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

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

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

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

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

Great News for Inman Park Lunch Fans

The upstairs restaurant (The Brasserie) on North Highland Avenue is now open for lunch Wednesday through Friday.  Great dine in when on The Beltline and great place for that next client lunch.

1/2 off Cocktails St. Patty's Deal

From the folks at Wisteria:

St Patrick's Day

Thursday, March 17, 2016

HALF OFF COCKTAILS

(AT THE BAR ONLY, FIRST COME FIRST SERVE SEATING)

 

5:30PM TILL 7:00PM

Ticonderoga Club is launching brunch service this weekend

The Krog Street Market restaurant will be serving from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.  The "Yoga Pants" is looking pretty tasty.

A peak at the menu:

Ticonderoga Club
99 Krog Street NE, Suite W, Atlanta, GA 30307

Beer Lovers Unite: Hop City’s Girl Scout Cookie & Beer Pairings

Another cool idea from Scoutmob:

Adulthood is Awesome: Hop City’s Girl Scout Cookie & Beer Pairings

Being an adult has its perks, namely when we get the chance to dunk a Thin Mint into a tall cup of chilled and sudsy … beer.

WHAT TO EXPECT

• Pairings of four different classic Girl Scout Cookies with four different craft brews, expertly selected by the beer-lovin' geniuses at Hop City
• The chance to hob-nob over hops and pints with your fellow cookie-lovin’ brew-minded brethren

SCOUT NOTES

Fact: being a grown-up can be kind of a downer. First off, we have bills, social calendars, and all sorts of responsibilities we can no longer whine our way out of, no matter how hard we’ve tried. (Trust us, we’ve tried.) It’s rough. But then… every now and then, something graces our lives that shows us how rewarding it can be to be over 21. And today that reminder is this: the combination of Girl Scout Cookies and craft beer, compliments of Hop City and Scoutmob. 

Get tickets here

Victory Sandwich Bar's 5 Year Anniversary Party

From the Folks at Victory:

Celebrating 5 years of good times here in ATL!!! It's happening Sunday March 6 at our Inman Park location...actually it's a Sunday Funday parking lot soirée that starts at 1pm & goes til dusk!!! There's beer, booze, Jack & Coke slushies, tunes, & a live performance by @omnideluxe on the asphalt!!! Grab your crew and get up here...party time excellent #victorysandwichbar #omnideluxe#5yearanniversary

Leap Year Deal in Inman Park!

CELEBRATE LEAP YEAR  WITH WINE & FOOD!!!   February 29, 2016  - Monday Wisteria for Wine Tasting Leap Year Style. Enjoy 5 spectacular wines and hors d'oeuvres that will make any celebration memorable.   $25 per person. As always, all participants receive 10% off dinner that evening. Please RSVP as seats are limited - 404.525.3363

Specials at Wisteria Restaurant in Inman Park

This cozy Inman Park favorite has specials on certain nights, which makes it a great excuse to get out and about for a good meal:

Mussels Monday - all you care to eat mussels - $15 per person. Ryan will have special wines available each Monday night.

Tapas Tuesdays - Small plates of southern goodness - $5 per tapas. Andrew is shaking up a special cocktail for the holiday season each Tuesday.

Wine on Wednesdays - 1/2 price on bottles of wine from our wine book that is listed up to $70, when dining at the bar. Allow Clifford to help you find that wine to pair with your meal.

Click here for website

Atlanta's First BeltLine Hotel

Set to open Labor Day of 2017, Atlanta will have an 140 room boutique hotel in Old Fourth Ward.  No hotel brand has been associated with it yet and I am anxious to see what that will be to determine what type of restaurants will be placed inside.  The hotel will be modeled after hotels in the New York Meatpacking District.  The artist's rendering makes it look a little bland but you had me at "rooftop bar".  

Full article here

The Atlanta Intown Breakfast List

Trying to figure out some new spots for brunch or breakfast?  This is my go-to list (in no particular order).  Let me know if there are any that are missing:

• One Eared Stag (try the Chef's Breakfast completed with a beer and 1ES commemorable coozie)
• Petite Marche in Kirkwood
• Egg Harbor
• Java Jive
• West Egg Cafe
• Radial Cafe
• Thumbs Up Diner
• The Flying Biscuit
• Ria's Bluebird
• Folk Art
• Sun in My Belly

Ticonderoga Club at Krog Street Market

Online it is billed as “Colonial era–inspired tavern serving seafood, sandwiches & craft cocktails at Krog Street Market”.  I found out Ticonderoga is a town and tourist attraction in upstate New York.  Inside the new Atlanta restaurant, I felt like I was in a bunker.  Not a fan of the décor.  Maybe they were trying to go with an exclusive members-only vibe.  I DO have to say the food and service were awesome though!  Our server was so attentive and nice.  We loved that we were able to have a yummy AND healthy meal.  It is located in the corner of the market between The Luminary and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams.  Note:  They do not take reservations and are not open on Wednesdays.

My friend and I split:

Butternut Squash Salad (kinda like a Thai salad!)

Cured Salmon Spring Roll (kinda like sashimi!)

Vegan Noodle Bowl

Full menu here:  ticonderogaclub.com

Great Deal at Spice to Table

Spice to Table is a wonderful Indian restaurant in Old 4th Ward and they are featuring a great deal on Scout Mob ($26 for 2 people!).  Owner Asha Gomez is also a James Beard Award winner.  Here are more details:

Spice to Table Presents: An Indian Feast for Two by Chef Asha Gomez

We’d be hard-pressed to find a more exuberant culinary master than Chef Asha Gomez. With this feast for two at her very own spot, she plans to spread the love through every course – from your first sip of chai to your final bite of her signature fried chicken. (They don’t call it the joy of cooking for nothing, after all.)

WHAT TO EXPECT

• An Indian meal for two at Chef Asha Gomez's outpost in Old 4th Ward, Spice to Table
• Two chai teas to warm you up
• Two of Asha's famous samosas
• Two entrees of your choice from a menu of spicy, savory, and complex dishes

SCOUT NOTES

Ever since we had our first tastes of Asha Gomez’s cooking in a certain cozily clandestine supper club years ago, we’ve been hooked. Since then, we’ve followed her culinary climb like devotees – from her beloved underground Spice Route dinner parties, to their brick and mortar leap at Cardamom Hill, the opening of the Third Space, to their most recent evolution at Spice to Table. And we weren’t the only ones to become smitten with her passion for Kerala cuisine and the flavors of South India: her nomination from the James Beard Awards and a tip of the hat from Bon Appetit were proof in the pudding.

ScoutMob Deal here

New Restaurant Opening in Inman Quarter- BeetleCat

BeetleCat, Ford Fry's long-planned "little sister to The Optimist," begins service on Monday, December 28, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Fry is behind The Optimist, Superica, Bar Margot and Marcel. Seafood and tiki drinks on the menu sounds like a good idea to me!

BeetleCat is situated at 299 Elizabeth Street, on the corner of North Highland Avenue. Hours are Monday through Thursday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 3 p.m. 10 p.m. Late-night dining will be offered Friday and Saturday from 11 p.m. until 2 a.m.

UPDATE:

I highly recommend:

MOQUECA SOUP day boat fish, coconut, plantains, yucca, sticky rice, jalapeño, cilantro, cashews

SALMON lightly smoked roe, yogurt cheese, rye bread crumbles, dill

TUNA Thai herb salsa verde, green papaya, peanuts, jalapeño, crispy shallots

Menu available here: http://www.beetlecatatl.com/