Best Place to see Santa in Atlanta

After going to a few malls around town I have to say I really like the Ponce City Market Santa setting.  There was no line, no cost and the Elves were really "giving it their all".   They stayed in character the whole time.  I like their retro makeup and lit up hover boards as well.   Stop by and check them out.  Another tip:  parking is free for 30 minutes in a designated spot.  

Wine Tasting in South Buckhead at Watershed

This could be fun for you wine lovers!  Watershed is doing a 20 for $20 Wine Tasting on on Tuesday, December 8.  For $20 you can try 20 tastes of various wines for only $20 (plus tax + gratuity) along with small bites from Executive Chef Zeb Stevenson. Be sure to RSVP for your spot:  rsvp@watershedrestaurant.com.

Repeal Day Brunch at Harper Street Station

An event that could be fun this Sunday is the Repeal Day Brunch in Reynoldstown from 12-4 pm.  It's located in Reynoldstown, right off the I-20 89B exit.  Details:

$20 entry includes:
2 cocktails featuring Old Forester bourbon selections
day-drinking brunch hors d'oeuvres and treats

dress code: keep it swanky, like it’s 1933;
Old Forester wants to give $150 to the most dapper amongst you.

Entertainment for the Afternoon: An Old Fashioned Bartender Competition!
Six Atlanta bartenders will compete for a $500 first prize, and
we will be choosing one of you at the door to join a panel of industry judges!

Bonus: 
Over the next two weeks we will be giving away VIP admission to the Bottled in Bond Tasting Room at the party, which includes a complimentary flight of Old Forester 1870, 1897, and this year's Birthday Bourbon.

Purchase of tickets in advance enters you for a chance to win.
  

Get your tickets now:Buy Tickets For Repeal Day Brunch

Last Word in Inman Park/ Old 4th Ward

                               

Last Word is a cute spot on the corner of Sampson and Highland Avenue that has cocktails and food with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean influences.  They have a yummy glass of Sancerre and a great tagliatelle pasta with mushrooms.  I also just realized they have a happy hour special, which is even more of a reason to stop by and see them:

Last Word Classic Cocktail Hour

Tuesday-Saturday 5:30-7pm

Last Word is excited to announce our new Classic Cocktail Hour, Tuesday through Saturday from 5:30pm to 7pm. We will offer a rotating menu of our favorite classic cocktails, along with an assortment of bar snacks from the kitchen to go with them. The cocktails will be priced at a very retro $6 apiece.

Website:  http://lastwordatl.com/

Love this Soup

Soup season is upon us and this one at Harry and Sons was a little discovered gem.  Harry and Sons is located in Virginia Highland and has Thai and Japanese (they have sushi!) food.  My friend who move here from LA said "Why is this so cheap?"  My answer is "Shhhhh!"  Try the Spicy Seafood Soup for $6.50:  Fresh squid, mussels, shrimp, scallions, and fresh ginger in a spicy broth.  So yummy.

$39 -- Sun In My Belly: Zagat-Praised Dinner for 2, 60% Off

I wrote about this restaurant in a previous post and just came across this great deal on Travelzoo that might be of interest:

Sun in My Belly earns a "very good to excellent" (23) rating on Zagat for its "fresh, tasty" American fare. Sit down to dinner and drinks and save more than 60%.

Why we love it

• Earns 4 stars from OpenTable, Yelp and TripAdvisor users
• USA Today says this "fun and kitschy" Kirkwood spot is "certainly worth the drive"
• Travelzoo members give it 96% thumbs-up, noting "incredible food" and "exceptional" service

When

Through Jan. 31, 2016

What's included

• For $39 (reg. $100), enjoy dinner for two with:
• Any two salads, such as The Lucy, with kale, red apple, toasted pumpkin seeds, avocado and lemon vinaigrette
• Any two entrees, such as miso-glazed grilled salmon with warm cilantro and shallot couscous or wild mushroom ravioli with truffled mushrooms in a brown-butter sauce
• Any shared dessert, such as panna cotta or creme brulee
• Two glasses of wine or craft beer and two soft drinks or coffee
• Dine with four people for $75 (reg. $200)

Travelzoo Tip: For larger parties, use up to two vouchers per table.  

Get deal by clicking here

Staplehouse

This new spot is a reservation only restaurant in the Edgewood area.  From their website:

Staplehouse is Atlanta's first restaurant on TOCK’s ticketing system. Making a reservation for dinner at Staplehouse is a lot like buying a concert ticket.

Staplehouse is a small space and we want to create an intimate environment for our guests. Ticketing allows us to anticipate who is coming in and to give our guests an all-encompassing experience at the best price possible.

When booking a table, you’ll be asked to select your party size, date and time, and pay in advance for your multi-course dinner.

We only take reservations for the dining room. If you’re joining us on the patio or at the bar, no need to purchase a ticket.

