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NOVEMBER 2015 • V1 I2

GOLIATH AT L A N TA

Goliath Media Inc. 1874 Piedmont Ave., Suite 370-C Atlanta, GA 30324 404.418.8901 Management Management William Duffee-Braun William Duffee-Braun CO-PUBLISHER

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ART DIRECTOR Contributors Chris Brennaman Contributors Michael Chisholm Chris Brennaman Deven Green Michael StefanoChisholm Patton Deven Green Hyde Walker Stefano Patton

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G Contents

G O L IATH

Events 12 Agenda 14 Annual For the Kid Toy Party Theatre 16 A Very Different %#!*ing Christmas Play Business Profile 18 The Luminary Revealed Travel 22 Big Apple Getaway Feature 24 Holiday Gift Guide 32 Into the Night Advice 46 Well Hello. It’s Deven Green.

Editor’s Note Isn’t the holiday season great?

Parties, decorations, time with family and friends, intentionally tacky sweaters, presents, television specials. What’s not to love? One of the best aspects of the season is the way people, in general, are much nicer to each other.

Our community really knows how to come together this time of year. It’s the perfect opportunity to reach out to friends and let them know you care, even if you’ve been busy lately. It’s also a great time to make new friends. Make the time to help someone decorate a tree. Donate canned goods to charity. Attend a holiday play or concert with a neighbor. Volunteer at numerous events around town.

In this issue we present activities to add to your agenda to make this holiday season meaningful and memorable. For example, you might want to see the Alliance Theatre’s Merry $%&ing Christmas, a hilarious non-typical Christmas play. There’s also the annual For the Kid Toy Party to benefit kids in need across Atlanta.

In addition, we’ve put together a holiday gift guide for almost anyone on your list.

How many shopping days are left? Not many.

If you’re considering a big gay getaway this holiday season, go really big! Check out our New York travel piece by guest writer and entertainer Chiffon Dior.

And if you need a good laugh, be sure to read Deven Green’s advice column with some special holiday tips. You can also hear her read her advice on our website.

Now that’s a gift!

We hope you enjoy reading our second issue of Goliath Altanta, we wish you a magical, peaceful, and memorable holiday season.

2015 Goliath Atlanta Holiday Gift Guide

8 NOVEMBER 2015 • V1 I2

Jesse A. Hancock EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

photo credit: Timmes Photography

photo credit: Timmes Photography

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G EVENTS

Agenda

G O L IATH

Must Attend Events

Garden Lights, Holiday Nights

The Santaland Diaries

Nov. 14 – Jan. 9. Don’t miss this spectacular display of thousands of lights. Walk the gardens and see new features this year including a massive Tunnel of Light along with favorites like Glittering Galaxy and Radiant Rainforest. Go early and expect delays on weekends. Tickets and info available at www.atlantabg.org.

Nov. 20 – 31. Highly acclaimed author and full time genius David Sedaris brings his words to life in an outrageous and cheeky comedy, The Santaland Diaries, at the Horizon Theatre. The plot could possibly be art imitating life – a broke writer working as an elf for Macy’s – hey, anything is possible with Sedaris. Grab your man for date night and find out for yourself. Ticket prices start at $25. Go to www.horizontheatre.com for more details

12 NOVEMBER 2015 • V1 I2

Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon & 5K Nov. 26. Get into the holiday spirit and your running shorts before your turkey dinner. For as low as $15 you can gather with thousands of others showing gratitude for good health and fitness. All ages are welcome, and volunteers are also needed. The event kicks off at 7:30 a.m. on Turkey Day, and registration ends by midnight Nov. 18, so get to it! For details go to www.atlantatrackclub.org.

The Hip Hop Nutcracker

Friends Friday Charity Christmas Show

Nov. 28. Tired of same ole same ole? Reborn as a modernized version of Tchaikovsky’s classic story, The Hip Hop Nutcracker brings new life with a modern score and setting. Special guest and hip hop legend Kurtis Blow will MC a cast of a dozen all-star dancers, on-stage DJ and an electric violinist. This combination of modern choreography and the contemporary spirit of New York City brings a new vision to the Fox Theatre, but the show continues the tradition of celebrating love, community and the magic of the holiday season. Tickets start at $25.50 + fees. For details go to www.foxtheatre.org.

Dec. 12. Need a fun night out while celebrating a good cause?

Join the Friends Friday Bowling League at Jungle for their annual Christmas tree benefit for Lost-NFound and LatinoLinQ. This event promises merriment and a ton of great drag entertainment. Werk!

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Get your tickets in advance and space is limited so hurry party animals. Ticket info available on Facebook.

AGLCC’s Out in the Kitchen Holiday Affair Dec. 2. This event celebrates LGBT chefs and community. Enjoy tastings 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. from local restaurants and caterers in Atlanta, all at the top floor of the W Hotel-Midtown. Tickets $25 for AGLCC members and $35 for non members. Go to www.atlantagaychamber.org for details.

