Simply Buckhead January/February 2019 by Simply Buckhead

January/February 2019 ISSUE 60 • FREE

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

SANDRA GOLDEN, LEZA BENNETT, JAMI GERTZ, LUCINDA BUNNEN, SU LONGMAN AND EMILY GIFFIN ARE …

THE BOLD WOMEN OF BUCKHEAD SIX FEARLESS FEMALES DESERVING OF RECOGNITION

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SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® |

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

Contents

12 Editor’s Letter

[ SIMPLY STYLISH ]

50 COVER STORY

[ SIMPLY NOW ]

32 Home: A Blueprint for the Brandenburgs

20 Travel Near:

A family of five finds a place to call home in Chastain Park

2019’S BOLD WOMEN OF BUCKHEAD

Food, fun and more food highlight a trip to New Orleans

38 Beauty: Inner Beauty

A Taste of the Crescent City

22 Travel Far: Beautiful Ballyfin

Supplements, vitamins and infusions up the ante from the inside out

Checking in to one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels

42 Health: Disconnecting to Better Connect

24 Staycation: Clark Gable Slept Here!

The importance of logging off our devices for maintaining a healthy relationship

Atlanta’s historic Georgian Terrace hotel still shines a century later

26 Approved: In The Trenches

[ SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ]

The trench coat’s style longevity makes it a closet essential for both men and women

44 On Stage: Knockout

28 15 Minutes With: Meredyth Cole

46 Tastemaker: Tuning In To His Roots

Staying after class with the new head of The Lovett School

Brookhaven’s Jonathan Katz creates TV the way it used to be

Buckhead’s moment in boxing history

SIX LOCAL LADIES DESERVING OF RECOGNITION FOR THEIR PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS

[ SIMPLY DELICIOUS ]

60 Review: Hearth And Home Cozy up to one of Sandy Springs’ favorite pizza taverns

64 Foodie Journal: A Super Bowl Spread Winning game-day recipes

[ SIMPLY HAPPENING ]

71 Events: Places to go and things to do 75

Charitable: A spotlight on philanthropic and social gatherings

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Photos: 32, 50, 60: Sara Hanna

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven and Sandy Springs JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019 | ISSUE 60 P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 simplybuckhead.com For advertising rates call: 404.538.9895 Publisher and Founder

[ F E AT U RE D C ON T RI B U T OR ]

Joanne Hayes Chief Financial Officer

Sonny Hayes Editor-in-Chief

Jill Becker Creative Director

Alan Platten ValueStream Media Chief Photographer

Sara Hanna Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Cheryl Isaacs Account Executives

Bill Garst Ally Wingate Website Development Management

BHG Digital

Art Jones

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Art Jones (above left, with actor Omar Sharif) has worked as a filmaker, photojournalist, studio photographer, scriptwriter, curriculum designer, university lecturer and media and public relations consultant. His career began as a production assistant on Multiplication Rock (later known as Schoolhouse Rock), the educational cartoon series that aired on ABC for six years. He is the scriptwriter, producer and director behind the documentary films Spirit, Models of Success and Thirteen Percent. His most recent film project is Ali’s Comeback, an in-depth look at the people and events that brought Muhammad Ali’s highly anticipated comeback fight to Atlanta in 1970, which he profiles on page 44.

Director of Audience Development

Lia Picard Copy Editor

H.M. Cauley Contributing Editor

Jennifer Bradley Franklin Contributing Writers

Jennifer Bradley Franklin H.M. Cauley Rebecca Cha Juliette Cheatham Carly Cooper Carl Danbury Jessica Dauler Mickey Goodman Angela Hansberger Art Jones Daryn Kagan Holly Katz Laura J. Moss Amelia Pavlik Lia Picard Lisa R. Schoolcraft Jan Schroder Giannina Smith Bedford Karon Warren Contributing Photographers

We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission. Copyright © 2019 by Simply Buckhead ®. All rights reserved. Printed by Walton Press, Inc. Distributed by Distributech and Distribution Services Group.

Henri Hollis Simon Salt Graphic Designer

Layal Akkad Legal Counsel

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FIND US ONLINE

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Read Simply Buckhead online at

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Retired NYC Fire Department Paramedic

Chastain-Sandy Springs Office, Atlanta, GA 30342 Equal Housing Opportunity - (404) 250-9900

[ BEHIND THE COVER ] The saying goes, “It takes a village.” That was certainly true in the case of the photo shoot for this issue’s “Bold Women of Buckhead” cover story, which was held at The Estate event venue. In addition to the six incredible “Bold Women” whose accomplishments you’ll read about starting on page 50, a dream team of photo assistants, stylists, hair and makeup folks, and other individuals helped pull it all together. The bottle of Champagne we consumed didn’t hurt either.

Interested in

Advertising? For information, email us at advertising@simplybuckhead.com or call 404-538-9895

Chief photographer: Sara Hanna Stylist: Holly Katz Wardrobe: Courtesy of Rawan Asad, Elite Pour La Vie Makeup: Sarai Mateo, Stacey Gonzalez Hair: Vincent Tobias, Darren Jones Hair and makeup for Jami Gertz: Kimberly Cruz Makeup for Su Longman: Kat Pfender

[ P ROU D M E M B E R OF ]

Hair for Su Longman: Jennifer Veri Photo assistants: Lisa Dolny, Tyler Hayes Videographer: Sam Wingate Shot on location at The Estate, managed by Legendary Events. Special thanks to Tony Conway and Emmy Perry for their contributions.

ife [ P ROU D S P ON S OR OF ]

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

[ E DI T OR ’ S L E T T E R ]

ami Gertz is one of the nicest people

you’ll meet. I discovered this fact recently over a leisurely lunch with Photo: The Headshot Truck

the actress at Chops Lobster Bar. She is warm, friendly and down-to-earth—the exact opposite of a

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of the Atlanta Hawks, Gertz talked at length about her

technique have caught the eye of world-renowned cosmetics

duties as the team’s unofficial ambassador. She also

companies seeking her insight and vision. Working with DIOR,

revealed to me that she can be prickly in the morning,

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and MMA. I could have sat and talked with her all day. Meeting people like Gertz is one of the things I enjoy most about my job. I’ve gotten to chat with a 12-year-old chef who has mastered all of the French sauces, the petite female owner of a local boxing gym and a burly fellow who wears a tutu and dances on street corners to cheer people up. The number of interesting, accomplished and inspiring folks who inhabit this city never ceases to amaze me. You’ll meet six of them, including Gertz, in our “Bold Women of Buckhead” story on page 50. Your fellow Atlantans are truly a fascinating bunch and we’ll continue to share their stories with you in every issue. Happy reading!

Jill Becker editor@simplybuckhead.com

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Photo Credit: Lahcen Boufedji

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January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

NEWS BY:

Karon Warren

Renovated Heritage Sandy Springs Museum Now Open F

ollowing an extensive renovation, the Heritage Sandy Springs Museum, located in the historic Williams-Payne House dating back to 1866, reopened recently during the annual Sandy Springs Festival. As part of the updates, the museum was converted into an exhibit space with new windows, paint, layout changes and security in an effort to attract more traveling exhibits and seek accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums. "Visitors of all ages will enjoy the new and improved museum,” says Keith Moore, Heritage Sandy Springs’ director of curatorial and educational affairs. “The 150-yearold house underwent interior changes to make it more inviting and pleasant for visitors. We currently have five galleries on display, with our next major exhibit opening in June. Visitors can learn about the history of Sandy Springs from Native Americans to our founding as a city in our anchor

exhibit, 'Sandy Springs Land and People’; view art from our most recent exhibition, 'Painting From Life,' featuring works from one of the Dorothy C. Benson senior center art classes; as well as HERITAGE SANDY 'Wit in Wood,' showSPRINGS MUSEUM casing the folk art of Moses Robinson.” 6075 Sandy Springs Cir. Sandy Springs 30328 The museum offers 404.851.9111 tours and ongoing heritagesandysprings.org/ programming throughmuseum out the year. n

NEWS CLIPS A BUCKHEAD HOTEL CELEBRATES 10 YEARS WITH A MAKEOVER The W Atlanta-Buckhead hotel wrapped up 2018 with an extensive $20 million renovation as it marked its 10th anniversary in Atlanta. The updates covered the entire 12-story, 291-room property, with the goal of restoring the hotel’s reputation for an edgy and artful guest experience. The changes include a lobby redesign; upgrades to the fitness center and meeting and event spaces; a makeover

for the rooftop Whiskey Blue bar and lounge; and refreshed guestrooms with new headboards, armoires, wallcoverings, artwork, carpeting, 55-inch TVs and in-room Nespresso machines. W Atlanta-Buckhead 3377 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30326 678.500.3100 marriott.com

BODY SCULPTING CLINIC OPENS BUCKHEAD LOCATION In an effort to meet the growing needs of his patients,

Dr. Aaron Rollins has opened the latest location of Elite Body Sculpture in Piedmont Center off Piedmont Road in Buckhead. Offering a menu of body enhancement treatments such as liposuction and fat transfer, Elite Body Sculpture’s services are based on Rollins’ patented AirSculpt technology, which combines the motion of a suction tool with the heat of a laser to painlessly transform the body without the need for general anesthesia, needles, scalpels or stitches.

Elite Body Sculpture 3495 Piedmont Rd. N.E., Building 2 Atlanta 30305 678.949.9297 elitebodysculpture.com

LIMITED-EDITION ATLANTA-THEMED FRAGRANCE AVAILABLE In celebration of Saks Fifth Avenue’s 50th anniversary in Atlanta, the store has released a new limited-edition fragrance called Bond No. 9 Atlanta. Available through this spring, the scent is a special rendition of the store’s

iconic Bond No. 9 New York fragrance line and marks the famed store’s entry into the local retail scene when it opened its 28th location at Phipps Plaza in 1968. The fragrance, available exclusively at the Phipps store, features notes of rosewood, vanilla, vetiver and bergamot, and comes in a Swarovski crystal-studded bottle. Saks Fifth Avenue 3440 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.261.7234 saksfifthavenue.com

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

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LOCAL SALUTE

BY:

Mickey Goodman Proceeds from Richie Arpino's Flower Power calendar support the Buckhead Breast Cancer Coalition and other causes.

Posing with Posies Atlanta calendar girls help raise money for cancer causes André Walters joined the company that runs Duck Donuts due to its support of various nonprofits, such as Gabe's Chemo Duck Program.

Serving the Community Supporting nonprofits one donut at a time André Walters loves seeing the looks on customers’ faces when they take their first bite of a warm, custom-made treat at Duck Donuts. Equally sweet is fulfilling the company’s mission to give back to the community. “Duck Donuts is named for Duck, North Carolina, the site of one of the company’s first locations,” says Walters, who is chairman of The A. Shawn Group that owns and operates the Buckhead shop. “Our goal has always been to support the communities where we’re located.” True to that objective, Duck Donuts began giving back to Atlanta as soon as the doors opened in late 2017 by donating a portion of its sales to the Atlanta Mission, a

nonprofit serving the homeless community, through the Quack Gives Back initiative. In December, the beneficiary was CURE Childhood Cancer. “The mission was a critical part of my decision to get into the business,” he says. Other company-wide endeavors include supporting Gabe’s Chemo Duck Program. The play therapy tool utilizes a fuzzy stuffed duck dressed in hospital scrubs and bearing a chemo port that helps medical personnel explain to children and families what to expect from cancer treatment and provides comfort to sick kids. l For more information, visit duckdonuts.com.

