With a Southern Twist

Georgia’s New Cell Phone Laws

Wendy — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 04:01:52 +0000

Whether you’re driving in Georgia as a resident or driving through our state on vacation or business, you need to be aware of Georgia’s new cell phone legislation as of July 1, 2010. Specifically the new law states:

“No person shall operate a motor vehicle on any public road or highway of this state while using a wireless telecommunications device to write, send, or read any text based communication, including but not limited to a text message, instant message, electronic mail, or Internet data.”

The fine for offenders will be $150 and one point on their driver’s license. The law further protects our youngest drivers by prohibiting drivers under the age of 18 from using any wireless-communication device. There is current legislation underway that may prevent the use of hand-held cell phones for all Georgia drivers, so stay tuned to the legislation updates, so you’re not caught unaware.

Atlanta Favorites for Your Out-of-Town Guests

Wendy — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:01:41 +0000

I thought I’d share my Atlanta favorites, especially if you have out-of-town guests visiting this weekend. But even if you don’t, save these recommendations for when you do or just go enjoy the city this holiday weekend with no guests in tow.

Georgia Aquarium jellyfish

For sightseeing: the Georgia Aquarium. It’s perfect for kids and adults. Everyone is amazed by everything the aquarium has to offer.

For cocktails: The St. Regis. It’s absolutely beautiful and The Wine Room and The St. Regis Bar offer two distinctively different atmospheres. It might even be nice enough to sit outside and enjoy the patio this weekend.

For shopping: Lenox Square and Phipps Plaza. You can’t bet this shopping combo, especially if your guests are coming from a small town.

For breakfast: OK Café. It’s an Atlanta landmark and they serve brunch on Saturday and Sunday until 2:00 p.m., so even if you were out late the night before you can still count on a choice of a late breakfast or lunch.

Watershed Restaurant

For lunch: Watershed. It has a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere, plus the Southern food is sure to please any out-of-town guest, no matter where they’re from.

For dinner: this depends. Casual and inexpensive: Six Feet Under Atlanta, 11^th Street location, has a great bar food and one of the more impressive views of midtown, downtown, and Kennesaw Mountain. Moderately priced/neighborhood restaurant/gourmet: Serpas, Shaun’s or Miller Union. More expensive/gourmet: Dogwood Restaurant.

For the sports fan: the Atlanta Braves at the Braves Stadium. Unfortunately, the Braves are on the road this weekend and returning to their home game schedule Thursday, September 9 – Wednesday, September 15.

Cowboy Mouth

For music: from Jazz to Southern Rock. Glenn Gordon’s jazzy blues at the Aquarium’s Jazz Journey to Cowboy Mouth’s Southern Rock at Park Tavern in Piedmont Park, both on Friday, September 3.

Steamed Blue Crabs

Wendy — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 04:01:43 +0000

With the big Labor Day weekend on the horizon, I wanted to feature a recipe for steamed blue crabs and I knew just who to call for the recipe. I called my friend Kevin, who lives here in Atlanta put who’s from Baltimore originally. He says as a true Baltimorean “we can get a little uppity about our crabs.” Since blue crabs are native to the western edge of the Atlantic Ocean, you can use this recipe for any blue crabs, not just the ones from Baltimore. Some folks like to add hot pepper flakes to the liquid and/or coarse ground salt to the seasoning blend, but the Baltimore crab purist like this recipe as is the best. He also shared a recipe for crab soup that I’ll share later this year.

Blue Crabs caught in North Carolina steamed to perfection. Photo compliments of Tim Shannon Photography.

Steamed Blue Crabs

Ingredients

1 can of beer (“the real stuff, no light beer”)

½ cup white vinegar

Water

Seasoning blend for each layer of crabs:
1 part dry mustard
3 parts Old Bay Seasoning
2 tablespoons coarse ground black pepper

First, chill the crabs with ice in the sink or cooler so the crabs are immobilized. Fill a large crab steam pot with beer and vinegar, and then add enough water to line the bottom of the pot, but not enough to surpass the first layer of crabs that will be added. Add a layer of crabs and sprinkle with the seasoning blend, proceeding the same way for each layer until the pot is full. Place the lid on the pot and then place a heavy bowl on the lid while steaming to keep the crabs from escaping. When the crabs are a nice red color they are done.

Optional: Add hot pepper flakes to the liquid and coarse ground salt to the seasoning blend as desired.

If you need helping learning how to eat a blue crab, then go to the Old Bay Seasoning’s Web site and watch their very informative How to Pick a Crab video.