Cobb Life Magazine January 2013

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Cobb Life

January/February 2013 Volume 9, Issue 1 EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER

Otis Brumby III GENERAL MANAGER

Lee B. Garrett V.P. ADVERTISING Wade Stephens ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Jay Whorton E D I T O R I A L S TA F F DIRECTOR OF MAGAZINES

Mark Wallace Maguire LAYOUT AND DESIGN

Stacey L. Evans, Mark Wallace Maguire CONTRIBUTORS

Allen Bell, Joan Durbin, Stacey L. Evans, Martha Irvin, Lindsay Field, Michael Pallerino, Nick Pepper, Meredith Pruden, Michael Venezia PHOTOGRAPHER

Reid Traylor PHOTO ASSISTANT

Marti Sacks PROOFREADERS

Beth Poirier, Jennifer Hall, Anna Clark

INDEX OF ADVERTISERS A-1 Insurance 45 Allure Dance Studio 45 Aqua Guard 79 Atlanta Communities 75 Atlanta Fine Homes - Jim Glover 36 Atlanta Kubota 19 Atlanta Lyric Theatre 70 Bernard's Bakery 30 Blackwell's Jewelers 73 Café Vena @ Vinings 45 Carpet Dry Tech 10 Cartersville CVB 61 Celebrations 68 Christian Aid Mission Partnership 59 City of Smyrna 51 Cobb Energy - RAT PACK 69 Cobb Hardware 78 Cochran Shutters 65 Compassionate Care Ministries 37 Cross Fit 44 Cumberland Diamond Exchange 47 Debbie Redford - All Around Atlanta Realty 10 Decorating Den 15 Dermatology Consultants 50 Emory Adventist 35 Expert Carmedics 70 Fabric & Fringe Warehouse 73 Fleming Carpet 29 Fresh N Fit 37 Gaines Park Assisted Living Home 44 Georgia Memorial Park 55 Georgia Symphony Orchestra 59 H & H HVAC 49 Harry Norman 77 Henry's Louisiana Grill 36 Heywood's Provisions 30 Hutcheson Horticulture 75

Inga's Skin and Body Care Salon & Spa 54 J & J Construction 45 Joanna Conyingham 24 Johnson Ferry Baptist 53 Kids R Kids 41 KSU Continuing Education 21, 67 Life Grocery 6 Marietta Hearing 4 Marietta Imaging 13 Marietta Podiatry 24 Mayes Ward - Dobbins Funeral Home 83 Marietta FUMC Weekday Ministry 40 Miracle Method 51 Mt. Bethel Christian School 11 Next Stage Theatre 40 Northside Hospital 5 Northside Sleep Center 18 O'Dell & O'Neal Attorneys 55 Okinawa 77 Parc @ Piedmont 64 Pinnacle Orthopaedics 3 Plastic Surgery Center of the South 74 Robins Realty 49 Roswell Street Baptist 72 Sterling Senior Living 31 Sue Hilton 71 Sundial Plumbing 81 Superior Plumbing 2, 68, 71 The Bottoms Group 7 The Framery 37 The Wild Wing Café 54 Three 13 Salon 57 Vitalogy Medical 45 Wellstar 84 West Cobb Funeral Home 9 White Rabbit 76 Winnwood Retirement 12

A D V E R T I S I N G S TA F F COBB ADVERTISING MANAGER

Becky Opitz ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Stephanie deJarnette, Dawne Edge, Paula Milton, Candace Hallford, Tara Guest, Katelyn Ledford, Liz Ridley GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Beth Poirier, Jennifer Hall, Anna Clark PRODUCTION CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Leigh Hall CIRCULATION DIRECTOR

Matt Heck I N F O R M AT I O N

Cobb Life magazine is published nine times a year by the Marietta Daily Journal and distributed to more than 33,500 homes and businesses.

SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES

To request a copy or to subscribe, visit our website at www.cobblifemagazine.com ADVERTISING

To advertise, contact Wade Stephens at 770.795.4001 SUBMISSIONS

Please send all editorial correspondence to mmaguire@cobblifemagazine.com Follow us on facebook and twitter

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W H AT

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I N S I D E

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ON THE COVER: Elizabeth Chapman of Vinings springs through the air off the Marietta Square.

Chapman is a member of the Georgia Ballet.

departments 14 SPICE Try bison for a lean, mean change of protein 22 WINE Our wine guru answers FAQs 62 TRAVEL We head to Chattanooga and offer you low-cost options abroad

features 16 SQUARE DANCING Cobb’s Georgia Ballet strikes poses in Marietta Square 20 SEARCHING FOR SOLITUDE Can we still find quiet in a wired world?

25 BEST OF COBB Our annual Best Of section showcases your picks

in every issue FROM THE DIRECTOR

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NEWS & NOTEWORTHY

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HIGHLIGHTS

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SCENE

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REFLECTIONS

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FROM THE DIRECTOR

Best of Cobb - Staff Picks 2013 rolls in and with it another Best Of

Cobb issue.

Our staff always enjoys producing these issues. The winners in each category are voted on by you - our readers - and give us a prime opportunity to get a closer pulse on the community.

This year, the votes we received were up a staggering amount from last year and we appreciate your participation.

And while we enjoy profiling your winners, I also want to share some of our staff’s picks. Some of these are more traditional, others a bit more off-the-beaten path, but they are all interesting.

To get things started, here are a few of my picks.

Best kept secret: Cobb’s amazing painters. Thomas Arvid, Robert Meredith, Frank Buckner and William Entrekin are just a few on this list that have gained national reputations. I am especially awed by Entrekin’s gorgeous Wyeth-esque works and his light touch.

Another best kept secret: Life University. After a rough stint about a decade ago regarding accreditation, the university has rebooted and rebounded. It now boasts the world’s largest chiropractic campus, offers several other degrees related to wellness and nutrition and has nationally ranked rugby and basketball teams. It often gets dwarfed by the magnitude of Cobb’s other universities, but is coming on strong and worth checking out.

Best switch up for the taste buds: Shangrilla Bistro.

This oddly placed little restaurant on Johnson Ferry Road in East Cobb will blow your taste buds away with unique cuisine from Tibet and China.

Best improvements: Fairground Street. Though the entire length of the street has not been renovated, the extreme northeast and southeast sections look great and make driving and walking safer. I especially give kudos to the roundabout at the north end which solves quite a bit of confusion and neck aches.

Best cup of coffee for the price: Racetrac.

Best cup of coffee in Cobb: Still waiting on this one. Suggestions?

And here are some from our staff.

Longtime Food Writer Joan Durbin says the best place for a home cook to pick up ideas and how-to kitchen knowledge: Cook’s Warehouse in East Cobb. “A Knife Skills 101 class is essential to improving both efficiency and enjoyment quotient in meal prep.”

For best doughnuts, she said Ray’s. "This little mom-and-pop operation on Canton Road has picked up quite a following for its freshly made goodies. Even the plain cake variety is vastly supe-

rior to chain or supermarket offerings."

Best Mac n’ Cheese: Grand Champion BBQ. “The five cheeses, including smoked gouda, puts this crave-worthy version over the top.”

And Joan’s pick for best veterinarian through good times and bad: Dr. Steve Fairchild, Sprayberry Animal Hospital. “Decent, compassionate and always ready to help you do what’s best for your pet, Steve is my idea of the perfect vet.”

Cobb Life veteran writer and designer Stacey L. Evans’ list: Best place for cycling: Cochran Shoals trail. “This 4mile loop runs parallel to the Chattahoochee River and offers an easy, wide open space for cycling as well as a more challenging route for mountain bikers. It's the perfect escape for stress relief.”

Best place to start getting into shape: Warrior X-fit Kickboxing classes at Atlanta Extreme Warrior in Marietta. The classes combine strength training and cardio with basic kickboxing. Instructor Dave is very knowledgeable and is always willing to offer advice and instruction on simple exercises you can do at home to stay in shape.

Best place to meet up with a friend: Eleanor's, the "secret" bar inside Muss & Turner's in Smyrna. The dimlylit bar with reclaimed wooden walls feels like a speakeasy, especially with the one-way mirrors that peek into M&T's dining room. The drinks and small plates are phenomenal, and the staff is very friendly.

Best new thing about Cobb: Marietta Derby Darlins.

Best place for an oil change: Car Spa on Windy Hill.

The service is always fast, friendly and they have often given helpful advice on car care, as well as offering great deals.

Fashion scribe Meredith Pruden gives a huge thumbs up to: Chicken and the Egg for having the best bottomless mimosas, East Cobb Swim and Tennis as best place to cool down, Rhinoceros East Cobb as best new boutique and Grand Champion BBQ as the best barbecue.

What about you? Do you have a suggestion to make? We love hearing from our readers. Just email us at cobblifemagazine@cobblifemagazine.com.

Best,

Mark Wallace Maguire

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Recently, we have renovated and added a tranquil pavilion which adjoins our spacious family reception room. See why more families are choosing our home, our services and our facilities.

Chris Messina, General Manager

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[arts and culture] American Craft Show returns to Cobb

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Cobb Life January/February 2013

The American Craft Council Show is returning to the Cobb Galleria Centre March 15 to 17 and will feature more than 240 of the nation’s top craft artists presenting handmade jewelry, clothing, furniture and home décor. The show draws nearly 10,000 visitors during its three-day event.

The show takes place Friday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m; Saturday, March 16 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Regular on-site admission is $13 for one day, $20 for a 3-day pass, with a special Friday evening admission of $5 after 5 p.m. American Craft Council members and children 12 and under are admitted free.

Parking is also free at the Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Cobb Galleria Parkway.

Information: craftcouncil.org/atlanta.

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news & noteworthy [things we love] PURE glass bottle Well, they finally figured out how to get that great taste of water in a glass in a portable container.