Geared to Giving Back

Forrest McClain (left) hits the alley at last year's Bowl for Kids' Sake event benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Local attorney supports the arts and kids Buckhead resident Forrest McClain is a serial volunteer with a passion for organizations focusing on the arts and children. The Booth Western Art Museum in Cartersville and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Atlanta top his list. McClain, an attorney with Reicon Capital, joined the Booth board in 2000 to help jumpstart the foundation. “The museum opened in 2003

Richie Arpino, whose client list at the Richie Arpino Salon in Buckhead has included Brooke Shields, Julia Roberts, Melissa Etheridge and scores of local celebrities, is an equally gifted photographer. He utilizes both professions to produce an annual calendar that raises money for various nonprofits. “This year’s calendar, Flower Power, features 12 beautiful, powerful women over 50 who are surrounded by flowers,” says Arpino. “One hundred percent of the proceeds will be divided between the Buckhead Breast Cancer Coalition, Emory Winship Cancer Institute and cancer research at Piedmont Hospital.” Arpino has done the hair and makeup for people who appear in front of the camera since 1980, but when he took up photography more than a dozen years ago, he wanted to combine

and was a gift to the community from an anonymous local businessman,” says McClain. “He wanted to introduce kids to museums by featuring cowboys and Indians to capture their interest. The current exhibition by renowned Western artist Frederic

Remington [on view through January 13] is an example of the museum’s outstanding offerings.” Although McClain is a newcomer to the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters, his history with the organization goes back to his college days at The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, when he volunteered as a Big Brother. “It’s not just an after-school program,” he says. “The one-on-one relationships the children make with caring adults can change their lives.” Deeply involved in the arts community, he also works with

his skills to raise money for charity. “Up until now, I’ve done sexy guy calendars,” he says, “but in the era of the Me Too movement, I wanted to celebrate women and donate the money to medical facilities treating breast cancer patients.” To celebrate the release of Flower Power and to thank the calendar girls, Arpino hosted a private event at The Estate in October. The venue was donated by Tony Conway of Legendary Events, with entertainment provided by Ed Roland and Will Turpin of Collective Soul and singer/ songwriter Ben Deignan. l The Flower Power calendar is $40 and can be ordered by emailing Arpino at richiearpino@mac.com. For more information on Richie Arpino Salon, visit arpinosalon.net.

Georgia Museums, a 501c3 organization that operates the Booth, the Tellus Science Museum and the Bartow History Museum, all in Cartersville. He also works with Anverse Inc., a private foundation that helps nonprofits. l For more information, visit boothmuseum.org and bbbsatl.org.

Want to nominate a volunteer, company or nonprofit that makes Buckhead, Sandy Springs or Brookhaven a better place to live? Please contact: editor@simplybuckhead.com

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

LOCAL SALUTE

Through the Taste of the NFL event, restaurateurs such as Wayne Kostroski (far right) and Atlanta's own Kevin Rathbun (far left, posing with celebrity foodie Andrew Zimmern), have helped raise $26 million for food banks across the nation.

The NFL Tackles Hunger A pre-Super Bowl “Party with a Purpose” supports a local food bank STORY:

Mickey Goodman

n 1992, restaurateur Wayne Kostroski was chairman of the restaurant committee for the Super Bowl XXVI Task Force in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “The host committee was looking for ways to distract people from the fact that it would be cold and wanted to heat up the experience,” says Kostroski. “So we came up with the idea of a Party with a Purpose to be held on Super Bowl eve to benefit food banks in all 32 NFL cities. We named it Taste of the NFL and invited top chefs from each city to prepare samples of their best dishes.” The event was a sell-out, and the following year, when Los Angeles hosted Super Bowl XXVII, the city duplicated the event. So have the hosts of the Super Bowl in each subsequent year. This year’s big game will be held here in A-Town on Feb. 3 at MercedesBenz Stadium, and Taste of the NFL will take place on Feb. 2 at the Cobb Galleria Centre, marking both the event and Kostroski’s 28th year.

“We measure success by how many meals we’ve been able to generate, and through the years we’ve raised $26 million that provided 220 million meals,” says Kostroski. “The host city receives 15 percent of the proceeds, and the remainder is evenly divided among the other NFL city food banks.” Both Atlanta chef Kevin Rathbun, owner of Rathbun’s, Krog Bar, Kevin Rathbun Steak and KR SteakBar, and Steve DiFillippo, owner of Davio’s in Atlanta, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and L.A., have been involved with Taste of the NFL for many years. Rathbun began while he was asked to represent Baby Routh in Dallas, where he was the chef. When he moved to Atlanta in the early ’90s to take over the kitchen at Nava, he began representing the Falcons. “Each chef prepares 1,000 to 1,500 small portions for fans to sample,” says Rathbun. “It’s a great strolling party with drinks, entertainment by nationally recognized musicians, a silent auction and a chance to meet former NFL stars who sign autographs at each table.”

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

The celebrated chefs who participated in last year's Taste of the NFL pose for a group pic. The 2019 event comes to Atlanta Feb. 2 on the eve of the Super Bowl.

More than 3,000 fans are expected to attend. For chefs like Rathbun, it’s a labor of love. Prep begins the night before, and most of the food is finished on-site using steamers, ovens and fryers. Students in culinary schools who are eager to learn from noted chefs around the country donate their time, along with employees at participating restaurants. DiFillippo calls Taste of the NFL one of his favorite happenings. “It has everything that makes an event great while raising millions to feed the hungry,” he says. It also gives him an opportunity to work with Rathbun, a longtime friend who has collaborated with him on numerous endeavors that raise

money for food banks. This year, DiFillippo is again preparing gnocchi bowls, the number-one best-selling pasta dish at Davio’s. “One year we prepared 4,000, all cooked to order,” he says. “We always begin serving when the doors open and don’t look up until the food runs out and the doors close.” n l For more information on Taste of the NFL, visit tasteofthenfl.com. Fans who are unable to attend the event can donate to the Kick Hunger Challenge that benefits the Atlanta Community Food Bank via acfb.org/ events/kick-hunger-challenge.

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

Pjotos: Zack Smith / Courtesy New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau

TR AV E L NE A R

A Taste of the

Food, fun and more food highlight a trip to New Orleans

n a recent podcast interview, actress Holly Hunter described the city of New Orleans as "mystical" and "original," adding that it had an unexpected draw on her. After spending a few glorious days in the Crescent City myself, I couldn't agree more. My base of operations during my visit was the year-old NOPSI Hotel, located in the Central Business District in a landmark art deco building that once housed the city’s power and transit bureau. (NOPSI stands for “New Orleans Public Service Inc.”) Shuttered and neglected for years, the space has been painstakingly restored to its former glory, with 21foot vaulted ceilings and gleaming columns and terrazzo floors. My first night in town, we enjoyed cocktails at the lobby bar and dined at the hotel’s Public Service restaurant, which boasts an open kitchen, raw bar and open-flame rotisserie. Everything was delicious, but the Debris Mac ‘N Cheese studded with short ribs and brioche breadcrumbs and the bread pudding bathed in bourbon butter sauce were standouts. The next night,

at a private dinner helmed by executive chef Peter Page, we scarfed down a crawfish boil, poached pear salad, fried oyster crostini, braised short ribs and bananas foster flambé, each delicious course accompanied by a different delicious wine. The meal and conversation went on for hours. I tell you, those Louisianans really know how to enjoy themselves. The rooms at the NOPSI are lovely, too, and there’s a gym, business center and in-room spa services, but my favorite feature was the rooftop pool. Laptop in hand, I spent an afternoon doing a bit of work at one of the cabana tables and soaking up the view. The rooftop includes a bar as well, which is the happening place to be once the sun goes down. I could have hung out at the hotel for days, but there’s too much to see and do in New Orleans to stay in one place too long. My explorations included a stroll through the Arts District, where I admired the works at Callan Contemporary, Jonathan Ferrara Gallery and other spaces, as well as shopping along Magazine Street, where one can pick up everything

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

from voodoo dolls to antique jewelry to Cajun-themed pet toys. I had plans to hop on the streetcar and visit Mardi Gras World, the Ogden Museum of Southern Art and The National WWII Museum, but truth be told, my visit pretty much centered around eating and drinking. There was breakfast at Willa Jean, a bakery/cafe within walking distance of the hotel where I not only enjoyed a plate of eggs, bacon and cheese grits, but also bites of a chocolate croissant, sticky bun, griddled banana bread, red velvet cake and cookies and milk. (Yes, dessert for breakfast—don’t judge.) Saturday brunch at Coquette, a cute little spot in the Garden District helmed by two James Beard Award-nominated chefs, featured a platter of fried chicken served family-style with pickles and deviled eggs, plus sides of bacon, flaky buttermilk biscuits and housemade pimento cheese. Of course, we had to check out the French Quarter, so one night we walked from the NOPSI to Bourbon Street and had dinner in an upstairs room at Arnaud’s. Along with multiple

STORY:

Jill Becker

glasses of the French 75—Arnaud’s signature cocktail consisting of cognac, lemon juice and simple syrup—we shared, among other things, orders of the seafood gumbo, stuffed oysters, roasted Louisiana quail, souffléd potatoes, smothered okra and crème brûlée. Between courses, we stood out on the adjoining patio and threw bag after bag of Mardi Gras beads down to the passersby below. (A few guys lifted their shirts, but it didn’t get too crazy.) Despite still being full of food and drink,

Paul Broussard / Courtesy New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau

Crescent City

Above and left: Street musicians and other performers abound along bustling Bourbon Street.

A visit to Café Du Monde for its world famous beignets is a NOLA must.

A Place Where You Belong

The NOPSI Hotel resides in a lovingly restored 1920s-era building and features a happening rooftop bar.

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HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY

we had a hankering for beignets, so we trekked to Café Du Monde, stopping to listen to some of the street musicians along the way and then stuffing our faces with that famous fried, powdery goodness. The highlight of the trip, by far, was the Friday lunch at Galatoire’s. A tradition that dates back for decades, the event is so popular that interested diners hire people to stand in line for them in order to get in (they don’t take reservations). Among the crowd that day were a large bachelorette party, some rowdy Tulane graduates, various groups of well-dressed

business types and three couples celebrating an anniversary. I can’t even imagine how many bottles of Champagne the restaurant goes through during one of these lunches (I can tell you our table alone put away at least seven!). At one point, a jazz trio inched its way between the tables and blasted a few songs. Later, a conga line broke out. I don’t remember much about the food at Galatoire’s, but I’ll never forget the let’s-get-this-partystarted, devil-may-care atmosphere that only a place like New Orleans can bring out in people. I can’t wait to go back. n

18|8 Fine Men’s Salon • Benchmark Physical Therapy Brookhaven Orthodontics • Emory Clinic • European Wax Center GNC (General Nutrition Center) • Intown Pediatrics The Joint - The Chiropractic Place Julian’s Cosmetics and Skincare • Massage Heights Nail Talk & Tan • Saks Salon Salon Red • Salon Red Kids • Town Dentistry Vein Clinics of America • Vida-Flo: The Hydration Station

DINING Amore Cucina & Bar • Bua Thai and Sushi The Flying Biscuit Café • HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern Lucky’s Burger & Brew • Marble Slab Creamery Moe’s Southwest Grill • Newk’s Express Café Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub • Red Pepper Taqueria Sweetwaters Coffee & Tea – Coming Soon • Tanaka Ramen There Restaurant and Bar • Tin Can Oyster Bar Tropical Smoothie Café • Which Wich? • Yogurtland

HOME FURNISHINGS & DÉCOR MODA Floors & Interiors • Redefined Home Boutique Sugarboo & Co.

