Great reason to try Amara in Inman Park

Scoutmob has a pretty decent meal for two at Inman's newest Indian restaurant Amara:

Spice Up Your Life with Amara's Dinner for Two

America and India meet each other on every plate at Amara, Sandeep Kothary’s latest Inman Park venture that offers the perfect mix of traditional Indian cuisine and spice-infused modern American dishes.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Dinner for 2 at Amara in Inman Park
• 1 small plate (from the Snacks, Bread, Appetizers, and Tandoori Appetizers menu) to share
• 2 entrees (from Curries, Biryana, or Main Courses)
• 2 beverages of your choice
• The perfect mix of Indian and American cuisine under one roof

click here for deal

SCOUT NOTES

In the world of modern Indian dining, Amara truly has the best of both worlds. The team of chefs at Amara, largely sourced from Sandeep’s Midtown Indian restaurant, Tabla, has expanded upon a menu of Indian classics with several unique American dishes that incorporate Indian ingredients. The result is an eclectic menu that caters equally to fans of Indian cuisine and to those who are less familiar. And our handpicked dinner for two gives you and a date the opportunity to sample the full range of Amara’s delicious Indian-American creations. Lovers of curry, tandoori, and biryana will be happy to find plenty of perfectly executed traditional Indian dishes to dive into. Small bites like the chef selected chutney tasting will awaken your palate to your favorite Indian flavors, and entrees like the popular Amara Chicken Curry – which combines spinach wrapped garlic chicken with a tomato curry sauce – provide a modern take on classic Indian cuisine.

However, if you have yet to dip your toes into the waters of Indian cooking, there are plenty of American dishes whose infusion of Indian spices serve as a perfect introduction for uninitiated diners. For example, Amara’s Brussel Sprouts ‘Bhel’ appetizer combines brussels sprouts and a sweet potato puree with tamarind and an Indian staple called boondi – made from fried chickpea flour – to create a dish that combines familiar American elements with a couple flavorful South Asian spices. When it’s time to move onto your main course, look no further than the jaggery marinated Hangar Steak, or the Salmon, which is marinated in turmeric and cooked in a traditional tandoor oven.

Even Amara’s bar program incorporates Indian ingredients in unique and delicious ways. Many popular drinks, like the signature Pear Necessities, use simple syrups made from jaggery or ginger instead of regular sugar, and a new spring cocktail menu, which will feature even more distinctive Indian infusions – is currently in the works. In addition to this Amara has wide selection of wines and local craft beers to choose from.

870 Inman Village Pkwy NE,

Atlanta, GA 30307

Krog Street Market Movie Nights

Krog Street Market is now playing movies every Tuesday at 7 pm. Last night it was Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Check this out for a full line up: krogstreetmarket.com.  Movie and food from a food stall sounds like a good night and something different to do!  Note that Irwin Street is closed currently due to The Beltline being extended.  More details are on their website.

Krog Street Market
99 Krog Street
Atlanta, GA 30307

Monday - Thursday 7am - 9pm
Friday 7am - 10pm
Saturday 8am - 10pm
Sunday 8am - 9pm

Serpas Spring Dinner on the Patio March 30th

Join us outdoors to celebrate the beginning of Spring for our first-ever  Spring Dinner on the Patio  A family-style, prix-fixe menu $65 per person (plus tax and gratuity) Reservations are a must - limited seating 404.688.0040 MENU  1st Course Seasonal Citrus Salad Main Course Garlic & Herb Roasted Boneless Lamb Wood-Grilled Salmon Sides Seasonal Vegetables Whipped Potatoes Dessert Strawberry Tart Signature Beverage Sangria

