In this December
Issue 187
ISSUE POINTS NORTH Atlanta
8 16 18 44
16
50
Celebrating 15 Years
Decking the Halls Looking to create a storybook holiday home in the time it takes to send an email? Trust your vision with tips from local professionals, or better yet, hire them to make your home merry and bright.
A Taste of Home Cheers to cookbook author Virginia Willis and executive chef Michael Klein at Lanier Islands for sharing these shortcuts and recipes to make seasonal entertaining less stressful.
The Northside View Just like the year itself, our Northside View series comes to a close. Thanks to submissions, we present this curated photography showcase, offering the art of observation from behind the lens of our readers.
Colorado or Bust When snowy mountains called, we couldn’t resist. We didn’t make it through the entire alphabet, but we certainly wandered into some of Colorado’s coolest ski towns from Aspen to Vail.
Day Tripper Round up your crew and play tourists for a day with this guide to Ponce City Market. While you’re in the Old Fourth Ward, take a detour to see distilled history in the making.
DEPARTMENTS 6 58 62 67
ON THE COVER Photo courtesy of Jack Affleck, Vail Resorts
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION 30 Senior and Assisted Living
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EDITOR’S LETTER GUY’S TIME DUE NORTH AFTERTHOUGHTS
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TOP: PHOTO REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM LIGHTEN UP, Y’ALL BY VIRGINIA WILLIS, COPYRIGHT (C) 2015. PUBLISHED BY TEN SPEED PRESS, A DIVISION OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE, INC. PHOTOGRAPHY (C) 2015 BY ANGIE MOSIER; BOTTOM: PHOTO COURTESY OF ANDREW LEE THOMAS.
4 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
FEATURE HEADER
A NOTE FROM PUBLISHER CARL DANBURY
Gratitude... A NOTE OF
... to all of you who have supported us during the past year,
and for the past 15 years. We greatly appreciate our readers, and we are humbled by the continual support of our advertisers, who have enabled us to publish and distribute Points North Atlanta each and every month for the past 187 months. We wish you a blessed holiday season with your friends and families, and kindly encourage you to remember that the true gifts we share with one another during the season are the most important ones: time well spent with those we care for, and those who care for us, kindness, compassion, hope and love.
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — ROMANS 12: 16-18
MERRY CHRISTMAS. HAPPY HANUKKAH. HAPPY HOLIDAYS.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF
November 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 5
Editor’s LETTER
PointsNorth Atlanta PRESIDENT / CEO Witt Beckman PUBLISHER Carl Danbury Jr. EDITOR Heather KW Brown CREATIVE DIRECTOR Robin Harrison
A New View
SENIOR ART DIRECTOR Shannah J. Smith
G
GRACEFUL, I AM NOT AND THIS IS NO MORE OBVIOUS THAN ON A PAIR OF SKIS. Adding to one of my most identifiable traits is an absence of bravado and close proximity to practice, all but ensuring that when it comes to winter sports, I’m ill equipped. Making up for these inadequacies is an irrefutable interest to travel, pushing me out of my comfort zone into new adventures. Enter Vail, Snowmass, Aspen and Breckenridge. In spite of my skill set, I unabashedly plunged into four of Colorado’s coolest snow scenes, proving determination prevails with enough patience. Not to mention that transportation everywhere else is lacking — forget planes, trains and automobiles when you can have gondolas, snowcats and dogsleds. Notice, I didn’t say skis … that part didn’t change. Only the view. Every month this year, we’ve been fortunate to have you, our readers, share how you see the world in black and white photography. We’ve assembled a collection of submissions to wrap up the Northside View series and hope you’ll enjoy seeing scenes from a different perspective as much as we have. As a matter of fact, we took the same theory and applied it to our feature on Old Fourth Ward and Ponce City Market, both of which had fallen out of favor with locals but are now making a comeback deserving of a day trip. Publisher Carl Danbury brings the notion full circle with his Guy’s Time column on Alex Reethof and Lake Dawson of The Gathering Industries. Both men not only give second chances, but also teach homeless men from the Atlanta Mission new skills to help them succeed. That’s a gift you won’t find on many lists. On the flip side, if you see coloring books and colored pencils on a wish list this season, it might not be for the little ones in your life. Starting with this issue, the last page of our magazine will be dedicated to Afterthoughts. Not to be confused with last-minute decisions, you’ll notice we’ve put plenty of pondering into these musings. After all, thoughtfulness doesn’t have a season and oftentimes, like dogsledding, means most through tight turns, an extra push and a new view.
HEATHER KW BROWN, EDITOR heather@pointsnorthatlanta.com
To send comments and/or suggestions on this or any other subject, e-mail us at: myturn@pointsnorthatlanta.com.
6 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Colleen Ann McNally CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Dawn Burgess Jennifer Colosimo ADVERTISING 770-844-0969 sales@pointsnorthatlanta.com SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT Karen Poulsen ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES George Colmant Tom Tolbert CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Tiffany Willard
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MERRY
Bright AND
PROFESSIONALS OFFER ADVICE FOR PICTURESQUE HOLIDAY DECORATING
written by JENNIFER COLOSIMO
OPPOSITE PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF DOLLAR PHOTO CLUB; THIS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF SEDGEFIELD INTERIOR LANDSCAPES
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 9
HOLIDAY DECORATING
T
HERE IS NO HIDING NOW — unless you’re referring to hiding spots for the presents. The holidays have officially found us. It’s time to set up the gift-wrapping station (or, if you’re like me, cover the living room floor with crafting supplies) and hang those stockings with care. While the majority of us are hastily scanning Pinterest for unique ideas to spruce up our mantels and planning outfits for the barrage of holiday parties about to hit our calendars, the blur of modern-day December still evokes warm and fuzzy familial feelings. Therein lies the need to decorate and the blessing of celebratory evolution.
VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS While hiring experts to deck the halls on your behalf does, in fact, mean you can turn your living room into the window front from Gimbels department store in “Elf,” it more realistically means you can create a storybook holiday home in the time it takes to send an email.
“[The holidays are] always special because it celebrates hope, joy and family,” said Gloria Lester, owner of Custom Christmas Designs. “It’s a magical time that makes being fresh and creative so easy.” The catch? Not everyone has a knack for creativity and a lot of us don’t even make it past the Pinning phase. For people wanting to decorate extravagantly, without the hassle, word spreads extremely quickly according to Bob Evans, owner of Property Creations, Inc. For his clients, that meant hanging 15-foot wreaths at the top of a 10-story building, installing trees on rooftops and stringing hundreds of lights. Some of that work is tedious and risky, so hiring a pro may keep you in one piece through the New Year. “If you’re decorating your own home, just think simple,” Evans recommended to those of us with only a few stories to consider. “Don’t spread the lighting out too much. Focus on one spot, like your entryway, and work outward from there.” Lester advises all of her clients to create a vision first. Without one, you can’t produce anything on a PHOTOS COURTESY OF CUSTOM CHRISTMAS DESIGNS
10 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
staircase, the mantel or a tree. Her team takes that vision, fleshes out the details and installs it. “As professionals, we can recognize the design elements of your vision,” Lester added. “We know how to listen to what a room is telling you it needs and we can see the execution from beginning to end before we even start.” Although some of Lester’s projects start as early as April, installations usually take place between mid-November and early December.