SERVICES DETAILS

Todd Coleman / Courtesy New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau

New Orleans neworleans.com NOPSI Hotel nopsihotel.com

The lively Friday lunch at Galatoire's is a time-honored tradition you won't want to miss.

Bank of the Ozarks • Brookhaven Alterations Brookhaven Animal Hospital • FBC Mortgage • Keller Williams Reflections Eyecare • Town Cleaners • U Break I Fix

ELECTRONICS, MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT AT&T

www.townbrookhaven.net Conveniently located on Peachtree Road adjacent to Oglethorpe University.

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

T R AV E L FA R

Ballyfin is a restored country estate on more than 600 scenic acres near Portlaoise, easily accessible by train from Dublin.

Beautiful Ballyfin Checking in to one of Ireland’s most luxurious hotels

orget sailing the high seas or engaging in a constant battle against evil. When I fantasize about being a character in a novel, it involves a historic setting, acres of land to explore and elegant multicourse meals. I got all of those and more during a stay at Ballyfin, a lavish five-star property in central Ireland. The Relais & Châteaux resort was built in the 1820s by Sir Charles Coote, and the family owned it for 100 years before selling it to the Patrician Brothers, who ran a boarding school there for many years. After a massive restoration, Ballyfin opened in 2011 with 20 guestrooms. It has been called the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland. Every room is unique, opulently furnished and identified by names rather than numbers. Our room, The Maryborough, was exquisitely deco-

rated in shades of green and coral. My favorite part was the bathroom that boasted a fireplace and a large window with a view of the lake. Included with a stay at Ballyfin are multicourse, beautifully presented meals prepared with seasonal and local ingredients, many grown in the eight-acre kitchen garden. After being greeted with a glass of Champagne and a warm towel upon our arrival, we dined in the conservatory, which offered magnificent views of the gardens at the back of the estate. We enjoyed dishes that included squash soup, fried hake, goat cheese and onion tart, and Irish cheeses. Another option for lunch is to arrange for a picnic to enjoy anywhere on the grounds. We opted to spend our afternoon exploring the 614-acre estate on the complimentary bicycles. Armed with a rudimentary map and an unwarranted

STORY:

Jan Schroder

Dinner is an elegant affair, served by white-gloved waitstaff in the state dining room.

conviction that we couldn’t get lost, we headed out for a delightful afternoon of perusing the scenic property, set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. We wandered through a rose garden, rock garden and grottos with lush fernery, and climbed 97 steps up a tower set on the top of a long, steep hill, from which a butler told us we could view

“13 counties and two-thirds of Ireland.” We rode through two large, walled gardens, pausing to take a peek at the chicken coop, and ended our bike tour at the boathouse, where two wooden rowboats are housed for guests to use. My husband skill-

Photos: Jan Schroder

Left: Upon arrival, guests are welcomed with a glass of Champagne. Right: A bike tour may include a stop at this medievalstyle tower.

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Above: Evenings start with cocktails and canapés in front of the fire in the library.

Above: Lunch is served yearround in the glass-enclosed conservatory. Right: The activities at Ballyfin include clay pigeon and air rifle shooting.

fully rowed us around the small lake, but if you prefer, you can hire a butler to do the rowing for you. Other activities at Ballyfin include nature walks, fishing, tennis, falconry, birdwatching, Gaelic games, clay pigeon shooting, archery and horseback riding. There’s also an indoor pool, sauna, small spa and fitness center. Just like in the classic novels of old, we dressed for dinner and enjoyed pre-meal cocktails in the stunning 80-foot-long library lined with more than 5,000 books. Relaxing by the fire, we sipped ice-cold martinis and nibbled on canapés. At our leisure, we proceeded to the dining room, where we were spoiled rotten while being treated to an eight-course gastronomic experience. White-gloved wait-

ers brought an array of dishes that included apple gazpacho, Wexford monkfish, roast lamb sweetbreads and blue cheese with gooseberries. Guests can also opt for a more informal dinner in the Cellar Bar downstairs or private dining in the Porcelain Room or the Wine Cellar. Breakfast the next morning was a special treat, including porridge, omelets or the full Ballyfin Irish breakfast with eggs, mushrooms, black and white pudding, and sausages made for the hotel by butchers in the nearby town of Portlaoise. A stay at Ballyfin proved to be a perfect, luxurious start to a week in Ireland BALLYFIN prior to setting off for the bustling ballyfin.com city of Dublin. n

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

S TAYC AT I O N

Above: The bar adjacent to Livingston Restaurant provides the perfect backdrop for pre- or posttheater drinks. Left: Suites feature spacious sitting and dining areas, separate bedrooms and baths.

Clark Gable Slept Here! Atlanta’s historic Georgian Terrace hotel still shines a century later

tlanta isn’t known for its wealth of historic architecture. Sure, we have the Swan House in Buckhead, the iconic Georgia State Capitol building downtown and the L.P. Grant mansion in Grant Park. But none of these invite visitors to unpack their bags and soak up the city’s past in as glamorous a style as The Georgian Terrace hotel. Towering over the corner of Peachtree Street and Ponce de Leon Avenue, the beige-brick building has been a Midtown landmark since it opened 107 years ago. It’s gone through transformations, renovations and revitalizations through the years, which have served to bring it into the 21st century while remaining a polished and elegant reminder of the pre-World War I era. The first thing guests should know is that the current lobby and 20-story glass atrium were additions from the 1980s. The original structure, built between 1910 and 1911 to mimic the classic hotels of Paris, is just 10 stories but still features the expansive, wrap-

Below: Diners at Livingston are treated to contemporary fare in a classic setting on the hotel's main floor.

STORY:

around terrace that’s perfect for an alfresco meal, late-night cocktail and people-watching at one of Peachtree’s busiest intersections. It was, and still is, a sumptuous space for gala celebrations in marble ballrooms lit by massive chandeliers. And it can’t be beat as a dinner spot for those heading to the Fox Theatre, which opened across the street in 1929. For most of its early life, the Terrace was the hotel of choice for famous visitors such as then-vice president Calvin Coolidge, tenor Enrico Caruso and members of the Metropolitan Opera Company, and film stars Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh, who stayed there during the 1939 Atlanta premiere of Gone with the Wind (which was held at the Loew’s Grand downtown, not the Fox). A grassroots rally to save the Fox in the late 1970s inspired a similar fervor for reclaiming the Georgian Terrace, which was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. In the pre-Olympic days, when the new building added 214

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

H.M. Cauley

units to the original 80 rooms, the property was converted into apartments. It wasn’t until 1996 that it morphed back into a hotel, which explains the presence of fully equipped kitchens, dining areas and enough room for sofas and club chairs around flat-screen TVs in many suites. What made The Georgian Terrace a magnet more than 100 years ago is still in play today. Its ideal location, coupled with special pre-theater menus at the Livingston Restaurant + Bar, still makes it one of the best places to grab dinner before a Fox show or a drink and pimento cheese and bacon pizza after in the basementlevel Edgar’s Proof and Provision. And what in the early 1900s was a suburban outpost is now a bustling district of entertainment and shopping, all within easy walking of the lobby. Inside, the hotel gives guests the chance to unwind in a fully equipped penthouse fitness center. Nearby are an outdoor pool and a small rooftop terrace where, on a clear night, the stars twinkle above the gold spire

of the nearby Bank of America tower and the lights of planes heading into Hartsfield-Jackson airport sweep across the sky. Below, the crowds pouring out of the Fox face the city’s ever-present traffic on the trip home, while Georgian Terrace guests have just an elevator ride to their comfy beds. In the morning, the Livingston staff will sate them with American and Southern-influenced breakfasts in the dramatic two-story dining room, where, with enough imagination, they might just conjure a grinning Clark Gable at a table nearby. n THE GEORGIAN TERRACE 659 Peachtree St. N.E. Atlanta 30308 404.897.1991 thegeorgianterrace.com

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January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

AP P ROV E D Gap Classic Trench Coat ($79.95) Gap knows a thing or two about affordable wardrobe basics, and this tailored trench is no exception. It can easily be your seasonal staple as it’s infinitely versatile for wearing to the office, for travel or on busy errand days. The cotton fabric is breathable and lightweight for the warmer months, yet ready to face days that swing between sunshine and rain. Gap Lenox Square, 3393 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.233.3229 gap.com

Nordstrom Topman Peached Trench Coat ($130)

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Channel your inner Duchess, Meghan Markle, with a style dupe that is perfect for cooler weather. Unlike the cotton trench, this wool and cashmere blend will keep you toasty in a design Saks Fifth Avenue reminiscent of two classic Phipps Plaza, 3440 outerwear styles: the trench Peachtree Rd. N.E. and the car coat. Layer it over Atlanta 30326 any ensemble to instantly 404.261.7234 saksfifthavenue.com ensure a polished look.

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TRENCHES A trench is a coat that remains current despite a 100-year-plus history. These timeless coverings are not only practical, their style longevity also makes them a closet essential for both men and women. STORY:

Jessica Dauler

Suitsupply Navy Overcoat ($499) Let simplicity be the guiding force of your outer look with this soft, rich wool overcoat (also available in luxe cashmere). Suitsupply offers a contemporary-cool take on the trench with this modern, masculine yet functional coat. The cut offers a slim fit that’s Suitsupply easy to layer over 3400 Around jeans and a T-shirt, Lenox Rd. N.E. but it also works over Atlanta 30326 your favorite henley 404.800.1143 suitsupply.com or sweater.

