Atlanta Restaurant Preview: Genki in Virginia Highlands

At first, I was dismayed to find that a chain was taking over the old Everybody's space. Now that I've had a chance to try Genki (thank you Caren West!), I think my initial reaction was too harsh. Despite what I assumed, Genki is not a chain in the way that say Chili's is a chain. In fact, this is only the third location. Even better, it's local. We even got a chance to meet the owner, Reid Zeising, who shares his childhood faves from Japan on the Genki menu.

The menu is composed of both family-friendly Americanized Japanese dishes and more traditional items hearkening back to his Japanese upbringing. We went more authentic for our bowl selection and chose the yakisoba, a satisfying mix of stir-fried ramen and thinly sliced beef. I'm often not a huge fan of Asian noodle dishes, but I could definitely imagine craving this dish.

Yakisoba

I'm always a sucker for pot stickers when we order Chinese, so I couldn't resist trying Genki's gyoza, served with ponzu. Compared to the ugly little pile of dumplings I usually get, Genki had a surprising attention to aesthetics.

Gyoza

Another Asian fusion standard, tuna tartare served with housemade wanton chips, was bright and light, leaving plenty of room for the many dishes to come.

The hallmark of an Americanized sushi joint, especially in Atlanta, is an overabundance of gloopy mayo-based sauces. So I was pleased to see that although Genki certainly has sushi dishes to appeal to people who don't actually like raw fish, even many of their Atlantified sushi selections were gloop-free.  We sampled two of their newer options - the aptly named Virginia Highland and the Poker Face.

The Virginia Highland combined spicy tuna, avocado and jalapeño - always a good combination in my book, while the Poker Face consistend of ahi poke, cucumber, avocado, wasabi cream and red and black tobiko (get it...like playing cards?!) The fish was fresh and flavorful, and I was glad to be able to taste it without a mass of sauce or tempura batter obscuring it. I preferred the Virginia-Highland, as jalapeno always gives sushi an extra kick that I love.

One dish we'd considered getting but didn't order was the Hamachi Kama, described on the menu as, "A Japanese delicacy" consisting of marinated and grilled yellowtail cheek served with house made ponzu sauce. Fortunately for us, owner Zeising wanted to make sure we tried it as it's one of his favorites, so he showed up at the table with it anyway. Turns out it's a must-order. The delicate flesh is hot and sweet, and although you have to make some effort to pick it off from the bones, it is well worth it. Who would think you could actually get authentic Japanese food in Va-Hi?

We were glad we got to chat with Zeising. Turns out he's had a fascinating life, complete with an ad exec dad big in auto advertising during the Lee Iaococa heyday, and that's how he came to live in Australia and Japan. And in a pleasant surprise, just like my honey, he's a a Detroit native and a Wolverine, so he's gotta be a cool guy, right? He also mentioned that although many of these dishes would never appear on the same menu in Japan, instead being specialties of distinct types of restaurants, he wanted to combine all of his favorites under one roof. Since we don't exactly have an overabundance of Japanese specialists in town, I'm glad to have the options!

Personally dessert is rarely of interest to me at Asian spots, but Mr. AT couldn't resist the decadent temptation of a fried Twinkie. How this fits with the Japanese theme, I don't know, but clearly the folks at Genki just like the idea. An interesting idea, and fun to share but next time I'll just save room for another round of sushi or noodles!

Although I prefer to be right, I'm glad I was proven wrong by Genki. I will miss Everybody's, but I'm glad to have such reasonably priced, yummy, locally-owned and even somewhat authentic Japanese in my neighborhood. If I want purist sushi, I'll still probably schlep out to Sushi House Hayakawa, but more often than not, I want dinner close-at-hand and inexpensive without sacrificing satisfaction. Genki fits that bill for me, and for all the nearby families, it is likely to be the kind of place that can satisfy even those with un-adventurous tastes, too.


Genki
1040 N. Highland Ave.
Atlanta, GA

NYTimes Sam Sifton May Have Lost His Mind

As someone said in the comments of this bizarro article, I'll have what he's having...

http://dinersjournal.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/24/el-bulli-is-the-greatest-restaurant-in-the-world/?src=tptw

We're packing up for some fun in the pouring rain (blurg!) in Quebec City/Montreal. Looking forward to meals at Le Lapin Sautee, Au Pied de Cochon, L'Express, and Le Comptoir!