MAAP’s Holiday Party

by Creative Approach Dec. 10. Got the holiday blues? Have fun with friends and professionals from the Metro Atlanta area and make some new connections at 1080 West Peachtree Street. Bring a friend or date. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit the Toy Party by For the Kid. Tickets are $15 for guests, free to MAAP members and partners. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. For more details go to www.maapatl.org.

Winter White Party

Photo: Cindy M. Brown courtesy AGLCC

Dec. 14. The Winter White Party at midtown’s Historic Georgian Terrace Hotel could be the event of the season! “Elevate to Epic” is this year’s theme, and as usual, you can expect glamour, fashion, frolicking, and even some celebrity sightings. As if that wasn’t enough reason to attend, proceeds benefit March of Dimes. Dressed in your best winter whites, you and your date can get your party on and feel like one of Santa’s little angelic elves. Doors open at 9 p.m. with ticket prices starting at $75.

Go to www.winterwhiteparty.com for details.

GOLIATHATLANTA.COM 13

G EVENTS

Not to be Missed

G O L IATH

Annual Toy Party

Boosts Community Holiday Spirit

By Chris Brennaman

O

ne of the most magical parts of childhood for many kids is waking up on Christmas morning and rushing to see exactly what Santa left under the tree. But for a large percentage of Atlanta’s children living under the poverty line, Christmas morning is often nothing but disappointment.

However, Atlanta nonprofit For the Kid in All of Us does it’s best each year to curb that disappointment. They are at it again this year with the 13th Annual Toy Party and Silent Auction.

Set for Saturday, Dec. 12 at Americas Mart Building 3, The Toy Party has become one of the most anticipated annual holiday parties in the city.

For the Kid in All of Us marketing committee chair Tray Butler even goes as far as saying The Toy Party is “the place to see and be seen.”

“It’s a holiday party that has something for everybody,” said Butler. “It has it all – giving back, mixing, mingling, flirting and dancing.”

The Toy Party’s roots go back to 2003 when a group of Atlanta friends, including 6th District Atlanta City Councilman Alex Wan, set out to impact their community in a positive way.

What started as a small gathering, though, has evolved into a can’t-miss event annual for thousands of people.

And it’s done quite a bit of good in the process.

For the Kid in All of Us partners with multiple agencies and nonprofit groups that work to benefit Atlanta’s at-risk children. For this year’s Toy Party organizers are working with 18 agencies

14 NOVEMBER 2015 • V1 I2

and, since 2003, the organization has collected and donated over 44,000 toys.

lent auction. Isbell said the silent auction can raise anywhere between $40,000 and $70,000.

Still, organizers are hoping this year attracts more attendees than it has in years past. That’s because, according to Butler, the need for what The Toy Party does is greater than ever, with requests for toys in 2015 exceeding 15,000.

And that VIP room? This year it’s hosted by the cast of The Other Show.

“But we have some surprise entertainment for general admission, too,” Isbell said.

“That’s more than double what we normally collect,” said Butler. “It’s alarming that there are that many children in need in Atlanta, and that’s only the children we’re aware of.”

So what brings so many people out to The Toy Party, considering December is a time of year rife with conflicting events?

“For our segment of the community, this is the event of December,” said Butler. “There’s no other place you’re going to see an incredible cross section of Atlanta. You’re going to rub elbows with people you may not have seen in years. In a lot of ways, The Toy Party is like a family reunion.”

For the Kid in All of Us president Brian Isbell agrees.

“This is one of the only events in the Atlanta LGBT community that everyone gets dressed up to attend,” said Isbell. “It’s like the main holiday party in the gay community. For a lot of people, it kicks off the holiday spirit.”

In addition to collecting toys, The Toy Party also raises funds via VIP tickets sales and a si-

What: When:

The Toy Party 6:30-11:30 p.m.

Saturday, December 12 Where: Americas Mart Building 3, 250 Spring St., Atlanta, GA 30303 General Admission: $5 per person plus an unwrapped toy or gift card with a value of $20 or more.

VIP Experience: $250 per person plus an unwrapped toy or gift card with a value of $20 or more.

Website: forthekid.org

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G THEATRE

G O L IATH

On Stage

A Very Different %#!*ing Christmas Play

By Stefano Patton

F

rosty the Snowman has become an atheist. It isn’t clear why yet.

Perhaps he views religion as misogynistic and is secretly a feminist. Or he could possibly be gay (that would surely explain why he has been in so many musicals over the decades), and he has denounced religions for their prejudice and hatred of same gender loving fictional characters.

Again, it has not been made clear yet, but if you visit The Woodruff Art Center’s Alliance Theatre Nov. 27 – Dec. 19, you’ll most likely find out the answer as if you see the Dad’s Garage production, Merry %#!*ing Christmas.

If you’ve enjoyed the plethora of anti-hero protagonist television themes television has been leaning towards lately (e.g. Dexter, Orange is the New Black), you’ll enjoy this anti-holiday production. The holidays are primarily a time for family, but the Alliance is pleased to offer this profanity-filled, adult, crude, humor-packed production as they strive to make programming as inclusive as possible.

