CLASSICS: WORD OF MOUTH RESTAURANTS
BOOKS, BEVERAGES AND CONVERSATIONS
Hello friends,
When I travel, people ask what it's like to live in Atlanta.
Well, I've only been here 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 BuckHaven, we are lucky to have old friends like McKendrick's Steakhouse, a smattering of fabulous Ford Fry restaurants, stand-outs like the Word of Mouth restaurants and gems like Le Bon Nosh. We go back again and again to restaurants where people know our names. Where the food is consistent and thoughtfully constructed. And yes, where there's decent parking (or valet!).
Read this issue over coffee at your favorite spot (we love Mend Coffee & Goods in Tuxedo Junction). 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 @BUCKHAVENCITYLIFESTYLE
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 WRITER
Jessica Pope, Summer J. Robinson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Fredrik Brauer, Firelite Studios, Andrew Lee Thomas
Corporate Team
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
Your North Georgia Real Estate Team
361 June Bug Lane | Blue Ridge
2 Bedroom | 2 Bathroom Offered at $999,000
Welcome to your dream mountain retreat by Gnarly Home Crafters! This stunning modern cabin combines rustic charm with contemporary elegance, just 5 miles from Downtown Blue Ridge. Enjoy breathtaking longrange sunset views from expansive windows in the open-concept living space, featuring a great room with soaring ceilings, exposed beams, and a cozy woodburning fireplace. The gourmet kitchen boasts state-ofthe-art appliances and a spacious island. Relax in the luxurious master suite or unwind on the expansive deck, perfect for soaking in the panoramic views. Schedule your private tour today!
city scene
1: Buckhead Heritage's Summer Fun-raiser, held at the Atlanta International School 2: The Summer Supper and Buckhead Trivia Game raised $18,000 for the non-profit. 3: The mission is to identify, preserve, restore, and promote Buckhead's history. 6: Ronke Shenbanjo and Catherine Hellstrom celebrate Seranova Sculpt & Beauty Medical Spa grand opening. 7: Guests check in to the grand opening of Seranova Sculpt & Beauty Medical Spa.
Start at Trinity, thrive for life.
Trinity School serves children age three through Sixth Grade and cherishes childhood while preparing students for the future. Small class sizes, innovative programming, and early childhood and elementary education experts are just some of the reasons your child will thrive at Atlanta’s only elementary-only independent school!
Discover more at an Open House: October 22 (Full) December 10 November 14 (Full) January 16
8: Ronke Shenbanjo, owner of Seranova Sculpt & Beauty. 9: Business owners: Karyn Slovin, Krisztina Bell, Laura Nay, Stephanie Dahlmin, Angela Cassisi and Brittany Stewart. 10: Women’s Business Owner ladies Laura Nay, Krisztina Bell, Brittany Stewart, Angela Cassisi, Stephanie Dahlmin.
Support Girls on the Run Georgia
“I couldn’t have been happier with my decision to give Absolute Image Consulting a try, it has been by far my favorite place I’ve had over all my years. I find their hair systems to be top notch, the most up to date on the market, as are all the hair products that they offer. I can’t say enough good things about the company and staff.” - Client Testimonial
“My experience at Absolute Image completely changed my life. After suffering from hair loss since college, I’d also lost most of my self esteem and confidence along the way. The quality is truly astounding. They gave me my life back. They have me myself back. My only regret is not choosing this sooner and saving myself all those rough mornings in the mirror. If you’re considering hair replacement - do it.” - Client Testimonial
GIRLSTRONG invites the community to a “Healthy Happy Hour,” at Stellar Bodies Buckhead Court (3872 Roswell Road, Ste B2) from 1 - 3 p.m., October 15. Highlights include networking opportunities, guest speakers, light bites and drinks. Guests receive a swag bag and a GIRLSTRONG t-shirt with net proceeds going to Girls on the Run Georgia. GIRLSTRONG, an e-commerce brand, is a global community connected by the same message: Empowered women empower each other. $35. GirlStrongInc.com
O'Keeffe's City Side
Famed for her images of flowers and Southwestern landscapes, Georgia O’Keeffe spent several years exploring New York City with brush in hand. The nearly 100 works, which many call her "New Yorks," investigate the dynamic potential of New York’s cityscape. They are on show at The High Museum. Green Leaves, Pink Dish. Georgia O'Keeffe (American, 1887–1986), pastel on board, 22 inches × 28 inches, Georgia O'Keeffe Museum, private collection. © Georgia O'Keeffe Museum. High.org
With over 30 years of industry experience and three generations in the business, Alex Lexington Diamonds
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
Remembering Carol
McKendrick's Steakhouse and the Atlanta dining scene lost an angel, Carol Conway, who passed away on August 15, 2024. Carol's warmth and smile will long be remembered, as she greeted guests at McKendrick's and gave everyone she met her full attention. Join everyone at BuckHaven City Lifestyle magazine in wishing her family and work family strength and peace. We will miss you, Carol!