Might try to post more later but if time runs short, have a great Memorial Day. Happy eating!

Atlanta Restaurant Preview: Double Zero

It seems like all of the really exciting things going on it Atlanta's dining scene are happening in hoods like Decatur and Inman Park. That's why it's especially good news that there's an exciting new restaurant in Sandy Springs. Double Zero, an upscale southern Italian restaurant, comes from the team behind Decatur's Iberian Pig.

The huge space is dark but open with a hipper vibe than most fare near the perimeter. Long communal tables sit under glowing globes with smaller tables surrounding them. When we visited, the bar was packed and seemed conducive to date night cocktails. The only drawback to the space is the large open windows that take you out of the cozy atmosphere by letting in bright light from outside and a view of the not-so-aesthetically pleasing Roswell Rd. and the cheesy bar across the street. Nothing blinds can't take care of, though!

The cocktail list is sophisticated and adds an Italian twist to the old school cocktail craze. The liquerati (ooh I just coined that and kind of like it) has been abuzz about barrel aged cocktails, so Mr. AT sampled the barrel aged negroni. At $15, I'm not we're sold on the value of barrel aging, but it's a cool idea worth checking out. Fortunately their wine list is very reasonable if you're not feeling quite so indulgent. Next time I'd like to check out the LPR, with lambrusco rosso (LOVE!), vermouth, balsamic syrup and strawberry. I love strawberries and balsamic as a dessert, so it sounds delicious.

There is lots to choose from on your culinary tour through Campania. The starters are divided into meats, cheeses, salads, antipasti and small plates. We chose burrata caprese, lemony arancini, and the Cotica di Maiale (crispy pork belly and a fried egg on rustic bread). Prices are reasonable given generous portions, and dishes are hearty and flavorful. We particularly enjoyed the Cotica - there's just something about a fried egg and anything that is served in a cast iron pan. It's crunchy and savory and rich all at once!

The real focus of Double Zero's hype is its pizza. The restaurant's name comes from the only type of flour that can be used for true Neapolitan pies as required by the Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana, which regulates Neapolitan pizza. Pizza, of course, is about more than just the flour, so right up front they're sporting two handcrafted Ferrara ovens, which have been built in Naples for three generations. 

The result for our Caprini pizza, topped with braised goat, red onion marmalade, blue cheese, fingerling potatoes and grape tomatoes, was a charred crust with pleasingly chewy insides. If you're tentative about trying goat, don't be - this is the best tasting goat I've had with none of the gaminess you often find. Because the pizzas are best served hot while the crust is still puffy, they do not offer take out or pre-slice the pies.

If you still have room after all that, there are pastas and secondis on offer, too. This isn't just the typical red sauce Italian fare either. You can choose from such unique dishes as Setaccio dell’ Immondizia, Strozzapretti pasta with grape tomato, hazlenut, pistascio, pine nuts, golden raisins, currants, lemon, roasted garlic, capers, chick peas, basil, parsley, Scamorza cheese or an Insalata di Carne, a 16 oz. dry aged Delmonico rib-eye with fingerling potato, pancetta, Aglianico demi-glace, fig-onion agrodolce, fresh local greens, Blu di Bufala cheese, tomato, olives. Not shy with the ingredients, are they? There are definitely enough interesting things on the menu to keep you intrigued on multiple visits, and it's all easily shareable.

I for one am still eying this dish and hoping to convince several of my nearest and dearest to share it with me:

L’Arrosto – “The Roast” — pound and a half roasted pork shoulder served in cast iron for the whole table with the following 00 house made accoutrements: pizza nuvole, pickled vegetables, grilled radicchio salad, pepper jelly, roasted garlic puree, Calabrian chiles, apple-almond mostarda — 29 (feed 4-6).

The restaurant comes complete with a little cafe, opening in July, serving gelati and sorbetti, espressos, breakfast and lunch. We finished our gargantuan meal with a panzanella with berries. Simple and light enough to eat after a fairly heavy Italian meal.

