Atlanta Dish

Win Big This Sunday with Game Day Specials

noreply@blogger.com (Suong) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:25:00 +0000

The home team may not be playing in this year's Super Bowl, but you can still take advantage of some super specials for the big game. Whether you're cheering for the Giants, Patriots or Madonna in this Sunday's Super Bowl, Atlanta restaurants are ready with in-house viewing and specials plus parties-to-go. Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna kicks off a roster of appetizer and drink specials for the night's viewing, and there are plenty of screens handy to cover that aspect. Eat like an NFL champ at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Their "5 for $6 til 7" bar menu featuring five appetizers, five premium cocktails and five wines by the glass - all priced at $6 - will be offered all day, and February 5 is the last day for the $29.95 three-course prime rib special.

For football fans hosting viewing parties, RA Sushi in Midtown is offering five sushi platter take-out options sized for small or large crowds. "House" platter choices are the basic ($60) option with eight nigiri pieces and 44 sushi pieces and the vegetarian combo ($50) with 54 sushi pieces. The "Block" option consists of the Harajuku combo ($120) with eight nigiri pieces and 111 sushi pieces. Wasabi, ginger, soy sauce and chopsticks garnish all, and customized platters also are available. Call 404-267-0114 in advance to order your party platters. Guacamole is another game-day staple, and Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food has three different kinds for you to dip your chips in. Try the roasted lump crab and corn, pineapple and bacon or three-pepper spicy guacamole.

It's Follow Friday; Meet our Tweep of the Week @MotherNatureNet

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:31:00 +0000

Usually Twitter profiles include just one city where the tweep resides, but Mother Nature Network (@MotherNatureNet) thinks more globally and declares their home as Planet Earth. Connect for environmental news, local foods, innovations and green inspirations. Recent exposures include "Think positive!" and "Natural remedies for seasonal affective disorder." Winter-worthy topics to brighten a cold or cloudy day! Read more on the Mother Nature Network website.

Get Your Snack on and Enter Our Foodzie Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Suong) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:54:00 +0000

I have to admit, I look forward to the beginning of a new month. Not only because that means spring is getting closer, but also because a new month means a new Foodzie box. To a habitual snacker like me, it's like a monthly Christmas present.

For those of you not familiar with Foodzie, it's a great way to discover new products from smallbatchmakers you may not come across otherwise. Every month, you select a different Tasting Box with an assortment of goodies to try.

Since February is National Snack Food Month, we're giving one lucky person a chance to win his/her very own Foodzie box. Some of the yummy snacks you'll enjoy include pacific sea salt and cinnamon crunch bites (my personal fave), cheesy kale chips and a vanilla blueberry energy bar.

Leave a comment below and tell us what your favorite snack food is. We'll pick our favorite answer and announce the winner Monday on Twitter, so make sure to follow us @AtlantaDish.
Good luck and happy snacking!

Have No Fear, Smashburger's Coffee Shake is Here

noreply@blogger.com (Manuela) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 22:11:00 +0000

Super Bowl Sunday is the perfect excuse to eat, drink and spend time with friends and family. Football rivalries are played out; TV commercials get more elaborate by the year; the half-time show always leaves us gasping and to top it all off, we get to eat and drink like it doesn’t count because it’s a “holiday.”

Reality check… Monday is a work-day! But have no fear folks, Smashburger always has our backs and have created the perfect pick-me-up, the coffee shake, to help us face the day. New to the menu on Monday, February 6, this java-nated treat is hand-spun using Häagen-Dazs ice cream and a jolt of the strong stuff. The $4.29 shake will be on the menu through March 25.

This time Atlanta-area Smashburger locations have outdone themselves. Not only have they created the perfect coffee shake, but they also have a great money-saving cling-on ad on the front page of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution today. Any purchase more than $5 saves $2!

Cast Your Vote For Justin Balmes in Round 1 of Eater's Hottest Chefs Contest

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 19:30:00 +0000

If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen! In case you missed it over on Eater Atlanta today, voting has begun in the competition to find Eater's Hottest Chef 2012. We're casting our vote for Justin Balmes - take a look and do your culinary duty by voting today!

