Atlanta Dish

The 7th Annual Taste of Atlanta

2008-10-10T14:03:00.001-04:00

Chefs and food-lovers of all ages will find something to sink their teeth into at this weekend’s 7th Annual Taste of Atlanta on the streets of Atlantic Station. The Southeast’s most anticipated epicurean bonanza ventures beyond the ordinary to embrace green eats, kid-friendly treats, helping others, cleaning our earth and sipping fruits of the vine. With more than 70 restaurants participating in the October 11-12 event, there’s something to tempt you at every turn. Amica Insurance Kid’s Avenue provides hands-on culinary activities for young chefs, cooking demos and “Knights of the Realm” Medieval Times battle re-enactments between demonstrations. Country Road supports local and organic ideologies of the Slow Food Movement through fun and educational opportunities. The Green and Leafy team assures no leftovers, showing eco-friendly cookware and accessories, holding on-site recycling, and making sure extra food goes straight to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. VIP ticket holders can take in the Expanded Wine Experience in TWELVE Atlantic Station and Bowling and Brews in Ten Pin Alley, and all adults can enjoy the Discover Wines with Robert Mondavi Wine Tour (formerly Crush in the City).

$5 Martini Round-Ups Shake Things Up At Aqua Blue,Vita And Dogwood

2008-10-10T10:59:00.000-04:00

Five-dollar martinis at Aqua blue, Vita and Dogwood are shaking up cocktail time from Roswell to Buckhead to Midtown! Aqua blue rocks the bar with Smirnoff martinis -- The Dirty South martini with olive juice; the Washington Apple martini with Washington Apple Burst and sour mix; the Tampa Bay martini with pineapple juice, peach schnapps, cranberry juice and a splash of sour; the New York martini with Pom juice, pomegranate schnapps and a splash of sour; and the Blue Martini that brings together Ketel One Citron, Island Blue Pucker, blue Curacao and a splash of sour. In Buckhead, lively NYC-Italianesque Vita shakes up $5 martinis all day, everyday. Down Peachtree in Midtown, Dogwood trades a Lincoln for a martini day in, night out, and backs Abe with heady regional fare.

Aqua blue: 1564 Holcomb Bridge Road in Roswell; 770-643-8886.
Dogwood: 565 Peachtree Street; 404-835-1410.
VITA: 2110 Peachtree Road; 404-367-8482.

A Mouthful To Pronounce, But Worth Every Bite: Abbondanza at La Tavola Trattoria

2008-10-08T10:03:00.001-04:00

Beginning today, Virginia-Highland neighborhood favorite La Tavola Trattoria is making it abundantly clear that you and your friends must hurry in to celebrate the bountiful cultural and culinary wealth of Italy’s heartland. The restauant's $39.95 prix fixe Abbondanza menu is available through October 18. Or, if you're craving a particular dish, the special menu is also available à la carte. Watch Executive Chef Craig Richards making the baked ricotta salad from the menu here. Vajra Stratigos, Fifth Group Restaurants’ beverage director, recommends completing your Abbondanza menu selections with Italian wines from La Tavola’s abundant list: Zenato, Valpolicella, Veneto 2006; Avanta, Pinot Grigio, Veneto 2007; Antonio Coscia, Arneis, Piedmont 2005; and Coltibuono, Chianti Classico 2006, are a few to try. For reservations, click here. La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430.

DailyCandy Definition

2008-10-07T18:00:00.000-04:00

Would you go fruit-loopy if someone ate your last bowl of Captain Crunch? Well, that’s life if you practice what The DailyCandy Lexicon deems Cereal Monogamy at your breakfast table.

Cereal Monogamy: n. a slavish devotion to one particular breakfast cereal.

Suggested usage: After three boxes of Cocoa Pebbles, I began to suspect he was a cereal monogamist.