THE NEW LADIES’ NIGHT
Ladies, get ready to shake up your midweek plans! Arnette’s Chop Shop proudly presents “Mix It Up” Ladies, a vibrant and exciting evening designed just for you. Every Wednesday from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM, head to the Lanai for an unforgettable experience featuring DJ Grace Lamour, cocktail specials and a curated “Mix It Up” bar menu. Grab your gal pals and “Mix It Up” Ladies with Arnette’s Chop Shop.
Grace Lamour is the leading female DJ in Atlanta and she prides herself on her open-format abilities. She feels equally at home spinning a private luxury event, crowd rocking the festival stage, or in a club booth. Her seamless set selections, 10 years experience and contagious energy, have caused the city to take notice, getting booked for coveted gigs and brands. She is most definitely a force to be reckoned with as you fall into the hands of Grace.
WHY “MIX IT UP”?
• Live DJ: Imbibe with a vibe by the incredible DJ Grace Lamour mixing music every Wednesday on the Lanai.
• Cocktail Specials: Sip on expertly crafted cocktail specials, mixed to perfection and tailored for a night of fun and flavor.
• Curated Bar Menu: Enjoy a specially curated ladies’ night bar menu featuring delicious light bites, perfect for sharing and savoring.
EVENT DETAILS:
• When: Every Wednesday, 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
• Where: The Lanai at Arnette’s Chop Shop
• Address: 2700 Apple Valley Road, Brookhaven
RESERVATIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: For reservations or more information, call Arnette’s Chop Shop at 404.969.0701 or visit ArnettesChopShop.com
Serving Beautifully
HANDMADE GLASS AND CRYSTAL TURN ON THE GLAM
ARTICLE BY SUE G. COLLINS
Entertaining should be a delight, offering a prime opportunity to pull out your very favorite pieces to share with your very favorite people. We asked the design-savvy professionals at B.D. Jeffries about their picks for our annual Food and Drink issue.
WILLIAM YEOWARD CORINNE
A collection of contemporary handmade glass for the bar, Corinne evokes the style and glamour of the 1920s and 1930s, when the new experience of cocktails and jazz was all the rage. The present day sees a new passion for
cocktails and mixology. These drinks take time and skill to create – they deserve a beautiful glass.
Corrine champagne flute 9½”, ice bucket 6¼”, pitcher 8”, carafe 1 ½ pint, beer tumbler 6”, champagne coupe 6”, tall martini 8¼”, magnum decanter with stopper 15½”.
WILLIAM YEOWARD KAREN
Karen, an exquisite crystal collection combines intricate cuts with sleek sophisticated lines to create exceptionally glamorous vases.
Conversation vase 6½”, bud vase 8”, posy vase 4”
WILLIAM YEOWARD VANESSA
A contemporary collection of colorful decorative pieces for the home, inspired by the vibrant colors of the Mediterranean region. Its rich tortoise color and pattern captures several of the elements that make the Mediterranean coastline so memorable and beautiful.
Vanessa rose bowl 7”, bowl 10”, tall vase 11”, short vase 9”
ABOUT B.D. JEFFRIES
For more than three decades B.D. Jeffries has been the premier lifestyle and home décor destination in Atlanta. The carefully curated collection of refined home furnishings, mixed with one-of-a-kind accessories and antiques, is ever-changing and always inspiring. Old and new, local and exotic, rustic and refined, are blended together into an eclectic combination sure to complement every style.
B.D. Jeffries | 3736 B Roswell Rd, Atlanta | 404.231.3004
BDJeffries.com
Books, Beverages and Daily Bread
ARTICLE BY BUCKHAVEN CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREW THOMAS LEE
LUCIAN BOOKS AND WINE
“Together with longtime Atlanta fine dining veteran chef Jason Paolini, they’ve crafted a sophisticated, thoughtful menu of simple, European-inflected dishes (think: French omelette with caviar and crème fraîche and porchetta with borlotti beans and radicchio) paired with Smelt’s extensive yet approachable wine list of over 450 bottles. Find a curated selection of books, emphasizing art, design, food, wine and visual culture. The result is an elevated neighborhood restaurant and cultural hub; a place where guests can choose to sit down for dinner, pop in for a book, have a glass of wine at the bar or attend a cookbook signing. Find
Husband-wife duo, Katie Barringer and longtime wine professional Jordan Smelt, opened Lucian Books and Wine, a restaurant and specialty bookstore in Buckhead, three years ago to rave reviews.
