With a Southern Twist » Atlanta restaurants http://withasoutherntwist.com With a Southern Twist is all about good living in today's South. A true Southerner, the author's passions include food, home design, travel, restaurants, shopping, and entertaining. It is a fun blog about one of her most beloved regions of the country, shared through personal experiences. Wed, 01 Feb 2012 05:01:21 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.3 Stay in, Dine Out http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/09/stay-in-dine-out/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/09/stay-in-dine-out/#comments Thu, 29 Sep 2011 04:01:46 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=7418 There are times when you just don’t want to go out to eat but you’re hungry. What to do? A deliver service called GoWaiter.com brings many participating restaurants to you for the price of your meal plus a mere $5.99 delivery fee; $4.99 if ordering online. The list of restaurants is diverse so you don’t have to [...]]]> There are times when you just don’t want to go out to eat but you’re hungry. What to do? A deliver service called GoWaiter.com brings many participating restaurants to you for the price of your meal plus a mere $5.99 delivery fee; $4.99 if ordering online. The list of restaurants is diverse so you don’t have to resort to just ordering pizza. For the Atlanta area, GoWaiter delivers from Smoothie King, Chili’s, Maggiano’s and Moe’s to so many more and then from a fine dining establishment like La Grotta Ristorante Italiano.

It’s great for any time you just want to stay in, don’t have a babysitter, feeling under the weather or have a friend or family member sick. You might have a meal delivered for a neighbor in need, a friend or neighbor with a new baby or for your away-from-home college student. Just go online and find the GoWaiter in your area. GoWaiter.com has numberous Southern locations in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Tennessee and outside the South in Colorado and Connecticut. They’re adding new locations all the time, so if your area isn’t listed check their Web site often for areas coming soon. Restaurants vary from market to market and the average delivery time (according to their Web site) is 45 – 60 minutes. Now I have to admit, I haven’t used GoWaiter yet, so if you have, let me know your comments and we’ll share with our readers. www.GoWaiter.com.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/09/stay-in-dine-out/feed/ 0 Georgia Aquarium’s Aqua Vino – Oct. 13 http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/09/georgia-aquarium%e2%80%99s-aqua-vino-%e2%80%93-oct-13/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/09/georgia-aquarium%e2%80%99s-aqua-vino-%e2%80%93-oct-13/#comments Wed, 28 Sep 2011 04:01:57 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=7411 There’s not a more spectacular backdrop for a party in Atlanta than the Georgia Aquarium. And that’s just one reason why Aqua Vino is the largest and one of the most popular annual fundraising events at the aquarium. This year’s 6th Annual Aqua Vino on Thursday, October 13, with more than 200 fine wines from around [...]]]> There’s not a more spectacular backdrop for a party in Atlanta than the Georgia Aquarium. And that’s just one reason why Aqua Vino is the largest and one of the most popular annual fundraising events at the aquarium. This year’s 6th Annual Aqua Vino on Thursday, October 13, with more than 200 fine wines from around the globe, gourmet fare from Atlanta’s restaurants, a live, silent and wine auction and live music. And it’s all in the grand ballroom with the aquarium’s vibrant oceanic galleries brimming from its walls and supports the Aquarium’s Veterinary Services through the Correll Center for Aquatic Animal Health. Ticket options include: VIP Tasting – $750 per couple, VIP Tasting Member – $650 per couple, Grand Tasting – $200 per person and Grand Tasting Member – $150 per person. Event attendees must be 21 years of age for entry. For more information including the list of wines and restaurants and to purchase tickets, go to Georgia Aquarium Aqua Vino.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/09/georgia-aquarium%e2%80%99s-aqua-vino-%e2%80%93-oct-13/feed/ 0 Dining Along the River http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/08/dining-along-the-river/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/08/dining-along-the-river/#comments Thu, 04 Aug 2011 13:06:27 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=7004 Tucked away along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, yet conveniently located in Vinings in Atlanta, lies one of the country’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants and expanded outdoor bar. One of the most acclaimed restaurants in Atlanta including a James Beard Foundation award. You’ll love the American/fusion cuisine, staff, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence [...]]]> Tucked away along the banks of the Chattahoochee River, yet conveniently located in Vinings in Atlanta, lies one of the country’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants and expanded outdoor bar. One of the most acclaimed restaurants in Atlanta including a James Beard Foundation award. You’ll love the American/fusion cuisine, staff, Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list and setting. Canoe, 4199 Paces Ferry Road, NW, Atlanta, Ga. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. canoeatl.com 

The outdoor bar at Canoe along the Chattahoochee River in Vinings

Ray’s on the River, the Atlanta dining institution, set along the Chattahoochee River in Sandy Springs. Its menu includes the fresh seafood flown in daily as well as hand-cut premium steaks, live entertainment and a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence wine list. You’ll know you’ve been transformed as soon as you walk into Ray’s tranquil foyer. Ray’s on the River, 6700 Powers Ferry Road, Sandy Springs, Ga. Lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. raysrestaurants.com

Enjoy live entertainment in Ray's of the River stylish bar

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/08/dining-along-the-river/feed/ 2 Chicken and the Egg http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/08/chicken-and-the-egg/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/08/chicken-and-the-egg/#comments Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:39:49 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=6952 Chicken and the Egg, Marietta’s newest restaurant and neighborhood gathering spot, will open today, Monday, August 1 (weekday lunch starting August 8). The farmhouse décor will set the stage for this sophisticated yet approachable American farmstead fare which is an innovative twist on classic American dishes. The 8,550-square-foot restaurant includes a large bar that seats [...]]]> Chicken and the Egg, Marietta’s newest restaurant and neighborhood gathering spot, will open today, Monday, August 1 (weekday lunch starting August 8). The farmhouse décor will set the stage for this sophisticated yet approachable American farmstead fare which is an innovative twist on classic American dishes. The 8,550-square-foot restaurant includes a large bar that seats 60—which will stay open all day with a limited menu between meals—a main dining room that seats 130, an outdoor patio that seats 20 and a spacious private dining room. 

The staff’s backgrounds are as interesting as the food. Chef/Owner Marc Taft was formerly the general manager at Pacci Ristorante in Atlanta; Joseph Ramaglia, formerly the executive sous chef at Pacci Ristorante, will serve as the restaurant’s executive chef; Tom Foust, who will be the restaurant’s manager, has an extensive restaurant background in Atlanta and Miami; Karie Brown, formerly of Canoe and Repast, is the new pastry chef; and Brandon King, formerly of Paces 88, will be mixing it up as the restaurant’s mixologist. 

