mediocrity of the food. The major draw back to an all-inclusive is that the food is more plentiful than delicious. Fortunately with so many dining choices, we could at least try out something new every night, even if we were never wowed. Not surprisingly I'm kind of tough to please with food, so I imagine that most people would find the food more than adequate.

I would have given anything for some Buford Highway quality authentic Mexican, but Excellence is playing to the masses and kept things much more middle-American friendly (read: not a truly spicy or authentic dish in sight). Somehow though, the blandness didn't mean we ate less. There's just something about food being free that makes me want to have a bite of everything.

Fortunately we were given the good advice to save the French restaurant, Chez Isabelle, for our birthdays, and were treated there to a table festooned with balloons and surprisingly good steak, venison, and duck dishes. It all felt rather Epcot, but so what? They were gracious, the setting was indeed lovely, and we didn't have to get out our wallets after a day of sunning ourselves. I go on many of my vacations for the sake of great food, but in this case, luxurious environs, service and sun were much more my focus.

Surprisingly enough, the Indian spot was our other favorite and what little Mexican food we tried there, including the quesadillas, was shockingly bad. But being able to order anything else you wanted at any time, took the edge off that. Heck Mr. AT just loved taking M&M's from the minibar without incurring extra costs. It's the simple pleasures, right? And despite so-so food, the cocktails were fruity, cold and plentiful, which has a way of making you forget any other complaints!

All in all, I can't recommend Excellence Playa Mujeres highly enough. When you're not sunning, boozing or eating, there's live music and nightly shows ready to entertain and exceed expectations, and there are plenty of active pursuits for those less lazy than us. Be sure to check out Expedia for great flight/hotel packages!

Want a little slice of Excellence right now? Check out this recipe to make a Dirty Monkey at home.

Open That Bottle Night: Saturday, February 26

Few people give any thought to corkage fees, but if you have a nice wine collection and want to save some money, it's hard to beat bringing your own bottle to dinner.

Well rejoice, for at least one night - tomorrow (Saturday, February 26) people across America will be celebrating Open That Bottle Night by gathering with family and friends to uncork that extraordinary bottle of wine that has been saved for special occasions. Some of city’s top restaurants are making it easy for Atlantans to enjoy their favorite bottle by waiving corkage fees in honor of this holiday.

Open That Bottle Night was created by Dorothy J. Gaiter and John Brecher in the year 2000, and it has been celebrated every year since then. For more information and ideas for ways to celebrate, visit www.openthatbottlenight.com.

Spice Market will participate from tomorrow through Sunday, March 6. You don't even have to wait for a special occasion at Pacci. It has no corkage every night. Find other no corkage fee restaurants at www.gobyo.com. According to the site, other free options include Murphy's, Two Urban Licks, Miso Izakaya and Antico Pizza. I can't guarantee it's still the case, but when I visited the hotter than hot Local 3 a few weeks back, they also had no corkage fee.

Wine is meant to be enjoyed, so don't let that special bottle languish collecting dust in your basement (especially if you aren't storing it properly!) - go and enjoy tomorrow night!

Google Comes to the Aid of Cooks Everywhere

As the resident tech guru in the AT household (and for that matter, the de facto tech support guy for the entire extended family), I thought it only appropriate to post news of Google's latest search tool: recipe search. 

We've probably all used Google to find a good recipe for chicken tikka masala, and I know that whenever I'm trying to subtitute out ingredients or convert mesurements, Google is my first stop.  Now Google has made it even easier to figure out what to eat for dinner, particularly when you don't want to run out to the grocery store.

Simply enter a dish or an ingredient into Google, click "Recipe" on the left side and then narrow down your results by checking the boxes for ingredients, cooking time and calories.

Between my Gmail account, Android phone, Chrome web browser and daily web surfing via Google Reader, Google has my attention for the better portion of the day.  Now they've got me locked in for dinner too.

