SOFU, GA October 2024 by City Lifestyle

Bes t Chefs in SoFu & AT L!

Welcome Autumn!

With the changing seasons comes a change in what we are craving, and with fall that often means comfort food. October is our most delectable issue of the year, filled with some of our favorite dishes and beverages around town. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Chef Deb at Oreatha’s at the Point on Cascade and Chef Joey Ward at Southern Belle restaurant on Ponce and learned about what their fall menus will be boasting. Get your tastebuds ready! You are in for a treat! We also included a new recipe from Chef Kitura for you to try at home, whether you’re cooking for just your family or for entertaining guests. And don’t miss our profile on Marcus Johnson and the FLO wine lifestyle, perfect to set the autumn mood.

The smells of fall bring so many wonderful memories and the aroma of cinnamon, apple, pumpkin, chili and soups are so comforting. There’s nothing like popping into my Starbucks on Campbellton Fairburn. Just the smell of the pumpkin spice makes me happy!

There is definitely an art to creating a flavorful dish that not only satisfies our taste buds but evokes memories. The aroma of certain spices and foods can bring us right back to our childhood, which can be incredibly powerful and comforting. Food brings us all together, and whether we are sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.

In this issue, it’s our pleasure to present the very Best of SoFu! Thanks for engaging our social media platforms to nominate and vote for your favorite local businesses! Congrats to all the winners! We can’t wait to celebrate with each of you! Don’t forget to keep using our official hashtags! #SoFu #SoFuLifestyle #BestOfSoFu

As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around town!

P.S. I ran into filmmaker Shandra McDonald at the BronzeLens Film Festival!

P.P.S. The last day to register to vote in Georgia is Oct 7. Our democracy is better when we all participate!

ERIKKA SEARLES MITCHELL, EDITOR @SOUTHFULTONLIFESTYLE

October 2024

PUBLISHER

Michelle Taylor Willis michelle.taylorwillis@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Erikka Searles Mitchell | emitchell@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Kevin Giles | kevin.giles@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Darren Cobb | darrencobb300@gmail.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jasmine Tiffany, Juju Ramos, Tomeka Jones

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Joan Marcus

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.

business monthly

ROUNDUP

Pink Frog Foundation Celebrates Survivors

The Pink Frog Affair is an evening of poetry, music and dance, celebrating breast cancer survivors and honoring the memory of loved ones. Robert H. and Tammy Bolton host and the celebration features Ricky Dilliard, the choir master. On October 4, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at the Morehouse College MLK International Chapel.

Atlanta Opera Presents “Rent” at Pullman Yards

Loosely based on Puccini’s beloved opera “La Bohème ,” “ Rent” is the story of one year in the lives of poor, defiant, young artists. Set in New York City’s East Village, “ Rent” reflects the agony of the 80s, a time shattered by the HIV/AIDS epidemic “Light My Candle,” “Goodbye Love,” and “Take Me or Leave Me,” broke new ground on Broadway with music that resonates even today. Oct 2, 4, and 6. Visit AtlantaOpera.org for tickets.

Disney's “Lion King” Returns to the Fox

Disney Theatrical Group and Regions Bank Broadway in Atlanta present the long-awaited return engagement of Disney’s “The Lion King.” Limited tickets are currently on sale. Atlanta’s most eagerly awaited return will once again leap onto the Fox Theatre stage on Wednesday, Oct. 2 for a limited engagement of 3 weeks through Sunday, Oct. 20. The opening night is Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Photography by Joan Marcus

A Taste of Alaska

Journey to Secluded Fox Island

Your mind, body, and soul are in for a treat the moment you and your companions are whisked away by boat from Alaska’s popular Seward cruise terminal for a 60-minute excursion to a private secluded island. Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge is the ultimate rustic luxury escape on Fox Island, a narrow peninsula with mesmerizing views of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Fjords National Park.

Upon arrival and throughout the duration of your stay, guests are treated to exceptional personalized service, including the resort’s gastronomic experience. Inside the main lodge, the island’s private chef and staff stand in front of a small group of visitors to share details and ingredients for each of the well-curated gourmet meals. One of my favorite 4-course dinners included an amuse bouche, a bitesized savory polenta cake, and an Oaxacan winter chili soup appetizer.

Alaska is a popular destination for fresh salmon and Halibut. So, it’s no coincidence that Alaskan Halibut was our third course combined with couscous, vegetables, and a white beurre blanc sauce. Absolutely delightful! We ended the aesthetically pleasing dinner presentation with a lemon curd tartlet dessert. On another side of the intimate dining space, a vibrant bartender poured a wide selection of wines, Alaskan beers, and specialty cocktails like the Fox Island Fizz made with a whiskey produced in state called Port Chilkoot Wrack Line Rye. Several drink options were offered to pair with each course.