PEACE OF MIND “We started doing Christmas decorating more than 20 years ago,” said David Korstad, president and general manager of the Atlanta branch of Sedgefield Interior Landscapes, Inc. “We realized we had a substantial potential client base and the business just took off from there.” The difference in what Sedgefield does is a matter of where you want the behindthe-scenes to happen. Their team creates décor themes in-house, which take away the stress of storing fragile ornaments and impossible-to-pack greenery. Plus, by leasing décor instead, clients have the flexibility to change their color themes from year to year, increase or decrease the magnitude of their idea or change directions with their design scheme completely. “They never have to worry about any problems either,” Sedgefield said. “It may cost a little more year-to-year, but the flexibility outweighs the cost.” We can hear sighs of relief from every corner of North Atlanta. Since that means you have access to the latest (and one of the greatest) collections of décor on the market, we like this idea more and more. Sedgefield sources from Atlanta to Chicago, Ill. long before the lights on this year’s tree start to flicker. Here’s another perk: when you’re not ready to celebrate Christmas in July, Sedgefield’s elves — err — designers are getting settled in their workshops, already starting projects inside their warehouse; so when it comes time to turn on the holidays at your house, all they have to do is move it in. “My favorite part is seeing the final products from my designers,” Korstad said. “Especially the big trees — 12-foot to 30-foot trees completely decorated are just spectacular.” December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 11
HOLIDAY DECORATING
LAST MINUTE TIPS Whether or not you’re sitting down to a cup of eggnog now that you’re toying with the idea of letting an expert handle the fake snow and animated light shows, these guys have advice for homeowners still feeling the need to tackle the decorating task alone. “The most important advice I could give someone [decorating their own home is] to be very choosy about the greenery and decorations you buy,” Korstad said. “There is a huge difference in the quality of Christmas products. The cheapest is that way for a reason. It doesn’t last.” Lester agreed and added, “I can and will work with some clients’ existing decorations, but the worst thing a client can do is hold onto décor long past its time. Everyone wants to get longevity out of their materials, but if lights aren’t working, if needles are falling off — get rid of it.” Most importantly, we learned that if you’re only going to decorate one spot, make it the front door. It’s the first (and perhaps the only) thing people see. If you’ve decided to spend your money on just one thing, buy the best tree you can find. The tree is something you can build on every single year. That’s a doable tradition we recognize from holidays of old … and that nostalgia (including years of my family’s homemade ornaments) offers peace on earth amidst a whole lot of merry mayhem. PN FOR MORE INFORMATION customchristmasdesigns.com propertycreationsinc.com sedgefieldinc.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF SEDGEFIELD INTERIOR LANDSCAPING
12 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
Keep Calm &
Entertain On written by DAWN BURGESS • BLOGGER OF 5:01 DINNER CLUB
Here I sit peacefully, just like every year, basking in the calm before the whirlwind that’s about to blow through my life. I am referring to the flurry of activity that typically characterizes the holiday season. It is a joyous time of year but after months of parties, reunions and entertaining, it is also an exhausting one. Join me on a quest to make this year different. Southern chef icon Virginia Willis, Lake Lanier Islands’ Executive Chef Michael Klein, and I share tips and recipes to make holiday entertaining less stressful.
RECIPES FROM OUR KITCHENS TO YOURS
Roast Recipe Employ my simple cooking method and your guests will gush about your
temperature (165 degrees for poultry, 140 to 150 degrees for medium to
flavorful and tender roasted fare. This technique is perfect for no-stress
medium-well beef or lamb and 145 degrees for pork).
entertaining because all of the prep takes place the day before. It works well for poultry, beef, lamb or pork.
Rest: After pulling the roast from the oven,
loosely cover with foil and
let it sit for 15-30 minutes. This helps to ensure that the juices stay in the
Rub: On the night before, generously rub the meat (if you are roasting a turkey, separate the skin from the meat and season the meat-not the skin)
meat when sliced.
with salt, pepper, just a little sugar and whatever fresh or dried herb
Vegetables
you choose (thyme, rosemary, sage, etc.). The salt-pepper-sugar
Cut the vegetables into pieces as desired. Brussels sprouts, broccoli,
ratio should be something like 1:1:1, depending on the size of the meat.
green beans, asparagus and root veggies are all perfect for roasting. Place vegetables in a gallon-sized plastic zip bag and add salt, pepper and olive oil. Mix vegetables in the bag to en-
Roast: On the day of, take the meat out of the fridge 30 min-
sure that they are evenly coated with seasonings and oil.
utes before putting it into the oven. Bringing meat to room tempera-
If you like, place the bag in refrigerator overnight.
ture before cooking helps to ensure a juicier, more tender result. There is
On party day, preheat oven to 425 degrees, place
much debate about the proper temperature for roasting, but I am partial
vegetables on a rimmed baking sheet and roast until
to low and slow (325-350 degrees). The length of time you roast will de-
vegetables are cooked and fragrant with golden brown
pend again, of course, on the size of the roast. Roast until it is the proper
14 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
edges. This usually takes about 25 minutes.
Make-Ahead French Toast Casserole Y’all We enjoyed sharing some of Willis’ favorite staples for pantry-to-patio entertaining last summer so much, we had to go back for seconds. Her rendition of a breakfast crowd pleaser serves eight, but in line with “the more, the merrier” spirit, we recommend doubling.
4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, melted 3/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar 1 loaf brioche or challah, sliced 1 1/2 inches thick (about 1 1/2 pounds) 8 large eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup whole milk 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger Pinch of salt 1/2 cup chopped pecans
Confectioners’ sugar or sorghum, cane, maple syrup, for accompaniment
Combine the melted butter and brown sugar in a baking dish. Arrange the bread slices in the dish. Whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla, cinnamon, ginger, and salt in a bowl. Pour mixture over the bread, letting it soak in. Top with the pecans. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least three hours and up to 12 hours. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Let the chilled casserole stand at room temperature for 20 minutes. Bake until browned and set, 30 to 45 minutes. Remove to a rack to cool slightly. Sift over confectioners’ sugar. Serve hot or warm with sorghum, cane or maple syrup.
PHOTOGRAPHY REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM LIGHTEN UP, Y’ALL BY VIRGINIA WILLIS, COPYRIGHT (C) 2015. PUBLISHED BY TEN SPEED PRESS, A DIVISION OF PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE, INC. PHOTOGRAPHY (C) 2015 BY ANGIE MOSIER.
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 15
HOLIDAY RECIPES
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“Here is my favorite go-to soup that can be made ahead of time and actually does better when reheated,” Klein said.
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Shortcuts from Klein’s Kitchen Cut down your cooking time. You can chop all the vegetables that you are going to use up to four days ahead of time and put them in the “green” zip bags that are intended for keeping produce fresh.
2 medium onions 1 large butternut squash 4 tablespoons olive oil 2 bay leaves 1 1/2 teaspoon thyme
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1 carton vegetable stock 1 half teaspoon light chili powder 3/4 teaspoon cinnamon 1/8 teaspoon coriander 1 1/2 cups half-and-half 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic 2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg White pepper to taste
Enjoy a juicy secret. If you make your own fresh cranberry sauce, it can be made months ahead and kept frozen. In fact, we use only frozen cranberries to make our sauce because the sugars are developed in the berries and when we chop them while frozen they don’t lose their juice. Get extra space and bonus time. Turkeys cook best when they are brined, but sometimes you just don’t have the space in your refrigerator to do it. Get a disposable Styrofoam cooler, then make brine with salt, sugar, ice (in place of water) and spices according to your favorite recipe. Put the turkey in it and seal it closed with duct tape. Place it in the garage or on a shaded
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Roast onions and squash after tossing with olive oil for 45 minutes. Place onions and squash into a large soup pot with vegetable stock, cinnamon chili powder, thyme and coriander. Simmer for 45 minutes. Remove from heat. Using an immersion (stick) blender, purée
porch and forget it for 24 hours. Save some sweet surprises for later. If you are a baker, cake layers can be baked, wrapped in plastic and put in the freezer until you are ready to ice and decorate them. I keep a set of devil’s food, carrot and red velvet layers in the freezer at all times – just in case.
all ingredients until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, purée ingredients in small batches using a regular blender or food processor. Next, add half-and-half and continue to purée until creamy. Add garlic, salt, nutmeg and pepper and return to a simmer for five minutes. Adjust seasonings and remove to cool. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
16 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
FOR MORE INFORMATION lanierislands.com virginiawillis.com 501dinnerclub.com
The Northside
VIEW
WE’VE BEEN COLLECTING PHOTOGRAPHY SUBMISSIONS ALL YEAR. NOW, WE CONCLUDE THE SERIES BY SHARING A CURATED SAMPLE OF WHAT LIFE LOOKS LIKE FROM BEHIND THE LENS OF OUR READERS.