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Burberry Vintage Check Cotton Trench Coat ($2,390) The ever-recognizable Burberry check is as much a symbol of casual luxury and contemporary elegance as it is British fashion history. Inspired by a print first used in the 1960s, the Burberry brand maintains its 150-year-old heritage in this signature check cotton trench. It’s a worthy wardrobe investBurberry ment for many Lenox Square, 3393 seasons to come Peachtree Rd. N.E. that can easily be Atlanta 30326 handed down for 404.231.5550 generations. burberry.com

H I G H

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January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

15 MINUTES WITH

MEREDYTH COLE STORY:

Jill Becker PHOTO: Sara Hanna

eredyth Cole can walk to school every day. That’s because she lives on campus. But Cole isn’t a student roughing it in a college dorm; she’s the new head of The Lovett School, an almost 100-year-old independent college preparatory academy on Paces Ferry Road. The seasoned school administrator and teacher took over the job last July, after stints at The Episcopal School of Dallas and The Madeira School in McLean, Virginia, and has quickly immersed herself in overseeing the education of the 1,650 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. What’s your general philosophy about education? It should be geared toward the whole child—their intellectual, emotional and spiritual growth. I’m a firm believer in character education. We spend a lot of time at Lovett talking about honor, integrity and respect. Another piece of the puzzle is learning by doing. Our teachers are rarely standing up at the front of the classroom [lecturing to the students]. They’re more the facilitators of learning. You’ve always worked in independent schools. Was that a conscious choice? My parents were independent schoolteachers and administrators, so I grew up going to independent schools. The person I am today is due to the benefits of being able to attend those schools. It’s why I do what I do. What’s the difference between an independent school and a public school? Independent schools are governed by a board of directors. There are no ties to a government body or church, and they receive no state or federal funding. Public schools have a responsibility to serve everyone. We serve the students we think we can best serve. What changes have you implemented since you took office?

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

I’m still getting to know Lovett and am learning to appreciate where we are in order to see where we should go. We will continue to evolve, but I don’t know [specifics] yet. What’s your daily routine like? Around 7:15 I walk from my house on campus to my office. I usually have an early meeting with a colleague. Then it’s a busy day of administration and dealing with parents and teachers, and going into a class if they’re doing something interesting. I’m also a 10th grade advisor and teach public speaking to our sixth graders. After classes are done, I’ll usually catch a game or a practice [or other school event]. I’m usually home between 6:30 and 8. You’ve been quoted as saying that getting to know a place and its people is a critical first step in being a good leader. What have you learned about the Buckhead area so far? It’s such a neat area. It’s steeped in history but is also a center for innovative thought and leadership. It’s an interesting juxtaposition. What are your favorite places in town? My husband, John, and I are slowly eating our way around Atlanta, because I don’t have a lot of time to cook. We’ve eaten a lot of pizza from Crispina. Souper Jenny is awesome, too. And we’re exploring the places along Buford Highway. What are you binge watching right now? I’m purposely not binge watching anything. I need to sleep. I’m an eight-hours-a-night person. What was the last book you read? That Crumpled Paper Was Due Last Week by Ana Homayoun. I’m currently reading the Benjamin Franklin biography by Walter Isaacson. What is your personal motto? One of my favorites is by Sojourner Truth. It’s basically, “If I can see, I can be it.” n

P E TS

Left: Cockatiel Nacho surveys his domain. Above: Ashley Love's backyard farm includes dogs, goats and chickens. Below: Peanut the bearded dragon plays with a fellow four-legged pal.

A Walk on the Wild Side of Animal Ownership SOME LOCAL RESIDENTS’ PETS HAVE FEATHERS AND SCALES INSTEAD OF FUR

ccording to the American Pet Products Association, 68 percent of U.S. households own a pet, and while the vast majority of them are cats and dogs, not all of our furry friends are. In fact, many of them aren’t even furry. Thirteen percent of U.S. households are home to freshwater fish, 8 percent have birds and 5 percent share their abodes with reptiles. And then there is the growing number of Americans—13 million of them, to be exact—who are part of the backyard poultry scene. “We have 20 animals [at home], including our chickens,” says Ashley Love, who works on film sets in Buckhead and beyond doing craft services. “Last April, an animal wrangler brought a baby goat to set, and after

feeding it a bottle, I FaceTimed my husband, telling him I wanted a baby goat. Our animal wrangler hooked me up with a lady who had a couple of pregnant goats, and while we waited [for our goats], we checked out a feed store. The store had baby chicks for sale and, being the sucker that I am and the loving husband that he is, we walked out with five chicks.” Love says her menagerie brings the entire family joy but acknowledges that caring for so many animals isn’t for everyone, especially when it comes to adorable but extremely messy fowl. “I’d never advise anyone fooled by the cuteness of baby ducks into actually bringing them home,” she says. Reptiles such as snakes and lizards may seem more low main-

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Laura J. Moss

tenance, but that’s not always the case. Sandy Springs resident Lizette Mendieta, a veterinarian from Mexico who now works as an account manager in Atlanta, has a bearded dragon named Peanut whom she loves dearly but admits is a lot of work. “All reptiles need a proper habitat and require specific temperatures, lighting and food,” she says. But while Peanut may require a lot of upkeep, Mendieta insists he’s just as important, and as cuddly, as her dog. “Reptiles are homeotherms, meaning they adjust their body temperature to that of their surroundings,” she says. “That's why I like to hold Peanut next to my heart and give him kisses on his big, strong head.” Buckhead attorney Daniela Villamizar, who has a 4-year-old cockatiel named Nacho, says

birds also make incredible pets. “I choose not to clip Nacho’s wings, so he’s a flyer and very independent, but he’s also a mama’s boy and will yell whenever I leave his sight,” she says. “Cockatiels love a good head scratch and will always keep you company.” Before bringing any animal home, no matter what species or breed they are, do your research, advises Dr. Steven Winkour of Buckhead’s Pharr Road Animal Hospital. “I would strongly recommend that a prospective owner of any pet become well acquainted with the animal’s nutrition and environmental and psychological needs, and find that information from a qualified professional.” While caring for a nontraditional pet can have its challenges, these local pet owners prove that a dog isn’t man’s only best friend. n

HOME | FASHION | BEAUTY | WELLNESS | HEALTH

SIMPLY STYLISH

HOME

A Blueprint for the Brandenburgs P32

“We feel so fortunate to live here.” –Amanda Brandenburg

Equipped with a fireplace, sectional and Serena & Lily table and bench, the Brandenburgs’ screened-in porch is a popular hangout. Photo: Sara Hanna

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

H OM E

Above: In stark contrast to their previous home, the Brandenburgs’ living room features clean white walls and neutral textiles. Below: Mark and Amanda Brandenburg, with kids Naomi, Remy and Hyatt, on the front porch of their beloved Buckhead abode.

A Blueprint for the Brandenburgs A FAMILY OF FIVE FINDS A PLACE TO CALL HOME IN CHASTAIN PARK STORY:

manda and Mark Brandenburg planned to build a house. In 2016, they were finally ready to tear down their Chastain Park bungalow and replace it with something new when Mark, a partner at estate planning law firm Abrams Davis Mason & Long, and Amanda, a legal staffing executive, started having second thoughts. “We had the architect, the builder, the financing, and were ready to go,” says Amanda,

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Giannina Smith Bedford PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

“but we had our third child at that point, and I was traveling for work, and my husband works a lot, too. I knew I was going to have to project manage the whole thing.” Amanda, who recently started her own national legal staffing firm, OpusLex, and last year launched online boutique Boho Sophisticate, admits the work involved in building a house from scratch was a deterrent. “I like interior design but didn’t think I had time,” she says. “So we decided to see if anything [on the market] was available.” The Brandenburgs wanted to stay in the Jackson Elementary school district and, after looking at a few options, found a home that

had been custom built by another family. The open floorplan with five bedrooms, five baths and two half baths worked perfectly. At three stories and 5,800 square feet, the family’s new abode was more spacious than their previous 2,900-square-foot home. The cohesive, airy design by architect Ross Piper was also a big change from the 1940s ranch they’d been living in. So when Amanda brought over the furnishings and custom draperies from their previous house, they just didn’t work. “Everything we did at the old house, we used a smaller scale,” says Amanda. “We’d buy older Baker chairs that had hunting fabric and

Above: Amanda loves to sit on the front porch with a glass of wine and watch her kids play outdoors.

Above: With its open layout and Dutch door, the kitchen is a functional and stylish gathering space.

Below: The dining room’s statement-making Milo Baughman burl wood table is one of Amanda’s favorite pieces.

Above: Off the foyer, Amanda’s home office features a stylish and eclectic mix of decor, from recovered Baker chairs to a beaded light fixture. Below: Remy, with big brother Hyatt, hangs out in his playful nursery.

“Since our house is a true farmhousestyle, I’ve stayed away from any obvious farmhouse decor and leaned far more modern to create contrast.” –Amanda Brandenburg In the living room, white shiplap walls, a rustic wood mantel and Moroccan mosaic tile surrounding the fireplace set the tone for the navy blue, black and neutral palette. A Lee Industries sofa and ottoman upholstered in stain-resistant Crypton fabric from Interior Philosophy sits atop a Layla Grace rug, creating 2-year-old Remy’s favorite place to watch cartoons. The kids, including 8-year-old Naomi and 6-year-old Hyatt, love to huddle on the screened-in porch’s sectional. “They pile out there with their friends and watch movies. They really love it,” says Amanda.

Their mom keeps an eye on them from the nearby kitchen, where Serena & Lily Riviera stools cozy up to the wood-clad island beneath oversized industrial light pendants—fixtures that wouldn’t have been Amanda’s first pick. “They are just far too masculine and industrial for my taste, but people love them,” she says. Amanda also wouldn’t have selected the dark granite countertops in the kitchen because “they show every drop of water,” but she does love the room’s layout, butler’s pantry and Dutch door where the kids’ friends often come calling. s

recover them in a fun pink. We needed the scale to be smaller because the house was smaller, the ceilings were low and everything was petite. When we moved the stuff in here, my friend came over and said, ‘This looks like neon Barbie furniture.’ My husband was like, ‘I think we’re going to need new furniture.’” Although some of the items, including the pink Baker chairs, survived, the Brandenburgs bought “a ton” of new, more contemporary furnishings. “Since our house is a true farmhouse-style, I’ve stayed away from any obvious farmhouse decor and leaned far more modern to create contrast,” says Amanda.

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

H OM E

Above: The home’s shiplap walls extend into the sun-drenched master bedroom. Left: From a reading nook to an art station, the upstairs is all about the kids. Right: The spacious master bathroom combines sleek design with bohemian touches.

The adjacent formal dining room showcases an antique Milo Baughman burl wood table surrounded by Restoration Hardware dining chairs. In the corner, a recovered armchair from Ballard Designs provides a pop of color with its India-inspired Manuel Canovas Dara fabric. Step from the dining room into the entry foyer, where a Moorish star light hangs overhead like mistletoe. To the right of the entry is Amanda’s home office, featuring a stately barn door that opens to the master suite. There, a spacious bathroom done in gray and white Moroccan tile features a walk-in shower and standalone MTI bathtub overlooking the backyard through three large windows. A vintage Turkish rug adds bohemian flair to the spa-like space. Next door, Mark and Amanda’s bedroom is anchored by a king-size bed with a custom-covered Lee Industries headboard flanked by black and gold Nate Berkus nightstands from Target. A sitting area

is furnished with a Jonathan Adler sofa from the family’s previous living room. Although the couple’s bedroom is on the busy main level, the entire wing, including Amanda’s office, can be closed off via a door at the end of a short hallway. “We love the functionality of this configuration,” says Mark. “Amanda can be in her office and be separate from the rest of the house or the master bedroom, or we can incorporate the office into our master. We can also be in the master bath and close the large barn door to create privacy. It’s a full wing/suite for us with various configurations.” The kids’ wing is upstairs, where a spacious landing with a window seat and framed family photos separates Hyatt and Remy’s boy rooms from that of their older sister. The kids all have their own bathroom, each with a different brightly hued vanity. “When we moved in, I thought, ‘This is so excessive,’ but it works great,” says Amanda.