Still have questions, please click here

Atlanta Food & Drink Specials

After living in Southern California and then moving back home to Atlanta, I realized how much people love happy hour drinks on the East Coast.  There are so many social events that evolve around drinking here.  Why not take advantage of some of the drink specials around town then?  I broke down by day what I know of in town.  Some of this changes around from time to time.  Let me know if you have recommendations to add to this list:

Sunday's

• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Industry Tavern
• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Parish starting at 5:30
• Bottomless mimosas at Venkman's
• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Kyma 

Monday's

• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Barcelona Inman Park
• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Poor Calvin's
• /2 off bottles of wine at Baraonda
• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Einstein's
• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Olive Bistro
• 1/2 off Classic Cocktails at The Mercury
• 1/2 off well drinks Eclipse di Luna

Tuesdays:

• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Venkman's
• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Einstein's
• $3 glasses of sangria at Calle Latina in Decatur
• $3 margaritas at El Bandidos in L5P
• $3 select beers at Olive Bistro
• 1/2 off well drinks Eclipse di Luna
• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Osteria 832 

Wednesday's

• 1/2 off Whiskey cocktails & $5 burgers (3-5 pm) at The Pinewood
• The Lawrence:  3 oysters and a cocktail for $10
• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Gekko Sushi
• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Wahoo Grill in Decatur
• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Wisteria 
• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Olive Bistro
• 1/2 off well drinks Eclipse di Luna
• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Mediterranea in Grant Park
• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Campagnolo

Thursday's

• 1/2 off bottles of wine at Cypress Street
• 1/2 off cocktails at Poor Calvin's
• 1/2 off bottles of wine and sake 5-9 at Steel Restaurant
• 1/2 off well drinks Eclipse di Luna

(updated 6/28/17)

Bottomless Mimosas in Old Fourth Ward

Venkman's is a new place is right across from Bantam Pub and is owned by Yacht Rock Revue. They are an uber popular cover band in Atlanta.  They describe themselves as " a restaurant and music venue balancing comfort food, eclectic live music and drinkability in the heart of Atlanta's Old Fourth Ward."  All I know is they have live music and bottomless mimosas every Saturday and Sunday -I'm definitely going to check this out!

Oyster Happy Hours In Atlanta

                                   

Oysters are best in the "er" months so September, October, November and December are prime time oyster eating season.  This usually means they are bigger and more "juicy".  Some places like The Kimball House and One Eared Stag do not have saltines to go with them and prefer mignette sauce.  I guess saltines are passe' but I still find it much easier to load up my cocktail sauce and horseradish.   I am always a fan of a good deal so why not hit up an oyster happy hour around town.  Some of my favorites:

• One Eared Stag $1 oysters Monday-Friday 5-7 pm 
• The Pig and The Pearl $1 oysters 4-6 pm everyday!
• Steamhouse Lounge $7 for a dozen Wednesdays
• Fontaine's Oyster House $7 for a dozen on Tuesdays

Can you think of any others that we missed?  Let me know and I will add them!

Filed Under: Good Deal at One Eared Stag

The One Eared Stag is a favorite.  The menu is always changing and it's just a cute neighborhoody spot.  Saw this deal on Scout Mob and it sounds like a good one:

From the Sea or Sky: One Eared Stag's Exclusive Fall Dinner for Two ($75) :  This Inman Park eatery is a place where experimentation is encouraged, where elegance is mandatory, and where the curiosities are endless. And we’ve got an exclusive dinner for two showcasing the best of Chef Phalen’s local, seasonal fare.  Whether you take a seat belly up at the bar, or dine at a table facing the ever-humming kitchen, there’s not a bad seat in the house at this Inman Park eatery. The whitewashed, pristine interior, bedecked with bona fide taxidermy (from the noble Eastern Grey Squirrel to a giant boar head to – of course – the one eared stag himself) and vintage finds is certainly not lacking in charm. It’s a primo place to catch up with your favorite dining companion, hobnob with some friends, or really impress that special someone. (Works like a charm.)

WHAT TO EXPECT

·         Dinner for two from Chef Robert Phalen’s exclusive prixe fixe menu

·         A glass of wine or draft beer each

·         A specially-created appetizer to share

·         Choice of chicken or fish entree, created with local, seasonal ingredients and accompaniments

·          

THE NITTY GRITTY

Dine-in only. (Not valid for take out)

Valid on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday only

Reservations recommended. Please call 404-525-4479 to make a reservation

Purchase here:  http://handpicked.scoutmob.com/atlanta/hand-picked/one-eared-stag-atlanta

Their website:  http://www.oneearedstagatl.com/

Best Pork Chop in Atlanta

I would venture to say the best Pork Chop in Atlanta is At Sun in my Belly in Kirkwood.  If you haven't yet checked out this eclectic spot it is great for brunch, lunch or dinner.  My friend had them cater her backyard party.  Occasionally they also have someone playing guitar and/or singing.  For the people who prefer veggies, they have an excellent kale salad and other options too. The Pork Chop is Brown Sugar & Chile Brined  ~ with diced sweet potato + honey-glazed bacon hash + citrus spinach saute  for $16.95 (very reasonable).  Check it out!

p.s. Has a small parking lot and they are not open Monday nights.