659 Auburn Ave NE #501, Atlanta, GA 30312

www.serpasrestaurant.com

Venkman's Karaoke League Wednesday's

Venkman's Karaoke League KICK-OFF! Hosted by Christopher Arrison (of Saved by the Band)  FREE for spectators. $25 for performers. TICKETING & RESERVATION INFO: Tickets are not available for FREE shows. For seating at a FREE show, please make reservations for the appropriate time at ... Event Info: FREE for spectators. $25 for performers.  TICKETING & RESERVATION INFO: Tickets are not available for FREE shows. For seating at a FREE show, please make reservations for the appropriate time at www.venkmans.com (see “Reservations”), or by calling 470-225-6162. Doors: 5:30 PM / Show: 8:00 PM Venkman's • 740 Ralph McGill Blvd • Atlanta, GA

BeetleCat's Low-Country Smoke Out & Patio Party November 5th

From the folks at Scoutmob and Beetlecat:

It’s hard to beat a good old-fashioned low-country boil, but the good folks at BeetleCat may be giving the classic meal a run for its money. This month they’re dialing up the heat with their very own Low-Country Smoke Out. Ring in fall the right way at this exclusive seafood extravaganza, featuring bottomless smoked seafood and craft beer.

• Event on Saturday, November 5th at Beetlecat from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• $59 Admission to an exclusive event at one of chef Ford Fry's newest (and highly celebrated) eateries
• An all-you-can-eat seafood smorgasbord, smoked on site by executive chef Andrew Isabella
• Open draft beer bar sponsored by Wicked Weed Brewing
• A fall afternoon of food and fun on the BeetleCat patio

SCOUT NOTES

Summer may be over, but that’s not stopping BeetleCat from throwing one more coastal cookout. Ford Fry’s Inman Park “oyster-ette” is welcoming fall in the best way possible: an outdoor party complete with an all-you-can-eat-and-drink smoked seafood smorgasbord and craft beer bar.

Since opening last year, BeetleCat has been dishing out the same quality seafood as its sister restaurant The Optimist, but in the form of casual small plates served in a relaxing ocean-inspired atmosphere (fun fact: BeetleCat’s name refers to a miniature sailboat and the restaurant’s interior has a distinctive maritime design). It’s communal vibe and fun bar atmosphere have made it the hottest thing in Inman Quarter, with packed houses and long weekend wait times becoming the norm. Now the laid-back eatery is kicking their feet up even more, with a one-day only grill sesh featuring original seafood dishes served fresh of the smoker.

Guests can expect unique dishes like smoked squid pasta salad, barbeque fish collars, and smoked shrimp kielbasa, plus cookout essentials like potato salad and chicken wings. Executive Chef Andrew Isabella will be manning the big green egg himself, offering exclusive insight into each dish. Already a BeetleCat fan? This is your chance to get an unofficial lesson in seafood smoking from the chef himself, all while tasting a completely new and distinctive menu.

When you find yourself getting thirsty, head over to the open bar where you can grab a pint – or three – of some of Asheville’s finest craft beer courtesy of Wicked Weed Brewing. On tap will be one of the brewery’s newest year round offerings, a hopped up pale ale called Napoleon Complex.

A live DJ will be spinning tunes, and the party will extend from BeetleCat’s beautiful outdoor patio to the retro downstairs bar, modeled after a 70’s surfer den. So come ready to mingle and be sure to bring your appetite, because the smoker will be cranking out feast worthy seafood snacks all afternoon long.

INMAN PARK 

299 North Highland Avenue Northeast,

 

Atlanta, GA 30307

Get tickets here:  https://handpickedatlanta.com/checkout/payment

City Winery Atlanta

This new concert venue at Ponce City Market is an excellent way to see a show! They have wines on tap and full dinner. If you are not catching a show you can also hang out at the bar/restaurant upstairs. I had the shrimp and grits and it was phenomenal. Looking forward to going back to catch one of their jazz brunches sometime soon.  NOTE:  I love that they have a doggy menu too if you bring a pooch to the patio:  Click here for doggy menu!

See full schedule of upcoming shows:  www.citywinery.com/atlanta/

650 North Avenue, Ponce City Market, Atlanta, GA, 30308

404-946-3791

Beef Jerky Bar???