Besides the exquisite cuisine, guests can participate in hiking and kayaking adventures. During your half- or fullday excursion, you might encounter sea otters or bald eagles while paddling along Resurrection Bay, as I did. The remote

ARTICLE

TOMEKA JONES

Alaska is a popular destination for fresh salmon and Halibut. Absolutely delightful!

island also provides multiple opportunities to relax and disconnect.

Choose to unwind inside the main lodge next to the fireplace and sit on the dock to view the breathtaking ocean and mountain views during afternoon tea or happy hour. A short distance from your energyefficient cabin is a wood-burning outdoor sauna; once you step inside, prepare to embrace tranquility—it was my favorite resort amenity.

Lastly, I highly recommend requesting a campfire every evening for you and your loved ones to gather around to indulge in S’mores and enjoy the peaceful, intimate connection found on Fox Island.

MAKE THE TOUGH TIMES EASY FOR YOUR FAMILY

Runway Restaurant Crawl

ATL AIRPORT DISTRICT CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU

SPONSORS ATLANTA BLACK RESTAURANT WEEK

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ATL AIRPORT DISTRICT

The ATL Airport District Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), the destination marketing organization for College Park, Hapeville, and Union City, Georgia, proudly sponsored this year’s Atlanta Black Restaurant Week. As a hub for minority and Black-owned businesses, the ATL Airport District hosted the Runway Restaurant Crawl, a progressive dine-around event to showcase participating local eateries.

Hosted in early August, the event introduced seven restaurants to over a dozen influencers and media, offering them a taste of featured menu items. Aye Tea Elle welcomed guests with a variety of bites and a specialty cocktail, while co-owner Jovan Dais shared his vision of creating a unique tapas venue in College Park. At Nouveau Bar and Grill, attendees savored the Ultimate Cajun Seafood & Grits while owner Ebony Austin expressed her excitement about participating in Black Restaurant Week and being part of the District community. The Real Milk & Honey treated guests to a champagne toast and a flight of delicacies, including their famous honeybutter biscuits and fried salmon. The fourth stop at Frostology, a newly opened cocktail lounge, featured a refreshing beverage crafted with Greenwood Whiskey, a Black-owned distillery in Atlanta. Party of 5, a Metro West casual boutique dining experience, offered a taste of their red snapper and dirty rice, complemented by a viewing of its beautiful mural. Buttermilk Biscuit, created by owner LeAnna Lynn out of her love for breakfast, offered a menu full of Southern favorites like deviled eggs and chicken and waffles. The crawl concluded with a sweet treat at Frozen Lush ATL, featuring vegan and dairy-free New York-style fruit ice in various flavors.

For more information on dining in the District, visit ATLDistrict.com

Marcus Johnson GO WITH THE FLO LIFESTYLE

Creator of award-winning FLO wine brand Marcus Johnson is a celebrated jazz keyboardist and pianist who launched his career while pursuing his JD and MBA at Georgetown University. His independently produced debut album, “Lessons in Love,” sold hundreds of thousands of units and garnered millions of spins across all streaming platforms, marking an extraordinary success for an emerging artist. This achievement attracted the attention of BET founder Robert L. Johnson, who partnered with Marcus to establish Three Keys Music, a label that brought you the likes of Nick Colionne, Marcus Anderson, Michael Lington, and Alyson Williams.

Marcus has released 23 Billboard-charting albums, including his groundbreaking “FLO (For the Love Of) Anthology,” where three distinct CDs simultaneously charted in the Billboard Top 10 Contemporary Jazz Charts. He has performed globally, with audiences as large as 30,000 people. Marcus also has a new Bubbly Sangria, with all varietals sourced from Northern California.

Currently working on his 24th album, “Journi,” Marcus also teaches at Howard University and speaks on entertainment law and intellectual property. In 2023, he was honored with the Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award for Service in his community.

Visit the website FloLifestyle.com to immerse yourself in a whole FLO vibe from wines, to playlists, to mood-setting candles.

Serving up some good news!

While other prices have risen, GreyStone Power is offering a double helping of savings for members:

$12 million in capital credits is coming to members this fall. This money back is tangible evidence of members’ ownership of their electric cooperative.

And those served by GreyStonePower are already enjoying rates that are more than 32% lower than Georgia Power’s.*

These are just a couple of the benefits of being served by a not-for-profit electric cooperative.

Money back. Safe, reliable electricity. That’s definitely good news.