Atlanta Mardi Gras Dining

Not up for New Orleans' annual bacchanal of booze, boobs and beads? It's OK you can celebrate in much calmer environs without leaving the good ol' ATL.

El Taco
Nawlins isn't the only place celebrating. El Taco gets in on the action Brazilian Carnivale style.
In addition to their regular menu, they'll be featuring delicious Brazilian-inspired special dishes March 2-6. Options include Taco de Lomitos (roasted pork bits with white beans and chiles), Barbacoa slow roasted beef brisket, and flan de coco (baked coconut custard, macaroon and passion fruit)

Parish
On Saturday, March 5, celebrate and enjoy live music, compliments of Charlie Wooten and Zydefunk  as well as all the authentic Crescent City staples you can think of from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Ticket cost is $40 and includes all you can eat crawfish, New Orleans sandwiches, whole roasted pig, red beans and rice, house made king cake AND all you can drink Abita beer. There will also be additional cash bar items…oysters, Whynatte Shots, “Mardi Gras Lemonade,” and Bloody Mary’s.

Ruth's Chris
Embracing its New Orleans heritage, Ruth’s Chris in Centennial Park, Kennesaw and Sandy Springs will offer festive dishes including classic jambalaya and carpetbagger’s steak from Thursday, February 24 through Thursday, March 10.

Guests can enjoy the succulent crabmeat au gratin appetizer featuring fresh lump crabmeat in a savory, creamy three-cheese sauce. Entrée selections include Ruth’s Chris’ signature oven-roasted chicken breast with jambalaya, a Creole rice favorite with shrimp, sausage, tomatoes and Creole seasonings and a carpetbagger’s steak, the Big Easy’s answer to surf and turf with a sizzling filet stuffed with premium fried oysters and topped with béarnaise sauce. Ruth’s Chris in Sandy Springs and Centennial Park also will offer blackened redfish with shrimp ya ya, a New Orleans classic with seared seasoned redfish accompanied by a pair of colossal shrimp in a garlic tomato cream sauce and white chocolate bread pudding topped with buttermilk caramel sauce and fresh raspberries.

South City Kitchen
SCK Vinings kicks everything off with an old-fashioned crawfish boil on Monday, February 28 from 6:30-8pm for $25/person. Feast on fresh Louisiana crawfish with the usual fixings: red potatoes, corn-on-the-cob and andouille sausage. They'll also have a special Hurricane cocktail and $3 Sweetwater and Miller Light drafts to wash it all down. Tickets are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/158371.

Then, they'll feature the Taste of New Orleans dinner menu at both locations running Tuesday, March 1 through Tuesday, March 8. The 3-course $32/per person (plus tax and gratuity) prix fixe menu will be available in addition to the regular menu and features classic favorites with a sophisticated South City Kitchen spin. For reservations, call 404.873.7358 (Midtown), 770.435.0700 (Vinings) or visit www.southcitykitchen.com.

Happy birthday to me (and Mr. AT!)

Woot, woot, it's my birthday and believe it or not Mr. AT's, too! Yes that's right these two love birds aren't star crossed at all, we share Feb. 20 as a birthday.

By the time you read this we should be bronzed (well at least as bronzed as an ultra pale gal like me can get), sipping one of many frosty beverages and enjoying some Mexican all-inclusive hospitality. Aw yeah!

See you on the flip side!

Want your own fiesta in the meantime? Check out these Mexican dishes from the Adventurous Tastes archives:

Black Bean Tacos and Mexican Corn

Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas

Tacos de Carnitas

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

Vote for Food & Wine's Best New Chef 2011

Food & Wine and CNN's Eatocracy are teaming up to let the public vote for Best New Chef. Several Atlanta up and comers are nominated so be sure to support the Atlanta dining scene by voting!

See the full scoop below!

Since 1998, the editors of Food & Wine have feasted their way from coast to coast, seeking out 10 innovative chefs, each with a distinctive vision, creating exceptionally delicious food. They've bestowed upon these shining stars the title of Best New Chef. This year, the dining public has a say.


