Atlanta Dish

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.

From Co-ops to Cobbie's Sauce to Chinese New Year, It's All In This Week's Dish

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 14:21:00 +0000

Another Tuesday morning means The Dish is piping hot and ready to read! Get the latest culinary news in our weekly newsletter. If you're not receiving it, you can sign up either here on our blog or on our Facebook page!

A Sale You Can’t Afford to Miss: Shop White Oak Pastures Online!

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:29:00 +0000

Through January 31, White Oak Pastures is offering some of their most popular poultry and grass-fed beef at special prices. Plan your menus to include rib-eye steaks, $8.84 (14 oz.); New York strip, $7.24 (12 oz.); and beef tenderloin, $9.27 (8 oz.). Save $2 per pound on ground beef in five-pound frozen, vacuum-sealed chubs at $20 per chub. Poultry savings aren’t paltry either: large stewing hens are $12.99 per 4.5+ pound bird; each eight-way cut bird is $9.49; whole guinea are $12.99 per 2.5-pound bird; and ground turkey and ground chicken run $4.89 per one-pound pack. White Oak Pastures meat is available at Atlanta-area Publix supermarkets and Whole Foods Markets; however, sale items are only available online.

Our Appetizing Aperture of the Week: Noodles & Company's Truffle Mac with Baby Portabellas

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:00:00 +0000

Looks like macaroni and cheese is all grown up at Noodles & Company with this delicious twist on the comforting classic -- truffle mac with baby portabellas.

Learn About Wine and Mingle with Wine Connoisseurs at Woodfire Grill's Louis/Dressner Winemaker Dinner

noreply@blogger.com (Manuela) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Whether you’re a wine aficionado or simply enjoy learning about the finer things in life, meet winemakers and taste wines at Woodfire Grill's Louis/Dressner Winemaker Dinner on Tuesday, January 17. Old world wine importer Louis/Dressner doesn't make the wines, but they have connections with more than 100 conscientious vignerons in France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Croatia and Slovenia. Eric Texier from Chateauneuf du Pape and Jean-Paul Brun from Beaujolais, both winemakers whose wines are imported by Louis/Dressner, will discuss their naturally produced wines during the evening.

Even better, learning about the natural viticulture and tasting some of the exquisite wines is just the tip of the iceberg at this dinner party. You will also enjoy Woodfire Grill’s handcrafted five-course menu of four savory dishes and desserts plus wine pairings. The event begins at 6:30 p.m. and costs $115 per person (includes tax but not gratuity). There are only 20 seats open to the public, so don't think about it too long. Make reservations now for this exclusive dinner by calling the restaurant at 404-347-9055.

Woodfire Grill: 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055.

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

noreply@blogger.com (Mandy) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:55:00 +0000

Squash Blossom Kitchens is a boutique catering company that specializes in small- to mid-sized dinner parties. Childhood friends Christine Roberts and Katy Purwin shelved their corporate careers to pursue their first love: food. The duo is a regular on 11 Alive cooking segments, and have developed winning recipes for Jake's Ice Cream and Maggiano's. Follow their tweets (@SBKitchens) to stay on the detox track for 2012. Learn more about them on their Squash Blossomings blog.

Happy 10th Birthday to The Dish!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 22:28:00 +0000

Back in the day, before there were blogs, there was a little newsletter called The Dish. Every week, it was painstakingly typed, laid out with scissors and tape, copied on colored paper (different color every week!), and delivered around town to our city's concierges. Oh, and we faxed it to them too - woo hoo! What a difference 10 years can make!

Now The Dish is a weekly e-newsletter and daily blog post. The process is more efficient and our interns don't have to drive all over town anymore, but the goal is the same. We are still committed to spreading the news about the fun restaurant happenings going on in Atlanta.

We appreciate your reading and hope you'll sign up for the newsletter if you haven't already. Oh, and follow us on Twitter too! Can't wait to see what the next 10 years will bring!!

Sidle up to JCT. Bar for a Burger and Beer

noreply@blogger.com (Suong) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 19:04:00 +0000

Starting next Tuesday, JCT. Bar in Atlanta's Westside Urban Market is bringing back their popular Burger and Beer special. This year's combo features Ford Fry's house-ground "Frito Pie" Burger and a beer from Utah-based Uinta Brewing for $10. Beers options include Wyld Extra Pale Ale, Baba Black Lager or Hopnotch IPA. This deal runs each Tuesday through Thursday from 5-10 p.m. at the rooftop bar. The Burger and Beer is only available for a limited time, so make plans to stop on by for a "Frito Pie."