INTO THE MYSTIC Serenity is often found through the fog. Photo by Vikena Yutz
18 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
NORTHSIDE VIEW
HOLIDAY BONUS Double doors mean twice the decorations. Photo by Mary Zager
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 19
NORTHSIDE VIEW
WAITING FOR A SIGN Main Street eats stand the test of time. Photo by Garrett Nunnally
20 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
NORTHSIDE VIEW
NEW OUTLOOK The vantage point is worth the climb. Photo by Kathleen Whaley
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 21
NORTHSIDE VIEW
ROCK ON Rock ‘n’ roll is alive and well at the Cumming Fair. Photo by Robert M. Tewksbury
YARD ART No matter the age, reminders of peace endure. Photo by Patti Nickerson
22 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
NORTHSIDE VIEW
LITTLE COWBOY Handing down pastimes from one generation to another. Photo by Sarina Roth
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 23
NORTHSIDE VIEW
HEADS UP Looking for characters in a canvas of clouds. Photo by Vikena Yutz
24 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
NORTHSIDE VIEW
SWEET TREAT A simply made smile is hard to beat. Photo by Alice Park
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 25
NORTHSIDE VIEW
EASTER BLOOMS Branching out can be beautiful. Photo by Sarina Roth
26 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
NORTHSIDE VIEW
WIDE OPEN Wildowers abound with room to grow. Photo by Shaun Winters
GRAB A BITE Summer is as breezy as snacks from an Airstream on 30A. Photo by Robert M. Tewksbury
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 27
S P E C I A L
A D V E R T I S I N G
S E C T I O N
AGING TO
Perfection It’s no secret Atlanta’s Northside offers upbeat, thriving communities for the 55-and-over crowd looking to settle down. Actually, with the plethora of neighborhood personalities, nearby perks and topnotch health care, you don’t even have to call it “settling down.” Points North Atlanta’s partners in senior and assisted living share their advice for you and your loved ones to make 2016 another year worth celebrating together.
Maintaining a Healthy Digestive System F R O M AT L A N TA G A S T R O E N T E R O L O G Y
When it comes to overall well-being, a healthy digestive system is critical. Almost every adult will suffer from digestive issues during their lifetime – whether it’s a touch of indigestion or abdominal pain that won’t subside. The board certified specialists at Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates are experts in colon cancer screenings and diagnosing and treating every type of digestive order including constipation, acid reflux, ulcers, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, intestinal polyps, hiatal hernias, liver disease, hepatitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. With more than 35 convenient locations throughout metro Atlanta, including nine accredited endoscopy centers, getting the care you need has never been easier. Find the location closest to you at 1-866-468-6242 or atlantagastro.com.
28 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
When is Caring Not Enough? FROM ARBOR TERRACE
This is a question that an adult child struggles with as they find themselves caring for an aging parent. When is it time to seek support and assistance? At Arbor Terrace, they help families find the right place at the right time… they provide counsel, offer support and direct families to care options that are right for them and their loved one. As holiday gatherings occur this year many will look at a loved one and wonder…is it time? The realization that their safety may be at risk is a heavy one…one we are not prepared to carry alone. Let Arbor Terrace help you sort out the options of care and caring that may be needed before a crisis occurs. This holiday season, the gift of caring may look different than ever before, but it may be the best one you will ever give. Call 404-237-4026 or visit arborcompany.com for an appointment and let them help.
S P E C I A L
A D V E R T I S I N G
AGING TO
Memory Care: When Is It Time?
S E C T I O N
Perfection
alive can manage your assets if you are incapacitated and unable to do so yourself.
F R O M AU T U M N L E AV E S
People with Alzheimer’s/dementia can often live with family for some time. But there may come a point when a residential memory care community is more appropriate. The Alzheimer’s Association suggests answering these questions to help guide your decision: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Is the person with dementia becoming unsafe at home? Is the person’s health or my health as a caregiver at risk? Are the person’s care needs beyond my physical abilities? Am I becoming an irritable or impatient caregiver? Am I neglecting my family, work or myself? Would the structure and social interaction at a care facility be beneficial?
Learn why Autumn Leaves is So Much More™ than memory care at 888-919-4910 or AutumnLeaves.com.
Should a Trust be Part of Your Estate Planning? F R O M E S TAT E P L A N N I N G L AW G R O U P OF GEORGIA
A living trust can be a valuable addition to your estate plan. A living trust can work for you during your life. You may choose to serve as trustee yourself and, when you are no longer able, a successor trustee (whom you have chosen) steps in to manage the trust property for your benefit. In this way, a trust established while you are 30 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
Your estate can be settled more quickly. The assets in a trust are not required to go through the probate process and your beneficiaries will avoid the inconvenience of court-supervised distribution. And, since a living trust is not a matter of public record, the distributions are a private matter. Asset Protection. Some trusts offer the additional benefit of asset protection for you during your life. Trusts can be designed to protect assets now when children or grandchildren are considering college and financial aid, or to plan for management of your own long-term care costs. Because each family’s situation is unique, there is no onesize-fits-all solution. To discover if a living trust should be part of your planning, consult an experienced estate planning attorney by calling 770-822-2723 or visiting LetsTalkEstatePlanning.com.
Top 5 Tips for Aging Well FROM BELMONT VILLAGE SENIOR LIVING
1. Eat Right. High fiber, low-fat foods rich in anti-oxidants combat diseases like diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and cognitive decline. Processed foods high in carbohydrates and bad fats cause inflammation, joint pain and tissue damage. 2. Exercise Every Day. Include cardiovascular and strength training; best activities work mind and body together – like dancing.
S P E C I A L
A D V E R T I S I N G
AGING TO
S E C T I O N
Perfection • Its culture promotes continued growth like a university
3. Increase Brain Gain. Build cognitive reserve by learning something new or doing something that’s a mental stretch each day. 4. Be a Social Butterfly. Social interaction has real benefits for physical, emotional and cognitive health. 5. Maintain Purpose. Setting goals and engaging in meaningful activities are what gets us up in the morning. For more information, contact Belmont Village Johns Creek at 770-813-9505, Belmont Village Buckhead at 404-252-6271 or visit belmontvillage.com.
How Where You Live Affects the Way You Age
• • • •
… you expect to learn, to continue to grow physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually. Easy-to-use measurement and feedback tools are readily available to track health. Successful aging coaching is a key benefit of living in the community. Purposeful programming is an integral part of the culture. All of the above exists no matter what challenges or impairments you face.
This is the kind of place where successful aging – at any age or life circumstance – is possible. To learn more, call Celebration Village in Acworth at 678-594-3570 or in Forsyth at 770-886-6565 or visit cvillage.com.
