Emory Johns Creek Hospital is committed to our community.
We’ve added two floors to the hospital, three floors to the Physicians Plaza and a parking deck, all to better serve you and your family. The new areas provide physicians, nurses and our care teams an interdisciplinary space to focus on family-centered care and ongoing wellness, supporting you with the unparalleled service and knowledgeable professionals you’ve come to expect.
No matter your health needs – from routine to advanced – we’re here to help you make your health a priority.
Our luxury furniture showrooms are open to the public on select days each month. With highquality, unique, and on-trend furniture that is available to take home same-day or schedule to have delivered and a team of expert designers ready to help, you are sure to find what you’ve been searching for at one of our exciting shopping events!
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Hello friends,
When I travel, people ask what it's like to live in Atlanta. I tell them the food scene is on fire, with new restaurants opening and growing and popups alive and well.
I've only been in Atlanta 15 years, so along with a few million other transplants, it's my chosen home. When we arrived, friendly neighbors in Virginia Highland pointed us toward Fatt Matt's, Doc Chey's and Murphy's. Now, North Highland is teeming with restaurants, some on their second or third turnover.
Here in Alpharetta, we're surrounded by choices for casual dining, fine dining, take-out and brewpub fare.
We go back again and again to restaurants where people know our names. Where the food is consistent and thoughtfully constructed.
Read this issue over coffee at your favorite spot. Share it with friends you lunch with and savor the stories and the people behind the food we love. Have a wonderful month!
SUE G. COLLINS, EDITOR @ALPHARETTACITYLIFESTYLE
October 2024
PUBLISHER
Jim Newman | jnewman@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Sue G. Collins | scollins@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Hayat Nawd | hayat.nawd@citylifestyle.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
Karyn Slovin | karyn.slovin@citylifestyle.com
ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR
Karla Wilkinson | Karla.Wilkinson@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Louise Davie | louise.davie@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Stacy Conde
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tran Bui, Summer Robinson, Sean O'Keefe
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Fredrik Brauer, Firelite Studios, Nick Hassiotis , Karyn Slovin
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
1: A drumming instructor at School of Rock Alpharetta is ready to jam. 2: A future rocker at the grand opening of the new School of Rock Alpharetta 3: Owners of School of Rock Alpharetta, Stacy and Richard, with Commissioner Levent
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Smart Move, Safety First
The North Atlanta Football League has purchased 253 state-of-the-art helmets for its players. The recreational league serving the Alpharetta and Milton communities offers youth flag football, tackle football, and cheer, catering to kindergarten through fifth grades. It uses football to teach participants vital life lessons, including the importance of focusing on academics, character development, and giving back to the community. Players will use the new VICIS helmets starting this season. For more information, visit NAFL.club
thanks to the generosity of our community. NFCC welcomed families of children in grades K-12 to choose a backpack from the many colors and designs donated. Each backpack had age-appropriate supplies, including notebooks, folders, crayons, markers, headphones, calculators and more. Thank you to everyone who donated supplies or funds, volunteered or helped spread the word about the Back to School program!
Fine Dining in Charming Clayton
The award-winning team behind the newly opened boutique hotel Bridge Creek Inn is proud to announce that The Vandiver is now open. Located in downtown Clayton, GA at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, The Vandiver is an American-style tavern that features a uniquely crafted menu with an emphasis on the regional flavors of North Georgia. From the fine folks at Indigo Road Hospitality Group. TheVandiverClayton.com
We Want Your Family Secret
For our upcoming holiday issues, we'd love to hear from you and your family. Do you have a tradition that has been passed down through the generations? Perhaps you have a new favorite family activity that is destined to become an annual tradition. Please share your name, the tradition and how it came to fruition. Send a family photo, too. Email our editor, SCollins@CityLifestyle.com by October 10. Cheers!
Chefs' favorite menu items. From the kitchen, with love.
ONCE UPON A DISH
Chef Stephen Cho
JANG SU JANG
678.694.8786
35 Milton Ave Ste C
IG: @jangsujang.atl
Name of dish: LA Galbi
When it hits the menu: order now
Origin/inspiration: LA Galbi refers to a style of Korean marinated short ribs that are grilled or barbecued. The name “galbi” translates to “ribs” in Korean, while “LA” signifies the origins of this particular style, which began in Los Angeles, during the Korean immigrant wave in the 1960s. The dish features thinly sliced beef short ribs, typically marinated in a sweet and savory sauce before being cooked to perfection. Traditionally, these marinated short ribs are grilled over an open flame, enhancing their smoky flavor. This method also allows for a delightful caramelization of the marinade, creating a beautiful glaze on the ribs.