In each of the ten designated regions of the country, you - yes, YOU - may vote for the chef whose restaurant has most significantly stirred your soul and your palate. The winner of the The People's Best New Chef 2011 will be the subject of a profile in the July issue of Food & Wine and will no doubt hold you in tremendous gratitude and esteem until the end of time.

Food & Wine requests you only vote for chefs whose restaurants you've actually visited, so the "chef" part of The People's Best New Chef 2011 actually means something. Read more about the chefs at Food & Wine. Vote on CNN's Eatocracy - here.

The full list of nominees courtesy of Food & Wine:

The Reynolds Group

Joshua Hopkins
Abbatoir - Atlanta, GA

Why he’s amazing: Because his meat-centric cuisine elevates every part of the animal, like in his beef tripe with beef bacon and hominy in cilantro-lime broth.

Fredrik Brauer

Kevin Gillespie
Woodfire Grill - Atlanta, GA

Cooking philosophy: “We tell the suppliers to bring us whatever is best, and then we write the menu from there. It’s like a jigsaw puzzle.”

Sara Dorio

Ryan Smith
Empire State South - Atlanta, GA

Changing menu: The original concept was meat-and-three, where diners chose their sides; Smith changed the menu to reflect the sides and pairings he thought were best for the mains. (But diners are welcome to make substitutions.)

Kelly Blackmon

Steven Satterfield
Miller Union - Atlanta, GA

Secret ingredient: Nutmeg. “I use it in a lot of things where most people use black pepper.”

Courtesy of Green Olive Media

Billy Allin
Cakes & Ale - Decatur, GA

Why he’s amazing: Because his unpretentious food reveals a mastery of flavors and execution even in the most humble offerings, like deviled eggs.

Courtesy of Kalu

Bryan Emperor
Kalu - Charlotte, NC

Why he’s amazing: Because he used his time abroad to learn the fundamentals of making impeccable, non-Westernized Asian food.

Courtesy of Panciuto

Aaron Vandemark
Panciuto - Hillsborough, NC

On challenging diners’ tastes: “We do a duck-and-chestnut ravioli in a liver sauce. Sometimes that’s a really hard sell, so I’ll be stubborn and leave it on the menu, because I know it’s good. At a certain point, either my spirit’s broken or it clicks.”

Courtesy of Sweet Grass

Ryan Trimm
Sweet Grass - Memphis, TN

Inspiration: His grandmother, a first generation Italian-American who cooked everything from scratch.

Courtesy of City House

Tandy Wilson
City House - Nashville, TN

Volunteer work: Wilson coordinated the feeding of victims of Nashville’s flood last year and worked with local chefs to raise funds with charity dinners.

Beall and Thomas Photography

Joseph Lenn
The Barn at Blackberry Farm - Walland, TN

Kitchen must-have: A mandoline. “Every single cook that works with me has one at his station.”

Sunday Alcohol Sales in Georgia

Photo Credit: David

I have long thought Georgia's blue laws were dumb as can be. I can sit at home and be a godless drunken heathen whether I can buy a six pack at Kroger on a Sunday or not, so why on earth are legislators bothering to restrict my shopping? I am no Biblical scholar, but I'm reasonably certain that Jesus did not have a specific stance on which days were acceptable for alcohol purchase at grocery and package stores.

Now if lobbies with a business interest want to argue on this topic, I can at least respect that they have a legitimate interest in protecting their bottom line, but a religious argument? I just don't get it. Mind you even today we can buy booze in restaurants, bars and ballparks on Sundays, so I don't even understand the inconsistency of the conservative stance on this issue.

As of late there's finally been some buzz that Governor Deal was ready to play ball and allow local areas to vote on Sunday sales. Atlanta, of course, would almost certainly allow it. Ending our reign as one of only three states in the country with a complete black out on Sunday sales.

