TA K E T H E S C E N I C R O U T E H O M E W I T H Y O U .
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3JWFS$MVC DPN | Sales by Atlanta Fine Homes Sotheby’s International Realty, 678-546-2026. All properties subject to availability. Information contained herein is believed to be accurate but is not warranted and is subject to change without notice.
POINTS NORTH ATLANTA | ISSUE 173 | OCTOBER 2014
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BEALL+THOMAS; FOUNDATION SOCIAL EATERY
contents
22 38 { DEPARTMENTS } 6 8 72 76
MY TURN DUE NORTH CALENDAR SEASONAL SIPS 78 FIVE THINGS
{ ON THE COVER } Tablescape at Blackberry Farm Photography courtesy of beall+thomas photography
16 UNTAMEABLE
38 THIRTY-ONE TABLES
Despite their locations in two equally venerable Atlanta dining hubs, Buckhead’s Buttermilk Kitchen and Alpharetta’s Nahm Thai Cuisine have managed to stand out in the crowd. We think it’s safe to say their success stems directly from the drive of their head chefs, Suzanne Vizethann and Nahm Thongyoung, respectively.
This month, skip the Halloween candy and dine where the counted calories are well spent. We teamed up with Atlanta Eats and we’re forking over 31 places – one for each day of the month – where we repeatedly go to wine, dine and dish. Ready to dig in?
54 VIRGINIA WINE COUNTRY
22 BLACKBERRY FARM A pastoral playground hidden in rural Walland, Tenn., Blackberry Farm is an unrivaled resort tucked into an intimate working farm. Here, a team of artisans work from passion to plate, producing memorable meals for guests and a list of activities as bountiful as its epicurean endeavors.
S P E C I A L A DV E R TI S I N G S E C TI O N S 32 | Private Education 66 | Food Lover’s Guide 68 | Cancer Awareness & Prevention 4
Points North | October 2014 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
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Grab a girlfriend and hit the road with us as we venture through Northern Virginia’s horse country, wineries, spas and plenty of shopping. Whoever said Virginia is for lovers must have traveled without a wine glass. We certainly didn’t!
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TO POST OR NOT TO
For the past 15 years
servers who earn just $2.13 per hour and rely upon gratuities to make ends meet. This month, we feature 31 Tables, one for each day of the month, and we will post detailed reviews of each on our website pointsnorthatlanta.com. For those of you receiving our e-mail notifications, your inbox will be offered daily reminders of each of the 31 eateries we have reviewed in this issue, as well as those from our partner for this issue, Atlanta Eats. These 31 have been chosen subjectively – and truth be told, if we had the space to do so, we could have offered hundreds more that we believe are worthy of inclusion. Enjoy!
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Points North | October 2014 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
c yc l e T h i s M a zi n e
To send comments and/or suggestions on this or any other subject, e-mail us at: myturn@pointsnorthatlanta.com.
Re
ag
e
, I, along with contributing writers and many others on our editorial staff, have conducted scores of restaurant reviews with the goal of providing detailed information about restaurateurs, chefs, sommeliers and waitstaff. Unlike some review-oriented websites, we choose to accentuate the positive aspects of our dining experiences, rather than harp upon an unattended water glass or the noise level from the group sitting adjacent. We could nit-pick too, but if we find the subject not to our standards, we simply choose not to write anything at all. You see, negative bashing of those who bust their tails to provide us with their passionate, creative and intriguing cuisine, can cost people their investments and their jobs. We encourage you to keep this in mind before you post. Constructive criticism is essential for all businesses to improve, but nameless negativity on social media sites won’t help, particularly about
post
Christine Kirk Xavilaine Hincapie
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PHOTO COURTESY OF BREEZES RESORT AND SPA
{ ENTER TO win} AN
the PRIZE A three-night “Super-Inclusive” stay at Breezes Resort and Spa in Nassau, Bahamas, plus a 55-minute Swedish massage for two. “SuperInclusive” refers to unlimited dining and drinks in the resort’s four restaurants and bars. A $25 per person, per night service fee will be charged upon booking, and blackout dates may apply. Prize is valid for one year following receipt of prize letter, and is valued at approximately $1,500. To enter, visit us online at pointsnorthatlanta.com by Oct. 31.
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Points North | October 2014 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
B
reezes Resort and Spa has perfected the “all-inclusive” vacation with their “Super-Inclusive” package in beautiful Nassau. Nearly everything you can eat, drink or do is included in your stay — no tipping allowed. Relax at one of their three freshwater pools and refresh yourself at the Sip & Dip swim-up bar. Sink your toes into the warm sand of gorgeous Cable Beach, enjoy fantastic beachfront rooms, indulge in unlimited meals and drinks from a number of fine dining options or get pampered at the à la carte Blue Mahoe spa. With tons of fun activities like kayaking, windsurfing, rock wall climbing, volleyball and more, you’ll have more options than you’ll know what to do with. At night, the entertainment options abound from a swanky piano bar to an upbeat nightclub. Plus, every night features a show, from comedy to karaoke, or steel drums and other local music. Cable Beach is only a short drive from central Nassau, if you even decide to venture outside the resort. With so much included in this prize, you might not want to leave! – Christine Kirk
October 2014
taste NEW
A OF SOMETHING
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AVALON
You’ve heard the buzz, and you’re already mentally replacing dinner at home with a night inside Alpharetta’s newest mecca. No judgment here – the restaurant scene opening at Avalon this month brings versions of your in-town favorites to the Northside, finally. And here’s a cherry on top – before deciding where to book your Saturday night, eat for good at The Perfect Taste, happening Oct. 29 from 6 to 10 p.m. A $125 ticket buys you a first-taste stroll through the new chefs’ menus, including Bantam + Biddy, Antico Pizza, The El Felix, Marlow’s Tavern and more. And when you’re feeling stuffed, you’ll know you’re helping feed hungry children across the country as well, with proceeds benefitting Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign. experienceavalon.com/news/the-perfect-taste
pointsnorthatlanta.com | October 2014 | Points North
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north MOTHER-DAUGHTER MAGIC Clear your calendars for another artful evening spent under the Big Top when Atlantic Station welcomes “Amaluna,” the latest in a Cirque du Soleil family of fantastic entertainment. Written and directed by Tony Award-winning director, Diane Paulus, the performance combines powerful motifs – mothers, daughters and the moon’s spiritual pull – in this comingof-age tale between two star-crossed, young lovers fighting everything to find faith and happiness in their new relationship. We caught up with one of Cirque’s performers and when asked about her routine from city to city, Summer Hubbard, a former NCAA gymnast PHOTO COURTESY OF CIRQUE DU SOLEIL
When we consider the enduring spirit of cancer survivors, 24 hours on a bike suddenly seems doable. If you’re geared up for the challenge, ride your bicycle, tricycle or unicycle to Mount Vernon Presbyterian School on Oct. 4 and 5 for a day of kicking cancer in the booty – seriously! Now in its fifth year, 24 Hours of Booty of Atlanta raises millions of dollars for the LIVESTRONG Foundation and the Aflac Cancer Center of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. Riders ages 12 and older pedal through a fully secured, 2.6-mile course around the Mount Vernon Woods neighborhood, then pitch tents to recharge at “Bootyville” (the start/finish line) where the camaraderie includes live bands, a midnight movie and a food tent providing full meals, energy supplies and snacks. Even though cancer is serious business, your ride doesn’t have to be. Whether you can muster 10 miles in one hour or complete 100 miles in 24, you’re guaranteed to have fun and laugh at all the booty jokes while raising money for a good cause. Advance registration is $45 per rider, and each participant is asked to raise a minimum of $200 prior to the ride. If you miss the Atlanta race, spin over to their website to learn how to get involved with future events. 24hoursofbooty.org PHOTO COURTESY OF 24 HOURS OF BOOTY
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Points North | October 2014 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
from LSU and currently one of the Amazon performers on the uneven bars, said, “We’re expected to do our job and do it well, but it’s more about how we can make it more artistic. [It’s a] fine line of perfection and artistry.” Don’t miss Hubbard or her fellow 70-percent female cast and 100-percent female band as they powerfully deliver a story about women to the acrobatic stage, one that inspires its viewers as much as it does its heroine. Shows have been extended through the end of November. Claim your seats now at cirquedusoleil.com/amaluna or by calling 1-877-9-CIRQUE. Tickets start at $35.
GET
MOVING Let’s face it, ropes courses and golf games don’t usually welcome anyone and everyone’s athletic skill levels. So, when you’re in need of team building or a fun time out with a large, diverse group, the options are limited. Knowing that everyone likes to eat and that anyone can boil water, The Food Movement capitalized on making corporate events and special occasions way more fun with cooking competitions, menu development and stoveside lessons. Aside from in-the-kitchen team building, The Food Movement runs an 1,800-square-foot, commissary kitchen out of which they stock several food trucks for onsite catering, including the often-seen (and drooled over) Pressed for Time and Hail Caesar. Plus, they’ve developed a full-service indoor catering line that touts the food truck experience without the truck. Basically, work food just got way more fun. Build your own experience at www.food-movement.com
pointsnorthatlanta.com | October 2014 | Points North
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A slew of new restaurants are headed our way, from zesty, flavorful south-of-theborder bites to rich, robust steakhouses. Here are a few to stoke your appetite. specialty cocktails and select items for half-price during the late afternoon and early evening.
South Main Kitchen brings farm-to-table cooking to downtown Alpharetta from restaurateur Louis Soon (Little Alley Steak, Salt Factory) and chef Christy Stone (The Stone Oven), featuring seasonal ingredients served in a dining room and two bars, including a rooftop space. 9 S. Main St., Alpharetta
The same creative folks who brought us Antebellum are shaking things up a bit – and we’re not just talking about margaritas. Catch their wave and hang loose at Maverick So-Cal Cantina, their latest culinary adventure reminiscent of their roots on the West Coast. To them, the Maverick's spirit is about more than just surf culture – it’s the risk they took to bring their good food and good vibes to you. 11030 Medlock Bridge Road, Johns Creek
The latest from restaurateurs Hicham Azhari and Fikret Kovac, Real Fix Pizzeria offers pizzas of many styles, including New York, Neapolitan and (we still can’t believe this) fried. 14 Elizabeth Way, Roswell
Alexandria Bobo, a certified pastry chef and graduate of Le Cordon Bleu, is now chef de cuisine at Mia Ristorante Italiano in Cumming. Bobo uses her creativity to provide eyeappealing dishes while never straying from those long-time Italian favorites that have been a signature at Mia since Joe and Dawn Grella opened the restaurant in June 2012. Bobo previously plied her trade at Buckhead Bread Co. and a catering business before coming to Mia. “I have a passion for creating dishes that are nicely presented, but more importantly, those that are up to the standards this restaurant has established in terms of taste and value for the past few years,” Bobo said. “Our regulars expect consistency for all of our regular menu items, and I truly enjoy having the Grella’s trust to create special dishes that allow me to use local and regional ingredients that our guests will really enjoy.” miaitaliano.com
Chris Sedgwick, founder of the local Pure Taqueria chain and more, opens Made Kitchen & Cocktails late this month, featuring a Spanishinspired restaurant with three menu sections focusing on quick tapas-style small bites, grilled fish and meats and more traditional entrées. 45 Roswell St., Alpharetta The owners of Taqueria Tsunami and Pressed Panini Bar are bringing a new concept to Marietta Square this fall. Stockyard Burgers and Bones brings a menu featuring a variety of unique prime burgers, entrées and sides with a wide selection of dipping sauces. 26 Mill Street, Marietta
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Alexandria Bobo of Mia Italiano PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVE GLASS
PHOTO COURTESY OF JONATHAN MATTSON
Good news Asheville fans, Chef Brian Sonoskus from the iconic Tupelo Honey Cafe is opening a location in Sandy Springs. Come pick his culinary brain, and get a signed copy of his new cookbook “New Southern Flavors from the Blue Ridge Mountains” at Room & Board on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring a friend, savor sips and snacks inspired by the cookbook and be among the first to explore the brand’s new American-made designs. After more than 20 years of calling Sandy Springs home, the renowned Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse relocates and establishes its flagship location on Haynes Bridge Road in the thriving community of Alpharetta this fall. Ruth’s Chris new location will feature various dining options for individuals and large parties – in fact, the rustic, vineyard-styled building can accommodate a 200-guest private party. If you and a date wish for something cozier, the restaurant will offer a spirited “Ruth’s Hour” featuring
Points North | October 2014 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
Jonathan Mattson has taken over at Zola Italian Bistro in Milton and has quickly created a strong neighborhood following by providing simple, yet intriguing dishes for his patrons. Some have called the transformation of Zola “astounding,” and those who enjoy interesting varietals will be captivated by Mattson’s choices for his ever-expanding wine list. Regular wine dinners are a definitive part of Zola’s event schedule, but any night of the week is a perfect time to explore the new menu and wine list. zolaitalianbistro.com Jonathan Mattson of Zola
PHOTO COURTESY OF LIFETIME FITNESS
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GET IN THE SPIRIT Start an en vogue, annual tradition with your girlfriends by participating in the first Athleta Espirit de She Run. This exciting new event hosted by Life Time Fitness takes place on the evening of Thursday, Nov. 6. All female runners, joggers and walkers are encouraged to register for the 5K or 10K run and enjoy an evening out with the girls afterward. The race starts and finishes at the Meadow near the south end of Piedmont Park where you will receive a custom Athleta performance tank and a gift bag filled with lovely surprises. After the race, happy hour begins for you and your girlfriends! Make a toast at the bubbly bar and sample some tapas while jamming to your favorite tunes. Take a breather and get pampered with a massage or manicure. Explore the community night market showcasing fresh produce, local artisans and a plethora of creative crafts. Ladies, take your mark at spiritdeshe.com.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MT. BETHEL SCHOOL
– Xavilaine Hincapie
BRANCHING OUT After 16 years of solidifying their stellar reputation for academic excellence in a faith-based setting, Mt. Bethel Christian School has reached a long-time goal. The new campus, set on a sprawling 33 acres of sports and recreation facilities, includes several tennis courts, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a pool. Their 33,500-square-foot newly renovated building is expected to welcome students in January. With a full range of competitive athletics, college preparatory curriculum as well as access to honors and AP options, Mt. Bethel is a top-tier choice for East Cobb families seeking quality education with a Christian focus. Their expanded bus route now serves families from Dunwoody to Mableton. For more information, call 770-971-0245, ext. 333 or visit www.mtbethelchristian.org – Christine Kirk 14
Points North | October 2014 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
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UNTAMEABLE:
Scratch FROM
Chefs Suzanne Vizethann and Nahm Thongyoung on staking their claim in the kitchen { WRITTEN BY EMILY JACKSO N | PHOTO G R APHY BY STE VE G L AS S }
Certain
streets exist as avenues of rich culinary abundance across metro Atlanta - particularly in the northern suburbs. Roswell Road in Buckhead and Windward Parkway in Alpharetta are textbook examples of this kind of street. What is it, then, that sets any eatery along these thoroughfares apart from its competitors? We believe an enterprising executive chef can be the difference between a run-of-the-mill restaurant and a dynamite dining experience. Despite their locations in two equally venerable Atlanta dining hubs, Buckhead’s Buttermilk Kitchen and Alpharetta’s Nahm Thai Cuisine have managed to stand out in the crowd. We think it’s safe to say their success stems directly from the drive of their head chefs, Suzanne Vizethann and Nahm Thongyoung, respectively. Together, these fiercely talented females embody epicurean perfectionism, interminable ingenuity and insatiable ambition. They’re as confident as can be. And they’ve got the cooking to back it up.