As Alliance offers the Dickens classic, A Christmas Carol, on the mainstage, Manager of Communications Kathleen Covington said this alternative production is for, “audiences who don’t particularly enjoy the holidays, or enjoy mocking them.”

To understand the vision, concept, and execution of Merry %#!*ing Christmas better, Director and Co-Playwright Kevin Gillese granted Goliath Atlanta an interview: Goliath Atlanta: Please, tell me a little about the main characters.

Why did you choose to re-introduce Ebenezer Scrooge to the public that is already familiar with him?

Kevin: We really wanted to take Scrooge and put him in a ‘fish out of water’ context. We also relished the idea of giving him a similar journey only in a completely foreign set of circumstances.

GA: The disclaimer for production is ‘recommended for ages 18 and up,’ due to profanity and adult humor, and I’ve also read one of the outside conflicts of the play is consumerism and global warming. Do you mean to send a particular message to patrons?

Kevin: Well, our first goal always is to make people laugh. That’s it. Doesn’t matter how we do it, that’s what we want. But we also want to present a worldview that we agree with, so there are definitely politically and socially

16 NOVEMBER 2015 • V1 I2

conscious themes at play. We believe that while Christmas has many wonderful qualities, there are also some aspects of it that are worthy of criticism.

GA: What is your favorite part of this production?

Kevin: The songs. They’re great. Co-Playwright Arlen Konopaki and I started out as improv performers. We had a two-man show that we toured for years. That’s where our creative relationship is based, and that’s the source of a lot of our content. But neither of us are singers, so now that we’re writing shows and we can hire folks that can really sing, it’s so amazing to have a character burst out into song out of nowhere.

GA: What will catch patrons off guard the most while watching this production?

Kevin: Some folks might be shocked by the language (plenty of f-bombs), and some might just be shocked by the violence (many characters die bloody deaths).

GA: One of the phrases that interested me most when reading a description of this play was “split second character changes.” Could you describe what this means?

Kevin: Well, in SCRATCH, the improv show that Arlen and I base all of our scripts off of, it had always been just the two of us playing all the characters, so we created a mechanic whereby if we ever spun, it meant we were switching to another character. Now that we’re writing for full casts, we still create stories that call for many, many characters, far more than we could ever cast with individual actors, so we employ the same convention and have our actors spin in and out of characters throughout the show.

GA: Is there anything else you’d like Goliath readers to know?

Kevin: Arlen and I also just created a web series called Hart of America (www.hartofamerica.com), and it’s very much in our voice and style, so if folks enjoy that series they will definitely enjoy Merry %#!*ing Christmas at The Alliance. On the flip side, if you don’t like Hart of America, I’m fairly certain you won’t like this show.

Want to go? Visit alliancetheatre.org or go to the box office at Alliance at 1280 Peachtree Street NE to purchase a ticket (box office hours available on the website).

GOLIATHATLANTA.COM 17

G PROFILE

G O L IATH

The Luminary is located at 99 Krog Street, Suite Y, Atlanta, GA 30307. For more information, visit www.theluminaryatl.com or call 404-600-6199.

People to Know

The Luminary Revealed

I

By Hyde Walker

f a French inspired Southern menu sounds like a scrumptious idea, then you would feel right at home sitting down to dinner at The Luminary, which is exactly what founder and manager Jeremy Iles, along with co-owner and executive chef Eli Kirshtein, wholly intend for you.

Located in the Krog Street Market, it truly is like a home away from home, but with a superior kitchen, friendly staff, and exquisite food.

Since its opening in August 2014, The Luminary has served as a specialized eatery amidst all the Asian, Tex-Mex, Mediterranean, and Italian restaurants in Atlanta. Despite being more so fine dining than casual fare, everyone is welcomed through its doors and thoroughly accommodated – it’s not unusual for the kitchen to quickly whip up some chicken nuggets for kids not yet ready to appreciate Pork Belly Poutine and Little Bitches Oysters.

Iles goes more in-depth about what makes The Luminary tick and why you have to try the Parisienne Gnocchi!

Goliath Atlanta: Could you share with us what’s unique about the food at The Luminary?

Jeremy Iles: We make classic dishes more approachable and familiar to our local palate.

We take items like a Swordfish Amandine, which is usually done with almonds, and use Pearson pecans instead. They’re the same people who sell the fantastic peaches that you see everywhere.

18 NOVEMBER 2015 • V1 I2

GA: How did the idea for the cuisine come about?

Jeremy: We identified a need for French inspired cuisine, which was lacking in the landscape of restaurants in the city. So, we were looking to provide a dining experience that wasn’t readily available. We wanted to open a restaurant that would service the neighborhood and be all about Inman Park and its community.

GA: W hat kind of crowd do you appeal to the most?

Jeremy: Our typical diners are folks from the neighborhood and share our zip code. Something that we also see a lot is people who don’t have a plan of where to eat. They’ll come down to the market and take a look around, see what’s available, and sometimes join us for dinner.

GA: A lot of business owners say that they technically don’t get days off and never really stop working. Do you feel like that’s the case for you too?