More info:  http://www.suninmybelly.com

Weekend Getaway: New York City Edition

We escaped the rainy Atlanta weekend for a quick NYC getaway and had some excellent dining adventures to share.  Check out these spots next time you are in The Big Apple:

The Whitney Museum:  Checked out the Frank Stella exhibit. and had a bite at the top floor restaurant.  They had a lot of toasts on the menu.  We loved the hummus and falafel toast with pickeled carrots

Balthazar:  This place in NoLita rocks.  We couldn't get reservations for lunch or dinner so stopped in there on a Friday around 3 pm.  They had a 1.5 hour wait!  That is how popular it is!  We were able to grab a spot at the bar.  I did notice a lot of places with a wait require you to check in with bartenders for a bar spot.  We lucked out.  We had the mussels frittes, ceviche and field greens salad.  Polished it off with a glass of Sancerre.  Excellent!

Cull & Pistol:  This is a place inside of Chelsea Market.  It reminds me of Ponce City Market and I believe the designer is one in the same.  Loved the decor (exposed brick wall, reclaimed wood booths, subway tile walls with beige grout).  We had AWESOME shrimp cocktail and some oysters. Great seafood.

The Standard Hotel:  This was a great spot on the bottom floor outside to have a drink, app and people watch.  We had wine and tuna tartar.  Highly recommend.  It is right on the HighLine in the Meatpacking District.

Freeman's:  This is a favorite spot in Bowery area.  Imagine dark, old timey, minimal taxidermy tucked away in an alleyway without a sign.  They do not take reservations but we were able to grab a a table.  We enjoyed the spicy sweet potato and pork belly appetizer and sea bass dinner special.

These were some of our favorites.  Next on the list in NYC and highly recommended:  Shuko, Carbone, ZZ Clam and Cosme.  Hope any of these rec's work out for you!

Freeman's

Atlanta Fun Events Happening This Weekend

Some great events In Town if the weather holds up!

Flux Night:  Formerly in Castleberry Hill, now in Old 4th Ward.  Saturday 7 pm-12 am.  "Atlanta’s largest outdoor public art gallery"

Chomp & Stomp:  Saturday 11 am.  Our Lucky 13th Year of Chili, Bluegrass, and Beer! All proceeds go to maintain our Cabbagetown parks and community center. Y'all come!

chompandstomp.com

Crafts & Drafts:  Sunday Candler Park 1 pm.  FREE! Creative Loafing's inaugural Crafts & Drafts is a curated exhibition and sale of local handmade arts and crafts. In addition to y'all's fancy crafts, the fest will also showcase a tasty selection of local craft beers. Oh yeah, and it's free. Oh yeah, and it's all ages, so bring the kids! We're also planning on having the Falcons' game on so you can't use that as an excuse not to make it out! http://clatl.com/craftsanddrafts

This year's fest features 50 local craft makers - from crayon art to doggie bowties - and 5 local breweries: Red Brick Brewing, Orpheus Brewing, Dry County Brewing Company, Reformation Brewery, and Second Self Beer Company. 16 oz of cold local brew means you'll need food, so we've gotJust Loaf'n Poboys & Snoballs Truck, Chill Factory, and Meatballerz for your sustenence needs. Bring the dogs, bring the kids!

***If it rains go to The High Museum then hit up the Lowe's salad bar at Saltwood.  Current exhibit:  Be among the first to see Iris van Herpen: Transforming Fashion—the High's first fashion exhibition and the first major U.S. exhibition of work by visionary Dutch fashion designer Iris van Herpen

What to order at Sweet Auburn BBQ in VA HI /Poncey Hi

This off shoot of Sweet Auburn Curb Market is located on Highland Avenue in the Virginia Highlands area.  I highly recommend their "Award Winning" wings.  We split the naked smoked wings as well as the buffalo and they were amazing.  I also like that they have bbq tacos on the menu. Great little bar.  Unfortunately parking is hard to find and hopefully that will be solved now that Cafe 640 has closed.  Would be nice for them to be able to use their old lot right there.

More info:  http://sweetauburnbbq.com/

Food and Technology: No Wait

No rez restaurants are feasible with "NoWait".  Text your name to the list and then show up when your table is ready.  They update you on the line and your progress.  You can also view the wait line from home.  Free for Android and iPhone users:  nowaitapp.com/dining