Strong Men, Strong Drinks - Fadó Is The Only Place In Town To See The Entire 6 Nations Rugby Tournament

noreply@blogger.com (Katelyn) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:20:00 +0000

Get out your rugby shirts, or for the real fans out there, your favorite team jersey because it’s that time of year again! The 6 Nations Rugby Tournament, February 4 – March 17, will showcase England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland and Wales as they battle it out for this year’s title. You won’t miss a single moment of the action thanks to Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant in Buckhead, which is the only spot in town broadcasting all of the games.

Fadó already has the viewing scheduled posted online for all of you diehard fans, and if you’re new to the rugby scene, here's a website where you can brush up on all the rules. There is no cover charge to watch any of the games shown on BBC America; otherwise, a $20-per-person cover charge will apply. Since tournament games are all set and the winner is determined though a point system, we can guarantee that the final Ireland vs. England game will fall on St. Patrick’s Day! That calls for a celebration, and Fadó’s new winter menu (running through February 29) has plenty of new concoctions for you to try.

Along with downing Fadó's Irish coffee, Bailey's and coffee, and hot apple cider with Bushmills Irish Whiskey ($7.50), fans can tilt back whiskey favorites such as Fadó's famous Pickleback, Red Breast, Black Bush and Jameson 12 ($7.50-$10.50) and seasonal bottles of Sam Smith Winter Welcome, West Malle Tripel, Avinger Celebrator Doppelbock, Guinness Foreign Extra Stout or Guinness Black Lager ($5.50-$9). Cheers!

The Celebrity Chef Tour is Just Around the Corner!

noreply@blogger.com (McCall) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:11:00 +0000

This weekend, eight celebrity chefs from around the Southeast are coming together at the Four Seasons Hotel in Atlanta for a Celebrity Chef Tour to benefit the James Beard Foundation. Atlanta's own Robert Gerstenecker of Park 75, Hugh Acheson of Empire State South, and Andrea Litvin, pastry chef at The Spence, will join other regional top toques including Edward Lee of 610 Magnolia in Louisville, Ky.; James Lewis of Bettola in Birmingham, Ala.; John Currence of City Grocery in Oxford, Miss.; Bob Waggoner, host of "U Cook with Chef Bob;" and Josh Feathers of Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tenn.

On Thursday, February 3, the chefs will host a cocktail party with some of the city's best mixologists at Park 75 Lounge from 6 - 8 p.m. for $50 per person, all inclusive.

Friday, February 4 features a multi-course menu with wine pairings, starting off with a 6:30 p.m. reception followed by dinner at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $140 per person, all inclusive.

Get a sneak peak for what you're in for by watching the video above. Tickets can be purchased here.

**Bonus for VISA Signature cardholders - you can attend both events for $160 when purchasing tickets with your VISA card.

DIY: Uncle Julio's Pineapple Bacon Guac Recipe

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:45:00 +0000

Prepare to share. Fix Uncle Julio's pineapple bacon guacamole for Super Bowl Sunday, and you're sure to be bombarded with recipe requests for this playoff of fresh, sweet pineapple, crisp bacon and creamy/chunky avocados. Because Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Café guacamole is a major ingredient, we've included the recipes for both.

Uncle Julio's Pineapple Bacon Guacamole

Ingredients:

1 cup Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Café guacamole

2 tbsp. diced pineapple (¼" dice)

2 tbsp. chopped, cooked bacon (½" pieces)

½ tsp. diced red bell peppers

For Garnish:

1 piece green leaf lettuce

1 tbsp. chopped, cooked bacon (½" pieces)

2 tsp. queso fresco

1 tbsp. diced pineapple(¼" dice)

1 lemon wedge

Directions:

Place guacamole in mixing bowl. Add pineapple, bacon and red bell pepper and fold into guacamole carefully. To serve, top lettuce with guacamole, sprinkle with bacon and queso fresco and side dress with diced pineapple and a lemon wedge to squeeze on guacamole. Serve with tortilla chips. Serves 2-3.

Uncle Julio's Rio Grande Café Guacamole
Yield: 6 cups

Ingredients:
6 Haas avocados
Guacamole oil ( ¼ cup olive oil infused with 1 peeled and minced clove of garlic)
Juice of 2 lemons

1 tsp. salt, to taste
½ cup tomato, chopped
¼ cup white onion, chopped

Directions:

Halve and pit the avocados. With a tablespoon, scoop out the flesh into a bowl. Mash the avocados using either a fork or potato masher, leaving them a bit chunky. Stir guacamole oil into avocado. Add remaining ingredients and mix well. Salt to taste. Lay a piece of plastic wrap tight on any remaining guacamole so it doesn't brown and refrigerate. To serve, scoop onto a green leaf lettuce leaf, sprinkle with ¼ oz. white and yellow cheese and garnish with a lemon wedge.