ARTICLE BY SUMMER
ROBINSON
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY NICK
HASSIOTIS,
Chef Madison Lee
KIMCHI RED
678.404.8858
3651 Peachtree Pkwy Suite D, Suwanee 3630 Old Milton Pkwy #110, Alpharetta KimchiRedUSA.com
IG:@kimchiredofficial
Name of Dish: Classic K-Crispy Fried Chicken When it hits the menu: Since day one.
Origin / Inspiration: At Kimchi Red, fried chicken is more than just a meal—it should be an experience. The Classic K-Crispy Fried Chicken is made with a time-honored marinade, crafted with the finest ingredients, and signature in-house sauces, all fried to perfection in peanut oil. Chicken is made to order and never frozen. Dine in or takeout.
Kimchi Red's Classic K-Crispy Fried Chicken
Chef Firat Ozay (Chef 01)
CREATION SOCIAL HOUSE - BAR & MEDITERRANEAN
470.264.1871 11500 Webb Bridge Way, Suite A CreationSocialHouse.com
IG: @creationsocialhouse
Name of Dish: Lamb Chops When it hits the menu: On the menu now.
Origin / Inspiration: Lamb chops are a classic dish with a lot of potential for creative expression. Our Turkish twist cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors that can beautifully
complement lamb chops. Here is how we infuse lamb chops with Turkish flair: lamb chops are rubbed with a blend of Turkish spices including paprika, oregano and salt; cooked to perfection to the customer’s choice (medium-rare, medium, well-done or chef’s style); served with the chef’s special salad with house dressing, rice and house tzatziki, with an option of roasted vegetables. It goes very well with most of your favorite red wines. You are sure to love it.
Chef Julio Delgado
MINNIE OLIVIA PIZZERIA
10 Roswell St #120
MinnieOlivia.com
IG: @minnieoliviaalpharetta
Name of Dish: Dodd’s Garden Pizza
When it hits the menu: Since day one. Origin / Inspiration: Minnie Olivia Pizzeria is named after Minnie Olivia Dodd, the daughter of James Madison Dodd and Sara Ann Dodd, who owned the Dodd Hotel building where the restaurant is located in Downtown Alpharetta. As a tribute to the gardens that the couple operated alongside the hotel, Chef Julio and his team created the Dodd’s Garden pizza, featuring local seasonal vegetables, fior di latte mozzarella, garlic, and truffle honey.
Chef Julio Delgado with Dodd's Garden Pizza
Donnie Gale
HOBNOB NEIGHBORHOOD TAVERN 6690 Town Square #420 HOBNOBAtlanta.com
Name of Dish: Chorizo Burger
When it hits the menu: On now, introduced in August
Origin / Inspiration: My culinary mentors always insisted I focus on using great ingredients and balancing bold flavors that complement each other. This burger was inspired by my global travels. Each international cuisine offers a “wow” moment for those ready to experience it. My goal is to bring bold, craveable dishes back to a HOBNOB menu right around the corner from you for all to enjoy. I’m personally hooked on this burger!
HOBNOB Donnie Gale with Chorizo Burger
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
Spencer McManes is a smart guy. He attended Blessed Trinity High School and Yale University where he studied political science and played football. He then moved to Washington, DC to work under Stanley McChrystal at the consulting firm, McChrystal Group, before moving to Austin, TX and taking on a career in technology startups.
“AS A CONSUMER, I FOUND A LACK OF OPTIONS BETWEEN NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND ALCOHOL, ESPECIALLY AT BARS AND RESTAURANTS, AND I SET OUT TO CHANGE THAT.”
His wisest decision and best move? “I went through a ‘sober-curious’ phase of my life when I realized that all of my challenges pointed back to alcohol. I live by the motto that ‘every day is the best day of my life’ and that everyone should ‘vacation every day,’ but alcohol was getting in the way. I knew I wasn’t alone, so I set out to find a better solution.”