Chicken and the Egg is located at 800 Whitlock Avenue, Suite 124, in Marietta, Georgia. The restaurant is open daily serving weekday lunch (starting August 8), nightly dinner and weekend brunch. For more information, call 678.388.8813 or visit chickandtheegg.com.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/08/chicken-and-the-egg/feed/ 0 Cheese Eugene http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/04/cheese-eugene/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/04/cheese-eugene/#comments Tue, 19 Apr 2011 04:01:12 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=5987 Every third Thursday of the month, Restaurant Eugene celebrates cheese. While they focus on a region or a theme, you’ll explore the wondrous diversity of flavors and textures to be discovered in this ancient milk-based food. You’ll enjoy a sampling of five wines paired with five cheeses. The cheese experience runs all year long but the spring [...]]]> Every third Thursday of the month, Restaurant Eugene celebrates cheese. While they focus on a region or a theme, you’ll explore the wondrous diversity of flavors and textures to be discovered in this ancient milk-based food. You’ll enjoy a sampling of five wines paired with five cheeses. The cheese experience runs all year long but the spring lineup looks like this: April 21 – Celebration of the Pacific Northwest, May 19 – Ooh la, la – Spring in France, and June 17 – Cheese! From Spain & Portugal. Reservations are available at 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. $40 per person, excluding tax and gratuity. For more information go to www.restauranteugene.com

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/04/cheese-eugene/feed/ 1 Buckhead Welcomes Second Annual Restaurant Week http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/02/buckhead-welcomes-second-annual-restaurant-week/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/02/buckhead-welcomes-second-annual-restaurant-week/#comments Fri, 18 Feb 2011 13:32:42 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=5489 Buckhead is home to some of the city’s most acclaimed dining destinations and there’s not a better time to try these restaurants than during this nine-day event with special prix-fixe and pre-priced offers than during Buckhead’s Second Annual Restaurant Week, Saturday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, March 6, 2011. Each participating restaurant will offer a prix-fixe, [...]]]> Buckhead is home to some of the city’s most acclaimed dining destinations and there’s not a better time to try these restaurants than during this nine-day event with special prix-fixe and pre-priced offers than during Buckhead’s Second Annual Restaurant Week, Saturday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, March 6, 2011.

Saturday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, March 6, 2011

Each participating restaurant will offer a prix-fixe, three-course menu consisting of an appetizer, a main course and a delicious dessert for $25 per person (excluding alcohol, tax and gratuity) and/or and elevated $35 per person (excluding alcohol, tax and gratuity) menu option. The second annual event will fuse international and local flavors, ingredients and cooking styles into one event as the neighborhood’s best chefs create exceptional menus that highlight their unique culinary styles. The event will encourage diners to experience new hot spots and to return to beloved Buckhead icons. A complete list of participating restaurants is available online at www.brwatlanta.com.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/02/buckhead-welcomes-second-annual-restaurant-week/feed/ 0 Farewell to Some, But Glad You’re Still Here to Others http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/01/farewell-to-atlanta-restaurants-that-closed-in-2010/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/01/farewell-to-atlanta-restaurants-that-closed-in-2010/#comments Thu, 06 Jan 2011 05:01:19 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=4939 Atlanta had its fair share of restaurant closings in 2010—for all sorts of reasons—and now we have our first causality of 2011. We say farewell to some, but we’re so pleased that other area chefs whose restaurants closed have relocated to several of our favorite restaurants.   The Silver Skillet on Roswell Road closed this week [...]]]> Atlanta had its fair share of restaurant closings in 2010—for all sorts of reasons—and now we have our first causality of 2011. We say farewell to some, but we’re so pleased that other area chefs whose restaurants closed have relocated to several of our favorite restaurants.  

The Silver Skillet on Roswell Road closed this week after 30 years in business. Nickiemoto’s at the corner of 10th and Piedmont closed after 12 years in business last month. Other closings last month included The Chocolate Pink Pastry Café in Atlanta, Everybody’s Pizza in Virginia Highland, Shaun’s in Inman Park and Vickery’s in Midtown. Shaun Doty of Shaun’s will be concentrating on his two YEAH! Burger locations and I’m hoping another upscale venture that showcases his commitment to local area farmers and farmers’ market-inspired menus.

Dynamic Dish in the Old 4th Ward closed in November, but Chef David Sweeney is now at Restaurant Eugene as the Chef de Jardin. After Repast in Midtown closed in June, Chef Joe Truex took the reigns as executive chef and partner at Watershed.

Watermelon salad with fresh Sweet Grass Dairy chèvre, Ashland Farms micro basil and balsamico condimento enjoyed at a five-course farmers’ market inspired meal at Shaun’s restaurtant in July of 2010.

Shaun's littleneck clams with house made pasta, local arugula and chanterelles enjoyed at a five-course farmers’ market inspired meal at Shaun’s Restaurtant in July of 2010.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2011/01/farewell-to-atlanta-restaurants-that-closed-in-2010/feed/ 0 Georgia Restaurants’ Wine Corkage Fees http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/12/georgia-restaurants-wine-corkage-fees/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/12/georgia-restaurants-wine-corkage-fees/#comments Wed, 15 Dec 2010 05:01:46 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=4752 Most Georgia restaurants allow you to bring your own (BYO) bottle of wine and in most instances charge you a corkage fee, but there are restaurants in town that don’t charge a fee at all. This may be a way to save a bit on your total tab since wine can really drive up the [...]]]> Most Georgia restaurants allow you to bring your own (BYO) bottle of wine and in most instances charge you a corkage fee, but there are restaurants in town that don’t charge a fee at all. This may be a way to save a bit on your total tab since wine can really drive up the cost of your total bill but there may also be times when you want to BYO bottle for a special occasion. To name a few local restaurants that don’t charge a corkage fee—and you’ll be surprised—are Houston’s, P.F. Chang’s and Ruth’s Chris Steak House. The web site (www.gobyo.com) provides you access to the most comprehensive database of restaurants that allow you to bring your own wine and their corkage fee. Search by restaurant name or within a geographic area. 