From Buckhead, With Love
ENTREPRENEURS ANSWER NUT NEEDS
The Jaxon Family
“WE TRY TO SET AN EXAMPLE FOR OUR CHILDREN THAT YOU CAN DO WELL AND DO GOOD, WHICH IS VERY MUCH OUR GOAL WITH MISSION MIGHTYME,” SAYS JJ. “BY MAKING NUTTY PUFFS A PANTRY STABLE, WE BELIEVE WE CAN HAVE A TRANSFORMATIVE IMPACT ON CHILDREN’S HEALTH.”
ARTICLE BY JESSICA POPE
Research has shown that most peanut allergies can be prevented with early and regular peanut consumption, starting in infancy. But parents seeking to follow the latest pediatric recommendations were running into a big challenge: nuts and nut butters are choking hazards for babies, and the baby industry is nearly entirely nut-free.
Mission MightyMe solved the problem with its game-changing Nutty Puffs: the first and only pediatrician-developed nut butter puffs made with peanuts and multiple tree nuts in the right quantities, making it simple (and delicious) for parents to include a wide variety of nuts in their children’s diets early and often.
Catherine and JJ Jaxon, the husband-wife duo and social impact entrepreneurs behind the company, are food allergy parents and longtime Buckhead residents. When the Jaxons realized the products they were looking for didn’t exist, they partnered with the doctor whose research transformed feeding guidelines globally, Dr. Gideon Lack. Together they developed a functional alternative to traditional baby puffs and kids’ snacks that pull
double duty. They’re more than 50% nuts, made with organic, non-GMO ingredients, no cane sugar and have all been awarded the Clean Label Project Purity Award.
Now, nearly four years after launch, they’ve built a large and loyal community of e-commerce customers through MissionMightyMe. com and Amazon. Hot off the heels of a $2.35 million capital raise earlier this year, Mission MightyMe launched in nearly 200 Target stores nationwide (including 6 in the Atlanta area!) in August. The Jaxon family’s local roots are strong. Catherine grew up in Buckhead and moved back to Atlanta with JJ in 2012 to raise their family here after spending 15 years in New York City. Their three kids attend Lovett, Westminster and The Atlanta Speech School –and the family loves the sense of community they’ve built over the years. As a former investment banker and CNN senior producer/journalist, respectively, JJ and Catherine made total career pivots to run Mission MightyMe full-time. To date, they’ve donated more than 20,000 puff pouches to research and to organizations around the country serving families and children in need. MissionMightyMe.com
There’s a New Naan In Town
ARTICLE BY BUCKHAVEN CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF
“We used to eat dinner around the table in Nashville and wonder why our friends didn’t eat more Indian food,” says Neal Idnani, CEO of Naan Stop. “Our mother was a great cook. Our neighbors just devoured her food, so much so that she started a catering company to keep up with demand. But for American kids our age, it was just a little too different for them.” “They wouldn’t go to an Indian restaurant,” says Neal’s brother and CFO Samir Idnani. “That was kind of an intimidating experience for them, with the language barrier and everything. As we grew older, we started kicking around ideas. How could we bring Indian food to people in a way that’s familiar?
We knew if we could make people comfortable ordering, they’d love it.” Those conversations formed the foundation of what would become NaanStop, which serves fresh Indian cuisine made from their mother’s recipes, using the build-your-own-meal approach familiar to so many fast casual restaurants.
After a year of operating NaanStop as a food truck in Los Angeles, the Idnanis decided to return to Georgia and open their first restaurant in Atlanta. “We wanted to be closer to home,” Samir says. “Atlanta has a large, diverse customer base, and it’s a great hub for growth in the Southeast”
The brothers opened the first NaanStop in downtown Atlanta in 2012. The concept caught on quickly, leading to a second location in Buckhead in October 2014. A third location opened in Atlantic Station in February 2019, with a design that reflects the Idnanis’ heritage as Indian Americans.
“Our restaurants are an extension of our home, and we want them to look and feel that way,” says Samir. “We’re Americans, and we fit in with that culture, but we’re also steeped in our Indian culture. How do we
bring both parts of that into the restaurant? The presentation of the food is one way to do that—something that’s familiar to Americans, but the flavors and ingredients are very authentic to Indian cuisine.”
This month, celebrating 10 years in Buckhead, Naan Stop is serving a new entree, the Mumbai Meatball. It can be served as part of the rice bowl, naan wrap or salad. Kofta (meatballs or veggie balls) originated in the Middle East and India centuries ago. Neal explains, “As kids, the various types of kofta were mainstays in our house. We wrapped them up in flatbreads like roti and naan, which our mom would also make from scratch.”
With a mission to make Indian food a comfortable everyday experience and embracing diners’ love for all-things meatballs, the brothers riffed on the kofta to come up with the Mumbai Meatball Wrap. Bite into North Indian-style meatballs wrapped in soft, fresh naan with grilled onions and peppers, a corn salad inspired by Mumbai street vendors, and a cool yogurt and cilantro chutney.