Excellence and Value Coming Together
F R O M C E L E B R AT I O N V I L L A G E
FROM IVY HALL
Over the last couple of decades, research has taught us lifestyle is the heavy hitter when it comes to how we age. As Masterpiece Living communities, each Celebration Village embraces the extraordinary concept of the Center for Successful Aging model, introduced in 2014. Masterpiece Living, itself, was born as a direct result of a 10-year study put forth by the MacArthur Foundation that determined that 70 percent of physical aging and approximately 50 percent of mental aging is determined by our lifestyle choices. They have spent more than 15 years bringing this research to life through painstaking data tracking, and by working with industry leaders and experts in the aging field. “So what does a Center for Successful Aging look like?” is the question you’re asking yourself if you’re considering a retirement community for you or your parents. Here’s what it must have if you’re looking for a better aging experience:
There are many choices in the senior living market today but Ivy Hall Assisted Living and St. Ives Memory Care believe their reputation of excellence, quality, attentive service and affordability for more than 15 years stands above the rest. They recently received their assisted living license allowing them to offer even more comprehensive care to their residents. They also understand that families do not have unlimited funds for their parents who are living longer. To help families preserve their parent’s money and manage their budgets, they include medication management and Level One Care in rent and they do not “nickel and dime” with large extra fees and miscellaneous charges.
32 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
For other highlights of their offerings, call Ivy Hall Assisted Living at 770-814-0114 or St. Ives Memory Care at 770-476-1777 or come by one of the communities today for a personalized tour.
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 33
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
AGING TO
Perfection
How Will You Live the Resort Life? FROM SOLEIL LAUREL C A NYO N
Ivy Hall
ASSISTED LIVING Best in Class Care & Best Value! We offer the best care in our class of assisted living for the best prices. Ivy Hall is a beautiful community where your family members will be treated with love, kindness and respect while receiving the care they need. Come see for yourself what our resident families experience at Ivy Hall! • Exceptional Suite Rental Rates and Level 1 Care included in Rent • Floor Plans from Studio to Large One Bedroom Penthouse
premierseniorliving.com
34 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
Ivy Hall Assisted Living 5690 State Bridge Road Johns Creek, GA 30022
(770) 814-0114 St. Ives Memory Care 5835 Medlock Bridge Parkway Johns Creek, GA 30022
Ideally situated between Atlanta and the foothills of the North Georgia Mountains, Soleil Laurel Canyon is a luxury, resort-style community in Canton, Ga., with more than 50 social clubs to choose from. Residents enjoy exceptional recreational amenities including a 28,000-square-foot clubhouse, gourmet teaching kitchen, fitness center and aerobics studio, library, performing arts theater and an arts and crafts workshop. Outside the clubhouse, the tennis center, an amphitheater, community garden, greenhouse, lagoon-style pool, walking trails and adjacent Fairways of Canton golf course complete the resort-style environment. A full-time lifestyle team ensures a jam-packed monthly calendar that offers a broad array of activities for residents. In addition to the outstanding amenities and events at Soleil, this low-maintenance community offers 12 distinct home designs for buyers to choose from, featuring two and three bedroom designer floor plans that are spacious with elegant architectural details for which the award-winning community is widely known. The selection offers cottage, traditional and Craftsman-style single-family homes that are priced from the $200,000s to the $400,000s and range from 1,400 to more than 2,800 square feet.
(770) 476-1777 Get started today by calling 678-880-3071 or visiting SoleilLaurelCanyon.com.
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You should decide what happens to your assests now AND when you’re gone!
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11555 Medlock Bridge Road, Suite 100, Johns Creek, Georgia 30097 • LetsTalkEstatePlanning.com December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 35
A SOJOURN into
written by HEATHER KW BROWN
OLORADO’S
PHOTOS COURTESY OF
36 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
FEATURE HEADER
SNOW BEST-DRESSED, POWDER-PERFECT HOT SPOTS THE SOUND OF SNOW, AS IT RELENTLESSLY TAPPED THE WINDSHIELD, rivaled a possessed typewriter while a discernible “grrr” rumbled steadily beneath us. Unaffected by either, our driver navigated the route to dinner with ease. Next to him in the front seat, I maintained my own ground, wishing I could convince him to let me drive. When visions of a Southern girl behind the wheel of a Sno-Cat in Vail, Colo. met with a long line of possible delays, I tabled the idea until after dinner.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 37
COLORADO
As
TOP: Dinner reservations at Vail’s Game Creek Restaurant, a European chalet accessible only by snowplows in the winter, is a must. BELOW: A warm welcome always awaits inside the lobby at Vail Cascade, part of the Destination Hotels collection.
we plowed into the scenic Game Creek Bowl to the European chalet known as Game Creek Restaurant, all preconceived notions of “fine dining at new heights” were cast aside like snowdrifts, clearing the path for an experience unlike any
other. My friend and I walked down the slick steps of the Sno-Cat into the coziness of the restaurant, where a gourmet prix fixe meal and bottle of Château de Sancerre complemented the chariot in which we had arrived. I had arrived, alright — armed with minimal bravery but ample enthusiasm to immerse myself in Vail, Snowmass and Aspen, each of which are powder-perfect hot spots in Colorado, packed with as much personality as snow.
AN ELEVATED EXPERIENCE The vibe in Vail is immediate and infectious. No sooner had I checked into my mountain hamlet than my heart rate started to climb. It could have been the view from my room, where snow-covered rocks ushered water through a brook almost as effortlessly as hearty trees bolstered newly dusted branches. Most likely though, my excitement stemmed from the stream of chairlifts that flowed up and down the mountain, serving as motivation to trade my current perspective for a look at life from the top, or somewhat close to it. Tucked along the banks of Gore Creek at the base of Vail Mountain, Vail Cascade Resort & Spa is touted to be the town’s only
PREVIOUS PAGE: PHOTO COURTESY OF JACK AFFLECK, VAIL RESORTS; THIS PAGE: PHOTOS COURTESY OF JACK AFFLECK, VAILS RESORTS; DESTINATION RESORTS
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COLORADO
ABOVE: Ultimate 4 makes a day on the slopes fun. RIGHT: Vail Village stays busy at night too, compliments of its many bars and restaurants.
true ski-in/ski-out property, providing direct access to the lifts — no shuttling required. In relation to the rest of Vail Village, Vail Cascade sits farthest west, but the property is essentially a village of its own, complete with condominiums for families and groups searching for a home away from home. Among the abundant amenities at Vail Cascade is Charter Sports, the onsite ski hub, located beside Cascade Village Lift (No. 20). There, I met Laura Morvay, one of the instructors of Ultimate 4, a women’s only ski school. Despite her credentials as a Level 5 certified instructor with the added talent of being a heli skier, Morvay enthusiastically escorted me up, down and around the easier runs, stopping more often than not to share tips and demonstrate how to properly turn in a pair of skis. The need for Ultimate 4 originated from the idea that women want a fun day on the slopes without the stress and intimidation that often accompanies a pair of skis and large groups. Moms, in particular, sign up to participate while their children are in ski school, as well as girlfriends on winter getaways. During these lessons, typically held between 12:45 and 3:15 p.m., up to four women are led by a female instructor from the Vail Ski and Snowboard School. Traveling sans little ones meant I had a successful morning on the slopes plus time for après-skiing at The 10th, a sit-down dining destination residing atop Gondola One at Mid Vail. In addition to overlooking the majestic Gore Range, patrons are treated to modern Alpine cuisine, the likes of which range from heirloom chicken and roasted pheasant pot pie to Colorado bison and pork bratwurst braised in local beer. Equally inspired by its heritage, the name is derived from the veterans of the 10th Mountain Division, many of whom, including several of Vail’s founders, became involved with the ski industry upon their return from World War II. Exercised, fed and ready to explore, I ventured into almost every shop in Vail Village. Hours later, I returned to Vail Cascade, where I promptly ditched my new snow boots in lieu of a plush robe at Aria Athletic Club & Spa. Incorporating elements of the Colorado Rockies, Aria offers a wide range PHOTOS COURTESY OF JACK AFFLECK, VAIL RESORTS
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December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 41
COLORADO
TOP: Heavenly slope-side condos at Top of the Village in Snowmass. ABOVE: Aria Spa inside Vail Cascade is a rejuvenating respite even on the best bluebird day.
of spa treatments that rejuvenate and prep tired muscles for more days on the mountain. Unwinding and refueling are all part of the experience and when dinner approached, we wandered with purpose into Atwater on Gore Creek. The onsite signature restaurant sports authentic mountain energy and a creative menu listing locally inspired dishes like Boulder organic half chicken served with butternut squash farro risotto, apple, kale, shitake mushroom and champagne velouté. Dubbed “like nothing on earth,” Vail lived up to its superlative reputation. From ground to gondola, it was going to be tough to beat.