Score super specials for Super Bowl game viewing - and much more - in The Dish

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 14:25:00 +0000

It's almost game time and The Dish has you covered with Super Bowl ideas, plus much more! Pour yourself some coffee and take a look.

If you're not receiving The Dish every Tuesday morning, you can sign up either here on our blog or on our Facebook page. Enjoy!

For Your Sipping Pleasure: Fleming’s Reveals Crafty New Cocktails

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:56:00 +0000

Some lucky people had to research, create and verify the deliciousness of the new cocktails spilling off the bar menu at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. Pity it wasn't us. Still, we can all indulge in the fruits of their labor. The new menu is divided into three categories: Retro Chic, which puts a contemporary spin on the classics; Modern Martinis with their exotic takes on the American martini; and Couture Cocktails that use seasonal ingredients and signature spirits. You may turn your back on the traditional margarita after trying the new Mad Milagro margarita with Milagro Silver Tequila, fresh lime juice and muddled fresh cucumber, topped with a perky touch of cilantro and a spicy jalapeño. Fleming's Limoncello martini tastes of pure luxury, made with Hangar One citron "Buddha's Hand" Vodka, smooth Luxardo Limoncello and house-made lemon-thyme simple syrup. For those living lightly, Skinnier Cocktails are still on the menu to fill your glass with less than 99 calories of hardcore flavor.

Hot Diggity Dawg! White Oak Pastures Named to the Bulldog 100

noreply@blogger.com (Tuan) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:26:00 +0000

Two things are really significant about White Oak Pastures receiving this honor on January 21. One, the Bluffton, Ga. farm is the only farm or farm-related business to be chosen by the UGA Alumni Association for the Bulldog 100: Fastest Growing Bulldog Businesses Class of 2012. Two, it ranks as this year’s fourth fastest-growing Bulldog business. White Oak Pastures top Dawg Will Harris is a 1976 UGA graduate and a fourth-generation cattleman on the same land his great grandfather settled in 1866. Nearly 800 nominations were submitted to the UGA Alumni Association for this year’s rankings, representing companies all across the U.S. Criteria includes being in business for at least five years with revenues of $100,000 or more for calendar year 2008, being owned or operated by a former UGA student who owns at least 50 percent of the company or who is the CEO, president or managing partner. The program recognizes the fastest-growing businesses regardless of size by focusing on a three-year growth rate average. Congrats to Will Harris and his White Oak Pastures team!

Don’t forget that tomorrow is the last day to save some green during the White Oak Pastures sale. Some of their most popular poultry and grass-fed beef items are offered at special prices online only.

(Photo Credit: Angie Mosier)

Our Appetizing Aperture of the Week

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:00:00 +0000

January 25 was National Irish Coffee Day, and we can't think of a better place in town than Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant to curl up around this delightful drink featuring Bushmills Irish Whiskey, brown sugar and hot coffee.

It's Follow Friday; Meet Our Tweep of the Week @TravelAndrew

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Andrew Collins, a nomadic food and travel writer/editor based in the Pacific Northwest, is a man of many talents. He's a cat whisperer and a cheese-wine-coffee lush. He's also a Fodor's author, a teacher at the Gotham Writers' Workshop, a trip-taking blogger at The County Hunter and a contributor to Gay & Lesbian Travel on About.com. Follow his adventures on Twitter (@TravelAndrew).

Mooove Over - There's Another Crispy Chicken Sandwich in Town

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:35:00 +0000

A lot of people think Smashburger only has burgers. Logical, yes. Accurate, no. They have lots of other items, including a super delicious crispy chicken sandwich. The all-white-meat chicken is hand-breaded on site, crisped to perfection and dressed signature style or however you like it. Rumor has it that following Smashburger on Twitter(@SmashburgerATL) and joining the text club (text SmashburgerATL to 90210) are two great ways to get deals on these and the other yummy offerings. See you at one of their 5 Atlanta mashlocations!