Wandered into Biltong Bar at Ponce City Market recently and was very surprised/excited/impressed. This South African snacks bar has great ambiance with huge windows and bar seating overlooking Ponce and part of the Beltine.  Great music selection and craft cocktail menu.  Perfect place to unwind and have a "Something Something DANGER ZONE" or a "See You Space Cowboy".  Check out the beef jerky menu and definitely have the red bean hummus!

http://biltong-bar.com/

Address: Ponce City Market, 675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE ne152, Atlanta, GA 30308

Phone: (678) 515-0620

PARISH Friday Nashville Hot Chicken Night

From the folks at Parish:

FRIDAY NIGHTS JUST GOT A LITTLE BIT HOTTER…

Join us at PARISH for Friday Nashville Hot Chicken Night!

The exclusive menu includes:

-Nashville hot chicken wings, buttermilk, dill sour pickles for $6

-Nashville hot half chicken, tomato-celery salad, buttermilk, and soft white bread for $18

Chef Stuart Tracy’s Nashville Hot Chicken is only available Fridays nights from 5:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

PARISH is located at 240 N. Highland Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30307. For reservations, call 404.681.4434 or visit parishatl.com

Bring your Pooch to Happy Hour at Tap in Midtown!

From the Folks at Tap:

THE DOG DAYS ARE OVER…NOT, THEY’VE JUST BEGUN!

Join us every Sunday at TAP to relish the Dog Days of Summer!

Bring your pooch to dine with us, and enjoy ½ off mimosas and select craft beers!

We are kicking off the Dog Days on Sunday, June 26; we’ll see you on the patio! Reserve your seat: 404.347.2220 or tapat1180.com.

Cannot combine with any other offers.

TAP | 1180 Peachtree Street, Atlanta 30309 | 404.347.2220 | tapat1180.com

#mustlovedogs

#TAPDogDaysofSummer

Inman Park's Amer Mentioned in Zagat's "Hottest New Bars"

Atlanta: Amer

Why it's hot: More often than not, Atlanta's best new drinking spots wind up being the bars in equally exceptional restaurants. That's why it's great that this intimate, European-inspired cocktail bar, nestled into the hulking Inman Quarter development, is such a treat. The focus is squarely on smart, satisfying drinks mixed, stirred, shaken, layered and more, with managing partner Shanna Mayo, an ATL drink-scene vet, at the helm.
Must-order: The Bling Machine (vodka, blackberry, ginger, orgeat, vanilla, lemon juice and Chambord) if you're feeling fruity, the Deep Red (rye, mezcal, vermouth, grapefruit juice, Zucca, Cynar) for something funky.
Insider tip: The same owners also run Bocado; head there if you like what you find at Amer, but want something more substantial to eat than the available light bar fare.

299 N. Highland Ave; 404-600-5895

View full Zagat article here

Crawfish Boil

This sounds like fun...a tad expensive but fun nonetheless.  New Orleans fans will approve.  Serpas is having a crawfish boil.  Details here:

Get Your Tickets Now for Our  Annual Crawfish Boil! Don't miss out on some good old-fashioned bayou fun! Chef Scott's annual Crawfish Boil returns to the Old Fourth Ward on Saturday, May 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and there are still tickets available! Tickets include: All-you-can-eat crawfish with corn & potatoes Jambalaya Potato salad Georgia strawberry cake One drink of choice (Abita Beer or specialty cocktail) Tickets are $45 per person and can be purchased here.

Located at The Pavilion at Studioplex in the Old Fourth Ward historic district 659 Auburn Avenue Atlanta, GA 30312 404.688.0040 serpasrestaurant.com

Serpa's has a special Mother's Day Brunch

Celebrate Mom with Us On Sunday, May 8!