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

When they aren’t hanging out upstairs, the kids are often in the basement, where the playroom is equipped with a piano, mini trampoline, tons of toys and other diversions. Amanda covered the finished concrete floors with three large Overstock.com rugs to make it cozier. The basement level also has a mudroom, an extra guestroom currently used by the Brandenburgs’ au pair and a former in-home gym that now stores the goods for Boho Sophisticate. The Brandenburgs may not have realized their dream of building a home, but they found a place that fills their needs. Plus, they have come to love the street they live on and the friendships they’ve made with neighbors. “We spend a ton of time out on the front porch, and it’s indicative of the neighborhood,” says Amanda. “The location can’t be beat—a private street within steps from the park and all that it offers. We feel so fortunate to live here.” n

AMANDA BRANDENBURG’S TOP 5 LOCAL PLACES TO SHOP FOR HOME DECOR 1. B.D. Jefferies: “My all-time favorite. They are a master of the neutrals game, and their ability to create and mix textures always amazes me. It’s a challenge for me to stop in and find anything in this store that I don’t want to bring home.” 2. Waiting On Martha Home: “Mandy Kellogg Rye has a great eye for scale and pattern, and her beachy, happy decor will lift any mood and space.” 3. Huff Harrington: “Classic French finds with a touch of whimsy and glamour.” 4. Atlanta Artist Collective: “Owner Laine Kilburn represents some of the best artists in the South. The bright, colorful abstracts work well in almost any space, especially one with lots of white walls like mine.” 5. Interior Philosophy: “[Owners] Mandy and Jessica have a strong eye for classic, neutral, slightly bohemian finds. I love their lighting options, pillows and furniture. And they often have great sales.”

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January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

FA S H I ON

Wardrobe courtesy of Tootsies

THE STYLE FORECAST FOR 2019 WHAT’S IN AND WHAT’S OUT WHEN IT COMES TO WOMEN’S WARDROBES THIS YEAR

ow that we’ve made the leap into 2019, let’s change our inner dialogue and put our fashion needs at the top of the priority list. How’s that for a resolution? Here’s a quick trend update to get you up to speed on the fashion do’s and don’ts of the new year. As any true fashionista knows, everything eventually comes back in style. Looks from the early 1990s are back. Think grunge meets the movie Clueless meets the old American West. “The Americana pioneer trend is back,” says Sara Mixon, events coordinator and stylist at Tootsies in

Buckhead. The elite women’s fashion boutique has a reputation for keeping ahead of the trends and educating its customers on the must-have new items, and Mixon says the Old West is being worn all over with a Little House on the Prairie vibe featuring full-length skirts, cowboy boots and romantic, flowy dresses. “Also, don’t be surprised to see sequins during the day,” says Mixon. In the office, women are displaying a more polished, substantial look by adding a third piece such as a jacket or sweater rather than just wearing a top and a bottom. Fitted, double-

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

STORY: PHOTO:

Holly Katz Sara Hanna

breasted and oversize boyfriend blazers are another hot seller. The modest trend—fashionable without showing skin—will help us all say goodbye to bare shoulders and crop tops. The biggest fashion don’t of all is overalls, which made a huge comeback but are now out faster than they came in. As far as denim goes, the flared jean is back, replacing the super skinny look. A great fitting jean is always in style, of course, but it’s important to remember fit first. Consider the silhouette that flatters your particular figure the best; no one size fits all.

Vince Ridley suede boots ($385); Claudia beaded bracelets ($90) and hoop earrings ($120); MCL woven cuff ($395); Below The Belt suede belt ($100); Eugenia Kim bolero hat with pearl studs ($305); Krewe sunglasses ($205); Veronica Beard Minna dress ($595); Sarah Stewart leather jacket ($500); Elena Ghisellini suede fringe bag ($525); Chan Luu bandana ($45).

When it comes to colors, look for brights and neons to be mixed with pastels. Yellow is the “it” color you’re seeing everywhere now and for the upcoming seasons. If these intense hues make you squint harder than looking directly into the sun, then choosing neutrals mixed with bright accents is a nice way to stay within the trend. Atlanta is quickly rising to the top of the fashion scene along with metropolitan cities such as Dallas, Birmingham and Charleston, and by following these few simple guidelines, you’ll be able to stay current. n

2019

ANNUAL LUNCHEON

&Buckhead Business Awards

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

B E AU TY

The Beauty Chef Glow Inner Beauty Powder ($70) The Aussies seem to have the whole effortless beauty thing down to a science, and these tasty powders exemplify the trend. The result of founder Carla Oates’ years of research, this probiotic supplement contains her bio-fermented Flora Culture blend to heal inflammation in the gut (store in the refrigerator to preserve the good stuff). The advancedformula powder contains Saccharomyces boulardii to help prevent breakouts and anthocyanins antioxidants from the queen garnet plum, as well as other minerals and omega fatty acids from plant-based sources such as organic buckwheat, maqui berry and green tea.

Ryan Hattaway

Hydration Therapy ($150) If the idea of getting an IV packed with beauty-boosting vitamins and minerals sounds a little extreme, stay with us. Buckhead’s OVME (pronounced “Of Me”) medspa has a team of MDs and nurse practitioners who make the stick as painless as possible, and during the 30- to 45-minute treatment, you’ll get a liter of saline plus vitamins. Since our bodies are about 50 percent water, dehydration can cause physical malaise in the form of jet lag, flu-like symptoms, breakouts and dull, flaky skin. This quick, elective infusion (no referral necessary) can improve skin texture, smooth the appearance of wrinkles, boost skin’s ability to glow and generally help you feel your best. Available at OVME.

INNER BEAUTY SUPPLEMENTS, VITAMINS AND INFUSIONS UP THE ANTE FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Available at Sephora.

STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

hese days “you are what you eat” isn’t just a ploy to get kids to eat their veggies. It’s become a full-blown beauty movement. Proper nourishment and hydration can mean the difference between things such as plump, glowing skin and a sad, drab visage. If you’re still recovering from the holiday season’s requisite over-indulgence or are simply ready to start 2019 off on the right foot, here are some of our favorite ways to promote beauty from the inside out.

DETAILS OVME 3167 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30305 770.504.6000 ovme.com Sephora 3393 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.816.0123

SeroVital-hgh ($99) If you’re older than 25, your body produces significantly less human growth hormone than it once did. To boost the substance credited with everything from reducing wrinkles and body fat to increasing mental clarity and sleep quality, this twice-daily supplement can help turn back time and ensure you put your best face—and body—forward. Available at Ulta Beauty.

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

3167 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.467.9565 sephora.com Ulta Beauty 3495 Buckhead Loop N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.266.3559 ulta.com

SugarBearHair Hair Vitamins ($29.99) Biotin dominates the ingredient list of these aqua gummy vitamins that have taken Instagram by storm, with influencers raving about their power to make hair and nails grow fast and strong. I tried them, and after a few weeks of taking a daily dose of two of the sweet, vegetarian multivitamins (which also contain folic acid, vitamin C and a dozen other nutrients), my hairstylist did actually notice a positive change. Available at Ulta Beauty.

Hum Nutrition Red Carpet ($25) & Collagen Pop ($12) Hum Nutrition’s Collagen Pop supplement supercharges a glass of water with the beautyboosting benefits of marine collagen (derived from nonGMO and sustainable sources), vitamin C, hydroxyproline, glycine and proline, which are essential for maintaining skin’s elasticity and firmness. Each portable tablet gives your water a pleasant, fizzy texture and rose lemon flavor. Similarly beautyfocused, the nutrition brand’s vegan Red Carpet capsules contain black currant seed oil, gamma linolenic acid and vitamin E to support glowing, red-carpet-ready skin and shiny hair. Available at Sephora.

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Jay Boatwright

W E LLN ESS

STRETCH YOUR LIMITS WHY YOU NEED TO ADD STRETCHING SESSIONS TO YOUR WORKOUT MIX

unning, spinning, yoga—these are just a few of the workouts that might be part of your weekly routine. But have you ever thought about adding a good stretch with a licensed professional to the mix? “A lot of times when you stretch, you won’t push yourself deep enough into the stretch to get the most benefits, or you aren’t able to feel the stretch in the muscle that you want stretched,” says Jordan Keane, the regional stretch coach for Motion Stretch Studios. “Having a professional guide you through the stretch means that you don’t have to guess if it’s safe and effective.” Motion Stretch entered the fitness scene in 2017, providing one-on-one sessions ranging from 30 to 60 minutes of myofascial stretching focusing on up to four of the key areas of stress in the body. Today, the company has locations popping up across the country, including Buckhead. Here’s what Keane has to say about the importance of a proper stretch.

What are the top benefits of stretching? Regardless of whether you’re stretching on your own or being stretched, doing so will help with range of motion, decreased muscle tension and improved blood flow. All of these combined will lead to faster recovery after workouts and decreased risk of injury. How often should someone stretch? We recommend that our clients initially work with one of our coaches once or twice a week for 30 minutes to get started. If they’re disciplined about stretching and foam rolling on their own, they may be able to continue a maintenance plan of once every other week or maybe a 60-minute session once per month. Everyone should aim to do some form of light stretching daily and always after strenuous activity. Should people stretch at the beginning or end of a workout? I always say that if your focus is on workout performance, you

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Motion Stretch Studio offers clients 30- to 60-minute myofascial stretching sessions with licensed professionals.

Amelia Pavlik

should stretch more before. And if your focus is on recovery, you should do more after. What are the biggest mistakes people make in terms of stretching? People spend too much time on static stretches, like touching their toes, and don’t get into the muscle tissue with myofascial stretching, using a foam roller or lacrosse ball. Also, they may not be stretching the right muscles. For example, if someone’s hamstrings are tight, a hamstring stretch might not resolve the problem, because tightness in the calves, hip flexors or glutes might be part of the issue. n

MOTION STRETCH STUDIO 3655 Roswell Rd. Atlanta 30342 404.600.1033 stretchmotion.com

3 STRETCH MUSTS Here’s a trio of stretches that Jordan Keane recommends be part of everyone’s workout routine. Hold each for 30 to 60 seconds.

1. Calf stretch: Standing an arm’s length away from the wall, bring your right leg one step back. Keeping your heel on the ground, lean your hips toward the wall until you feel a stretch in the right leg. Repeat on left side.

2. Hip flexor stretch: Go down into a lunge position with the right knee on the ground and the left leg forward (put a rolled-up towel under your knee for a cushion). With your hands on your hips and making sure you keep your hips square by drawing your stomach in and squeezing your glutes, bring your hips forward until you feel a stretch on the front part of the right leg. Repeat on left side. 3. Pectoral stretch: In an open doorway, bring both arms up onto the doorframe with your elbows bent at 90 degrees and your palms facing forward, and then slowly step forward through the doorway.