The PURE Glass bottle combines the pure taste of glass with a permanent clear protective outer coating that is BPA free. The bottles and tops are dishwasher safe and can be used with any beverage you would normally put in a glass. It is coated with a non-toxic and FDA sanctioned material for contact with food. The bottle contains no liner inside, only pure natural glass. You can fill it with any type of drinkable liquid, from apple juice to sports drinks and water and you can literally taste the difference.

It is available at local retail outlets, including Target.

January/February 2013 Cobb Life

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[arts and culture] Opera hopes to name new leadership by spring The Atlanta Opera has retained Genovese Vanderhoof and Associates to conduct the search for its new general director.

The effort launched in December and opera officials hope to be completed by spring 2013. The new general director will succeed Dennis Hanthorn, who resigned as general director in July. The Atlanta Opera is based out of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

[style] Vinings Jubilee adds new tenants Vinings Jubilee, a shopping and dining destination at 4300 Paces Ferry Road, recently announced five new tenants. Designer boutique Hemline, girls’ boutique Snap and interior design store Willow Green are open. Another Broken Egg CafÊ will open in November. Sugarcoat Nail and Beauty Bar are slated to open this winter.

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[food and dining] New coffee and book shop opens in Kennesaw Traders 22, a familyowned and operated coffee shop and book store serving Georgia-roasted coffee, has opened at 2255 Lewis St. across from the Kennesaw Library in downtown Kennesaw.

The shop prides itself on its versatility in attracting clients and its coffee and atmosphere.

More information can be found out about the shop on their facebook page.

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[food and dining] Might we recommend...

A taste of The Honeycomb It's time to think beyond the bear bottle.

Because honey comes in way more forms than just plastic squirt bottles. My favorite?

Honey in the comb, pure and simple.

And yes, the comb is totally safe to eat. People have been keeping bees — and eating the honeycomb — for several thousand years. But first, some honey 101. No, honey is not bee spit. But bee saliva does play a role.

When bees gather nectar from flowers, it is stored in a honey sac inside their bodies. During storage, the bee's saliva mixes with the nectar, which (shocker!) is made mostly from sugar. Enzymes in the salvia convert those sugars into honey.

The honeycomb comes into play when the bee gets back to the hive. The comb itself — a network of hexagonal cylinders — is made from the waxy secretions of worker bees. As these cylinders are filled with honey, they are

Have an item for

News and Noteworthy?

Let us know. Just email us at mmaguire @cobblifemagazine.com.

We’re always looking for news to use in our community!

capped with yet another layer of wax.

The bees do all this to create food for themselves. In fact, for every pound of honey gathered by people, the bees make and consume another eight.

Honey processors typically gather these wax combs, crush them and run them through a centrifuge to extract the liquid honey. But increasingly, you can find tubs of unbroken honeycomb at grocers and farmers markets. It's golden and waxy and sticky and the easiest way to extract it from the tub usually is a fork or spoon.

Honeycomb is totally worth seeking out. Kids love it. It looks cool. It tastes great.

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BY J.M. HIRSCH PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ASSOCIATED PRESS

LEAN, SAVORY PROTEIN Nothing says "Yum!" like a bit of nomenclatural confusion... Especially with a side of near extinction.

But that's what you get once you venture down the culinary path with bison, an alternative red meat that is showing up at more and more grocers nationwide. And these massive shaggy creatures are such a delicious — and good for us — meat, it's worth sorting it all out.

So let's start with the name. The critter you know as the American buffalo (yes, of rolling plains and Native American fame) really isn't a buffalo at all. Turns out there are only a few types of buffalo in the world (including the Asian water

buffalo and African Cape buffalo). The American buffalo (technically a bison) is more closely related to your run-ofthe-mill cow.

Still, people tend to use the terms interchangeably and we're not going to get too bent out of shape over it.

Once, bison were hunted to near extinction. But they've made a pretty good turnaround and these days are raised primarily for consumption. Why do you care? Because bison meat (which is raised without hormones or antibiotics) can be incredibly tender and flavorful, with a sweet, rich beefy flavor.

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It also happens to be amazingly lean, packing fewer calories and less fat than beef and even skinless chicken.

That low-fat profile comes with a price, however. Like any lean meat, bison has a tendency to cook quickly, so quickly that it's easy to overcook it. And that is why bison has a reputation for being tough. It isn't. If you have bison that is tough, that just means it was over-cooked.

Though bison is available in most of the same cuts as traditional beef, the most common varieties at grocers are ground and steaks. We'll stick with those.

You can use bison much as you would beef. The trick is to modify the cooking method (rather than the flavors or other ingredients) to account for the leanness.

When cooking ground bison, it's best to work in some sort of liquid flavor to keep the meat moist. This might mean eggs or tomato paste for a meatloaf, or some sort of pan sauce or gravy if you are browning it in a skillet. That also makes it ideal for meatballs simmered in sauce or for using in chili.

For bison steaks, think fast and furious.

Season them, then pop them under the broiler or on the grill for just a few minutes per side.

SEARED BISON WITH SAGE AND GNOCCHI Start to finish: 15 minutes Servings: 6 1 pound package gnocchi pasta 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced Pinch red pepper flakes 1 1/2 pounds bison steak, thinly sliced across the grain 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Salt and ground black pepper Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking water, then drain the gnocchi and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium-high, heat the oil. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes, then saute the garlic for 30 seconds.

Add the steak and sear on each side for about 1 minute. Don't crowd the pan or the steak with steam rather than sear. If needed, work in batches.

Once the steak is seared, add the sage and cooked gnocchi. Cook for 30 seconds, then add the Parmesan. Drizzle in just enough of the reserved cooking water to form a sauce with the melted cheese. Toss, then season with salt and pepper.

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S

quare dance photography by Reid Traylor

We captured GEORGIA BALLET DANCERS as they added a little magic to the Marietta Square with gravity-defying dance moves.

Above, Elizabeth Chapman balances on a chair. Right, Abby McDowell-Hyatt leaps down the street. Opposite page, Abby McDowell-Hyatt floats near the fountain.

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Left, Ashleyanne Hensley stretches.

Right, Amanda Farris strikes a pose in the park. The Georgia Ballet will have a Swirling Soiree Jan. 25 at The Murray Arts Center. For more information, visit www.georgiaballet.org.

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BY MARTHA IRVIN

Can true solitude be found in a When was the last time you were alone, and unwired? Really, truly by yourself. Just you and your thoughts — no cellphone, no tablet, no laptop.

Many of us crave that kind of solitude, though in an increasingly wired world, it's a rare commodity.

We check texts and emails, and update our online status, at any hour — when we're lying in bed or sitting at stop lights or on trains.

Sometimes, we even do so when we're on the toilet.

We feel obligated, yes. But we're also fascinated with this connectedness, constantly tinkering and checking in — an obsession that's starting to get pushback from a small but growing legion of tech users who are feeling the need to unplug and get away.

"What might have felt like an obligation at first has become an addiction. It's almost as if we don't know how to be alone, or we are afraid of what we'll find when we are alone with ourselves," says Camille Preston, a tech

and communication consultant based in Cambridge, Mass.

"It's easier to keep doing, than it is to be in stillness."

One could argue that, in this economy, it's wise to be constantly wired — to stay on top of things, to please the boss. Preston knows people who get up in the middle of the night to see if their boss has sent them an email.

But she and others also see more hints of limit-setting going on, this movement of solitude-seekers with roots in the technology industry, ironically enough.

"When I think about truly disconnecting, I look to my truly techy friends," says Cathy Davidson, a Duke University professor who co-directs the school's PhD Lab in Digital Knowledge.

Those friends, she says, take long, unwired vacations and set "away messages" telling people to write back after they return. "And they stick to it," Davidson says, wishing she could do the same.

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"They've come up with a socially acceptable convention for their own absence from the world of technology and everybody recognizes it."

One organization called Reboot has started the Sabbath Manifesto, a call to unplug one day a week to find solitude — or to simply take a day of rest with family and friends.

Bigger corporations, some outside the tech industry, are starting to catch on to this type of limit-setting.

To encourage work-life balance, Volkswagen shuts off mobile email in Germany 30 minutes after employees' shifts end and turns it back on 30 minutes before their next shift starts.

Google, Nike and the Huffington Post, among others, provide space for employees to take naps, or to meditate. The idea is that employees who take time to themselves to reenergize will be more productive.

John Cacioppo, a University of Chicago psychologist, thinks there might just be something to that.

He has spent much of his career tackling the topic of loneliness and isolation, which researchers have proven can affect humans adversely, all the way down to gene expression.

"Feeling ignored sparks feelings of loneliness," says Cacioppo, director of the University of Chicago's Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience.

But getting away, he says — "that's the opposite of being lonely."

It's time that you take by choice, Cacioppo says. So while the cognitive effects are still being studied, he says it's very likely that that type of solitude is good for the brain.

Dan Rollman had little doubt of that when he and a few others from Reboot, a group of Jewish "thought leaders," gathered in 2009. That's when they created the Sabbath Manifesto, inspired by the traditional Jewish sabbath, but aimed at people from any background who are encouraged to unplug one day — any day — of the week.

The idea came to Rollman when he found himself craving a simpler time, when stores closed on Sundays and life slowed down.

"I knew I wanted a day of rest," says Rollman, who is CEO of the company RecordSetter.com.

The Manifesto — described as "a creative project designed to slow down lives in an increasingly hectic world" — has 10 principles.

They are suggestions ranging from "avoid technology" and "connect with loved ones" to "get outside," ''drink wine" and "find silence."

To help with this, the organization has created "The Undo List" — an email that arrives Friday afternoons "with ideas for conversation topics, readings, local outings and creative endeavors to ease the time away from technology and help make the day better."

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January/February 2013 Cobb Life

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BY MICHAEL VENEZIA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK WALLACE MAGUIRE AND COBB LIFE ARCHIVES

wine F.A.Q. During the holiday season I attend several social gatherings which are not always related to my professional link to the trade, I am often asked about wine. I thought it would be worthwhile for me to pose several frequently asked wine questions with my educated responses. In 2013, look for other FAQ’s or send me your wine questions at mvenezia@uniteddistinc.com

1)Do all wines improve with age?

