Scoutmob Atlanta

50% off Tarahumata Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar (Marietta)

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Scout Notes: Sure, we're as big of fans of tacos and burritos as the next guy. But sometimes, just sometimes, mind you–while we're stuffing our collective face with fried tortillas and pico de gallo, we find ourselves wondering: is this what they actually eat in Mexico? Short answer: sorta. Lindsey of Tara Humata says they're aiming to reflect a more traditional side of Mexican fare, with twists on tons o' favorites and a whole lot more grilled seafood and meats. The space feels different than any other Mexican joint we've ventured into – there is a marked lack of primary colors glaring off every wall, for starters. Instead the owners decorated with jewel tones, sturdy furnishings and interesting light fixtures. And as for the ambience? You won't hear much mariachi music floating from these speakers–think oldies and classy jazz tunage, at comfortable volumes. Yep, this is a place where you'll settle into your seat and think: Man, I could linger here for awhile.

And linger you shall, as the friendly servers bring you lava bowl (!) upon lava bowl of freshly made-to-order guac n' chips. The perfect complement to a heap of hanger steak, marinated with chimichurri (a sort of spicy, vinegar-laced pesto) and piled atop some steaming spuds. (Think of it as an exotic answer to your standard steak and potato fare.) And though Tara Humata is certainly family-friendly and offers great in-and-out lunch specials, they're also a tequila bar. A pretty legit one at that–they offer up over 150 variations of the stuff. As you can imagine–that lends itself to a pretty upbeat and happenin' bar scene. And now, we've got some catching up to do–we've got about 148 to go.

Menu Highlights:
Hanger Steak, 10.25
Medium Jose Margarita, 15.95
Burrito de la Casa, 10.25
Medium Organic Margarita, 13.95

Hours:
Mon. – Thurs., 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Sun., 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

50% off Tarahumata Mexican Grill & Tequila Bar (Roswell)

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

ATL's Most Underrated Historical Sites (aka Our Most Curious Finds Ever)

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

General Sherman be darned—though a whole lot of good stuff got burned down in the Civil War, ATL is still chock full of curious historic finds. And we're not just talking about the Margaret Mitchell house. From antebellum airport cemeteries to a decayed prison, here are a few of our favorite under-the-radar historic local treasures.

19th Century Burial Grounds at Hartsfield-Jackson.
Next time you're trapped in a plane taxiing at the Atlanta airport, whip out your binoculars and take a long, hard look out the window 'cause you could be looking at one of two historic cemeteries: Hart Cemetery, established in 1860, and Flat Rock Cemetery, established in 1877. Who woulda thunk these beacons of calm would be so ironically close to the world's busiest airport and just a half-mile away from each other? Here's another curiosity: in 1995, an archaeological survey of Hart Cemetery revealed 83 graves, most of which are unmarked.

The Atlanta Prison Farm. Once a sort of local Holy Grail for brave urban explorers (before it was designated a No Trespassing property), the decaying Atlanta Prison Farm was once home to local scofflaws doing time by growing crops from 1945 to 1995. When the roof caught fire in 2009, firefighters decided to pass on saving the property from burning down, but its creepy ruins still remain (albeit with a few more empty beer cans and a whole lot of kudzu). Again, the farm is a no-trespassing area, and definitely not a place people should explore—but it's an interesting, oft-unknown slice of ATL history that one can admire from afar. Very afar. (PS: not only is the Prison Farm one of the most downright spooky places in Atlanta—it's also rumored that a giraffe and an elephant once belonging to the zoo are buried somewhere on the premises. Curious, indeed.)

The Midtown Castle. OK, so most Atlantans have seen this place firsthand, but in case you haven't, the fortress-esque 1910 mansion, squeezed within an inch of its life between two shiny skyscrapers on 15th Street, is a sight to behold. The home, also known as Fort Peace, was constructed by Ferdinand McMillan, a wealthy and reportedly kind of crazy fellow, who pretty much had zero building experience. Lucky for curious locals, he didn't let his own ignorance get in the way of his quirky 11,000-square-foot opus. Since then, Midtown has quite literally grown up around it.

Another fun fact? According to the Atlanta Business Chronicle, the mansion was sold to a New York-based investor in 2010 for just shy of a million dollars. Now, it's undergoing renovation after being vacant for decades. As to what it's being turned into, perhaps a restaurant, according to Midtown Patch. Or maybe future Scoutmob HQ? (We aren't holding our breath.)

So, there you have it: there's plenty of weird local history to be found if you know where to dig. Have any other favorite spots we don't know about? Send 'em our way on Facebook or Twitter. And, as always, happy hunting.

The Holeman & Finch Burger: Coming Soon To A Braves Game Near You

Sat, 16 Mar 2013 04:00:00 +0000

Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to the crowd, buy me some peanuts and... a H&F burger? Indeed, a year after adding juicy Kevin Rathbun steak sandwiches to the roster, it seems Turner Field is once again stepping up its concession game: the most beloved burger in Atlanta is getting a permanent home inside the Ted.

Indeed, that sacred and elusive creation that many connoisseurs consider to be the Holy Grail of burger artistry—the same one that turns dignified dinner guests into meat-thirsty barbarians once Holeman's burger bullhorn rings at 10 p.m.—will soon be readily available to all. No staking out tables two hours in advance; no washing it down with a $15 cocktail. Just a good ol' concession stand in the middle of Turner Field... that just so happens to be serving what might be the best burger in America.

Which made us wonder: why settle for Cracker Jacks, mystery meat hotdogs and $6 Bud Lights when we could pair that H&F burger with so much other local goodness during the seventh-inning stretch? Turner Field, let's keep this local momentum going. We'll get it started with our own wishlist of things to eat and drink in the Ted:

Barbecue shack, because there's a rib-shaped hole in our heart where Boner's BBQ, our former Braves tailgaiting HQ, used to be. Thus, we propose a one-stop-shop where one can fill up a styrofoam plate sky-high with Mike LaSage's famous Bone Lick ribs, Fox Brothers' pulled pork-smothered Texas fries (worth the arteriole blockage, we assure you), Heirloom Market's delicious brisket topped off, naturally, with a side of Community Q mac 'n cheese. And because a plate of good barbecue is nothing without a glass of equally good beer, we also propose a...

Biergarten of local brews. Soon as the mercury climbs up to jorts weather, our thirst for sessionable springy libations (ahem, Fu Man Brew) can hardly be slaked... and that Miller High Life tallboy just ain't going to cut the mustard. But a Turner Field locale pouring the likes of Sweetwater, Red Hare, Wild Heaven and other hometown brews, all in one (preferably patio-esque) spot? That we could raise our glasses to.

Parlor of local frozen treats. Like intrepid desert camels, Atlantans have adapted to our infernal summers by learning how to whip up some damn good frozen treats. Give us an ice cream parlor that scoops up Frozen Pints peach lambic and Morelli's salted caramel, assembles perfect Miller Union ice cream sandwiches, mixes boozy milkshakes from West Egg and/or Grindhouse and stocks every King Of Pops flavor ever, and we're ready for a brainfreeze showdown. (Possible mascot idea: our own Gucci Mane? Brrrr.)

Spiritual Sangria Fountain of Youth. Much like the Centennial Olympic Park fountain, but holier, full of booze and with ping-pong tables nearby. If anyone in this town can make that happen, it's Sister Louisa.

50% off Mojo Pizza & Pub

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

We'd wager that the most accurate litmus test for feeling out the vibes of a neighborhood lay in visiting its local pizza joint. Friendly, laid-back and filled with locals casually dropping in for a slice and a beer, Mojo is 100 percent Oakhurst. We're not normally one to question the goodness of a neighborhood pizza joint, but when said joint's been doing its thing for 14 years, you know they're doing something right. The Oakhurst staple set up shop in the almost 100-year-old building back when new businesses in the neighborhood were few and far between, and has been the go-to spot for a slice and a beer ever since. Housemade sauce, homemade dough, a signature sesame seed crust and fresh ingredients make for an excellent pie, and those seemingly simple steps have helped make Mojo a favorite in the tight-knit 'hood. (That, and the fact that parents can unleash their kids while the grown-ups kick back with a beer.) No frills, nothing fancy, no "artisans" in the back slaving over the dough; just a good ol'-fashioned pub and pie shop.

While simple's the key word here, the pizza menu is creative: the Dixie Blue, a longtime staple, includes roasted chicken, smoked ham and gorgonzola; the Risin' Sun comes with pineapples, roasted red peppers and jalapenos; and the Mr. Pete is topped with breaded eggplant, roasted red peppers and basil pesto. Traditionalist carnivores will love the Hurricane, a meaty mash-up of a pizza with pepperoni, Italian sausage, mushrooms, peppers and onions. And just because Mojo's been around the block doesn't mean it's not keeping things fresh—it's recently added a few tasty new sandwiches to the menu. And if you really want to feel like an Oakhurstian (no bike, dog, or stroller required), saddle up to the bar with a beer and chat up some of the regulars over a slice of Dixie Blue while soaking up that good pizzeria mojo.

Menu Highlights:
Dixie Blue Pizza, $4.50 (slice), $15 (14"), $19 (18")
Risin' Sun Pizza, $4.25 - $18.50
Hurricane Pizza, $5 - $21
Homemade Beef Lasagna, $8

Hours:
Daily, 11:15 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Four Ways to Mac 'n' Cheese and Still Feel Like an Adult

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

If there's one thing Atlanta knows, it's good barbecue. And with good barbecue, comes good sides. We speak, of course, of macaroni and cheese. You know, mac'n' cheese, the MNC, proof that there is a god... Call it what you will—that stuff's delicious. And while we've found 'cue joints aplenty that will offer up that glorious pasta and queso concoction, we still feel a little sheepish ordering it. We're adults now, dagnabbit!

That said, however, not all #macncheese (wait, we don't all refer to it like that?) is created equal. In fact, four local versions of this childhood classic make us feel as grown-up as doing our own taxes. Except, like, way better. And more full. Check these out:

Top FLR
674 Myrtle St., NE
The mac'n'cheese at TOP FLR may be a side, but it runs the show, especially since it discovered the golden ratio between Panko Crust crunchiness and the gooey smoothness of sharp cheddar and smoked gouda. Really elevating this dish, though, is the kick at the end. This definitely ain't from the box.

Poor Calvin's
510 Piedmont Ave., NE
We're gonna really kick the fanciness up a notch here, fellas. We speak, of course, of the Lobster Macaroni and Cheese. And when coupled with sharp cheddar, gorgonzola, parmesan and some secret spice blend that gives it a welcome kick? Even better. This is fine dining at its cheesiest.

The Drafting Table
349 Decatur St.
In addition to superbly mixed craft cocktails, The Drafting Table offers up some fine gastropub fare. And us? We're inclined to side with the baked Mac & Cheese, which is expertly blended with smoked cheddar and orecchiette pasta. Take that, Cheesasaurus Rex.

Cellar 56
56 E Andrews Dr., NW
They say it's important to date yourself, yanno, really get to know the real you and all. What better way, we ask, than by wining and dining yourself at Cellar 56? 'Cause alongside a sumptuous Malbec, you'll find an (arguably more sumptuous) macaroni and cheese laced with poblano peppers, serrano ham and what appears to be—yes we're almost certain—heaven. (Psst! And if you hurry, you can nab half off.

50% off Cellar 56

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 05:00:00 +0000

You'd think the combination of "wine bar" and "Buckhead" would result in a certain snooty, hide-yo'-kids-hide-yo'-wallet kind of atmosphere—the kind where you're simply expected to understand why, exactly, 2001 was indeed a faaabulous year for Tempranillos. But instead of putting on airs (and extra zeros on the menu prices), Cellar 56 manages to remain a charming, cozy little hideaway amid Atlanta's toniest 'hood. Stocking over 50 boutique wines by the bottle and another 30 by the glass, Cellar has become a haven for both those who can rattle off grape varietals like the ABCs, and those who (ahem) simply want to try something a notch or two above the good old Charles Shaw Blend. (And if you fall into the latter camp, fear not: the Cellar staff is educated and trained to gently guide wine amateurs to their perfect glass, no hoity-toity 'tude included.)

In our humble opinion, the finest glass of wine in the land is nothing without a good snack by its side. Luckily, Chef Jeffrey McGar's regionally inspired menu of small plates is crafted to pair perfectly with the boutique vinos, and he's a pro at turning traditionally heavy dishes into tapas-sized portions. (We're not surprised he's a master at his craft—after all, the man did train with the U.S. Culinary Olympic Team.) Dishes like seared salmon atop bulgar wheat salad, a petit filet "micro meal" of beef tenderloin and truffle potatoes and a small plate of surf and turf that includes Ahi tuna and teriyaki beef strip represent the sheer diversity of the chef's inspirations (and, yes, Olympic-worthy talent). But one mustn't leave this Cellar without trying the crowd favorite: a spicy, rich, award-winning macaroni and cheese spiked with roasted poblano peppers and Serrano ham. Thankfully, it's perfectly acceptable to order all of the above, plus (of course) another glass of Malbec. All in the name of tapas-style dining. And finishing it all off with Krispy Kreme bread pudding? That's how we like to be wined and dined.

Menu Highlights:
Petit Filet "Micro Meal," $10.56
Sesame Crusted Ahi Tuna & Teriyaki NY Strip Steak Duo, $11.56
Guinness-Braised Short Rib, $8.56
Chef's Signature Shrimp & Grits, $7.56
Seared Salmon, $8.56

Hours:
Mon. - Sat., 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

What To Do This Weekend, March 14-17

Thu, 14 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Thurs., March 14, 7:30 p.m.
Vouched Books Launch & "Animal Bodies" Release Party
Young Blood Boutique, 636 N. Highland Ave. (Poncey-Highland)

We normally don't require a reason to join Vouched Books for an evening at Young Blood, but just in case, they have two good ones for you: 1) the release of a lovely chapbook Animal Bodies and 2) the launch of a Vouched Books collection whose permanent home will be on the shelves of Young Blood Boutique. We'll add a third: live music and gypsy swagger from the local vaudevillians of Christ, Lord.

Nearby deal: Cafe 640

Fri., March 15 through Sun., March 17
The Sketchbook Project
The Goat Farm Art Center, 1200 Foster St. (Westside)

A global, crowdsourced art project is roadtripping around the country, and they'll be making a weekend pitstop in ATL at the Goat Farm's Warhorse Cafe.

Nearby deal: Do at the View

Fri., March 15, 6:30 p.m.
Food Truck Tasting Party
Atlanta Food Truck Park, 1850 Howell Mill Rd. (Westside)

Pack up your picnic blanket, booze, bocce skills and bib: this here's an exclusive taste of 10 food trucks, including seasoned pros' and their brand-new dishes and shiny new eateries that haven't even debuted on the streets yet.

Fri., March 15, 8 p.m.
Reprise: A Release Party For Loose Change Magazine
Highland Ballroom, 644 N. Highland Ave. (Poncey-Highland)

Another day, another awesome literary release party. Didn't realize we were living in the midst of a burgeoning literary capital? Hit up the Highland Ballroom and see it for yourself as Loose Change, WonderRoot's literary magazine, celebrates a new issue, website and design with live readings and a DJ.

Nearby deal: CRU Urban Lounge

Sat., March 16, 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Spring Artists' Market
Borderline Gallery, 858 DeKalb Ave. (Inman Park)

Photography! Jewelry! Vintage goods! Terrariums! (Terraria?) It'll all be up for grabs at the indoor/outdoor monthly market, where dozens of our favorite local artists will be shilling their delightful wares. (We call dibs on everything Native Bear.)