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H E ALT H

“Often, our perception of ‘the problem’ is usually the problem itself.” – Lori Whatley respect. The ability to forgive and not hold things over our spouses’ heads every time we have an argument is essential. Unhealthy relationships are full of distrust, disrespect, belittling and betrayal. Emotional or physical volatility and a lack of communication are always red flags. Remember to ask your partner when there is a concern, because when we start creating stories in our minds, we can create problems that aren’t even there. What’s the biggest challenge modern relationships face today in our new world of social media and technology? Communication, or lack thereof. Trying to compete for attention with our spouse’s phone leads us feeling dismissed and devalued. Although in some cases we can connect better via smartphone, it gets problematic when ambiguous text messages are sent that cause our partners to make assumptions and feel anxious. Phones are a new challenge as far as relationships go, and because human connection is one of our basic needs, I try to help my patients set electronic device boundaries. For example, when a couple sits down at dinner, maybe they agree not to bring their phones along.

Disconnecting to

Better Connect The importance of logging off our devices for maintaining a healthy relationship STORY:

Juliette Cheatham

PHOTO: Sara

Hanna

n her recently published book, Effects of Texting on Marital Relationships, clinical psychologist Lori Whatley, who resides and practices in Buckhead, offers research-backed commentary about how the digital age of texting has created a new

generation of issues that work against establishing quality relationships. The longtime marriage and family therapist says that disconnecting from distractions has become harder than ever thanks to social media, rendering it a challenge to simply connect with the person sitting directly across the table. “A lack of effective communication tends to plague the most couples,” Whatley says of her patients, and the

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

current era when our heads are so often hidden behind our screens only exacerbates the problem. On the eve of Valentine’s Day, we chatted with Whatley about the importance of maintaining good communication with our significant others not just on February 14, but throughout the year. Define what healthy and unhealthy relationships look and sound like. A healthy relationship involves mutual

What is the best piece of advice you can give couples about how to handle conflict resolution and work through issues with their partners? Often, our perception of “the problem” is usually the problem itself. When we learn to lean into each other and listen, then we are going to have a better connection and understanding of each other’s needs. If people find themselves feeling unhappy or unfulfilled in their current relationships, what should they do? Therapy. It’s always nice to have someone who is not emotionally involved to help you on your journey. It’s important to go into your relationship feeling whole instead of expecting your partner to make you whole. That kind of pressure on your partner can be detrimental. n

LORI WHATLEY loriwhatley.com

ON S TAG E

| LITERARY

| TA S T E M A K E R

SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

TASTEMAKER

Tuning In To His Roots P46

“We’re in a golden age of television, and consumers have never had so many options.” —Jonathan Katz

Jonathan Katz’s Katz Networks is among the growing number of companies changing the way we watch TV.

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Sam Massell photo courtesy of Atlanta History Center

O N S TAGE

KNOCKOUT BUCKHEAD’S MOMENT IN BOXING HISTORY

ne of the most exciting sports events to ever take place in Atlanta occurred on Oct. 26, 1970, when a highly anticipated boxing title bout was waged between Muhammad Ali and Jerry Quarry. It had been more than three years since Ali was stripped of his heavyweight title. Convicted of draft evasion, threatened with imprisonment and banned from boxing in all 50 states, he was unable to work in the field for which he had no equal. But in Atlanta, an astute white businessman, a visionary black senator and a progressive Jewish mayor came together to make it possible for Ali to resume his career. The astute businessman was Emory University School of Law graduate turned boxing promoter, Robert Kassel, who put up the $600,000 letter of credit to cover the fight. The visionary senator was Leroy Johnson, who lives in Buckhead. The progressive mayor was Sam Massell, a longtime resident of Buckhead and president of the

Buckhead Coalition since 1988. The episode takes us back to when America had a military draft. Upon learning of his reclassification to 1A, meaning fit for duty, Ali defiantly declared, “I’m not going 10,000 miles from home to help murder and burn another poor nation simply to continue the domination of white slave masters of the darker people the world over.” As a result, he was stripped of earning a living through what he knew how to do best: box. Three years later, after more than 60 failed attempts to acquire a license so Ali could return to the ring, an unexpected discovery occurred in Atlanta. Kassel, frustrated after multiple attempts to get Ali a license, phoned his father-in-law, Harry Pett, and asked who might be able to shed light on the state laws governing boxing. Pett said, “I know a senator named Leroy Johnson. He may be able to help.” Within 24 hours, Johnson called Pett to let him know he could get Ali a license.

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Art Jones

What Johnson discovered was that at that time, there was nothing written into state law governing professional boxing. Johnson seized the moment to join with Pett and local mover and shaker Jesse Hill to form Georgia’s first boxing commission. The first fight they pledged to promote was a title bout between Ali and then heavyweight champ Joe Frazier. But Frazier’s manager resisted. With Frazier out, they desperately looked for another contender. The number one ranked boxer at the time was Jerry Quarry. Ali himself called Quarry, and with some cajoling from Quarry’s wife, the fight was on. All that was left was to find a location to hold the match. Earlier that year, Massell had become Atlanta’s first Jewish mayor. The local Jewish population was roughly 12,000 people, but Johnson helped drive the black vote towards Massell. So when Johnson and Hill needed to secure a municipality that would allow Ali to fight, they made an appointment to

speak with the new mayor. By the end of the meeting, they emerged with an agreement to secure Atlanta as the site for the relaunch of Ali’s career. On the night of the fight, the Atlanta Municipal Auditorium was the place to be. Luminaries from the entertainment world and civil rights community, as well as various underworld racketeers, converged on the city for the return of one of the greatest athletes of the 20th century. Both boxers seemed charged and well prepared to go the full 15 rounds, but by the third round, Ali’s repeated jabs to Quarry’s face opened a gaping hole just above Quarry’s left eye, and the ringside doctors stopped the fight. Ali was victorious in what was declared a TKO. n

Art Jones is the writer, director and producer of a new documentary about Muhammad Ali’s historic 1970 Atlanta fight titled Ali’s Comeback: The Untold Story. For more information, including upcoming area screenings, visit aliscomebackllc.com.

TA S T E MA KE R

Above: Experts tackle the painstaking work of restoring the 132-year-old cyclorama.

Tuning In To His Roots Brookhaven’s Jonathan Katz creates TV the way it used to be

f Jonathan Katz’s early years in Tuscaloosa were a sitcom, they’d be dubbed Jerry Seinfeld in Alabama. “My mom is from Chicago, my dad is from Boston and both were professors at the University of Alabama,” says the Brookhaven resident. “So I was like a young Seinfeld, except parking my Honda in a lot full of trucks with gun racks.”

Katz’s father took the family there in the late 1950s to teach about what was then cutting-edge technology: television. “I grew up holding cue cards, wearing a stopwatch around my neck and helping him out,” Katz recalls. “And we lived next door to a news anchor, so by 16, I was shooting spot news and filing spots for local stations.”

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

H.M. Cauley

Before long, Katz was making the drive from Tuscaloosa to a bigger Birmingham station. He then held production positions at a variety of stations across the Southeast until CNN made him the head of marketing in the late 1990s. “I spent decades in programming, planning and acquisitions, buying content for Turner Entertainment,” he says. “I was also given the responsibility of creating a brand for TBS, and [the local broadcast platform] Peachtree TV came from that.”

But after 35 years in the media business, Katz was ready to be his own boss. “I always wanted to be an entrepreneur,” he admits. “I had a front row seat as the business evolved, and getting connected to local TV such as Peachtree TV made me realize the value of over-the-air TV and how it was going to grow.” Katz launched Katz Networks, a company that follows the mold of TV’s early years when programming was free and rabbit ears on top of the set were the best way to ensure a quality picture. Fortunately, the ears are gone, but the demand for free programming is not. “Antennae are much more advanced these days,” says Katz. “And TV signals, with the advent of high definition, are digital. So our company is a new category of networks created for cord-cutters: consumers who don’t subscribe to cable or satellite. They’re happy with Netflix or Hulu but still want to watch the NFL or The Big Bang Theory.” The idea appeals both to the nostalgic and a new generation of viewers just discovering broadcast networks, says Katz. “It’s estimated that 60 million people in the U.S. now watch free TV over the air with an antenna. So, yes, there are boomers and older consumers who simply want to watch TV for free, as well as folks of all ages who have decided they don’t want to pay for cable or satellite.” Katz Networks includes Bounce, an African-American channel featuring movies, sports and some original content; Escape, centered around programs involving investigations and mysteries; and Grit, specializing in Western and action movies and shows. Getting these stations up and running has been his biggest achievement, says Katz. “We’ve gone from bootstrap startup to becoming part of the Scripps Company last year,” he says. “I’m proud that our networks produce original content, and we have some original movies in production, too. We’ve built a library of content we own. We’re in a golden age of television, and consumers have never had so many options.” Still, Katz recognizes the industry is likely to shift again. “Change is constant,” he says. “I remember the days of only three broadcast networks and a few UHF [ultra high frequency] channels. Now there are hundreds of cable and on-demand channels. I’ve [seen] a lot of change, and there’s no question that as consumers demand more, the marketplace will change again.” n

KATZ NETWORKS scripps.com/katz-networks

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L I T E R ARY

Lissa Webber with her own puppy, Ladybug.

PIPSQUEAK THE PUPPY is available at Barnes & Noble in Buckhead and online at Amazon or pipsqueakthepuppy.com.

Little Book, Big Message A local mom’s first work is inspired by lessons for her own kids

rowing up in Buckhead, where she attended Morris Brandon Elementary and Sutton Middle School, Lissa Webber was enamored of writing. But after graduating from the University of North Carolina, her career path led her in an opposite direction. First were the years as an investment banker in New York, followed by business school at the University of Chicago. By 2012, Webber was married and heading back to Atlanta’s warmer weather and an acquisitions job with Turner Broadcasting.