Jeremy: It is a very labor-intensive job. As the manager I have a lot of different hats that I theoretically wear. It can be difficult to separate yourself from it. We are fortunate that we’re closed on Mondays, so it gives everyone a day off, which is nice. But it doesn’t mean that you don’t get emails or calls or things of that nature.

I do my best not to come in on Mondays just to keep the sanity level!

GA: Is this your first restaurant?

Jeremy: It’s not the first I’ve worked in. I’ve been in the industry for 22 years now, but it’s the first for both myself and Chef Eli to own.

GA: Has it turned out the way that you envisioned?

Jeremy: For the most part, yes. But restaurants change. The identity that you think it’s going to be before you open is going to evolve and adapt as time goes by. It’s never going to be exactly what you thought it would be on day one - which is a good thing, it’s natural. You have to conform to the whims and desires of your customers.

With that being said, we are certainly within our concept of wanting to serve the community and give them a restaurant experience that we thought they would enjoy.

GA: That’s wonderful! Considering where you’re located, do you have a large gay clientele?

Jeremy: Yes, we seem to. But I’m not entirely sure what sort of percentage. It’s not something that we track either, there’s no poll [laughs].

We’re not going around to the tables and asking “What is your orientation?” I don’t think that would be a good thing to do!

GA: Agreed! Is The Luminary involved in any aspect of the gay community?

Jeremy: We’re not, but it’s not for lack of wanting to. We just haven’t been invited anywhere!

We’re always happy to be involved in anything and everything within the community - whether it be charity driven or an event. We’re always really excited to get involved.

GA: Hopefully after this issue comes out you will get a couple of invites.

Jeremy: I hope so! That would be awesome!

Read the rest of this interview online at goliathatlanta.com

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G SPORTS

Hit the Field

G O L IATH

How to Host a (Gay) Football Party

By Michael Chisholm

F

all is the season of leather and jockstraps.

Helmets and tight pants. Pigskins and jerseys.

That’s right, gentleman. It’s football season, and you want to throw a party celebrating your favorite team. Some gay men love football just as much as any other sports fans in Atlanta.

Here are a few pointers for your festive football fiesta. Whether it be the Super Bowl or an SEC game, you want to make this party memorable.

First, where are you going to hold this event?

Is your place big enough to host all your buddies comfortably? If not, consider bribing another friend with a swankier place, perhaps with booze. Make sure there’s lots of sitting room and a large coffee table for in-between games and chatter.

This usually goes without saying, but the TV is the most important part of the football party experience. You want the screen to be large enough for all to see, and no matter how large it is, your guests will be on the edge of their seats for the experience. One that takes up the whole wall or even a projector is the dream, but if that isn’t possible, have the largest screen you can get with room for team decorations on the mantle or TV stand.

20 NOVEMBER 2015 • V1 I2

Next comes the question of who to invite. You want a mix of friends to fill the room. When the game really kicks off, you need your fellow enthusiasts. Your couch buddies who get into the game as much as you do need to be on the list, but you should also invite some not-so-sportscrazed fans. Why? You don’t have to enjoy football to appreciate a bunch of gorgeous guys chasing each other around a field. Just remind your friends that there will be booze and food, and you’ll have a full house.

At most football parties fans proudly wear jerseys and sneakers, but gay men know that presentation is important at any event, especially if you’re hosting. A full-on ensemble commemorating your favorite team is essential. Encourage your friends to dress up as well. Think semi-formal, cardigans, khakis, button ups, etc.

Make sure the viewing area is a sea of support and opposition for the game.

Most football parties are known for beers and kegs, but we gay men actually prefer to taste what we drink, not just consume it and spill it on someone later. And if we’re going to drink empty calories, we’re going to make them count. Pinterest has loads of cocktail recipes themed for many different teams both NFL and SEC. For example, look for “The Bulldog” for the Dawgs, “The Alabama Yella Hamma” for Alabama, and “Auburn

Blue & Orangeade” for The Tigers. There’s a drink for every fan . . . and hater.

As for food, chances are you aren’t the only one who knows how to cook in your circle of friends. Set out some cheese and crackers and football-themed snacks, but also encourage guests to bring their favorite dishes, preferably something easy to scoop or pick out of a bowl.

Finally, how about some games to add to the excitement for both your spirited and not-sofootball-crazy crew? Whether you’re watching the Super Bowl or an SEC game, you could organize a drinking game and take wagers or have guests drink shots for guessing or not guessing what the next TV commercial will be.

For a merrier crowd, you could even hold your own gay Fantasy Draft based on the hotness of the players. Maybe even create a game of who you’d like to tackle (or have tackle you)?

Whatever games you choose, just make it fun and your guests will be asking when they can come to your next party.

Football season won’t be here much longer, so hosting a party is something you really want to do, you’d better get planning.

Stock up, drink up, and game on!

G TRAVEL

Explore

G O L IATH

Big Apple Getaway

By Guest Writer Chiffon Dior

S

o you’ve been inspired to take a holiday trip to New York City by all the great Christmas films that take place there: Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, or Home Alone 2: Lost in New York. Bravo!

