Negril Village

Had lunch at this cute spot in Midtown today.  Negril Village opened 2 years ago and specializes in Jamaican Food.  This former firehouse built in 1907 has lots of white marble tables and a patio outside and upstairs.  We really enjoyed the great food and the service.  We had the Jerk Chicken wings as an appetizer and pan seared salmon with sweet potatoes and a bourbon sauce.  I spoke with the server who said they also have a Tuesday-Friday Happy Hour downstairs with rum punch specials.   I will be back to check out the Weekend Brunch with bottomless mimosas!

30 North Avenue NE, Atlanta, GA 30308

(404) 464-7159

www.negrilvillageatl.com

Happy Hour Specials at Saltyard in Buckhead

Saltyard is offering now $1 oysters, $3 local brews and $5 wines Monday through Friday from 5-7

• 1820 Peachtree Rd NW
• Buckhead  (404) 382-8088
•  saltyardatlanta.com

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 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

Radial Cafe Deal

Radial Cafe in Candler Park has sustainable, organic cuisine such as fresh seafood, grass-fed beef, organic vegetables from local producers and is served in a reclaimed warehouse.  Groupon is featuring this deal as a "Best of Groupon" so is a good excuse to try it out.

Choose Between Two Options

$35 for a farm-to-table dinner for two (up to $62.96 value) $70 for a farm-to-table dinner for four (up to $125.92 value)

• One appetizer per couple (up to a $8.99 value)
• Two entrees per couple (up to a $15.99 value each)
• One dessert per couple (up to a $5.99 value)
• Two cocktail, beers, or wines per couple (up to a $8 value each)

Dinner options include Chorizo Fig Newtons ($9.99), Bacon-wrapped Dates & Pimiento Cheese Deviled Eggs ($8.29), Corn Fritters ($7.99), Mushrooms Risotto ($13.99), Sweet Tea Brined Pork Chop ($15.99), Georgia Trout ($14.99), Beef Brisket ($14.99), Caramel-Pecan Cake ($5.99) and Chocolate-Espresso Cake ($5.00).

Radial Café

It’s fitting that Radial Café, which is featured as a Best of Groupon for the third year in a row, is housed inside a reclaimed turn-of-the century dairy plant: the restaurant has been whipping up farm-to-table, sustainably-sourced meals since 1999. Under the guidance of owner and chef Frank Bragg, gourmet and frequently vegan-friendly and gluten-free dishes are made from local and sustainable ingredients. Walnut-lentil, jerk turkey, Brasstown beef, and black bean patties lay the foundation for build-your-own burgers that can be customized with toppings such as sunflower sprouts and pepper jack cheese. Breakfast specialties range from vegan hashes of marinated tofu and vegetables, to biscuits and rosemary gravy, a dish that earned praise from 10Best. Kids who can't overcome their suspicions about broccoli can order quesadillas, pancakes, and more from a menu lauded by Atlanta Parent.

Radial is critically-acclaimed and highly reviewed for its dedication to the local and sustainable efforts that extend beyond the kitchen. Bartenders craft organic cocktails and pour local beers and organic, biodynamic wines. And every month, the restaurant displays the work of local artists on their dining room's walls, rather than using them as untouchable placemats. Even the building itself maintains a small carbon footprint with strict recycling and composting practices.

View full deal here

Happenings at Eclipse Di Luna

We popped by the Miami Circle in Buckhead location this weekend for lunch and learned a few great things:  1)  They allow dogs on the patio 2) They have painting classes on Sundays from 6-8 pm for $25 and 3) They have 1/2 off Tapas and Well Drinks Mondays-Thursdays from 4-6 pm.  I highly recommend these dishes we had for lunch:

• Estofado de col Rizada: Braised Kale with Sundried Tomatoes, White Beans, Manchego Cheese and Crispy Potato Shavings
• Ceviche de Pescado Blanco: Gulf Coast White Fish Ceviche in a Habañero and Orange Marinade with Cilantro and Avocado 
• Salmón a la Parrilla: Grilled Salmon with a Smoked Paprika Piquillo Pepper Relish and Kalamata Tapanade  

View menu here:  www.eclipsediluna.net

Some Events at Wisteria in Inman Park

Start your week off with these special events at our bar.    Mussels Mondays All you care to eat Mussels! Join Ryan at the bar on Mondays. $15 per person Check out our special wines by the glass on Mussels Mondays.     Tapas Tuesdays Enjoy our special small plates menu at the bar with Andrew, all tapas only $5. Small plates of wonderful southern goodness. We will have a special cocktail every Tuesday night for Tapas Tuesdays.     Wine on Wednesdays Half off all bottles of wine priced $70 and under when dining at the bar. Clifford can assist with answering your vigneron questions.     Fine Print:  Our promotional event and pricing is for those dining at the bar only. First come first serve as some inventory may sell out due to demand. Offer limited to the number of seats available at the bar. We do not take reservations for seating at the bar.

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/

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)

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!

From Concentrics Restaurants:

This All Hallows' Eve, Saturday, October 31st let us treat you to 25% off your entire check! 

Offer is valid at ONE. midtown kitchen & The Brasserie and Neighborhood Café at PARISH 

Join us before you or after you get your trick-or-treat on to enjoy. Offer is valid one per person and cannot be combined with any other offers. For more information, visitconcentricsrestaurants.com

Zagat's 10 Best Happy Hours and Drink Deals in Atlanta

This list from Zagat was published on Monday.  Pronounced "Za Gawt".  The Pinewood that was mentioned here yesterday made the list for their "Whiskey Wednesday's".  I think the Ra Sushi specials sound like a good deal and with so many people working in Midtown there should be a crowd.  3-7 every day but Sunday.  Can you think of any other good ones Zagat forgot?

Here's the list:  Zagat List

Neighborhood Discounts? Yay it's about time!

Mason Tavern is a new restaurant owned by Concentrics Group (The Folks behind  ONE. midtown kitchen, TWO urban licks, TAP, PARISH, The Spence, Lobby Bar & Bistro, ROOM at TWELVE located in Decatur.  It's not in Decatur Square but more Emory area by N. Decatur and Clairmont.  It's been on my list to try out and they also apparently have Trivia Night on Tuesday.  Love the 10% off for locals!