It wasn’t until she left the corporate world to take full-time charge of raising her kids, now 3 years old and 20 months, that the thought of writing reemerged. “I’ve always loved to write, but I never pushed through it,” says the Buckhead resident. “But reading to my children sparked that love in me again.” Webber was also aware that children’s books present a different challenge than the fiction adults consume. “[As a parent, I] read them over and over and over, so it really matters that I like the book, too,”

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

H.M. Cauley

she says with a laugh. “But so many books out there for this age group are kind of fluffy. I love the ones that have some substance, but they’re harder to find. That’s what started my toying with the idea of writing something myself.” Webber also noticed that many children’s books feature boys as lead characters. “Even the animals are boys,” she says. “My little girl would often ask, ‘Is Gerald the giraffe a girl?’ And I thought, ‘Why can’t he be?’ So even though I wanted to write a book that would appeal to everyone,

it was important to have lead characters who are girls.” Combining those elements inspired Webber’s debut work, Pipsqueak the Puppy, the tale of the tiniest pup in a litter who tackles feeling left out, an unconventional friendship with a squirrel and learning to be herself. The lessons are subtly taught in singsong verse. “The main theme is about being the best version of yourself to be successful,” says Webber. “The old and chunky squirrel teaches Pipsqueak that she can’t be somebody else; she has to play in her own way. Another theme is building bridges between unlikely friends and the idea that we can all learn from each other.” Webber’s chief critic, her daughter, Claire, is also the new book’s first fan. “She loves it and thinks the squirrel is so funny,” says Webber. “But she identifies with Pipsqueak because every child feels small and wants to be bigger.” While Webber’s son, Ryan, is too young to connect to the book, he did play a vital role in his mom’s decision to donate all of the proceeds from the sale of the book to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. When Ryan was just 7 months, an unusual intestinal infection landed him in the hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. “It was the most terrifying week of my life,” says Webber. “But in a few days, he was the healthiest kid ever. Thankfully, there was nothing tragic about the story, but you don’t know you need a good children’s hospital until you need it.” n

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

2019’S BOLD WOMEN OF BUCKHEAD Six local ladies deserving of recognition for their personal and professional achievements

The female owner of a professional sports franchise. A novelist whose every book has made The New York Times’ bestseller list. An 88-year-old photographer whose work is displayed at the Museum of Modern Art in New York and Smithsonian in D.C. These talented Atlantans are part of the group of ladies we felt deserving of the “bold woman” label. Read on to find out why. PHOTOS: Sara

Hanna

Jami Gertz VETERAN ACTRESS TURNED NBA TEAM OWNER

ami Gertz’s text and email are lighting up. It’s just a few days after the late October unveiling of the $192 million renovations at State Farm Arena, the Atlanta Hawks’ home court (formerly known as Philips Arena), and people keep reporting to her all of the nitpicky details throughout the venue that still need to be addressed. Gertz has her own lengthy punch list of items to be done as well, and she won’t rest until everything is perfect. So why is Gertz—a veteran actress who has appeared in everything from the TV series Square Pegs at age 17 to hit movies including The Lost Boys, Sixteen Candles and Twister—worrying about things such as dripping faucets and misplaced trash cans at the city’s shiny new basketball complex? Because her latest role is as the real-life principal owner of an NBA franchise. Gertz and her husband of 30 years, billionaire financier Tony Ressler, became the majority owners of the Hawks in 2015, and now make their primary home in Buckhead so they can devote their time to the team. Asked her official title with the Hawks, Gertz replied, “fan.” The truth is that while Ressler works behind the scenes (he’s notoriously camera shy), Gertz is the public face of the organization. She not only can be seen

in the stands at nearly every home game, usually dressed down in jeans and minimal makeup, but she also tackles everything from meeting with the press at Media Day to appearing in short, funny PSAs about things like concessions that are shown on the big screen during games. Her coming out party of sorts came last May, when she represented the Hawks at the NBA Draft Lottery in Chicago. “I was in a sea of men,” recalls Gertz of that night—a fact that was not lost on the sports and social media worlds. Twitter was abuzz with comments such as “Jami Gertz owns the Hawks?!? I honestly don’t know what to do with the news that a half-vampire from The Lost Boys runs an NBA franchise.” Gertz, who at 5-foot-5 is a good foot and a half shorter than even the most diminutive Hawks player, actually sees a lot of similarities between basketball and acting. “When I first got here, I was learning everything, and I kept asking myself, ‘Why does all of this feel so familiar?’” says Gertz. “And I realized that the players are like actors. They’re putting on a show. They have to learn plays (lines). The coach is the director. The GM is the executive producer. And Tony is the studio.” With all of her duties with the Hawks, Gertz doesn’t have much time for acting these days, but says

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

it was time to try something new anyway. “[Acting can be] a real grind,” says Gertz, who has three grown boys. “The hours are massive. There were days when I didn’t see the daylight. So it’s kind of nice to take a break from it.” Gertz’s foray into the sports world isn’t her first attempt at trying something new. In 2010, she decided to venture behind the camera instead of in front of it and started her own production company. “I failed miserably at it,” she readily admits. Over its five-year existence, and after putting millions of dollars of her own money into it, she only made one movie. Called A Better Life, it managed to earn an Oscar nomination for the lead actor, but all of her other projects fizzled. Still, she has no regrets. “This is my path,” she says, “and I’ve never looked back.” That includes not fretting over the acting jobs she didn’t get over the years, such as the lead roles in Speed and Pretty Woman. She may not have gotten those “game-changing” parts, but her role as the Hawks’ ambassador is receiving rave reviews. “The projects Jami and Tony are involved in are not the projects most owners are involved in,” says Garin Narain, the team’s vice president of public relations. “I’ve been in the NBA 16 years, with four different ownership teams, and

STORY: Jill

Becker

the biggest difference with Tony and Jami is that they’re there.” “There was so much that was out of my hands in my acting life,” says Gertz. “I wasn’t my own boss. Now I need to know what’s going on.” To that end, she says that one of her top priorities is just listening—a simple act she believes is part of what makes someone a “bold woman.” “One of the most important qualities to being a bold woman is to listen,” she says. “And not being afraid to speak your mind. It’s a mixture of both, really. Because I think without the listening component, to be vociferous or loud just to be vociferous or loud is not helpful. Being bold to me means being someone who has her opinions, but the opinions are well thought out because the person is a really good listener.” True to her beliefs, Gertz and her husband are listening to Hawks fans and making it their goal to bring an NBA title to Atlanta. “We’re clearly in a rebuilding process,” she says. “No one wants to be a s—y basketball team, and the pressure to be great right away is immense. But it takes time.” Asked to foresee when the players might hoist the coveted trophy up over their heads, she says with a smirk, “I hope it’s sooner rather than later, because I’m not getting any younger.” n

COV E R STORY

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Being bold means being someone who has her opinions, but the opinions are well thought out because the person is a really good listener.â&#x20AC;?

Wardrobe: Terani Couture beaded gown and Marchesa Grace strappy sandal, courtesy of Elite Pour La Vie.

“Being a bold woman isn’t so much about being loud or forceful or outspoken, but about being authentic and true to yourself and your values, and not compromising on what is really important to you.” Wardrobe: Saiid Kobeisy sequin strapless gown, courtesy of Elite Pour La Vie. Shoes her own.

Emily Giffin CHART-TOPPING NOVELIST

ortune favors the brave, or so the saying goes. But what happens if, when you’re bravely pursuing your dream, fortune slams a door in your face? If you’re Emily Giffin, you quit your job as a lawyer, move to London and throw yourself into writing full-time.

The now-bestselling author of nine books (including Something Borrowed, which in 2011 was adapted into a movie starring Kate Hudson) has known since the first grade that she wanted to be a writer. “At some point during college, though, I panicked and instead of pursuing

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

STORY: Jennifer

Bradley Franklin

my dream, I went to law school,” she says. Though she doesn’t regret that path or the top-notch education she received at the University of Virginia, she couldn’t shake the pull of the pen, inspired by her mother, a retired librarian who instilled a love of reading and writing early on.

She graduated and practiced law, got a literary agent and painstakingly wrote her first novel over the course of five years. Ultimately, that work was rejected. “It was so disappointing and disheartening, and I really thought about giving up and just sticking to the law,” the Buckheadbased mom of three recalls of that painful time just before quitting her job and moving across the pond. “I always tell my children that sometimes our biggest failures turn into our greatest motivations.” Though Giffin, a petite blonde powerhouse, has reached career heights most aspiring writers can only dream of—including having a book at number one on The New York Times bestseller list—she still treasures the memory of her agent telling her Something Borrowed had offers from major publishers. “That was the moment that my dream came true,” she says. When Hollywood came calling, she racked up a writer’s credit on the film of the same name and even made a cameo alongside stars Ginnifer Goodwin and Colin Egglesfield in one of the pivotal scenes. Fans of her novels may recognize some local haunts on their pages, as with her 2016 hit First Comes Love. “Atlanta is such a diverse, vibrant city, but there is no more beautiful neighborhood than Buckhead,” she says, noting that some of her personal favorite places include Huff Harrington, Kathryn Leach Home, Woo Skincare + Cosmetics, Aria and 10 Degrees South. These days, she’s writing her next novel (due out in 2020) and working on a variety of TV and film projects, all while being a very present parent to her daughter and twin sons. She exudes a sure-footed confidence and a tireless work ethic. Is she a bold woman? You bet. “It’s not so much about being loud or forceful or outspoken, but about being authentic and true to yourself and your values,” she says, “and not compromising on what is really important to you.” When her first attempt at novel writing failed to launch, it might have seemed that fortune was playing a fickle game. But Giffin, in the ultimate bold move, persevered, and is proof that the old addage holds true after all. n

Leza Bennett HIGH-FLYING BROW STUDIO OWNER AND FLIGHT ATTENDANT

Wardrobe: Terani Couture sequin gown and Marchesa cutout evening sandal, courtesy of Elite Pour La Vie.

COV E R STORY

STORY: Daryn

Kagan

eza Bennett knows what it is to feel insecure about one of the least talked about features of a woman’s face. “I don’t have a whole lot of eyebrows myself,” the 47-year-old owner of The Perfect Brows admits. “And it made me feel really bad about my appearance.” Like the arc of a perfect eyebrow, Bennett’s journey from brow insecurity to creating a booming Buckhead brow studio has not been a straight line. The Milwaukee native applied to become a Delta flight attendant right out of college, even though she’d only been on an airplane once in her life. “I wanted to move to New York City and see the world,” she says. “I figured that was the way to make that dream come true.” By 2005, she found herself in Atlanta, loving her job, when Delta declared bankruptcy. “People were leaving, they were quitting, and the company was laying people off. I thought, ‘What am I going to do?’” By this time, Bennett had figured out how to overcome her eyebrow insufficiency. “I had practiced with different powders and pencils. I figured out how to make them look really amazing and give myself a look I felt comfortable with,” she says. So when Delta hit bumpy times, she knew what her “what else” had to be: brows. “I felt like if I could fix myself, I could fix other people,” she remembers. Turns out, she never got laid off, so she went to aesthetician school on days when she wasn’t flying. Two years at the Anastasia brow studio at Phipps Plaza followed before Bennett knew it was time to go out on her own. It was 2008, a terrible time to start a new business. “No one would give me a loan,” she recalls. “They said, ‘We don’t know what an eyebrow studio is.’” So Bennett used the tip money she’d saved up for two years as down payment on her rent, a space upstairs from the old Souper Jenny location on East Andrews Drive. Her next move still makes some people gasp. “I took every last dime

out of my Delta 401(k),” she shares. “$35,000.” And she hasn’t looked back from that day she waited nervously for her first customer to walk through the door. Business is now booming at The Perfect Brows’ latest location in the One Buckhead Plaza building. “I have a 7,000- to 8,000-client base,” says Bennett. “My most loyal clients are booking through 2020 to stay on my calendar.” Even Delta Airlines has become a customer. Three years ago, the company asked Bennett to provide her brow service at the employee SkySpa at Hartsfield-Jackson airport. As for that 401(k) loan, she paid herself back in full after three years. And she continues to contribute to her Delta 401(k) account. Yes, even while running her brow business, Bennett is still flying. At first, it was to keep her benefits. Then, she wanted to hit 25 years with the company. Now, she simply loves her schedule. “I fly Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. I open my brow studio Wednesday through Saturday,” she says. “I feel like I have the best of both worlds, because I use the time I fly to regroup.” Somehow, through this incredible ride, Bennett managed to get married and have two kids, Frederick Junior, 7, and Georgia, 4. When she has a rare free moment, she and her husband, Frederick, love to go to Buckhead hot spots Storico Fresco and the rooftop of American Cut steakhouse. Future dreams include possible franchises and getting a storefront in the airport. But her business home will never change. “Buckhead is the best place to be in business in Atlanta,” says Bennett. “It’s a community. I have people who come from Mableton, Canton, Woodstock, East Atlanta, down south and Cobb County. This is the thriving area to be in.” As for what she thinks qualifies her as a bold woman, she says, “Being a bold woman is stepping out into the unknown to follow the dreams of your heart and trusting God to orchestrate each step.” n

“Being a bold woman is stepping out into the unknown to follow the dreams of your heart and trusting God to orchestrate each step.” January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Lucinda Bunnen INTREPID PHOTOGRAPHER

ucinda Bunnen’s definition of what constitutes a bold woman is succinct: “It means doing things you have dreamed up that other women haven’t dared to do,” she says. That attitude has taken the 88-year-old on global adventures that have always brought her back to northwest Buckhead, where she’s lived for 60 years. Her 30-acre homestead reminds her of growing up on a farm in Katonah, New York, where she developed a lifelong affinity for riding horses.