SERIES SPONSORED BY BACARDÍ
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Savory Sustainability Chef Vizethann, owner/executive chef at Buttermilk Kitchen as well as head chef at The Hungry Peach Café inside the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC), was raised by cooks, right here in Atlanta. When asked what originally got her into cooking, she immediately cited her food-conscious family background. “I started at a young age. I come from a family
Points North | October 2014 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
where everybody cooks. My father was an awesome cook. The woman who helped raise us was a cook. I just always loved cooking … and I always loved the Food Network,” Vizethann said. Think Vizethann’s name sounds familiar? No avid “Chopped” viewer could forget her episode from 2011. The ingredient basket for the first course in the three-course cooking competition contained such horrors as canned bread and wildfowl reproductive organs. In the last round of this culinary Russian roulette, however, Vizethann managed to wow the judges with a dessert featuring one of her all-time favorite ingredients – sweet corn – and leave New York City with a check for $10,000 in tow. Ultimately, Food Network provided Vizethann with the extra capital required to launch a full-service restaurant separate from The Hungry Peach. Most of all, Vizethann believes the “Chopped” win gave her a crucial morale boost. “It was reassuring. Being able to impress the judges let me know that I was good at what I do,” Vizethann recalled. Buttermilk Kitchen, Vizethann’s chef-driven brunch solution, opened its doors approximately a year later. Through the magic of blogging and social media, the Atlanta community played a major role in Buttermilk Kitchen’s creation, helping Vizethann decide which logo design should adorn the menu and which
Above: Chef Suzanne Vizethann
shade of cerulean should blanket the building, among other decisions. Her numerous regular customers continue to influence the way she runs the restaurant, making recipe suggestions and eagerly encouraging more Fancy Fried Chicken Dinner Nights. Between a faithful following of regulars and an inherent passion, Vizethann need not look far for inspiration. Recently, she’s enjoyed fusing Southern and Mexican cuisine with the help of her restaurant staff. “I consider my cooking style [to be] modern American with a Southern twist. I’ve also been trying to combine Southern food and Mexican food. I love the flavors in Mexican dishes.” Of course, recipe ideas aren’t Buttermilk Kitchen’s only locally sourced element. Vizethann adamantly advocates for slow food and sustainability. So much so, it inspired the breakfast spot’s humble name which, according to the restaurant’s website, refers to “the liquid utilized after butter was churned… letting nothing go to waste.”
“I think [sustainability] should be important to every chef and every person. We should know where our food comes from, so I shop local and work with local farms as much as I can,” Vizethann stated. The proof is in the parfait, which aptly features local AtlantaFresh yogurt. It’s in the sandwiches served on Holeman & Finch bread and the coffee mugs filled to the brim with Batdorf & Bronson coffee. Last but not least, it’s in the décor, which consists of all the reclaimed, recycled and repurposed materials Vizethann could muster. Currently, Buttermilk Kitchen might be Vizethann’s magnum opus, but that doesn’t mean The Hungry Peach days are behind her. She’s got big plans to start feeding us hungry peaches (ahem, Georgia residents) at more locations across the Northside. She also intends to start keeping Buttermilk Kitchen open during dinner hours. Seems like this champion chef is, once again, far from getting chopped.
pointsnorthatlanta.com | October 2014 | Points North
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{ FROM SCRATCH } A Chef’s Canvas Chef Suzanne Vizethann and Chef Nahm Thongyoung cook different cuisines in different locations at different times of the day. They even come from opposite sides of the globe but, over time, these chefs have entered the same school of thought. For example, both women want to share a food philosophy with the world that emphasizes high quality, impeccable freshness and a profound respect for each individual ingredient. Thongyoung grew up just south of Bangkok in a central providence of Thailand. Much like Vizethann, her family loved food. Her parents were restaurant owners, but she chose to begin her professional cooking career as a sous chef at the Four Seasons Hotel in Bangkok. There, young Thongyoung prepped every kind of cuisine – Thai, Japanese, American and German, for starters. But, for her,
SERIES SPONSORED BY BACARDÍ
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Points North | October 2014 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
{ FROM SCRATCH }
SERIES SPONSORED BY BACARDÍ
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nothing came close to the bright, harmonious flavors of authentic Thai food. Before her invaluable stint at the Four Seasons, Thongyoung studied art history and fashion. This education shows in her exquisite presentation at Nahm Thai Cuisine. With a few simple ingredients, she can decorate plates as beautifully as an artist can color a canvas. Dreamscapes of purple flowers, green vegetables and perfectly spiced proteins pose on the pure white plates that flow out of her restaurant’s kitchen. In true artist’s form, Thongyoung tells us she uses food as a mechanism for self-expression. “Do I think cooking is similar to art? The creativity needed for developing new dishes is similar. I love aesthetics – creating dishes that are beautiful, not just delicious,” Thongyoung explained. She will also tell you with nary an ounce of exaggeration that her dream is to serve the best Thai food in America. One taste of her food will tell you she’s come pretty darn close. What made her decide to live out that dream in the already restaurant-saturated area of Windward Parkway? The simple answer: some of Thongyoung’s relatives lived there before she made her Trans-Pacific move. The real answer: she fell in love with Alpharetta – its climate, its people and its peaceful, quiet moments. Enthusiastically sharing Thai food, one of the world’s healthiest styles of haute cuisine, with her customers is definitely Thongyoung’s top priority. She’s even founded a cooking blog titled “Thai in the Modern Day,” as a way of spreading information about traditional Thai meals. Still, she hasn’t remained completely untouched by Southern culture. “The local Southern culture hasn’t influenced
Points North | October 2014 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
my food that much. I do fry things more than I used to … and I love using okra!” Thongyoung said. When it comes to the exchange of Thai and American culture, she is surely more of a giver than a taker. Along with her burgeoning blog, Thongyoung has cooking labs, a cookbook and plans to one day travel the country disseminating her expertise in the works. In the meantime, she’ll keep herself busy by remodeling her current restaurant and scouting locations for a second Nahm Thai Cuisine inside the Perimeter. At one point, we asked Thongyoung what the transition from assistant chef to executive chef was like for her. “I owned it,” she said. With an answer like that, we believe she can do whatever she sets her mind to accomplish. Ambitious chefs like Vizethann and Thongyoung sautéing and filleting off of Roswell Road and Windward Parkway verify that Atlanta is ready to give the other gastronomic centers of the globe a run for their money. If every eatery along these streets had such strong leadership, we like to think boring weekend brunches and humdrum weekday dinners would become a vestige of duller days in the Northside. The not-so-dissimilar outlooks these women have on the ways in which we nourish ourselves urge us to never settle for disappointing dining or subpar pantry provisioning. Take a cue from Chef Suzanne this month by using seasonal ingredients that were grown nearby. Honor Chef Nahm’s noble reveries by tasting cuisine you’ve never experienced before… and resisting the impulse to ask them to go easy on the chili peppers. Just try something new. And own it. PN
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N : buttermilkkitchen.com nahmthaicuisine.com thaiinthemodernday.com
AN APPETITE AMONG
artisans PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEALL+THOMAS
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Points North | October 2014 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
BEHIND THE SCENES AT BLACKBERRY FARM { WRI T TEN BY HEATHER KW BROWN }
R
esting comfortably
as if visiting an old friend, the mist over The Smoky Mountains looked like it might stay longer than anticipated. Not too far away, the relaxed cadence of my rocking chair indicated that I, too, had no intention of abandoning my post any time soon. Balancing this inherent desire to dally with a list of activities as bountiful as its epicurean endeavors, Blackberry Farm is an unrivaled resort tucked into an intimate working farm. Here, luxury and leisure are redefined by a link to yesteryear. I’d made the three-hour drive to this pastoral playground in the folds of Eastern
Tennessee to immerse myself in all of the above. Three days of reveling in renowned Foothills Cuisine certainly sounded like something I could handle, as did the farm tour, the brewery tour, the brand new spa and the views from the verandah. The hands-on cooking demonstration loomed as a potential weak spot for my limited skills, but surely all would be forgotten with one look at the garden gussied up for the grand finale dinner. I would find out soon enough. In the meantime, my notion to stay perched swayed slightly when I spied an old oak tree surprisingly adorned with a single rope swing. Not one to resist life’s simple pleasures often, I promised future indulgence to my pleading inner child, and ventured the opposite direction. The Main House, now filled with fellow guests on the verandah, welcomed us with a cocktail reception and opening dinner for Smoky Mountain Table, a culinary event that proved to be more than a behind-the-scenes peek.
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{ B L AC K B E R RY FA R M }
A Penchant for the Past The draw of Blackberry Farm hidden in rural Walland, Tenn., started, as it often does, with a dream. Proprietor Sam Beall’s parents envisioned sharing their enchanted find with friends and family, but when he was only several months old, Beall’s mom, Kreis, opened their property as a six-room inn. From a toddler helping his mother as she established the inn’s Southern hospitality to a trained chef continuing the tradition of gourmet cuisine with his own wife and children, Beall has created one of the most celebrated hotel and culinary respites in the States. In addition to the Main House, where Beall spent his youth, cottages and guest houses dot the landscape, adding to the already bucolic scene anchored by The Barn. The carefully relocated bank barn from the 1800s is a perfect backdrop for fine dining in a grand setting.