No. Most of the wines produced around the world are technically ready to drink when they are bottled and do not require further aging. By in large, young whites, delicate roses and sparkling wines are best consumed in their youth when they are at their freshest. Always seek recent vintages. For whites 2010 and 2011 are in the market and in the spring many 2012 will be released. Some wines “mature” or evolve with additional bottle or cellar aging. Vintage Ports, distinguished Bordeaux, great Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon and several other red wines from vineyards in Italy, Spain and many other regions. However most are produced for immediate gratification. Enjoying a red 2 to 5 years after the vintage will rarely disappoint. Remember a winery website will provide you with suggested drinking windows for cellar selections.

2)Are all Rieslings sweet?

Hardly. Most of the world’s Riesling is produced in a dry style or as the Germans say “troken”. Some of the world’s most delicious and rare wines are produced from exceptionally ripe special berry select Rieslings from the Rhine and Mosel River region of Germany. Although they are very sweet they also possess high acidity which nicely balances the wine’s character. The French region of Alsace produces the most acclaimed dry Riesling and Washington’s Columbia Valley makes a dramatic range from bone dry to wonderfully sweet styles.

Chateau Ste. Michelle has printed on the back label of their Riesling wines a user-friendly guide educating the consumer on the degree of sweetness in the wine they are about to purchase.

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3) What are sulfites and the government warning on the wine label?

Federal labeling law requires the words “contains sulfites” to appear on wine labels. Most producers print it on the back label. Fermentation produces several distinct chemical reactions in addition to the creation of ethanol (alcohol). Sulfur dioxide is a natural by product of fermentation and is therefore found in all wines. The appearance of sulfur dioxide is Mother Nature’s way of preventing bacterial growth and keeps the wine from spoilage.

4) What are the major constituents of wine?

Wine is fermented fruit juice and the world’s fine wines are produced from a specific genus and species of grapes called vitis vinifera. For several thousand years this grape has flourished throughout the world and the beverages impact on western civilization cannot be overlooked. At more than 80%, the principal constituent of wine is water with alcohol a distance second, at a range usually between 6% and 15%. We then can count a wide variety of acids, sugars, vitamins, minerals, aromatic compounds, antioxidants and calories which are all contained in this ancient beverage.

5) How important is latitude in determining a region’s potential for producing great wine?

Above and below the equator the earth is defined in latitudinal zones which are referred to as “wine belts.”

50 to 30 degress latitude is a sweet spot above the equator and Washington, Oregon, California as well as the European countries of France, Italy, Spain and all of the Mediterranean zone are located in this prime location. In the southern hemisphere between 50 and 30 degrees latitude also provides great wine regions such as Chile, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and Australia in combination with sites specific geology and proper climate conditions, these latitudes can be the home of great vintages.

6) What is decanting and why is that practice suggested?

The removing of wine from its original bottle and pouring it into another vessel is called decanting. Why decant? If your decanter is made of crystal the wines color will be enhanced and it will be offered in a more esthetically pleasing way. Young reds such as cabernet sauvignon will benefit from this aeration and will soften the wines texture and accelerate its ability to share its aroma. Some older wines such as vintage port aged for several years will clearly need to be decanted.

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A record number of you voted this year for your Best Of Cobb. And while the results were overwhelming and, at some times, close, there can be only one winner in each category. We hope you enjoy reading our profiles on these interesting people and businesses.

By Joan Durbin, Stacey L. Evans, Mark Wallace Maguire, Michael Pallerino and Meredith Pruden Photography by Reid Traylor

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BEST OF COBB

It is really no surprise that our readers singled out Canoe as the best place for fine dining.

Nowhere else do exceptional food, casually elegant ambiance and outstanding service blend quite as well as they do at this Vinings landmark. Chef Carvel Grant Gould and General Manager Vincent Palermo have been with Canoe since it opened in 1995, and they are an integral component of the restaurant’s enduring reputation for excellence.

“For both of us, it’s personal,” Palermo said. “We want guests to experience great things. I strive for good memories.”

Set directly on the Chattahoochee River, with its subdued lighting, wood, copper and slate, Canoe has the look of a highend establishment. There are even white linens, which traditionally have been a hallmark of an upscale dining experience.

But Canoe is anything but stuffy. On any given night, you can see guests in everything from sport jackets to jeans, all getting friendly, attentive service in a relaxed atmosphere.

“There used to be a lot of theatre in old school fine dining, but that’s gone by the wayside,” Gould said. “Today I think people want to be treated like a guest in your home.”

The food that comes from Gould’s kitchen has garnered con-

sistent raves. The care she gives to even the smallest detail is evident.

“This is a full scratch house. We make absolutely everything here,” she affirmed.

Her emphasis on fresh, top notch ingredients cooked with finesse and flair continues to put Canoe’s cuisine in the upper echelons of metro Atlanta’s finest, without succumbing to culinary trendiness.

“Trendy is an accessory,” Palermo said. “We are the embodiment of classic.”

Above, from left, Vincent Palermo, general Canoe manager and Matt 4199 Paces Ferry Road, SE Bradford, Vinings Wine Director.

Opposite page, 770.432.2663 tender roasted www.canoeatl.com lamb.

Best Fine Dining

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BEST OF COBB

Since 2001, Silver Comet Depot has been “getting more people on bicycles” and onto the adjacent Silver Comet Trail. Owner Arno Wood, who worked his way up through the ranks at Silver Comet Depot following a career in the automotive industry, purchased the business from its founder in 2004.

“I wanted to use my skills to do something a little more productive,” Wood said of his decision to change careers. “I’ve always been a cyclist, and I’ve always enjoyed making people happy.”

Wood’s passion for cycling, and for people, is contagious at the Depot, where they rent and sell bikes of all types and sizes. From comfort hybrid bikes meant for recreational cruising to high performance models made for speed, Silver Comet Depot has just about anything anyone might need to hit the Trail (or the neighborhood streets) in style.

“We’re here to provide services to folks who want to ride the Silver Comet Trail or anywhere else,” Arno said. “Cycling is a wonderful sport and great for the family too.”

Silver Comet Depot offers professional fitting by its highly qualified staff with all bicycle purchases and even has a trade up program for the kids. It’s that customer centric mentality and home town shop feel that snagged Best Bike Shop for Silver Comet Depot.

Owner Arno Wood shows off his personal bike near the shop on the Silver Comet Trail.

Best Bike Shop Silver Comet Depot 4342 Floyd Rd., Mableton 678.945.6084 www. silvercometdepot.com

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BEST OF COBB

Best Garden Accessories Whimsical Nest 800 Whitlock Ave., Marietta, 770.420.9444 Search them on Facebook Ever changing and always unique, Marietta’s Whimsical Nest was a shoe in for this year’s Best Garden Accessories. Owner Lisa Zempel began her business out of her home nearly five years ago but it wasn’t long before she was approached by the Avenues of West Cobb to open a temporary storefront. “We started there but a national retailer came in on a longterm lease in our spot,” Zempel said. “That’s when I found our current space.”

These days Whimsical Nest calls Burnt Hickory Village Shopping Center home, and Zempel ensures a huge variety of merchandise is constantly in stock with three deliveries per week all year long. “I shop from big names all the way down to mom and pops,” she said. “I’m searching all the time to find new things no one else has.” And, with as many as 70 different brands in the store on an annual basis, it’s no wonder she has so many repeat and referral customers.

Although they carry gift items like Spartina handbags, Lollia bath products and Rewined candles, Whimsical Nest focuses on home decor and garden accessories with a special emphasis on seasonal items. “We change with every single season,” Zempel said. “So you’ll always find a lot of seasonal items in the store.”

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BEST OF COBB Director of Golf Stephen Keppler.

The 14th hole at the Marietta Country Club is one of director of golf Stephen Keppler’s favorites. That is, if you like your holes a little challenging.

“This hole is the quintessential ‘risk/reward’ par 5. It can be played safe with a 3 wood or short iron, or you can try and thread your driver down this narrow fairway. If you can avoid the trees on both sides of the fairway, you can reach the green in two strokes. But you must beware of the lake surrounding three sides of the green.”

And there you have it.

Set on historic Civil War era farmland, and designed by noted architect Robert Cupp, the 14th is just one of the 27 holes the championship course features. If it that’s not enough of an enticement, you can take in the view of historic Kennesaw Mountain at virtually every hole.

“It’s a course that you never get tired of playing,” Keppler says.

And there’s more. Along with a large driving range, practice chipping and putting area and pro shop, the Club features a tennis building, 12 tennis courts (hard and clay surfaces, and an aquatic center with a 25-meter, six-lane pool and children’s pool.

Best Golf Course

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Cobb Life January/February 2013

Marietta Country Club 1400 Marietta Country Club Drive, NW Kennesaw 770.426.7084 www.mariettacountryclub.org

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Best Festival

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BEST OF COBB

Taste of Marietta www.tasteofmarietta.com

Though it has been around for many years, the annual Taste of Marietta shows no sign of waning.

And that is confirmed by our readers' votes this year making this event again the Best Festival in Cobb County.

The event, which drew over 70,000 residents last year, is the longest running and largest food festival in Cobb County. Always held the last Sunday in April in the historic Marietta Square, the event features over 70 restaurants, kids activities and other entertainment.

The event is a project of the Marietta Welcome Center & Visitors Bureau in conjunction with the city of Marietta.

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Best Dessert Miss Mamie’s Cupcakes, Cakes and Such 156 Roswell Street, Marietta www.missmamiescupcakes.com 678.290.9811

M

Mamie Doyle has managed to capture perfection in a fluffy, 4inch form. The cupcake queen’s creations are royally delightful.