Nearby deal: Lunch at Cameli's Pizza

Sat., March 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
ACP Play Day 2013
Bessie Branham Park, 2051 Delano Dr. (Kirkwood)

We're calling it: spring, the season of Peeps, pastels and playing outside, is officially here. Spend your Saturday frolicking in these glorious climes in Kirkwood's 7-acre park, where yoga, dance, volleyball, kickball, frisbee, disc golf and even hula-hooping (yesss) will be on the day's agenda.

Nearby deal: The Spotted Trotter

Sat., March 16, 1 p.m.
Big Tex Spring Block Party
Big Tex, 308 West Ponce (Decatur)

Billing itself as "the anti-St. Patrick's Day," the annual throwdown outside Big Tex is the perfect gateway drug to spring festival fever, with live music from Athens mainstays Bloodkin, a big ol' heap of boiled crawfish and cold, non-green beer from Pacifico.

Nearby deal: Harbour Bar & Fish House

Four New Food Trucks Now Hitting The Streets

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

If you're a food truck aficionado worth your salt(ed caramel, a la Westside Creamery), you've probably tasted the Korean tacos of Yumbii; the wild waffle cones of the Good Food Truck; the arepas of WOW. And now that spring is here and the food trucks are coming back out to play, you're probably licking your chops in anticipation of those mobile munchies.

Yes, the Street Food Class of 2012 brought us delicious new meals on wheels from Mighty Meatballs, Rolling Reubens and the Blaxican, just to name a few, and their 2013 progeny are looking just as tantalizing. Allow us to introduce some of the new kids on the block that'll be puttering around the city with the rest of the food truck crew (and, if you're really eager for a taste, hit up our Friday night hootenanny and give them a warm ATL welcome):

Viet-Nomie's
The promise of a good banh mi sandwich is easily enough to inspire a trek up Buford Highway—but Nomie, a Vietnamese chef with a South Carolinian twang, is taking that one step further and bringing her traditional Vietnamese dishes to the streets. Which means you can now get your hands on crispy cha-gio rolls stuffed with house-ground pork and chicken, banh mi xa xiu (the barbecued pork version of the beloved sandwich) and rich, full-bodied pho without taking a joyride on Spaghetti Junction. Bonus points: head to our little Friday night shindig at the Atlanta Food Truck Park, and you can feast on Nomie's lemongrass chili chicken and those aforementioned cha-gio rolls. Beware: we're pretty sure those little suckers have addictive properties.

Freckled & Blue
Tyler has blue eyes. Juliana has freckles. And they both have a damn good pimento cheese recipe. Yes, the art of Southern food can easily be bungled (or over-buttered), but these two are mashing up age-old recipes with creative little twists here and there. Together, they're putting a modern spin on the Southern recipes they grew up with, from beer can barbecue chicken sliders smothered with smoked gouda, to perfect, creamy deviled eggs topped with their bacon-packed, jalapeno-spiked pimento cheese.

Masala Fresh
Your curry lust no longer has to be satisfied 'neath the harsh lights of the buffet line, friend. ATL's very first Indian food truck (P.S., how did this not happen sooner?) is bringing its spicy, flavorful, fragrant masalas to the people in the form of rice bowls and naan wraps, as well as samosas and—oh yes—masala fries, served either spicy or super-spicy. (A glass of mango juice should help douse those flames.) You can catch these noble pioneers this Friday night at our Atlanta Food Truck Park party, dishing out chicken tikka masala with basmati rice, naan and samosas.

The Bubble Tea Truck
Well, this mobile operations isn't exactly new (it first started slaking our bubble tea thirst late last summer), but this will be The Bubble Tea Truck's first full season on the streets, and anyway, how can we pass up a truck stocked with taro milk tea and lychee smoothies? If you weren't hanging out in Taiwan circa '88, you might not yet be familiar with the creamy, curiously textured bubble tea, but now that ATL has its very own boba truck, it's high time for tea time.

50% off Baci Restaurant

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

We're using our library voice here because we kind of want to keep this one quiet: tucked away just north of Buckhead hides a quiet little joint where one can cozy up to a plate of house-made gnocchi and a glass of good vino... and effectively forget the fact that you're smack-dab in the belly of the Town Brookhaven beast. This right here feels like a whole 'nother world. But if you had the foresight to pop over to the Hudson North pop-up this past fall, you're already familiar with the work of Chef B. H. Hibbs, who's spent the last month gracing Baci's menu with his love for seasonal recipes. The DC expat says he's straight-up giddy over the readily accessible and available fresh produce down here in the South. "Whatever ingredients come our way," he told us over a crunchy, gloriously colorful kale salad, "we figure out the best way to use them." In other words, Chef Hibbs' ingredient-driven approach (and, let's be honest, proclivities toward perfectionism) make for an ever-evolving menu that never, ever gets boring. (But one bite of that chorizo from our friends at Spotted Trotter is proof enough for us.)

Menu Highlights:
Brussels Sprouts, $8.95
Chorizo, $11.95
Kale Salad, $6.95
Ricotta Gnocchi with Lamb Bolognese, $15.95
Pork Tenderloin, $16.95
Salmon with Braised Greens, $14.95

Hours:
Mon. - Thurs., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Brunch) and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. (Dinner)

Nine Great Atlanta Patios That Shout for Spring

Sun, 10 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Sure, you've been huddled under that blanket like a turtle in a toasty shell for the last few months. But guess what? We saw the sun sneaking through the clouds just the other day, which means it's spring. Legally. Well, almost. Either way, the weather's warming up, along with our appetites, and the only solution? Outdoor eating. (And drinkin'.) Nothing more refreshing than a good ol' al fresco on an oasis-like restaurant patio. Here are nine places to herald the coming of spring:

Artisan Foods Bakery + Cafe: We're not sure how it looks in your dictionary, but right next to "refreshing" in the mob-tionary? Why, a chilly Yuzu Basil OrangeAde enjoyed on the patio of this tucked-away rustic spot will do just fine.

Cafe 640: People-watching, grapefruit rosewater martinis and an Andy's Burger all go hand-in-hand on this patio—and are all unofficial-yet-official Atlanta ways to celebrate the coming of warm weather.

Woody's Cheese Steaks: With 189 acres of greenery at its front doors, Woody's might just have the best outdoor dining situation in Atlanta. For best results, add one of their famously beloved milkshakes. Childhood glee = achieved.

Apres Diem: When it's nice out, you'd best arrive early, as this Midtown patio hangout is almost always hoppin'. But once you've settled into your seat, you'll have plenty of time for shootin' the breeze and sampling this chill watering hole's goods.

Empire State South A bocce court tucked away in the epicenter of Midtown? Well that would have us smitten. But this little patio surrounded by skyscrapers comes with some of the hands-down best cocktails in Atlanta. Oh, and if you stomach happens to grumble, you are also at one of Atlanta's most legendary restaurants.

Anis Bistro: From the outside, Anis' patio is surrounded by lush greenery. And on the inside you'll find ample seating and French Mediterranean cuisine. Sounds like a pretty swell spring day, if you ask us.

Radial Cafe: We were delighted when Radial added dinner service, not only because it meant we could enjoy the hearty locavore menu outside of brunch, but also because we can spend even more time on their cozy neighborhood hangout of a patio.

P'cheen: No better way to worship the great solar deities than with a cold moonshine cocktail in hand on the busy corner of Sampson and North Highland. Hint: the cherry cola cocktail is officially where it's at, "it" being Refreshment and Enjoyment of the Highest Order.

What To Do With Your Last $20

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Twenty bucks: it may not seem like much in this town, but if a crisp portrait of Andrew Jackson is all you had to your name on your last day in ATL, how might you spend it? A shopping spree at Underground? Drowning your FILA sorrows with twenty pity PBRs at Jack's Pizza? Using your $20 bill to wipe away your tears? We queried a few of our favorite Atlantans to see how they would allocate their funds on their final day in the A:

	Catlanta My last twenty bucks in Atlanta would go to food, booze and movies. I'd start at the Midway in EAV. I'd unlock their half off appetizer special using Foursquare and pick up some veggie corn dogs for only $3.50 plus a $1.50 tip (I'm working on a very strict budget!) I'd then run up to Green's for a six-pack of beer. Their selection is top-notch, but I'd have to go for a local brewery with my last twenty bucks in Atlanta. Red Brick's Hoplanta should only set me back about 8 bucks. With my beer I'd head down Moreland to the Starlight Drive-In and ATL's best movie value. For only $7, I'll finish out my day with two movies and my six-pack. Chances are I'll fall asleep during one (if not both) of the movies, but I'll be full, buzzed and happy.
	Zach Meloy, PushStart Kitchen There's nothing that screams ATLANTA more to me than the Varsity. I grew up in the suburbs and every time my folks would trek in to town, we'd always stop there. I'm suspicious now, that the reason for making the drive was the onion rings and the errand we were supposed to run was made up just to justify the spent gas. I've had a standard order ever since: two chili dogs, onion rings and a frosted orange. My last $20 will get me a pretty good ways on hot dogs and besides, the people watching is worth it alone!
	Tim Mack, Imperial Opa Well, I run a circus so... get some white gas (about $12) then a bottle of wine (we'll go all out and say an $8 bottle), make the calls happen and have some fire performing friends over for a night of burning and drinking, followed by circus debauchery of the most gypsy manner... you know, pull out the bed of nails, hang the aerial silks, call in my favors with all the performing community and have belly dances, show girls, jugglers and tumblers, sword eaters and, for sure, put on the stilt walking flamingo costume and look in my neighbors' windows at 2 in the morning. When I leave the Big ATL, they won't soon forget I was here, as we will tear it up.... or just hit up the Clermont for PBR's and lament the underbelly of the city.
	Josh Sanders, MINT Gallery Is it embarrassing to admit I've been in this predicament before? It is, isn't it? Oh well, the broke cat is out of the .58 cent Ikea bag. The first thing I would do is swing by Sopo and get my bike fixed ($5ish dollars) because I'm always looking for an excuse to tinker around in there and, at almost $4 bucks a gallon getting gas to go spend my $20 bucks would actually spend my $20 bucks. I'd grab a coffee and caramelized bacon doughnut from Revolution Doughnuts in Decatur ($5ish dollars) then ride over to Oakland Cemetery for a nice, contemplative breakfast. For lunch I'd swing by Victory for a $3 spicy ramen, because if I go more than a few days between having it I get cranky. I'd spend the rest of the afternoon riding the Belt Line and probably shuffling around Paris on Ponce for a while then ride back to my hood, Decatur for a $4 veggie slice at Fellini's. I'd love to tell you I'd spend my last $4 bucks on a drink at one of the fabulous bars in Decatur like Brick Store or Twain's but, since I'm being honest here I'd probably scoop up a 40oz of malt liquor at a gas station and bike home to watch The Wire.
	Kraig Torres, Hop City With an assist from the calendar, I would have my perfect ATL day – I’d grab a 22 oz bottle of Sweetwater Happy Ending ($4.99), then head over to Delia’s Chicken Sausage in Little Five Points for a Gunn Slinger ($6.49/Guac on Chicken Sausage – yum!). From there I’m a quick walk over to the Inman Park Marta Station ($2.50) and two-stop ride plus shuttle over to Turner Field. With a $5 day-of-game Skyline seat (the BEST sports deal in town), I’m in and watching the Braves crush the Mets…all with a dime to spare!
	Jim Stacy, Pallookaville Fine Foods/Get Delicious/Pigmata With my last $20 in Atlanta I would go have a Ghetto Burger at Miss Ann's, a pint at El Myr and the rest I'd get in quarters and walk up and down the street feeding folks' parking meters and thwarting these damn Park Atlanta bloodsuckers.
	Marcela Gonzales, Pretty Ambitious Records If I only had $20 Atlanta dollars left, I would start the day off with a cup of San Francisco Coffee, the San Fran blend. A matinee at the Plaza, vintage Horror! Lastly, dinner at Elmyr, a world famous BBQ Chicken quesadilla, some Grizz, and some much needed patio time. Now that's what I call a relaxing day in Atlanta.
	Jim Hodgson, Atlanta Banana First I would buy one gallon of mid-grade gasoline, because I deserve the nearly-best in life. I would use that gas to perform the most ferocious Virginia-Highland burnout my '99 Miata could muster. Then I'd walk down to Diesel, where they appreciate the mixed aroma of gasoline, tire smoke and tiny cars, get myself a one-notch-up-from-well vodka and tip the rest.

50% off The Pie Hole

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Scout Notes: No matter how hard you try, there are some things in life that just cannot be ignored. And right up there with new installments of a guilt-inducing reality show popping up on Netflix, is a hankerin' for pie. A yearning that Sabrina of The Pie Hole knows all too well. Thankfully, she's set up shop in a cheery, rustic Roswell barn, where she churns out pie after pie for her adoring fans. Sabrina had always exhibited the symptoms of a pie-lover: cherishing the secret recipes from her great-grandmas, whipping up pies for her pals and forever dusting flour off her sleeves. But it wasn't until recently that she realized it had business potential. Though she never trained professionally, her passion for the circular pastry more than makes up for it.

Each pie is made from scratch daily, using the freshest, highest-quality parts around. In fact, Sabrina is so picky when it comes to her ingredients that if it's not in-season, she's not gonna do it. And that's that. Which is why people have already started calling (practically begging, if we're not mistaken) to ask when her berry pies are coming back. (Soon!) But if fruit's not your cup of tea (or slice of pie), Sabrina cooks up a veritable slew of creamy varieties too—we're talking the likes of Coconut Cream Peanut Butter and French Silk. All swaddled by crusts that are flaky and fresh. Oh, and by fresh, we mean actually fresh—less than a day old, in fact. She also caters to the savory-minded among us with take and bake Chicken Pot and Steak + Mushroom pies. But The Pie Hole is much more than just a pick-up and run joint. At anytime of day, you'll find groups of high schoolers and pairs of ladies out shopping seated among the cozy, whitewashed environs, enjoying sparkling conversation and slightly-less-sparkly (but much more delicious) slices of pie.

Menu Highlights:
Pie Slices, $3.25 – $5.00
Whole Pies, $15.00 – $25.00
Apple, Coconut Cream, French Silk, Peanut Butter and more.

Hours:
Tues. - Fri., 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or sold out)
Closed Sundays & Mondays

Your Guide to Atlanta's Best Spring Cocktails

Fri, 08 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Yes, Atlanta weather can be a fickle temptress, seductively luring us into flip-flops and patios only to punish our premature spring fever with a blustering wind or a few raging snowflakes. But can you blame us for day-dreaming about... well, day-drinking? Preferably on a sunny patio, with a refreshing libation at the ready? We're hereby flinging away our scarves and socks, and swapping out the maple syrup, nutmeg and pumpkin spice for basil, grapefruit and lemongrass. We checked in with our favorite cocktail slingers to see what fresh libations we could look forward to.