S
SOLITUDE AT SNOWMASS NOWMASS, like Vail, started as a mountain for skiers and the town developed around it. Graced with blissfully wide runs, as well as a 5-mile intermediate run called The Long Shot, Snowmass remains a favorite for skiers in search of fewer people, shorter lines and plenty of options. From Vail, Snowmass is just under a two-hour drive, plus a few extra minutes to reach the Top of the Village, which is a haven of slope-side properties. Sleep in, grab a hot coffee, and a warm breakfast from the comfort of your own kitchen, then step out of your condo onto a ski run. With only one day to spend in Snowmass, we opted to play in the snow, but to venture off the beaten path. This time, my friend and I cinched up our moccasins for an outing in snowshoes. Fun and incredibly easy, snowshoeing is ideal for travelers PHOTOS COURTESY OF DESTINATION HOTELS
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COLORADO
FIND MORE WANDERLUST-INSPIRING IMAGES LIKE THIS ONE ON PINTEREST AT pinterest.com/pointsnorthatlanta
ABOVE: Aspen RIGHT: The Gant’s lower pool
looking to enjoy a winter sport off the slopes. In my case, it allowed me to see the wilderness with intention, rather than as a result of ungracefully veering off course. Contrary to a blur of passing trees, we joined a tour guided by a naturalist from the Aspen Center of Environmental Studies (ACES). The easy trek took us in and out of spruce and fir forests and through an alpine wilderness decorated with animal prints in freshly fallen snow. Along the way, we learned of local winter habitats, avalanches and wildlife. Maybe it was the solitude, the welcomed treat of hot chocolate and cookies or the amazing bluebird day, but I felt like a kid again and couldn’t resist the temptation of plunging backward into the powder. We eventually traded the day’s giddiness for a sophisticated dinner at The Artisan Restaurant and Bar inside The Stonebridge Inn. At the helm here is chef
Randall Baldwin whose creativity regularly attracts a crowd, and rightfully so. In tune with palates beyond the plate, Baldwin also stocks a wine list that appeases aficionados and casual sippers alike.
I
THE AWE OF ASPEN simply wasn’t blessed with the ability to descend a mountain on a pair of skis — at least, not very quickly. That said, I can do it. It just isn’t pretty. Or skilled. Sure enough, midway down the mountain, my friend who had moved to Colorado and no longer skied like a Southerner asked if I wanted to take the chairlift back up the mountain. Feeling confident thus far, I would not be deterred. Until I was. Unbeknownst to me, the worst was yet to come and my sunny disposition disappeared as the slope grew steeper. Several choice words might have surfaced, as did
two good Samaritans who tried their best to encourage and assist in my unconventional route down the mountain. Welcome to Aspen Mountain, better known by the locals as Ajax. To be fair, mythology is also not one of my fortes, but even I know the name of a Greek hero, proverbial for his size and strength. Too PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATHANIEL WILDER; JASON DEWEY
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December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 45
COLORADO
LEFT: The Gant; ABOVE: Pepperjackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CafĂŠ
bad I hadnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t heard the reference prior to my undertaking. Indeed, Aspen is less of a family-friendly ski stop â&#x20AC;&#x201D; for that, head back to Snowmass or Vail; however, for those with serious skills, Aspen is the place to be and be seen. At this point, I wanted nothing more than to â&#x20AC;&#x153;be seenâ&#x20AC;? (in street clothes). Once a mining town, the area is small, easy to walk and replete with reasons to wile away the day. Located a few short blocks from downtown, The Gant, Aspenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier condominium resort, sits just as close to
more than 300 shops, restaurants and clubs as it does to world-class skiing. The Gant, like Vail Cascade and Top of the Village â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all three of them part of the Destination Hotels collection â&#x20AC;&#x201D; feels like home with the added bonus of every amenity youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d expect from a ďŹ ne hotel. Not to mention, The Gant might have some of the best views in town, especially from its lower pool. The onsite Pepperjackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CafĂŠ offers small bites and just enough brew (both caffeinated and alcoholic), but when hunger
strikes, Aspen is well-suited to satisfy. Our favorite was Ajax Tavern at The Little Nell, easily one of Aspenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hippest spots, where people watching and glamour commingle as frequently as orders of cocktails and truffle fries. Needless to say, the incomparable accommodations and enjoyable night on the town more than made up for my lack of talent earlier in the day, allowing Aspen to reclaim its high rank among mountain towns in my book. Sno-Cat ride in Vail, check. Snowshoeing in Snowmass, check. Mettle test in Aspen, check. Picking a favorite from our tour de force of Coloradoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best-dressed mountain towns requires a return visit. Mine is already booked. PN FOR MORE INFORMATION aspensnowmass.com destinationhotels.com vail.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF DESTINATION HOTELS
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Playing FAVORITES BACK TO BRECKENRIDGE FOR ANOTHER SEASON OF FUN written by HEATHER KW BROWN
“Gee!”
On command, I leaned hard to the right. Our team of Siberian Huskies careened in the same direction, along with my friend, who had just taken our level of trust to a whole new level by letting me steer her through the flocked backcountry of Breckenridge, Colo.
48 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
No sooner had we laughed, half thrilled and half relieved to make the tight turn, when the guide called, “Haw!” Suddenly, we were going left and slightly downhill. Aside from holding on for dear life, I had been content to let the dogs do all of the work, but coming back up the incline, they were tired and it was time for me to start mushing. I kept one foot on the runner and pushed the sled with my other as if riding a skateboard. When they caught their breath and regained momentum, our 6-mile dogsledding adventure continued, stopping at strategic spots to let them rest in the snow while drivers and riders swapped roles. Some places resonate more than others and any extra push it takes to revisit is well worth it. Breckenridge is that place for me.
COLORADO LEFT: Good Times Adventures takes guests on a ride of a lifetime. TOP: Life in the town of Breckenridge is just as packed with things to do as life on the mountain. BELOW: What’s a ski town without an iconic view of gondolas? Snow-covered, of course.
& Saloon. Nestled near shops and other popular spots in downtown Breckenridge, Briar Rose lassoes the heritage of the Wild West with the culinary prowess of a high-end restaurant.
ON AND OFF THE MOUNTAIN My introduction to the mountain town of Breckenridge came in the summer of 2011 with my husband and our then 3-year-old daughter and 5-year-old son. From our hotel, we saw snow melting in the distance and knew a winter wonderland would have to wait. Donning sandals instead of snow boots, we busied ourselves with everything under the sun and loved every minute, but I left feeling like something was missing. If my adventures in Aspen provided any indication, I had every reason to be biased and in favor of summertime in the mountains, but with only two days in town, I put on my big girl bib and clicked into a pair of skis. Breck’s expansive long runs and family friendly slopes proved to be exactly what I
needed to regain my mojo — steep enough to feel challenged without feeling like I’d be making my way down the mountain when ski season reopened the following year. Breckenridge offers plenty of slopes to suit skiers of all levels. Non-skiers have copious options for their fair share of fun, ranging from dogsledding with Good Times Adventures and winter fly fishing with Breckenridge Outfitters, the most decorated Orvis-endorsed outfitter in the country, to fat biking. New this winter, nearly all groomed trails at Breckenridge’s Gold Run Nordic Center will be open to fat bikes, adding nearly 25 kilometers to the 13 kilometers already available on ungroomed snowshoe trails.