How good are the cupcakes? So good that customers go into an addict fit if their favorite flavor isn’t available. (That’s why they now carry 20 flavors a day). Good enough to beat out the competition and win Cupcake Wars, a Food Network show that pits four of the country’s top cupcake bakers against each other in challenges until only one decorator remains. So good that last year Marietta mayor Steve Tumlin proclaimed March 25 as Miss Mamie’s Day in the city. And so good that when I drop in for a treat at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, they’re almost all sold out and I’m ready to fight the van full of church ladies that just pulled up and are voraciously eyeing the remainders.

Three recipes form the basis of the dozens of flavors. Then Doyle’s artistic background is added to the mix, resulting in unusual, creative and downright tasty cupcakes that are also ‘oh so pretty.’ Crowd favorites tend more along the classic gourmet—chocolate peanut butter, strawberry and red velvet cheesecake—with the addition of chocolate cake with beer. Yep, that’s right. Doyle uses Guinness or local Red Hare Brewery’s Watership Brown beer in place of other liquids for the popular treat. Doyle’s current favorite is coconut lemon. Mine is the rich and decadent S’more. It’s chocolate on chocolate, topped with a gooey marshmallow filling, graham wedge and Hershey rectangle. It is divine. It’s one of those things you dream about on dreary days, knowing its magical taste will bring instant cheer.

In addition to the staples, there are seasonal

flavors. Sweet potato, pumpkin and caramel spiced apple grace the display case in Autumn. In the winter, gingerbread, peppermint, chai tea and eggnog are the highlights. And at Miss Mamie’s you’ll also find the unique: Bacon cupcakes make an occasional appearance.

How did the cupcake queen come to be? It was almost by fate. The Michigan native was an art major in college, but undecided in a career. A summer bakery job stirred something within her, and led her to Le Cordon Bleu in Atlanta. She settled in Marietta and for her internship, found a nearby bakery, which was also for sale. The last day of her six-week internship was her first day as a business owner. Her brother Ross Doyle came in as co-owner and handles the business side of things.

Just three years later, Mamie’s is selling over 2,000 cupcakes a week.

What makes cupcakes so popular?

“Cupcakes are all the rage because even a down economy people still feel the need to spoil themselves and with cupcakes, it’s a $3 option and people are still able to do that,” said Doyle. “Also, they’ve come a long way. We do have traditional cupcakes but you can also make them extremely gourmet. We have a basil-peach cupcake now, which is a basil cake with peach jam and ricotta cheese. You can make them really sophisticated. I think that’s why we won Cupcake Wars, our flavors compared to our competitors were a little more gourmet.”

Though Miss Mamie’s was successful before Cupcake Wars, winning on the show tripled her business, Doyle said.

“I knew tons of people watched the show but I had no idea what it was going to do for our business. The town of Marietta has definitely embraced having us here. It feels great, especially not being from Marietta,” she said.

In addition to cupcakes, Miss Mamie’s also sells mini cakes, caramel apples, parfaits and makes event cakes to order.

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Mamie Doyle with her popular Cheesecake cupcakes. Opposite page from left: Peanut Butter, S’more, Turtle and Strawberry cupcakes.

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BEST OF COBB Best Salon Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique 2663 Canton Road, Marietta 770.426.0313 http://three-13.com

Top, hairdresser Collie cuts Woodstock resident Marcus Bagwell’s hair. Above, Bailey Long of Alpharetta gets styled by Natasha Updegrove of Marietta.

From left, Lester and Marian Cromwell with Tony Lacey.

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The numbers tell the story at Three-13 Salon, Spa & Boutique, revealing why it was voted hands down the best salon in Cobb County. With a client database of over 45,000; 100 employees servicing about 1,800 clients a week in a 13,000 square foot building, Three-13 are giants in the Cobb salon world. Yet despite its massive size, the company manages to have a friendly and family atmosphere.

Three-13 was born 39 years ago, when owners Lester and Marian Crowell and Tony Lacey who worked at a salon together, decided collectively they had the right mix of business acumen and flair for hair. The salon and spa has won numerous awards, including being a three-time winner and 11-time nominee for the coveted North American Hairdresser of the Year (NAHA).

When I ask Tony and Lester for words that describe their salon, they toss out “hip, upbeat, fashion-forward, trendy.”

Three-13 is all of those things, and more, but I think an important element in the mix is the friendly atmosphere. Despite their lofty accomplishments, the team is extremely down to earth. Three-13 feels like a place that you won’t meet a stranger in; where you can kick back, relax and fully enjoy the pampering. It may be Three-13’s cutting-edge style that reels in customers, but it’s the welcoming vibe that keeps them coming back. And although trendy may be their forte, they are just as adept at traditional styles and serving all ages.

Customer Jayne Rohling of Kennesaw has been visiting the salon for over 25 years.

“Being a mother of five, this has helped me be a better mom,” Rohling says of how the salon is a refuge to ease stress. For every important family event, she has relied on Three-13 to ensure her family members are looking their best.

“Every major event we start here,” said Rohling. “My daughter came here for all of her bridal needs. She keeps remembering what a stress-free day she had.”

Generations of her family gather for a spa party every so often. “I’m looking forward to bringing my granddaughter, who is two, to the next one,” she said.

In keeping with the family-based atmosphere, the Three-13 team has a strong charitable, community-oriented focus. In addition to hosting the Angels of Life Hair and Fashion Show, which benefits the Georgia Transplant Foundation (Lester is a transplant recipient), the salon has fundraisers or takes up collections from employees and clients almost monthly, donating to organizations or events such as Cobb’s Stuff-A-Bus.

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Three-13 has a price range for every pocketbook.

Among services offered: HAIRDRESSING: Unique and classic hair cuts, styling specialty finishes, bridal, wedding and prom updos and human and synthetic hair extensions.

HAIR TECHNICAL: Hair color, foiling, highlights, lowlights, full and partial baylage, hi lift blonding, texturizing, perming, body waves and thermal straightening.

SPA: Facials, waxing, nails, massage and body treatments.

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Best Spa Satoria Boutique & Spa 800 Whitlock Avenue NW, Marietta www.satoriaboutique.com 770.429.8307 Though his boutique has taken over much of his business, residents still give a nod to the spa at Tony Hoops’ Satoria as the best in Cobb. Perhaps it’s his immense knowledge and care that lets clients know they will get the utmost treatment in massage and facials. Hoops is passionate when it comes skincare and the beauty products he carries in the boutique and spa. Only organic, natural products stock the shelves at Satoria, and he advocates using such products for a healthier lifestyle.

“All natural is the way to go,” he says. “It’s very important. We

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preach that a lot here.”

Hoops’ background as an entertainer carries over into his personality as a boutique and spa owner—he’s charming and approachable.

“Customer service is everything,” said the singer who has worked with stars such as Dolly Parton, Elton John and Jasmine Guy. “Customers see me as a friend, not a store owner.”

In addition to a wide array of facials and massages, Satoria offers waxing, make-up applications and microcurrent facial and body sculpting.

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BEST OF COBB

Struggling artists by night; successful attorneys by day. It’s a strategy that works for aspiring musicians Bert Reeves and David Willingham.

You may know them as The Goodbye Machine. Reeves, an attorney with Garrett McNatt Hennessey & Carpenter 360 in Marietta, and David Willingham, an assistant district attorney in Cobb County, first hit the Marietta music scene in 2010, when they stepped on stage for a gig at The Earl Smith Strand Theatre. Since then, the duo have been dolling out an eclectic mix of covers. How eclectic? Their two most popular covers are an acoustic version of Britney Spears’ “Hit Me Baby One More Time,” and the Guns & Roses’ classic “Patience.”

“We try to play fun songs that people like to hear, but not necessarily conventional acoustic cover band standards,” Reeves says. “We sell ourselves on the fact that we can adjust to any event and make it better, from a rowdy bar crowd to background music at a fundraiser.”

This past summer, they played the “Summer of Blue Skies Music Festival” at the Mable House Amphitheatre in Mableton.

“We truly felt legitimate and accomplished to play there,” Reeves says. “Even if we are just a small town act, it is a dream to do what we are doing.”

With some original material on tap, The Goodbye Machine plans to cut a CD in the near future. Until then, if you have a request, catch them at one of their two favorite local haunts, The Strand or Johnnie MacCracken’s.

Bert Reeves, left, and David Willingham at the Blue Skies Concert this summer.

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BEST OF COBB

NORTH COBB OR R NEW YORK K

William Entrekin’s paintings may hang in galleries across the globe, but he is just as happy painting from his home in Acworth.

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Best Artist William Entrekin www.williamentrekinartist.com

As a child, William Entrekin spent hours drawing.

That was until his aunt gave him a paint by numbers set.

His artistic direction changed again after he met an old artist named Richard Sturges, who mentored Entrekin in the finer art of painting.

These days, Entrekin finds most of his inspiration in the sights and sounds surrounding his Acworth home. For example, his latest piece is a large egg tempera of the old Acworth depot, which years ago was cut in half and moved to where it stands today.

“My work comes from the heart,” Entrekin says. “I need to be moved by something – knocked off my feet before I can start painting. If I could just do one painting that conveys the feeling that I have, I would be a happy camper.”

One of his most cherished pieces was sold at Christie’s in New York City.

“To think that my work was hanging with some of the great American masters was a great compliment.”

This year, some 40 pieces of Entrekin’s work from the 1970s to the present will be honored with a major exhibit at The Morris Museum Of Art in Augusta, May 11 through July 21.

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BEST OF COBB

Saddle up for the super-sized

burgers at

RED EYED MULE

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Co-owner Sabra Wessel of Acworth is excited about the honor and it shows. Opposite page: The Sloppy Slaw Burger features seven ounces of black angus ground chuck served on buttered and grilled Texas Toast and also features chilli, cheese and cold slaw.

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BEST OF COBB

Best Burger The Red Eyed Mule 1405 Church Street Extension Marietta 678.809.4546 www.thered eyedmule.com

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1740 Old 41 Highway Kennesaw, Georgia

It’s small, unassuming and is in an industrial area off the beaten path. But if you’re a burger fan, The Red Eyed Mule is definitely worth seeking out.