We are setting the brunch and dinner table with mom in mind! Join us, Sunday, May 8, for brunch from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or dinner beginning at 5:30 p.m. Executive chef Scott Serpas will be serving up a few off-the-menu specials along with favorites including, fried oyster eggs benedict with creamed spinach, tobasco hollandaise and hashbrowns, banana brown sugar french toast with cinnamon whipped cream and crispy bacon and our signaturebeignets. Reserve your table today by calling 404.688.0040 or visiting us atserpasrestaurant.com.

Is Atlanta Becoming the South’s Cultural Capital?

Great Article from Vogue Magazine yesterday praising Atlanta's quest for culture:

Is Atlanta Becoming the South’s Cultural Capital?

by CHRIS BLACK

Though Atlanta is arguably the capital of the South, most people have only spent time in the hectic Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on a layover. But the city has so much more to offer. Recently, it’s become a place to stop, explore, and be charmed. A new guard of entrepreneurs and restaurateurs has helped reshape many downtown neighborhoods, creating hubs for a burgeoning creative class hungry for culture, community, and seriously ambitious food. And please note: Atlanta’s famed hospitality is real, and so is the politeness. Here, a list of spots that are making Atlanta a destination—not just a layover.

Photo: Courtesy of The BeltLine

The Beltline
The original idea for the Beltline came from a student who wrote a paper on how to develop the old railroad tracks that encircle much of the city. Expected to span 33 miles when it’s finally complete, the Beltline is the long-awaited green space Atlanta needed. The pathway features parks, great views, public art, and vast areas to run or cycle. It also connects some of the city’s best neighborhoods—Ansley Park, Virginia Highlands, Midtown, Inman Park, and the Old Fourth Ward. If you need a break, head to King of Pops for an Arnold Palmer Popsicle.

Photo: Courtesy of Kimball House

Kimball House
Housed in an old Decatur train depot built in 1891, Kimball House is a wise Southern restaurant with little pretense. The menu changes seasonally and features produce from the eatery’s on-site vegetable garden. People come back for the extensive raw bar, where the oyster list includes varieties from all over the South and West Coast. It also has a much-lauded cocktail program that highlights traditionally prepared absinthe. Make sure to order the onion rings.

View Rest of Article Here

Mercury 1/2 priced Monday's

Labeled one of the “hottest new bars” in Atlanta by Zagat, this Ponce City Market spot will start serving half price cocktails ($5 – $7) all day on Mondays. Look for favorites such as Moscow Mules, Manhattans, Kir Royals and more. If you’re in a hurry, you can get drinks to go too.

675 Ponce de Leon Ave. N.E., Atlanta. 404-500-5253, www.TheMercuryATL.com.

Inman Park Restaurant Week Menu at Parish

Inman Park Restaurant Week celebrates our community's exciting culinary scene. Join us at PARISH as we showcase what Inman Park has to offer! We will be serving a three-course $25 dinner menu for the event. See details below! When: Wednesday, March 30 - Sunday, April 3, 2016  Price: $25 per person excluding tax & gratuity  First, choice of:  - Spring Lettuces, Almond Dressing, Smoked Cheese  - Porcini Mushroom Soup, Crème Fraiche, Brioche  - Eggplant Dip, Charred Flat bread, spicy tomato, pickled cauliflower  Second, choice of:  - Half Roasted Chicken, Salsa Verde, Wilted Greens  - Sunburst Trout, French Beans, Potato Puree, Almondine Sauce  - Tagliatelle, Fava Beans, Braised Lamb  Third, choice of:  - Warm Chocolate Stout Cake; Fleur de Sel Ice Cream, Caramel, Brown Butter Cocoa Crumbles  - Tiramisu; Espresso & Mascarpone Cream, Rum -Soaked Lady Fingers  To make your reservations today, call 404.681.4434 or visit parishatl.com. 240 N.HIGHLAND AVENUE, ATLANTA GA, 30307 PH: 404.681.4434 FX:404.681.4435