The Purveyor: Seven Lamps
The Libation: Aphrodite
The Fixins: Seven Lamps membrillo-infused Square One vodka (quince-vanilla-lemon peel), pomegranate, mint

The Purveyor: Joystick Game Bar
The Libation: Splendor in the Grass
The Fixins: Bak's Bison Grass vodka, Luxardo Maraschino, house green tea tincture, lemon, egg white

The Purveyor: White Oak Kitchen & Cocktails
The Libation: Blue Sky
The Fixins: Death’s Door Gin, basil & cracked pepper syrup, South Georgia blueberries, W.O. Ginger Beer

The Purveyor: Holeman & Finch
The Libation: Swedish Hit
The Fixins: Cathead vodka, grapefruit shrub, lemon, Byrrh Grand Quinquina, cane syrup

The Purveyor: Bocado
The Libation: Smooth Criminal
The Fixins: Zu vodka, lime, cocchi, orange flower water, celery, tonic

The Purveyor: 4th & Swift
The Libation: The Other Shore
The Fixins: Ginger-infused rum, basil, lemon, lemongrass-black sesame syrup, Meyer lemon tincture, pink peppercorns

The Purveyor: Ecco
The Libation: Refreshed & Sustained
The Fixins: Sweet pink peppercorns, thyme, lemon and vodka

The Purveyor: Family Dog
The Libation: Kraven
The Fixins: Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur, creme de cassis and Weihenstefaner Hefe Weiss

50% off late night service at Ceviche

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Scout Notes: "Uh, I'll have the, uh, number 3. What's that? Yes. With chicken." We've all been there. It isn't too difficult to stumble into a little by-the-number Mexican-style eatery around these parts. And while they might whip up an edible burrito or two, when it comes to foodstuffs, we're more interested in variety. (That's right. Stand aside, walking tacos.) Thankfully, Ceviche Taqueria and Margarita Bar has been serving up authentic Mexican comida in their snug restaurant since 2007 – and there's no need to order the same combo twice. If there was ever a restaurant we were tempted to dub gourmet Mexican, this would be it. And it's no surprise that the laid-back, eclectic place is right in the hub of historically delicious Canton Street in Roswell.

The restaurant is family-owned, with a casual atmosphere and cheerful chalkboard signs on the walls. It's a great little spot for a catch-up lunch, a dinner rendezvous or some frontside people watchin' (or there's a back patio, if you're so inclined). And, of course, there are appetizers, entrees and libations a-plenty. The joint's namesake, Ceviche is offered up in 6 varieties, ranging from shrimp to peruvian corvina – if you're feeling adventurous, go for the trio sample taster to get a sneak-peek at three of 'em. For an entree, the regulars swear that after one bite of the Elsa's Chicken Enchiladas Verde, you'll never go back to those old burrito stands. It, unlike most Mexican food, looks delicioso with handmade sauce, fresh veggies and a little kick, sans smoke-from-the ears spiciness. Slake your thirst from their stock of over seventy tequilas, and stop playing the order-by-numbers game.

Menu Highlights:
Ceviche Sampler, $7
Elsa's Chicken Enchiladas, $11
Fish Tacos, $11
Chile Rellenos, $15
Tuna Tacos, $16

Hours:
Open daily at 11 a.m.

What To Do This Weekend, Mar. 7-10

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Thursday, Mar. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Little Tybee Album Release Show
The Goat Farm Arts Center, 1200 Foster St. (Westside)

The roving minstrels of Little Tybee are releasing their third studio album, "For Distant Viewing," and they're inviting their hometown to celebrate in proper fashion. We're in for a lovely treat, ATL: a performance from these guys is almost always as beautiful on the eyes as it is on the ears (here's some proof).

Nearby deal: Corner Tavern (West Midtown)

Friday, Mar. 8, 5 p.m.
Park Bar's One-Year Anniversary Party
Park Bar, 150 Walton St. (Downtown)

Park Bar is celebrating their one-year anniversary this weekend, and they're doin' it up in high style. Join them on Friday, March 8 from 5 p.m. 'til the fat lady sings for live music, free shots every hour, a 50/50 raffle benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project, live DJ and an open bar from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Nearby deal: Park Bar

Friday, Mar. 8, 5:30 p.m.
Phoenix Flies Kickoff: Anniversary Photography Project Opening
Atlanta Preservation Center, 327 St. Paul Ave. (Grant Park)

Atlanta Preservation Center, 327 St. Paul Ave. (Grant Park) Hog heaven for history buffs, the Phoenix Flies festival celebrates all things historical about ATL with dozens of walking tours through March 24. Help them start things off with a bang and check out the work of eight local photographers who captured our town's historical sights on film.

Nearby deal: Mezcalito's Cocina & Tequila Bar

Sat., March 9, 8 p.m.
Broken Hearts and Bicycle Parts Benefit Show
The Basement, 1245 Glenwood Ave. (East Atlanta Village)

Sopo Bicycle Cooperative's annual three-day event is packed with music, food and fun—and if lending a hand to them means shaking our moneymakers at the Basement on a Saturday night, we're happy to pitch in.

Nearby deal: Matador Cantina

Sat., March 9, 12 p.m. - 12 a.m.
Living Walls + EAV Block Party
East Atlanta Village

The businesses of EAV are banding together for 12 straight hours of celebrating Living Walls, including drink specials, an iron pour at Soba, plenty of live music, an artists' market and a guided tour of public art in the neighborhood.

Nearby deal: Hodgepodge Coffee House & Gallery

Sat., March 9, 7 p.m.
Burnaway Art Crush Auction
Fabrefaction Theatre, 999 Brady Ave. (Westside)

Do you like Burnaway, or do you like like Burnaway? Celebrate our local arts magazine (and our local artists) at their annual Art Crush Bash, where some pretty sweet auction items (a Sam Parker mural in your house, a portrait by Nikita Gale, a private dinner by Chef Angus Brown) are up for grabs.

Nearby deal: West & Mill Bistro

Sat., March 9, 8 p.m.
Culture Shock: Fiesta Para Frida
High Museum, 1280 Peachtree St. (Midtown)

If you haven't had a chance to see the High's much buzzed-about "Frida and Diego" exhibition, now's the time. Because everyone knows a visit to the museum is even better when margaritas, dancing and piñatas are involved.

Nearby deal: Señor Patron

Sun., March 10, 7 p.m.
Farm Mobile Birthday Bash
5 Seasons Brewing, 1000 Marietta St. (Westside)

Like a cornucopia on wheels, the Farm Mobile has been puttering around Atlanta bringing local, organic produce, breads, cheese and other goods to urbanites for the last two years. They're celebrating their birthday (and a brand-new partnership with Wholesome Wave) in high style, complete with live music, tasty beverages and a feast cooked up by Chef David Larkworthy.

50% off Park Bar

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Deep in the midst of Downtown's tourist mecca hides a curiously non-touristy watering hole where native Atlantans feel perfectly at home—Atlantans who'd rather lay low with a good bourbon than navigate the fannypacked multitudes shuffling the sidewalks outside. Yes, with their distinctively laid-back, non-touristy vibe, Park Bar feels a little bit like Downtown's best-kept secret... but after a year of serving the neighborhood with craft beer and top-notch drinkin' food, we suppose the secret's officially out on this place.

It's been almost a year since Park Bar first opened its doors to thirsty Downtowners looking for a place to imbibe. The unofficial verdict? Well, give us a place to park it with a Monday Night Drafty Kilt and a burger smothered in bacon and pimento cheese after a ~~Kenny Loggins concert~~ Hawks game, and we're faithfully yours. (A rather outstanding treasury of small-batch bourbons certainly doesn't hurt, either.) Much like a fine wine or flattering yearbook photo, it's looking like this place will only get better with time. (This was especially proven with the recent addition of the Wheel o' Fun, a sort of drinking roulette where, really, everybody wins.) The burger menu alone is enough to keep us faithfully returning, thanks to that aforementioned bacon-pimento colossus, a future pastrami and Swiss concoction, and one fire-breathing dragon known as the Four Alarm: a chipotle bison patty buttressed by a bed of spicy mozzarella sticks, crowned with fried jalapenos, and smothered in cheese and buffalo sauce. Incidentally, it makes an excellent cushion for all that craft beer and/or high-fallutin' bourbon you'll be sipping.

Menu Highlights:
Cheesy Banana Boats, $9.99
Seared Ahi Tuna, $12.99
The Hot Mess Burger, $11.99
The Melty Bison Burger, $12.99
The Cuban Frita Burger, $14.99

Hours:
Mon. - Thurs., 11:30 a.m. to Midnight
Fri. & Sat., 11:30 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Sun., 12 p.m. to Midnight

Special Events:
Park Bar is celebrating their one-year anniversary this weekend, and they're doin' it up in high style. Join them on Friday, March 8 from 5 p.m. til the fat lady sings for live music, free shots every hour, a 50/50 raffle benefitting the Wounded Warrior Project, live DJ, and an open bar from 5p.m. - 6 p.m.

Volunteer for Beer: 4 Festivals Where You Can Work for Drinks

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Going to a beer festival is one thing. (A very good thing.) But volunteering? That's a whole 'nother beast altogether. Because not only do you get to dole out libations to a merry crew of frolickers—there's also the potential for endlessly flowing drafts (fo' free) as payment.

While it's all good and well to volunteer all on its own, we're not above collecting on that do-goodery with a cold one (or five). And these five Atlanta beer festivals are on the lookout for just your type. Must have: a steady hand, an intrepid demeanor and (preferably) look great in a free t-shirt.

Sweetwater 420 Fest
Candler Park, April 19-21
Merely sign up for two four-hour shifts and a t-shirt (see?), commemorative bag and wristband shall be bestowed upon you. And once your shift's over, you're free to explore the festival. Enjoy the musical stylings of festival lineup artists while sipping on more than 20 unique brew styles. Earth Day? More like Mirth Day.
Sign Up: Fill out an easy volunteer form. Don't even worry about it.

Heritage Sandy Springs Beer Festival
Sandy Springs, April 27
After a few hours of volunteering, lounge upon the lawn, like the beer-pouring czar that you are, and take in (via your ears) the great lineup and (via your face) the great local food and over 70 brews.
Sign Up: Email if you're interested.

East Atlanta Beer Fest
Brownwood Park, May 18
If a beer festival that's ten years in the running is noteworthy, the selection of 200+ plus craft brews is downright inspirational. And here's your chance to be a source of inspiration for all EABF attendees, if you sample the wares during your tenure? Even better.
Sign Up: The site isn't updated for 2013 yet. Check back around the beginning of April.

Decatur Craft Beer Festival
Decatur, October 19
Two ways to drink for nuttin' here, folks. If you're a planning-ahead sort of person, you can enter the logo design contest (winner cleans up with $300, two admission tickets and two t-shirts)—just enter by June 7, and then win. Otherwise, you can volunteer like the rest of us (priority is given to consistent Decatur volunteers).
Sign Up: The Volunteer Page should be updated by July.

Note: Volunteer positions fill up quickly, so you'd better act fast. If it helps, remind yourself that free beer is on the line.

A New School Teaches Urbanites the Ways of Farming (And Beer-Brewing. And Wood-Chopping.)

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Reading, writing, and 'rithmatic? Pshaw! Those long division skills won't save you when the zombie apocalypse strikes. But cheesemaking, wood chopping and beer-brewing? Well... we suppose that last one might come in handy. Keeping the dream of the 1890s alive and well is The Homestead, a noble, brand-new nonprofit institution teaching Atlantans some of the skills our forefathers (and our flannel-clad, velvety bearded Portland brethren) utilized in everyday life... and help its students feel just slightly less dependent on weekly trips to Whole Foods.

Though the school has been in the works for a couple years now, a recent partnership with Georgia Organics and a real, live, honest-to-goodness class schedule means we're even closer to making our own herbal medicine, growing our own mushrooms, and—yes—turning water into wine. Inspired in part by the John C. Campbell Folk School, the Homestead hopes to revive age-old skills and crafts (like whipping up a good tincture or chopping your own wood), as well as picking up a few new tricks with a sustainability bent (biodynamic soil: a superfood-meets-crack for your tomato plant).

So, whether you're looking to impress your friends with your hand-hewn chicken coop, prep for Doomsday or simply pick up a new hobby, take a gander at The Homestead's March class schedule and kick it old-school with Kimberly and her roster of wise instructors. At least after a wood-chopping class or log-joinery seminar, your proclivities toward lumberjack shirts will be slightly more justified.

50% off Red Sky Tapas

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Scout Notes: "You should feel better leaving than when you came." It's this deceptively simple philosophy that dictates how everything runs at Red Sky Tapas. Which is like a well-oiled machine, by the way. A couple of middle school friends (we have on good word that they're adults now) are behind the joint, which is named for the warmth and happiness that come with being on the open water at night, with a (you guessed it) red sky. It's this feeling of peace and freedom that they hope to recreate for their guests—and they're doing a bang-up job. The space is swankily swathed in reds and blacks—upscale and comforting, but welcoming at the same time. One might almost believe that a little piece of Midtown had been airlifted to the Marietta.

A low-key tapas bar, Red Sky promises oodles of choices, and this mentality extends to their drink menu: a quick glance will reveal that there are no less than 40 martinis to choose from. The most popular, Desperate Housewife, expertly blends peach schnapps, cranberry and pineapple juices–but we're particularly intrigued by the Irish Espresso (Three Olives triple espresso, Kahlua and Irish cream). You'll be hard-pressed to find better complements to your medley of small plates to share. Instead of a mere selection of traditional Spanish tapas, Red Sky offers a more eclectic blend of Southern and Asian-inspired fare. This means that, in one fell swoop, you can dabble in Citrus Barbecue Ribs, Roasted Corn + Lobster Dip and Plantains. We're feeling better already.

Menu Highlights:
Lobster + Roasted Corn Dip, $10
Calamari, $6.50
Irish Espresso Martini, $9
Marinated Ahi Tuna, $10
Parmesan Crusted Romaine Heart, $5.50

Hours:
Sun. & Mon., 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Tues. – Thurs., 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.

50% off 2B Whole European Gluten-Free Bakery

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:06:00 +0000

Scout Notes: Being a picky eater because you can't have gluten or dairy is excusable. Whereas kicking and screaming because you don't want to eat your broccoli is not (we're looking at you, George). Ten years ago, Toula was faced with the former–her children had restricted diets, and the alternatives that were available at the time? D-I-S-G-U-S-T-I-N-G. So she did what any mother in her position would: tossed things together in the kitchen to see if she couldn't arrive at something that the kiddos would eat. And she did. But she ended up with even more than she bargained for–gluten, soy and dairy-free products that people actually want to eat. Yes, even people who don't need to. (Really!) We tried the coconut lemon bars, and were amazed with their flakiness, sweetness and lemony-fresh flavor—all without butter, wheat or soy.

Not only are these alternative foods that taste normal, but they're also items that aren't conventionally available. Like raw, grain-free truffles (!), gluten-free calzones and virtually sugar-free cranberry-raisin scones. We feel we should warn you though: despite the fact that each of Toula's wares is free of something or another, you still have to pay for them. (Apologies.) While she couldn't reveal too much of her process, we did learn that her secret's in a proprietary flour mix, that uses specialty flours like garfava and amaranth. She makes the mix herself, and it's a big part (in addition to fresh ingredients) of why 2B Whole's goods don't sacrifice quality or taste. For those on the paleo-diet, she's made grain-free baked goods. Baffling, eh? But it's true–carrot cake and coconut truffles made using coconut and nut flours (we even hear that there might be grain-free breads in the future). As for Toula, she's happy knowing that she could help change the perception of alternative foods. Namely, that they're not all gross.