Considering how new it is, service is already moving along pretty well, and the Castellucci family seems to have a good handle on how to produce tasty food in stylish digs. I'm betting the well-heeled Sandy Springs set and other nearby residents are going to go nutso for Double Zero, and I'm happy to see an interesting non-chain in the area.

Double Zero
5825 Roswell Road
Atlanta, GA 30328

Atlanta Dining: 10 Degrees South Live Music Tuedays

A South African sunset from our honeymoon

On Tuesdays Atlanta’s only South African restaurant, 10 Degrees South will have live music by Christian Jones from 6- 9 p.m. and special $5 cocktails. Those who arrive early can sample South African fare with complimentary appetizers from 6-6:30.

Not sure what South African fare entails? The cuisine melds flavors from around the world to create the unique fusion for which South Africa is known. Influences from French, Portuguese, German, Dutch, Malaysian, Indian and Mediterranean cultures are apparent throughout the menu. Signature menu items range from the familiar, including Peri-Peri Chicken and Prawns, to more eclectic dishes such as Ostrich Medallions and a lean sausage called Boerewors.

I have very fond memories of my South African honeymoon, so I might just have to schlep up to Buckhead to give this a try, although Mr. AT will be sad to find his beloved malva pudding is not on the menu.

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival Opening Party

The tents are packed up, the airstreams are cruising up 85, and the chefs are on to the next food festival. That's right, the first ever Atlanta Food & Wine Festival is over.

Silly me didn't even think to apply for a press pass until it was too late, so I was a very sad girl indeed when I realized that many of my blogger brethren were in like flynn. Oh well, at least I got to hit the opening part at Loews on Thursday.

Foodie movers and shakers moving and shaking

As a supreme food dork, I was excited to see plenty of familiar chef and food writer faces at the party. I finally got to meet peeps like Kat from CNN's Eatocracy and the AJC's John Kessler, plus I got some schmooze time with Atlanta's own Ford Fry and Shaun Doty. Alas, my valiant efforts to score a conversation with Charleston wunderkind, Sean Brock, were thwarted, and with them my hopes of a personal invite to dine at McCrady's or Husk (a girl can dream, right?)

Sublime's Orange Dream and Reese's donuts

No food-obsessed party would be complete with out a delicious spread. This fete featured so many delectable desserts, that I was heartbroken I didn't have room to try more. In fact, I gave serious consideration to whether or not I could get away with stuffing an entire tart in my clutch, but fortunately for everyone involved, I decided that wasn't in my best interest. After reading Creative Loafing's 100 dishes to eat before you die, I was thrilled to try the Sublime Orange Dream donut, and after an interminable wait in line, I enjoyed a fussily made but oh so tasty cocktail.

Meticulously made cocktails

With my last bit of stomach space, I enjoyed a scoop of High Road's bourbon burnt sugar ice cram with crushed "Hog-Nut" crunch (bacony-goodness, natch!)

High Road Bourbon Burnt Sugar Ice Cream

As fun as this party was, I'm sure the rest of the events were pretty amazing. Mental note to get my butt in gear next year and get a pass!

Quick Bites: Sugar Coated Radical

Upon first hearing about Sugar-Coated Radical recently, I wondered how baked goods and chocolate could be readily available in my hood without me knowing about it for so long. Yes, somehow I missed all the buzz about this quirky little sweet shop - a travesty that simply had to be righted at the first opportunity. That chance came when I miraculously woke up early on a recent weekend and realized it was actually early enough to drag my lazy butt out of my house for morning pastries.

If you, like me, have been oblivious to all this yummy goodness, you might be wondering what exactly is a Sugar-Coated Radical? Well, according to their website, they are, "a community supported chocolate/confection shop/pop-up bakery." Lead radical, Taria Carmerino, is widely regarded as one of the city's best pastry chefs and has the resume to prove it (Top Flr, Holeman & Finch, Restaurant Eugene and Highland Bakery - not too shabby!)

On Sundays Sugar-Coated Radical serves up not only chocolates but also an array of divine baked goods that would make a Parisian cry. When I arrived, I found the somewhat industrial-feeling stretch of Drewry still quiet - for the first 10 minutes at least. By the time I left the tiny shop there was a line out the door.