Another Wine Did You Know? If you order a bottle of wine in a Georgia restaurant and don’t finish it you can take it home.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/12/georgia-restaurants-wine-corkage-fees/feed/ 0 Eating Christmas Dinner Out in Atlanta http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/12/eating-christmas-dinner-out-in-atlanta/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/12/eating-christmas-dinner-out-in-atlanta/#comments Tue, 07 Dec 2010 05:01:16 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=4668 I had a friend and With a Southern Twist reader ask me to make a recommendation for a restaurant in Atlanta to enjoy Christmas dinner. Well, if you’re not looking to cook on Christmas Day you’ll need to know that most restaurants are closed on Christmas Day but all the hotel restaurants are open because [...]]]> I had a friend and With a Southern Twist reader ask me to make a recommendation for a restaurant in Atlanta to enjoy Christmas dinner. Well, if you’re not looking to cook on Christmas Day you’ll need to know that most restaurants are closed on Christmas Day but all the hotel restaurants are open because they are, of course, serving hotel guests. So Christmas Day may be the perfect day to try one of the area’s hotel restaurants that you might not typically dine at normally. But I would recommend that you make your reservations now because they will book up fast—especially the most desired seating times. There are a few exceptions outside of the hotel restaurants that are open on Christmas Day including to name a few: Antica Posta, Bluefin, Il Localino, McCormick & Schmick’s, Nan Thai Fine Dining, Rosa Mexicano, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and The Melting Pot. Here’s a short list of restaurants open in Atlanta on Christmas Day but check Opentable.com for a complete list of about 41 restaurants open on Christmas Day or contact the restaurant directly.   

Antica Posta

Au Pied de Cochon, Intercontinential

Atlanta Grill, The Ritz Carlton, Downtown

Bluefin

C & S Seafood & Oyster Bar

Eleven, Loews Hotel

Il Localino

Legal Sea Foods

MARKET, W Buckhead

McCormick & Schmick’s, Dunwoody and CNN locations

Nan Thai Fine Dining

Paces 88, The St. Regis Atlanta

The Café at The Ritz Carlton Buckhead

The Melting Pot

The Palm, Atlanta Westin Intercontinental

ROOM at Twelve

Ruth’s Chris Steak House (four locations)

Sear, Atlanta Marriott

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/12/eating-christmas-dinner-out-in-atlanta/feed/ 0 Local Three Opens Local Three http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/12/local-three-open-local-three/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/12/local-three-open-local-three/#comments Fri, 03 Dec 2010 05:01:08 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=4631 Local Three Kitchen & Bar opened this week to customers welcoming a new laid-back restaurant to the Atlanta dining scene. Local Three is a collaborative effort between the local three owners: Ryan Turner and Todd Mussman (Muss and Turner’s) and Chef Chris Hall. Chef Hall contributes his success to the range of chefs and restaurants that [...]]]>

Local Three's casual interior

Local Three Kitchen & Bar opened this week to customers welcoming a new laid-back restaurant to the Atlanta dining scene. Local Three is a collaborative effort between the local three owners: Ryan Turner and Todd Mussman (Muss and Turner’s) and Chef Chris Hall. Chef Hall contributes his success to the range of chefs and restaurants that have formulated his 20 years of food experiences including working with the original Canoe team as Chef de Cuisine, then moving to the Sundial and then helping Jay Swift open 4h and Swift. 

Local Three owned by three Atlanta locals: Ryan Turner and Todd Mussman (Muss and Turner’s) and Chef Chris Hall

The Local Three menu has a wonderful American and Southern flair which includes snacks from duck fat fried onion rings to boiled peanuts; appetizers from creamy butternut squash soup to sweet potato ravioli; dinner entrees from pan seared Georgia mountain trout to “Breakfast for Dinner”—maple glazed pork belly, parmesan scrambled eggs, Riverview Farms grits and big ‘ol biscuit and gravy—and dinner’s “Today” items that change daily. Already this week the “Today” items included braised rabbit & dumplings to Todd’s handmade sausage.

The atmosphere is casual, comfortable and the aromas of great food infuse the restaurant and its customers. Lunch: Monday – Friday, Dinner: Monday – Sunday and Sunday Brunch. Local Three is located at 3290 Northside Parkway, Suite 120, Atlanta, in the old JOËL location. 404.968.2700, www.localthree.com.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/12/local-three-open-local-three/feed/ 6 Dining Deals in Atlanta http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/10/dining-deals-in-atlanta/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/10/dining-deals-in-atlanta/#comments Fri, 08 Oct 2010 04:01:30 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=4212 If you’re not an OpenTable member, now may be the time to consider it, because as a member and through OpenTable’s newest program OpenTable Spotlight, you have a weekly chance to buy a delicious deal (typically half off, i.e. $50 for $25) at a top OpenTable restaurant in your area. And similar to a Groupon [...]]]>

Craft Atlanta. Photo courtesy of Lauren Rubinestein.

If you’re not an OpenTable member, now may be the time to consider it, because as a member and through OpenTable’s newest program OpenTable Spotlight, you have a weekly chance to buy a delicious deal (typically half off, i.e. $50 for $25) at a top OpenTable restaurant in your area. And similar to a Groupon deal, in order to get in on the Spotlight deal you have to act quickly as quantities and time are limited. Then you are notified, usually at the end of the day, if you qualified for the deal and from there you print your coupon out to be redeemed at the spotlight restaurant. Recent Atlanta restaurants spotlights included  Park Tavern, PEASANT bistro, Dogwood, Pasta da Pulcinella, La Grotta Ravinia, and Craft Atlanta; and more to come. So sign up to save on your next dining experience. Learn more about OpenTable and their Spotlight offers at www.opentable.com.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/10/dining-deals-in-atlanta/feed/ 0 Georgia Aquarium’s 5th Annual Aqua Vino: Uncork Your Imagination http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/09/georgia-aquariums-5th-annual-aqua-vino-%e2%80%9cuncork-your-imagination%e2%80%9d/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/09/georgia-aquariums-5th-annual-aqua-vino-%e2%80%9cuncork-your-imagination%e2%80%9d/#comments Wed, 29 Sep 2010 04:01:05 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=4121 This year’s Aqua Vino provides guests an open door to explore the wonders of the ocean, against the beautiful backdrop of the Oceans Ballroom and the Aquarium’s five galleries, while enjoying amazing fine food and wine. This exclusive one night event offers more than 200 fine wines from around the globe, gourmet fare from 30 plus of Atlanta’s [...]]]>

The tentacles of this amazingly intricate octopus cake designed by Highland Bakery, Atlanta, are wrapped up in some of the fine wine featured at the Georgia Aquarium’s Aqua Vino event in 2009. Photo courtesy of the Georgia Aquarium and Highland Bakery.