Menu Highlights:
Orange-Cranberry Sugar-Free Scone, $3.50
Lemon-Coconut Bars, $4.50 for 1/2 dozen
Almond Bars, $4.50 for 1/2 dozen
Multigrain Flax-Seed Loaf, $8.50
Banana Chocolate Walnut Loaf, $8.00

Hours:
Thurs., 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Fri. & Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

50% off Rawesome Juicery

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Chantel, the gal behind Rawesome, got her start just like any other intrepid 21st century entrepreneur would: on YouTube. (Unlike some of her peers, though, her efforts actually weren't a pox on society. We're looking at you, Rebecca.) After spreading the gospel of juicing all over the interwebs, Chantel decided to pack up her chia seeds and take it to the next level with a real-deal brick and mortar. Thus, six months ago, Rawesome came to be: a beacon of fresh, colorful, healthy fare in the midst of the bustling Sweet Auburn Curb Market. Now, you'll spot Chantel and her crew behind the counter, pressing juices fresh to order and whipping up specialty drinks that health nuts and closet couch potatoes alike can appreciate.

Indeed, while some may see juicing as the exclusive domain of those who live in yoga pants and verbally profess their love for kale on the reg, the wide range of fresh juices, smoothies and salads at Rawesome appeals to everyone, whether you're in need of a serious antioxidant pick-me-up or your sweet tooth just likes the sound of a PB&J smoothie, with zero additives, syrups or dairy. The shots of wheatgrass, ginger and other elixirs will cure what ails you, while creamy coconut milk smoothies like the Pain Killer (pineapple, coconut, orange juice and nutmeg) taste like liquid dessert, minus the shame spiral. Fresh-pressed juice blends like the Ultimate Recharge (like a sweet shot of sunshine to your system). And if you'd rather chew your veggies than drink 'em, just stick a fork in one of Rawesome's bright, fresh salads, chock full of healthy ingredients and flavor, with nary a pitiful shred of iceberg in sight. Chantel gives a nod to the Rawesome Remix, a medley of kale, spring mix, quinoa, almonds and a slew of chopped veggies... but we were not-so-sneakily eyeing a customer's Popeye's Choice, packed with spinach, walnuts, feta and quinoa. Nuts, cheese, and extreme bicep enhancement powers? We'll take two, thanks. Toss that back with a glass of Nurse Jackie Juice and it's almost like last night's taco binge never even happened. Almost.

Menu Highlights:
Smoothies, $4.75 (12-oz) — $6.25 (20-oz)
Juices, $3.50 (12-oz) — $5.25 (20-oz)
Salads, $6.50
Wheatgrass Shot, $2
Super Shot, $3

Hours:
Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

What To Do This Week, Mar. 4-7

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Monday, Mar. 4, 7:30 p.m.
Short Cuts Film Contest Screening
Plaza Theatre, 1049 Ponce de Leon Ave. (Poncey-Highland)

Local auteurs who submitted their work to CL's film contest will show their stuff on the Plaza big screen, and it's up to your inner Ebert to vote who deserves a screening at the 2013 Atlanta Film Festival.

Nearby deal: CRÜ Urban Lounge

Monday, Mar. 4, 8:30 p.m.
Naked City: Bang/Whimper
The Goat Farm Arts Center, 1200 Foster St. (Westside)

Literary performance? Sounds like cardigans and elbow patches to me. Happily, no tweed is required at the monthly installment of Naked City, whose theme for March is "Bang/Whimper." Come armed with your best story/song/poem/dance—or just come to bask in all of the above.

Nearby deal: Do at the View

Tuesday, Mar. 5, 6:30 p.m.
Design Conversation: The Next Wave In Green Design
Museum of Design Atlanta, 1315 Peachtree St. (Midtown)

If you a) hoard back-issues of Architectural Digest, b) consider yourself a part-time Planeteer or simply c) need a little extra dose of inspiration this week, see what two innovative designers have to say about the future of sustainability in design and architecture.

Nearby deal: The Green Room

Wed., March 6, 9:30 p.m.
Bar-B-Cade Comedy Night
Bone Lick BBQ, 1133 Huff Road (Westside)

A night of comedy... for free? Bone Lick's about to get sloppier than a menage a trois (platter, duh). Pro tip: while you're trying real hard to not pee your pants, do yourself a favor and get yourself an order of those spicy boiled peanuts.

Thursday, Mar. 7, 7:30 p.m.
Little Tybee Album Release Show
The Goat Farm Arts Center, 1200 Foster St. (Westside)

The roving minstrels of Little Tybee are releasing their third studio album, "For Distant Viewing," and they're inviting their hometown to celebrate in proper fashion. We're in for a lovely treat, ATL: a performance from these guys is almost always as beautiful on the eyes as it is on the ears (here's some proof).

Nearby deal: Corner Tavern (West Midtown)

City in a City: Day Trip to Downtown Roswell

Sun, 03 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Here in the ATL we've got lots of little neighborhood nuggets. You know the type–hidden boutiques, slammin' restaurants and awesome views. Well, as it turns out, OTP has quite a bit to offer too. (See our other OTP walking tour .) And downtown Roswell? That's one of our favorites. The town was built nearly 200 years ago around a mill, which is where all of its coolest stories (and even cooler ghosts) came from. So we set out to explore 'em all. And, of course, we couldn't do that without stopping into some of the best restaurants along Canton Street and a boutique or two, now could we?

So if you're spending a free day milling (get it? like a mill?) around your apartment, pile in the car and head just a few miles north to Roswell*. It's like a vacation, except you stay in the same city. Like a staycation! But with way less waterslides. Here our some of our highlights for a Roswellian day trip:

Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee House
352 South Atlanta Street
Nothing better to start the ol' staycation off on the right foot than some motivation (in the form of caffeine, preferably). And this coffee shop, located inside a quaint old house just outside downtown Roswell, is all about motivation and support. Fair Trade wasn't good enough for these folks–in fact, they employ people on the ground in Rwanda, Haiti and Thailand, build schools and provide coffee bikes. Really living up to their motto: "Drink Coffee. Do Good." Don't mind if we do.
Insider Intel: The Samoan Chill tastes like a frozen, blended-up cookie. Frankly, we have no idea how they did it. But we're okay with not knowing everything.

Bulloch Hall
180 Bulloch Ave.
You'll recognize this stately Greek Revival home from blocks away, but you might not register that this is the 1839 home of Mittie Bulloch. In fact, you may very well be asking yourself: "Do I even know who that is?" Well, you do. She's the mother of Mr. President Theodore Roosevelt himself. Seriously, have you seen dat 'stache? Not to mention, we kinda like seeing how Roswellians lived back in the day.
Insider Intel: If your thirst for history is not yet slaked, opt for the Southern Trilogy–visits to three of Roswell's historic residences, Smith Plantation, Barrington and Bulloch Halls. It's okay to go on tours, really. Just don't dress like this

The Bilt-House
1035 Canton Street
Though Canton Street certainly encourages meandering and browsing, we're not above one-stop shopping. And at The Bilt-House in Roswell (the largest of their three locations), you'll find everything from dazzling footwear to swanky clothing and sleek design items for the home. Oh, and they've got some pretty spiffy yard art too–but we'll let you discover that on your own.
Insider Intel: Need some cowgirl boots? Ellen or Nancy can hook you up with a pair of some mighty fine Old Gringos.

Artisan Foods Bakery + Cafe
1169 Canton Street, Suite 100
Well, seems like it's just about lunchtime, eh? We've just the thing. Just past the hustle and bustle on Canton Street, lies a rustic, nostalgic bakery and cafe, tucked inside a comfy-looking log cabin-y building. Yes, it's a bakery. But in addition to the bread and beignets, they also cook up some mean lunch-time specials. We're talking roasted lamb sandwiches and barbecue paninis. Go ahead, Instagram the whole thing.
Insider Intel: It's not always easy to happen upon this bakery. No worries. Just turn into the gravel drive before Woodstock and point your nose toward the wafting smells of baked bread.

Raiford Gallery
1169 Canton Street
This is a veritable treasure trove and it's inside a barn? Talk about a deal. After grabbing a bite at the bakery, hop next door to visit Judie's gallery, which features art, crafts and jewelry from over 400 artists. All of it wondrously displayed in the two-story Amish-style building. Upon first stepping foot inside, you might want to stand back and soak it all in, which is just fine. Isn't that what adventure is about anyway?
Insider Intel: Judie Raiford herself is an expert metalsmith, and creates stunning pieces of jewelry that you can find in the gallery.

Old Roswell Mill
85 Mill Street
Roswell is a mill town, after all. And these two miles of trails are the ideal mode of exploration–waterfalls, scenic views and a pretty swell covered bridge are all included. And after, swing by Sloan Street Park to visit the Mill Worker Monument, dedicated to the 400 or so men, women and children who were deported during the Civil War for treason. Their crime? Making cloth for the CSA (Confederate States of America). The fate of many of them remains unknown, though there are stories of wives making it back to Roswell, only to learn that their husbands had remarried. And you thought long distance relationships were hard.
Insider Intel: Head down the trail, and you can see and/or climb around the mill's actual ruins. You, urban explorer, you.

Roux on Canton
946 Canton Street
After all that shopping and cavorting about, you'll begin to realize that you never ate dinner. And Canton Street is like the cereal aisle in a grocery store—too many choices. But if you're in the mood for some Southern/Cajun fare within a cozy, rustic environs, Roux on Canton will certainly fit the bill. Plus, toss in a few tall craft brews (some of which are exclusive to the joint) and you'll be livin' it up, Roswell style.
Insider Intel: For the perfect libation to wash it all down, look no further than the Black + Yellow: a concoction of New Amsterdam Gin, St. Germain & Guiness. Yum.

Roswell Ghost Tour
610 Atlanta St.
Round out your daytrip to Roswell with tour of ghostly proportions. Joe and Dianna aim to thrill and mystify as they regal you with true tales of Roswell's past and current paranormal phenomena. And it's not gimmicky or cheesy (you can bring your own along, if you're feeling peckish). The duo gets down to the history behind Roswell and the specters still dwelling in the old buildings, cemeteries and even an abandoned building, commonly referred to as the "creepy house". Shudder. This is a walking tour that lasts a couple hours, and covers about a mile stretch. So bring your ghost-hunting gear and wear your stomping shoes.
Insider Intel: Pets (on a leash) are welcome on a special tour once each month. Just one catch: they ought to like ghosts.

*Note: Roswell was founded by Roswell King. He looked like this, and he wasn't actually the King of Roswell. That was just his name. Though he did start Roswell Manufacturing Company, so he sort of was a king. It's all very confusing.

View Day Trip to Roswell in a larger map

The Booziest Desserts in the ATL

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

We scouts think there are at least three things in this world that everyone can agree on…

1. Dessert is good.
2. Cocktails are good.
3. Almost any combination of the two is really, REALLY good.

So impending bathing suit season anxiety be damned. We’re gonna have our cake and get a little buzz from it too with these spiked local sweets.

Booziest Milkshakes
It’s no surprise that boozy milkshakes are a popular boozy dessert option. They take us back to childhood while featuring one of our favorite adult privileges. We’re big fans of the alcohol-infused shakes at Grindhouse Killer Burgers. Their ingenious milkshake monikers don’t hurt either. The Stimulus Package, for example, takes a cookie and cream shake, adds 100 proof peppermint liquer and a shot of Whynatte coffee sure to stimulate your taste buds. Their strawberry shake with berry vodka (aka the Berry Springer) is a little more hardcore. Meaning, if you drink it, you better not leave it for another flavor because if you do, it will confront you about your infidelity on a daytime TV show. Finally, no list of the booziest shakes in the Peach State would be complete without a peach/Jack Daniels dairy concoction. Grindhouse has got one of those too and they lovingly refer to their Southern belle of milkshakes as the Booty Shake. Very demure.

Booziest Cupcakes
Since cake pops have been planning a coup d’état to usurp cupcakes as the monarchs of the mini-cake world for months, cupcakes decided it was time to whip out their secret weapon… vodka. Heavenly Dolce, a pick-up/delivery only bakery in Norcross, has certainly made the most of this sneaky ingredient and they’ve given all their flavors the title “Miss” for extra sassiness. We’re personally dying to try Ms. La Blanca, a White Russian cupcake, and Ms. Pina Colada, a coconut cupcake with pineapple rum filling. The Cupcake People out in Lawrenceville also carry a crazy awesome array of cake flavors with liquer-infused frostings (why hello, Viva Tequila! lime cupcake! Or should we say hola?) that are worth the trip. Now that us cupcake-lovers have spirits on our side, there’s no way a cake pop d’état will succeed on our watch... which happens to be set to 5 o’clock. Speaking of 5 o'clock, our pals at Happy Hour Confections also make a mean craft beer cupcake (and brownie and doughnut).

Booziest Sorbet
Mimosas are pretty great but sometimes champagne just wants to mix with something new. Lucky for champagne, HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern has kicked the orange juice to the curb and introduced their bubbly to some new potential life partners. Namely, vodka and lemon sorbet. And so far, they really seem to be hitting it off. HOBNOB may think of themselves as a friendly community watering hole but we prefer to call them the best lemonade stand ever.

Booziest Coke Float
In Georgia, we’ll have a coke with almost anything. It goes without saying that that includes ice cream and bourbon. So of course, the Maker’s Mark Coke Float with vanilla ice cream, Mexican coke and a generous pour of bourbon at Three Sheets is just the thing to wet a Georgian’s whistle. They're fixin' to put this unbeatable combination of Southern classics back on their menu in the next few weeks. Not so much into the ice cream part of the coke float equation? Check out Victory Sandwich Bar in Inman Park for a “world famous” Jack and Coke slushy. Regular customers promise that you don’t have to like whiskey as much as Ke$ha does to enjoy this frosty creation.

50% off SQ/FT

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

You know you're doing something right when the husbands and boyfriends of women frequenting your boutique are begging you for their own gent-friendly version. Impossible though it may be to picture droves of menfolk beseeching the ladies of Squash Blossom for menswear, that's exactly what went down—and how SQ/FT came to be. This latest adventure in style from the Squash Blossom crew has brought eclectic designer threads for guys, gals and kids alike to Decatur, in a spacious industrial loft perched right on the Square. Gentlemen, the people of Decatur heartily applaud your efforts.

True to the Squash Blossom style, these racks are laden with a diverse range of styles, from high-style (see: Jeffrey Campbell shoes) to classic (can't go wrong with Levi's) to downright funky (ever seen socks like these before?). Well-known wardrobe favorites like Lucky Brand and Puma are layered in with locally handmade jewelry, outdoorsy gear from Patagonia, eco-chic vegan accessories by Matt & Nat and quirky gifts of all kinds (we dare you not to crack up at the irreverent designs of ATL's own Breathless Paper Co.). The long and short of it? This shop's got something for every kind of style... except the kind that involves looking like everyone else. Then again, who'd want to be normal when you can have mustaches on your socks? That's our sartorial philosophy, anyway.

Store Highlights:
Frye
Jeffrey Campbell
Sanuk
Levi's
Matt & Nat
Patagonia

Hours:
Mon., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Tues. - Thurs., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

An Inside Look at Decatur's Indian Street Food Spot (Now Open!)

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 00:00:00 +0000

If your last Indian meal in Atlanta involved a dark, stiff-tableclothed dining room, an overflowing bowl of curry-soaked basmati and a whole lot of sitar, take note: Chai Pani, the latest additition to Decatur's dining scene, does Indian food like you've never seen it before. Unless, of course, you've spent a significant amount of time casually strolling the streets of Mumbai, in which case you'll feel right at home snacking on the Indian street snacks (chaat) that made this joint a cult favorite in its hometown of Asheville, NC. Yup, just when we thought Decatur's dining scene couldn't get any better, they go and give us okra fries.