It's the kind of spread you simply want to stare at for a while. They look and smell so delicious that you derive a substantial amount of pleasure before you even make your selection. I opted for a ridiculously decadent pastry that included sour cherry jam and what turned out to be an entire hunk of brie in encased in pastry and another brioche of sorts that I could have sworn was going to include chocolate but in fact did not. Despite that bit of confusion, I was very pleased with my lovely baked goods and only wish I could have tried more. The pastries were flaky, buttery, delicate, and more interesting than the typical bakery standards.

As it was Easter, I also bought a chocolate bark with little flecks of popcorn as a surprise for my honey, and since he was kind enough to share, I can vouch that it, too, was scrumptious. The chocolates on display boasted unique flavors, like masaman curry toasted coconut and Mexican chipotle chocolate. I definitely have a date with the SGR folks again soon so I can try those, too!

I almost hate to tell anyone else about it, lest the line get too out of control, but I've gotta show some love for a talented, passionate crew like this! So be sure to check out Sugar-Coated Radical (preferably get right behind me in line!)

Sugar-Coated Radical
680 Drewry Street
Atlanta, GA 30306
Thurs. & Fri. by appt
Sat.12-7 pm
Sun. 9am-5pm (BAKERY SUNDAY)

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

The festivities have started for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival. If you're a total procrastinator, you can still get tickets on site at 999 Peachtree, but they are no longer available online. Eat up!

Atlanta Food & Wine Festival: Late Night Street Carts

Photo Credit: Atlanta Food & Wine Festival

Street food is all the rage these days, so the first annual Atlanta Food & Wine Festival wouldn't be complete without an ode to food carts. This mega event is just days away, but tickets are still available for many events, including the 10 pm street cart events on Friday and Saturday night.

Getting tired of Atlanta's tasty but fairly limited selection of food carts? You're in luck, other vendors from around the country have driven their carts to Atlanta for the festival. I kind of love the image of a little airstream full o' yummy goodness, truckin' down 85!

In case you haven't heard much about the festival, it's themed around Southern cuisine, but they've got a broad definition of "South" so it includes the entire Southeast, as well as Southern Hemisphere and Southern Europe cuisines.

The Street Cart Pavilion will be open during the Tasting Tent sessions and then again on Friday and Saturday evening for the late night sessions. Tickets are $75 for tasting tent access, including the street cart pavilion, or $65 for the late night party (Hint: Enter "Sweetjack" at checkout for the late night parties and get the tix for $45 - not sure how long that deal will last!) Get your tix here for the Tasting Tent events and  here for the late night party. The tasting tent is open:

Friday, May 20 3:00 – 5:00pm
Saturday, May 21 12:00pm – 2:00pm
Saturday, May 21 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Sunday, May 22 12:30pm – 3:00pm

The Late Night Event will include Southern music, adult beverages and street food created by guest chefs from across the "South", including:

Avocado’s from Mexico (Mexico)
Bulleit Bourbon (Louisville, KY)
CIROC Vodka (France)
Club Patron (Mexico)
Crooked Spoon (Orlando, FL)
Dietrich’s (Santa Rosa Beach, FL)
GastroPod (Miami, FL)
Klausie’s Pizza (Raleigh, NC)
Sweetwater Beer Truck (Atlanta, GA)
STK (Atlanta, GA – new restaurant)
VIKING Cooking Rig (Greenwood, MS)
Yum Yum Cupcake Truck (Atlanta, GA)
Westside Creamery (Atlanta, GA)

GUEST CHEFS:
Alberto Cabrera (FL)
Jeremy Fox (CA – GA native)
Katsuya Fukushima (DC)
Eli Kirshtein (GA)
Dan Latham (GA)
Whitney Otawka (GA)
Adam Sobel (DC)
Plinio Sandalio (TX)

The Street Cart Pavilion is located one block North of the Loews Atlanta Hotel. Sounds awesome, right? Get your tix before it's too late!

Want a food cart experience at home? Whip up this Pineapple and Cucumber Guacamole from Chef Roberto Santibañez, author of Truly Mexican, who's in town to do demos representing the Mexican Hass Avocado Importer’s Association.