The burgers here are without peer. Owners Joe Wood and Sabra Wessel start with Black Angus chuck in a mix of 81 percent lean and 19 percent fat. The meat is seasoned with kosher salt, pepper and “six or seven” other spices that are a Mule secret.

Hand formed into a ball then hand-pressed flat, the sixounce patties sizzle on a flat top before being plopped on buttered and grilled Texas toast. Customers can choose from three cheeses and other goodies for toppings.

But for a gustatorial pleasure bomb, it’s the Sloppy Slaw Burger. Oozing with a chili-like concoction of ground beef and chorizo sausage called Sloppy Jimmy, melted sharp cheddar and a slaw of red and green cabbage, carrot and a rice vinegar and mayo dressing, it’s savory, juicy and completely satisfying .

“You get that sweet from the slaw, some heat from the chorizo, and the sharp cheese cuts into the heartiness of the beef,” Wessel said.

Be warned: this is at least a six-napkin meal. Marietta resident and culinary connoisseur Alton Brown gave the Jake’s Sloppy Slaw a shout-out on Food Network on the “Messy” segment of “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” The Mule offers other specialty burgers, too. Another standout is the Sassy Senorita, which sports chargrilled jalapenos, applewood smoked bacon and Sloppy Jimmy on one of the beef patties.

Open Monday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch, The Red Eyed Mule is a cash-only establishment.

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There is something magnetic about Audrey Waters.

It’s the smile on her lips, the sparkle in her eyes, the way she makes you feel as though whatever you are saying is one of the most fascinating things she has heard all day.

Her personality is the major reason this year’s Best Bartender got her job, said Chicken and the Egg owner and chef Marc Taft.

“When she was hired she had zero experience. But she came across as very warm. You just instantly liked her,” Taft said. “She picked up the skills really fast, and pretty soon she started filling up the bar.”

A little more than a year ago Waters was the manager of a team of Ultimate Fighting Championship mixed martial arts fighters. But her love of one-on-one interaction with people prompted her to consider a career change.

“I went out on a limb, and here I am,” she said with a smile from behind the polished bar

at the restaurant.

In her view, aside from being proficient at the tricks of the trade, what makes a bartender good “is being able to adjust to different types of people and know how to crack a good joke.”

She said she’s “pretty traditional as far as my drinks, but the thing I enjoy most is making something like a gimlet and putting a little twist of my own in it.”

As most bartenders do, Waters hears a lot of stories from her customers, including some that are not entirely happy.

“If I can stand there and talk to them and make them feel better about their situation I will do it. But I don’t want them dwelling on it so I will give them an opportunity to change their attitude by seeing something positive,” she said.

“She’s an old school bartender,” Taft said.

“She listens and makes people forget their troubles before they leave.”

Best Bartender Audrey Waters Chicken and the Egg 800 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta 678.388.8813 www.chickand theegg.com

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Thousands of folks enjoy the mountain each year, including these hikers. From left, Mellisa Worley of Kennesaw, Leigh Ann Rapp of Marietta and Liza Monroe of Marietta.

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If mountains could talk…well, this one could tell a story.

Kennesaw Mountain, one of Cobb’s and metro Atlanta’s icons, stretches over 1,800 feet towards the heavens and has a history and legacy as rich as the fertile soil at its base.

No one knows how far back in time this mountain has been used by local inhabitants or what groups of people have gathered there. Some records date back to 900 AD when the ancestors of the Creek people lived on the mountain.

Through the years, the mountain has seen its share of changes. Most notably, in recent history, Kennesaw Mountain was the site of the Battle of Kennesaw Mountain during the 1864 Atlanta Campaign of the American Civil War, in which the Union forces of General William Tecumseh Sherman launched a bloody frontal attack on the Confederate Army of Tennessee, which was commanded by General Joseph E. Johnston.

That battle became significant in Civil War history. More than 60,000 soldiers were killed, wounded or captured during the battle. Afterwards, Sherman began his bloody assault on Atlanta and the rest of the South.

Later, in the 1930s, the mountain and its surroundings were carved out into a national battlefield park where today thousands of people take advantage of the trails to enjoy the beauty each year.

Best Old Thing Kennesaw Mountain January/February 2013 Cobb Life

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BEST OF COBB

Food truck phenom

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The food truck phenomenon was a little late in coming to Cobb, but when it did, it spread like wildfire. In 2012, folks who didn’t want to make the trek into Atlanta to enjoy the diverse menus served from a mobile kitchen could suddenly get the full food truck experience much closer to home.

Cobb also proudly became home base for some of the newest entries in the food truck line up, such as Happy Belly and Freckled and Blue.

Three main sites in the county quickly established themselves as a regular stop for the roving band of food vendors to offer their wares from April through late fall. Happy Belly made it a point to hit all of them, much to their fans’ delight.

Once a month on Mondays, Paper Mill Village in East Cobb hosted trucks like Brian’s Texas Hots, WOW!. In Kennesaw, Dinner at the Depot at Depot Park on Cherokee Street on Mondays brought trucks like Champion Cheesesteaks, Tex’s Taco, Press for Time Paninis and the Pup Truck.

Perhaps the biggest and most successful of these is Smyrna Food Truck Tuesdays at Taylor-Brawner Park, at times attracting more than 1,000 hungry customers. Some of the most popular trucks on the scene could be found there, including Ibiza Bites, King of Pops, Yumbii and Yum Yum Cupcake.

Smyrna’s Food Truck event at the Taylor-Brawner Park, pictured here and opposite page, has been the most successful.

Best New Thing Food Trucks All the food trucks have websites, though, it must be noted they all open seasonally.

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BEST OF COBB

Earl Reece, executive director of the theatre.

You want history; the Earl Smith Strand Theatre has history.

One of the most modern theatres outside the city of Atlanta when it opened in 1935, The Strand continues to be a centerpiece of the historic Marietta Square. Saved from near demolition in 2002 by an organized community group, The Strand holds a special place in the heart of a community defined by its history.

And despite a down economy, the vaunted landmark remains a magnet for support.

“The Strand has always received a great deal of support from the community,” says Andrew Cole, events manager. “This year has been no different. We’ve seen more donations, more rentals and more attendance, as the theatre becomes a more proven facility in the public’s eyes. We haven’t finished compiling our 2012 numbers yet, but we’ve noticed higher attendance and a greater number of guests attending shows from all around the metro area.”

This year saw a number of memorable plays hit the stage, including performances by resident musical theatre group the Atlanta Lyric Theatre. The Strand also remains a destination for local producers looking to showcase their own performances.

This year will be no different. Along with more performances by The Lyric, The Strand’s classic movie series will continue to be a mainstay. It also plans to produce “Steel Magnolias,” featuring a cast of local celebrities. In March, local philanthropist Steve Imler will produce another high-energy musical revue with a classic Las Vegas theme.

Best Place to Watch a Play

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The Earl Smith Strand Theatre 117 North Park Square 770.293.0080 www.earlsmithstrand.org Cobb Life January/February 2013

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BEST OF COBB

Pick up a

Best Meat and 3 Husband and wife team Barbara

Marietta Fruit Company and Jimmy Russell know a little something 785 Whitlock Ave. SW about a good meat and Marietta three, and that’s why their down home diner 770.428.6850 swept the category.

Since 1971, Marietta Fruit Company has been serving up a rotating daily menu of mains, sides and homemade pies to hungry Cobb County residents, and they’re still at the helm of the restaurant today.

With a loyal customer base, who followed them from their original location to the new one just off Whitlock Avenue in 2000, and a fresh crop of newcomers arriving everyday, Marietta Fruit Company is a true local staple. The Russells seem to have learned each and every one of their customers’ names and, yet, still have time to serve up traditional southern fare at 1970s prices.

From baked chicken, fried cod and gravy smothered steak patties to mustard greens, mashed potatoes and creamed corn, the Marietta Fruit Company feels a little like sitting down in grandma’s kitchen for a family meal. And, the meat and three, with a biscuit or cornbread, is under $5 — just be sure to bring cash because they may call their customers “hun,” but they don’t take credit cards. Now that’s some southern charm, y’all!

MAGAZINE presented by Cobb Life at the Event!

The City of Smyrna and Georgette Lake and Company present the First Annual City of Smyrna

Sunday, Feb. 17, 2013 • 12pm – 5pm Ride the Marietta Trolley between locations, visit with local vendors and plan your wedding all in one day!

DOOR PRIZES, FOOD TASTINGS, FASHION SHOW AND EDUCATIONAL SEMINARS

http://smyrnabridalshow.wix.com/smyrnabridalshow Come see how you can have the wedding of your dreams for $5000 or less at these venues.

Goodie bags to the first 100 brides!

DJ ERUPSHUN 678-949-8738

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Best Gift Shop Wild Blossoms 4819 Main St., Acworth 770.529.2620 www.acworth.net/wildblossoms

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Need that perfect gift in a hurry? Looking for an alternative to those big box retailers or the mad rush of the mall? Well, look no further than Wild Blossoms. For 14 years, owner Elise Martin and her team have been providing a welcome respite from the crowded hustle and bustle of typical suburban shopping—and they’re doing it in a quaint little shop nestled in the heart of historic downtown Acworth.

Although Wild Blossoms has evolved over the years from a focus on antiques and original art to an emphasis on gifts and home accessories, the friendly atmosphere of the shop hasn’t changed at all. “We strive to be customer focused,” Martin said. “We want people to have a pleasant shopping experience here.”

There’s something for just about anyone at Wild Blossoms. They sell a wide range of gift items, from oil infusion lamps, wine accessories and personalized cups to jewelry, scarves and handbags. They even have a plethora of unique baby and toddler items that are popular with the mommy set. Between its congenial customer service and distinctive gift items, it’s no surprise people keep coming back to Wild Blossoms for more, or that they were voted Best Gift Shop by Cobb Life readers.

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BEST OF COBB Who has Cobb’s best barbecue can be a hotly contested issue among devotees of smoked meat, as the county has many worthy contenders for the crown.