Wicked Good Dinner

2008-10-07T17:18:00.000-04:00

What seems like months ago, my roommate and I bought tickets to see Wicked for when it came to Atlanta's own Fox Theater. From the day we ordered the tickets, I was already making dinner plans. Before the show we're going to have dinner at my new favorite restaurant, Dogwood. Since we will be within walking distance of the theater, we can valet at the restaurant and not worry about parking. I love it when things are simple!

If you have not ordered tickets yet, then you will be interested in the moneysaving Dinner and Broadway show packages local restaurants will be offering. You can get a ticket and a special three-course menu at Ecco for the shows on Wednesday, October 15 and Wednesday, October 29 ($90 per person). On Tuesday, October 28, Dogwood will offer a three-course dinner package that includes dinner, a ticket to the show and valet parking ($95 per person). Seating times are at 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. at either restaurant and tax, gratuity and alcohol are not included in package pricing.

Dogwood: 565 Peachtree Street; 404-835-1410.
Ecco: 40 7th Street, NE in Midtown; 404-347-9555.

Red Hook Beer Dinner at South City Kitchen Vinings Cures What Ales Ya

2008-10-07T15:23:00.000-04:00

Feeling a little under the weather? Or is it that you just aren't ready for the change in weather? Either way South City Kitchen Vinings has the cure. They are hosting a unique Red Hook Beer Dinner on Thursday, October 9, that is sure to satisfy all of the senses . The four-course, prix-fixe dinner paired with Red Hook beer begins at 6:30 p.m. and costs $45 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Enjoy passed hors d'oeuvres of house-made andouille sausage en brioche with passion fruit mustard and smoked trout brandade with apple cabbage slaw and caraway crackers served with Kona Passion and Bud American Ale. The dinner menu includes cane syrup-glazed quail breast with cumin-spiked sweet potato gratin accompanied by Red Hook Blonde Ale; roasted mushroom meatloaf with harvest squash, Yukon gold potatoes, green beans and smoked chili ketchup served with Red Hook ESB; and dessert of apple- pecan tartlette with pumpkin-ale ice cream served with Red Hook Late Harvest Ale.

South City Kitchen Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.

Dogwood's New Menu is Awesome

2008-10-04T18:56:00.001-04:00

I love birthdays! Especially mine. These people who don't want to celebrate theirs, well, I just don't get them.

So, last weekend was my birthday and I decided to head to Dogwood. They have a new fall menu I was dying to try and it's just such a pretty, special restaurant. We could not have been happier with the choice. Makes me wish I was getting a year older again this week. Okay, not really.

We started with the grits bar, of course. The Logan Turnpike "Fools Gold" grits have new toppings and we chose the braised forest mushrooms. YUM. Then we had the seared foie gras with smoked pumpkin, pecan-raisin toast and red wine-black pepper gastrique. Y'all. This was unbelievably good. Decadent. A must have. To balance the sinfulness of that dish we chose a soup for our other app - a root vegetable puree with a wild boar-cranberry sausage and lingonberries. Licked the bowl. Sure did.

For entrees I encouraged my friend to have the signature SoCo glazed pork chop with carmelized shallots and the most delicious sweet corn souffle while I tried a new dish - pecan rubbed tuna with fingerling potatoes, applewood smoked bacon, carmelized onions and bar-b-que drizzle. Another hit!

The nice folks at Dogwood insisted that we have dessert since it was my birthday. I chose the coffee gelato which really was the perfect ending. We also had the fried bread pudding that was delicious. On Friday, Meridith Ford Goldman gave the restaurant a glowing review in the Atlanta Journal Constitution - I see she had many of the same dishes I had!

If you haven't been to Dogwood yet, I encourage you to try it, even if it's not your birthday!

New Red Wine at Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery

2008-10-03T15:28:00.000-04:00

I've had the privilege to visit Wolf Mountain Vineyards the past few weeks for their fall harvest. I've watched (and videotaped) the grapes come from the vine, get destemmed, crushed and the juices go into fermentation. It's been a very cool experience. I also got to see the first batch of Wolf Mountain's newest wine, Howling Wolf Red, be bottled. The limited-release is a non-vintage blend of Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon with elegant tannins and a soft, fruity finish. Yep, I tried it. Howling Wolf Red will be available for purchase ($24.95 per bottle) only through Wolf Mountain beginning tomorrow, Saturday, October 4. Make a weekend trip to Dahlonega to get the first taste or trust mine and buy a bottle from their online store - since wines can now be shipped in Georgia.

Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery is located at 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega, Georgia; 706-867-9862. For driving directions click here.

NiceCream is Really Nice ... and Creamy!

2008-10-02T20:59:00.001-04:00

I met Dr. Leon Lashner over a year ago and was soon invited to regular gatherings at the kitchen table in his loft to sample the non-dairy ice cream he was creating. His friends, old and new, would eagerly show up to take a spoonful of the newest flavor, check the progress of their favorites, and share their critiques. Most of all we were a fan club cuz this stuff rocks!

So it was more than awesome to see all that hard work come to fruition with Sunday's NiceCream launch event at Jake's in the Irwin Street Market. Over 200 hundred people came to try six flavors: Coocoo for Coconut, Dave's Chocolate, Tropical Vanilla Bean, Banana Chocolate Chip, Passion Fruit, and Double Cappuccino. All the ingredients are organic and top quality - no wonder it tastes so good. If you know someone who is lactose-intolerant, this will change his/her life! Have you tried the stuff they have to eat? Yuck!

And great news! Leon is dabbling in the sauce biz too. He had four sauces to try: Strawberry Balsamic (my fave), Dark Spicy Chocolate, Sea-Salted Caramel, and Rum Sauce (I think this was a lot of people's fave). Right now you can buy NiceCream at any of the three Jake's Ice Cream locations.

It's pretty easy to have a dream or a grand idea. It's anything but easy to make it become a reality. Heck, it's not even easy to watch someone do it! Leon, who by day is a gifted chiropractor and homeopath, has methodically made this dream happen, one (sometimes difficult) step at a time.

I'm not saying go buy some NiceCream so you can support the American dream. I'm saying go buy it because it's frickin awesome! But doesn't it make it sweeter knowing this was just some guy in his house with an ice cream freezer saying, "Hey, I think I have an idea..."

Ecco Offers Lots of Lovin' Spoonfuls at The Sunday Share on October 5

2008-10-02T12:03:00.002-04:00

Now that it's finally cooling off in Atlanta, soup weather is upon us. That delicious, warm feeling, filling you with goose bumps from head to toe? Yes, it’s a heady case of love at the first spoonful and you can get it by digging into that soup bowl at Ecco. More faithful than a Golden, more heartwarming than a Norman Rockwell painting, soup comforts and encourages conversation, without the worry of getting that piece of spinach salad between your teeth. Executive Chef Micah Willix is stirring up a house-made bouillabaisse that’s quite a catch for the bistro’s October 5 Sunday Share menu. $25 per person includes tax and gratuity; additional charge for alcoholic drink specials. Scoop up your friends or come solo to the communal table at 6:30 p.m. For reservations, call 404-347-9555.Ecco is a Fifth Group Restaurant located at 40 7th Street, NE in Midtown; 404-347-9555.

5th Annual Harvest Midtown Festival

2008-10-01T21:30:00.000-04:00

This year's cultural event will be held on Saturday, October 4 from 1-5 p.m. Among the participating restaurants are favorites such as Ecco, South City Kitchen, Marlow'sTavern and Dogwood. And if that's not enough to fill a Saturday afternoon, guests will also enjoy a fall fashion show, an organic farmer's market and live chef demos.

The Harvest Midtown festival will be held on 5th Street between Peachtree and West Peachtree streets. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Arthritis Foundation.

Time to Buy Tix for Les Dames Event in November

2008-10-01T12:56:00.000-04:00

As some of you know, I'm spending two weeks in Chile in November. Of course I'm looking forward to it, but I just realized I'm going to miss THE BEST food event of the year! Should I cancel???