IN TOWN The next best thing to a busy bluebird day is dinner at Briar Rose Chophouse
Legend has it that the storied backbar is the centerpiece of the Saloon, where guests can choose between the full menu and small plates. No offense to small plates anywhere, but when arguably the best of American beef arrived at our table, my vote swayed toward the Cervena elk medallions with wild mushroom demi glace and the Emerald Valley Ranch buffalo short ribs with whipped Yukon gold potatoes. Of course, no mountain town is legit without a coffee shop that makes lattes worth posting on Instagram and breakfast burritos so large, to-go boxes come standard. Enter Cuppa Joe, an independent, locally owned coffeehouse where everything is made to order and happiness is served daily. Offering convenient ski-in/ski-out access, as well as an uncanny knack for attention to detail, the stylishly designed BlueSky Breckenridge is an exceptional place to call home. Resting between Peak 8 and Peak 9 in the Tyra Snowflake neighborhood, BlueSky Breckenridge is a luxury, boutique resort boasting 52 well-appointed residences, making it an intimate property just three blocks off Main Street. The graciously sized condominiums differ in décor and in number of bedrooms, but undeniably cater to the comforts of home. Apparently, it doesn’t matter which season you visit Breck, it will beckon you back eventually. PN FOR MORE INFORMATION gobreck.com goodtimesadventures.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOBRECK; LEISA GIBSON
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 49
Neighborhood
Notes
A NORTHSIDER’S PEEK AT PONCE CITY MARKET written by COLLEEN ANN MCNALLY
Leave the tacky
Hawaiian shirt and tube socks at home, but you won’t want to forget your camera. When the National Trust for Historic Preservation recognizes Ponce City Market (PCM) as “history in the making,” we deem a day trip well worth the drive, not to mention the perfect antidote to any cases of cabin fever this winter. Round up your crew and be tourists in the neighborhood garnering big-time attention. Far from comprehensive, this guide suggests some places to start on your first visit, while still leaving some surprises yet to be discovered.
50 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
FAST FACTS You can see it in the sunken bricks revealing worn concrete walls. Not that this place is old, but this place has a story. Even before construction of the once Sears, Roebuck and Co. building on Atlanta’s Ponce de Leon Avenue first made headlines in 1926, the site was a destination. Across the street sat Spiller Park, the former home of the Atlanta Crackers baseball team, predecessors to the Atlanta Braves. The street’s history, however and its crowds began much earlier. Natural springs on a beech grove there in 1860 inspired the name, alluding to the
famous Spanish explorer on the search for the Fountain of Youth, and in 1903, became the site of an amusement park. Flash forward to 2010. The crumbling building, then owned by the City of Atlanta, was closed to the public before the private equity group Jamestown – same folks behind the revitalization of Midtown’s Westside neighborhood – took over the 10-story, 2.1-million square foot structure. The result is a sustainable mixed-use development housing best-in-class office, retail and residential space in an urban and transit-friendly location.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 51 PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH DORIO
FEATURE HEADER
All Are Welcome In line with the goal to be a true gathering place, General Assembly has found a home on the second ďŹ&#x201A;oor of PCM. Established as an innovative community in New York for entrepreneurs and startup companies in early 2011, General Assembly is an educational hub of creativity, offering courses, classes and workshops in technology, business and design at 14 campuses across four continents. Inside the Atlanta campus, murals on chalkboard paint pay tribute to local icons and classrooms invite corporations and individuals to learn 21st-century skills ranging from web development and user experience design, to business fundamentals, to data science, to product management and digital marketing. generalassemb.ly/atlanta PHOTOS COURTESY OF
52 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
P ONCE CITY MARKET
The anticipation built like the upward ride on a Ferris wheel as shop doors opened one by one. Already full of amusements and drawing crowds, the once-completed PCM will get back to its mythical roots with a fun-ďŹ lled rooftop to include miniature golf and a ride to bring out your inner kid. Currently, the directory includes something for everyone: local names such as Onward Reserve and Dancing Goats Coffee as well as cult favorites Michael Stars, Lululemon, Corepower Yoga and Anthropologie mix among newcomers like Lily Rain, Goorin Bros. Hat Shop, the optical boutique Karoo, Mountain High OutďŹ tters, the Frye Company and more. We lit up when Rejuvenation, the classic American salvage store supplying antique lighting and unique hardware for homes, chose to open their ďŹ rst East Coast store here. Guys who tag along â&#x20AC;&#x153;shoppingâ&#x20AC;? are no longer relegated to waiting on a couch â&#x20AC;&#x201D; send them to Q Clothier or Rye 51 for luxury dry goods, apparel and in-store whiskey bar.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY; ANDREW THOMAS LEE; CHRIS WATKINS
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 53
FEATURE HEADER
Grassroots Giving Back Earlier this fall, Atlanta’s own folk rock duo Indigo Girls performed to a sold-out crowd at Party at Ponce, following the historic lighting of the Ponce City Market marquee sign on The Roof. Party at Ponce raised more than $250,000 for local, community-based organizations. The beneficiaries of the Jamestown Charitable Foundation represent the city’s diverse culture and align with Jamestown’s aim to make Atlanta a more desirable place to live and work through sustainability, culinary, transportation and design initiatives. jamestownlp.com
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P ONCE CITY MARKET Acheson is behind the cleverly dubbed Spiller Park Coffee, Anne Quatrano opened seafood concept W. H. Stiles Fish Camp, Linton Hopkins brought his famous burgers and fries at H&F as well as debuted Hop’s Chicken, Hector Santiago offers a permanent solution to the longtime pop-up El Super Pan and the starstudded list continues. It’s a flexible space to gather, shop and eat whether morning, noon or night – grab a bite here or there, then polish it off with King of Pops or Honeysuckle Gelato. Anchoring one end of the hall is Bellina Alimentari, a gourmet Italian market offering slow-cooked foods, imported goods and fresh ingredients. Inside, their “food as a way of life” philosophy is detailed on a column with kitchen staff hard at work below. Even without a James Beard awardwinning chef at the helm (although chef David Berry and General Manager Jim Monast are no strangers to an Atlanta kitchen or awards), the beautiful Bellina still scored one of the biggest spaces including a market, bar for dining in and private room for special dinners and pasta-making seminars. After a taste of their curated charcuterie and cheese boards followed by egg pasta, made fresh right in front of us, we quickly bought into the philosophy too. Even better than reading the writing on the wall is meeting the woman behind the message. Owner and cookbook author Tal Postelnik Baum built her vision upon the idea that the hectic nature of modern life should not compromise the quality of the food we eat. Formerly an architect and designer, Baum developed an eclectic taste from traveling the globe, studying in Italy and experiencing firsthand some of the best hospitality the industry has to offer. Here, that translates to a haven of respite within a bustling city. Bellina, in the spirit of PCM, makes “the best” more accessible to Atlantans – including adventurous Northsiders – while preserving more than a century of culture. No passport, airplane or time machine required.