Now, after the beloved Indian eatery decided to head southward, our quiet little Decatur has its own slice of the vibrant energy of the streets of India. From the decor (keep an eye out for the repurposed vintage Indian posters lining the hallway) to, of course, the food (spicy, flavorful snacks one might find at a roadside stand), the space that once housed Watershed is now a cheery, quirky homage to the sights, scents, sounds and delicious tastes of India. We got a chance to snack on some of these roadside-style victuals, and.... well, the crispy kale pakora, fried in a chickpea batter, is the kind of bar snack one could nibble on into the wee hours with nary a care in the world (it is kale, after all). The saag paneer has its own cult following back home in Asheville. And if you don't believe an Indian restaurant can serve you the best Sloppy Joe you've ever had in your life, take a bite out of the Sloppy Jai and call us in the morning. Preferably tomorrow morning--as of today, the long-awaited restaurant's doors are officially open, so you can head over to Decatur and see what all the fuss is about.

50% off Mangos Sushi & Grill

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 15:28:59 +0000

Scout Notes: At this casual Japanese joint, you get the sushi outing you've been yearning for, without the annoyance of getting all gussied up. Those worries you had about spilling sauce on your fancy pants? Kiss 'em sayonara. Pants, Schmants. This is a more like it– a comfortable dining style, with cozy booths, tables and softly-lit paper lanterns scattered throughout an ample space.

Mango Sushi & Grill Bar isn't putting on airs, but they do sling a mean roll or two. Way more than two, to be precise–they've quite the extensive sushi collection. And for newcomers to the sport of sushi savoring, they'll happily provide a photo album of all of their rolls for your perusal. You might say they were on a roll. (Ouch.) Anyway, they happily offer up staples like the Tropical Roll, with crab, cream cheese, pineapple, tuna, mango and tobiko. And if you're too nervous to venture into that particularly fishy food category, Mango provides plenty of other choices. Namely, Mango Steak (topped with baked shrimp, cheese, mushrooms and green onions) and the American classic: Philly cheesesteak. Not hungry? Sidle up to the full bar and enjoy a drink or three. We also hear-tell of some sake shots–and at a buck apiece, they'll fit into your budget quite nicely.

Menu Highlights:
Acworth Roll, $7.50
Volcano Roll, $7.50
Philly Cheese Steak, $5.49
Mango Steak, $12.95
Karai Chicken, $6.50

Hours:
Mon. - Thurs., 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Fri., 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sat., 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Sun., 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

50% off dinner at Lime Juice Thai

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Scout Notes: If you're anything like us (and we hope, dear reader, that you are) your mouth salivates and your ears perk up involuntarily at the mere suggestion of Thai food for lunch or dinner or (let's be honest with ourselves) snacktime. Because few things satisfy our cravings for spicy, exotic cuisine quite like a steaming pile of egg and bean sprout infused pad thai. It was with an understanding for this yearning that Karita and her husband Sam took over the quaint Lime Juice Thai Bistro, tucked away in a strip mall along a busy Alpharetta road. The space is intimate and calming—with soothing greens and sleek blacks adorning the booths and tables. And when you first step foot inside, you'll be surprised at just how comfortable you feel. But that's no accident, Sam and Karita want their customers to feel at home as they chomp Pineapple Chicken (which is served on a pineapple) and daintily sip their supremely-sweet Thai tea.

Chef Apirat hails directly from Thailand, and it's safe to say that, as an employee of a famous 5-star Thai hotel, he's a pretty big deal. And he's not just authentic–he's a perfectionist. Every dish that leaves the kitchen has passed his standards with flying colors, from the coconut soup to the pad thai, and every plate of seafood in between. This dedication to quality shows, especially in the faces of customers, happily chatting, dining on Ta-Lay-Thai (sauteed shrimp, squid, scallops, mussels and vegetable in creamy chili sauce) and grinning. We'll have what they're having.

Menu Highlights:
Pineapple Chicken, $10
Ta-Lay-Thai, $10
Hot Sea, $10
Thai Iced Tea, $3
Pad Thai, $8 (with shrimp, $9)

Hours:
LUNCH:
Mon. – Fri., 11:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
DINNER:
Mon. – Fri., 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Sat., 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Closed Sundays

What To Do This Weekend, Feb. 28-Mar. 3

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Thursday, Feb. 28
Coffee 101 for Team Hidi
Batdorf & Bronson, 1530 Carroll Dr. (Westside)

From burlap sack of beans to cast-iron drum roasting (and, yes, tasting the final product), you'll get the full coffee experience from B&B's coffee connoisseurs. You'll also benefit a noble cause, Team Hidi. Hot coffee, warm-fuzzies.

Nearby deal: West & Mill Bistro

Friday., Mar. 1, 9 p.m.
Wrestling With Pop Culture's 2nd Anniversary Party
Famous Pub, 2947 N. Druid Hills Rd. (Druid Hills)

Sure, you might normally consider wrasslin' among your list of options for Friday night outings. But Mr. Hogan has nothing on the Undead Luchador, Quozzy Quozzbourne or Dragula, to name a few. Celebrate the birthday of one of our favorite pop culture blogs in ATL with the Silver Scream Spook Show, heavy metal covers of Lady Gaga, and... well, do you really need any more reasons to attend this throwdown? Didn't think so.

Nearby deal: Chris's Pizza House

Friday, Mar. 1, 7 p.m.
Chairish The Future Gala & Auction
The Foundry at Puritan Mill

Local artists and design firms have been tasked with creating pieces of art from household furniture, and the results are up for grabs in this charity auction benefitting the Furniture Bank of Atlanta. They will almost certainly be more impressive than the questionable results of your mangling of an Ikea creation.

Nearby deal: Malaya Restaurant

Saturday, March 2, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Taste & Brews Festival
Atlanta Food Truck Park, 1850 Howell Mill Rd. (Westside)

Tacos, smoked meats and Indian street snacks: just a sampling of the goods up for grabs at this food truck fete. Wash 'em down with a taste (or several) of one of the many beer and wine offerings, which also serve the dual purpose of lubricating your dance moves for the live music from Acoustic Showdown.

Saturday, Mar. 2, 9:30 p.m.
Cardboard*Con Costume Contest
Trader Vic's, 255 Courtland St. (Downtown)

And you thought Dragon*Con was the only chance to see awesome costumes parading through Downtown? Pshaw. Show up to Trader Vic's on Saturday night, and you'll see some seriously cool costumery—all made from cardboard.

Nearby deal: NaanStop

Sunday, Mar. 3, 5 p.m.
Book In A Can
Robert W. Woodruff Library, 540 Asbury Circle (Emory)

Tuna, SPAM and unicorn meat: not the only things that come in cans. Bookworms, book art enthusiasts and connoisseurs of the curious will gather at Emory's Woodruff Library to witness the opening of an excerpt of John Steinbeck's "Cannery Row" sealed inside a 3-inch can and bound between two iron covers. The "Gypsy Wagon Artist's Bookmobile" will also be in attendance.

Nearby deal: Purple Corkscrew

50% off Mezcalito's Cocina & Tequila Bar

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Conventional wisdom might say friendly people (or fences) make good neighbors. We say it's someone with a plentiful supply of tacos, mad margarita-mixing skills and a standing invite to everyone to come join the dinner party. So it makes sense that Grant Park's new kid on the block is already making friends with the neighborhood. It's true: Oakhurst Village's beloved Mexican hangout has packed up and expanded to Grant Park, filling a former warehouse space with the sights and smells of green rice, tequila and Day of the Dead-esque decor. And with their skull-bedecked interior (and nefarious devil water), we think their new post across from Oakland Cemetery is a perfect fit.

What was once a rusty warehouse space is now a cozy den housing Mezcalito's signature riffs on Mexican cuisine—and these more spacious digs mean, of course, more room for tacos. Translation: a newly expanded menu of Mexican delights from which to choose, from a bevy of new tacos to a south-of-the-border shrimp 'n grits, not to mention a weekend brunch menu. Breathe easy, diehard fans—your chilaquiles and other standbys are safe and sound. Also surviving the trek from Oakhurst unscathed: that big, ominous jar of Devil Water, a face-melting, Scoville scale-breaking, pepper-infused tequila forged in the flames of Hades. If your sinuses don't need clearing, however, the freshly prepped margaritas flow from the bar like honey (but not, mind you, like syrup—there's nary an ounce of that dastardly prepackaged mix to be found). A dozen different tacos, an arsenal of tequila and a plate of churros or tres leches to top it all off? It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood.

Menu Highlights:
Tacos, $3.95 each
Steak & Goat Cheese Enchiladas, $11.95
Chilaquiles, $7.95
Handrolled Tamale, $8.95
Shrimp & Grits, $14.95
Churros, $5

Hours:
Mon. - Thurs., 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Fri., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sat., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Sun., 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Weird Georgia Laws We Might've Accidentally Broken

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Law-abiding folks—we used to think of ourselves as members of that sainted group. But after a little legal digging, it's become painfully clear that we're not quite the goodie-two-shoes we once thought we were. Because, depending on your geographic location in the state of Georgia, you may very well be, unbeknownst to you, breaking a law or three. Or so we hear. And if you've the propensity for "vulgar vituperation" that we do? Might as well turn yourself in.

Whistling Too Loudly
Whistling too loudly and after 11:00 p.m. Sunday through Monday in Athens? Forget about it. We're not suggesting they've outlawed cheerfulness, but it's certainly implied with this law, which prohibits "human-produced sounds," including whistling, within 300 feet of a building on the weeknights.

Using a Slingshot... from Alabama
"Using a slingshot? Why, that's a terrible idea. And if it's one from Alabama? Even worse. To be safe, let's just ban both." How we imagine the committee in Athens came up with this law, which states "no person shall use for amusement or otherwise any Alabama slingshot or any slingshot or similar thing in the urban service district."

Tying a Giraffe to a Telephone Pole
There's nothing that says you can't have a giraffe within Atlanta's city limits, per se. But you'd better be responsible, and that means (of course) that you shall never tie one to a telephone pole or street lamp. We have had a hard time confirming this law, but, then again, we haven't seen many giraffes tied to telephone poles, so...

Participating in a "Ladies' Night"
No savings for all the single ladies. Namely, those in Columbus. Sure, the can enter the bar, but ladies (or men, for that matter) can not receive a discount of any sort, according to this law. Should really fix that problem of too many ladies at the bar, eh gentlemen? (Also see: no two-for-one specials and no Happy Hours after 9 p.m., which are also covered in this no-fun code.)

Eating Fried Chicken with Your Hands
If you're in Gainesville, and you've got a hankerin' for some poultry–well, we'll just say this: you'd better eat it with your hands, since eating fried chicken with a fork has been "illegal" in the city since 1961. No need for putting on those fancy-schmancy airs here, fellas.

Getting a Tattoo on a Sunday
Columbus, GA has nothing against the art of tattooing, we assume. But they simply will not stand by and allow the conduct of this business to occur on a Sunday. And that includes every part of the body, according to this local law.

Proper Adult Bookstore Flooring
Hear ye, hear ye: the flooring of any Roswell adult bookstore or video store shall at all times, be "light colored, nonabsorbent, smooth textured and easily cleaned," according to this law. Seems pretty reasonable, actually.

Vulgar Vituperation
"It shall be unlawful for any person in the operation of any telephone installed within the city, to make use of any vulgar vituperation..." That stands for profane language, of any sort. Which means, naturally, that all citizens of Columbus are forbade from cussing into and over the telephone, according to their municipal code. I'm SURE this one's never been broken.

Guilty. Guilty. Aaaaaaaaand guilty. Where else, we ask, were we supposed to put Gill the Giraffe?

The Five Most Unnecessary Food Gadgets (and Where to Use Them in Atlanta)

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

People manufacture some interesting gadgets for the storage and consumption of food. You’d think your standard bowl and spoon are pretty much beyond improvement. After all, they’ve verified themselves as prime eating tools again and again over the past… forever. But for some people, thousands of years of diligent lip service (literally) is not enough. These unstoppable dreamers (who reside mostly in Japan for whatever reason) have bestowed upon us these five wonders of invention. And now we’ve bestowed upon you a lil’ digital guidebook on the best local joints to go put these spectacular devices to use. You can thank us later.

An Anti-Loneliness Soup Bowl
Soup really is the best food for eating alone. It warms your insides, helping to offset the lack of warmth you could be getting from human contact. Sometimes, though, solo-slurping gets dull. And juggling between your spoon and your smartphone is downright draining. May we present to you the Anti-Loneliness Soup Bowl, now with built-in iPhone dock! Never feel like you don’t know where to look while eating sans companions again! So, where should you get your bowl filled? We say look no further than the official royal residence of Atlanta’s Soup Queen, Souper Jenny. One warm serving of her Italian vegetable soup to nourish your soul plus one warm phone to occupy your mind and you’ll be wondering why you don’t eat alone more often.

An Anti-Loneliness Rocks Glass
And since you’re generally not very social, here’s an anti-loneliness rocks glass, too. They call it the “Clink!” Glass and it has a game in the bottom! The object of the game is to direct the marbles into their respective ridges. As a bonus, playing the game aerates your spirits. That’s fun AND effective. Or, if the game proves too challenging, you can just make toasts to yourself and thrust your glass out for a satisfying clink! minus the trouble of actually having to knock your glass into someone else’s. For a selection of establishments to put this baby to use, see How to Drink Alone in Atlanta.

A Super Spork
Take a good look at a regular old spork. Now ask yourself, what are those little baby tines supposed to pick up? Answer: not much. Fortunately, some blessed soul saw this problem and gave us the Super Spork. Of course, the super spork is the perfect utensil for ramen. It’s practically the only way to get the noodle/broth ratio just right. But we see beyond this obvious application. Consider chicken tikka at Paradise Biryani swimming in flavorful masala sauce, cupcakes topped with impractically tall swirls of frosting at Endulge Cupcake and gumbo teeming with all kinds of edible Cajun critters at On the Bayou. The Super Spork is the answer to all these tough culinary puzzles.

A Condiment Picnic Table
It’s about time someone gave condiments the respect they deserve. It hurts to see these pillars of classic American cuisine irreverently set down on the side of a table. Now, there’s finally a place for condiments to sit comfortably. And what’s cuter than a small something on top of a bigger version of itself? Not much. See: Exhibit A. We think Woody’s Cheesesteaks and the Great American Burger Boutique & Ale (GABBA) could really put these mini-tables to use.

A Ramen Hair Guard
We understand how really good ramen can put a person in a kind of broth-fueled fervor. The consequent noodle lust can be so great that there simply isn’t time to worry about what going on with one’s hair. We aren’t sure if this pink ruffly thing is meant to keep the hair out of the ramen or the ramen out of the hair but it seems like a win either way. Getting hair in your ramen? Icky. Getting noodles in your hair? Well that just looks silly. Satisfy your most furious ramen cravings at Miso Izakaya , of course, or at Don Quixote if you’re feeling up for K-food.