Future growth plans include adding four locations over the next 24 months. The Idnanis also are looking to expand NaanStop’s product line of spice mixes into retail and wholesale and to develop a franchise program that offers a path for career growth to existing staff members within the organization. Along the way, they plan to continue a community service program that started during the pandemic with a series of pop-up food drive-thru locations to help feed families and support local charitable organizations.
NaanStop.com
3420 Piedmont Road NE
678.861.NAAN (6226)
“How could we bring Indian food to people in a way that’s familiar? We knew if we could make people comfortable ordering, they’d love it.”
DANCE THAT PULLS YOU IN
ARTICLE BY BUCKHAVEN CITY LIFESTYLE STAFF
“There’s magic in ballet. That’s why we’re obsessed,” says John Welker, co-founder and artistic director of Atlanta’s Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre. “With every performance we create and present, our goal is to leave our audience amazed and saying, ‘How did they do that … that was incredible!’”
Since its founding in 2017, this athletic group of highly-trained, skilled dancers and artists has done just that and more. Based on the rave reviews, sold-out shows, and a loyal following created over their seven-year history, it’s apparent that Terminus Modern Ballet Theatre has created an ethos of excellence where the audience experience is paramount. “Part of the magic and beauty of what we do is having the audience seated very close to the dancers, allowing them to see their physicality in order to fully connect with the emotions. You are able to feel the humanity and power of the story,” adds John.
This passion for ballet runs through the entire organization.
Founded by five principal dancers, formally tenured at Atlanta Ballet, Terminus comes from the traditions of ballet, yet has created a unique repertoire of original works that speak to present-day themes. “It’s important to reach people where they are,” John continues. “We want folks to relate and see themselves in the story. When we achieve that, that’s our success and their inspiration. A real win-win for everyone.”
The Terminus dancers are already busy gearing up for their upcoming season, which highlights four world premiere works by four award-winning choreographers. So, if you’re looking to be inspired this fall, consider attending one of Terminus’ upcoming premieres at their exclusive White Box Theatre in Buckhead’s TULA Arts Center, September 14,15, 21 and 22. You can also experience them in the scenic fall setting of Serenbe over three weekends October 17 through November 3. All tickets are available at TerminusMBT.com.
Terminus Ballet School, also centrally located at the TULA Arts Center was founded in 2018. The school quickly earned a stellar reputation across the Southeast for the professional-level quality of its ballet training — from beginners (ages 3+), to pre-professional advanced levels, and adults who are looking for a fun way to exercise and connect with dance more directly.
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
THROUGH NOVEMBER 23RD
KALEIDOSCOPE: Art Exhibit by Paulina Carretero
1700 Chantilly Dr NE
The Consulate General of Mexico in Atlanta invites you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of “KALEIDOSCOPE,” an exhibition showcasing the mesmerizing oil paintings of acclaimed Mexican artist Paulina Carretero. Experience the vibrant colors and dynamic compositions through November 23, open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
EVERY SATURDAY
Brookhaven Farmers Market 2024
1375 Fernwood Circle NE
The Brookhaven Farmers Market is open every Saturday this month for your seasonal produce and goods. As always, the Brookhaven Farmers Market is committed to bringing a rotating assortment of local vendors on Saturdays from 9 a.m to 12 p.m., rain or shine!
EVERY SATURDAY
Free Puppy Hour at Central Bark Brookhaven
1940 Briarwood Ct
Supervised puppy playtime and social hour. Puppy Hour is a ton of fun and it also provides a critical opportunity for puppies to get socialization during their “sensitive period,” which is between 8 and 16 weeks of age. Socialization is a process of preparing your dog to enjoy interactions and be comfortable with other animals, people, places, and activities.
FROM AFRICA TO THE WORLD
CONTINUED
OCTOBER 1ST
Men's Soccer at Oglethorpe University
Oglethorpe Soccer Field
Come out and support Oglethorpe University's record-breaking men's soccer team as they go head-to-head with their rivals in the 2024 season! #GoPetrels. Oct. 1, 5, 11, 13
OCTOBER 17TH
Remembering The Carters
Cathedral of Saint Philip Gould Room | 7:00 PM
Geri and Wade Coleman share "Personal Memoirs of the Carters." They were both the Carters' gubernatorial and presidential campaign managers in Valdosta for Lowndes County. Everyone with a personal Carter story is invited to share it in the assembly following the Colemans' presentation. Register at BuckheadHeritage.com
OCTOBER 19TH
2024 Brookhaven
International Festival
2090 N Druid Hills Rd NE
An assortment of cultures will be woven together on Saturday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, to create what will be Brookhaven’s annual International Festival along the Peachtree Creek Greenway.
The Brookhaven International Festival features a variety of live cultural performances and music, international cuisine, interactive art creation, a kidz zone, health screenings, and vendors!