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In every direction, sloping scenics intersect ribbons of roads wide enough for guests in golf carts to weave at will. Nestled near these sinuous paved paths are havens, where humble artisans share such an incredible penchant for food that the true experience comes from listening as much as it does from eating. Oh how my grandmother would agree. As children, my sister and I regularly rode with her to the country. Though it had two gardens and not a single animal, this land she dubbed “the farm” is where, some days we played
Points North | October 2014 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
childhood games, while other days, we planted seeds, shucked corn, shelled lima beans and ate tomatoes pulled right off the vine. Reminiscent of those decades long ago, the farm tour on our fi rst full day of the event started in the garden. We gathered in a shed, where two artisans Master Gardener John Coykendall and Garden Manager Jeff Ross - stood behind a table peppered with mason jars and piles of seeds. Sporting denim overalls, Coykendall started by saying, “Our ancestors were seed savers by necessity,” then mentioned his personal collection of more than 500 types of seeds. All of them have a story, and as he shared a few, his passion for rare and endangered seeds fused with their fascinating stories quickly enraptured our group. Coykendall and Ross eagerly fielded questions while we walked among thriving stalks and vines in Cades Cove Garden. Inspired by its namesake, a beautiful Tennessee cove that once produced abundant crops for the early settlers until it became part of the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in 1934, Cades Cove is the special theme for this year’s garden. Along the way, both gardeners shared insight for
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEALL+THOMAS
{ B L AC K B E R RY FA R M }
inquisitive minds and would-be gardeners alike while stopping on occasion to point out heirloom corn like the bloody butcher, hickory king and Reid’s yellow dent - all originally introduced in the late 1800s, denoting what Coykendall called “an unbroken chain” to the past. This concept of learning from the past to refine the future might be planted in the garden, but has grown to encompass all 4,200 acres of Blackberry Farm. The Art of Eating Well The artisans here are many and most were
born with childhood boots in the dirt or roots in the kitchen. As a writer, I wanted to hear more about their personal stories, but when a confluence of talent comes together to share a love for the land - and samples of their craft - tasting enthusiastically seemed to satisfy my craving just as well. In the Larder, we caught up with beekeeper and preservationist Shannon Walker whose skills as a chef and fondness for farming are poured into each jar he creates. He demonstrated the open kettle method of making jams and jelly, as well as the process of pickling okra, while in the other half of the room, several others were working on an apple stack cake. Unabashedly eyeing the jars of finished product in front of Walker’s work station, I was introduced to and immediately fell in love with the Pecan Sorghum. Through the door to the other side of the Larder, cheesemaker Ryan Burger crafts seasonal and year-round options using predominately sheep’s milk. Rich with a supple texture that’s both well-balanced and light on the palate, the Brebis, produced similarly to a Chèvre, instantly PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEALL+THOMAS; ELEANOR MCCAIN
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{ B L AC K B E R RY FA R M } became my new favorite. Blackberry Farm’s flagship cheese, Singing Brook is an aged sheep’s milk cheese that has a familiar sharpness to it, along with a nutty and buttery profile. Burger has added three new additions, including the Downer Brown, washed for a week in beer made in Blackberry Farm’s own brewery and named after the brewmaster, Ron Downer. Downstairs in the Larder, we grabbed fleece blankets and bundled up to meet the butcher, David Rule. Growing up on his grandparents’ hog farm prepared him for a future in the art of butchery and in his 41-degree butcher shop, he is charged with creating mouthwatering charcuterie, homemade sausage in natural casings and guanciale, a delicacy in Italy that is relatively new to Blackberry Farm. A tasting board showcasing Rule’s charcuterie as well as the guanciale emptied quickly. Essentially bacon with magnified flavors, guanciale is crafted from Berkshire hog jowl, then cured with salt, sugar, spices and herbs, producing a full-flavored smoky accent perfect for as many dishes as you can find a way to sneak it into. Sufficiently full from all the samples and in dire need of warmth, I ditched my pen and paper for running shoes and the solitude of the trails.
The Art of Living Well My itinerary provided plenty of time to wander in wonder. Perhaps time to unwind, like everything else at Blackberry Farm, is meant to be savored. Over the creek and through the woods I went, slowing down only when Mother Nature tossed in steep climbs and logs for entertainment. The most assuring fact for families, couples and solo runners is that several of the well-marked and maintained trails never even leave the property. With miles behind me and a unique spa treatment ahead, I made my way back to my room in the Main House. The convenience of walking downstairs for breakfast and lunch is one benefit to the Main House, where Estate Rooms, like Doll’s Eye whose sweeping views of the meadows and the Great Smoky Mountains are easily another. Of course, the wellappointed feather bed and heavenly heated floors in my room proved challenging to leave, but the nomad in me would not be denied, especially when a four-handed massage awaited. The Wellhouse, which officially opened in June of this year, is the resort’s spa and wellness facility, offering some expected creature comforts but mostly designed for lasting first impressions.
With a vast number of reputable spas in my repertoire, a tranquility room with floating beds has never been part of the experience … until now. If that doesn’t seal the deal, Galvlati (pronounced ‘Gah Luh La Tee’), a dual therapist massage treatment translated from the Cherokee word for “heaven” undoubtedly will. Sure, it took a few practice rounds before it rolled off the tongue easily, but getting it right felt almost as blissful as this dance of four hands synchronously advocating a change of pace in my day. Few other elements accomplish this challenge quite like a good beer, so during a tour of the brewery’s current site, I honed in on a few bottles, namely the smoked porter stacked in white boxes behind me. News of a 3,000-square-foot brewery to round out the semi-circle of goodness currently hosting The Barn and the Larder garnered much excitement, especially since the idea is to offer small-batch draft only available at Blackberry Farm’s brewery. On tap now is the Classic Saison, the Farm Ale and a Dubbel called the Screaming Cock, though more liquid libations will be pouring soon enough; some, I hear, will nod tastefully to agriculture. From the brewery, we hopped in our golf carts to meet the artisans we’d watched intently the previous day. Only now, it was our turn to get our hands dirty. Groups of guests gravitated toward
NOTES FROM A
PAMPERED PALATE Our opening dinner at the hands of Blackberry Farm’s James Beard award-winning chef Joseph Lenn, a Tennessee native, proved why he earned the James Beard Award for Best Chef Southeast in 2013 and has been recognized by Food & Wine as one of the top upcoming New Chefs. Wine enthusiasts were treated to a host of favorites from the 8,000-square-foot wine cellar by Andy Chabot, sommelier and director of food and beverage. Shortly after graduating from the Culinary Institute of America, Chabot began his career with Blackberry Farm in 2002. Within six years, the now esteemed wine cellar at Blackberry Farm grew from 17,000 bottles to 166,000. Chabot and the wine program recently received the James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine Program. PHOTO COURTESY OF BEALL+THOMAS
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{ B L AC K B E R RY FA R M }
PHOTO COURTESY OF ELEANOR MCCAIN
stations where artisans were ready to help eager hands at their particular craft. I started with Coykendall, who was, once again, standing behind a table of beans. Explaining an old Southern way of preserving beans called leather britches, he showed us how to string and snap the beans, then gave us a needle and thread, which we pushed through the center of each bean until the thread was full. When done, these strings of beans dry out by hanging from rafters or near ďŹ replaces. When winter comes, the leather britches are cooked up with a ham bone for one of the best bites you never knew you were missing. What I came to love most about Smoky Mountain Table, is that the artisans epitomize what Blackberry Farm is all about: graciousness with an uncanny nod for nostalgia that while triggering a favorite pastime, somehow still manages to create an authentic moment in time. As my feet dangled from the rope swing, I smiled, knowing that what had started as an appetite for provisions and the past has become my own Blackberry Farm story told from passion to plate. PN
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N :
blackberryfarm.com Want to cook, shop or plan your own trip to Blackberry Farm, a Relais & Chateaux property? Check out its free mobile app for smart devices.
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
private schools & higher education
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harpen your pencils and get ready for a pop quiz. How do you pick the school that best fits your family’s needs? And where do you start looking for one that’s structured to help you and your young academics personalized goals? Whether for your star athlete, entrepreneur, budding artist or the next big thing in rocket science, we’ve compiled an elite group of private schools dotted across the state and throughout the Southeast that boast the best education. Points North Atlanta offers a crash course, with a compilation of the region’s most soughtafter educations, from pre-K to pre-med. Get ready to ace this quiz.
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private schools & higher education
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
PINECREST ACADEMY A private, PreK3 through 12th grade, college preparatory Catholic school and a 2014 School of Excellence. For a guided tour or for more information, please call 770-888-4477 or visit www.pinecrestacademy.org. Join us for OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, November 9, 2014 1 - 3 p.m.
“An Exceptional School for Exceptional Students.”
College prep academics and vocational training for students with high functioning Autism, Asperger’s, ADD, ADHD or other learning differences. • SACS & GAC Accredited • Robotics, Drama, Chess • Athletic Programs
• SB10 Approved • Social Skills • Low Student-Teacher Ratio
PLEASE CALL FOR A PRIVATE TOUR
Catholic Education Honor Roll “School of Excellence” since 2007
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PINECREST ACADEMY
650 A Mt. Vernon Highway, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30328 404-835-9000
955 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, GA 30041 | 770-888-4477 | www.pinecrestacademy.org Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pinecrestacademy
www.cumberlandacademy.org
Points North | October 2014 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
private schools & higher education
Come See What Other Families Have Discovered INSPIRING STUDENTS WITH THE PASSION TO EXCEL We strive to help students reach their full potential, while developing a life-long love of learning in a warm and nurturing environment where students matter most.
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OPEN HOUSE DATES Wednesday, October 15 9:30-10:30 am Wednesday, November 12 9:30-10:30 am Saturday, January 24, 2015 12:00-2:00 pm
Tours available by appointment
Visit www.McGinnisWoods.org 5380 Faircroft Dr. Alpharetta, GA 30005 770-664-7764
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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
pointsnorthatlanta.com | October 2014 | Points North
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Oct. 1
THE FOUNDATION SOCIAL EATERY This off-the-beaten-path option, open just shy of seven months, is tops when faced with the hustle and bustle of downtown Roswell’s eateries. With a cool, industrial vibe mixed with retro-inspired décor, its relaxed kitchen and casual atmosphere proves “you can have fine dining food at a place where you can wear shorts.” That was Chef Mel Toledo’s vision and we agree. The Dishes | Crispy pork ribs, crisp Spanish octopus, seasonal mushroom ravioli and banana cheesecake The Drinks | Creative cocktails like the Old Fashioned or the Double Crossed Mule The Deal | Chef Mel has mastered the art of the complete bite and serves each dish with every detail in mind. His flavor combinations make for an entirely new eating experience. Oh, and the mushroom ravioli will change your life. foundationatl.com
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hether you’re a culinary connoisseur or someone who just loves food, there are hundreds of places around town to find a memorable meal and the decisions can get pretty competitive. That’s why we, along with Atlanta Eats, have pin-pointed our favorites for a month-long celebration of good grub and libations. So, turn off your crock-pots and stow your frying pans – this month, dinner’s on the Northside.
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Oct. 2
HAMMOCKS TRADING COMPANY Sandy Springs is a long way from either coast, but partners Jason Sheetz and Chef William Sigley have created a beachside hangout that elicits a toes-in-the-sand, laidback feel combined with incomparable coastal cuisine.
Oct. 3
The Dishes | Salmon en papillote, barbecued oysters, beef brisket tacos, seafood-and-two with your choice of 15 vegetables and last but not least jalapeño cornbread soaked with butter and honey The Drinks | HTC Margaritas, newly released wine list (with half-priced bottles Tuesdays) and Georgia Peach Sangria The Deal | Few restaurants can pull off passion-driven cuisine and unpretentious service to patrons in flip-flops and button downs simultaneously. Half-priced oysters served from 4 to 6 p.m. daily. hammockstradingcompany.com
MOXIE BURGER
The Dishes | The Moxie, 6 ounce Angus beef, fried green tomato, pimento cheese and moxie sauce
For those of us with an insatiable appetite for a good burger, Moxie Burger might as well be heaven. The crew behind Moxie is local and the commitment to making the best burger in metro Atlanta (Marietta and Roswell) is evident in each and every bite.
The Drinks | We heart the rotating craft beer list and kids heart the Abita root beer
Oct. 4
HOP ALLEY BREW PUB Hop Alley’s menu is top-heavy, with ample appetizers to nibble on while sipping from the beverage list at the bottom. While you may come for “one drink,” stay for the farm-fresh rotating menu, for which the meats and produce are hand-selected by Chef Thomas Humphries from small farmers and butchers.
Oct. 5
REVEILLE CAFE What gets you out of bed on a Sunday morning? We think a place that includes three exclamation points behind “Coffee” on their menu, three-egg Aahh-melets and their indulgently sweet treats from the griddle just might. Even if neither Acworth nor the Marietta location is close to home, we endorse this brunch as worth the drive.
The Deal | Exercise your moxie and be an Entrepreneur: choose beef, ground lamb, ground turkey, chicken breast, portobello cap or black bean patty and then top with almost anything. Tarragon mayo or jalapeño ranch anyone? moxieburger.net
The Dishes | Pimento cheese platter, pork chop with heirloom tomato jam, collard greens and blackberry fruit crisp to polish it off The Drinks | Try a flight of five of the (nearly too-good-to-be-true priced) six in-house brews to start. Get seasonal with their recipes for Oktoberfest and Pumpkin Ale. No hard feelings if you branch out to the rotating guest draft or curated list of bottles, either. The Deal | As the ultimate neighborhood watering hole, Hop Alley has the same trendy vibe as a craft brewery, but without the small pour. hopalleybrew.com
The Dishes | Tomato basil scramble, eggs Benedict with sweet potato pancakes and smoked gouda grits The Drinks | Specialty crafted lattes like the Pumpkin Chai, White Elephant or Banana Pudding that put Starbucks to shame The Deal | Take a look at the menu and try not to drool. There’s something to please any palate, and they serve it up quickly. Weekend wait times for a table usually won’t extend beyond 25 minutes, and you’ll still have time to make something of that lazy Sunday. reveillecafe.com
Oct. 6
The Dishes | Zuppa di Pesce (white fish & clam chowder, cream, potatoes, corn, bacon, thyme); Polpette di Granchio (jumbo lump crab cake, local apple, fennel slaw, vanilla-cracked mustard butter, chive oil); Creamy potato gnocchi made in-house with veal meatballs and Vinny’s tomato sauce and finally, Bistro VG’s to-die-for “killer” tiramisu
With a name that nods to the famous painter, here you’ll enjoy a dining experience as artful as Van Gogh’s Sunflowers.