Pineapple & Cucumber Guacamole

Ingredients

• 1 (10- to 12-ounce) cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced (½ inch)
• ½ cup finely diced red onion
• 2 fresh serrano or jalapeño chiles, minced, including seeds, or more to taste
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice, or more to taste
• ¾ teaspoon fine salt, or 1½ teaspoons coarse salt
• 2 large or 3 small ripe Mexican Hass avocados, halved and pitted
• ½ pineapple, peeled, cored, and diced (½ inch)
• ¼ cup chopped cilantro

Directions

Stir together the cucumber, onion, chiles, lime juice, and salt in a large bowl. Score the flesh in the avocado halves in a cross-hatch pattern (not through the skin) with a knife and then scoop it with a spoon into the bowl and gently stir together (do not mash). Stir in the pineapple last so the fresh acidity is a distinct counterpart to the avocado. Season to taste with additional chile, lime juice, and salt. Transfer the guacamole to a wide dish and sprinkle the cilantro on top.

(Wild) Heaven Comes to Earth

Last week one of Atlanta's newest microbrews finally made the leap from draught to bottle, much to the delight of the skinny-jeaned masses that have helped make Wild Heaven a huge hit around town.  And while the focus of the evening was the bottles, they also talked about their other big news: Wild Heaven will be moving their brewing operations from South Carolina to their own 8,000 square foot brewery in Decatur, joining the short but growing list of locally brewed beers.

Wild Heaven's relatively quick leap from bars to your local grocer's shelves is pretty easy to explain - it's a great beer.  Founder Nick Purdy teamed up with brewmaster of Eric Johnson of Athens beer mecca Trappeze Pub, who has spent the last 16 years brewing.  From the first sip, it's clear that that Wild Heaven was not just another well-marketed beer of middling quality.  Both the dark and malty Ode to Mercy and the hop-happy Invocation ale are tasty brews that any beer aficionado will appreciate.

Already on tap in dozens of bars around town, Wild Heaven bottles are now available in almost 100 stores, including some of my favorites like Hop City, Ale Yeah! and even in-town Whole Foods.  While there's nothing like a draught beer, sometimes you just want to crack open a cold one and relax at your own home.  Now you can do just that with one of Atlanta's very own beers.

Find Wild Heaven bottles near you here.

Atlanta's Dining Scene in the NY Times

We subscribe to the Sunday NY Times, but I typically take my sweet time working through it. That's why I was a bit late in noticing that Kim Severson, Atlanta's new NY Times bureau chief, wrote a full page article on Atlanta dining. Nice to see us getting some positive national attention. As she rightly points out, there's plenty of notable eating going on in Atlanta!

Not sure if you can see this with the new paywall, but you can check out the article here. In case you can't see it - she profiles Cakes and Ale (which reminds me I need to go back, it's been ages!), Miller Union, and Empire State South.

This week is jam packed with dining events, so I'm stuffed already and a little backlogged. More tomorrow!

Atlanta Dining Events: Black Tie BBQ Secret Supper

Last week was Cinco de Mayo and my first chance to experience a Black Tie BBQ secret supper. Black Tie BBQ has had twitter abuzz ever since they launched their secret suppers. Word is they sell out in a snap. We, however, was lucky enough to get a personal invite to check it out (thanks, Spencer!)

The Black Tie BBQ secret supper set up

With these dinners, you don't know where you're going until day of. So that morning I opened my inbox to find a rather elaborate video invite declaring our location for the fiesta - Oakland Cemetery. Can't say I've ever noshed on tacos amongst the dead, but there's a first time for everything!

Long tables were set with lovely flower arrangements and nearby was the plentiful spread (and the plentiful dead!) The crowds quickly lined up (and most seemed to ignore the staff's imploring them NOT to line up). Fortunately I'm a very good listener indeed, so in no time flat I had a plate full of Mexican goodness.

Crowds line up for dinner

I started things off with a watermelon peppercorn margarita while Mr. AT opted for the jalapeño infused margarita. Both were refreshing and an interesting twist on the usual. Margaritas are typically too sweet for my taste, but these had none of that cloying sugary taste, and the peppercorn and jalapeño flavors added a nice bite.

Yum - dinner is served!

Nothing like a tombstone for a backdrop

True to it's name, Black Tie BBQ, knows how to handle it's pork (wow, does that sound bad, but in this case, it's so good!) The shredded pork taco was full of flavor - the meat was rich and succulent, and combined with creamy guac goodness and some spicy jalapeños, it was the perfect cinco celebration!