“Come on Eileen” to Ladies ‘80s at Fado on January 28

noreply@blogger.com (Katelyn) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 17:57:00 +0000

If you find yourself reminiscing on the good music and ridiculously awesome clothing of the ‘80s, gather up all of your girlfriends and head to Fadó Irish Pub & Restaurant for Ladies ‘80s Night on Saturday, January 28 from 10 p.m. to close. A rockin’ DJ will get you in the mood with your favorite ‘80s tunes while the bar serves up classic ‘80s cocktails. For only $6 each, you can sip on Long Island iced teas, Mai Tais or a Blue Hawaiian. Feeling adventurous? You can also try out one of the new concoctions from the winter drink menu.

Come in early to rock out with the Atlanta Dance Marathon from 7-10 p.m. They’ll be decked out in their best ‘80s outfits to raise money for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with a non-stop dance party! Cost for the event is $15 per person and includes a pint of beer and all-you-can-eat complimentary appetizers.

Blue Skies and Blue Plate Specials at Aqua blue in Roswell

noreply@blogger.com (McCall) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:31:00 +0000

Now that we can actually see blue skies today for the first time in what seems like ages, I can't think of a better dinner option for tonight than the "Aqua blue plate" menu offered at Aqua blue Restaurant & Bar in Roswell. This $25, three-course prix fixe menu changes monthly and offers a choice of appetizer, entrée and dessert for $25 per person (not including tax or gratuity). Offered nightly through February 20, appetizer choices include AB calamari with sweet chili sauce, tempura green beans with sweet mustard dipping sauce, seared pork dumpling or a hand-made sushi roll. Entrées feature hardwood-grilled N.Y. strip with roast sweet potato, asparagus and Madeira wine reduction; hand-battered fish and chips of Alaskan cod with house-made slaw; and jumbo shrimp jambalaya with sea scallops and Prestige Farms chicken. Desserts include house-made bread pudding with cinnamon ice cream; chocolate molten cake with a liquid center and vanilla ice cream; and fruit sorbet. This is the kind of blue I could get used to.

Take A Look At What's New with The Dish

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:18:00 +0000

A new week brings a brand new look for The Dish. As always, it's still full of great culinary news around town - that part hasn't changed! Check it out and let us know what you think.

If you're not receiving The Dish every Tuesday morning, you can sign up either here on our blog or on our Facebook page. Thanks!

Rotten Egg or Eggs-Traordinary? You Be the Judge at This Year’s Featherfest!

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:36:00 +0000

Twenty-thousand poultry fans are alighting in Atlanta January 22 - 27. No need to be chicken or take cover. They're migrating through the Georgia World Congress Center for the annual International Poultry Expo/International Feed Expo. Featherfest will draw them out for nourishment on egg-ceptional appetizers and entrées that include poultry meat at more than 50 Atlanta restaurants including Alma Cocina, La Tavola Trattoria,The Original El Taco, Ray's in the City, South City Kitchen - Midtown andSpice Market in the W Atlanta-Midtown. Gather a gaggle of roost mates (flighty friends, too) and flock along to dine then rate the dishes from one "rotten egg" to "eggs-traordinary" at Atlanta.net through January 26. Who knows, you might win an iPod nano for your eggs-cellent opinions.

Golden Opportunity to Feel Good at Yeah! Burger

noreply@blogger.com (Suong) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 22:14:00 +0000

I can haz cheezburger?

Living in the Virginia-Highlands area, there are plenty of options for me to choose from when I'm craving a burger. One of my frequent picks is Yeah! Burger, also a favorite of Bon Appetit Magazine. Every Tuesday at the Virginia-Highland location is Feel Good Tuesday, with 10 percent of sales going to a local charity or school. Tomorrow's percentage of sales will benefit Adopt a Golden Atlanta, the second largest golden retriever rescue in the nation. Come in for lunch or dinner and choose from grass-fed beef and bison, all natural turkey, chicken breast and veggie burgers, hot dogs and salads. Make sure to reward yourself for your charitable donation with this month's featured milkshake, French toast and bacon!

Watch Kevin Gillespie on cool video series about food co-ops across the country

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:32:00 +0000

Kevin had the best time traveling across the country meeting people and touring food co-ops earlier this year. He was amazed at how different each one was, yet loved the common theme of the customers as owners. Watch the world premiere of "Co+op," Stronger Together's video series hosted by Kevin. You'll follow along as he goes to food co-ops across the country -- from grocery store aisles to fields -- and talks with people who have a passion for food. The first three episodes air on Saturday, January 21 at 8 p.m. on www.strongertogether.coop/premiere After that you can follow along with the series throughout the year. Take a look at more inspiring co-op stories from around the globe at www.stories.coop.