Seriously, Les Dames D'Escoffier (LDEI), of which I am a proud member and secretary of the board, puts on a great event at Serenbe every year. The 8th Annual Afternoon in the Country, sponsored by LDEI is held on Sunday, November 9 starting at 1 p.m. at Serenbe in the Chattahoochee Hill Country. Over 50 chefs, restaurants, caterers, wineries, breweries and retailers will be on hand to dole out samples under big-top tents. An enormous silent auction, decadent cake raffle, live music, hayrides and more round out the afternoon. New this year is a Friday night event - a very nice one at that. On November 7, "Evening in the City" will be held at The Mansion on Peachtree. Only 75 tickets will be sold to this exclusive event. The evening begins with a 51st floor champagne "view of the city" reception followed by a four-course Wente Vineyards wine dinner and a private concert by renowned jazz vocalist Francine Reed.

So whether you're a city slicker or a country bumpkin, as long as you enjoy good food and wine, I promise you will enjoy these events. Among the participants are favorites such as Bold American®,Ecco, La Tavola Trattoria, Via Elisa Pasta, White Oak Pastures, Whole Foods Market and Woodfire Grill. Please go and have some sips and nibbles for me!!

Click here for tickets to either event. Proceeds benefit Georgia's organic farming community and the scholarship fund for women in the culinary, beverage and hospitality arts. Atlanta LDEI is a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

And yes, this picture is of some Dames having fun at White Oak Pastures. That's Angie Mosier, me, Cathy Conway, Carolyn O'Neil and Virginia Willis. See how fun we are? Tee hee.

Packing More Flavor Per Mile Than a Smart Car, tsp spices' New Smart Spice Pulls Into Whole Foods Markets!

2008-09-30T11:22:00.000-04:00

Its that same vicious cycle: I get excited to actually cook a meal. I put on my cute apron and promise my beau a wonderful dinner. Then, I take one look at my messy, good-for-nothin' spice selection and am automatically OVER the whole cooking idea. In my line of work, I know a great meal takes good flavor and let's face it, the left over bottles of my mom's spice selection just ain't gonna cut it. I'm thinking its time for something new, something smart...

That's why I am so excited that Smart Spice from The Seasoned Palate, Inc. is now available at Whole Foods Market! Each slender Smart Spice carton features four one-teaspoonful packets of pure, organic spice sealed to keep flavor in, light and moisture out (MSRP $2.99). Toss those faded spice-drawer clunkers in the recycling bin... once you taste a recipe flavored with these potent spices (no fillers here), you won't turn back.

The Seasoned Palate, Inc. also produces tsp spices, an award-winning line featuring one-teaspoon packets of organic spices housed in designer tins. Click on The Seasoned Palate blog for spice enlightenment.

DailyCandy Definition

2008-09-30T10:35:00.000-04:00

Do real men eat yogurt? Apparently so, according to The DailyCandy Lexicon. Hence the development of “Bro Yo” – a cup of the cultured creamy stuff blended up in manly flavors to woo the testosterone set. Bro Yo: n. yogurt intended to appeal to men, often in flavors like chocolate or cheesecake.

Suggested usage: Chip had a gut feeling his day wouldn’t be complete without a cup of his favorite Bro Yo flavor, nutty buddy dark chocolate with pomegranate swirl.

Morton's The Steakhouse Partners with Make-A-Wish Foundation

2008-09-30T09:18:00.000-04:00

Morton’s The Steakhouse – Buckhead is hosting a special Sweet Charity anniversary dinner and silent auction on Saturday, October 4 to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation® as part of the restaurant company’s “30 Wishes for 30 Years” celebration. The night will begin at 7 p.m. with a cocktail reception and passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a sit-down dinner in the upstairs boardroom at 8 p.m. There will be live music throughout the evening.