Tequila infused key lime pie cupcakes

After stuffing myself with pork, beef, and shrimp tacos -- all very tasty, impressively so considering the HUGE crowd they were cooking for -- I still found room for dessert. I usually avoid citrus flavored desserts like the plague, but these margarita-like cupcakes were actually very good.

Even more my speed were the Mexican chocolate whoopie pies. I am a great lover of whoopie pies in all of their many forms, but this was one of the best versions I've had. Spicy chocolate icing? Yes, please! Mr. AT and I split one, since this was quite the bacchanalian feast, but that just wasn't enough, and we had to go back for a second. Eating half of something doesn't count, right?

And lest I forget, there was a band, too. So combine great food, a huge crowd, live music, and an interesting setting, and this event was pretty darn awesome. Usually large events = mediocre food, but in this case, the Black Tie BBQ team did quite an impressive job and more than made up for my first so-so experience at the Underground Market.

Consider me a reformed doubter, Black Tie BBQ knows how to throw a party! Be on the look out for their next event, or if you can't wait, book them for your own party!

Been wondering where Waldo is? He's dead.

Who Needs Calcium When You've Got Red Wine?

Great news from Down Under, at least for men.  From Wine Spectator:

According to an Australian study recently published by the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, red wine contributes to stronger bone health in older men.

Ok, so it's only for men between 50 and 80, and it's worth noting that spirits and liquor actually decreased bone density in men (but not women, go figure!), but this is just one more arrow in my quiver of reasons to open a bottle of red wine as frequently as possible.  Of course, if you fall over because you drank too much red wine, all bets are off.

Quick Bites: Victory Sandwich Bar

For those of you who have been paying attention, the opening of Victory Sandwich Bar in Inman Park is old news.  For a couple of months now, Victory has been serving up a great mix of delicious sandwiches, quenching drinks and a smattering of hipster scenesters.  Even though we don't rock skinny jeans or ironic glasses, this place has quickly captured our fancy and I felt we couldn't go on without giving Victory its due, however late.

Photo courtesy of Another Food Blog

I'm gonna start with my favorite drink at Victory - the Jack and Coke Slushy.  I was a little skeptical at first, as Jack and Coke reminds of me the kind of drink you order from the open bar at a wedding when you're 13 and that anything in slushy form, spinning endlessly in that clear plastic dispenser, brings to mind either 7-Eleven or something in a 3-foot tall plastic cup sold on the sidewalk in New Orleans.  You can imagine my surprise when I found myself ordering a second, then a third and finally a fourth with an extra shot of Jack on top.  They are delicious, just sweet enough and oh so addictive.  

As for sandwiches, Victory's are right up there with any of my favorite lunch spots in the city.  The menu offers a small but diverse array of three-bite sandwiches.  Order two and you've got a satisfying lunch, served on H&F Bread Co. bread that is so good it almost steals the show from the meat, toppings and spreads contained within.  So far, my faves are the Castro, their take on a Cuban, and the Lamborghini, featuring Italian meats, fontina cheese and a pesto-esque spread.  

While you might not choose Victory as a dinner destination unless you're as much into drinking your dinner as you are eating it, it's a great lunch spot or the perfect place to hang out with friends and enjoy some drinks (or a game of ping pong) late into the night.  

Victory Sandwich Bar

280 Elizabeth St.

Atlanta, GA 30307

770-676-7287

Open 11 AM 'til 2 AM

http://www.vicsandwich.com/

Quick Bites: The Family Dog

Photo credit: The Family Dog

Rosebud's Chef Ron Eyester recently opened a bar across the street, The Family Dog, to much fanfare. After several recent visits, I can say, I LOVE THIS PLACE.

I recently went out for drinks with a friend from my early 20's and he asked what bars we recommended in town. To which I replied that we don't really go to bars any more. He seemed shocked - "where do you go?" he asked. And the answer? Restaurants. We almost exclusively spend our social time eating. Drinking, too, of course, but it's always about the eating first and foremost.