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TICKET INFORMATION: $19 in advance and $22 at the door *Girl Scouts 11 a.m. performance includes backstage tour and patch for $13.00*
FOR MORE INFORMATION poncecitymarket.com bellina-alimentari.com
email fdtickets@bellsouth.net or call Kim @ 404-309-7735
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEN ROSE PHOTOGRAPHY; CHRIS WATKINS
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 55
FEATURE HEADER
District Detour
non-GMO sugar comes from a small farm in Louisiana and leaves no waste product. Both the tasting room architecture and the artfully designed bottles
written by HEATHER KW BROWN
pay tribute to Atlanta’s spirits industry. Tapping into local ties, the font
W
While it will always be known as the birthplace of Dr. Martin Luther King,
on O4D bottles tips its cap to the Braves while the Cotton Mill Lofts
Jr. and the original location of Morris Brown College, the diverse neigh-
image on the back of the gin and the old Sears, Roebuck and Co.
borhood of Old Fourth Ward (O4W) has managed to maintain its place
building (now PCM) on the vodka pay homage to its historic roots.
in history and gradually evolve into a district making its own mark on
I cruised by one day to meet the men behind the bottle and
the city. This transformation has partially come from its proximity to the
to taste their labor of love. Forget heads and tails, their prod-
BeltLine, and from the dedicated members of its community, elected
ucts, made with all hearts, is an obvious upgrade from the bigger
officials and local business owners.
brands we’ve come to accept as palatable. The gin, crafted with
Among them are brothers Jeff and Craig Moore, who, along with Jus-
juniper berries and eight different botanicals, is scheduled to hit
tin Gray, Andy DuVall and Gabe Pilato have opened Old Fourth Distill-
the shelves for the first time this month and can be found next to
ery (O4D), Atlanta’s first legal still since before Prohibition. To put that
the already popular vodka, in hundreds of restaurants and bars
in perspective, the last one was more than a century ago – R.M. Rose
throughout metro Atlanta. Followers of the distillery are waiting
Distiller in 1906.
impatiently for the debut of its whiskey, said to be released in 2019.
Inspired by a passion for a product that didn’t exist as well as the
Until then, swing by the craft distillery on Thursdays from 2 to 7 p.m. or Saturdays from noon to 5 p.m. for a tour and tasting. PN
history of their neighborhood, the guys behind O4D not only set the precedent for being the first and only (to date), but they also chose to use pure cane sugar — instead of potatoes or corn — for fermentation. The organic,
FOR MORE INFORMATION O4D.com PHOTOS COURTESY OF OLD FOURTH DISTILLERY
Take Note
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56 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
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Guy’s TIME
‘Tis the season for giving and gathering written by CARL DANBURY, JR.
F
For some, the most treasured gift during this holiday season will come without a beautifully wrapped package and lovely bow. It may not be given by, or in the presence of, family and friends, but rather passed along as a blessing from God by two men who were once rewarded with a second chance. The gift is simply an opportunity, where the homeless, or those addicted to drugs and/or alcohol, are taught a trade, as well as fundamental elements to become a person of integrity.
STARTING FROM SCRATCH
Chefs Alex Reethof and Lake Dawson have dedicated their vocational lives to giving a hand to men currently at the Atlanta Mission, or those who had been there for a period of time. Reethof and Dawson started the project, Gathering Industries, in 2013 after their own lives had taken an unlikely turn. Reethof suffered a massive heart attack, one that he says he should not have survived, while Dawson suffered through a lengthy period of addiction, misfortune and the death of his grandfather, his mentor, which pushed him close to the edge of destruction. Both Reethof and Lake were professionally trained chefs prior to their setbacks and separately devoted their lives to Christ before meeting while working on a food service program for Ignatius House, a Jesuit retreat center in Sandy Springs. “We incubated the Gathering Industries program there, and discussed how we could unveil this project on a larger scale,” Reethof said. “Both Lake and I were granted
a second chance in life, and we are now dedicated to helping others that need one too.” While some solely feed the homeless, Gathering Industries instructs their constituency on how to feed others by training them for restaurant or food service occupations. “These guys have [become] clean or sober, and now are focused on turning their lives around and examining their possibilities. Those possibilities come PHOTOS COURTESY OF GATHERING INDUSTRIES, INC.
58 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
GIVING AND G ATHERING
through a job. They recognize that a job is very important. They just need somebody willing to spend time with them to teach them what it takes. Most of the chefs I know want someone with experience, but how does someone get that experience?” Reethof asked rhetorically. “We are trying to fill their toolboxes with the tools or skills to move forward, to go out on their own and be able to do something of value. We have already helped place two guys and they are doing fabulously. I get calls every week from restaurants and food service people looking for help. The hospitality community is embracing what we are doing,” he said.
TRIAL AND ERROR The Gathering Industries program begins with a 16-hour course, The Integrity Project, which often is used by some courts as alternative sentencing for misdemeanor cases. The goal is to teach personal core values that will result in a virtuous lifestyle. “The basic tenets of the project are respect, reliability and responsibility,” Reethof advised. “They must understand thoroughly what they are. These guys have never been shown, taught or had examples of these in their lives. We don’t move forward until they complete the course and
everyone is talking the same language.” The course is taught by Omar Howard, a reformed felon, and current CEO/founder of Freedom Is A Choice, Inc., a Stone Mountain-based mentoring program for at-risk youth and troubled adults. “Staying on the right side of the legal line isn’t always second nature to some. We want our guys to know that if you make a good decision you have freedom, but if you make a bad choice you lose your freedom,” Reethof stated. After completing The Integrity Project, Reethof provides detailed and often painstaking step-by-step instruction on
all aspects of the business, including: culinary fundamentals, all types of cooking methods, breakfast, lunch and dinner item preparation with speed and efficiency, pasta making, desserts and confections, labor scheduling, food storage, front-ofthe-house operations, ordering, receiving, inventory, troubleshooting food and labor cost issues, simple accounting and profit and loss statements. Successful completion of the entire course means the individual is ready to seek employment with an eye fixed upon self-sufficiency. “It’s highly developmental in scope,” Reethof said. “We are making major
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December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 59
GIVING AND G ATHERING
headway, but frankly it’s a bit slower than I anticipated. These guys are getting it, but they just have never been taught, nor have they ever been involved [to this degree]. It’s highly rewarding, but very, very strenuous.” Customer feedback for the meals that the culinary team has prepared is extraordinary. In addition, the group can handle corporate events for as many as 200 people. “The feedback we are getting is phenomenal. One Buckhead-based company we deal with won’t use anyone else now. They call us every week to order lunches for 200 people,” Reethof remarked. Reethof insists upon using the finest ingredients he can source. The breads they use are from Alon’s Bakery, and they opt to make their own mayonnaise from scratch. Though the preparation is more arduous, the results are proven. “We prepare a healthier, lighter style of lunch with fewer calories in most instances. It is as wholesome as possible and our clients really like that aspect of what we are doing. We are building steam and momentum with the project,” Reethof said.
A TASTE OF SUCCESS The impetus to begin this program came from personal setbacks for both Reethof and Dawson, and the men they serve likely have endured their share as well. “These are just regular fellas. They just need a hand up. They don’t want a handout; they have had those before,” Reethof said. “We [recently] completed a project serving 200 people each meal during a three-day period, and they paraded us up to tell everyone who we are and what we are doing. Our guys aren’t comfortable with that — they don’t want to be individually viewed as a poster child; they want to get their lives moving in a positive direction.” “Providing them with hope, dignity and opportunity, to help them make the most of a second chance, to get back on their feet and to take on responsibility for themselves is exciting,” Reethof said. “They are embracing this faith-based environment and the Christ-centered activities that we are doing. The goal for them is to take care of others, the same way they have been. It is so humbling to see these guys really embrace the opportunity.” PN
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FOR MORE INFORMATION gatheringindustries.org
60 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
HINTON’S SAVVY CELLAR is locally owned and operated, and focused on customer service. We offer consumers the best option in the Northside for all your special event needs. Our on-site consultants have years of experience in the food and beverage industry and exert no pressure on brand selection. • Beverage and menu consulting for business event planning, holiday gatherings, weddings and intimate dinner parties. • Amazing selection of wines for connoisseurs and novices alike, as well as a great collection of craft beers and spirits. • Several Wine Club options are offered for those who wish to expand their cellars and their palates.