This year’s Aqua Vino provides guests an open door to explore the wonders of the ocean, against the beautiful backdrop of the Oceans Ballroom and the Aquarium’s five galleries, while enjoying amazing fine food and wine. This exclusive one night event offers more than 200 fine wines from around the globe, gourmet fare from 30 plus of Atlanta’s best restaurants, two amazing auctions and live music. All proceeds from Aqua Vino support the Aquarium’s Veterinary Services through the Correll Center for Aquatic Animal Health.  

Date:  Thursday, October 14, 2010
Time:  6:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. VIP Tasting. 7:00 p.m.- 10:00 p.m. Grand Tasting
Where: Georgia Aquarium, entrance via Oceans Ballroom
Tickets:  VIP Tasting – $225 per person and includes access to the Grey Goose VIP Lounge; or Grand Tasting – $150 per person

For more information go to Georgia Aquarium Aqua Vino.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/09/georgia-aquariums-5th-annual-aqua-vino-%e2%80%9cuncork-your-imagination%e2%80%9d/feed/ 0 Weekend Event: New Midtown Festival of the Arts http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/09/weekend-event-new-midtown-festival-of-the-arts/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/09/weekend-event-new-midtown-festival-of-the-arts/#comments Fri, 24 Sep 2010 04:01:15 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=4063 Atlanta’s first Midtown Festival of the Arts will stretch down what is affectionately called the “Midtown Mile” between Peachtree Street’s 5th Street and 10th Street this coming weekend. Midtown will be temporarily transformed to showcase a vibrant artist market–including more than 100 visual artists–as well as three outdoor stages positioned on 5th,  6th,  and 7th [...]]]> Atlanta’s first Midtown Festival of the Arts will stretch down what is affectionately called the “Midtown Mile” between Peachtree Street’s 5th Street and 10th Street this coming weekend. Midtown will be temporarily transformed to showcase a vibrant artist market–including more than 100 visual artists–as well as three outdoor stages positioned on 5th,  6th,  and 7th Street for the lineup of scheduled musicians. The event also includes a culinary arts area featuring chef demonstrations, special tastings and retail booths from more than 25 outstanding restaurants. The event also includes the Midtown Mile Road Race on Saturday morning, a free evening movie: Academy Award-winner for best picture “Driving Miss Daisy” at dusk on Saturday evening, a family friendly kid zone, a public art display and auction, a planned beer garden and other festival attractions. The Midtown Festival of the Arts will be a free event accessible by MARTA’s Midtown and North Avenue stations. Festival hours are Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A festival kickoff event is planned tonight (Friday, Sept. 24) with an Art Auction at Loews Hotel featuring 30 bar stools created by Midtown artists. See their comprehensive Web site for all the details at www.midtownfestivalofthearts.org.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/09/weekend-event-new-midtown-festival-of-the-arts/feed/ 0 Atlanta Favorites for Your Out-of-Town Guests http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/09/atlanta-favorites-for-your-out-of-town-guests/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/09/atlanta-favorites-for-your-out-of-town-guests/#comments Wed, 01 Sep 2010 04:01:41 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=3813 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.   For sightseeing: The Georgia Aquarium. It’s perfect for kids and adults. Everyone [...]]]> 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.  

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.  

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, 11th 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: BOCADO, Serpas or Miller Union. More expensive/gourmet: Dogwood Restaurant (sorry closed June 2011) or Restaurant Eugene.   

For the sports fan: The Atlanta Braves at the Braves Stadium during baseball season.

For music: From Jazz to Southern Rock, I’d recommend checking the schedule at venues like Eddie’s Attic and Park Tavern. Also, most of the high-end hotels in Atlanta have live music in their lounges on Friday and Saturday nights.  

Georgia Aquarium jellyfish

BOCADO in Atlanta features farm-to-table creations by Chef Todd Ginsberg

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/09/atlanta-favorites-for-your-out-of-town-guests/feed/ 1 Midtown Restaurant Week – Bargain Prix-Fixe Menus http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/08/midtown-restaurant-week-bargain-prix-fix-menus/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/08/midtown-restaurant-week-bargain-prix-fix-menus/#comments Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:01:15 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=3795 Midtown Restaurant Week returns this Saturday and runs for a full week, as over 30 restaurants in Midtown and Virginia Highland offer three-course prix-fixe menu offerings of $15 lunches and $25 dinners. This is your opportunity to return to your favorite restaurants or to try a restaurant you’ve never tried before, and save a bit of [...]]]>

Atlanta's Midtown Skyline, photo compliments of Tim Shannon Photography

Midtown Restaurant Week returns this Saturday and runs for a full week, as over 30 restaurants in Midtown and Virginia Highland offer three-course prix-fixe menu offerings of $15 lunches and $25 dinners. This is your opportunity to return to your favorite restaurants or to try a restaurant you’ve never tried before, and save a bit of cash dining out. Midtown Restaurant Week runs for Saturday, September 4 to Sunday, September 12. For a list of more than 30 participating restaurants go to www.atlrestaurantweek.com.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/08/midtown-restaurant-week-bargain-prix-fix-menus/feed/ 0 Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/07/attack-of-the-killer-tomato-festival/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/07/attack-of-the-killer-tomato-festival/#comments Wed, 28 Jul 2010 04:01:19 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=3493 The Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival is back by popular demand for its second annual appearance on Sunday, August 8 from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. at JCT. Kitchen with its Top Tomato host Ford Fry, owner and executive chef of JCT. Kitchen. Join over two dozen of the best chefs from Atlanta and Athens, Georgia; [...]]]> The Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival is back by popular demand for its second annual appearance on Sunday, August 8 from 1 p.m. – 6 p.m. at JCT. Kitchen with its Top Tomato host Ford Fry, owner and executive chef of JCT. Kitchen. Join over two dozen of the best chefs from Atlanta and Athens, Georgia; Birmingham, Alabama; Charleston, South Carolina; and Oxford, Mississippi as they team up with a selection of fabulous tomato farmers to produce an afternoon of all things tomato. These teams of hot Southern chefs, mixologists, and local farmers will feature creative tomato-inspired dishes and drinks at this hip food event that also includes live music. All proceeds will benefit Georgia Organics. $45 per person for members of Georgia Organics and $50 for the general public until August 1st. After August 1st, all tickets are $65. This event sold out last year so don’t wait too long or you will miss out!