The Drinks | A libation from the lengthy martini list – in particular, the pomegranate with citrus vodka, Pama Pomegranate liqueur and POM juice. Wine lovers won’t go thirsty, either, with plenty of fine Italian imports.
VINNY’S ON WINDWARD
Oct. 7
PEARL OF CHINA While not a tradition to spend our Friday night dinner date at a Chinese restaurant, in an effort to carry out this “tables” theme, we dined in to see how our favorite dishes would taste in spots other than our sofa. Verdict? Pearl of China is delicious in paper boxes and served on plates.
The Deal | Vinny’s is a staple on the Northside food scene – and for good reason. For 17 years and counting, its easy-going chic concept continues to offer an escape from the ordinary. sedgwickrestaurantgroup.com/vinnys.html
The Dishes | Vegetable spring rolls, sesame chicken, hot and sour soup, Szechuan shrimp The Drinks | Hot tea, if you’re dining in. Water, if you’re serious about eating. The Deal | Sesame chicken is served with perfectly cooked broccoli over white or brown rice, with a rich sauce that makes you want to eat way more than your share. The setting inside is quiet, friendly and hearing the dishes clink in the kitchen reminds you how hard they work to serve it up, no matter where you enjoy it.
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TARA HUMATA We know there’s a latest, greatest Mexican spot on every corner, but since 2006, this one has kept us bypassing the others. It could be the live music, buzzing social scene and extensive tequila bar, but we think the menu bursting with rich, authentic dishes is an outing that beats the average chips-and-queso night out.
Oct. 9
PARK CAFÉ RESTAURANT AND WINE MARKET Housed in the charmingly historic Knox House in downtown Duluth, a meal at Park Café Restaurant and Wine Market feels like dining at an old friend’s home. The creaking wooden floors once belonged to the town’s first mayor circa 1900; now the waitstaff seems to dance, rather than walk, on them as they serve up Southern cuisine with true elegance like they have since 2007.
Oct. 10
SEED KITCHEN & BAR; STEM WINE BAR Stem then Seed, or Seed then Stem? No matter, it’s just a personal preference as to where to begin. Either way, chef/owner Doug Torbush and his staff perform beautifully at both.
Oct. 11
The Dishes | Enchilada el gran jeffe, quesadilla especial, tacos al carbon The Drinks | Margaritas … we might have had them all and could recommend most The Deal | Whether at a table inside or out, prepare to stay parked for a while to enjoy the originality and bold flavor combinations that will beat most of the Mexican restaurants you passed to get here. tarahumata.com
The Dishes | Fried green tomatoes with warm brie, candied pecans and bacon balsamic emulsion, tomato and goat cheese salad, duck confit pasta, BBQ glazed pork tenderloin and pecan caramel cheesecake for dessert The Drinks | With wine inventory from some of the finest personal cellars in the area, we vote vino. The Deal | As part of downtown Duluth’s weekly “Thirsty Thursday,” Park Café cooks up something fresh: a three-course, prix fixe menu for $25. Enjoy on the veranda with a side of people watching. parkcafeduluth.com
The Dishes | White corn grit fritters; deviled eggs and shrimp sambal; Georges Bank sea scallops; hickory smoked and grilled pork chop; ricotta cheese cake or a warm chocolate chunk skillet cookie with homemade vanilla bean ice cream and hot fudge The Drinks | At Stem: a choice of six wine flights; The Italian; Dow’s 2003 vintage port. At Seed: Gobelsburger Gruner Veltliner from Austria; Vieux Carre – High West Double Rye; and Innis & Gunn Oak Aged Blonde Ale from Scotland. The Deal | Seed continues to impress with its ability to provide vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free selections for its nutrition-conscious clientele, while enthralling those who enjoy gastronomic giddiness. Meanwhile, Stem allows everyone the opportunity to sample meats, cheeses and specialty items like octopus, foie gras, roasted bone marrow and tuna crudo. stemwinebar.com, eatatseed.com
850 BAR PIZZA Hands down, this is the best place to get real Napoli-style seafood and brick-oven pizza on the Northside. Celebrating only seven months out of what we hope to be years to come, they serve an ever-evolving menu of affordable, fresh and traditional dishes made with straight-from-Italy ingredients and a touch of Napoli love, thanks to the lovable and talented Executive Chef Stefano Rea.
The Dishes | Angry mussels, Margherita D.O.C. or Parma pizza, seafood pasta and a cannoli for dessert
BB’S BAGELS
The Dishes | Everything bagel with hand-crafted horseradish bacon cream cheese, Tex Mex omelet
Oct. 12
A true NY-style bagel spot, BB’s McFarland Road location opened several years ago to more of the same hungry crowd that loved them in Alpharetta. Newbies should read up on the 16 commandments before making the trip for their handrolled, kettle-boiled, baked-fresh-every-morning bagels. Know your order, don’t try to change the menu and make sure you plan to satisfy your craving before 2 p.m. … to name a few.
Oct. 13
OSTERIA MATTONE Ryan Pernice and Ted Leahy already have wowed us at Table & Main, and the addition of sommelier-partner Daniel Pernice has further fortified the Osteria Mattone team as one of the Northside’s finest in execution and experiential dining.
The Drinks | Draft beers and Rip Van Winkle whiskey The Deal | The pizza is about perfect, especially if you order the Parma white pizza, with loads of cheese, piles of fresh arugula, fresh-cut prosciutto and an impossibility to resist another bite. 850fbarpizza.com
The Drinks | Coffee, orange juice, or whatever your morning kick start requires The Deal | Can’t choose between your favorite schmear and a cheesy egg concoction? The good news is their omelets come with a bagel, so the only thing you really need to think about is getting there early. bbsbagels.net
The Dishes | Agnolotti di Oxo (braised oxtail, short rib and buttery jus); Tagliolini di Mare (lobster, lump crab, shrimp, seafood brodo, pachino tomato and garlic); Agnello al Scottadito (grilled lamb chops, mushroom risotto, lamb-balsamic glassa); and for dessert, pastry chef Mickey Kimberly’s Budino Caramellato (salted caramel bread pudding, chocolate, Fior di Latte gelato). The Drinks | Any wine suggested is a great place to begin. The Deal | Simple fare in the casual Osteria, a fine three- or more course meal in the Trattoria or one of the area’s most gracious al fresco dining experiences. An impeccable, deep and varied wine list of Italian varietals combined with French and domestic favorites. osteriamattone.com pointsnorthatlanta.com | October 2014 | Points North
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SCRATCH FRESH In its fourth year, Scratch is in a new space, where it can showcase even more of its fresh, made-from-scratch menu. Now with seating for 93 and open all day, every day except Sunday (till 2 p.m.), it’s the best spot for a quick, hearty “where everybody knows you” kind of lunch in Alpharetta.
Oct. 15
MCKENDRICK’S STEAKHOUSE In some ways, McKendrick’s is anachronistic in terms of feel, aesthetics, preparation and most certainly, its impeccable service level, but manages to stay ahead of the curve in presentation and interpretation. Executive Chef Thomas Minchella continually searches for new takes on long-standing offerings.
Oct. 16 KIOSKO
Continuing the Colombian tradition its previous owners established shortly after opening Kiosko in 2004, Juan Carlos and Milena Delgado have made this taste of Colombia one of the top restaurants not only in Marietta Square, but arguably in metro Atlanta. It’s cozy, and by that we mean make a reservation or get there early.
Oct. 17
TOM+CHEE When this gourmet grilled cheese and tomato soup experience finally made its way to Atlanta, some of us did a happy dance. Located in Kennesaw and Alpharetta, Tom+Chee is home to the grilled cheese donut, if adventurous is on the palate; if not, select one of the already popular items or build your own unique grilled cheese. The kid in you will love it!
Oct. 18
ANTEBELLUM RESTAURANT Nick and Allison St. Clair have created a venue that is quintessentially Southern. Many of the ingredients used in Antebellum’s cuisine are truly Dixie-esque and the menu is a revelation.
Oct. 19
COMMON QUARTER Chris Talley and his partners have engineered a dining renaissance from Buckhead, Smyrna and now East Cobb (Marietta) that continually leaves us wondering, “How did they know?” Opened a year ago, this neighborhood haunt is equally adept preparing a wonderful dinner or a magnificent Sunday brunch.
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The Dishes | Original Scratch Burger with fries, Miss Kay’s Signature Peanut Butter Pie The Drinks | Chocolate shakes, of course The Deal | Kelly Hughes started Scratch Burger from the ground up at a time when opening a new restaurant wasn’t exactly the safest financial risk. But with her mother’s restaurateur instinct and a superhuman will power, she made it happen, and it was worth it, proven by loyal customers who devour her homemade steak sauce every single day. scratch-fresh.com
The Dishes | Seafood salad with fresh lobster, crab and shrimp; black grouper fingers with Louis dressing; 14-ounce dry-aged bone-in filet or Chef’s cut 24-ounce bone-in ribeye; Kurobuta pork chop; butter beans with Andouille The Drinks | Having steak? Eschew the California Cab and ask one of the veteran servers to suggest a Syrah that offers enough acidity and complexity to stand up to and complement the red meat. Having shellfish? Skip the Chard and ask for a Sauvignon Blanc. The Deal | Doug and Claudia McKendrick opened the restaurant in 1995, employing professional waitstaff that have been working alongside them for more than a decade. Regular patrons have their “own” servers, and while familiarity often breeds contempt, at McKendrick’s it simply creates trust and exploration. mckendricks.com
The Dishes | Colombian Tamale, the incredible empanadas and the almost famous seafood paella, served in an aluminum pot The Drinks | Homemade sangria, handpicked wine selections and Colombian sodas The Deal | Come for the fabulous food, stay for the quaint authenticity that keeps this favorite hotspot consistently at the top of our list. kioscocolombianrestaurant.com
The Dishes | Flying Pig with roasted turkey, bacon, pickles, gouda and sourdough; Hippy + Chee made with hummus, cucumber, mixed greens, tomato and cheddar on wheat The Drinks | Unless you plan to sip on your soup, the soda fountain is your best bet for a liquid complement. The Deal | It’s a cheesy experiment worth every bit of creativity you can muster … and where else can you find grilled cheese on a donut? tomandchee.com
The Dishes | Vidalia onion soup; Farm salad - Baby lettuces, arugula, pimento cheese, bacon, peanuts, cherry tomatoes, shaved radish, pickled okra and truly amazing buttermilk vinaigrette; Grilled tenderloin beef shoulder; blackened, bone-in chicken breast The Drinks| New Fashioned - Maker’s Mark, amaretto, bitters and lightly sweetened; Southern Martini - Peppar Vodka, vermouth, olive juice and a couple of splashes of Bloody Mary mix The Deal | St. Clair and chef de cuisine Matt Wallace, have conjured dishes where all elements work in harmony. Tweaking the traditional provides regular patrons and guests an opportunity to explore, and the ability to create gluten-free menu choices has placed Antebellum ahead of the curve in satisfying the evolving needs of their clientele. We are thankful of the location, because if Antebellum was closer to town, we might never get a table. antebellumrestaurant.com
The Dishes | Any Yesterday’s Soups, Georgia blueberry pancakes, crab cake Benedict, spinach, mushroom and goat cheese scramble, “Look West” burger and bananas Foster French toast. Low Country Boil for groups of 10 to 20 people with 48-hours notice. The Drinks | Maria En Fuego Bloody Mary, Tennessee roadhouse coffee, Axl Rose, and Barrel 27 High on the Hog, a gorgeous white wine from Paso Robles, Calif. The Deal | A casually pleasant atmosphere combined with Jeffrey Gardner’s culinary aplomb to create irreverent dishes (monkfish saltimbocca, for example) keeps us coming back. Save room for the chocolate terrine or chocolate and peanut butter! commonquarter.com pointsnorthatlanta.com | October 2014 | Points North
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A L P H A R E T TA’ S P R E M I E R S A L O N ! We are an upscale, contemporary salon that is a little edgy, a dash of unique, and a twist of modern elegance all mixed together under one stylish roof! [678-297-1234]
Hours: Sunday & Monday Closed • Tuesday 10-7 • Wednesday 9-6 • Thursday 10-7 • Friday 9-6 • Saturday 9-6
4915 Windward Parkway • Suite 100 • Alpharetta, GA 30004 www.studionvsalon.com
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Oct. 20
SUSHI NAMI Scott and Sun Jeon opened their first location in 2001 on Windward Parkway and recently added Sushi Nami Too in Sandy Springs. With an emphasis on using top-grade fresh fish and other ingredients, Chef William Phan’s inventive and creative dishes are extraordinary.