You’ve made an excellent choice. There is no better time to see the Big Apple than during the holiday season.

The tidings of joy make even the most stone-hearted New Yorker … well, slightly less surly, but once you’ve seen the tree, ice skated in Rockefeller Plaza, and had some sketchy street meat from a vendor of indeterminate origin, just what else is there for you to do in “The City That Never Sleeps”? Good question, and one I am here to answer.

If you want to go the touristy route, there is no shortage of shows to see, particularly the famous Radio City Christmas Spectacular featuring the Rockettes; or you can catch one of the hot shows on Broadway such as the 2015 Tony Award-winning Best Musical Fun Home, or other favorites - Kinky Boots, Wicked, or Chicago. For my money, I would go check out the wonderful new show, Dames At Sea, at the Helen Hayes Theatre.

If you’re looking to still have a fun night of live entertainment without having to pay Broadway prices, the Laurie Beechman Theatre at the West Bank Cafe on West 42nd Street offers fabulous shows in a more intimate setting. To really get into the holiday spirit, don’t miss the

22 NOVEMBER 2015 • V1 I2

amazing Paige Turner’s Christmas show, Hurry Down My Chimney!, on Dec. 4 and 5; or Holly Dae’s wonderful ensemble holiday show, Distorted Kristmess on the Dec. 15.

Bloomingdales. If that’s too commercial for you, head on over to Bryant Park and check out over a hundred open air holiday artisan and craft shops, as well as some seasonal treats.

Of course, you know there are almost limitless dining options in New York, at least so I hear. As a drag queen, I haven’t had solid food since the Clinton Administration.

Of course, the nightlife in New York City is without peer, featuring a host of different gay bars catering to all different tastes. You’ll definitely want to visit the legendary Stonewall Inn, the birthplace of the gay rights movement. If you’re in the mood for a party with an incredible view, Penthaus Fridays in Hell’s Kitchen is the only gay rooftop event in the city.

I will say though - for the love of Cher, I beg of you - PLEASE don’t be one of those tourists who eat in chain restaurants! You can get some jalapeno poppers from TGI Fridays back home.

For starters, let me suggest a trip to celebrity chef Mario Batali’s Eataly on Fifth Avenue, which features several restaurants and market shopping with an Italian flare all under one colossal roof. Just bring along a large appetite!

In order to walk off those calories you’ll pick up while there, I would highly recommend taking a trip down to Big Gay Ice Cream Shop with locations on East Seventh Street and on Grove Street to indulge in a “Salty Pimp” or a “Bea Arthur.” Your love handles may regret it, but you definitely won’t.

If you want to inflict some shopping damage on your bank account AND see some amazing holiday decorations, head on over to the Macy’s Herald Square flagship store. Then check out some other big, fabulously decorated department stores like Barney’s New York and

But if you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated and laid back, you can’t go wrong with a trip to The Townhouse Bar of New York to enjoy some cocktails in New York’s premiere gay piano lounge.

Whatever you ultimately decide you do and see in New York, you can’t go wrong. The holiday season truly is the most wonderful time of the year in the Big Apple, and you’re certain to have an amazing time here in our city. Bon voyage and happy holidays everybody!

Chiffon Dior is the Head Diva in Charge of WERRRK.com, a website focusing on the best in drag, nightlife, entertainment and pop culture. She was recently nominated for Best Nightlife Writer/Blogger at the 17th Annual Glam Awards. Follow her on Twitter (@chiffondior) and let her know about your Big Apple getaway!

THE OFFICIAL GOLIATH ATLANTA

Holiday

Gift Guide

By J. Hancock, Michael Chisholm, Hyde Walker, Chris Brennaman, and Stefano Patton

T

he holiday season is undoubtedly one of the most exciting times of the year. With decorations to hang, parties and concerts to attend, and presents to buy, it doesn’t take long to get into the holiday spirit. If that doesn’t work, start spiking the eggnog!

As we countdown the number of remaining shopping days, there’s a lot of pressure to give perfect, thoughtful gifts. Stores offer some of their best sales this time of year, but no matter how much we’d like to shop for ourselves, remember ‘tis better to give than receive. (Gifts, that is.)

We’ve put together a holiday gift guide for all budgets and tastes. Let us help you show up at your parties and family gatherings confident with the perfect gifts for your coworkers, boss, friends, or family. We also want to help you find gifts for your man.

To save you the legwork, we’ve shopped around for you in the Gayborhood, Little 5 Points, Decatur, at Ponce City Market, and more. We think we’ve found some gift ideas for practically anyone on your list.

Hang on for the ride. The holidays are here!

Note: Prices listed next to each item are subject to change at each store.

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Gifts For Foodies ALMA SALTED CARAMEL, GIN LIME, OR WHISKEY SAUCE

$10.00 West Elm at Ponce City Market Spoil your man or friends and family with sweet ingredients such as cream, butter, sugar and flakes of fleur de sel

TRUE FABRICATIONS FREEZE COOLING WINE GLASS SET OF 2

$23.99 The Cook’s Warehouse Enjoy a glass of wine with your guy after a long day. Even the healthiest cook knows a glass of wine a day is good practice. These glasses work with wine already chilled, and when you don’t have time, these wine glasses will chill your wine for you. Just slip them in the refrigerator for red wine and pop them in the freezer for white wine.