Now living in Austin, he is the founder and CEO of Kaviva, a company that sells non-alcoholic drinks that give you a buzz. “As a consumer, I found a lack of options
between non-alcoholic beverages and alcohol, especially at bars and restaurants, and I set out to change that,” says Spencer, who grew up in Alpharetta. “I believe people will always want to go out to a shared location to be social and will always want to feel an elevated experience from their normal ‘day-to-day,’ but that alcohol was not the best way to achieve this.”
While playing rugby in Austin, his Fijian teammates shared an ancient ceremonial tea called kava. Kava is a tropical evergreen shrub belonging to the pepper family,
native to the South Pacific Islands. Its root and stems are made into a non-alcoholic tea, also called kava, which is consumed for its calming and euphoric effects, often after rugby matches as a way to bond with teammates and competitors. “There is no hangover, no addiction, yet a calming relaxing buzz and social uplift, similar to that of 1-2 alcoholic drinks,” says Spencer. He created the formula with a team of food scientists using natural ingredients strong enough to feel the effects in one can. Friends helped out with taste-testing sessions. “Finally, we needed the can design to look and feel like the drink tastes… slightly sweet, refreshing, and a burst of good energy to fuel you to have the best day of your life,” says Spencer.
Kaviva is now sold in multiple markets, liquor stores, and bars in the Austin area. “We have received positive feedback across the board – from the calming feeling consumers experience after their first can, to the additional option to enjoy a social outing without having to drink boring water, and even the colorful can design,” reports Spencer.
He hopes to bring Kaviva to Alpharetta restaurants and bars. “Take a look around your favorite bar, restaurant, or market, and let them know if you think Kaviva would be a good fit! Maybe I can parlay my future business trips into dinner with my parents and brother, who live within walking distance of downtown Alpharetta!”
EnjoyKaviva.com
CHEERS TO CHEERY HUES
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
COLORED TUMBLERS KEEP THE GOOD TIMES ROLLING
1. Designed by Federico de Majo, the Perle Tumbler Glass from Zafferano. Handcrafted by skilled master glassblowers, this drinking glass offers a transparent silhouette accented by a pattern of dots, resulting in stunning visual shadowplay as light hits every angle. 2modern.com
2. Colored Recycled Drinking Glasses, Set of 4. Jewelry for the table. In a spectrum of rich shades, this drinkware is made from recycled soda glass, hand-cut with a delicate pattern. Dishwasher-safe, stackable, and designed for everyday use. GreenRow.com
3. Caspari Acrylic Tumbler Gift Set. These stemless, clear tumblers have the look of crystal, show no visible seams and coordinate with any table setting. The glasses are packaged in an elegant, black windowed box. NinesMW.com
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Creating the perfect occasion anytime of the year.
ARTICLE BY SEAN O'KEEFE
The Art of Entertaining
Hosting the perfect dinner party is an art that requires culinary skill, meticulous planning, and smooth execution. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a formal event, success lies in the details: the guest list, lighting, food, and atmosphere all contribute to a memorable experience.
Start by selecting a theme or style to guide your decor, menu, and even guest attire. Curate a guest list thoughtfully, considering personalities and interests to encourage engaging conversation and a comfortable atmosphere. Invitations can be simple. While most people now send invitations electronically, I love a paper invitation in the mail.
As a host, your primary responsibility is to ensure your guests’ comfort and enjoyment. Greet each guest personally, offer a signature welcome cocktail and hors d’oeuvres. Prepare a few of your favorite dishes that are easy and impressive. Comfort food is a classic and reminds everyone of Sunday supper with family, loved ones, and gratitude. Beverages should complement the meal. A great bottle of wine goes a long way to impress guests. Always include options like mocktails.
Creating the right atmosphere is essential. A beautifully set table adds elegance, while soft, warm lighting creates a cozy ambiance. Background music, carefully chosen to match the tone of the evening, should be subtle enough to allow for conversation. As we embrace the fall, think about dining outside and enjoying an evening under the stars. Incorporate elements like candles, flowers, or seasonal decorations to enhance the visual appeal without overcrowding the table.