That's why I'm so excited to have The Family Dog so close to my hood. It's low key, but sophisticated. It's definitely a bar, complete with loud music and packed crowds, but it's also serving genuinely interesting and tasty food. Duck quesadillas are scrumptious, H&F pretzels are the perfect beer pairing, and homemade cheetos are junk food at its finest. And for bourbon lovers, their cocktail list is a thing of beauty. 

But here's the best part - The Family Dog is the kind of bar that a thirtysomething, whether single or not, can go, have a few drinks, eat something tasty, and not feel out of place. It's not a sad cougar kind of pick up spot (I'm looking at you Tavern at Phipps), and it's not a fresh out of college bacchanal. It's just cool in a way that a not-quite-old-yet married gal can appreciate.

Suffice it to say it's my new fave spot for a quick drink or a late meal. I almost wish I didn't feel compelled to share it. My hope is that although already very popular, that perhaps the Morningside location will ensure that it doesn't become the next suburban night on the town or 20-something pick up spot. Fingers crossed!

Atlanta Mother's Day Dining

No sooner do you put away your piñatas than it's time to celebrate once again - this time for dear ol' mom. That's right, Mother's Day is this Sunday, so get your flower orders in and make those reservations stat!

There are no shortage of special dining options on Mother's Day, here are a selection of some of the yummiest ways to show Mom you care.

Take Her Out
Empire State South
Prix fixe brunch for $26 for four courses, including amazing sounding pork belly biscuit with coddled egg and smoked onion hollandaise.

Canoe
Chef Carvel Grant Gould has created a unique a la carte menu with seasonal specials and traditional favorites such as grilled Atlantic salmon over baby spinach and spaghetti squash tossed with a citrus pecan vinaigrette. There will be a brunch seating from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. as well as a dinner seating from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Le Vigne at Monteluce 

Sunday is shaping up to be 84 and gorgeous, so why not head out of town and treat Mom to a day in N. Georgia wine country? Chef Steven Hartman is offering a buffet full of traditional favorites as well as seasonal specialties for $45.00 per person. Lunch will be available from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., and guests are also invited on a complimentary guided tour of the winery at 2:00 p.m.

Or head to Dahlonega's BlackStock Vineyards & Winery to enjoy sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains while sampling wines and enjoying the sounds of an acoustic harpist. Whether mom wants to indulge in a wine tasting or relaxing lunch from the Corkscrew Café on the patio, BlackStock provides the perfect setting. Wine tastings and lunch offerings are available after 12:30 p.m. on Mother’s Day.

Rosebud 
Chef Ron Eyester presents a special brunch menu including the famous Sweet Corn Muffins and the Wild Georgia Shrimp and Grits. Brunch will be served from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

Sweet Georgia's Juke Joint 
Want something a bit more lively for Momma? Head downtown and enjoy dinner with original cocktails and live music followed by entrees such as the pan-seared catfish and apple relish. Dinner will be served from 4:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m.

JCT. Kitchen & Bar 
JCT. salutes moms with its Sunday Supper for $36 per person from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mother’s Day. Owner and Executive Chef Ford Fry’s special menu starts with a selection of warm biscuits, house made jams, deviled eggs and country ham. The next course features the “farm stand” salad and is followed by the “meat & three” portion of the menu where guests can select one meat entrée and three savory sides. The meal ends on a sweet note with a slice of JCT.’s GA Strawberry Cake. I for one love Sunday Supper at JCT. and think it's one of the best deals in town, and it's not just for Mother's Day!

Both locations of South City Kitchen are celebrating Mother’s Day with a brunch menu full of Southern favorites. The three-course meal is priced at $25 for adults and $12.50 for children under the age of 12 (plus tax and gratuity). Mother’s Day brunch is available at both locations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Flowers and a meal aren't enough? Here are some Gift Ideas to show her you care:

Give her the gift of more (grand)motherly wisdom, with the cookbook - Cooking with Italian Grandmothers, chosen as one of the best cookbooks of 2010

For the mom who loves nothing more than to cook for her family, buy her a "Chef for a Day" excursion at Spice Market for $150 plus an additional $48/person for dinner with a four person maximum (excluding tax and gratuity).

The full-day experience begins around lunchtime with the designated “chef for the day” spending five hours in the kitchen working at different stations and helping the restaurant staff prepare for evening service. During this time, the “chef” will learn the techniques for some of Spice Market’s signature dishes. The day ends with the “chef” preparing a customized dinner for his/her group of friends, which he/she will also sit down to enjoy once the preparation is done. The price includes a five-course meal paired with wine.