And now I read that Conservative Christians may cajole Republicans into voting against this bill. Seriously? I'm of legal age. I can stockpile all the booze I want Monday-Saturday, and even Jesus was down with turning water into wine, so I politely request that legislators butt out of my life and let Atlanta decide for itself if we want to buy hooch on Sundays. That is all.

Read more about this immensely ridiculous situation in the AJC

Buckhead Restaurant Week: Feb. 26- Mar. 6

Hello all you love birds and happy singletons, it's that time again - Buckhead Restaurant Week! Get your nosh on at the likes of Aria, Davio's, Kyma, La Fourchette, Market, Nava, or Pricci. You know the drill by now—for a mere $25 or $35 per person you get a 3-course prix fixe meal. Considering the typical price tags at some of these restaurants, this is a pretty darn good deal!

Some don't miss dishes:

Zinfandel braised short ribs at Aria
Whole grilled fish for two at Kyma
Rosemary cheese fritters at La Fourchette
Coconut sundae at Tuk Tuk
Chestnut mascarpone tart at Pricci.

I have not tried any of these dishes, but they sound good, right? This deal is the perfect chance to check out some new spots!

For the complete list of restaurants and menus, go to - http://www.brwatlanta.com/

Revisiting Ra Sushi

It had been over a year since I first checked out Midtown's Ra Sushi, and on a quest to test out new menu items (courtesy of the lovely ladies at Melissa Libby), I returned last weekend. Ra was bumpin' on a Friday night - complete with low lighting, thumping music, and a crowd that looked ready to party. Actually the family next to us with two toddlers looked a bit out of place, but my theory is that you can't hear babies crying in a place like this, so it's kind of a perfect place to bring your kids!

No longer in our Friday night party phase, Mr. AT and I were content to sit in our little upstairs corner and sample the goods. We started with a shishito pepper appetizer, which was truly fantastic. They were charred and just the right amount of spicy.  Utterly addictive and definitely something I'd order again.

Shishito peppers

We also tried two new sushi rolls - the Tropical Roll with cucumber, mango, avocado, spinach tempura bits, spicy shrimp and masago and mango salsa and the Pacific Roll, a spicy mix of albacore tuna, cilantro, jalapeño, cucumber, fresh avocado, mango salsa, red beet tempura bits and sautéed cashew nuts. (Wow that's a mouthful in more than one way!).

Upon reviewing the descriptions, they do sound a bit "kitchen-sinky" but to eat they were both surprisingly light relative to the mayo heavy rolls that are the norm at trendy sushi joints. Given they were both tropical, I found them somewhat hard to distinguish, but either would make for a solid order.

Pacific roll

I couldn't resist the siren call of the Hot Mess, the sushi dish that blew my mind last time around. It's still the same to-die-for combination of hot crispy rice, creamy crab, and spicy jalapeno. I know sushi purists will shudder at the idea, but if it tastes this damn good, I don't care if it's authentic.

We finished things up with a coconut creme brulee, which was a  rather sophisticated ending to a trendy meal. I caught flack later that night from a friend who heard I'd eaten there and inquired how my orange mayo sushi tasted, and I was pleased to tell him there was nary a drop of mayo in sight during my meal. Ra and my favorite authentic sushi spot, Sushi House Hayawaka, have little in common, but that doesn't mean I can't enjoy both of them. To me, Ra is a sexy scene, and they're creative menu has some surprising highlights. Don't miss those peppers or the Hot Mess!

Want to eat on the cheap? Check out their Happy Hour M-S from 3-7.

Ra Sushi
1080 Peachtree St NE 
Atlanta, Georgia 30309

Tour of Kitchens March 19 and 20th

From my kitchen decorating inspiration file

When I'm not obsessing over food, I'm actually equally obsessing over home decor. My two loves come together at the Junior League of Atlanta's Tour of Kitchens, March 19 from 10-4 and March 20 from 11 to 5.