The four-course celebration menu includes: Caesar salad, Morton’s single-cut filet, mashed potatoes, garlic green beans and cheesecake. Chef Tony Ballester and his staff won't be the only ones in the kitchen, though. Felicia, a Make-A-Wish child, will be fulfilling her wish to be a chef in the kitchen. After kitchen duty, Felicia will get to enjoy the fruits of her labor at the sit down dinner with her family before they head to Orlando for the second half of her wish -- wonder what she could have wished for in Orlando? The event is $175 per person, with $50 per ticket and all silent auction proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Foundation. For reservations, click here.

The local Sweet Charity party is just one of a year-long series of special events being held at Morton’s steakhouses across the United States to mark the 30th anniversary of Morton’s The Steakhouse. In its largest charitable initiative ever, the company hopes to raise enough funds to grant the wishes of 30 children living with life-threatening medical conditions.

Morton's The Steakhouse Buckhead: Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535.

Chews Local

2008-09-29T10:25:00.001-04:00

This past Thursday was the kick-off event for Atlanta's Local Food Initiative (ALFI) at The Glenwood in East Atlanta. This event introduced ALFI's five year plan for Atlanta as well as Georgia Organic's 2009 Local Food Guide. It started out at the East Atlanta Village Farmer's Market held in the parking lot of the local Ace Hardware. What a great market - tons of fresh produce and awesome live music.

Then, the event moved to The Glenwood for great music, organic wines and local beers, and an incredible array of appetizers made from The Glenwood and surrounding restaurants. Appetizers included bruschetta, deviled eggs, mini smoothies and cheese grit squares. The event had a huge turnout, and everyone was excited to talk local. There was a great turnout from some of Atlanta's favorite farmers - Farmer D, Love is Love Farm and so many more. It was fun to see these guys outside the weekly farmer's markets they attend.
After the cocktail reception, Georgia Organics and The Glenwood hosted a benefit dinner for GO. What an incredible experience - several nearby restaurants, all with a passion for cooking local, came together to prepare a four course feast for us. It was a great example of restaurants that have the "farm to table" mentality without the far-to-often high price tag. Our dinner started with a squash soup with ginger and cilantro from Dynamic Dish. The squash came from Gaia Gardens and Woodland Gardens. Second course was campfire Rainbow trout from Bramlett Farms with roasted Yukon Gold potatoes, lemon rosemary butter, apples, leeks and red peppers prepared by The Glenwood.
Third course (my favorite course) was Asian brined pork from Riverview Farms on mashed sweet potatoes with garlic, ginger and five-spiced apples. This dish was prepared by The Graveyard. We ended the meal on a sweet note with a goat cheesecake (goat cheese from Decimal Place Farms) served with house brewed muscadine wine ice cream, candied pecans and a muscadine balsamic reduction, also prepared by The Glenwood. The ice cream was incredibly good, so good in fact I forgot to take a photo of it. Sorry!

All I can say after a meal like this is wow. The Glenwood, Georgia Organics and ALFI did an amazing job of putting together a great launch for the Local Food Guide and ALFI. I'm looking forward to seeing how ALFI affects our local food scene over the next five years.

Introducing Sara in the City...

2008-09-26T09:41:00.001-04:00

Our friend Sara C. will be writing about her culinary escapades around Atlanta on a regular basis. You may remember her guest post last week about her experience at Viking Cooking School. Enjoy the read!

I am blessed to live with an inventive and unique cook. My roommate, Stephanie, can whip up chocolate mole chicken or an orzo frittata with white truffle oil at the drop of a dime. But gourmet plates aren't her only specialty. This weekend, she'll participate in the annual Miller Lite Chili Cookoff. The cookoff, featuring categories for chili, Brunswick stew and cornbread, takes over Stone Mountain Park at the beginning of fall every year. Entrants develop homemade recipes throughout the year, and will begin booth set up this afternoon. Booths and chilis are themed, including such memorable entries as Caveman Chili, Pirate Chili, Redneck Chili and Top Gun Chili. The cooks dress up according to chosen theme, drink a few Miller Lites and get to cookin’!