The Drinks | An extensive array of sakes from Kubota Manju to Shoju; I Selvatici Malvagia, a white wine from Tuscany, created by winemaker Giuseppe Sala for a sommelier in Japan The Deal | Omakase, from the Japanese meaning to entrust or “I’ll leave it to you,” is highly recommended by several of Sushi Nami’s regulars, who appreciate Chef Phan’s ability to create dishes ranging from Nigiri, to Sashimi tastings to Japanese box rolls, none of which are listed on the regular menu. sushinami.com
Oct. 21
CHICAGO’S STEAK AND SEAFOOD This family-owned restaurant, opened in 1991, has maintained its quality and legion of fans ever since. David Howard, president and owner of the Neighborhood Dining Group, operates Husk restaurants in Nashville and Charleston, as well as McCrady’s and Minero in Charleston.
Oct. 22
The Dishes | Most sushi-centric restaurants typically offer 27 proteins, however, Sushi Nami offers 48 every day and up to 60 on weekends, including foie gras and monkfish liver delicasies. The Ahi Poke, a popular dish with tuna, avocado, sesame oil and masago. Other suggestions include Uni Ika Nori; Rosen’s Carpaccio combines thin slices of snapper, a thin slice of peeled green grape, a liberal drizzle of Gonnelli extra virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of pink Himalayan sea salt.
The Dishes | Cream of mushroom soup with a pastry crust; Charleston she crab soup; shrimp and grits; signature slow roasted prime rib; the warm chocolate cake with vanilla bean ice cream The Drinks | The Ultimate Martini, a Chicago’s tradition - Absolut Vodka up or on the rocks; Skinny Margarita. The Deal | This neighborhood establishment depends upon the creativity and consistent quality of its cuisine, its warm, hospitable service and almost retroactive feel that transports you to a more genteel time. This is a no bells and whistles throwback without the cutesiness other Johnny-come-latelys so often depend upon. chicagosrestaurant.com
RECOMMENDS
LA TAVOLA TRATTORIA La Tavola is a classic, cozy Italian trattoria located in Atlanta’s famous Virginia-Highland neighborhood featuring exposed brick, dark wood floors, rustic colors and an open exhibition kitchen.
Oct. 23
The Dishes | Veal meatballs, mushroom risotto, seasonal favorites featuring tomatoes and seafood The Drinks | A great wine list that the staff knows like the back of their hands The Deal | Perfect for family gatherings, romantic dinners or just a quick, yet satisfying, bite at the bar, here you will always feel welcomed and at home. latavolatrattoria.com
The Dishes | Short rib ravioli, Linguini Frutti di Mar
PRICCI
The Drinks | Le Volte Super Tusca
There is no shortage of remarkable, high-end places to dine in Buckhead. But if you want to impress, Pricci will do just that.
The Deal | Perfect for a date night. One of the best ‘old-school’ hot spots in Buckhead. Stands the test of time. buckheadrestaurants.com/pricci
JOY CAFÉ
The Dishes | Milk and Cookies Pie, grilled cheese menu and shrimp & grits
Oct. 24
Tucked away on Pharr Road, you’ll find a little cafe that will be on your mind long after leaving. Everything from generations old meatloaf sandwiches, to a Milk & Cookies Pie and a whole menu dedicated to grilled cheese heaven. And it’s all made from scratch by Joy herself.
Oct. 25
HAL’S ON OLD IVY A wonderful mixture of Gatsby style and Southern charm, Hal’s is one of the most welcoming restaurants you’ll find in Atlanta. If you come for the atmosphere, you’ll stick around for the food.
The Drinks | Joy makes a daily aqua fresca from fresh fruit The Deal | A great ladies lunch or brunch with the family. Also a large takeout case to make you the dinnertime hero. joycafeatl.com
The Dishes | Prime 22-ounce bone-in ribeye in butter sauce, sauteed mushrooms and lobster bisque The Drinks | Saddle up to the bar and order a gin martini. It’s the only appropriate drink when there is a live piano in the joint. hals.net The Deal | Hal’s is the James Bond of steakhouses. It’s exclusive without being snobbish, classy without being aloof. Diners should know that the downstairs bar area allows smoking — but other areas are smoke free. pointsnorthatlanta.com | October 2014 | Points North
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A
DVANCED COSMETIC & FAMILY DENTISTRY,
the ofďŹ ce of Dr. Brett S. Silverman, DDS, MAGD is proud to announce the opening of their new ofďŹ ce at 4205 North Point Parkway, Building D, in Alpharetta. Please stop in to visit our brand new facility! We are a dental practice devoted to restoring and enhancing the natural beauty of your smile using conservative, state-of-the-art procedures that will result in beautiful, long lasting smiles. A standard of excellence in personalized dental care enables us to provide the quality dental services our patients deserve.
Dr. Brett S. Silverman, DDS
, MAGD
To reserve your appointment, please visit our website at www.acfdga.com or call 678-245-6827
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{ F E AT U R E H E A D E R }
OCT.
OCT. 50
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TABLES
Oct. 26
FOX BROS. BBQ
The Dishes | The Tominator, Brunswick stew, The ‘Burger’ with brisket and pimento cheese
There’s no shortage of good barbecue in the South. But if you’re looking for the best, you better believe that Fox Bros. is tops on the list. Fox Bros. BBQ is famous for its Texanslash-Southern style slow and low cooked hickory-smoked meats.
The Drinks | The only thing you should really be drinking with BBQ is an ice cold beer. We like to keep it local with a Sweetwater or a Terrapin. But with more than 50 beers available, you’ll find something you love.
Oct. 27
GIO’S CHICKEN AMALFITANO Glancing at the minimalist façade and industrial interior, you wouldn’t expect the dishes at Gio’s Chicken Amalfitano to be vibrant, complex and explosive; they are. The menu at Gio’s offers bold flavors showcasing their bone-in, moist, lemon infused chicken that is artfully used in an array of options.
Oct. 28 DAVIO’S
Davio’s has the kind of timeless decor and ambiance you’d expect to find at a high-end steakhouse in any of America’s great dining cities: dimmed lighting, but not too dim; friendly servers, but not overly friendly.
The Deal | As the official BBQ of the Falcons, it is perfect for pre-game ‘cue. If you want to avoid the crowds, head there for lunch. Reservations are not taken. foxbrosbbq.com
The Dishes | Sorrento lemon chicken, Diavala Pasta, Zuppa di Pollo The Drinks| Peroni, an excellent beer to pair with food The Deal | Gio’s is counter service, with limited seating. So, it’s a great take-out option or a fun double date spot. Don’t let the bare decor fool you – like it’s sister restaurant Antico Pizza, it’s serving five-star dishes. littleitalia.com
The Dishes | Risotto, gnocchi, Kobe beef meatballs,spring rolls The Drinks | The wine cellar is extensive; let the beverage manager guide your choices. The Deal | It might be a surprise to find such a great restaurant in a mall. But you’ll forget all about it as soon as you walk in. Great for dates at the bar, or a guy’s night out in one of their plush booths. davios.com
Oct. 29
BOCCALUPO Bruce Logue opened Boccalupo last year with the goal to bring local, American ingredients to the forefront of traditional Italian cooking. Logue and his team seek out the best and you can taste it in every bite. And they are not afraid of creativity in the kitchen.
Oct. 30 1KEPT
Tucked behind a row of buildings on the busiest stretch of Peachtree Street is an oasis of Southern comfort food. But, this isn’t exactly your mom’s Southern food! 1Kept brings together New American cuisine with everything you remember from childhood.
Oct. 31
The Dishes | Black spaghetti, pasta tasting, Bahn Mi Bruschetta The Drinks | Cocktails such as The Green Jacket and The Tourist The Deal | Perfect for a romantic night on the town or a mid-week meal with friends. It was built as a restaurant casual enough for multiple visits. boccalupoatl.com
The Dishes | Deviled quail eggs, kale salad, scallops The Drinks | Old Fashionista The Deal | Great for big groups. One of the best chef’s tables in the city, with all of the proceeds going to the charity of the diner’s choice. Reservations recommended. 1kept.com
SOUTHERN ART
The Dishes | The Ham Bar, fried chicken, 12-layer red velvet cake
What’s an acclaimed chef to do after working with the likes of Oprah and Lady Gaga? Open up a restaurant in Atlanta, of course! Southern Art celebrates everything bourbon, fried chicken and pies as far as the eye can see!
The Drinks | Here, it’s all about the bourbon. The Deal | Grab cocktails and nibble at the ham bar for an amazing date night. Weeknights after 8 p.m. are the best time to go. They also have a killer post work happy hour. southernart.com
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Virginia
VENTURING IN
In search of ďŹ ne wine and fabulous food { WRI T TEN BY HEATHER KW BROWN }
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PHOTOS BY SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA
FIVE
hours, one 12-point turn and a few hundred feet of driving backward on a dark highway later, we arrived at the end of a quiet road. “Mrs. Brown. Mrs. Emanuelson.” “Welcome to Salamander Resort and Spa. We’ve been expecting you,” said the attentive bellman, as he led us into the property’s beautiful living room. As moms of similarly aged children, we were easily recognizable, looking every bit in need of fine wine and a good spa. The
only things missing were matching T-shirts that read, “Will drive for wine.” Of course, we’re much classier than that. When we spotted Robert Duvall in a local coffee shop in Middleburg, for example, we played it cool, snapping a few inconspicuous photos with our smart phones and moseying out, lattes and celebrity sighting in hand. Yes, among the many things our children have taught us thus far, a quick retreat is often best. And so, armed with ample sophistication and a packed itinerary, our whirlwind getaway through Northern Virginia began.
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Top: Salamander Resort & Spa’s cooking studio Bottom: In 2012, Loudoun County produced 1,342 tons of grapes and had 513 grape-bearing acres, making it number one in the state for both. Bluemont Vineyard and Greenhill Winery and Vineyards are two beautiful stops near Middleburg, Va.
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{ VIRGINIA } Making the Most of Middleburg While Middleburg is known to be Virginia’s hunt capital, which besides the incredible charm of this small town, is why many celebrities call it home, Loudoun County is best known as DC’s Wine Country. Boasting 41 wineries and tasting rooms, an organic distillery and eight craft breweries, the area appeases many palates, ours among them.
STAY: Rise and shine to the beauty of Salamander Resort and Spa, a luxury destination resort nestled in 340 acres at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Though much of the property has been allocated in a conservation easement, precious space was saved for 168 well-appointed rooms and suites, not to mention several amazing amenities like an impressive full-service equestrian center. Yoga atop a horse, anyone? We opted to keep both feet on the ground inside the 23,000-square-foot spa … except when we had them slightly elevated on the heated stone lounge chairs. “Ahhh” never felt so good. Almost like not having to answer the what’s-for-dinner question. But, if the urge strikes to channel your inner chef, Salamander has a stateof-the-art Cooking Studio featuring daily culinary classes.
3 Brothers specializes in BBQ, classic southern favorities and great tasting smoked meats. It’s the only true BBQ restaurant in John’s Creek!
SIP: Located at the top of Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont Vineyard could be known as the winery with a view, as they have the highest elevation tasting room in the county. On our tasting menu: 2013 Farm Table White, The Peach and a 2012 Cabernet Franc Rose, an off dry 100 percent stainless steel fermented Cabernet Franc Rose with a hint of strawberry freshness. Conversation then turned to the reds, where of the 2012 Farm Table Red, 2011 “The Ram” Merlot and the 2012 Cham-
We also provide complete off-premises catering services for all types of special occasions and events
770-873-0023 11670 Jones Bridge Rd. • Alpharetta, GA 30005 3brothersbbq.com
OPEN
Tuesday - Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday - Saturday 11:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. Closed Sunday & Monday
PHOTOS BY SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA; VISIT LOUDOUN
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{ F E AT U R E H E A D E R }
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{ VIRGINIA } bourcin, the latter was most interesting. A newer addition to the offerings, this blend of 77 percent Chambourcin, 21 percent Petit Verdot and 2 percent Merlot is a bigger bodied wine with some chewy tannins. To make venturing from winery to winery easier, Loudoun wineries are grouped into six driving clusters, each ride providing ample scenics past horse pastures, historic estates and stacked stone fences en route to the next Virginia vintner ready to talk varietals. At Greenhill Winery and Vineyards, go for a glass of wine, stay for possibly the best spot in the area. Opened in August of last year, Greenhill currently features 11 amazing acres of mostly vitis vinifera vineyards, with 5 acres of new vines in the works. The tasting room is open daily from noon until sunset, and I suggest lingering longer - both the wine and the scenery are worth it.
Custom Chistmas Designs High-End Seasonal Decorating CALL FOR A CONSULTATION BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE!