Not only will you get to enjoy this self guided peek into some of Atlanta's most beautiful kitchens, but you'll also encounter Atlanta chefs and demos. The tour encompasses Buckhead, Ansley Park, Morningside, Sandy Springs and Dunwoody and is certain to inspire anyone looking to renovate, rejuvinate or fantasize about a designer kitchen.

Chefs participating in demos include Chef Scott Serpas (Serpas), Jay Swift (4th and Swift), Hugh Acheson (Empire State South), Jason Hill (Wisteria) and Joe Truex (Watershed). Not a bad line up! 

The annual kickoff part, Toast of the Tour, will take place on Thursday, March 3 at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center in Peachtree Hills. The event features nibbles, signature cocktails and a silent auction complete with appearances from Chef Linton Hopkins (Eugene and H&F) and mixologist Jerry Slater (H. Harper Station)

Advance tickets are $25 and are good for both days, and a limited number of day-of tickets are $35. tickets to the Toast party are $45 and must be arranged in advance. For tickets or info, visit here or call 678-916-3100.

An Evening in Kerala: Indian feast on Feb. 18

I first heard about Spice Route Supper Club a while back when other foodies started raving about this underground Indian feasts. Now comes word that Spice Route is partnering with Dinner Party Atlanta (the fellows from Top Flr and Sound Table) for An Evening in Kerala on February 18.

This event will be a feast of the first order - enjoy 21 courses of Asha Gomez's vegetarian Indian fare, as well as traditional dance and entertainment. The event will take place in the old Macy's space downtown. I for one would be there with bells on if I weren't going to be celebrating my birthday south of the border!

Seating is limited so act quickly. Find out more about Kerala cuisine from the Spice Route founder herself:

SRSC | Kerala in Atlanta from Proper Medium on Vimeo.

The details:

WHO:              Spice Route Supper Club and Dinner Party Atlanta

WHAT:           Two of the most unique supper club experiences in Atlanta are partnering to bring guests a traditional 21-course vegetarian meal (called Sadya) inspired by the spices of Kerala, India, and accompanied by traditional Kerala dance, music and storytelling. The meal will be prepared by Kerala native Asha Gomez, and the evening will feature traditional entertainment, cuisine and refreshments from this lush tropical state on the southern coast of India. For this special cultural event, the space at 200 Peachtree will be transformed into an enchanting, tropical hamlet that will remind guests of an ancient land where myth, magic and cuisine combine to create a truly unforgettable experience.  In keeping with the authenticity of the Sadya event, guests will eat with their hands on traditional banana leaves while seated on floor cushions. Comfortable clothing is recommended.  Tickets cost $100 per person and can be purchased online atwww.aneveninginkerala.com.  

A portion of the proceeds from this event will be donated to Raksha, which is a Georgia-based non-profit organization that promotes a stronger and healthier South Asian community through free and confidential direct services, education and advocacy.

WHEN:           Friday, February 18, 2011

Refreshments will be served at 8 p.m., and dinner will be served at 9 p.m.

                    
WHERE:       The Grand Atrium at 200 Peachtree

200 Peachtree Street
Atlanta, Georgia 30303

                                   

Farro Salad with Fried Cauliflower

Long ago, I'd found a recipe for Farro Salad with Fried Cauliflower that caught my attention. I honestly didn't know what farro tasted like, but having been obsessed with crispy fried cauliflower served at a little pita shop near my old NY hood, I couldn't resist the siren call of that unheralded veggie. Alas, I couldn't find farro anywhere.

So it got filed away in the dark vault of recipes I'll never try, and I forgot about it. That is until I stumbled onto a giant bag of farro at the Brookhaven Costco the other day. That's what passes for excitement for me these days, so suffice it to say I was rather pleased to dust off the languishing recipe and give it a go.

Turns out it was worth the wait. Not only is it super easy and quick to make, but it's packed with fresh flavors of herbs and lemon, combined with the al dente chewiness of the farro, the crispy fried perfection of cauliflower and the fatty joys of prosciutto. A veritable taste explosion!