Q-TEE SMALL CUTTING BOARD

$10.00 West Elm at Ponce City Market This cute little helper is a Vermont tradition dating back more than half a century. It’s perfect for cutting small jobs. Made from Sugar Maple with a mineral oil finish, this board measures 7 and a half inches by 4 inches by a half inch.

LE CREUSET CHERRY STONEWARE OVAL DISH SHUN SORA 6-PIECE KNIFE BLOCK SET

$269.95 The Cook’s Warehouse The most basic essential tool in the kitchen other than a fork is a good knife. Spoil your favorite chef with this gift. These knives have two pieces of steel braze-welded together that promise a clean and precise cut. This set includes a 3.5inch paring knife, 6-inch utility knife, 8-inch chef’s knife, combination honing steel, herb shears, and a 13-slot bamboo block.

SMART TOOLS FOR IPAD® SETS

$199.95 Williams Sonoma at Ponce City Market This is the perfect kitchen aide to watch cooking videos, search for recipes, listen to music, video chat with your love while you cook and entertain. This three-piece set includes the Bluetooth® Speaker, Kitchen Stand and Screen Shield. Just mount your iPad® to use in the kitchen or anywhere in your home.

$39.95 The Cook’s Warehouse Treat the foodies in your life with this versatile cherry colored cooking dish. For recipes that call for a crisp topping, a Le Creuset Heritage Stoneware Oval Dish provides a wide, shallow cooking area in a variety of sizes and exposes the ingredients more directly to heat. The functional stoneware construction and variety of sizes also make the oval au gratin dish useful for everything from preparing individual sides small enough for one or large enough to serve family and friends.

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Gifts For the

Man

Is he the sporty type? Or more of a chic nerd? What are his hobbies and interests?

Check out these options. Only you know your man best.

Art Buff

Well-Groomed

COMMISSIONED ART WORK

WELLNESS PASS

Old School Romantic

Fashion Forward

AQUIESSE SOY CANDLE IN NO. 30 EMBERS

POLARIZED CHANEL RECTANGLE SIGNATURE SUNGLASSES

$400.00+ Kai Lin Art Score major brownie points by bringing his favorite piece within reach. The friendly staff will walk you through every step of choosing a painting and getting it into his living room with your customizations.

$25.00+ Garden View Massage Spoil him with his choice of spa indulgences like a collagen lip plump mask with facial massage, seaweed wrap or footbath. There’s nothing like a full body treatment to start the new year.

Book Worm

BINGE BY TYLER OAKLEY

$21.60 Charis Books & More Charmingly open and disarming, this collection of personal anecdotes by YouTube sensation Tyler Oakley will keep him entertained all the way through New Year’s Eve.

$24.00 G.C.B. Sophisticated and scented with deeply sensual notes of Indian saffron, musk, and cardamom. Throw in some edible massage oils and turn this into a gift you can both enjoy!

$425.00 Ansley Eye Care For the guy that wouldn’t be caught dead in anything that’s so last season and chooses Chanel over, well, everything. Who said Christmas was the practical gift giving season?

Product Junkie

Wine Connoisseur

Top Chef Enthusiast

PRÉ DE PROVENCE NO. 63 BODY LOTION AND SHEA BUTTER SOAP

WINE OF THE MONTH MEMBERSHIP AND WINE

STAUB 4 QUART ROUND COCOTTE

$16.50 and $8.50 Scents ‘n Suds Handsome is as handsome does so why not smell good at the same time? This rich duo promises clean skin with a warm and spicy fragrance. Get gorgeous both in and out of the shower.

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$5.00+ Ansley Wine Merchants This is a combo that really gets the good times rolling. A mere five bucks gets you a membership that never expires and 15% off every month for that coveted bottle. Past highlights include Catena Chardonnay and Beaujolais L’Ancien Vieilles Vignes. Try saying that after a few glasses!

$149 The Cook’s Warehouse This fancy shmancy French casserole dish isn’t for the faint of heart, or wrist for that matter.

It’s a serious piece of culinary hardware that will make stressful Sunday dinners a thing of the past. Available in cherry, basil, dark blue, cinnamon or grenadine.

Unique Gifts & Stocking Stuffers

ASSORTED SHOT GLASSES

ASSORTED HUDSON MADE SOAPS

TWEEZERMAN G.E.A.R. GROOMING KIT

FREAKERFEET SOCKS

ANTIQUE WINGED CORKSCREW WINE OPENER

BLK AKTIV SHIRT

MAN ALIVE: A TRUE STORY OF VIOLENCE, FORGIVENESS AND BECOMING A MAN

GOD HELP THE CHILD (NOVEL)

$8.00 • G.C.B. Everyone loves a good shot glass, and whether old or young or some place in between, these shot glasses are fun, in the now (thanks Hollywood reboots), and nostalgic.