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/07/attack-of-the-killer-tomato-festival/feed/ 0 Award-Winning Chefs Heat up the Kitchen http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/07/award-winning-chefs-heat-up-the-kitchen/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/07/award-winning-chefs-heat-up-the-kitchen/#comments Wed, 07 Jul 2010 04:01:36 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=3310 Two of Atlanta’s award-winning chefs are working together to create a five-course farmers’ market inspired meal at Shaun’s Restaurtant tonight, Wednesday, July 7. Chef Shaun Doty of Shaun’s Restaurant and Chef Julia LeRoy recently named one of AJC’s “Top Five Chefs to Watch For” heat up the kitchen for diners that might still make reservations. The menu [...]]]>

Chef Shaun Doty of Shaun's Restaurant. Photo courtesy of Benay Krissel.

Two of Atlanta’s award-winning chefs are working together to create a five-course farmers’ market inspired meal at Shaun’s Restaurtant tonight, Wednesday, July 7. Chef Shaun Doty of Shaun’s Restaurant and Chef Julia LeRoy recently named one of AJC’s “Top Five Chefs to Watch For” heat up the kitchen for diners that might still make reservations. The menu begins with both chefs tackling the hors d’oeuvres which consists of delicious dishes like tête de cochon sandwiches with purple mustard and ginger; pimento cheese with pickled Morningside Market vegetables; pan tomate with Alon’s ciabatta and local tomatoes; and chicken liver croquettes. Doty’s first course is Hammock Hollow watermelon salad with fresh Sweet Grass Dairy chèvre, Ashland Farms micro basil and balsamico condimento. 

Chef Julia LeRoy, recently named as one of AJC's "Top Five Chefs to Watch For."

LeRoy takes the reins with her second- and third-course offerings of littleneck clams with house made pasta, local arugula and chanterelles, followed by Harris Ranch rib-eye steak au poivre with grilled asparagus, garlic aioli and smashed fingerling potatoes. Doty ends the evening on a sweet note, serving a peach crumble with organic oats and bourbon brown sugar ice cream. The menu is priced at $45 (without drink pairings) and $60 (with drink pairings) per person. Reservations are required and are available via www.opentable.com or by calling the restaurant after 5 p.m. Seating is limited. Shaun’s is located at 1029 Edgewood Avenue NE, in the heart of historic Inman Park.

Post Note: 1-1-2011: Shaun’s Restaurant closed in December 2010.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/07/award-winning-chefs-heat-up-the-kitchen/feed/ 0 Woodfire Grill Hosts BBQ & Beer Event for Fourth Celebration http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/06/woodfire-grill-hosts-bbq-beer-event-for-fourth-celebration/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/06/woodfire-grill-hosts-bbq-beer-event-for-fourth-celebration/#comments Mon, 28 Jun 2010 04:01:17 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=3247 Woodfire Grill, the Atlanta restaurant known for its Executive Chef and Co-owner Kevin Gillespie (“Top Chef Season Six” contestant) and its local and sustainable cuisine, is hosting its annual “BBQ & Beer” celebration on Saturday, July 3, from 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. On this day, guests can enjoy a three-course, all-American dinner for $38 per person [...]]]>

Executive Chef Kevin Gillespie of Woodfire Grill

Woodfire Grill, the Atlanta restaurant known for its Executive Chef and Co-owner Kevin Gillespie (“Top Chef Season Six” contestant) and its local and sustainable cuisine, is hosting its annual “BBQ & Beer” celebration on Saturday, July 3, from 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. On this day, guests can enjoy a three-course, all-American dinner for $38 per person (plus tax and gratuity). Gillespie will be roasting a whole hog using his personal Terminus City barbecue recipe. SweetWater draft specials will be on tap for guests all night with the proceeds from beer sales being donated to “Save the Hooch,” a campaign started by Atlanta’s SweetWater Brewery in 2005 to advocate and secure the protection and stewardship of the Chattahoochee River, its tributaries and watershed, in order to restore and preserve their ecological health for the people, fish and wildlife that depend on the River system. Reservations are required and seating is limited, so guests can make a reservation by calling 404.347.9055. Woodfire Grill is located at 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road and serves dinner Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit www.woodfiregrill.com.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/06/woodfire-grill-hosts-bbq-beer-event-for-fourth-celebration/feed/ 0 Miller Union http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/06/miller-union/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/06/miller-union/#comments Wed, 23 Jun 2010 04:01:56 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=3197 I’m not convinced that the union in this restaurant’s name isn’t for the unique union between local farmers and restaurant. This fabulous new restaurant has found the local farms and united it with their chef creations. While you dine in this very urban area, the restaurant’s décor is a pleasant union of industrial and farmhouse. [...]]]> I’m not convinced that the union in this restaurant’s name isn’t for the unique union between local farmers and restaurant. This fabulous new restaurant has found the local farms and united it with their chef creations. While you dine in this very urban area, the restaurant’s décor is a pleasant union of industrial and farmhouse. The use of wood, glass and concrete floors embraces the industrial neighborhood while the use of layered accents, patina, white-washed cabinets and charming Southern accents will make you feel like you stepped into a country farmhouse. Miller Union has captivated your décor senses but wait…

Miller Union South Carolina Scamp Grouper

Since the menu is derived from the week’s harvest, freshness and quality ingredients are so apparent and savored in every deliciously bite. From our appetizers which included creamy grits fritters with country ham and Thomasville Tomme and the corn soup (the seasonal soup of the day) to our entrees which included the South Carolina scamp grouper with summer squash, sweet corn, fennel and tomatoes; the seasonal vegetable plate which included sliced tomatoes, field peas, green beans, summer squash and fennel, and fried okra to the Lowcountry shrimp and grits. Now they’ve captivated your foodie heart.