770 - 334 - 6530
www.customchristmasdesigns.com
EAT: Back in Middleburg, don’t miss lunch at Market Salamander. Touted to be a “working chefs market,” Market Salamander is reminiscent of an Italian village market, complete with cobblestone floors and more gourmet goods than you can imagine. For dinner, get all dolled up and head downstairs at Salamander Resort and Spa. Craving locally-inspired small plates and an extensive wine list? Find a table to call your own at The Gold Cup Wine Bar. Prefer dishes with a chef’s Virginia-Piedmont influence? Harrimans Grill has that plus plenty of panoramic views to appease discerning patrons. Top: The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner extends a warm welcome to guests as they enter the lobby. Bottom Right: One delicious example of the flights and flatbreads found at Seasons 52 in Tysons Corner Center. Bottom Left: Award-winning wine from Paradise Springs Winery in nearby Clifton.
Spoil LET US
You!
• Fresh Seafood • Lobster Roll • Baby Back Ribs • Fresh Home-made Vegetables • Great Steaks! • BEST RUBEN IN TOWN! • Half-Priced Bottled Wine on Wed. and Thurs. Lunch, Dinner & Sunday Brunch
770-886-0100 www.normanslanding.com 365 PEACHTREE PARKWAY (HWY. 141 • EXT 13 • OFF GA 400) ACROSS FROM THE COLLECTION, FORSYTH
PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT FAIRFAX
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Falling for Fairfax County What we learned in Middleburg is that Virginia’s wine country is no longer just a weekend getaway for residents of Washington, D.C. and it’s no longer a hidden gem. Serving as the gateway to the state’s now award-winning pastime is Fairfax County.
STAY: The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner proved a wise decision for us. Here, we were close to wineries; we had a day spa downstairs and we were mere steps away from some of the best shopping in the area, thanks to the adjoined Tysons Galleria and adjacent Tysons Corner Center. Photo courtesy of The Studio B Photography
Creating timeless memories and lasting impressions! Great food doesn’t have to exhaust your budget. We create food that “brings back memories,” delivered to your venue. Private Parties, Rehearsal Dinners and Bridal Luncheons also are available in our restaurant for up to 50 people. To schedule a tasting, contact Maria at 678.520.3336 or via e-mail at rosamiaitalian@gmail.com.
11730 A Jones Bridge Road, Johns Creek; 770.772.6456; rosamiaitalian.com
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SIP: We drove directly to Paradise Springs Winery for lunch and yet another wine tasting. Tucked into the picturesque town of Clifton, Paradise Springs Winery was the first in Fairfax County and about as accommodating as they come. Check out the onsite original log cabin, which in 1955, underwent a major overhaul led by a protégé of Frank Lloyd Wright, and then make your way to the tasting room. The wines here surprised us, so much so that we ended up leaving with several bottles of our own. Notable notes include the 2013 Nana’s Rosé, a dry French-style wine highlighting aromas of rose oil and accent flavors of
{ VIRGINIA }
Left: Plan to wile the day away at Paradise Springs Winery, where in addition to a handsome tasting room, a back patio beckons. Right: Alexandria's chefs aren't the only ones smiling in Society Fair's demo kitchens on Friday nights.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF VISIT FAIRFAX ; EAT GOOD FOOD GROUP
guava, strawberry and citrus. Next is the 2012 Norton, a Double Gold Medal Winner. First cultivated in Richmond in 1830, the Norton grape is a popular local pour, but not always the best. An exception to the rule, this one was a decidedly dark-colored wine with blackberry and plum fruit flavors and fi nishing hints of baking spices. Besides the handsome barrel room, we also loved the outdoor patio where we wasted no time having a picnic lunch.
a Smile is worth
a Thousand Words
… so Make Sure You and Your Family’s Smile is Priceless! Specializing in General, Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, Dr. David Mastro is the right choice! Since graduating number one from Emory Dental School, Dr. Mastro has performed over 51,000 Cosmetic Dental Procedures! We would love to meet you. Come in and ask us about our New Patient Special! Dr. David Mastro
Alluring COSMETIC DENTISTRY
See More of Dr. Mastro’s Makeovers at
www.AlluringCosmeticDentistry.com Call us for this month’s Special Promotion 770-642-9900 | 800 Mansell Road | Roswell, GA
EAT: In case working up an appetite is a necessity, the high-end shops available at both Tysons Galleria and Tysons Corner Center are indispensable. With wine, food and a little pampering at the top of our priority list in Fairfax, we headed to the RitzCarlton Club Level prior to dinner at ENTYSE, Wine Bar & Lounge. Anyone with an affinity for fine wine and a knowledgeable sommelier will want to immediately introduce themselves to Sommelier Vincent Feraud. As sharp as you might expect, but with the humor and grace to accompany his skill, Feraud brings friendliness to the table, instilling confidence and encouragement in wine enthusiasts new and old alike. For a light taste of home, head to Seasons 52 inside Tysons Corner Center for a round of flatbreads and flights of wine assembled by the restaurant’s master sommelier.
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{ VIRGINIA }
PHOTO COURTESY OF EAT GOOD FOOD GROUP
The Allure of Alexandria
EAT:
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Well aware of the area's rich history and chic boutiques, we were awed by Alexandria's food scene. The same is true of Chef de Cuisine Harper McLure at BRABO by Robert Wiedmaier. Sitting adjacent to the modern Lorien Hotel & Spa, BRABO boasts an innovative menu that combines the creativity of traditional Belgian fare with McLure's experience in charcuterie, sauce working and farming. Not too far away, Cathal Armstrong and his wife have been busy changing the culinary landscape of Alexandria with unique concepts like Society Fair, which debuted only two years ago. Inside the fashionable market, dubbed “an epicurean emporium,� we found a bakery, a butchery and not surprisingly, a wine bar – all under one roof. Perhaps the coolest part is that the wine bar is also a demo kitchen, where every Friday night, 10 seats are arranged for guests to engage with the chefs as they create three courses for them to enjoy. With more than 150 bottles of wine in every price range – between 25 and 40 by the glass, three on tap and a sommelier on hand for pairings – Society Fair is not just a fair for food lovers, but wine lovers too.
Have you ever thought about
your child’s first experience with surgery? For most kids, it’s their wisdom
teeth.
COME TO A PLACE WHERE your child is cared for like family by a team of professionals with a slew of teenagers of their own — where kindness, compassion and patience still make a difference. As far as recovery is concerned, we’re a place where dry sockets are exceptionally rare and caring hands and hearts are immediately there for even the slightest struggles. We offer a place where the most concerning potential complications have been minimized. Visit us to see why so many area dentists,
physicians and hospital employees wouldn’t trust anyone else when it comes to caring for their own kids.
Paul M. Korb, D.M.D., P.C. Board Certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Over Twenty Years Experience Managing Nervous Teenagers, Calming Anxious Parents and Making the Toughest Wisdom Teeth Look Easy
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{ VIRGINIA } Wine without cheese? No thanks. Owner and “cheese lady” Jill Erber carved her own niche in the food scene with Cheesetique, a go-to destination for gourmet cheese, meats, wines and accompaniments from around the world. We arrived early, grabbled a seat at the bar and settled in for a cheese and charcuterie board. A brunch of Green Eggs and Ham – pesto scrambled eggs served on top of a toasted English muffin with Black Forest ham, topped with house made cheese sauce and a side of Manchego grits nearly sent us happily over the edge.
SHOP:
DINE-IN, PICK-UP & CATERING AVAILABLE Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday Noon-9 p.m. 2300 Bethelview Rd., Suite 104, Cumming • 770-887-3000 • miaitaliano.com
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The best fix for being full? Walk along the scenic Potomac waterfront. Besides fabulous cosmopolitan dining, Old Town Alexandria is renown for its trendy boutiques and independent shops. In the more than 30 unique and locally owned shops of the Old Town Boutique District - said to have the highest concentration of independent shops in the DC region - we found everything from high-end home décor at Decorium to sassy shoes at Bishop Boutique. Elsewhere along the dozens of blocks to shop, we popped into Olio Tasting Room, where we learned that oils and vinegars are, in some ways, comparable to wine with their nuances of flavors, countless varieties and pure pleasure when the time comes to sample. I bought the basil olive oil to use with my homemade pasta and debated between the espresso balsamic and the chocolate - by this, I mean, sampled several times. Our expeditious exploits accomplished, we headed home sufficiently pampered, slightly more sophisticated and vowing to revisit Northern Virginia's wine country again soon. And next time, we're staying much longer.PN
F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N : salamanderresort.com | visitloudoun.org visitfairfax.com | visitalexandriava.com
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FOOD LOVER’S Guide Norman’s Landing 365 Peachtree Pkwy., Cumming 770-886-0100 normanslanding.com Norman’s Landing has been a landmark in Forsyth County for 19 years. Raising more than $1.987 million for the community. Serving fresh seafood, steaks and ribs. Monday – Sunday for lunch and dinner. Join us for Sunday brunch and on Wednesdays and Thursdays for halfpriced bottled wine.
3 Brothers Catering & Events 11670 Jones Bridge Road Alpharetta 770-231-2601 3brotherscateringandevents.com We provide clients with gourmet food and elegant service that makes any occasion special. When you hire us, you receive delicious meals prepared with homegrown herbs, organic meats and original spices to create unique flavors.
SIP Restaurants 440 Peachtree Parkway, Cumming, 678-513-0791 12635 Crabapple Road, Milton, 770-475-7121 siprestaurants.com Unique dining destination that combines the culinary talents of Chef Greg DeMichiel in a rustic, warm, European atmosphere. Enjoy wine by the sip, half glass or full, while you watch the culinary magic happen right before your eyes!
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Smokejack 29 S. Main Street Historical Alpharetta, GA 770-410-7611 Smokejackbbq.com Relax, we’re different. Serving chef driven soulful southern BBQ with our own unique twist in a comfortable setting for the past 10 years. Always smokin’, always fresh, be our guest. Restaurant • Bar • Catering
Talk of the Table 410 Peachtree Parkway, Suite 218, Cumming 678-965-4003 talkofthetable-hub.com Talk of the Table is a wine and cheese boutique and tasting room specializing in more than 275 wines from all over the world, 25 different artisanal cheeses handcrafted from dairies near and far and tastings every Thursday and Saturday.
3 Brothers Gourmet Finishing Sauces 11670 Jones Bridge Road Alpharetta 770-873-0023 3brothersbbq.com Beyond upscale catering and their neighborhood restaurant, 3 Brothers is now launching a culinary line of products. After testing multiple recipes, bottles of the Chocolat BBQ Sauce, White BBQ Sauce and Chiptle and Habanero Sauce sell out daily.
[ Special Advertising Section ]
Cancer. This one little, six-letter word has such a big impact on millions of Americans and their friends and families each year. It’s a diagnosis no one wants and we all fear, but thanks to Points North’s partners in healthcare, it’s one that more people are increasingly overcoming. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 527,000 Americans die of cancer each year – and this is a number that could be much less. “About one-third of these deaths are linked to poor diet, physical inactivity and carrying too much weight.” We could continue with the scary statistics, but would prefer to use knowledge as power on a path to a cure. In many cases, healthy living and proper education can avoid certain cancers. These things can be easy to control, but also easy to forget – eat a well-balanced diet, exercise frequently, skip the cigarette, wear sunscreen. Whether it’s the voice in the back of your head or you need to speak up for a loved one, this section offers these prevention tips reinforced by research. The numbers show the important correlation between poor personal health management and cancer, while also proving that the dangers associated might be controlled – and even avoided –
through vigilance and sharing information. This month, reminders come in many forms and fashions, usually pink. There are many ways to support the case, whether in the products you buy at the grocery store or at your own town’s fundraising race – but take your cancer awareness a step further than participating in a 5K alone. The ACS advises frequent screenings to increase the chances of detecting certain cancers early, when they are most likely to be curable. In honor of October’s National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, take care of yourself and others. Make your appointment, and encourage your friend, sister, spouse or mom to do the same. Along with providing causes, tips and statistics, the ACS also offers information to healthcare professionals and patients in order to educate and spur a collective effort to ride the world of a disease that affects nearly everyone in some way. While the statistics may seem frightening, there are copious ways to prevent cancer. And while it may not always be successful, it is a step toward eradication that we’ll stand behind. - www.cancer.org
Georgia’s • Leader in Cancer Care • The Northside Hospital Cancer Institute diagnoses and treats the most cancer cases in Georgia. A new partnership sponsored by the Northside Hospital Cancer Institute was recently selected to implement a new cancer research program that aims to reach more Georgians in their own cities and towns, ensuring the best possible patient care services. The National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) recently awarded the partnership a five-year, $5.85 million grant. Through the Georgia NCORP partnership, patients with cancer or increased risks of cancer in Georgia will have access to NCI-funded clinical trials through their cancer physicians at 41 participating NCORP locations throughout the state. Clinical trials are a critical part of oncology research and help to expand the understanding, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. People who take part in cancer clinical trials have an opportunity to contribute to scientists’knowledge about cancer and to help in the development of improved cancer treatments. They also receive state-of-the-art care from cancer experts.“These studies will have great potential for improving cancer outcomes and reducing disparities in care,” said Guilherme Cantuaria, M.D. and principal investigator for Georgia NCORP. Through the NCORP network, community physicians will be able to collaborate with the NCI Clinical Trials Network Research Bases and Lead Academic Participating Sites on the development of research studies that impact patients in their communities. Northside Hospital Cancer Institute northside.com
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“These studies will have great potential
for improving cancer outcomes and reducing disparities in care.” Guilherme Cantuaria, M.D. Principal Investigator, Georgia NCORP Northside Hospital
[ Special Advertising Section ]
• A Reason to Smile •
GET Your CONFIDENCE • BACK • Fighting breast cancer can be a traumatic experience. The team at Atlanta Aesthetics is dedicated to ensuring the best breast reconstruction experience possible and guiding you through every step in the process. Dr. Christopher Killingsworth is a double board certified plastic surgeon with excellent training in the most up-to-date techniques of breast reconstruction. Whether your reconstruction includes flap based surgery or the newest anatomically shaped implants, the goal is to restore your form with compassion, safety and excellent results. Women with recent diagnoses of breast cancer, those with a prior reconstruction who need revision, or those who have had a mastectomy in the past are potentially candidates for reconstructive procedures.