$17.99 Mountainhigh Outfitters at Ponce City Market Who wouldn’t love these whimsical, colorful socks? Look for the “Babe Lincoln,” “Tug Life” and other designs.

REWINED CANDLES

$29.00 – 45.00 West Elm at Ponce City Market Handmade in Charleston, SC with premium soy wax, these candles made of repurposed wine bottles will light up a room and put you in a romantic mood. Look for various scents including Cabernet, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.

$16.00 – 24.00 West Elm at Ponce City Market These fresh, elegant, sensuous soaps will let your man know how much you care about him.

He won’t be disappointed.

$24.95 Williams Sonoma at Ponce City Market Add vintage flair to your bar. This simple-touse corkscrew is sure to add style and impress wine aficionado.

$14.36 Charis Books and More, Little 5 Points A novel is a great gift to give during the holidays; it shows thoughtfulness and attention to detail and more often than not is given with intention and care. This novel by Thomas Page McBee is described as a confession, a poem, and a time warp of abuse and forgiveness.

$30.00 G.C.B. Every well-groomed gentleman has one. Pick up this four-piece kit and place it into your loved one’s stocking.

$49.99 Boy Next Door Give your man this form fitted, lightweight, sexy shirt, and tell him to expect lots of compliments. BLK AKTIV is designed for form, functionality, and style.

$22.64 Charis Books and More, Little 5 Points Keeping in the theme of hurt and forgiveness as we move toward the new year, Toni Morrison’s latest novel set in modern times is a page turning illustration of how people take the hurt with them from the past into their dating life and inflict that pain on their loved one.

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For The Outdoor Adventure Man When it comes to the end-of-the-year wind down, the Outdoor Man will be looking forward and putting weight loss, fitness, and spending time with Mother Nature at the top of his New Year’s resolution lists. Here are some gift ideas to help him make that transition.

BONTRAGER RL MTB CYCLING SHOES

$112.49+ Atlanta Cycling at Ansley Mall Tennis shoes or Skechers are not appropriate cycling shoes. These shoes are engineered with a no slip heel and breathable fabric.

OSPREY PACKS ESCAPIST 20

$100.00 Mountain High Outfitters at Ponce City Market A lightweight panel-loading backpack for daylong bike adventures and overnight backpacking trips.

SCOTT TAAL BICYCLE HELMET

EAGLE’S NEST OUTFITTERS APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY DOUBLE NEST HAMMOCK

YETI COLSTER DRINK HOLDER

TREK EDMONDA S 6 BICYCLE

$74.99 Atlanta Cycling at Ansley Mall No ride is complete without this helmet, designed for style, venting, and aerodynamics.

$29.99 Mountain High Outfitters at Ponce City Market Guaranteed to keep that canned drink cold til the last drop.

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$69.95 Mountain High Outfitters at Ponce City Market This is your all-access pass to outdoor relaxation, and it’s big enough for two. Spend a cozy afternoon with your man.

$2,299.00+ Atlanta Cycling at Ansley Mall Described as a tight, light geometrical wonder for day in and day out riding or easy enough to master for beginners, this is a bicyclist’s dream.

Gift Cards: Impersonal or Just Right?

There is perhaps no more maligned present one can give come Christmas morning than the gift card.

At best, it’s an indictment of the creativity (or lack thereof) of the gift giver. At worst, it sends the message that the person presenting it couldn’t be bothered to think of something nice to give someone who is allegedly a friend.

Some describe gift cards as, “I like you enough to spend money on you, but not quite enough to exhaust any real degree of mental energy on your behalf.” Truly, the gift card is the black sheep of the holiday gift-giving season.

But is a gift card really all that bad?

This holiday season will find all of us on the receiving end of at least one really, really bad gift. The kind that makes us force a smile and a “thank you” while wondering just what the hell the gift giver was thinking; the kind of gift that we hold while futilely waiting for it to be revealed a gag.

Every single one of us has, on multiple occasions, had to fight back the urge to look a friend in the eyes and say, “I thought you said you knew me.”

And then the realization hits that we’re stuck with this terrible thing until it fades from the gift giver’s memory.

The gift card is society’s protection against giving and receiving shitty gifts.

We should celebrate the people in our lives that present us with a gift card on Christmas morning. It isn’t just their way of letting us know that they trust us enough to pick out something nice for ourselves on their dime. It’s their way of saying, “You know I suck at picking out presents, and I love you too much to give you garbage.”

This holiday season, when someone you love inevitably gives you an envelope with a gift card inside, don’t just thank them; cherish them. They love you more than you ever knew.

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PHOTOGRAPHER: GASTOHN BARRIOS INSTAGRAM: /GASTOHNPHOTOGRAPHER WWW.GASTOHN.COM MODELS: MATIAS SANTOS KAUE PENHAVEL SUITS: JORGE SANDOVAL

INTO THE

NIGHT

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The Sip of the South

*recipes available at catheadvodka.com GOLIATHATLANTA.COM  37

G Appearances

G O L IATH

OH HELL NO! WITH DAVID MIXNER Author and civil rights leader David Mixner brought his stage work, “Oh Hell No,” to Woodruff Arts Center on Thursday Oct. 29 to benefit Point Foundation, the national LGBT scholarship foundation.