Best BBQ Dave Poe’s BBQ 660 Whitlock Avenue Marietta 770.792.2272 www.davepoes.com

Our readers have given the nod to Dave Poe, whose eponymous ‘cue joint on Whitlock Avenue has been packing them in for years.

It’s hard to pick a favorite of all the meats on the Poe menu. This is one of the few places I know that offers both baby backs and St. Louis style spareribs, both equally impressive in flavor and tenderness.

Poe’s pulled pork is second to none. Like the ribs, it needs no sauce to enhance palatability. There is an art to getting the meat just smoky and tender enough to enjoy on its own, and as a former competition cooker, Poe has this down pat.

His beef brisket, beef short rib and pork butt stay on the smoker for 16 hours, while the ribs are on for six. Poe’s rib rub has 18 ingredients, including white and brown sugars. The butt rub is the same mixture only minus the sugars.

For those in the mood for something different, there are Poe-taters, baked potatoes loaded with smoked pork, chicken or brisket.

And let’s not forget the Redneck Lasagna. Poe takes a plate of what may be one of the most delicious versions of mac n’ cheese in the metro area and covers it with Brunswick stew. The mac ‘n’ cheese recipe originated with one of his former partners and subs rigatoni pasta for the more commonly used elbow mac.

Watching any Football in January?

Whether you're a host or a guest, don't forget the WINGS! 32 flavors... something for everyone!

No muss...no fuss!

OR, BETTER YET Enjoy the game at "The Wing"!

Wild Wing Cafe 2145 Roswell Rd. Marietta, GA 30062 (770) 509-9464 www.wildwingcafe.com/marietta

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BEST OF COBB

However you like it, Dave is able to please. Here he gets his famous smoker going to serve up some tasty ribs.

Georgia Memorial Park Funeral Home & Cemetery, serving the metro area for over fifty years, is devoted to delivering the highest level of service and satisfaction possible to families. We are committed to excellence daily by each member of our staff. As an honored Dignity Memorial™ provider, we are empowered to create a meaningful service.

New development - Garden

of Devotion

Special Pricing Available Please call or stop by office for details.

2000 Cobb Pkwy SE • Marietta, GA 30060 770.432.0771 • 770.952.4478 www.georgiamemorialpark.com Greg Free - General Manager

Chad Eubanks - Asst. Manager

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From left, Karen Nissenbaum of East Cobb and Cindy Fegley of Roswell enjoy their holiday celebrations late last month. Opposite page, Chef and Owner Doug Turbush.

CELEBRATING AT SEED A

SENSATIONAL IDEA

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Seed Kitchen & Bar opened in November 2011 in the Merchants Walk shopping center at Johnson Ferry and Roswell roads.

Though at first it was dinner only, Seed quickly became so popular that owner and executive chef Doug Turbush began lunch service several weeks before he had planned.

That enthusiastic reception by customers has been ongoing. Many think Seed is the best place to celebrate any occasion, from life milestones like birthdays and anniversaries to something as simple as a reunion of old friends.

It’s easy to see why. Seed’s interior is sleek and stylish, with a subway-tiled bar and lounge area and lots of light, white and blond woods in tables, chairs and flooring, and a floor-to-ceiling bookcase filled with cookbooks behind the chef’s table at the edge of the open.

Seed’s declared culinary style is modern American. The menu isn’t extensive, but quality of ingredients, consistently good execution and especially Turbush’s savvy use of spices and Southeast Asian and Latin flavors make Seed a true standout.

The restaurant also boasts one of Cobb’s most inviting bars with an impressive selection of top-shelf liquors, carefully chosen wines and craft beers.

But it’s the attention to detail that truly makes a celebration memorable. In addition to offering excellent service, Seed personalizes the celebratory experience by printing a special version of the day’s menu for the occasion.

“We’ll print a person’s name at the top of the menu and wish them a happy birthday, happy anniversary, or whatever,” Turbush said.

“As we take the reservation we always ask if they are celebrating anything special so we can have the menus ready. People just love it.”

Best Place to Celebrate Seed Kitchen & Bar 1311 Johnson Ferry Road, Marietta 678.214.6888 www.eatatseed.com

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Chicken and The Egg Owner and Chef Mark Taft has reason to be proud of his fried chicken.

Fried chicken is an American staple, particularly in the South. So whatever fried chicken gets the nod from readers as the best in the county is bound to be superlative.

Perhaps appropriately, the restaurant called Chicken and the Egg is serving up our readers’ choice. Chef and owner Marc Taft starts with chicken from Ashley Farms in North Carolina, where the poultry are sustainably raised, given no hormones or antibiotics and allowed to roam free within a temperature controlled, stress free environment.

The day Taft orders it, the chicken is processed by hand and sent to his kitchen door, where it goes through two sessions of brining.

“One is to seal in the moisture, which takes 12 Chicken and the Egg hours. The second 800 Whitlock Ave. brine is just butMarietta termilk and a dash 678.388.8813 of hot sauce, and www.chickandtheegg.com that lasts 24 hours,” Taft said.

“It’s a play off my grandmother’s chicken.”

What emerges is a moist and tender product that is double dipped in seasoned flour and buttermilk rather than an egg mixture. “When you use an egg batter the meat steams inside the crust, which acts almost like a helmet. The crust will then slide right off the chicken,” Taft said.

Fried in 100 percent canola oil that is completely preservative free, this delectable fowl has been one of the stars of Taft’s menu from Day One. In its current incarnation, it is paired with waffles, whipped sorghum butter and “all day” braised collard greens.

Best Fried Chicken

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Depending on the day, it’s hard to tell what’s on Holly Comer’s to-do list. As CEO and executive director of the YWCA of Northwest Georgia, you’d think that projects like working with her staff and volunteers to finish the YWCA’s capital campaign to renovate the only domestic violence shelter in Cobb County would be pressing enough.

Think again.

Her extracurricular to-do list is one for the books. For example, she currently is co-chairing the Cobb Chamber of Commerce’s Cobb Youth Leadership, while also co-chairing membership for the local Kiwanis Club chapter.

And if that wasn’t enough, she also is vice chair of the Veteran’s Celebration, sponsored by the Cobb County Republican Women’s Club and a member of the steering committee for Honorary

Commanders Alumni Association. And don’t forget her recent appointment by Gov. Nathan Deal to serve on the Commission on Family Violence. This, after she served two years on the Cobb County Transit Authority Board and co-chairing the Field of Flags, which honored the 10th anniversary of 9/11 at Kennesaw Mountain.

Comer says a typical day involves balancing work, volunteer initiatives and family, just like everybody else.

“I truly believe even if you are in the nonprofit sector you have to find a way to give back to your community that gives so much to your organization and those you and your staff serve. That’s why I stay involved in volunteer organizations. We all have to find our passions and make a difference in our community. Each day is filled with new challenges. It’s never dull.”

Best Volunteer Holly Comer CEO & Executive Director, YWCA of Northwest Georgia

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Clockwise from top left: Heirloom Tomato salad at Broad Street Grille. A room at the Chattanoogan Hotel. The glass bridge leading to the Bluff View Arts District. A rental bike. The Chattanoogan Hotel, and its pool.

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charmed by

Chattanooga

BY STACEY L. EVANS

As I’m whizzing across the pedestrian bridge in Chattanooga on a bicycle, wind tousling my hair, the great expanse of river beneath me, the sun settling into the mountains and a landscape of interesting architecture just beyond, I feel simple, breathe-it-all-in joy.

Every time I visit Chattanooga, I fall in love with it a little more. The thriving city keeps growing, but not sprawling out haphazardly like some cities tend to do. The extremely pedestrian-friendly city is very well-planned, with an attractive design that exudes an artsy and eco-conscious vibe. The farm-to-table movement is gaining traction, and dozens of trendy boutiques and galleries with unique finds dot the streets.

Biking is an excellent way to explore the city’s many treasures, and The Chattanooga Bicycle Transit System, which was launched in July 2012, makes that an easy task.

The system allows visitors and residents to rent bikes from over 30 stations throughout the city — so you don’t have to worry about parking your car and on bikes you can easily stop to see any sight along the way. And you’ll want to stop

often. In addition to the riverfront vistas, there is art in every nook and cranny of the metropolis, and an abudance of eyecatching storefronts. Much of the architecture will also make you pause; homes and buildings range from the historic to the sleek and modern.

WHERE TO STAY Often what makes a vacation special is not just the sights you see, the food you eat or the experiences you have — it’s the people. This ‘new’ Chattanooga still maintains its Southern friendliness, but is infused with a cosmopolitan / European vibe. I experienced this throughout the city, as well as in the superb staff at The Chattanoogan, the only AAA Four Diamondrated hotel in the city. The hotel clearly takes pride in employees they hire. From giving tips on where to dine, how to get around and just general helpfulness, the courteous staff made sure my vacation went as smoothly as possible.

If you just want a weekend to get away from the outside world, The Chattanoogan is the perfect place to hibernate. The beds are uber-comfy, the food at the hotel’s Broad Street Grille is phenomenal and a full service spa is on site. The spa includes January/February 2013 Cobb Life

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Photo courtesy of Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau

The Hunter Museum overlooks the Tennessee River.

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a sauna, steam room and indoor pool, which are available to all guests. The hotel’s bar, The Foundry, features live music on Friday and Saturday nights and has pool tables and shuffleboard. If you stay in one of the mountain-view rooms, you can witness a spectacular sunrise or sunset over the mountains.

The Broad Street Grille restaurant embodies the city’s farm-to-table movement, using only local ingredients from farmers markets.

Because of that, the menu changes weekly or sometimes daily. The freshness, quality of ingredients and expertise in the kitchen were evident in every bite I took of an exquisite dinner. I suggest asking to be seated at the Chef’s table and letting your taste buds explore something new, chef’s choice.

The cocktails are also stellar; the bar is known for its extensive selection of martinis.