HINTON’S SAVVY CELLAR 690 Roswell Road, Suite 415 Sandy Springs, GA 30328 404.236.0480 hintonssavvycellar.com Hours: • Mon.-Sat., 10 am - 9 pm • Sun, 1 pm - 6 pm
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 61
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Need more reason to celebrate this season? 2015 Holiday entertainment continues with the inaugural New Year’s Eve Celebration and Square Drop. Enjoy live music on the bandstand, ice sculpting and family festivities throughout the day, including a special Children’s Ball Drop at 7 p.m. Those without curfew can stay for a one-of-a-kind Midnight Square Drop in the heart of Marietta Square. winterwonderlandmarietta square.com
Plan Wondering what new outing to introduce to the family this year? Scrap the tedious mall lines and aim for the Georgia Aquarium, where your children can help the elves wake Santa — with a snowball fight. Georgia Aquarium’s Festival of the SEAson runs through Dec. 25. Watch as SCUBA Claus explores the Ocean Voyager habitat and admire the atrium which transforms into something exciting each hour with a Holidazzle light show, sing-a-long tunes and
a Symphony of Snow parade. georgiaaquarium.org THE JOLLY OLD MAN and his four-legged entourage aren’t the only ones coming to town. Featuring open-air ice skating, Santa’s Workshop, multi-story Christmas tree
and more, Marietta Square morphs into a magical winter wonderland this month. Beginning on Nov. 20, children young and old can skate daily among the twinkling lights and holiday music in the charming center of Glover Park. Of course, Mr. Claus is planning to pop in starting on Dec. 3 followed by the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 6 p.m. He’ll be back every Saturday and Sunday until Dec. 20 as well as the days leading up to Christmas Eve beginning Dec. 21.
View Curating the best in holiday gifts for more than 50 years, the HeART of Neiman Marcus is excited to partner with Trinity School to celebrate the 35th annual Spotlight on Art. Offering shoppers a handpicked selection of works from established and emerging artists, Spotlight on Art is the well-known series of art exhibitions presented for the community by Trinity School. Drawing artists and crowds from across the Southeast, the exhibit offers an attention-getting range of pieces from large works to smaller pieces, at all price points, perfect for adding to a collection or giving distinctive gifts. spotlightonart.com
Spotlight on Art proceeds benefit Trinity School’s top funding priorities, such as continuing teacher education and scholarship funds. PHOTOS COURTESY OF GEORGIA AQUARIUM; MARIALOUISE COIL | SPOTLIGHT ON ART
62 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
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underscore il Giallo’s inspired cooking. Seating is limited for this event and the cost is $45 per person. ilgialloatl.com
Eat
From our families to yours, we wish you a blessed, safe and meaningful holiday season.
• Open for lunch and dinner Monday - Saturday • Dinner reservations encouraged
FOR ALL YOUR HOLIDAY PARTY & CATERING NEEDS contact Maria at 678-520-3336 11730 A JONES BRIDGE ROAD • JOHNS CREEK 770.772.6456 • ROSAMIAITALIAN.COM
After months of anticipation for loyal followers of Veni Vidi Vici and Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, longtime veterans Leonardo Moura and chef Jamie Adams have finally opened il Giallo Osteria & Bar. Their goal to bring a little piece of Italy to their guests begins with their name. ““il Giallo” (pronounced il-JAH-lo) means “yellow” and “mystery” in Italian to evoke the color of yolk, the sun and the grains, while the latter interpretation represents the exciting flavors evolving on their menu. The art of pasta making is on full display at il Giallo, where Adams and his team produce fresh pasta on a large wooden table in front of the kitchen. We can’t wait to twirl our forks into the tagliatelle and pappardelle noodles, made from scratch, rolled and cut in front of guests, but we’re also saving room for Adams’ illustrious agnolotti with brown butter, sage and pecans, as seen on the Food Network’s “The Best Thing I Ever Ate.” Also, in keeping with the tradition he began at Veni Vidi Vici, Adams will celebrate Christmas Eve on Dec. 24 with a Feast of the Seven Fishes. The lavish three-course menu is fittingly a mystery for now but will present unique fin and shell fish creations that
Sport Even as college tailgate season winds down and football teams either head to a bowl game or back to the drawing board, die-hard fans will always look to support their team. Enter The Tailgate Collection by Imperial. Representing some of the most well-known colleges in America — Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia — each hat features the state outline with a defining characteristic and come in a variety of styles like preppy cotton, signature Tour visor and the Oxford bucket hat. Believing life is a series of moments and you better be ready, Imperial hats take you from the clubhouse to the
PHOTOS COURTESY OF IL GIALLO OSTERIA & BAR; IMPERIAL HATS
64 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
December 2015 beach house and everything in between. imperialsports.com
Read Each family has their own traditions, but one special Milton family turned theirs into a book to share with yours. Ever since Chris Cammack was a young boy visiting his grandmother’s house for Christmas, he learned the Christmas story and earned hay for the manger set through acts of kindness. After continuing the good deeds for years with wife Susan and their sons, the couple felt a calling to create The Good Deed Manger. The activity set includes a picture book, written by Cammack, that tells the story of Jordan the donkey whose stable and manger are used to house Jesus, Mary and Joseph. The set also includes a plush Jordan doll for the children to cuddle. thegooddeedmanger.com
Give Twenty-six-year-old Katie Baden is a former collegiate cheerleader, engaged to be married and full of life, but fighting a tough battle against Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Now in remission, she has one year left of weekly maintenance chemo and hopes to finish before her wedding, but needs help paying medical bills that aren’t covered by insurance or salary of her part-time job. This is where real estate experts, Sherry & Maria Team’s First Fruits step in. One percent of their revenue goes back to charities across North Atlanta, and this month, the duo is throwing a Breakfast with Santa to benefit the Katie Baden Cancer Fund on Dec. 19. For a $15 direct donation,
you and yours can enjoy pancakes, bingo and pictures with Santa between 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. at the Windermere Clubhouse in Cumming. If you can’t make the date but still want to donate to the cause, visit gofundme.com/ v2ujp4. Learn more about First Fruits at facebook.com/ FirstFruitsNorthAtlanta.
Talk Back “Many thanks to the amazing and talented writer Echo Garrett for her gift of words and belief in our store and to PN for deciding that our story was worth bringing to its readers! My heart overflows with sincere appreciation and gratitude.” – Cat Blanco, via Facebook
@ “While I was at @the Kaiser facility in Duluth, I picked up the Points North magazine from the table to scan and to my surprise I read page after page. This is a great magazine that is well put together with great information. The recipes are terrific as well. Kudos to you and staff on a job well done with this magazine.” – Bill, via email
“Thanks for the tix to #AtlantaEatsLive!” – @BCYonah, via Twitter
Follow us on social media for chances to win tickets to events around town. For more local happenings, visit pointsnorthatlanta.com/ calendar-of-events
December 2015 | PointsNorthAtlanta.com | 65
After THOUGHTS Afterthought: an item or thing that is thought of or added later — NEW OXFORD AMERICAN DICTIONARY
Through 2016, the last page of each issue will provide a peek at what’s on our minds at the moment. This month, we’re already thinking about how we will spend some of our free time over the holidays. As you can see, more time to color is top on our wish list. How about you?
“All I want for Christmas is... a new set of Prismacolor pencils!” Tiffany Willard Lotus Designs, Creative Haven series
Share your answer with us on social media with #PNAfterThoughts
66 | POINTS NORTH | December 2015
“It’s so calming to end the day with coloring, and the best part is that when mommy colors, everyone colors.” Shannah J. Smith Flights of Fancy, Really Relaxing Coloring Book 5