They have an excellent wine selection and the staff is very knowledgeable about wines, so rest assured that they can make great wine recommendations. Since everything has freshness and quality ingredients in mind this also includes cocktails prepared with premium spirits, freshly squeezed juices and garnishes—even the Coca-Cola bottled in Mexico where it’s produced with cane sugar versus the high-fructose corn syrup Coca-Cola found in the United States.     

Miller Union, owned by Chef Steven Satterfield and Neal McCarthy, is in the booming Westside located at 998 Brady Avenue, Suite 106, on the site of the old Miller Union Stockyards (hence the name). Lunch Tuesday through Saturday 11.30 a.m. to 2.30 p.m. Dinner Monday through Thursday 5 to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m, 678.733.8550, www.millerunion.com.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/06/miller-union/feed/ 0 Young Chefs of the Southeast Heat Up Atlanta http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/06/young-chefs-of-the-southeast-heat-up-atlanta/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/06/young-chefs-of-the-southeast-heat-up-atlanta/#comments Thu, 17 Jun 2010 12:53:34 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=3164 The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta downtown will host the most gifted and renowned young chefs from around the Southeast to showcase their cuisine at Atlanta Grill. The chefs—all between the ages of 27 and 32—will appear at Atlanta Grill on selected dates throughout the summer, and will collaborate with Chef Hollberg to create a four-course dinner menu [...]]]> The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta downtown will host the most gifted and renowned young chefs from around the Southeast to showcase their cuisine at Atlanta Grill. The chefs—all between the ages of 27 and 32—will appear at Atlanta Grill on selected dates throughout the summer, and will collaborate with Chef Hollberg to create a four-course dinner menu with wine pairings. Chef Sue Zemanick, Gautreau’s, New Orleans, will be the next featured chef on Friday and Saturday, June 25 and June 26.

Chef Sue Zemanick, Gautreau’s, New Orleans

Chef Zemanick was a finalist for the James Beard Foundation’s “Rising Star Chef” award in 2009 and 2010. She was named one of the “Top Ten Best New Chefs” by Food & Wine in 2009, as well as “Chef of the Year” by New Orleans Magazine. Gautreau’s is renowned for its classic New Orleans flavors and largely French-inspired menu, and is consistently rated one of the “Top Ten Best Restaurants in New Orleans” by the Times-Picayune. The cost of the dinner is $85 per person, inclusive of tax and gratuities and exclusive of wines. Reservations are required and may be made by calling Atlanta Grill at 404.221.6550 or visiting www.opentable.com/atlanta-grill. For information on Chef Zemanick and Gautreau’s, visit www.gautreausrestaurant.com.

Other Young Chefs of the Southeast events At The Ritz-Carlton Atlanta include:

  • Kelly English, Restaurant Iris, Memphis, August 20-21, 2010 – This event has been postponed and TBD.
  • Jeffrey McInnis, The DiLido Beach Club, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, September 10-11, 2010
]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/06/young-chefs-of-the-southeast-heat-up-atlanta/feed/ 0 YEAH! BURGER http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/06/yeah-burger/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/06/yeah-burger/#comments Mon, 07 Jun 2010 11:29:16 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=3040 Nationally-acclaimed chef Shaun Doty of Shaun’s in Inman Park and entrepreneur Erik Maier will open YEAH! BURGER in the White Provision complex at 14thStreet and Howell Mill Road on Thursday, June 10, 2010. I love dining at Shaun’s as it’s always a great restaurant choice for an intimate dinner or when we have company from [...]]]> Nationally-acclaimed chef Shaun Doty of Shaun’s in Inman Park and entrepreneur Erik Maier will open YEAH! BURGER in the White Provision complex at 14thStreet and Howell Mill Road on Thursday, June 10, 2010. I love dining at Shaun’s as it’s always a great restaurant choice for an intimate dinner or when we have company from out of town; so I’m excited to see and try what Doty does with an easy and casual approach to the classic burger joint in a “California casual” environment. Doty has always made a strong commitment to real, all-natural ingredients and so is the case with YEAH! BURGER. The restaurant will feature customizable burgers starting at $5.99 made with White Oak Pastures grass-fed beef from South Georgia, nitrate-free hot dogs, hand-cut French fries, organic salads and Straus Family Creamery organic ice cream.

YEAH! BURGER is located at 1168 Howell Mill Road, Suite E, and is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. No reservations are accepted. Ample parking is available in front of the restaurant as well as in the White Provision parking deck and paved surface lot behind the restaurant. Dedicated parking spaces for to-go orders are available in front of the restaurant. For more information visit www.yeahburger.com or call 404.496.4393.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/06/yeah-burger/feed/ 0 Morton’s Buckhead Cooking Demo, Thur. May 13 http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/05/mortons-cooking-demo-thur-may-13/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/05/mortons-cooking-demo-thur-may-13/#comments Tue, 11 May 2010 04:01:57 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=2787 Morton’s The Steakhouse in Buckhead is making it easy for Atlantans to plan the menu for a perfect summer party. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 13, the pros at Morton’s will demonstrate cooking and drink-mixing that features some of the season’s hottest dishes and coolest cocktails. Attendees will learn how to make a [...]]]> Morton’s The Steakhouse in Buckhead is making it easy for Atlantans to plan the menu for a perfect summer party. From 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 13, the pros at Morton’s will demonstrate cooking and drink-mixing that features some of the season’s hottest dishes and coolest cocktails. Attendees will learn how to make a trio of famous Morton’s favorites including tuna tartare canapés, miniature crab cakes and sirloin rolls. Then get tips from behind the bar, with the tools you’ll need to create the Cool as a Cucumber cocktail, Guava Caipirissima and Port Sangria. The demonstration is $45 per person (all inclusive).  Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant at 404.816.6535. Morton’s the Steakhouse in Buckhead is located in the Peachtree Lenox Building at 3379 Peachtree Road, NE www.mortons.com.