Atlanta Aesthetics 678- 208- 6008 | atlantaaesthetics.com
A visit to the dentist should be more than just getting your teeth cleaned. At the offices of Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry, they treat every patient the way they would want to be treated – with the utmost knowledge, compassion and concern. A thorough cancer screening must be a part of this process. For example, Brett S. Silverman, DDS, MAGD is reminded of one of his patients twelve years ago. During a thorough head and neck examination, he found a lump on the patient’s neck and advised having this examined further. As it turned out, this gentleman was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He was treated with chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. Due to that early detection, the dentist is happy to report that his patient is healthy today. Call their office and schedule your routine wellness examination today. Advanced Cosmetic & Family Dentistry 678-389-9000 acfdga.com
• The Earlier. The Better • The team at North Fulton Hospital is on a mission to improve the health of women! When you get your regular screenings for cancer, you get a head start and greatly improve your chances of living a longer, healthier life. Let our team walk with you through recovery, providing access to some of the most advanced diagnostics and treatments available. It’s time to put yourself first and get checked. It really does make a difference! Typically the earlier a cancer is detected and diagnosed, the better the chance that treatment will be successful. That is why it is important to see a doctor for regular checkups and seek medical attention right away for any unusual symptoms. Visit their website for more information or call for a referral to a physician. North Fulton Hospital 770-751-2600 CheckUpForChicks.com
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[ Special Advertising Section ] { F E AT U R E H E A D E R }
Breast Reconstruction • Improving Survivors’ Quality of Life • “Patients choose to have reconstructive surgery for many different reasons, ranging from
pragmatic issues related to clothing fit to sexuality and body image concerns.” - Dr. Amy K. Alderman The Swan Center
The diagnosis of breast cancer can be overwhelming for many women. However, the option for reconstruction often offers women hope that their quality of life can be restored. And thanks to the 1998 Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, all breast cancer patients treated with a mastectomy have the right to insurance coverage for breast reconstruction. “Patients choose to have reconstructive surgery for many different reasons, ranging from pragmatic issues related to clothing fit to sexuality and body image concerns,” said Dr. Amy K. Alderman at the Swan Center for Plastic Surgery. Never have the options for reconstructive surgery been so exciting due to advanced surgical techniques and implant options, including anatomically shaped ‘gummy bear’ implants. The surgeons at the Swan Center specialize in the most advanced reconstructive techniques aimed at helping patients move beyond their cancer diagnosis.
The Swan Center 770-667-0904 or 800-816-1057 swancenteratlanta.com
Of Shopping CAN’T detect colon cancer One hour with a gastroenterologist can. Although it is the second leading cause of cancer death for men and women, colon cancer is one of the most preventable and often curable cancers through screening and early detection. The American College of Gastroenterology and The American Cancer Society recommend colon cancer screenings begin at the age of 50. However, if there are risk factors or a family history, an earlier screening is recommended. “A colonoscopy is a quick, out-patient procedure and will identify and remove any potentially pre-cancerous polyps. Take an hour, make the appointment,” said Brian Hudes, M.D. and Medical Director of Advanced Gastroenterology Associates and Hudes ndoscopy Center. Advanced Gastroenterology Associates 678-475-1606 | advgastro.com
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colon cancer • How to reduce your risk • Like many diseases, family history may play a role in whether you develop colorectal cancer. But your own medical history and lifestyle habits could be factors as well, like obesity, smoking or a poor diet. By taking these steps now, you could reduce the risk of being diagnosed later. • Schedule a preventive screening • Eat a balanced diet rich in fiber, fruits and vegetables • Maintain a healthy weight • Don’t smoke • Know your family’s cancer history • Don’t ignore symptoms Remember, a colonoscopy is the single best method for removing pre-cancerous polyps and for detecting colon cancer in its early stages when it is most treatable. For more information about preventive screenings, call or visit their website. Atlanta Gastroenterology Associates 1-866-468.6242 | atlantagastro.com
[ Special Advertising Section ]
importance • of Getting a Mammogram • One in eight women develop breast cancer each year in the United States – that’s more than 230,000 women who will learn they have the disease in 2014, making breast cancer the second most common cancer in women. The chance of getting breast cancer increases as a woman ages and the average age for being diagnosed with breast cancer is 60.
By following a breast health program of monthly breast self-examinations, clinical breast examinations by your doctor and annual mammograms,
you can help detect changes in breast tissue that could be cancerous.
One of the most effective ways to detect breast cancer is with an annual mammogram. The American Cancer Society recommends this for women starting at 40 years of age. Breast cancer is most successfully treated when detected early. By following a breast health program of monthly breast self-examinations, clinical breast examinations by your doctor and annual mammograms, you can help detect changes in breast tissue that could be cancerous. Currently, the best method to detect breast cancer in its earliest stages is a mammogram. A mammogram is a safe, low-dose X-ray of the breast. No matter what a woman’s risk level, anyone can get breast cancer. It’s important to note 85 percent of women who get breast cancer do not have a family member with the disease. Since we can’t know with certainty who will get breast cancer, it’s best to for women 40 and over to get annual mammograms with the goal of catching cancer early when it’s most treatable. WellStar Health System wellstar.org
le
g t ’ s • f i h t • ca n c e r
overcoming The Aesthetic Affects of Cancer For many cancer survivors, the aesthetic side affects of treatment may serve as a constant reminder of a treacherous journey. To help them regain their confidence, Alpharetta’s Nouveau Clinic offers services that include cosmetic restoration of areolas and nipples for women who have undergone mastectomies, scar camouflage after reconstructive surgery, and 3-D Eyebrow Restoration using Permanent Cosmetics to restore missing or damaged brow hair.
Nouveau Clinic 404-936-6931 | nouveaufaceandbody.com
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calendar
C OMP IL E D BY C H RIST I N E K I R K Calendar submissions should be sent to calendar@pointsnorthatlanta.com two months prior to the month in which the event will occur. Please note that dates and times might change.
[OCT. 11 – 12] Marietta Chalkfest Marietta Square, Marietta
including Atlanta-based writer Rona Simmons, will attend this festival celebrating the arts at September Oaks Vineyards. What’s better than good wine and a good book? September Oaks Vineyards, Ridgeland, SC, 843-726-9463, septemberoaks.com/upcomingevents
M O U NTA I N A R T S A N D C R A F T S F E S TI VA L [Nov. 1 – 2] Get out and about in the fall air while browsing through handmade crafts from up to 200 exhibitors. Live music, festival foods and activities for both kids and adults explain why this annual festival just keeps getting bigger and better. Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn, 706-657-4050, mountainartsandcraftscelebration.com
CONCERTS | COMEDY PHOTO COURTESY OF JENNIFER CHAPPARRO
PERFORMING ARTS
LE W I S G R I Z Z A R D : I N H I S OW N WO R D S [Oct. 2 – 5] The famous Southern writer and humorist is brilliantly portrayed in the one-man show by actor Bill Oberst, Jr. The Grizzard family says it’s the closest thing to seeing Grizzard on stage again since his death. Strand Theatre, Marietta, 770-293-0080, earlsmithstrand.org
M AC B E TH [Oct. 10 – 12, 24 – 26, 31] The Holly Theater presents Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” directed by Brian Jay Corrigan. A prophecy leads to a murderous bloodbath and civil war in this classic tale. The Holly Theater, Dahlonega, 706-864-3759, hollytheater.com
N ATI O N A L AC R O B AT S O F TH E P E O P LE ’ S R E PU B LI C OF CHINA [Oct. 12] This visual feast of spectacles, featuring acrobats, contortionists, martial
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artists, drummers and dancers will delight audiences of all ages. Ferst Center for the Arts, Atlanta, 404-894-9600, ferstcenter.gatech.edu
S TO RY S L A M [Oct. 13] Ten storytellers each have 5 minutes to amaze you with their stories. Each event has a theme and a bar, and it’s only $10 at the door. This week’s theme is “falling.” Roswell Cultural Arts Center, Roswell, 770-594-6232, roswellcac.com
ARTS | EXHIBITS
F I E S TA D E L A FA M I LI A [Oct. 5] Zoo Atlanta celebrates Hispanic heritage with Spanish-translated keeper talks, animal encounters, live entertainment and more. Free to Zoo Atlanta members or with general admission. Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta, 404-624-5600, zooatlanta.org
Points North | October 2014 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
M A R I E T TA C H A LK F E S T [Oct. 11 – 12] Sidewalk chalk isn’t just for the kids. Marietta ChalkFest brings together more than 40 professional chalk artists from around the country to make the streets come alive with colorful art, plus you can try your hand in the public chalk art competition. Marietta Square, Marietta, mariettachalkfest.com
M A S TE R H I G H LI G HTI N G E V E NT [Oct. 17 – 18] Purchase your own Thomas Kinkade limited edition canvas, and watch as a master highlighter brings your painting to life for free. Highlighting adds the uniqueness, dimension and light that Kinkade pieces are known for. Parsons Gallery, Cumming, 770-888-9924, parsonsthomaskinkadegallery.com
S E C O N D A N N UA L “ N OV E L” W I N E TA S TI N G , A R T S A N D LITE R A RY F E S TI VA L [Oct. 25] More than 60 regional authors,
B O B S I M A : TH E TR A N S F O R M ATI O N A L TR O U B A D O U R
[Oct. 12] Nationally touring Bob Sima is known for weaving ancient wisdom and knowledge from modern masters into his music and connecting with the audience. Called “Eckhart Tolle with a guitar,” Sima wants to inspire and heal listeners through song. Eddie’s Attic, Decatur, 404-377-4976, eddiesattic.com
GEORGIAN CHAMBER P L AY E R S [Oct. 20] Formed in 1984 so they could perform masterpieces with their Atlanta Symphony Orchestra colleagues, this ensemble features some of the best musicians in the classical arena. They’ll take the stage on the Northside at Kennesaw State University. Bailey Performance Center, Kennesaw, 470-578-6650, arts.kennesaw.edu
FA M I LY S H OW: B I LLY JONAS BAND [Oct. 26] Throw out the rules when Billy Jonas hits the stage! As one of those rare performers who can engage and delight both young and adult audi-
ences, this matinee show is a musical conversation, a sonic celebration, a splendiferous gathering of old and young, because at a Billy Jonas show, the ensemble is… everyone. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Free admission for children ages 2 and under. Eddie Owen Presents @ Red Clay Theatre, Duluth, 404-478-2749, eddieowenpresents.com
LU DW I G S Y M P H O N Y GALA CONCERT [Nov. 2] Maestro Thomas Ludwig leads this 70-piece orchestra, also featuring internationally renowned pianist Claire Huangci and acclaimed tenor Wesley Morgan. This “Fall Fiesta Concert” kicks off an exciting 18th season for the orchestra. Gwinnett Performing Arts Center, Duluth, 770-623-8623, ludwigsymphony.org
Tampa makes its way to Atlanta. Starting and ending in Centennial Olympic Park, this fun event raises money for children’s hospitals. Register online, become a corporate sponsor or make a donation to do your part. Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, torch-relay.org/Atlanta
“A LL K I D S C O U NT ” G O LF TO U R N A M E NT [Oct. 28] The Foster Care Support Foundation (FCSF) provides crucial assistance to more than 3,000 kids in the Georgia foster system. Come play golf and help the FCSF on their mission of mak-
ing sure “all kids count.” Ansley Golf Course, Roswell, 770-280-7831, fostercares.org
Forsyth Conference Center, Cumming, 404-949-6458, golf.acsevents.org
REDNECK BASH
C A M P K U D Z U A N N UA L B E N E F IT LU N C H E O N
[Register by Oct. 24] Also known as the “2014 Ernie Johnson Memorial Fundraiser,” this event features dinner, silent and live auctions, followed by a side-splitting performance in an intimate setting from Georgia’s favorite redneck, Jeff Foxworthy on Nov 2. Proceeds benefit The American Cancer Society. The Bash is preceded by a fundraising golf tournament on Oct. 27 at the Polo Golf & Country Club in Cumming.