It’s National Soup Month – Start Slurping!

noreply@blogger.com (McCall) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 15:00:00 +0000

The MLA team just finished a two-day juice detox and after 48 hours of drinking nothing but cold, tart fruit juice, all I am craving is a hot bowl of soup. Luckily, it happens to be National Soup Month AND, despite the unseasonably warm weather we’ve been having, the weather reports for the rest of this week finally point to colder temperatures. I can’t think of a better time to sample our city’s selection of body-warming bowls of goodness. Check out a list of our favorites around town in the latest edition of The Dish. My must-haves are Aria’s creamless celery root and black truffle soup (you will not believe this soup doesn’t have cream in it!) and Spice Market’s spicy chicken and coconut soup (pictured above). Both of these feel totally luxurious and are super satisfying on a cold day.

Wine and Dine Prime Style at Fleming’s

noreply@blogger.com (Erica) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 20:19:00 +0000

What better way to prepare for a busy work week than enjoying a nice dinner at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar? Luckily, the top-end Perimeter steakhouse offers a three-course Sunday Prime Rib Dinner for only $29.95 per person (before tax and gratuity) until February 5. This three-course meal begins with your choice of The Wedge, Fleming’s house salad or a Caesar salad, followed by the prime rib with au jus main course. The prime rib is served up with creamy horseradish and Dijon sauces and your choice of a side. To top it all off, you can choose a decadent dessert for your final course. The wine connoisseurs at Fleming’s recommend pairing your meal with the Raymond, Napa Valley Sommelier Selection Cabernet Sauvignon, 2009. At $8.75 a glass or $35 a bottle it’s a perfect choice! And of course, you can always choose from the Fleming’s 100 award-winning wine collection to round out your evening meal.

Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: 4501 Olde Perimeter Way in Perimeter Place Village; 770-698-8112.

Smash Your Way Into Winter!

noreply@blogger.com (Tuan) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:48:00 +0000

Sizzling hot Smashburgers, chicken sandwiches, Smashdogs and veggie burgers send cold packing, if you catch our drift. If, however, cold calls you to the slopes, Smashburger again comes to the rescue with the Smashburger Winterfest sweepstakes. Enter online through January 27. One grand-prize winner will ski away with a trip for two to Colorado including hotel accommodations, a pair of Icelantic skis and a private tour of the Icelantic factory. Other prizes include Icelantic skis, a snowboard, 686 snowboard jackets, Winter Park lift tickets, Colorado Avalanche tickets and Smashgear. While you’re on the website, enter your preferred Smashburger location -- Alpharetta, Buckhead, Johns Creek, Kennesaw or Sandy Springs -- and receive news on specials and events.

Beef, Lamb and Chicken, Oh My!

noreply@blogger.com (Tuan) — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:20:00 +0000

Grass-fed beef and lamb and free-range chicken have earned a place for White Oak Pastures on many a regional restaurant menu and home dinner plate. These tender cuts are the culmination of long-term visions for sustainability and active stewardship by White Oak Pastures Owner Will Harris. Consider the big picture, and it's obvious why Harris will be inducted into the Fellowship of Southern Farmers, Artisans, and Chefs at the Southern Foodways Alliance Taste of the South, taking place January 12 - 15, at Blackberry Farm in Walland, Tenn. The event, which also serves as a fundraiser for the Southern Foodways Alliance, is now in its eight year. The Fellowship of Southern Farmers, Artisans, and Chefs fosters camaraderie and mentorship and honors the bounty of the South and the hands that grow, nurture and interpret its harvest. The organization's vision is to provide a forum for farmers, chefs and artisans to break bread and share knowledge while reinforcing the sustaining bridge between field and table. After five generations of Harris family farming, White Oak Pastures has become the largest certified organic farm in Georgia and is one of only two on-farm, USDA-inspected, grass-fed beef plants in the country. The farm is home to the largest solar-powered barn in the Southeast. The solar-thermal system generates energy for the processing plant -- which happens to be the only on-farm poultry processing facility in the states of Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Tennessee and Mississippi. Both the grass-fed beef and poultry plants are no-waste operations, meaning animal by-products are turned into organic fertilizer or compost for the farm's certified organic pastures.

Even if the Blackberry Farm event is not on your calendar, you can enjoy White Oak Pastures products at home. They are available at Whole Foods Markets and Publix supermarkets.

White Oak Pastures: 22775 Highway 27, Bluffton, GA; 229-641-2081.

[Photo Credit: Angie Mosier]