* According to the 2024 summer rate survey by the Georgia Public Service Commission. Based on the average residential use of 1,500 kilowatt-hours (kWh) per month.

whimsical DISCOVER WONDERS

at Georgia Boy Restaurant

ARTICLE BY JUJU RAMOS

At Georgia Boy in Atlanta, the culinary style can be delightfully described as “Willy Wonka-ish.” This enchanting approach to dining, founded by James Beard-nominated Chef Joey Ward, invites guests to embrace a childlike sense of wonder, where nostalgia meets novelty in a delightful dance of flavors. Much like Willy Wonka’s fantastical factory, Georgia Boy is a realm where creativity knows no

bounds, and every dish is a ticket to an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Diners at Michelin-recommended Georgia Boy and its sister restaurant, Southern Belle, will embark on a journey through modern Southern cuisine, reimagined with a twist. Both venues showcase a symphony of unique flavors and tantalizing textures that elevate traditional dishes, offering a refreshing perspective that breaks away from the mundane. Each plate is a canvas, artfully presented to tell a story of creativity and commitment to quality, ensuring that every visit is a culinary celebration.

Complementing the delectable dishes are Georgia Boy’s unique craft cocktails, each one a whimsical creation that tantalizes the taste buds. These inventive libations, crafted with fresh ingredients and imaginative flavors, provide the perfect pairing for the culinary delights and add an extra layer of joy to the dining experience. From vibrant fruit-infused cocktails to smoky concoctions that evoke the spirit of a cozy bonfire, each sip is an adventure in itself.

For aspiring culinary creators, an essential piece of advice rings true from owner Chef Joey, “Never take yourself too seriously. The kitchen should be a sanctuary of joy and innovation, where spontaneous experiments can lead to delightful discoveries.” This philosophy reflects the spirit of Willy Wonka, who embraced whimsy and playfulness, reminding everyone that culinary creations can be both enchanting and profound.

Looking to the future, Chef Joey is excited to unveil his next ambitious project—a plantdominant, live-fire cooking concept set to debut next year. This bold venture will spotlight the beauty of fresh, seasonal ingredients while celebrating the art of cooking over open flames, creating a captivating dining experience that ignites the senses.

As Chef Joey’s childhood hero Roald Dahl wisely stated, “Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.” At Georgia Boy, guests are warmly invited to believe in the magic of food, community, and unforgettable dining experiences. With every dish and drink crafted to perfection, Georgia Boy and its sister restaurant elevate Atlanta’s dynamic culinary scene, infusing it with artful excitement that transforms dining into an unforgettable celebration of creativity and flavor.

For more information, visit GeorgiaBoyATL.com. 1043 Ponce De Leon Ave. NE Atlanta, Georgia 30306

Telephone: 404.698.3961 info@georgiaboyatl.com

Accessed through Southern Belle restaurant

From Kitchen to National Stage

CHEF DEB VANTREACE’S JOURNEY OF CULINARY PASSION AND RESILIENCE

ARTICLE BY JASMINE TIFFANY

For Chef Deb VanTreace, the kitchen is more than just a place to prepare food, it’s a space filled with memories, love, and a deep sense of homage. As the owner of several successful restaurants, including Oreatha’s at the Point, Chef Deb’s culinary journey is a testament to her passion and dedication to her craft.

Oreatha’s at the Point isn’t just another restaurant in the heart of Atlanta; it’s a tribute to Chef Deb’s mother, Oreatha, who passed away but left an indelible mark on her life. “Oreatha is my mom’s name,” she explains. “I wanted to do something to pay homage to her and to all mothers. As chefs, people often ask us who inspired us, and for me, my mother was my first chef. She provided food and nourishment when we were growing up. If it wasn’t for her and the female figures in my family, spending time with them in the kitchen, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Her culinary style is a beautiful blend of her family’s traditions and her own unique twist. “The cuisine at Oreatha’s is based on the recipes passed down from my family, but with my southern twist on them. We run dishes like Indian with a southern twist,” Chef Deb shares, highlighting her creativity and respect for her roots.

Running multiple restaurants is no small feat, and Chef Deb is the first to acknowledge the challenges that come with it. “There’s always something happening—a walk-in freezer breaks down, or someone doesn’t show up for work. There are always moving pieces with everything I’m doing,” she admits. Despite these obstacles, she remains optimistic and grounded. “The reward is in being able to use the gift God gave me, creating good food, and touching many people with my food. It’s fulfilling for me to know that I am contributing to the marketplace and the livelihood of my staff, just making sure they’re okay and being a sounding board.”

Her role extends beyond her restaurants as she also partners with the American Express Centurion Lounge at the airport, a venture that presents a different kind of challenge. “The lounge has so many moving pieces, and it’s definitely different because I don’t have 100% control over it, which I’m thankful for sometimes,” she says with a laugh. “We serve up to 3,000 people daily, providing recipes that can keep up with that workload. Every day it’s like a world stage and having the opportunity to teach so many people from different places is a dream come true.”