[Nov. 12] Camp Kudzu provides life-changing diabetes management education for children and teens living with Type 1 Diabetes. This year’s luncheon honors Eloise Lamons for her work in the diabetes community. Come for the silent auction, or donate to fund a camper! Cherokee Town and Country Club, Atlanta, 404-250-1811, campkudzu.org
[ OC T. 26] Torch Relay For Children’s Miracle Network Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta
CHARITY EVENTS
P U P S I N TH E PA R K D O G S H OW [Oct. 11] We know you love your four-legged friends, and now you can show them off for a good cause. Bring your pup to enjoy fun canine competitions, demonstrations and entertainment. Organized by Dawson County service clubs, this event will raise funds for the Dawson County Humane Society. Rock Creek Park, Dawsonville, 706-265-9160, dawsoncountyhumanesociety.org
[Oct. 16] This silent auction and wine tasting fundraiser benefits the Friends for East Cobb Park and charities of the East Cobb Civitan Club. Bid on several exciting getaways, like a week stay in Tuscany or Antigua, or a weeklong African safari. Indian Hills Country Club, Marietta, 678-548-9635, eastcobb.civitan.net
TO R C H R E L AY F O R C H I LD R E N ’ S M I R AC LE N E T WO R K [Oct. 26] This relay, which started Sept. 26 in
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHILDREN’S MIRACLE NETWORK HOSPITALS
EAST COBB WINE AND VINE MARKET
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calendar out the petting zoo or try their hand at farm chores. Smith Plantation Home, Roswell, 770-641-3978, archibaldsmithplantation.org
FA LL C E LE B R ATI O N [Oct. 11] Take in the beauty of the season, as well as hands-on pioneer skills, exhibits, hayrides through the park, traditional crafts, mountain music and apple cider from a hand-cranked press. Parking is only $5. Smithgall Woods State Park, Helen, 706-878-3087, gastateparks.org/SmithgallWoods
O K TO B E R F E S T AT S H A K E R AG H O U N D S
[O CT. 19] Harvest on the Hooch Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell PHOTO COURTESY OF CHATTAHOOCHEE NATURE CENTER
SPECIAL EVENTS S I P O F TH E S O UTH
[Oct. 4] Put on your best Western gear for Sip of the South’s Boots and Barbecue at Bulloch Hall. There’s an open bar (with a signature drink, “The Buggy Whip”) to enjoy, plus barbecue, music and dancing. Bulloch Hall, Roswell, 770-992-1731, bullochhall.org
MISS CHEROKEE ROSE PAG E A NT [Oct. 5] Some of Georgia’s finest young ladies
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compete, displaying their beauty, brains and talent for the coveted title of Miss Cherokee Rose. All contestants have also raised money for the Children’s Miracle Network. Elm Street Cultural Arts Village, Woodstock, 678-494-4251, elmstreetarts.org
D I S C OV E R A DAC [Oct. 6 – 10] There’s no place like home, and this is truer when it comes to your unique interior. Discover ADAC brings together celebrity keynotes, design experts and a signature fall market to explore
Points North | October 2014 | pointsnorthatlanta.com
[Oct. 11] This family event features artisans and demonstrations showing you what life was like on a 19th-century farm. Visitors can pan for gold and gems, check
B O O AT TH E ZO O [Oct. 18, 19, 25, 26] Meet the characters of Zoo Boo Town as you celebrate Halloween at Zoo Atlanta. Costumes are encouraged! The zoo is all decked out and there are plenty of treats for everyone. Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta, 404-624-5600, zooatlanta.org
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FA LL FA R M DAY AT S M ITH P L A NTATI O N HOME
Have you
d blishe 2002 s ta
GA 400 N, pass the outlet mall to next traffic light,at GA Hwy. 53, turn left go thru next light, go 3 miles, turn right on Etowah River Road, 1st drive on right. Look for the big blue angel, “Our Lady of Dawson”
the potential of Southern home interiors and design. This year will leave audiences inspired and informed about industry happenings. Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, Atlanta, 404-231-1720, adacatlanta.com
[Oct. 18] Raise money while raising a stein of German bier and chowing down on traditional bratwurst. Get down to the live band, and bring your own stein for a chance to win a prize. The 71st annual fox hunting opening meet takes place on Oct. 25. Shakerag Clubhouse, Hull, 706-335-9558, shakerag.com
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[ OC T. 25 – 26] Owl-O-Ween Hot Air Balloon Festival Kennesaw State University Sports and Recreation Park Kennesaw PHOTO COURTESY OF OWL-O-WEEN
H A RV E S T O N TH E HOOCH [Oct. 19] Experience the vital connection from garden to plate at this unique garden party presented by Whole Foods Market. The Chattahoochee Nature Center’s Unity Garden grows healthy, local produce and herbs for donation. This event brings together local restaurants and live bluegrass to support their mission and celebrate the farm-to-table movement. Chattahoochee Nature Center, Roswell, 770-992-2055, chattnaturecenter.org
C U LI N A RY M ATR I M O N Y [Oct. 24 – 26] The Annual Taste of Atlanta festival kicks off with this Friday night celebration featuring live music from 80s synth-pop band Electric Avenue. Celebrity chefs have coupled with a partner of their choosing to inspire new, creative dishes. Come for delicious bites, libations and entertainment, plus some of the proceeds benefit Georgia Organics. Tech Square, Midtown, 877-725-8849, tasteofatlanta.com
OW L- O - W E E N H OT A I R B A LLO O N F E S TI VA L [Oct. 25 – 26] Atlanta’s only hot air balloon event is also known as the city’s largest costume party! Attendees can expect live entertainment, performers, artists, food trucks, a craft beer garden and,
of course, an amazing array of hot air balloons. Come in costumes and trickor-treat from balloon to balloon. Kennesaw State University Sports and Recreation Park, Kennesaw, 770-794-7810, ticketalternative.com
AVA LO N G R A N D OPENING C E LE B R ATI O N S [Oct. 30 – Nov. 2] Four days of events and fanfare will mark the grand opening of Avalon, North American Properties’ newest $600 million mixed-use development. Events will include music, family entertainment, chef demonstrations, a surprise headliner and more to introduce a carefully curated collection of shops and restaurants. The surprise headliner will be announced on Avalon’s Facebook page soon. Avalon, Alpharetta, 404-965-9065, experienceavalon.com/ grand-opening
N E X T C A M P S TA R S B E R E AV E M E NT C A M P [Nov. 7 – 9] Though set for November, space is limited and the deadline for registration is Oct. 17. Camp STARS aims to help people who have lost loved ones in the stages of grief. Staffed by qualified professionals, Camp STARS offers resources to help you discover you are not alone. Camp Twin Lakes, Rutledge, 404-869-3086, vnhs.org/campstars pointsnorthatlanta.com | October 2014 | Points North
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SEASONAL
sips
WRITTEN BY XAVILAINE HINCAPIE
Let autumn entangle you
in its glorious cobweb of bright crimson colors and breezy evenings. Enjoy sips of a sweet treat under the moonlight or let a new brew from the witch’s cauldron cast a spell on you this October.
AMERICAN SPIRIT WHISKEY The Renaissance Era of whiskey commences with this Atlanta-based distilled spirit. From the finest bourbon-quality “white dog,” and their revolutionary craft and artisan distilling comes a superior spirit with a distinctive nose, pleasing finish and a riveting mellow flavor. With just a savory sip from one of these recipes, you will affirm why its founders – two former University of Georgia students – call their spirit The Most Versatile Whiskey in the World. americanspiritwhiskey.com
Coffee Cake Cocktail 1.5 ounces Whisper Creek 0.5 ounce cake flavored vodka 0.5 ounce coffee liqueur 0.5 ounce cream Crushed ice
Southern Mule 2 ounces American Spirit Whiskey (ASW) Half of a lime 2.5 ounces ginger beer Dash angostura bitters
Mix the Whisper Creek, cake vodka, coffee liqueur and cream in a cocktail shaker. Then, pour over crushed ice.
In a tall cocktail glass, pour ASW, squeeze in lime, then drop it in the glass. Top with ice adding ginger beer and a dash of Angostura bitters, and then stir.
I SELVATICI VINSANTO DEL CHIANTI D.O.C. This lusciously decadent dessert wine features a rich amber color with a concentrated aroma of dried figs, walnuts and candied fruit. Vinsanto’s delightful confection is created from a mixture of Malvasia, Trebbiano, San Colombano and Sangiovese grapes that are dried under the warm Tuscan sunshine for five months. The dried grapes are more like plump raisins, pressed and immediately placed in wooden “caratelli” barrels. The sealed caratelli barrels remain undisturbed under the eaves of the winemaker’s attic for six to eight years. When completed, this timehonored art yields a dessert wine of unparalleled sophistication that compresses the flavor of 30 pounds of grapes into every rare and precious bottle.
WHISPER CREEK TENNESSEE SIPPING CREAM Fall in love this fall with the first all-American version of “Irish” cream. This exceptionally flavorful whiskey uses a white liquor base featuring charcoal-mellowed Tennessee whiskey from Speakeasy Spirits. Whisper Creek’s complex flavors of caramel, vanilla and burnt molasses weave together making an utmost lively taste of exquisiteness. The couple who invented this savory treat took inspiration from their rich history of Tennessee whiskey production. Today, they share their knowledge of what a creamy, smooth whiskey cream tastes like in unique cocktail recipes. tennesseesippingcream.com PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SPEAKEASY SPIRITS
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9 East Main Street Historic Downtown Buford
Executive chef, CHRISTOPHER ALAN HOPE, has worked and trained in the most famous and best hotels in London, Hamburg, Zurich, Hong Kong and Atlanta. He has received awards and medals at culinary competitions being recognized for his creativity and high standards by the most highly regarded food critics. Now celebrating his 10th year in business in historic downtown Buford, Sperata’s regular lunch and dinner menu along with daily chef’s specials, provide guests with the opportunity to explore Chef’s past and revel in the present. speratarestaurant.com • sperata1@gmail.com • 678.765.7911
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FIVE
things
W R IT T E N BY C OL L EEN A N N M C N A L LY
1 2 3 4 5
Say “Boo!” Lawrenceville Ghost Tours returns for its 10th year of haunting and horror. Every night in October, hear the history they don’t teach in school with a 90-minute walking tour from the Aurora Theatre through an old jail, Honest Alley and more macabre sites. Unlike a haunted house, there are no gruesome effects or startling patrons; instead, costumed tour guides use captivating stories to send shivers down your spine, making the tour popular for both the young and young at heart. Group pricing is available. scarystroll.com Make an impact. The creatively cool non-profit Atlanta Printmakers Studio promotes the art of hand-pulled printmaking processes through diverse education and events. Each year they showcase their work at no cost to the public – and lucky for Marietta readers, this year’s showcase is just down the street. Whether enthused or simply curious, visit 2 Rules Fine Art gallery in the Marietta Square Historic District to learn more about this impactful pastime. While cleverly titled “Pressing Matters V,” you’ve actually got plenty of time to see the exhibit for yourself between the Oct. 3 opening reception and Nov. 21. atlantaprintmakersstudio.org Cheer for children. Since 1987, the Georgia Center for Child Advocacy has helped more than 7,500 severely abused children. They’re building a better world, one child at a time – and you can help. Regardless of whether you choose to don the optional black tie attire or become a VIP sponsor, this year’s Cheer for Children Gala offers a party as good as its cause. Eat, drink and dance the night away to the live band, Maxx!, at the Foundry at Puritan Mill on Oct. 17. The fun raising starts at 7:30 p.m., but you’ll want to reserve your tickets in advance. cheerforchildren.org Let them entertain you. This month at the Cumming Playhouse, everything’s coming up roses – or so the characters sing in “Gypsy.” Produced by BK Productions, this musical is based loosely on the 1957 memories of Gypsy Rose Lee, following her mother’s dreams, efforts and hardships of raising two daughters to perform onstage. The curtain rises on the School Street stage on Oct. 17 with performances continuing through Nov. 9. Not only does your ticket guarantee entertainment with songs that have become popular standards, it also supports local arts as the Cumming Playhouse celebrates its 10th anniversary Broadway musical line-up. playhousecumming.com Be one of 10,000. After 22 successful years, this year’s Book Festival of the MJCCA (Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta) returns for another epic edition on Nov. 1 through 19. The literary extravaganza includes an exciting lineup of today’s noteworthy authors, celebrities and thinkers – we’re talking NY Times bestsellers, Pulitzer Prize winners, funny guy Bob Saget, Bravo star Andy Cohen, famed foodie Mark Bittman, ABC News anchor Dan Harris and the list goes on. More than 10,000 book lovers are expected to attend the author meet-and-greets, panel discussions, engaging speakers and book signings, making this fest one of Dunwoody’s most anticipated cultural events of the year. atlantajcc.org/bookfestival PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LAWRENCEVILLE, GA GHOST TOURS; 2 RULES FINE ART; PEGGY PALMITER; CUMMING PLAYHOUSE; MARCELLO LAFERLA | NBCUNIVERSAL
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