The evening doesn’t end with dessert. Offering coffee or after-dinner drinks encourages guests to linger and continue conversations. Finally, thank your guests warmly as they leave, and consider small gestures like walking them to their car or asking them to call when they arrive home - these are the little details that make your dinner party truly memorable. CONTINUED >
The Magic in the Music
Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival is October 11-12
Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival is thrilled to announce the full entertainment schedule for the highly anticipated 2024 festival, which takes place on Friday and Saturday, October 11-12, in Downtown Alpharetta. This year’s festival features 40 performances on seven free-admission stages, and an exclusive ticketed listening room.
New to this year’s festival, the programming has been expanded to start earlier on Saturday at 11:00 a.m., providing even more opportunities for festival goers to enjoy a diverse array of musical talent. Wire & Wood Songwriters Festival has also added a new stage in front of
Alpharetta City Hall, creating a corridor of entertainment that bridges familiar stages in downtown parks.
Music enthusiasts can look forward to an eclectic mix of national, regional, and local artists performing over the two-day weekend. The award-winning, chart-topping Sixpence None the Richer, known for their melodic sound, thoughtful lyrics, and lead singer Leigh Nash’s distinctive, ethereal vocals, will headline the festival on Friday night. “Kiss Me,” the band’s highest-charting single, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts and was the country’s sixth best-selling single of 1999. On Saturday night, Neal Francis will bring his revolutionary blend of soul, R&B, and dynamic piano jams inspired by New Orleans funk, gospel, and vintage rock and roll to the stage.
Get the entire show schedule at WireAndWoodAlpharetta. com or AwesomeAlpharetta.com.
Fermented was founded in 2017 with the mission of building community around natural wine. All of the wines in Fermented are naturally made and support families around the world. In 2001 Fermented opened its tasting room, which is affectionately known as Flight Club, where they offer daily flights and weekly tastings.
or sip What to drink NOW, on the porch What to gift to someone special
Broc Cellars La Boutanche 'The Perfect Red.' This is a delightful blend of cabernet sauvignon and cabernet franc from one of our favorite producers.
What to drink with fall meals
Sangiovese, pinot noir and cab franc are some of my favorite varietals to drink with fall weather.
Forlorn Hope Queen of the Sierra red blend is a crushable red that is natural and organic from the Sierra Foothills in Northern California.
Fermented, 50 Canton Street #106 FermentedATL.com
ARTICLE BY TRAN BUI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PURE CHILEAN
Pure Chilean
Elevating the Art of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Ever wondered what makes a truly great olive oil? It’s not just about the label—it’s the passion and dedication behind every drop. At Pure Chilean, they’re elevating the art of olive oil, one bottle at a time.
Veronica Cuellar is the director of e-commerce and retail for this award-winning company based in Alpharetta. She never imagined she’d be an olive oil connoisseur. Life had other plans, though, and her unexpected journey led her to
a deep appreciation for this liquid gold. “It wasn’t something I planned,” she admits, “but it feels like it was meant to be.”
Home cooks are purchasing Pure Chilean online and locally. They’re finding it at farmers markets in Roswell, Alpharetta, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs, Vinings and Serenbe. It’s also the chef’s choice at restaurants including Little Alley Steak, From the Earth Brewing Company, Rumi’s Kitchen, Delbar, The Garden Room and Michelin Star restaurants like Atlas, Lazy Betty and Bacchanalia, just to name a few.
When it comes to olive oil, not all bottles are created equal. “Quality isn’t just a buzzword for us,” Cuellar insists. “It’s the cornerstone of everything we do.”
Unlike many olive oil brands, Pure Chilean is focused on sustainable farming practices and has complete control over the entire production process. “We’re vertically integrated, which means we own the farm, the processing plant, the bottling company, and even our distribution,” Cuellar explains. “This level of control allows us to ensure that every bottle of our extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) meets the highest standards.”
And those standards are pretty impressive. To be classified as extra virgin, olive oil must have a maximum acidity level of 0.8% or lower. “Our oil typically has a level between 0.17% and 0.18%, with a maximum acidity of 0.2%. This means the olive has undergone less damage during processing, therefore locking in those natural health benefits,” Cuellar shares.
But it’s not just about the science. Cuellar is on a mission to educate us about what makes the EVOO so special.
“We’re all about transparency and integrity,” she says. “We hope that when people learn about us and try our EVOO, they’ll see the difference for themselves. We want to be part of those special moments in the kitchen, where great meals and lasting memories are made.”