Inman Park Restaurant Week March 28th – April 3rd

It's Inman Park Restaurant Week! Inman Park is a major culinary destination. Restaurant-rich, the area has more than 13 restaurants and pubs, offering American, Southern, European and ethnic cuisine. No wonder Inman Park has become an area with an increasingly sophisticated palate.  Here are the participating restaurants below:

Participating Restaurants

• $15 Menu
  • Fritti
  • North Highland Pub
  • Pure Taqueria
• $25 Menu
  • The Luminary
  • Barcelona Wine Bar
  • Fritti
  • il Localino
  • The Brasserie at PARISH
  • Rathbun’s
  • Sotto Sotto
  • The Wrecking Bar Brewpub
  • Wisteria
• $35 Menu
  • Cockentrice
  • il Localino
  • Kevin Rathbun Steak
  • Sotto Sotto
  • Wisteria

Inman Park: Wine Tasting, Tacos, and Tapas with VinoTeca

Fun outing in Inman Park at the new Vinoteca for only $29!  Vinoteca is a cute little wine bar owned by the Barcelona/Bartaco folks.  Prices are pretty reasonable and this deal gives you the benefit of the trifecta on North Highland.

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The Springtime Trifecta: Wine Tasting, Tacos, and Tapas with VinoTeca

Springtime is when we throw our cares to the wind and head out for adventure every night of the week. Wednesdays are getting a lot of action with a wine tasting at VinoTeca and a mouthwatering wander around Inman Quarter for tacos at Bartaco and tapas at Barcelona.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Eight tastes of wines from around the world at VinoTeca in Inman Quarter
• Small bites and wine-friendly snacks to nosh while sippin’ and samplin’
• A token for a free taco next door at bartaco
• A complimentary tapas token for Barcelona
• A special rate on any wines purchased in store during the tasting

SCOUT NOTES

Ladies and gentlemen, we can feel it: the sunshine peeking through the clouds, the warm breezes, the packed Beltline, that feeling like we just need to get outside and breathe some fresh air. It can all only mean one thing: spring is about to bust up in here HARD. Yup, springtime is when we throw our cares to the wind and head out for adventure every night of the week. Our favorite night? Wine Wednesday, of course. And now VinoTeca in Inman Quarter is bringing together all our favorite parts of Wine Wednesday: wine (duh), tapas, and tacos. 

VinoTeca, brought to you by the same folks behind Barcelona Wine Bar and bartaco, is a neighborhood wine shop with a worldly twist- they’re quite a destination for Spanish wines, as well as wines from around the world. Half of their around 650 bottle inventory is Spanish wine, and the rest, well, color us impressed. Popular wine producing countries like France and Italy are represented, as are lesser known countries like Austria, Germany, Greece, Slovenia, Hungary, and even Lebanon. They’ve got their finger on the pulse of South American wines as well, heading all the way to places like Uruguay to find the most unique varietals and tastes. Now if this gets you thinking this is too much to handle, we feel you. Lots of wine can be overwhelming (take it from us, that wall of wine is a beast when you first walk in) but the staff can help you find what you want. And what better way to figure it all out than tasting them? 

You’ll be tasting about eight wines at different stations around the handsomely appointed, airy store. Of course you’ll get your fill of Spanish wines, and a sampling of reds and white from other areas as well. Add to that small, wine-friendly bites and snacks, and your Wednesday just sprang into action. (See what we did there?) And it doesn’t end there- nope, you’ll also get a token for a free taco at bartaco next door, so you can nosh your way into the evening on tacos filled with pork belly, falafel, or even duck. Still hungry? We got you. Actually, Barcelona’s got you. Head across the street to Barcelona Wine Bar for a complimentary tapas. That’s right- you'll be tasting Spanish wines, so your best bet is to follow it with authentic tapas like albigondas, and manchego and jamon croquetas. Now, we get that this sounds like a lot of action for a Wednesday night. It is springtime after all. But if you want to save your tapas and tacos tokens for another night out, we can’t fault you for that. Next time you're on the Beltline, make your way to Inman Quarter for all the treats you can handle.

Buy tickets here