Advanced notice of at least 72 hours is required to book, and this offer is not valid with any other discounts, promotions or specials. This “chef for a day package” is customizable based on the guests’ needs.

Want to eat at home? That's what my fam is doing this year. We'll be grilling out delectable Pine Street Market sausages chez moi and ending with homemade chocolate peanut butter ice cream.

For another at home option, the New York Butcher Shoppe has everything they need to create a fabulous Mother’s Day feast. All three Atlanta area locations are offering an array of meats, family sides, wines and desserts. The shops are also helping those less-skilled cooks look like pros with the “mother-in-law” trick option. Customers are welcome to bring in their own casserole dishes for the shop to fill with side items for their special meal. All that’s left to do is the dishes!

Atlanta Dining Event: Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo always sneaks up on me. Maybe it's because it coincides with the anniversary of my bat mitzvah - May 4 at the Embassy Suites, tropical theme, natch. Or maybe it's just that my tequila guzzling days are long enough ago that it's not always on my radar. But this year, color me excited. I'll be at Black Tie BBQ's secret Cinco de Mayo supper. No idea about the deets, but I love a good secret!

Not on that list? Here are some other options to get your fiesta on...

Teela Taqueria
Sandy Springs block party with live music and giveaways, and food and drink specials

Taqueria del Sol

Celebrate the Mexican holiday with spicy starters, festive entrees, and of course, the signature margaritas. Taqueria del Sol will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Tin Lizzy's (Midtown or Buckhead) 
From 11:30 a.m. - 2 a.m., Tin Lizzy's is hosting their first ever Cinco bash. Both locations are taking advantage of the surrounding side streets, parking lots and will be roping them off to make more room for partiers! That day, Tin Lizzys will offer multiple bars, food stations, plenty of music and of course all of the chips, salsa, guac and queso that you can devour.

Want to celebrate at home?

My favorite pantry staple is canned tomatoes, especially Muir Glen brand. They can be used to make so many of my favorite dishes in no time flat, including chili to sausage and cannelini beans (Mr. AT's fave). This May 5, try a few Mexican dishes such as Shrimp Biscuit Tostadas, Chicken Quesadillas or Fiery Fruit Salsa, the recipes offer a fresh, spicy way to usher in spring.

Fiery Fruit Salsa

6 servings (1/3 cup each)

1 can (14.5 oz) Muir Glen® organic fire roasted diced tomatoes, drained
1/2 ripe medium mango, peeled, diced (3/4 cup)
1/4 cup sliced green onions (4 medium)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro leaves
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1 teaspoon finely chopped chipotle chile in adobo sauce
1/4 teaspoon coarse (kosher or sea) salt

1. In food processor, place drained tomatoes. Cover; process until coarsely chopped. Place in medium bowl.
2. Stir in remaining ingredients.
3. Serve with meat or fish, or with tortilla chips as desired.


Shrimp Biscuit Tostadas
2 servings

2 Pillsbury® Butter Tastin’® frozen biscuits (from 25-oz bag)
2 teaspoons cornmeal
2 tablespoons Muir Glen® organic medium chipotle salsa (from 16-oz jar)
3/4 cup frozen cooked small shrimp (60 to 80 per lb), thawed, well drained
1/4 cup shredded taco-flavored Cheddar cheese (1 oz)
1 cup shredded lettuce
2 tablespoons sour cream
1/2 small avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Place frozen biscuits on microwavable plate. Microwave uncovered on High 10 sec; turn over and microwave 10 sec longer or until biscuits are softened.
2. Sprinkle ungreased cookie sheet with cornmeal. Place each biscuit on cookie sheet. Press into 5-inch round. Using fork, prick entire surface of each. Bake 8-10 min or until golden brown.
3. In small microwavable bowl, microwave salsa uncovered on High 15-30 sec or until hot. Stir in shrimp and cheese.
4. Place biscuit rounds on individual serving plates. Top each with half of lettuce, shrimp mixture and sour cream. Top with avocado slices. Serve immediately.

http://www.muirglen.com/Default.aspx