Looking ahead, Chef Deb is excited about the future and the evolving dining landscape. “We have to keep creating, but I think we’re getting into an era where people are looking for comfort and confidence. We try to balance creativity with comfort, and you’ll see a lot more experimentation with cuts of meat, balancing inflation in difficult times,” she reflects. “After COVID, we all learned some lessons, and we have to be willing to constantly adapt to what’s going on in the world.”

“I am always looking for ways to brand and market myself. In a few days, I will be on national TV, sharing some of my tricks and philosophies on food, and I am so looking forward to this!”

“We try to balance creativity with comfort, and you’ll see a lot more experimentation with cuts of meat, balancing inflation in difficult times.”

Chef Deb’s journey is not just about food; it’s about resilience, creativity, and community. With a new cooking show premiering soon, she’s excited to share her philosophies on food with a national audience. “I am always looking for ways to brand and market myself. In a few days, I will be on national TV, sharing some of my tricks and philosophies on food, and I am so looking forward to this!”

Follow Chef Deb VanTreace on social media @chefdebvantreace to keep up with her latest culinary adventures and to learn more about her restaurants. Her story is a powerful reminder that with passion, dedication, and a little creativity, anything is possible.

Changing

World

CHEF Kitura

A RECIPE FOR HEIRLOOM TOMATO SALAD

Chef Kitura’s journey as a celebrity chef and food stylist in the vibrant metro Atlanta area is deeply rooted in her passion and love for cooking that she inherited from her grandmother. For over 18 years, she balanced her love for catering with a full-time career as an Executive Assistant, supporting C-level executives. But when she lost employment twice within 5 years, she became a full-time Personal Chef and launched her business, All About the Minis.

The proud author of Grandma's Handz , a short story and recipe book that celebrates the legacy of family and flavor, Chef Kitura’s "Love My Everything" seasoning line has been a labor of love, with the Boujee and Feisty seasonings now available for purchase. “I’m thrilled to introduce the newest addition to my product line, ‘The Vault,’ a recipe journal crafted to safeguard your most flavorful secrets,” she says.

Heirloom Tomato Salad

• 1/2 lb fresh okra, stemmed and halved lengthwise

• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• Grilled ear corn

• 1 medium/large ripe heirloom tomato, cut into 1/2inch wedges

• 1 cup - fresh cut pineapple

• 2 radishes, thinly sliced

• 1 shallot, thinly sliced

• 2 Tbsp fresh dill leaves

• 2 Tbsp fresh mint leaves

• 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves

Instructions: Combine okra, oil, salt, and pepper to taste in a medium bowl and toss to coat. Heat a medium cast-iron skillet over high heat until hot. Add this mixture in a single layer and cook the okra until dark and lightly charred in spots, about 6 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Cut the kernels off the cob into a large mixing bowl. Add the okra, tomato, peaches, radishes, shallot, dill mint, and parsley and toss to combine. Add the dressing and gently toss. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.

The Dressing

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice

• 1 small garlic clove, grated

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• ¼ tsp sea salt, more to taste freshly ground black pepper

• ½ tsp honey,

• ¼ to 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil

• ½ tsp fresh or dried thyme

Instructions: Whisk together the lemon juice, garlic, mustard, salt, pepper, and honey in a small bowl. Drizzle in the olive oil while whisking until the dressing is emulsified. Alternatively, combine everything in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and shake to combine. If your dressing is too tangy, add more olive oil, to taste.

Contact Chef Kitura!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chefkitura/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chef-kitura/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@allabouttheminis ChefKitura.com

The long-awaited celebration of your favorite small businesses is finally here! The Best of SoFu is back in 2024! Thanks to everyone who nominated and voted for the best businesses in SoFu on our social media outlets!

Best Brunch | Gocha’s Breakfast Bar GOCHASBREAKFASTBAR.COM

Best Bar | Nouveau Bar and Grill NOUVEAUBAR.COM

Best Attorney| Georgia Injury Attorneys GEORGIAINJURYATTORNEYS.COM

Best Doctor | Prestige Healthcare PRESTIGEHEALTHCAREATLANTA.COM

Best City - TIE CITY OF SOUTH FULTON UNION CITY

Best Dentist | Beautiful Smiles SMILESATL.COM

Best Car Dealership | Mercedes Benz (SOUTH ATLANTA) MERCEDESBENXATLANTASOUTH.COM

Best Burger | Brake Pad BRAKEPADATLANTA.COM

Best Pizza | Oz (East Point) OZPIZZA.NET

Best Spa | The Wellness Spot THEWELLNESSSPOTATL.COM

Best Realtor – TIE THE CONTRACT SLAYER APRIL ROGERSON KELLI ADAMS

Best Cigar Lounge | Stanley’s STANLEYSCIGARLOUNGE.COM