Mixner is touring across the country, and Atlanta attendees were thrilled. Point Foundation empowers promising young LGBTQ students to achieve their full academic and leadership potential. For more info, go to pointfoundation.org.

Photos by Russ Youngblood

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G Appearances

G O L IATH

STONEWALL BAR ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL AWARDS DINNER On Oct. 28 Supreme Court of Georgia Justice Carol W. Hunstein was the guest speaker at this event honoring individuals and groups of attorneys or law firms making a difference in the quality of life for gay Georgians. Hunstein has served on the Supreme Court of Georgia since 1992. The celebration took place in the Egyptian Ballroom at The Fabulous Fox Theatre. The Stonewall Bar Association of Georgia was founded in 1995 to serve many functions in the gay and the legal communities. For more information, go to stonewallbar.org.

Photos by Russ Youngblood 40 NOVEMBER 2015 • V1 I2

G Appearances

G O L IATH

HALLOWEEN YAPPY HOUR AT PIEDMONT BARK On Friday Oct. 30 dogs of all breeds and sizes put on their best canine couture and costumes and brought their owners to Piedmont Bark, 501 Amsterdam Ave NE, for this annual Halloween event. Hey, why not? Dogs like to have fun, too! The event benefitted For the Kid In All of Us, which supports numerous agencies and organizations serving Georgia’s less fortunate. For more info, go to piedmontbark.com or forthekid.org.

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G Appearances

G O L IATH

JERUSALEM HOUSE’S HOCUS POCUS Dressing up for Halloween never gets old. From Minions to zombies to Donald Trumps, party goers danced, mingled, and got their tricks and treats on at the W Midtown Saturday night Oct. 24 at Hocus Pocus, a Halloween bash to benefit Jerusalem House, the oldest and largest provider of permanent housing for Atlanta’s low income and homeless individuals and families affected by HIV/ AIDS. For more info, go to jerusalemhouse.org.

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G CONTRIBUTOR

G O L IATH

WELL HELLO.

IT’S DEVEN GREEN DEVEN GREEN is an award-winning comedy performer. You know her from the “Welcome to My Home” parodies, as the satirical Betty Bowers – America’s Best Christian, OCCmakeup ads, “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” World of Wonder, and performing her live music shows in brothels across America. DevenGreen.com Dear Deven: I can’t stop eating! Help! “Mouthy in Montessori” Deven: The first Thanksgiving lasted four days. Since I consider your mouth a vacuum, you are simply upholding tradition. Give your mouth some boundaries or have the fun challenge of losing five unwanted pounds.

Dear Deven: I fly home for the holidays but don’t have much to talk to my family about so there are long periods of silence. What am I to do?

“Hushed in Hannibal” Deven: Ask your relatives questions because everyone LOVES to talk about themselves, and it emits a facade that you care. Invite local friends to the table so you have an alliance; or go straight to the kids’ table! You will look like a hero keeping the youth entertained.

Dear Deven: I don’t have much money and would like to bring something to the suppers I am invited to. Suggestions? “Cashless in Calhoun” Deven: It’s rude to show up empty handed. Your hosts care about the SPIRIT of your offering. Bring Jell-O ($1) in a fancy mold ($1.50). String ($1) some maize ($4) into a bundle. Write a thoughtful and thankful note (free) for your host.

Dear Deven: I receive dolls for gifts because I have a huge doll collection.

How do I introduce my new guy to this part of me?

“Raggedy in Richmond” Deven: One at a time.

Dear Deven: I find it’s hard to make friends with men without them immediately wanting a long-term relationship or a quick fling. What’s a guy to do?

“Oblivious in Ohio” Deven: I suggest you do them all since you never know how long this winning streak will last. Dear, you don’t really want a relationship since you are the one who is unavailable to them. Spray a different type pheromone to attract a different type of man, and then go home by yourself. I will see you in the friend zone.

Dear Deven: I want my friends to pool their money together so I get what I specifically want for Christmas. How do I broach that subject?

“Necessary in Norwood” Deven: You aren’t high maintenance at all! I rounded up all your friends, and we decided to give you a photograph with all of us together. That visual memory is the best gift for someone who is as ungrateful as you are. Now, smarten up. Take what you are given. Say, “Thank You,” and re-gift it like everyone else.

Dear Deven: I’m down emotionally this time of year. How do I get out of this hole? “Sighing in Cincinnati” Deven: I’m not a parent, doctor, or therapist, but, as your friend, I want you to know that you are not alone. Take my hand and listen: Extend yourself to others by writing an actual letter, helping in a soup kitchen, petting animals, reading to seniors, or anything to take the focus off of yourself. Most importantly, go see comedy in any form (online or real life) – it will always connect you with others.

Dear Readers, I care about each and every one of you. I have your answers, give me your questions: DevenGreen@gmail.com Photo: ReedDavisPhotography.com

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PS: Would you like me to read this to you? Go to GoliathAtlanta.com and listen!