Morton's Guava Caipirissima Morton's Tuna Tartare Canapé ]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/05/mortons-cooking-demo-thur-may-13/feed/ 0 JOËL BRASSERIE Springs into Tapas Menu http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/04/joel-brasserie-springs-into-tapas-menu/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/04/joel-brasserie-springs-into-tapas-menu/#comments Tue, 27 Apr 2010 05:01:21 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=2656 One of Atlanta’s foodie favorites, JOËL BRASSERIE, introduces a $5.00 tapas menu to entice diners into their gorgeous bar and onto their plush patio. Chef Cyrille Holota’s lighter culinary fares are available Tuesday-Saturday from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. plus half-price wines on Tuesday, half-price cocktails on Wednesdays and half-price beer on Thursdays. JOËL BRASSERIE [...]]]> One of Atlanta’s foodie favorites, JOËL BRASSERIE, introduces a $5.00 tapas menu to entice diners into their gorgeous bar and onto their plush patio. Chef Cyrille Holota’s lighter culinary fares are available Tuesday-Saturday from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. plus half-price wines on Tuesday, half-price cocktails on Wednesdays and half-price beer on Thursdays. JOËL BRASSERIE Patio and Bar, 3290 Northside Parkway, Atlanta.

JOEL Cocktails JOEL Tomato & Mozzarella Salad JOEL Meats Appetizer

POST STORY. JOËL BRASSERIE officially closed its doors for good on June 25, 2010.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/04/joel-brasserie-springs-into-tapas-menu/feed/ 0 Dining Out for Life http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/04/dining-out-for-life/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/04/dining-out-for-life/#comments Fri, 16 Apr 2010 05:01:01 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=2553 It’s time to dine out with your clients, friends, family and co-workers for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner at participating Atlanta restaurants on Wednesday, April 21. Simply by doing so, participating Atlanta restaurants will donate 20% of your bill to Open Hand. The annual Dining Out for Life is Open Hand’s biggest fundraiser which provides freshly prepared, home-delivered meals, [...]]]> It’s time to dine out with your clients, friends, family and co-workers for breakfast, lunch and/or dinner at participating Atlanta restaurants on Wednesday, April 21. Simply by doing so, participating Atlanta restaurants will donate 20% of your bill to Open Hand. The annual Dining Out for Life is Open Hand’s biggest fundraiser which provides freshly prepared, home-delivered meals, nutrition education, coaching and counseling to homebound seniors and individuals who are struggling with chronic, critical or terminal disease in 17 Georgia counties. Click here for a full list of participating Atlanta restaurant list.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/04/dining-out-for-life/feed/ 0 Bocado Hosts Supper Club – Tuesday, April 13 http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/04/bocado-hosts-supper-club/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/04/bocado-hosts-supper-club/#comments Mon, 12 Apr 2010 04:01:02 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=2508 Bocado will host the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Supper Club dining event on Tuesday, April 13, 2010. Supper Club provides diners the pleasure of enjoying a meal at some of Atlanta’s hottest restaurants while supporting hunger relief. Each month a different restaurant serves as host, and 20 percent of the evening’s proceeds benefits Atlanta’s Table, the [...]]]>

Bocado Interior

Bocado will host the Atlanta Community Food Bank’s Supper Club dining event on Tuesday, April 13, 2010. Supper Club provides diners the pleasure of enjoying a meal at some of Atlanta’s hottest restaurants while supporting hunger relief. Each month a different restaurant serves as host, and 20 percent of the evening’s proceeds benefits Atlanta’s Table, the prepared food rescue project of the Food Bank. Bocado Atlanta is located at 887 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta (See past With a Southern Twist story called So do Bocado Atlanta Restaurant posted October 26, 2009). Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. Dinner is available Monday through Saturday from 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. For more information, or to make reservations for the Bocado Supper Club on Tuesday, April 13, 2010 call 404.815.1399 or visit www.bocadoatlanta.com.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/04/bocado-hosts-supper-club/feed/ 0 Serpas Spices up Atlanta http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/03/serpas-spices-up-atlanta/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/03/serpas-spices-up-atlanta/#comments Fri, 26 Mar 2010 05:01:56 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=2320 As a young girl I had the opportunity to visit New Orleans quite often and developed quite the palate for Cajun cuisine. So I was pleasantly surprised when I tried Serpas for the very first time recently and loved the Cajun influence in their dishes. Chef Scott Serpas is a native of Louisiana and has [...]]]>

Serpas' pigs n’ blanket with andouille sausage

As a young girl I had the opportunity to visit New Orleans quite often and developed quite the palate for Cajun cuisine. So I was pleasantly surprised when I tried Serpas for the very first time recently and loved the Cajun influence in their dishes. Chef Scott Serpas is a native of Louisiana and has added his flair for Louisiana cuisine to the Atlanta food scene. The restaurant space is very open but feels warm with the brick walls, contemporary lighting and décor and semi-open kitchen. The bar is off to one side as not to disturb restaurant guests. We started with flash fried

Serpas Décor

oysters garnished with pickled chiles and mirliton as well as a Cajun version of pigs n’ blanket with andouille sausage and smoked mustard which we split between two couples with us fighting over the last oyster. Other Cajun appetizer choices include eggplant hushpuppies, seafood gumbo and mussel in Sweetwater 420 beer and chile garlic butter to name just a few. Our dinners included roasted snapper with gulf shrimp, roasted baby yam, mixed mushrooms and guajillo vinaigrette, veal hanger steak with bleu cheese orzo pasta, buttered corn and mushrooms, and two braised pork shoulders with smoked cheddar grits, creamed collard greens and apple fennel salad entrees. Other main courses included seafood, duck, beef and chicken. The tough to choose from desserts ranged from beignets and hot chocolate, fried apple pie, sticky toffee cake, raisin pecan bread pudding and gooey chocolate cake as well as cheese plate options. A diverse international wine selection reasonably priced. Great outside area when the weather is nice. Located at The Pavillion at Studioplex, 659 Auburn Avenue, #501, Atlanta. 404.688.0040. www.serpasrestaurant.com