Stephanie cookin it up for the Disco Chili Team

What’s in store for the roomie this year? After a finish in the top 10% of the Brunswick stew category with the Disco Chili team last year, Stephanie is looking forward to placing higher and feeding more hungry guests with the Electric Chili team. (Motto – Slide over to electrifying tastes!) While she can’t disclose her stew secrets, she did reveal that all her ingredients are organic and the meat is rubbed with a secret spice mixture (maybe with a dash of bacon salt?) and smoked for two days. I’m lucky to be a secret stew tester, and the stew is a little bit spicy, a tad sweet and all the way delish!

Booth at Miller Lite Chili Cookoff 2007

The gates open to chili eaters/spectators at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 27. Be there early - judging begins at 11:00 a.m. and the chili doesn’t stay in the pot for long! Stephanie suggests bringing your appetite, a bottle of Tums and a vote for Electric Chili and Brunswick Stew!

Disco Chili dancing queen

For more info, visit http://www.atlantachilicookoff.com/ and be sure to visit the Electric Chili booth, located near the main stage.

Nicecream Sundae Sunday at Jake's Ice Cream at Irwin Street Market

2008-09-26T09:24:00.000-04:00

Nicecream is the new, non-dairy frozen coconut cream treat whipped up from all organic ingredients for Jake’s Ice Cream by Dr. Leon Lashner. Come spoon into a complimentary Nicecream sundae on Sunday, September 28 from 4-7 p.m. at Jake’s Ice Cream at Irwin Street Market. There’ll be live music, prizes and more. While you’re there, how about making a $5 donation per person to benefit the Atlanta Community Food Bank? Check out DailyCandy for more info on this frozen treat!

Jake’s Ice Cream at Irwin Street Market is located at 660 Irwin Street in Inman Park; 404-586-0920.

Bluegrass Brunch and A Glass of Wine

2008-09-25T12:37:00.000-04:00

I know you've heard it a dozen times already, but I'll say it again - can you believe this gorgeous weather? It is almost impossible to sit inside right now, and one of my favorite ways to enjoy this all too rare weather is relaxing on the stone terrace at Wolf Mountain Vineyards & Winery.

For the month of October, Wolf Mountain is featuring a fun Bluegrass Brunch on Sundays featuring the music of The Dappled Grays and The Packway Handle Band, a delicious buffet and wines by the glass or bottle.

This month's buffet menu includes salads; egg, sausage and cheddar cheese casserole with tarragon cream; creamed spinach; fried truffled mac 'n' cheese; chicken and dumplings; a carving station with Smithfield ham and roasted turkey breast. For dessert, my pick is the hot apple crisp, but other offerings include chocolate covered strawberries, mini Key lime tarts and cheesecakes.

Wolf Mountain will hold its popular “End of Harvest Celebration and Bluegrass Brunch” on Sunday, October 5, 12, 19 and 26. $30 per person (excluding wine, tax and gratuity); seating times are 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 706-867-9862.

Grand Stay Opening at Woodfire Grill

2008-09-24T15:40:00.001-04:00

Last night I attended the "Grand Stay Opening" at Woodfire Grill. The new owners, Nicolas Quinones and Bernard Moussa, invited all of their friends and family in to celebrate their new place! Complimentary glasses of wine were flowing all night in the cafe area, and the new owners were sprawling the restaurant -- making new friends, and mingling with the old ones. Not much has changed since Michael Tuohy, which is certainlya good thing. Great wine list, wonderful food, and a great staff. I'm certain the new ownership will do just as well as the last one.

3-$30-3 Three by Three at the Dogwood (Tree)

2008-09-23T17:40:00.000-04:00

I can't tell you how excited I am about Dogwood's new three-course, three-day-weekly, $30 menu! I was bummed when I missed out on the deal at Midtown Restaurant Week, so this is perfect! Three delicious courses for $30? This is too good to be true! The autumnal prix fixe menu, available Monday through Wednesday, rakes in a bushel of fall's flavors and colors. Go for either a "Southern Caesar" of romaine hearts, cornbread croutons and tomato-bacon Caesar dressing or roasted tomato bisque topped with fried Split Creek Farm goat cheese and micro basil as your first course. Savor a second course of buttermilk fried Springer Mountain chicken breast, baked mac and cheese and braised greens or braised beef short ribs joined by smashed rutabagas, fried sage and blackberry demi-sauce. On third - choose any of Dogwood's dessert selections. One price, $30, covers all three courses - a boon when you're watching those other leaves of green in your wallet.
Dogwood: 565 Peachtree Street; 404-835-1410.