The Sunday Champagne Brunch is like no brunch you’ve had before. While it’s buffetstyle, it’s not your typical buffet brunch. Here you’ll find delectable gems like fried green tomato poached eggs (which I could eat all day) and cheese blintzes served with peach compote. You can find anything your palate craves here.

If you do want to venture out, the hotel is about nine blocks from the riverfront district, but you may see that as a plus because it’s quieter and the pleasant walk may lead to discoveries you may otherwise overlook. There is a bike station right outside the hotel for an even quicker journey downtown.

WHAT TO SEE/ WHERE TO GO The city’s well-known attractions — Rock City, Ruby Falls, the Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX are all safe bets, but if you’ve been there, done that, there is plenty more to explore. I suggest venturing to the city’s south side, near the Chattanoogan, for an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants. Undergoing revitalization, it has an artsy/ hipster/ trendy vibe.

For a more upscale art scene, trek over to the Bluff View Arts District near the river. In addition to The Hunter Museum, the area has several galleries and restaurants housed in Victorian architecture. The district also has a small ‘art park’ with interesting sculptures as well as a great view of the city. If you venture there, you’ll probably be enticed by the whiff of the fresh-baked bread emanating from Bluff View Bakery. Stop in for some freshbaked artisan bread. Rembrandt’s coffee house is also a great spot to relax and enjoy a cup of java or tea.

If you want to journey off the beaten path a little, or have a craving for the best waffles you’ll ever eat, get someone to point you to the way of Aretha Frankenstein’s. This eclectic, unusual restaurant is famous for its delicious waffles. We had the Elephants Gerald, a

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Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau

The gorgeous rock formations at Rock City Gardens are spectacular any time of year. perfectly fluffy and crispy Belgian waffle smothered with vanilla ice cream, pecans, syrup and dusted with cinnamon. It was perfection.

We rode bikes across Walnut Street pedestrian bridge and docked them at the nearest station, then walked through several neighborhoods to get to Aretha’s. I would recommend driving for less of a hassle, or biking all the way and paying the overtime fees. But however you go, it’s worth it. To avoid the morning crowds (and long wait), you may want to go for a mid-afternoon snack as we did.

T I P S : Go to the aquarium and IMAX on Sunday for less crowds. The Hunter Museum is free on the first Sunday of the month. It has two parts, a sleek modern building, which is a work of art itself, with spectacular views, and the historical mansion, which is interesting in itself.

Spoil yourself with the Ruby Falls Hydrating Treatment at The Chattanoogan’s spa. It is 80 minutes of bliss. But I recommend booking an evening appointment rather than a morning one as I did. I was so relaxed after the treatment I didn’t want to do anything afterwards but soak in the tranquil state. And after a day of biking, the massage would have been even more soothing.

ALSO CHECK OUT: >Terminal Brewhouse for fresh, tasty American fare served up in a historic building with an interesting history. www.terminalbrewhouse.com >3rd Deck Burger Bar on the Southern Belle for casual lunch with a view. http://chattanoogariverboat.com/3rd-deck-burger-bar

INFORMATION: The Chattanoogan Hotel, (800) 619-0018 www.chattanooganhotel.com

Chattanooga Convention & Visitors Bureau

Tennessee Aquarium's penguins playing with a trick-or-treat pumpkin.

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Want to go further?

Wellington is one city that has a ton more to offer than hobbits and orcs.

new zealand (on a budget)

By Nick Perry

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ou'll find hobbit stamps on the letters, hobbit safety briefings on the planes, even shire beer at the Green Dragon bar. With the recent release of "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey," New Zealand hopes to reclaim some of the Middle-earth magic that helped boost tourism after the success of "The Lord of the Rings."

Whether you're a fan making a pilgrimage to the city where the films were made, or you have no interest whatsoever in dwarfs and goblins, there's plenty to do in Wellington. For free.

Y

Consider yourself warned. Wellington has a well-deserved reputation as one of the windiest cities in the world, and not only because of all the politicians. But on a calm, sunny day the waterfront is hard to beat.

You can start at the bars and restaurants at the northern end and finish at the beach in Oriental Bay. A brisk hike uphill through the city will also take you to the native bush and flower displays at the Botanic Garden and give you a view over the city and harbor.

New Zealand's national museum Te Papa (pronounced tay paah-paah) is well worth a visit. It has a large, open feel inside and the curators aren't afraid to use unusual juxtapositions, color and height to make a strong visual splash. You'll learn some of the history of the country's indigenous Maori.

This is one for the Tolkien fans. Named after an oversized New Zealand insect, Weta Cave is located in the heart of director Peter Jackson's film empire in Miramar.

Many of the costumes and special effects for his movies were created at the adjacent Weta Workshop and Weta Digital. The cave itself has figurines and memorabilia. from the movies and a half-hour video. There is, however, a limited amount to see. Those who aren't fans might want to skip the cave and keep heading out east to rugged Breaker Bay beach (warning: some parts of the beach are a haunt for nude bathers) or to the more sedate Scorching Bay beach.

Fans may also want to explore the Miramar peninsular some more to see if they can spot some of the filming locations used by Jackson.

It's a serious climb or bike ride to the top of Mount Victoria, which is 196 meters (643 feet) above sea level. But at the lookout there are stunning views over the city and harbor. Across in the other direction, you can look out over the airport and ocean.

And yes, Mount Vic, as it is known locally, was one of the locations used in the filming of the "Rings."

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e d i to r i a l c a l e n d a r

2013 is shaping up to be another exciting year for us here at Cobb Life magazine. Below is a brief look ahead at some of our issues. If you have any article ideas, feel free to contact us at cobblifemagazine@cobblifemagazine.com

FEB. BRIDAL ISSUE dresses rings and more

MARCH

20 Rising Stars Under 40

APRIL The Man Issue style, cooking and more IN FEB COMING AL ISSUE! OUR BRID

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H

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ighlights A closer look at events and activities throughout Cobb County in January and February

>>GEORGIA YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA & CHORUS CONCERT See the 400 students of the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra & Chorus demonstrate their remarkable talents at the Bailey Performance Center at Kennesaw State University. The concerts include three full orchestras, a string orchestra, percussion ensemble, jazz ensemble, and chorus. The Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra & Chorus performs on February 9 at 3 p.m., and February 10 at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. All tickets are $5.

Information: 770.429.7016 or www.georgiasymphony.org

>>STEEL MAGNOLIAS There are few plays that can really capture the heart and soul of southern living, and it’s hard to imagine one better than “Steel Magnolias.”

Named for the strength of steel and the delicacy of flowers, “Steel Magnolias” is a funny and at times heartbreaking look inside the lives of six southern women.

“Steel Magnolias” performances are January 17 to 19 at 8 p.m., and January 20 at 3 p.m. in the Earl Smith Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square. Ticket prices are $25.

Information: 770.293.0080 or www.earlsmithstrand.org >>JAMES GREGORY “FUNNIEST MAN IN AMERICA” James Gregory does not tip-toe through life as if he's walking on broken glass or egg shells. That style is evident on stage as well.

The absence of vulgarity sets James apart and his stories are carefully crafted art. James Gregory’s show “Funniest Man in America” is February 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the Earl Smith Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square. Individual ticket prices are $27, and Gold Circle patron tickets are $35.

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>>BEAUTY AND THE BEAST The West Side Elementary School Drama Program presents the classic “Beauty and the Beast” on February 5 and 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square. Tickets are $10.

Information: 770.293.0080 or www.earlsmithstrand.org >>BEEHIVE Created by Larry Gallagher, “Beehive” is a highenergy musical revue tracing the coming-of-age of women’s music through dozens of popular hits by girl groups and solo singers of the 1960’s. The Chiffons, The Supremes, Tina Turner, and Aretha Franklin are just some of the 60’s pop stars portrayed by the super-talented cast. Hear such favorites as “My Boyfriend’s Back,” “One Fine Day,” “Where the Boys Are,” “Downtown,” “Proud Mary,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” and “Respect.” Atlanta Lyric Theatre presents “Beehive” on February 15, 16, 21, 22, 23, 24, and 28, and March 1 and 3 at the Earl Smith Strand Theatre on the Marietta Square.

Show times are 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Sundays.

IInformation: 404.377.9948 or www.atlantalyrictheatre.com >>SHEN YUN – ANCIENT CULTURE REBORN Every legend has its history. Every story has its truths. And the best are rarely forgotten. For the past 5,000 years, China amassed a diverse legacy of heroes, myths, and values that still resonate in the present. Today, Shen Yun Performing Arts is reviving the essence of traditional Chinese culture in full color on stages around the world. Gorgeous backdrops extend the stage, transporting the audience to distant lands and eras. An orchestra that combines Western and Chinese instruments like no other

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accompanies the dancers with stirring scores. Shen Yun strives to capture the spirit of traditional Chinese culture and its beliefs, bridging past and present in an uplifting, inspiring, and indelible performance. Shen Yun presents “Ancient Culture Reborn” on January 5 at 7:30 p.m., and January 6 at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.

Ticket prices range from $50 to $150.

IInformation: 770.916.2808 or www.cobbenergycentre.com

>>BRIAN REGAN Critics and peers agree that Brian Regan has distinguished himself as one of the premier comedians in the country. The perfect balance of sophisticated writing and physicality, Regan fills theaters nationwide with fervent fans that span generations. It is the quality of his material, relatable to a wide audience and revered by his peers, which continues to grow Regan's fan base. Brian Regan brings his comedy tour to the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on January 12 at 7 p.m. Tickets prices range from $47.50 to $65.

Information: 770.916.2808 or www.cobbenergycentre.com >>SHATNER’S WORLD: WE JUST LIVE IN IT Television and movie superstar William Shatner will bring “Shatner’s World: We Just Live in It” to Cobb County. The two-hour show takes audiences on a voyage through Shatner’s life and career, from Shakespearean stage actor to internationallyknown icon and raconteur, known as much for his unique persona as for his expansive body of work on television and film.