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/03/serpas-spices-up-atlanta/feed/ 0 Chicken Southern Style http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/03/chicken-southern-style/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/03/chicken-southern-style/#comments Thu, 25 Mar 2010 05:01:09 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=2310 Chef Linton Hopkins (right) in his kitchenChef Linton Hopkins of Restaurant Eugene and Holeman & Finch (pictured below and to right) brings his cooking know-how to Simple Abundance to teach you all about chicken—the many ways it can be prepared, the variations of chicken available in the markets and how to select the one you want. He will also teach participants how [...]]]> Chef Linton Hopkins of Restaurant Eugene and Holeman & Finch (pictured below and to right) brings his cooking know-how to Simple Abundance to teach you all about chicken—the many ways it can be prepared, the variations of chicken available in the markets and how to select the one you want. He will also teach participants how to prepare three chicken dishes: The Perfect Roast Chicken—the method to Chef Linton Hopkins (right) in his kitchenroasting, how to make a pan jus from the drippings and how to use the leftover bones to make a rich stock; Chicken and Dumplings—how easy this one pot dish is to make and why it is one of the great dishes of the southern repertoire; and Fried Chicken—the secrets to moist, crisp fried chicken every time. The evening includes wine tastings sponsored by Sherlock’s Wine Merchant and a chance to win fabulous door prizes provided by Atlanta Beverage, Bella Cucina Artful Foods, and Cabot Cheese. It’s Monday, March 29 at The Cook’s Warehouse – Brookhaven, 4062 Peachtree Road, A, Atlanta. The demonstration and tasting class tuition is $55 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. with one-hundred percent benefiting Atlanta’s Table, a project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. For details or to register, visit www.acfb.org, or call 404.892.FEED, ext. 1444.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/03/chicken-southern-style/feed/ 1 A Night of Lowcountry Cooking http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/02/a-night-of-low-country-cooking/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/02/a-night-of-low-country-cooking/#comments Thu, 18 Feb 2010 05:01:00 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=1939 There’s nothing quite like Lowcountry cuisine. On Monday, February 22nd, Executive Chef Ron Eyester, of the hot new restaurant Rosebud in Virginia Highland, will take you on a culinary tour of the region with his menu of she crab soup with truffled egg salad caviar and fresh chives; shrimp and grits made with andouille sausage, caramelized onions [...]]]> There’s nothing quite like Lowcountry cuisine. On Monday, February 22nd, Executive Chef Ron Eyester, of the hot new restaurant Rosebud in Virginia Highland, will take you on a culinary tour of the region with his menu of she crab soup with truffled egg salad caviar and fresh chives; shrimp and grits made with andouille sausage, caramelized onions and San Marzano tomato gravy; and drunken cherry bread pudding with caramel sauce. The evening includes wine tastings and a chance to win fabulous door prizes. It’s located at The Cook’s Warehouse – Midtown/Ansley Mall, 1544 Piedmont Road, Suite 403-R, Atlanta. The demonstration and tasting class tuition is $55 from 7 p.m. – 9 p.m. with one-hundred percent benefiting Atlanta’s Table, a project of the Atlanta Community Food Bank. For details or to register, visit www.acfb.org, or call 404.892.FEED, ext. 1444.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/02/a-night-of-low-country-cooking/feed/ 0 The Burger Club http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/01/the-burger-club/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/01/the-burger-club/#comments Fri, 29 Jan 2010 05:01:50 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=1679 The Burger Club InteriorBurgers don’t have to be complicated; they just have to be good and preferably never consumed in a fast-food restaurant. The Burger Club in Vinings is serving up just what the beef lover in you desires plus a few other things that you wouldn’t expect from a typical burger joint because The Burger Club is not traditional [...]]]> Burgers don’t have to be complicated; they just have to be good and preferably never consumed in a fast-food restaurant. The The Burger Club InteriorBurger Club in Vinings is serving up just what the beef lover in you desires plus a few other things that you wouldn’t expect from a typical burger joint because The Burger Club is not traditional but a welcomed addition to the casual, neighborhood restaurant scene in Vinings. Chef Paul Albrecht and son Patrick–who together run the Great Food Inc. restaurant group–have proven their culinary mastery in Atlanta’s upscale dining scene with Paul’s Restaurant and Social Vinings. But their latest venture, The Burger Club, they’ve opened the doors to a fun, casual spot where kids and adults of all ages are welcome. Enjoy burgers, salads, other sandwiches, and appetizers with shakes and floats or their 21-and-older shakes and floats. Might I suggest some Southern-designed burgers including The Georgia Burger with fried green tomato, grilled peaches, goat cheese and grainy pecan mustard and the BBQ Burger, a beef patty braised in Burger Club BBQ sauce, cold slaw and a fried pickle. They also offer a burger that your cardiologist would shiver at that The Burger Club Signincludes a bacon and cheese on a Krispy Kreme donut called The Artery Annihilator. The atmosphere is fun with friendly staff, high-def TVs, freshly-popped popcorn, hip music and full bar. It just opened in November of 2009 so get out there and stimulate the local restaurant economy. 4300 Paces Ferry Rd., Suite 150, Atlanta (in Vinings Jubilee next to the fire station). Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner including all day Sunday. 678.888.9036. www.greatfoodinc.com.

Post Note, Feb. 20, 2011 – The Burger Club is officially closed and moving to another undisclosed location. The Great Food Inc. will open the Vikings Fish Co. in this location very soon. More to come.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/01/the-burger-club/feed/ 1 Take a Chance on Valentine’s Day http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/01/take-a-chance-on-valentines-day/ http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/01/take-a-chance-on-valentines-day/#comments Thu, 21 Jan 2010 05:01:20 +0000 Wendy http://withasoutherntwist.com/?p=1625 ValentineGarry Marshall (director of “Pretty Women”) directs an all-star cast in the soon to be released film “Valentine’s Day,” which follows the intertwining storylines of a group of Los Angelinos as they find their way through romance over the course of Valentine’s Day. So lovers of Valentine’s take a chance to win a trip to [...]]]> Garry Marshall (director of “Pretty Women”) directs an all-star cast in the soon to be released film “Valentine’s Day,” which follows Valentine's Day 800x600_heart_allthe intertwining storylines of a group of Los Angelinos as they find their way through romance over the course of Valentine’s Day. So lovers of Valentine’s take a chance to win a trip to Hollywood to see the red carpet premiere of “Valentine’s Day.” The Melting Pot, the country’s premier fondue restaurant franchises and one of the most popular restaurants of choice for Valentine’s Day, is giving away a three-night trip to L.A. for the premiere plus other prizes including a chance to win fondue for a year, $100 gift cards, and 500 tickets for two for “Valentine’s Day.” This perfect pairing with Warner Bros. features three new SKYY Vodka “Love Potion” cocktails at The Melting Pot near you. The online contest ends Jan. 31, 2010, with the grand prize winner announced Feb. 1 so go online to www.meltingpot.com and take a chance.“Valentine’s Day” opens nationwide on Feb. 12, 2010. www.valentinesdaymovie.com.

]]> http://withasoutherntwist.com/2010/01/take-a-chance-on-valentines-day/feed/ 0