50% off Pepperoni's Midway

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Scout Notes: We hear-tell of a place called Pepperoni's, where the pies are cheesy, the sauce is homemade and the ample screens display the latest cartoons right alongside the game. (Finally–some 'toons in this town.) And it's under new ownership. When Melody took over the joint just a few months ago, she was on a mission–and it involved revamping the space and redesigning the new menu. Now every item is guaranteed fresh, with the highest quality cheese Grande, homemade doughs and sauces. In fact, one of the biggest challenges that Melody has faced is locating some fresh oregano, dagnabbit. Because the way she sees it: customers are coming to eat a made-from-scratch meal, not out of a can. Which is why they offer weekly specialty pizzas. And every veggie and herb that goes on that pie (and subsequently, down your gullet)? Why, it's been diced, chopped and sauteed right on the premises.

In addition to their staunch quality standards, Pepperoni's is also quite fond of the youngsters. And by quite fond, we mean that they have a whole area in the back devoted to 'em. Dubbed the "Game Zone", it includes an array of air hockey and arcade games. And when you saunter in with a group, you'll find plenty of booths, nooks and large, colorful picnic tables with room for the whole gang. This is an open family, table service restaurant, and one where writing on the walls and tables is encouraged. The entire place is large and spacious, decorated with an appreciation for sports as opposed to an obsession with them. Which describes our feelings on the matter quite appropriately.

Menu Highlights:
Large Margherita Pizza, 17.95
Small Martha's Vineyard Salad, 4.50
Calzones, 7.49
Beer + Wine available
Fried Ravioli, 6.99

Hours:
Sun. – Thurs., 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

What To Do This Week, Feb. 25-28

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Monday, Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m.
A Taste Of India Benefit Dinner
Dr. Bombay's Underwater Tea Party

One of the coolest outreach projects we've seen in a while, the Learning Tea gives Atlantans a chance to help out halfway around the world—specifically, to lend a hand to the children of Darjeeling living in poverty. This dinner of Indian cuisine at the wondrously whimsical Dr. Bombay's will benefit the Atlanta-based project with your purchase of tickets ($20). As if we needed another excuse to hang out at our favorite Candler Park curious find.

Nearby deal: The Spotted Trotter

Tuesday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m.
Carapace Raconteurs: Mean Lies & Dirty Tricks
Manuel's Tavern, 602 N. Highland Ave. (Poncey-Highland)

The monthly storytelling meet-up is upon us again, this time with mean lies, dirty tricks and general deviance as the theme upon which the tales will revolve. As always, head to Manuel's a little early to snag a good seat—these guys have gone and gotten all popular on us.

Nearby deal: Cafe 640

Tuesday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m.
Charlotte's Web: Cancer Touches Us All
Sweetwater Brewery, 195 Ottley Dr.

The local food community is coming together to honor fellow chef Charlotte Nelson, who recently passed away after a battle with breast cancer. In support of the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, 16 of the South's best chefs will rally for an evening of hors d'oeuvres, live music and a silent auction.

Wednesday, Feb. 27 & Thursday, Feb. 28
Coffee 101 for Team Hidi
Batdorf & Bronson, 1530 Carroll Dr. (Westside)

From burlap sack of beans to cast-iron drum roasting (and, yes, tasting the final product), you'll get the full coffee experience from B&B's coffee connoisseurs. You'll also benefit a noble cause, Team Hidi. Hot coffee, warm-fuzzies.

Nearby deal: West & Mill Bistro

50% off The Swan Coach House

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

We'll come right out and say it: a visit to the Swan Coach House should be required dining for anyone who calls themselves an Atlantan. We'd go so far as to say that an hour or two spent lingering in the dining room (preferably with the historic restaurant's famous chicken salad) is right up there with choosing Coke over Pepsi in this town. But it's not just tradition keeping this restaurant alive and well in Buckhead. You probably know of the Swan Coach House as a destination for proper Southern lunching, but what you might not know is the restaurant's mission. What is now a storied Buckhead tradition originally began as the initiative of 12 intrepid gals known as the "Dirty Dozen," who banded together to form the Forward Arts Foundation (and pitched in their own silver and china for the restaurant). Now, every cent of the restaurant's proceeds goes to the foundation, a nonprofit that has been funding the visual arts in ATL for the past 50 years. Which, in a way, means that each bite of that famous chicken salad or juicy burger helps make our fair city even fairer.

The Swan Coach House might be best known for freshly made quiche, the French Silk Swan cake and a rather infamous chicken salad (in your choice of chunky or smooth), but their most recent menu addition -- a juicy, pimento cheese-smothered burger—already has its fair share of fans. But it's not just the lunching that's made Swan an institution for the past 45 years. It's all about the thoughtful touches that make dining here more than just a meal. Each day, fresh-cut roses grace the table. The average server has been with the restaurant for a decade; some have been there for three, and almost all have regular customers who know them by name. For many regulars, it just plain feels like home. But you don't have to don the white gloves and your Sunday best to dine here. It's all about casual elegance and Southern hospitality; a laid-back dining experience in a landmark of a restaurant with a rich history and a noble mission. And, to be honest, one heck of a burger. And we, as one might guess, have had our fair share of burgers in this town. We just can't say no to pimento cheese.

Menu Highlights:
Swan's Favorite Chicken Salad, $12.25
Spinach Quiche, $10.75
Shrimp Salad, $14.25
Fried Green Tomato Sandwich, $10.25
French Silk Swan, $5.25

Hours:
Mon. - Sat., 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Closed Sunday

Anatomy of a Burrito: Four Bundles of Joy to Admire + Devour

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

What's in a burrito? That by which we call a tortilla, when filled with a number of other delicacies, by any other name would taste just as sweet, er, savory.
– William Shakespeare*

This, good sir, is just the point we've set out to prove. While we're quite fond of those meat, bean and rice bundles o' goodness, wrapped tight as a college freshman in a Snuggie, we can't help but wonder: what is it that makes burritos so inherently good? Taste, smell, fillingness—the whole shebang. We had to know. And, well, we tend to side with our good pal Willie on this one. (The man knows his hand-held victuals.) Just because we call it a burrito, doesn't mean it has to stick to the same ol' staple ingredients.

What about pineapple? Or pad thai? Or cabbage, for that matter?

So we did what any self-respecting, logical scientist would—we took a peek inside a few of our favorite non-burrito burritos, and then gleefully devoured the evidence.

Broccoli & Potato Burrito from Bell Street Burritos
There's no better way to enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of the bustling Sweet Auburn Curb Market than with a Broccoli + 'Tater burrito in hand. What's that? No no, you're right. One in each hand would be better.

Pad Thai Burrito from Elmyr
Hybrid. Fusion. Ground-breaking. Whatever moniker you choose, the Pad Thai Burrito is one invention that we won't soon forget. And of course, it's best enjoyed in the hazy, divey and oh-so-hip environs of Elmyr.

Pineapple Jerk Burrito from Raging Burrito
Fortuitously, we stumbled into RB on trivia night–though any evening will do, when you can sidle on up to the bar and order a Pineapple Jerk Burrito like you own the place. Pro-tip: this is a great way to impress the ever-elusive lady-folk.

Pulled Pork Burrito from Hankook Taqueria
Saunter into this cozy, hidden gem of a joint, and you'll learn a thing or two about Korean and Mexican cuisine. Namely, that they're a perfect match. Some dae ji gogi (pulled pork with spicy korean bbq sauce) tightly wound into a burrito bundle with kimchee fried rice? C'mon. That's a relationship built to last. Until devoured, at least.

*Just because he didn't write it, doesn't mean he didn't say it. You can't prove anything.

50% off Little Azio (Smyrna)

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Scout Notes: Fresh, homemade Italian fare that won't break the bank or the scale? It might sound far-fetched, but thanks to a menu of lighter, summer-ready dishes and Italian-inspired brunch dishes, Little Azio is making it easy to get your Italian fix. The casual neighborhood restaurant has become a favorite for Atlantans hungry for homemade pizzas, pastas and salads in a laid-back environment, no reservations or dinner jackets required.

Traditional Italian food might often be equated with heavy-duty dishes (and empty wallets), but Little Azio's menu has plenty of lighter options for the warmer months. Jonesing for pizza but not quite all of the trappings? Chicken sausage and turkey pepperoni are delicious and flavorful add-ons, without feeling heavy, and can also be paired with Little Azio's gluten-free pizza dough. Lighter still are the pizza salads, with a perfectly tossed tricolor salad atop a fresh-baked thin crust pie. In fact, the salad menu alone is chock-full of wholesome dishes that are satisfying enough for a meal without feeling overly indulgent. Little Azio's insalata tricolore, with arugula, radicchio and gorgonzola-walnut dressing, is delicious all by itself, but adding baked Atlantic salmon on top makes it even heartier. The fresh caprese salad, a personal favorite of mine, is simple, classic and delicious. It's the quintessential neighborhood Italian restaurant: quick, casual, and come-as-you-are, but with enough charm, style, and wine to make a perfect little night (or morning) out. And with all those healthy, light dishes, you have no excuse not to save room for dessert.

Menu Highlights:
Insalata Tricolore, $7.95
Caprese Salad, $7.50
Margarita Pizza, $7.95
Napoletana Pizza, $9.50
Turkey Ragu, $8.50
Cannoli, $2.95

Hours:
Sun. - Thurs., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

50% off Little Azio (Norcross)

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Crawfish Season Is Upon Us: Our Three Top Spots for Throwing 'Em Back

Sat, 23 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Mudbugs, crawdads, decapod crustaceans... whatever you call 'em, these bright red little arthropods make for good eatin', and as the days get warmer, the critters get bigger. Indeed, crawfish season is underway, and we're strapping on our bibs, packing up extra WetNaps and venturing out in search of the best finger-lickin' crustacean goodness. It ain't easy—for a city not too far from the Gulf, Atlanta isn't exactly brimming with restaurants that know their way around a sack of mudbugs. Of course, you can buy a couple live sackfuls and do it yourself, which is always fun, but... if you've ever tried scooping out fifteen pounds of live crawfish from the cooler at YDFM, carting them out to your car, dumping them in the cooler, driving back home and listening to those little suckers scurry around in the backseat, you might understand why sometimes it's just easier to find a good restaurant that knows how to do the humble arthropod justice. Luckily, we have a couple in our rotation that do right by those spicy sea-snacks:

Crawfish Shack Seafood/
This Buford Highway joint is at the top of the list not only for many Atlantans, but Louisiana natives, too (and that's saying something). Owner Hieu Pham's love for the crawfish and oysters served up in shacks along the Gulf drove him to recreate the same experience for Atlantans. "The seafood's about as close as you can get to eating it right off the boat," he says. And boy, is it fresh. The Shack's crawfish, shrimp and fish are all from the Gulf, and they all get gussied up with homemade touches—like Hieu's house crawfish boil blend, with a handful of secret ingredients that give it a nice little kick. And with approximately 2,000 lbs. of crawfish selling a week during peak season, you can be sure that those 'dads haven't been sitting in a freezer for months. (Pro-tip: Slurp down some fresh-pressed sugarcane juice while you're there. It's the perfect companion for that zesty Cajun spice.)

Boudreaux's Cafe Acadiana
In our experience with Buford Highway, two golden rules seem to have emerged: 1) the farther you go outside the city, the better the eating and 2) don't trust clean, well-decorated eateries. In the case of Boudreaux's Cafe Acadiana, the first certainly holds true—the place sits about 45 minutes outside the city in Duluth, a decent trek for those looking to make their Cajun pilgrimage. But curiously, the restaurant actually has decor. Ambiance. Sports team paraphernalia hanging from the walls. It looks more at home on Roswell Road than the northerly reaches of Route 13. And this may elicit a certain distrust. But once your server delivers a tray (or three) of bright red, fresh-boiled crawfish, your preconceptions will peel away like the exoskeletons on those little suckers' tails.

Southern Seafood
After conducting years of scientific study, we've come to the conclusion that oftentimes, the most delicious of seafood comes not from white tablecloth restaurants or Michelin-rated sushi bars, but from the places you'd never expect: a dilapidated shack on the beach, perhaps, or an unassuming place in a surburban strip mall. Or, in this case, unassuming spots on the side of a major highway. Now, don't expect any frills—with one lone plastic table, this joint isn't exactly suited for multi-course seated meals. But their spicy, jumbo, boiled-to-order crawfish more than make up for the minimalist decor. Besides, if you close your eyes, you can almost hear the sounds of the ocean coming from the traffic on Lawrenceville Highway.

50% off Slope's BBQ of Alpharetta

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Piggy banks, piggy statues, piggy doodles drawn by adoring young fans: when you walk in the front door of Slope's, it's pretty clear these guys share a love for all things pork. Especially the tender, no-sauce-required kind coming out of their smoker. Originally born in a tiny roadside joint (as all the best barbecue places are), Slope's has become an institution for Atlantans of the carnivorous persuasion over the past 22 years. And not much has changed since then.

This right here is classic 'cue, y'all—right down to the red checkered tablecloths and good ol' Southern-style sides. (Those jalapeno cheese grits will make you thank the lawd you live in the South.) And then there's the meatstuffs. Derived from South Georgia recipes, it tastes like the kind of old-school, real-deal barbecue you'd find in a dirt-floored roadside shack. Only here, you have the luxury of napkins and air conditioning. The ribs are so deliciously fall-apart tender, they almost require a fork (or a bib). The hickory-smoked, hand-pulled pork is—and has always been—a crowd favorite. The brisket melt sandwich on buttery garlic toast is unlike any sammie you've had at a barbecue restaurant. And it'd be a downright tragedy to miss their classic Brunswick stew. It's the sort of proudly old-school barbecue restaurant serving simple, home-style food that doesn't need gussying up with sauces (though their sauces definitely pack a tasty punch). The kind worth getting your hands a little sticky for. The kind that might just require a fat stack of napkins. And if you need further proof, just refer to the wall of Polaroids of young whippersnappers post-meal. Those sauce-smeared grins don't lie.

Menu Highlights:
Chopped Plate (Pork or Chicken), $9.60
BBQ Pork or Chicken Sandwich, $3.55 — $4.90 (Jumbo)
Rib Plate, $12.30
House Sausage, $1.75 (Slider), $3.99 (sandwich), $8.99 (plate)
Brisket Melt Sandwich, $6.29
Brunswick Stew, $1.90 (cup) — $3.50 (bowl)
BBQ Jalapeno Cheese Grits, $1.90 (side) — $3.50 (bowl)
Cole Slaw, $1.60

Hours:
Mon. - Sat., 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Closed Sunday

50% off Piu Bello Pizzeria Restaurant

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Piu Bello is neither in New York nor on a corner, but they're not letting that hold them back: this place is a bona fide, quintessential New York corner pizza joint. The kind you'd stumble upon on smack-dab in the middle of Manhattan, slinging the big, foldable, thin-crusted slices any true New Yorker would approve of (by the slice, naturally). Though many a pizzeria might liken themselves to those in the Bronx and Queens, Piu Bello has the pedigree to show for it: owner Dorel spent years not only living in New York, but slinging pies there, too. By the looks of it, seems like he picked up a few tricks of the trade. While some of Atlanta's pizza purveyors are clamoring for the fanciest, most gussied-up pies, Piu Bello is doing it the way it's always been done: hearty, fresh, laden with toppings (seriously, they don't skimp on the good parts) and huge. They also stick pretty religiously to those stringent New York crust requirements: thin, with a nice buttery crisp on the outside, but just fluffy enough on the inside. Everything but the water, we'd say. (Seems the humble 'Hooch is doing a fine job.) If a pepperoni slice bigger than your face isn't what you're after, Piu Bello also has a full menu of Italian staples: pastas, heroes and classic crowd-pleasers like chicken marsala and eggplant parmigiana. Word on the street amongst their Buckhead regulars is that you can't go home without trying the buttery garlic knots, either. Get 'em while they're hot... and top off the whole shebang with homemade panna cotta.