DailyCandy Definition

2008-09-23T09:18:00.000-04:00

Some drinks go down in infamy not due to their luscious lip, but more for the powerful kick that sends you into a rosier state of mind. Such is the martyrini, this week's potent potable from The DailyCandy Lexicon. Martyrini - n. a drink ordered after a particularly bad day.

Suggested usage: Having survived the Spanish Inquisition of all meetings, Joan knew that only a martyrini would slake the burning-at-the-stake heat she had experienced in the boardroom.

Eat Like You Work at Fifth Group Restaurants

2008-09-22T17:00:00.001-04:00

What if you could savor the employee benefits without chopping the onions? Sure, we'd cry for joy, too! "Eat Like You Work Here" night falls on Tuesday, September 23 at participating Fifth Group Restaurants®... it's their way of serving up a helping of gratitude to customers by sharing the employees' 25 percent discount. Sit down to dinner at one of those fabulous Fifth Group Restaurants you've had hunger pangs to visit: La Tavola Trattoria, and South City Kitchen® Midtown or South City Kitchen® Vinings. The wait-staff will take 25 percent off your dinner check, so go ahead and order dessert while you're at it.

La Tavola Trattoria: 992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430.

South City Kitchen Midtown: 1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358.

South City Kitchen Vinings: 1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700.

Live Music at Vita

2008-09-21T16:07:00.000-04:00

After dinner Saturday night I popped by Vita to check out the new entertainment. Totally fun! When I got there (around 9:30 p.m.) a great warm-up band was playing. They had a sax and a bass and were playing some smooth tunes. The crowd was already building and lots of people looked like they had been there for dinner and were ready for some music.

We took a seat at the bar but could see the band perfectly. They were in that middle part of the restaurant that is lower than the rest. It really is the perfect spot for a small stage and band.

The main attraction, Kingsized, started around 10:30. He was the best! Not only is the music good - think Sinatra and other retro musicians - but Mike really works the crowd. Everyone was having a great time.

Tony LaRocco was working the room like only a dedicated owner can. He makes sure that everyone is happy, that's for sure. The entertainment is Wednesday - Saturday night and features local bands. Starts at 9 p.m.

The restaurant is open for dinner til 1 a.m. and the bar is open til 2 a.m. Go check it out. We need more options like this in Atlanta.

Perfect Patio Weather For Lunching At South City Kitchen Midtown

2008-09-19T12:07:00.000-04:00

Yesterday, fellow MLA team member Meryl and I had a meeting with Fifth Group Restaurants Marketing Director Michael Erickson over lunch at South City Kitchen in Midtown, and it was the perfect day for dining on the patio. I opted for the vegetable plate (pictured left) with roasted corn, cucumber salad, local field peas, green beans and tomato "mac & cheese" ($12.75); Meryl had the salad and sandwich combo with a mixed baby lettuces salad and the BBQ pork sandwich ($10.25; sandwich pictured below on right); and Michael had Dorothy's chicken salad sandwich with melted Swiss cheese, house chips and cole slaw ($8.25; pictured below on left).

South City Kitchen is always packed for lunch, so go grab a seat on the sidewalk patio pronto and enjoy this gorgeous fall weather along with Chef Dean Dupuis' delicious menu. And don't forget to sample the cornbread in the restaurant's bread basket - our sources tell us it's a new recipe from the company's Beverage Director Vajra Stratigos!

South City Kitchen Midtown is located at 1144 Crescent Avenue in Midtown; 404-873-7358; www.fifthgroup.com.