Our Appetizing Aperture of the Week: Spice Market's Fortune Cookies

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:30:00 +0000

A fortune cookie is always a sweet ending to a meal. We love unraveling the words of sage advice and wisdom. At Spice Market, these fortune cookies will be an even sweeter treat from January 21 through February 29. Open one during Chinese New Year to reveal a special surprise from the restaurant!

It's Follow Friday; Meet Our Tweep of the Week @DineandDish

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:31:00 +0000

After following Kristen on Twitter (@DineandDish), we can definitely see why Dorothy was eager to leave Oz and get back to her Midwestern roots. Those Midwesterners are so darn friendly and sharing. Picture your screen as a backyard fence. Pour your coffee and absorb as Kristen dishes out bits on food, her kitchen and her kids via Twitter and her Dine & Dish blog. The only thing missing is Auntie Em.

Spice Market Welcomes the Year of the Dragon in Grand Fashion

noreply@blogger.com (Manuela) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

People who are born in dragon years are passionate in all they do and carry out things in grand fashion. Like them, Spice Market also possesses the same qualities and will be hosting a Chinese New Year Celebration to commemorate the year of the dragon with symbolic dishes and drinks. The grand celebration takes place from January 22 to January 23.

Spice Market will be decorated in the spirit of Chinese New Year and all tables will feature Chinese zodiac placements. The Midtown restaurant will offer complimentary nibbles in the bar area; a four-course tasting menu for $28 and drink specials including $3 Tsing Tao beer as well as specialty cocktails for $5 to $7.

The Chinese New Year tasting menu includes the following symbolic dishes:

Fragrant mushroom egg rolls to symbolizes wealth
Chili-garlic egg noodles representing long life come with seared shrimp and star anise
The wish of abundance comes with a fish dish of wok-fried grouper with napa cabbage, water chestnuts and cucumber
A sweet, rich life should be yours after eating Ovaltine kulfi made with caramelized banana and spiced milk chocolate sauce

The year of the dragon is also marked by excitement and good luck. Spice Market will ensure guests have an exciting evening and will offer all attendees fortune cookies containing discounts for future visits in the spirit of good luck.

Spice Market: In the W Atlanta-Midtown, 188 14^th Street, NE; 404-724-2550.

Out With the Wine, In With the Brew: Pair Your Plate With a Pint at Atkins Park Tavern

noreply@blogger.com (McCall) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:05:00 +0000

I think it's safe to say that we're all a bit tired of hearing about "wine down Wednesday" promotions. Don't get me wrong, I love my wine, but I'm really grateful that Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia-Highland has decided to take a new turn for hump day deals with the start of "Pint and Plate." Every Wednesday beginning at 5:30 p.m., guests can hoist the perfect pint of craft beer and a chef-prepared plate. The price depends on the pairing, which changes weekly and will be offered until it runs out. Tonight's Pint and Plate features an ahi tuna burger with black sesame, scallions, teriyaki-ginger mayo and arugula served with hand-cut fries and paired with Sweetwater IPA for $14. Happy hump day!

Get Saucy For A Cause At JCT. Bar

noreply@blogger.com (Tuan) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 20:19:00 +0000

This Thursday evening, January 19, JCT. Bar is hosting a sweet and saucy fundraiser for the Shepherd Center with Betty and Billy Hulse, the makers of Cobbie's Sauce. For $9, you'll get three pork sliders with Cobbie's Sauce, and all proceeds will be donated to the Shepherd Center, a non-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord and brain injuries. The dedicated Shepherd Center staff helped Billy Hulse after he experienced a spinal cord injury in 2009. Billy's mother, Mary Cobb "Cobbie" Hulse, poured a lot of love into the recipe for the all-natural, gluten-free sauce that she created more than 60 years ago, and the Hulses are pleased to share sales proceeds with the hospital that continues to give them hope. Try it and find out how to purchase some to douse on chicken, pork, beef, fish and shrimp at your house.

JCT. Kitchen & Bar: In Atlanta's Westside Urban Market at 1198 Howell Mill Road; 404-355-2252.