Menu Highlights:
Garlic Knots, $2.50
Pepperoni Slice, $3.25
Veggie Slice, $3.75
Meat Lover Pizza, $13 (12"), $18 (16"), $22 (18")
Margherita Pizza, $12 (12"), $18 (16"), $20 (18")
Linguini Pescatora, $13
Sicilian-Style Baked Ziti, $10.50

Hours:
Daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Bringing Back the Lavish Lunch

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

It's the neglected middle child of the three square meals; the Most Important Meal Of The Day's forgotten younger stepbrother; the time of day when you begrudgingly poke holes in the plastic covering of your Lean Cuisine and shed a small tear as it slowly pivots in the office microwave.

But lunch wasn't always a mere afterthought. There was once a time, it's rumored, that the lunch hour was about leisure, lingering, gaffing with your coworkers over a prime rib, perhaps even indulging in a martini or two. Sounds a bit better than shoveling a sandwich down your gullet with one hand and answering emails with the other, no? Dust those crumbs off your keyboard and help us bring back the power lunch. We already have a few ideas. And, for your extravagant dining pleasure, there's a Scoutmob deal at each one of these locations.

Cibo E Beve
Scientific studies have proven that removing oneself from one's work environment (as in, leaving your office to head up to Roswell Road) increases productivity. Our own not-so-scientific studies have proven that enjoying a midday Negroni or two does, too, in addition to skyrocketing one's creativity and making one's jokes funnier. At Cibo, a classic Italian cocktail and a taste of Chef Linda Harrell's expert handling of authentic Italian recipes will easily give that Lunchable a run for its money. Linger over a balsamic-braised short rib sandwich, duck ragu or elegantly simple burrata and fried eggplant caprese. And if you need to sleep off that ricotta ravioli, well... there's a study to support that, too.

One Eared Stag
Chef Robert Phalen is known for pushing the envelope. And when it comes to lunch at his Inman Park mainstay, well, we'll put it this way: the unadventurous need not apply. Phalen wields simple, seasonal ingredients to create boldly creative recipes: think rabbit rillettes, duck liver poutine and whipped smoked swordfish belly, to name a few. (Not to mention the Virginia lump crab roll, a dish so beloved it's the only one that stays on the daily rotating menu.)

Campagnolo
That sandwich you packed this morning? The one that's been flattened to a limp bread-patty in the bottom of your lunch bag? It flees in fear from the sandwiches and panini on Campagnolo's menu. This sophisticated Midtown trattoria not only boasts a patio perfect for day-drinking—their refined, rustic fare also makes for a pretty decadent power lunch. A hearty meatball sub, brussels sprouts and prosciutto panino and a juicy, mortadella-topped burger pair perfectly with Sweetwater 420-battered onion rings and a glass of wine al fresco. Trust us: it's enough to send shivers down the crusts of any PB&J.

50% off Mamajuana

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Scout Notes: By day, Mamajuana is a docile, family-friendly, sit-down sort of affair–wherein you will discover the joys of Dominican, Caribbean and Mexican cuisines. But by night? Sir, that's when things get a little more, er, rockin'? As in, every night of the weekend, the joint transmogrifies into a nightclub. Yes, a nightclub. One where those (of 18 years and older) inclined to don their dancing trousers will spend the evening delighted by music from the tropics. On Fridays and Saturdays, a DJ is spinnin' mad Bachata and Salsa tunes, and during Sunday evenings, said tunage emanates from a live band. This, this is the sort of clubbing that makes it feel as though you belonged to one. (A club, that is.)

Mamajuana, which is named after a famous libation from the Dominican Republic (a blend of rum, red wine and honey, soaked with tree bark and herbs), isn't a smarmy nighttime destination, by any means. After hours, it's a place for gathering and gallivanting, with a full bar and plenty of glasses of its namesake up for grabs. And during lunch and dinner, they offer up expertly presented dishes, which are almost as entertaining. For traditional Sancocho soup (pork, beef and chicken with plantains, potatoes and veggies) you'll have to swing by on a Sunday, but the Mofongo (fried green plantains, smashed with crackling pork and garlic) and Calamares con Coco (Coconut Shrimp) are always available for your dining pleasure. If the original scheme for getting your island fix involved smuggling Dominican fare back on the plane, we'll be honest—this is a much better plan.

Menu Highlights:
Sancocho Soup (Sundays only), $8.95
Churrasco, $16.95
Mofongo, $3.50
Calamares con Coco (Coconut Shrimp), $12.95
Chillo Entero (Fried Whole Red Snapper), $15.95

Hours:
Mon. - Thurs., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fri. - Sun., 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.

50% off Moderna

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

This new addition to the Sandy Springs and Roswell neck of the woods takes everything we know about the classic taqueria, dusts it off and gives it a shiny, healthy, modern new twist: succulents bedecking the tables in place of cheesy fake cacti decor, fresh-squeezed cocktails instead of syrupy margaritas, creative Mexican you'd pretty much never be able to find on your typical Combination J-style Tex-Mex menu. Here, it's all about keeping it fresh: fresh fruits and herbs at the bar ready for muddling, squeezing and garnishing, fresh, organic ingredients on the menu, and all in a fresh, hip setting that's giving the neighborhood a grown-up place to hang out without the requisite trek to Buckhead or Midtown.

Even before you feast your eyes on the menu, you know Moderna isn't quite like anything else in the area. The eco-chic interior alone is stunning—with a moss-covered wall, birch branches hanging from the lounge ceiling like chandeliers and stately beams of repurposed wood lining the walls, it's definitely the kind of outdoorsy we can get behind. Chef Ignacio Barquera's modern take on Mexican taqueria fare translates to dishes like calamari tacos garnished with housemade mango chile salsa, or a gluten-free masa cake topped with grilled shrimp and Chihuahua cheese (tlacoyo), all of which pair perfectly with just about any of the specialty libations from behind the bar. We have it on good authority that the Skinny Daisy, a margarita made with organic agave, is equal parts strong, delicious and relatively guilt-free... though we're also thirsty for a taste of the Oaxacan Mule (made with mezcal, lime, ginger beer and mint). But the one place where tradition wins out? The rich, delicious, chocolate-smothered churros, a Mexican dessert recipe compliments of Ignacio's grandmother. Luckily for you, that skinny margarita just means room for dessert.

Menu Highlights:
Tlacoyo, $7
Calamari Taco, $4
Carnitas, $10
Pasilla Blackened Salmon, $12
Churros Con Chocolate De Abuelita, $4
Pastel Borracho, $4

Hours:
Daily, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

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What To Do This Weekend, Feb. 21-24

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Thursday, Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Curated Tour with Stuart Horodner
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, 535 Means St. (Westside)

Craving a little culture but not sure where to start? Let artistic director Stuart Horodner be your guidedog, leading you through ACAC's current exhibitions. Best of all: it's free.

Deal nearby: NaanStop

Fri., Feb. 22, 8 p.m.
Hyde Presents: PUSH, the (Sex) Show from Below
The Music Room, 327 Edgewood Ave. (Old Fourth Ward)

Puppetry, burlesque, drag, comedy... think of this performance art throw-down as your high school talent show on hallucinogens. Each artist is tasked with making you laugh/cry/clutch your pearls in horror in the span of seven minutes each, and a panel of judges will determine who deserves the honor, glory and cash.

Deal nearby: Condesa Coffee

Fri., Feb. 22, 8 p.m.
Music Under The Moon
Patchwork City Farms, 765 Peeples St. (West End)

Gather 'round the bonfire and grab a mug of hot cider for a farm hootenanny in the middle of the city. Patchwork City Farms will host musicians, a drum circle and plenty of revelry to benefit Hands On Atlanta, Atlanta's own match.com of community service.

Deal nearby: Tassili's Raw Reality

Fri., Feb. 22, 9:30 p.m.
Holy Ghost Tent Revival, Megan Jean & The KFB and Cute Boots
The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave. (East Atlanta Village)

Celebrating their 5th birthday, Bang! Arts is unleashing a holy trinity of musical magnificence on EAV: the boot-scootin' Cute Boots, critically beloved Holy Ghost Tent Revival and the gypsy swagger of Megan Jean & The KFB, all in one revelrous night onstage at the Earl.

Deal nearby: Endulge Cupcake Boutique

Sat., Feb. 23, 8 p.m.
This Damn Manly Man Party
The Goat Farm Arts Center, 1200 Foster St. (Westside)

Contrary to its title, this throwdown doesn't require one to sport a UtiliKilt for entry. An appreciation for the finer arts, though—blacksmithing, harpoon-making, feats of strength—might come in handy. The $10 admission not only means you get to partake in some of these masculine crafts; it also goes toward helping local performance artists Saiah raise funds for their next project, Moby Dick.

Deal nearby: Do at the View

Sat., Feb. 23, 8 p.m.
Poisons & Antidotes: Tee Shirt Launch and Art Show
Fallen Arrows, 840 DeKalb Ave. (Inman Park)

The humble, yet mighty, t-shirt: it can be so much more than a relic of your '97 family reunion in Myrtle Beach. Case in point: local direct-to-garment impresarios Fallen Arrows who are unveiling their latest collection they developed with artist Mike Germon.

Deal nearby: Mister & Miss Einstein's

50% off CRÜ Urban Lounge

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

When it comes to the Old Fourth Ward, there aren't too many nooks and crannies we haven't sniffed out or stones we've left unturned. Especially when it comes to basic life essentials like fried pork belly and stiff Manhattans. But tucked away in a corner of the Ponce Springs Loft, CRÜ Urban Lounge has stealthily been serving creatively crafted seasonal food and drink to their diehard neighborhood regulars for the past six years. Small, sophisticated and a little hidden, CRÜ feels a little less like a trendy hangout, and a bit more like a hush-hush supper club in a hip loft space. Happily, one doesn't need a secret password to score an invite to this dining room—just an appetite for classic cocktails and farm-to-table fare with a creative edge. But if it makes you feel cool, feel free to quietly whisper "Sazerac" to the bartender. Methinks you'll be quite pleased with the result.

Back in '07, wine connoisseur and Midtown resident Chetan Goud decided to share his passion for food and drink with the neighbors. And we're not talking about a potluck. Thus, CRÜ was born, originally as a wine and tapas bar—but over time, much like the fine wines that CRÜ's owner so loves, this lounge has become better and better. In the past few years, their bar has expanded beyond chiantis and pinots to libations of the boozier persuasion: a mix of cocktails both classic (à la a damn good Old Fashioned) and seasonally creative (see: the Milk Punch, with bourbon, kahlua, black walnut bitters and milk). And under the culinary guidance of their chef, Melissa, dishes like Crispy Pork Belly Bites, Apple-Bourbon Pancakes and a grassfed burger with smoked gouda have been added to the menu over the past few years. And in a neighborhood where "brunch" is not only a verb but also a competitive sport, CRÜ's open-faced french toast sandwich and eggs benedict have to be some of the best a.m. offerings in the area. (Bonus points: comfy lounge furniture upstairs, in case you need to take it easy after wolfing down those pancakes.)

Menu Highlights:
Crispy Pork Belly Bites, $9
Spicy Chicken Tacos, $10
Cru Burger, $10
Apple Bourbon Pancakes, $9
Cru Eggs Benedict, $11
Cru Cocktails, $10

Hours:
Dinner:
Tues. - Thurs., 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.)
Fri. & Sat., 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. (kitchen closes at 12 a.m.)
Brunch:
Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

50% off Kurt's Bistro

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Scout Notes: Neighborhood hangouts of Atlanta: we hereby decree that you are no longer required to be the go-to source of greasy wings, hamburgers and chicken fingers. In fact, we've got it on good authority that a cozy, dining atmosphere and happenin' bar scene are already living together quite happily. Yes, with nary a hot-sauce-slathered chicken wing in sight. For at Kurt's Bistro, the brews are imported and the food is upscale, fresh and delicious. The founding members hail from Germany and Switzerland—and Kurt's cuisine serves as just the sort of international field trip you'd hope for. Bistro fare, in the truest sense of the word, these dishes make fork-hopping from hand-carved steaks to fried lobster and wiener schnitzel a simple affair. And when the entire selection of drafts and over 30 bottled brews are imported? Even simpler.

Certainly a far cry from your average watering hole—as we've mentioned, the beers are from the likes of Belgium, France, Germany and Russia. And the wine? Well, the hundred or so bottles of the stuff will be served up mini-carafe-style, for those uninitiated–that's 1.5 glasses-worth of wine. (!) Our recommended course of action would be to savor said libations in any one of the cozy nooks scattered throughout the place. Though when you're in an atmosphere that truly feels European, as Kurt's Bistro does, sidling up to the classic bar with a few fellow gentlemen (or women) seems equally delightful.

Menu Highlights:
Moules à la Creme, $9.50
Chacuteries Plate, $9.50
Bone-in Ribeye, $39
Fresh Mountain Trout, $14
Pork Shank, $24

Kitchen Hours:
Mon. - Thurs., 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Closed Sunday

Are You Man Enough? The Five Girliest Drinks in ATL

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Girly drinks have gotten a bad rap around this town, and it's about time someone set the record straight. It doesn't matter if you're manly and tough, or spineless as a jellyfish—sometimes a sweet, fruity or floral concoction is the best way to round out an evening. Or get the proverbial party started, for that matter.

It was with this in mind that we set forth on the noble quest of imbibing any and all of the A's girly (albeit classy) libations. Are you man enough to sip one of these, pinky out, while talking some tough talk? Prove it.

1. Cupcake Martini from Party Chic by Kelly Kakes
Put aside the fact that this libation's namesake is a frosting-laden mini-cake. Trust us. The ladies at Party Chic have, with scientific precision, discovered the ideal balance of house vanilla vodka, hazelnut liqueur, cream and... a few ingredients they're coyly insisting remain secret. Regardless, this drink, much like its solid counterpart, is meant to be ordered by the dozen. Have your (cup)cake, and drink it too.

2. Grapefruit Rosewater Martini from Cafe 640
If the cupcake martini is pink-ribbons-and-dolls girly, the Grapefruit Rosewater Martini is classy girly. Womanly, if you will. (We will.) Seriously though, there aren't many things out there that we'd deem girlier than rosewater. It's a flower, after all. And Cafe 640 has magically blended it amongst other (allegedly magical) ingredients to arrive at one of the most refreshing, patio-sippin'-est cocktails around.

3. Cancun Cletus from P'cheen International Bistro + Pub
Who's to say a little Southern charm doesn't mix exceedingly well with tropical environs? Especially when that Southern somethin' somethin' is a splash of strawberry moonshine, expertly combined with some coconut rum and pineapple juice. None of that sounds dumb to us. We'll take three.

4. Long Live the Queen from Ecco
This is really more out of principal. After all, the thing is named after a girl. Bombay Sapphire gin with elderflowers and lavender-infused syrup mixed with juicy peach bitters and garnished with mint leaves? Well! It's just as if the Queen herself asked if you'd like to take a turn about the garden.

5. Micha Caliente from Lure
When life gives you lemons–we humbly opine that the best course of action lies in making some ice cold lemonade, preferably with vodka. For that's just what Lure's done in this lemon-lime soda drink, except the vodka they added has a tinge of jalapeno. And there's some orange liqueur, cranberry and verdejo in there too, for good measure. Take that, life.