Pure Chilean isn’t just another product on shelf— it’s the key to elevating your dishes and creating something truly extraordinary.
To see the selection of EVOO check out PureChilean.com
Dive
“We want to be part of those special moments in the kitchen.”
Director of e-commerce and retail Veronica Cuellar & President Humberto Benedetto
Alpharetta continues to embrace its identity as a connected community by opening a new one-mile segment on the Alpha Loop. This latest 15.2-million-dollar section serves as a connection between Northwinds and Downtown via a scenic overlook bridge and a tunnel under Westside Parkway.
The vision of the Alpha Loop is to create a network of trails that not only connects key locations, but also fosters a sense of community and encourages a healthy, active lifestyle. The Loop is designed to be a living, breathing part of Alpharetta, growing, and evolving along with the city.
City officials and community leaders have championed this project as a transformative addition to Alpharetta’s urban landscape. “This new segment of the Alpha Loop is another step forward in our mission of creating a more walkable, bike-friendly city,” says Morgan Rodgers, Director of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Services. “It’s about more than just getting from point A to point B—it’s about enriching the lives of our residents and supporting local businesses.”
The Alpha Loop Foundation is a volunteer-led nonprofit. AlphaLoopFoundation.org.
OCTOBER 2024
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THROUGH NOVEMBER 2ND
Scarecrow Harvest
Downtown Alpharetta
Downtown Alpharetta will come alive with more than 150 whimsical scarecrows designed by local schools, classrooms, non-profits, neighborhoods, families, and local businesses. Stroll throughout downtown and enjoy all the personalities of these festive figures and the unique displays of fall spirit. Discover beloved movie scenes and characters, favorite books brought to life, and odes to important historical figures.
OCTOBER 4TH
Unleashed & Unplugged
Fetch Dog Park | 7:00 PM
Live music with a rotating list of musicians every Friday. Fetch Park is a dog-friendly social hub, so you don’t need a pup of your own to play! If you do want to bring your pup for the first time, please read the rules and pre-register at FetchPark.com
OCTOBER 5TH
Saturday Wine Tasting
50 Canton St. | 4:00 PM
Saturdays are for wine tasting. Taste a five wine flight from family vineyards. Theme changes weekly. Saturday tasting experiences are available at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Each tasting is 45 minutes. Free admission. For more information call Fermented Wines at 470.361.2091.
OCTOBER 18TH
Romeo and Juliet
Bandstand in Brook Street Park
In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare creates a violent world in which two young people fall in love. It is not simply that their families disapprove, the Montagues and the Capulets are engaged in a blood feud. Act1Theater.org/romeo-juliet
OCTOBER 19TH
Boo Bash
Wills Park | 5:00 PM
Wear your family-friendly costumes and join us for an evening of spook-tacular fun for everyone. Jump in the dance party, test your skills at carnival games, grab some treat bags and embrace the spirit of Halloween.
OCTOBER 26TH
Alpharetta Art in the Park
Brooke Street Park | 4:00 PM
These two-day markets of exclusively handcrafted products and original art, are generally held the last full weekend of the month with a couple exceptions for holidays. October 26 - 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Oct. 27 from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m.
Bourbon Bling
Step back in time at Oconee Cove, a new speakeasy bar concept at The Ritz Carlton Reynolds, Lake Oconee.
Pistachio
Flip
"The Pistachio Flip is a decadent blend of rich flavors, where the smoothness of Eagle Rare Single Barrel Bourbon meets the nutty depth of Amontillado sherry and the creamy richness of heavy cream and a whole egg. The pistachio syrup and fresh shaved pistachio garnish tie the drink together, creating a luxurious experience with every sip. Inspired by the timeless Flip—one of the earliest cocktails—this creation pays homage to cocktail history while introducing a unique twist.” -Russell Stewart, Assistant Food and Beverage Manager
ingredients:
• 1.5 oz Eagle Rare – Single Barrel Bourbon
• .5 oz – Amontillado Sherry
• 1 oz Heavy Cream
• 1 Whole Egg
• .5 oz Pistachio Syrup
• 1 Shaved Pistachio as a garnish
THE RITZ-CARLTON REYNOLDS, LAKE OCONEE
1 Lake Oconee Trail Greensboro, Georgia RitzCarlton.com
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