Seriously, though, I loved that it was light but satisfying, and if you aren't familiar with the wonders of fried cauliflower, allow me to introduce you. An otherwise bland veggie becomes a gorgeous melding of golden crunch when introduced to a sizzling pan of oil. It's utterly addictive!

And best of all, it held up well the following day and made for great cold leftovers. What more can you ask for?

Farro Salad with Fried Cauliflower
Food and Wine 
Recipe by Ethan Stowell
 

Ingredients

1. 1 pound farro, rinsed and drained
2. 2 carrots, halved crosswise
3. 1 small onion, halved
4. 1 celery rib, halved crosswise
5. 2 garlic cloves, crushed
6. 1 bay leaf
7. Canola oil, for frying
8. 2 large heads of cauliflower (2 1/2 pounds each), cut into 1-inch florets
9. 1/2 pound prosciutto, sliced 1/4 inch thick and cut into 1/4-inch dice
10. 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
11. 5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
12. 1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
13. 2 teaspoons chopped marjoram
14. Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Directions

1. In a large saucepan, combine the farro, carrots, onion, celery, garlic and bay leaf. Add enough cold water to cover the farro by 1 inch and bring to a simmer over high heat. Reduce the heat to moderate and cook until the farro is tender but chewy, 15 minutes; drain. Spread the farro on a rimmed baking sheet to cool. Discard the carrots, onion, celery, garlic and bay leaf.
2. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat 1 inch of canola oil over moderately high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 350°. Fry the cauliflower in batches until golden, 5 minutes per batch; drain.
3. In a bowl, mix the farro, cauliflower, prosciutto, olive oil, lemon juice and herbs. Season with salt and pepper and serve.

Yogurty Valentine's Fun

As if I haven't already inundated you with Valentine's options, here's another one. If you live near Pinkberry's two new Marietta locations, you can get your sweetie a yogurt Valentine. Yogurt seems to have jumped the shark as of late, but Pinkberry is the retailer who started the craze for slightly sour yogurt treats so I still have a soft spot for them.

Here's the scoop (see what I did there?!):

 Swirly Grams will be available in three Valentine’s-themed combinations of yogurt and toppings in specially designed Valentine’s packaging complete with a hand-written note that says, “You make my heart swirl.”  Available at any Pinkberry location, Swirly Grams will be delivered between Friday, February 11 and Monday, February 14.  In-store Swirly Gram package options include:

·         Take Me Home: One Take Home (serves four to six people) with two toppings for $20 includes a hand written Valentine’s Day card, decorative wrapping and delivery. 

·         Cupid’s Swirl:  $10 buys a beautifully wrapped medium Pinkberry with toppings, a handwritten Valentine’s Day card and delivery.

·         Swirly Spree: Guests can create their own masterpiece and load a gift card for any amount, and Pinkberry will package it in special Valentine’s Day wrapping, including a handwritten card and delivery.  An additional $2 SwirlyGram delivery fee applies.

Customers will be able to choose from three flavor pairings in the Take Me Home or Cupid’s Swirl packages:

·         Blood orange Pinkberry with blood orange pieces and waffle cookie

·         Chocolate Pinkberry with raspberries, brownie bites and shaved milk chocolate

·         Original Pinkberry with toasted almonds, dark chocolate pearls and strawberries

For those who are separated from loved ones and still want to send a Swirly Gram, online ordering will be available through Pinkberry’s website.  The online Swirly Grams include a gift card wrapped inside a beautiful Valentine’s package.  In-store ordering is available from Friday, January 28 through Thursday, February 10.  Online orders must be placed by Wednesday, February 9.

Pinkberry has two locations in the Atlanta area: 2937 Cobb Parkway SE; 770-661-2995 and in Marietta at 1281 Johnson Ferry Road; 770-977-9770.  For more information, visit www.pinkberry.com.