50% off On the Bayou

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Scout Notes: Atlanta might have its fair share of eateries that lay claim to being the authentic Cajun and Creole restaurant, but the ones who actually know their way around a softshell crab? Well, let's just say there aren't too many of 'em. But one thing's for sure: the imitators could certainly learn a thing or two from the folks at On The Bayou. Born and raised quite literally on the bayou in South Louisiana, Kevin Ruttley and his family are serving the same recipes with the same kinds of ingredients that they've been cooking and eating all their lives. That means no puny frozen shrimp from Thailand or thick, heavy Italian loafs masquerading as po'boy bread.

Few things will make a hungry Louisianian's ears perk up like the mention of a true po'boy made with the much-revered Leidenheimer bread. On The Bayou wouldn't do it any other way. With a pantry full of that fresh New Orleans bread and seafood straight out of the Gulf, the kitchen here is doing Creole and Cajun food the way it's supposed to be done and staying true to its roots, from the homemade roux all the way up to the Abita beer. Even the patio, decked out with hanging ferns and finished with wrought-iron by Kevin himself, feels a little reminiscent of Cafe du Monde, and it's the perfect spot to spend an evening trying out the refined dinner recipes the kitchen has been perfecting. So between the Leidenheimer and the sweet music of Louisiana accents back in the kitchen, we'd say On The Bayou is among the few and the proud who can call themselves legit. And if you don't believe us, just take a big ol' bite out of that shrimp po'boy and get back to us.

Menu Highlights:
Gumbo Ya Ya, $4.95 (Cup), $7.95 (Bowl)
Shrimp Po'Boy, $8.95 (Regular), $10.95 (Large)
Oyster Po'Boy, $9.95 - $12.95
Soft Shelled Crab Po'Boy, $12.95

Hours:
Mon. - Thurs., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Closed Sunday

Free Art to the People: Join the #FAFATL Movement

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Many Twitter-savvy Atlantans are already on board with a little somethin' called #FAFATL. For the rest of you hashtag-haters, it stands for Free Art Fridays Atlanta and it is a wonderful social media-powered movement to deliver free art to the streets and encourage people to explore their home city. (Big shout out to technology on this one.)

Here’s how it works. An Atlanta street artist will “hide” his or her handicraft somewhere, snap a pic and upload it to Twitter/Facebook/Flickr etc. with a clue to help you divine its location. And so the race begins! Whoever finds the piece first gets to take it home and love it forever. Or keep the hunt going by hiding it again. Sharing is caring, y’all.

Pro tip: FAFATL doesn’t only apply on Friday. Because the first rule of FAFATL is there are no rules. The second rule is don’t talk about FAFATL. Just kidding, you can totally talk about it. In fact, you probably should talk about it. And tweet about it. And Instagram about it. Whatever it is you do. NO RULES!

Now you’re probably thinking, okay this is cool… but who do I follow? May we present a Beginner’s List.

THE MUST-HAVES

Catlanta, @cat_lanta
People will go to great lengths to get their hands on adorable wooden kittens. Especially when they’re painted in adorable outfits with a little heart on the front. (Hello, Wes Anderson litter!) Warning: These cuties are usually snatched up within an hour of being posted. Don’t fret if someone gets to the goods before you do. There’s much more to free art than woodcut cats.

Maplanta, @Map_lanta
Basically, if you want success as a FAFATL artist, make sure your name ends with -lanta. Not really. Maplanta is pretty awesome at spreadin’ local, cartographic love across the city, though. Plus, they make pieces for all of the ATL’s eccentric little neighborhoods from VaHi to Cabbagetown. Psst, they’re also on Scoutmob Shoppe, ya know, if you’d rather have your art delivered to your door.

Blockhead, @blockhead_atl
Step back, Buckhead. Clearly, Blockhead is where it’s at these days. The artist behind Blockhead gets mad props for bringing tons o’ variety to FAFATL. Each blockhead is painted with a different design before going out into the world. The possibilities are endless!

THE NEWCOMERS

Thumbs, @thumbs_atl
Shockingly, the free art thumbs are not shaped like giant thumbs. They’re normally wooden medallions with a carving of a thumbs up instead. Who couldn’t use a little more positive affirmation in their life?

Lovelock ATL, @lovelockatl
The artists of Lovelock just want you to love Atlanta as much as they do. You do, don’t you? That’s what we thought. They leave out plastic heart-shaped keyhole ornaments and lockboxes that you can store memories of the city inside of.

Clunky, @clunkyrobot
Clunky is more than a piece of free art. He’s got personality. Just look at that lopsided grin! Not to mention a whole mythos including Clunky Drones and intergalactic archenemies known as Deadnauts. What creeps.

THE OTP AMBASSADOR

MariARTa, @MariARTa13
MariARTa’s mission is to bring that Marietta swag ITP. We think it’s great to see more of the Atlanta area represented in the FAFATL game and we love seeing the heart motif being used by more than one artist. We think it gives it that tight community vibe. And that’s what it’s all about.

Remember, these aren’t all the FAFATL artists. This is just a few to get you started. Trust us when we say that once you find your first piece, you’re gonna want more for your mini art gallery. Better get to it. Ready, set, HUNT!

50% off Hong Kong Star Chinese Cuisine (East Cobb Marietta)

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Scout Notes: When you first mosey on into Hong Kong Star, there are a few things that are going to surprise you. And, in the name of being prepared, we'd like to lay it all out on the proverbial table. First off: this isn't a sticky, grimy buffet. Turns out, high quality Chinese cuisine is a thing—and it's delicious. Secondly, you should know about the wine selection. It's extensive. Even more so if you consider the source—it's not too often that we find a Chinese restaurant that's as comfortable making wine suggestions as they are dishing up spring rolls. (Which they have, by the way.) Michelle, who has 20 years of experience, hails from Hong Kong, and is trying to bridge the comfort food gap between the two cultures. So in addition to local favorites and highly specialized Chinese dishes, the chef whips up a mighty fine crab rangoon.

To say it simply, the atmosphere is swanky, cleanly designed and upscale, and the food matches. For example, if you order a stir-fry, it isn't dished up from some pre-cooked amalgam of noodles and meat. Nay, here each serving is prepped separately which, as Michelle explains, allows them to control the temperature more readily and results in a more flavorful dish. But yet, they somehow still manage to have a broad menu, encompassing both the Hong Kong flair with lobster and pickling duck, and then offering a smattering of Thai dishes. In short, this is an impressively sleek Chinese restaurant. And one that is constantly working to bring new and interesting flavors to its customers.

Menu Highlights:
Mongolian Beef, $11.95
Sesame Chicken, $11.95
Pine Nut Chicken, $14.95
Chicken Mixed Vegetable Steamer, $9.50
Crab Rangoon, $4.95
Seafood Spring Rolls, $6.95

Hours:
Sun. - Thurs., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

50% off 120 Tavern

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Scout Notes: Attention citizens of Atlanta, this just in: "fusion" doesn't always mean Asian cuisine. (Gasp.) For 120 Tavern and Music Hall is a fusion joint, of sorts. Though the fare they serve isn't exactly what we'd dub exotic, this full-service restaurant is coupled nicely with a sports bar atmosphere (emphasis on that full bar) and a rockin' music venue. Here you'll find a plethora of lunch and dinner options, all homemade and, perhaps best of all, quick out of the kitchen. Yes, just on your lunch break you can find plenty of regular midday munchings like a solid Texas Club or burger. But they aren't just plain ol' hamburgers—these are more of the Southwestern Turkey and Andouille Sausage Burger (that's ground beef and andouille mixed with garlic and secret spices, served on a soft kaiser roll with caramelized onions) variety. Or, if you're here with some friends, nursing a $2 (!) PBR or two, we suggest trying some meatloaf or steak and shrimp on for size. And by try, we mean, of course, devour with a wide, stupid grin.

Once you're through gracefully stuffing your face, mosey on over to whatever event is happening that night. Depending on the day of the week, it might be karaoke, a volleyball tournament or your favorite local blues group. In addition to providing rousing entertainment on the nightly, the 120 Tavern and Music Hall also runs the gamut between country, rock and blues shows—sometimes featuring rising locals and sometimes showcasing well-known favorites. And we hear tell that there are 100-ounce beer towers every now and again. Lunch, dinner or late-night—it's safe to say that you're in for a good time.

Menu Highlights:
Hangover Burger, $11
Wings, 10 for $10
Andouille Burger, $9
Southwestern Turkey Burger, $8
PBR, $2

Hours:
Mon. - Sat., 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Sun., 12 p.m. to 12 a.m.

100% off One Banh Mi Sandwich at Viet-Nomie's Gourmet Food Truck & Cafe

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

A Vietnamese chef with a South Carolina twang? Believe it. Nomie came to the U.S. with her family as a toddler and settled right in to South Carolina, where she acquired a Southern accent and a love for spending time in the kitchen with her mom. "She taught me everything I know," Nomie told us over a plate of delicious, crispy cha gio rolls. Momma, we'd like to thank you, 'cause the food coming out of Viet-nomie's kitchen is the genuine article.

"If I'm going to feed the public," Nomie said, "I want them to eat what I eat." Hence the bold flavors, fresh ingredients and house-made sauces. The short 'n sweet menu is composed of Nomie's specialties: crispy cha-gio rolls stuffed with house-ground pork and chicken, banh mi xa xiu (the barbecued pork version of the beloved sandwich) made with five-spice pork, and rich, full-bodied pho free of MSG and full of flavor (unlike some pho joints, Viet-nomie's doesn't serve their pho with a big ol' plate of extras—that way, you can actually taste the broth). The best news? All this homestyle Vietnamese goodness will soon be pounding the ATL pavement in the form of a food truck. In the meantime, we're happy to nibble on (or should we say nom?) a banh mi in the bright, cheery environs of Viet-nomie's brick-and-mortar with Nomie and her mix of traditional dishes and kitchen experiments. "There are so many things I want people to try," she told us. We're more than happy to oblige.

Menu Highlights:
Banh Mi Xa Xiu, ~~$4.95~~ Free with your Scoutmob app
Cha Gio Rolls ("Jazzi Rolls"), 3 for $4.95
Goi Cuon (Summer Rolls), 2 for $3.95
Pho, $6.95 (Chicken) — $7.95 (Beef)

Hours:
Lunch:
Mon. - Thurs., 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dinner:
Mon. - Thurs., 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Closed Sunday

What To Do This Week, Feb. 19-21

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Mon., Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Monday Night Brewing Tour & Tasting
Monday Night Brewing, 670 Trabert Ave. (Westside)

If you haven't joined the classy gentlemen of Monday Night at their shiny new Westside digs, now's the time. Get the grand tour, four tastings and a sweet souvenir pint glass for a whopping $10 (and don't forget to bring a neck tie for their Wall O' Ties).

Nearby deal: Malaya Restaurant

Tuesday, Feb. 19, 9 p.m.
Catch-23
The Earl, 488 Flat Shoals Ave. (East Atlanta Village)

Atlanta's Thunderdome of comedy is rearing its head once again for a night of hilarious people competing to come out on top as the comedy silverback.

Nearby deal: Hodgepodge Coffee House

Wednesday, Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m.
Design Conversation: Restaurant Design Panel Discussion
Museum of Design, 1315 Peachtree St. (Midtown)

If you've ever nerded out over the handsome interiors of restaurants like West Egg, Abattoir and Barcelona Wine Bar while dining, this one's for you. Join designers John and Vivian Bencich of Square Feet Studio to learn about the process behind designing the newest restaurant in Decatur, Kimball House.

Deal nearby: Kat's Cafe

Thursday, Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Curated Tour with Stuart Horodner
Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, 535 Means St. (Westside)

Craving a little culture but not sure where to start? Let artistic director Stuart Horodner be your guidedog, leading you through ACAC's current exhibitions. Best of all: it's free.

Deal nearby: NaanStop

Three Great Day Hikes in Atlanta (Yes, Atlanta, GA)

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Fact: Atlanta boasts some pretty incredibly hiking—lots of cool sceneries less than 20 minutes outside the perimeter, and even a few on the inside.

Fact: We like to think of ourselves as expert hikesmen. Hikesmiths? Hikers. You get it.

Fact: If we're being honest: we're not so good at this exercise thing sometimes.

Solution: We put our heads together with John Sloan of High Country Outfitters to find some of those under-the-radar trails, as well as some common sense tips for setting out on your first hike. And we learned things. Like, Atlanta has some pretty schweet views that don't involve the cement jungle. And, contrary to what your mother told you, it does matter what shoes you wear. Thanks for setting us straight, John.

WHERE TO GO

Gold Branch Loop
This part of the 48 mile-long Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area stretches from Lake Lanier to Paces Ferry Road. Relax–your well-shod feet don't have to carry you along the entire path. Trails abound, each more likely to make you baffled that you didn't know it existed. And lying between Roswell and Sandy Springs, at just under 3.3 miles long The Gold Branch Loop's not too strenuous for the first-time hikers among us. But, it's more than exciting enough to solidly convince you that, though hiking may be many things, boring certainly isn't one of them.

Fort Yargo State Park
Though a bit of a hike (see what we did there?), this park offers 18 miles of hiking trails along with some splendid scenery. Scenery that includes, but is not limited to, a 1792 log fort. Plus, you can rent a lakeside yurt. Despite it's Dr. Seussian name, we have it on good authority that a yurt is actually a furnished wooden and canvas tent. Just the thing for relaxing after a fruitful day, full of impressing your friends with your impressive outdoor survival skills and, you know, hiking.

Sweetwater Creek State Park
Hiking is most rewarding when the top of the trail offers a singular view. Something where you can sigh with satisfaction, plant your walking stick in the dirt and take a big ol' bite of beef jerky (It's necessary, trust us.). And at Sweetwater, the sights include one textile mill, burned during the Civil War (the park even holds candlelit hikes to the ruins occasionally). Of course, there are also rocky bluffs (really!), rushing rapids and plenty of chances to leap between river rocks.

Pst: For some other hiking options in and around Georgia, check out Hike the South.

A FEW TIPS FROM THE PRO

Don't skimp on the shoes.
John sees a lot of first-timers, both in the store and on the trail–and the two biggest newb mistakes he catches are indisputably, footwear and water. It's important to remember that you like your feet, and act accordingly. Trail shoes don't have to be clunky and heavy–remember, you're not staying out in the woods for a week, scout. Instead opt for lightweight kicks. They don't look dorky and (bonus!) they keep you stable and prevent bruising. Did you know your feet could bruise? We didn't, and we certainly don't aim to learn the hard way.

Or water.
If you're looking to ruin a great hiking trip, here's an idea! Forget to pack water. You might have been planning to be out for three hours, but guess what? One hour in, you're schlepping back to the car. (That's another whole hour without water, by the way.) Luckily, John shared an easy fix with us: Camel Bak Water bladders. First off, they're not actual bladders–let's clear that up right away. They slide into nearly any hiking pack, and you can carry 70 ounces of water snuggled right up against your spine, without any discomfort. We say it's worlds more convenient than bringing a full-size camel along.

Or beef jerky?
We're no experts, but this seems pretty necessary. (See?) Also, it might be a good idea to remember that it gets dark. Don't start your foray into the wilderness at five o'clock in the afternoon. Really, don't do this. Minus the jerky, that is—do that part.