“Shatner’s World” is January 13 at 7 p.m. at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Ticket prices range from $36 to $123.

IInformation: 770.916.2808 or www.cobbenergycentre.com

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>>BRYAN ADAMS This concert provides a rare opportunity for fans to see Bryan Adams as they've not seen him before – solo, acoustic, and intimate. Adams has sold over 65 million records, toured six continents, and achieved #1 status in over 40 countries around the world. With hits like "Cuts Like a Knife," "Summer of '69," "Kids Wanna Rock," "Can't Stop This Thing We've Started," "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You," "Open Road," and most recently "Thought I'd Seen Everything," Adams' status as one of the great songwriters of our time has been solidified. Bryan Adams performs January 20 at 8 p.m. in the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets prices range from $35 to $69.50.

Information: 770.916.2808 or www.cobbenergycentre.com >>MORRISSEYMorrissey is taking the stage once again for a U.S. tour. The former Smiths frontman will include both his greatest hits and new, unreleased songs on his tour set list.

The singer parted ways with the Smiths in 1988, after starting his career with the group in the early '80’s. Since going solo, Steven Patrick Morrissey has released nine albums, most recently 2009's "Years of Refusal." On Billboard's Alternative Songs play chart, Morrissey has notched nine top 10’s, including two no. 1 hits, 1992's "Tomorrow" and 1994's "The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get." Morrissey performs on January 31 at 8 p.m. in the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets prices range from $37 to $53.

Information: 770.916.2808 or www.cobbenergycentre.com >>RON WHITEComedian Ron "Tater Salad" White, best known as the cigar smoking, scotch drinking funnyman from the "Blue Collar Comedy" phenomenon returns to Cobb County with his new stand-up show, “A Little Unprofessional.”

Multi-Millon Dollar Producer

(678) 631-1713 Direct Line Visit my website @ www.suehilton.com An Independent Member Broker

(678) 631-1700

1:16 AM

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White has achieved two Grammy nominations, a Gold Record, two of the top-rated one-hour specials in Comedy Central history, a book that appeared on the New York Times Best Seller List, and CD and DVD sales of over 10 million.

Ron White performs on February 2 at 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. in the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.

Ticket prices are $47.75 and $57.75. Or purchase admission to the Ron White “200 Proof” VIP Experience with a variety of benefits.

Information: 770.916.2808 or www.cobbenergycentre.com

>> ATLANTA BALLET’S DRACULAFor more than 100 years, Bram Stoker's “Dracula” has haunted our days and inhabited our dreams. Back by popular demand, and just in time for Valentine's Day, Atlanta Ballet's take on this tale of seduction and surrender returns with a gripping original score complete with howls of wolves and haunting heartbeats, thrilling sets, sensuous costume, and eerily supernatural effects. Atlanta Ballet presents “Dracula” on February 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16 at 8 p.m., and February 9 and 10 at 2 p.m. in the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Ticket prices range from $20 to $120.

Information: 404.873.5811 or www.atlantaballet.com >>ATLANTA BALLET’S CINDERELLAThe classic rags to riches story of Cinderella returns this season. Charming children and adults alike, Atlanta Ballet breathes new life into this classic fairytale.

Atlanta Ballet presents “Cinderella” on February 16 and 17 at 2 p.m. in the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Ticket prices range from $18 to $43.

Information: 404.873.5811 or www.atlantaballet.com

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Marietta Pilgrimmage Gala

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY REID TRAYLOR

The Marietta Pilgrimmage Tour Gala took place in late November at the First Landmark Bank in Marietta.The black tie and preview party was a kick off event for the annual Marietta Pilgrimmage Tour of Homes. 1. From left, Kelley Weiner, Angela Poston, Laurie Gazaway and Cassandra Buckalew, all of Marietta.

2. Theresa and Jon Jenkins of Marietta.

3. Martha and Grover Dobbins of Marietta.

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Affordable Fabrics & Trim

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10% DISCOUNT STOREWIDE Must bring coupon. Not valid with other coupons. In stock merchandise only. Only one coupon per visit. Cannot combine with any other offers. Expires 2-28-2013. COBB LIFE MAGAZINE.

Marietta Pilgrimmage Gala

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4. From left, Elise Goldstein, Delores Bowen, Daniel Shea and Paula Shea, all of Marietta. 5. John and Sarah Bullington of Marietta.

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Marietta Pilgrimmage Gala

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6. From left, Steve and Leigh Pharr of Kennesaw with Delinda and Charles Kilgore of Kennesaw. 7. From left, Laing and Melinda Heidt of Marietta with Marlon and Milan Savic of Marietta. 8. From left, Connie Kirk, Laura Murphree and Ann Watkins, all of Marietta.

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Marietta Pilgrimmage Gala

HAVE YOU BEEN SC E N E? Purchase exclusive p h o to s, p o s te r s a n d l i m i te d e d i tio n items at our we bs i te, www. cobbl i fe ma gazi ne.co m

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OLLI Spooktacular Ball

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The OLLI Spooktacular Ball took place at Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the Kennesaw State University College of Continuing and Professional Education. Held in October, the event not only served as a social funcation, but graduates of the college also brought donations and can goods to help local charities. 1. Cheryl and Bill Clements of Kennesaw. 2. Josie and Robert Ignazito of Powder Springs. 3. Bobbie and David Wetzel of Powder Springs.

4. Gail and Leo Defranco of Acworth. 5. Kathleen and Pierre Maggia of Kennesaw.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REID TRAYLOR

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OLLI Spooktacular Ball

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8 6. Fran and Jim Massa of Marietta. 7. Carol Makant of Marietta and George Harris of Kennesaw. 8. Anne Fausett of Sandy Springs and Bill Secreast of Marietta.

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OLLI Spooktacular Ball

10 9 9. Marge and George Marchman of East Cobb. 10. Phyillis and Bob Kostelnik of Marietta. 11. Joseph and Joan Coppolino of Marietta.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY REID TRAYLOR

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Cobb Travel & Tourism Celebration

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Cobb Travel & Tourism celebrated its 20th anniversary with a party in November. The event took place at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in Kennesaw. 1. Michelle Swann of Atlanta and Holly Bass of Smyrna. 2. Reich Vornholt of Sandy Springs and Walter Kiley of East Cobb. 3. Dr. Richard Banz of Acworth and Neely Young of Marietta.

4. Megan Stambaugh and Mark Goodman of Marietta.

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Cobb Travel & Tourism Celebration

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5 5. Nora Payne of Marietta, Ylan Sanders of Lawrenceville and Melissa Legaux of Smyrna. 6. Bobby Thorpe and Al Martin, both of Kennesaw.

7. Kathy Young of Mableton and Amanda Sutter of Acworth.

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Cobb Life Magazine reaches more than 83,000 readers an issue. Each magazine is published on high quality paper which provides a full-color, long-shelf product guaranteed to be a great experience for our readers and advertisers. It is distributed in the Marietta Daily Journal, direct-mailed to high profile businesses and is available at dozens of high-traffic racks throughout Cobb County.

Call today and make us part of your 2013 marketing plan: 770-795-4001

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Cobb Travel & Tourism Celebration

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10 8. Perry Tarleton of Lawrenceville, Sylvia Woolcock of Marietta and Willis Blake of Acworth. 9. Jim Rhoden of Marietta, Jennifer Bennett of Smyrna and Lisa Crossman of Marietta. 10. Stephanie Domanik of Acworth, Tommy Holmes of Kennesaw, Danielle Blunschi of Marietta and Emily Hanbright of Decatur.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY REID TRAYLOR

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reflections

Bless your heart Ever since moving to East Cobb from the bumpkin town of Cairo, pronounced “kay-row,” I’ve found myself saying “Bless your heart” on a daily basis if not hourly.

For the mother of a 2-year-old not interested in teaching her child a few cuss words, I guess it’s the only way to go when someone refuses to use their blinker and pulls out in front of you or asks you if Cairo is near Macon because in their mind that’s where “south” Georgia is.

I’ve only been in the metro area for a little over two years now and it truly is amazing how different the “big city” life is compared to a small town. To put it into perspective, Cairo is roughly 15 minutes north of Tallahassee, Fla., and home to about 9,000 people in the city and 24,000 in Grady County.

I’m not country in that I

By Lindsay ride horses on the weekend or chew tobacco, but I do know people who live in trailers, say “ya’ll” pretty much every other word and sometimes my one syllable words turn into two.

But my absolute favorite thing about being from the country is that I know how to cook, love to

cook and was taught by some of the best women and men in the world – in my opinion – how to cook, so I’m hoping that with my little insights into what it’s been like moving to the city, I can share with you a few of my favorite recipes, mostly passed down from my grandmother. Sit back, relax and be prepared to pull that cast iron skillet out of the back of the kitchen cabinet, buy some bacon and figure out exactly why gravy really does go well on EVERYTHING!!!

With that being said, let’s start with gravy.

- 1 cup of water - 2 Tbsp of all-purpose flour - 1 whisk - Add salt and pepper as needed Anytime you cook meat, the drippings can be used for gravy. For example, Thanksgiving turkey, fried chicken, pork chops or bacon. (I can already taste the biscuits and gravy).

After you’ve removed the Field meat from the frying pan, sprinkle one to two tablespoons of flour into the pan, whisk it in quickly, reduce heat to low immediately, add one cup of water slowly, whisking at the same time until it gets thick. Keep the heat on low until after you’ve served the gravy.

Smother everything you can and enjoy!

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Our Family Serving Your Family Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home & Crematory invites you to explore your funeral care options at either of our locations. If you’re a United States Military Veteran, you may qualify for specific assistance programs which we can help you apply for. Veterans and civilians alike can benefit from sitting down with a Funeral Preplanning Professional to record your wishes and we are the area’s trusted experts in funeral care. For nearly 90 years, Mayes Ward-Dobbins Funeral Home & Crematory has brought comfort and peace of mind to you, your friends and neighbors.

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