STORY: H.M.

By the late 1940s, while at school in Switzerland, she discovered another passion: skiing. At 19, she was invited to join the U.S. Olympic ski team as a downhill racer, but her father’s illness brought her back home. By 1958, she was a wife and mother of three, but she’d learned how to maintain her own distinct personality and interests from a master: her mother. “She spoke five languages, painted, played piano and earned a Ph.D. in organic chemistry the same day I graduated from

Cauley

high school,” says Bunnen. “She was very creative. I had to turn 40 before I started doing everything.” That was the year Bunnen gathered her three kids and a dozen other family members and traveled to Machu Picchu in Peru. “I didn’t want a party; I wanted to make a film,” she says. But Bunnen also took plenty of photos and found that artform more appealing. Instead of becoming a filmmaker, she honed her photography skills and began capturing her adventures in stills.

“Being a bold woman means doing things you have dreamed up that other women haven’t dared to do.” Wardrobe: Kourosh high-neck crystal gown, courtesy of Elite Pour La Vie.

And adventures there were. During the 1960s, Bunnen and her racehorse, Santee, won ribbons at shows and cantered over the countryside with the Shakerag Hounds hunt club. Then she hit the road, heading to Haiti to catalogue museum collections. “I traveled to Irian Jaya in the ’80s and photographed people who had never seen the likes of me. I have been to West Africa and Morocco, and to Bosnia [with The ArtReach Foundation] to make photographic records of what amazing things the program was doing to help students and teachers recover from their war-torn country.” At home, Bunnen photographed people she thought were making a difference and in 1978, published their images in her first book, Movers & Shakers in Georgia. With a dog and BFF, Bunnen took off in a Volkswagen to explore cemeteries around the South and Southwest, resulting in 1991’s Scoring in Heaven: Gravestones and Cemetery Art of the American Sunbelt States. In 1999, she drove to Alaska, a trip that produced Alaska: Trail Tales and Eccentric Detours. “I also went to Cuba in 2011 before it was the popular place to go and made a small book from that trip, too,” she says. Her seventh and most recent book, Gathered, is a collection of about 80 favorite objects that she photographed in a makeshift studio in her garage. “It’s a tangible piece of art more than a book,” she says. “It’s turned out to be a big success as a work of art.” Of all her achievements and adventures, the seven-time grandmother is proudest of having curated and donated to the High Museum of Art’s Bunnen Collection of Photography, which has grown into one of the museum’s largest holdings since it opened in 1983. Her works can also be found in permanent collections from Moscow to Washington, D.C. And she’s cultivated a reputation as a financial supporter of art and charitable organizations, including Planned Parenthood and Atlanta Celebrates Photography. “I like to be an inspiration that life doesn’t have to stop at 60,” she says. “You stay younger if you stay busy. I’ll keep taking pictures because I like it and because I feel through them that I’m still making a difference.” n

COV E R STORY

Wardrobe: Terani Couture mermaid bandage dress, courtesy of Elite Pour La Vie.

“Being bold to me is being an authentic woman who stands for something.”

Sandra Golden SAVVY SPORTS TALK RADIO HOST STORY: Carl

Danbury

andra Golden is the very definition of a consummate pro. Back in October, the audacious sports talk trendsetter, who can be heard every weekday from 6 to 9 a.m. on The Front Row on 680 The Fan, was traveling back and forth between Atlanta and the rented Panama City Beach condo where her parents and sister were staying after the roof of their Florida

home was ripped off during Hurricane Michael. All three were home at the time, but luckily unhurt. Although they are still picking up the pieces. “Everyone is used to me being optimistic, sunny-side-of-the-street Sandra, but I didn’t feel like my best self,” she confesses. While the event created some internal emotional mush for the Buckhead resident, few listeners would have known any differently, further proof of her unassailable, 20-plus-year sports broadcasting career.

Brian Woodrum, a producer of live events and Atlanta Braves’ games for Fox Sports, worked with Golden on a variety of productions in the early 2000s and marveled at her professionalism and preparation. “Sandra was fairly new to the Braves’ scene back then, but she was never looked at by the players as anything but professional. They quickly respected her, because she was all about the story and she knew the game,” says Woodrum. While Golden’s TV work has

earned her three Southeast (regional) Emmy Awards for feature reporting, in 2004, she was coaxed by her Front Row co-host Steak Shapiro to consider a career in radio. “I met Sandra at an event. She was extremely gregarious, engaging and dynamic. I told her she should be in radio,” Shapiro recalls. “She’s a natural and has a personality that just jumps out at you.” Shapiro first hired her at the now-defunct 790 The Zone. Now approaching her ninth year at 680, Golden says she’s happy doing the morning show with Shapiro and former Falcons receiver Brian Finneran. She enjoys the less structured, no-teleprompter world that radio offers, where the conversation is more organic and unscripted. “I am super grateful to be able to do the show,” she says. “The three of us are friends. We care about each other. We are very different and yet very much alike. There is a chemistry, and each of us has a different set of qualities.” “It’s the best show I have ever worked on. It’s my favorite three hours of the day,” says Shapiro. Golden also enjoys carrying the torch for her female listeners, but is resigned to the fact there is a specific audience segment that will never appreciate a woman talking sports. “I get it,” she says. “I’ve heard it forever. That’s on them.” Her expertise is undeniable, though. For one, when she was growing up, her father refereed football and basketball games and umpired softball games. Family outings were often centered around those events. So she was not only fully versed on their signals and calls, but learned a lot about the strategy and intricacies of sports. Shapiro says there are some roles in sports media that women can adapt to rather easily. The sports talk segment isn’t one of them. “There is nothing more challenging because the level of skepticism from men is just really high,” he says. Despite the tumult of sports talk radio, Golden has endured as the lone woman in the format in Atlanta and one of the few in the Southeast. When asked for her own definition of what it means to be a bold woman, Golden goes for a new connotation. “I was going to say loud,” she says with a chuckle. “But being bold to me is being an authentic woman who stands for something.” n

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

COV E R S TO RY

Wardrobe: Portia & Scarlett ostrich feather gown, her own, from Elite Pour La Vie.

“Being a bold woman is being fearless, strongwilled and making the world fit you and not you fitting into the world.”

Su Longman TIRELESS CEO AND PHILANTHROPIST STORY: Lisa

R. Schoolcraft

u Longman may very well be one of the hardest-working women in Buckhead. The petite powerhouse is the co-founder, CEO and majority stockholder of Atlanta-based Pallet Central Enterprises (PCE), which has 20 regional offices through-

out the U.S. and clients in South America, Canada and Asia. It’s why she only sleeps about two hours a night. That’s right, two hours. “I get up at 2:30 a.m. every morning,” says Longman. “I have plants in China and different parts of the world, so I have to be up early to check on my plants and vendors. I work 80-plus hours per week.” Her work ethic was learned as

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

a child, says Longman. “When I was little, my dad used to tell me, ‘The world is what is happening when you are sleeping.’” PCE is a pallet and waste stream management company she founded with her husband, Al, in 2005. “I met [my husband] in 2004,” says Longman. “When we met, he got fired from the pallet company he was working for.” So the pair founded

their own company in the living room of their home, growing it to a business that now generates $50 to $70 million each year. Her company has been named a top 500 women-owned business and a top 100 Asian-owned business in the U.S., both awarded by DiversityBusiness.com, now known as Omnikal. PCE’s clients include Georgia-Pacific, Anchor Glass, The Kraft Heinz Company, CocaCola and The Home Depot. Longman and her husband, who serves as the company’s president, have been married for almost 15 years. “We work together and play together,” she says. “We became successful together. I never feel like I’m juggling anything with him.” Longman isn’t all work, though. She’s active in several charitable organizations, including having served as chair of the A Meal to Remember gala for Meals on Wheels, the Atlanta Ballet Ball, the National Black Arts Festival’s Fine Art + Fashion event and the Starfish Ball for the Nsoro Foundation. Longman has also served on the board of Nsoro and has provided college scholarships and mentoring through Longman Scholarship funds for children who are forced out of the state’s foster care program when they “age out” at 18. While she supports many organizations, Longman has been involved with Meals on Wheels for 10 years and says it’s one of her favorites. “I donate to just about every charity that asks me, but I may not always attend the galas,” she says. Longman also tries to help others behind the scenes. “On a daily basis, I try to do charitable giving and help people who are going through a hard time.” With her work and charitable activities, Longman doesn’t have much time for play, but she and her husband love to dine at Bones and the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group eateries, especially Kyma. She’s also a fan of Justin Anthony’s Cape Dutch. “I love their elk chop,” she says. As for what makes her a role model worthy of being featured, she says, “I think everyone has a different definition of a bold woman. To me, it is being fearless, strong-willed and making the world fit you and not you fitting into the world. Do not compromise on principles or ethics, but also know how to navigate the gray area of life.” n

“Being bold to me is being an authentic woman who stands for something.”

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

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Hearth’s PEI mussels come with crusty focaccia bread perfect for dipping in the spicy red sauce.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Hearth and Home P60

Photo: Sara Hanna

Computers crash, relationships fail, it rains when it’s supposed to shine. But at Hearth Pizza Tavern, you can count on everything going just as it should. January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

REVIEW

The ever-popular Ring of Fire is as close to perfection as pizza gets.

HEARTH AND HOME H

Hearth’s roasted Brussels sprouts are drizzled with a touch of sweet balsamic vinegar.

earth Pizza Tavern has a real urban feel, like the buzz of a city subway, complete with the chatter-in-stereo of folks catching up, connecting. Hearth’s food, too, reminds me of my old New York stomping ground, Lombardi’s pizzeria, where, as a single dating lady, my heart was either lit up like dry wood in the fired oven or crushed like San Marzano tomatoes, depending on the day. The only sure thing was that world-class pie would be served. Every time. It was worth whatever ensued, good or bad. Nine hundred miles south and many years later, I found my second favorite pizza place.

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Cozy up to one of Sandy Springs’ favorite pizza taverns STORY:

Rebecca Cha PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

Hearth occupies an easily overlooked corner of the Exchange at Hammond, its exterior rather bland and nondescript. Don’t let that fool you. Step inside and feel the love as a couple of young hosts with sparkling smiles welcome you like an old friend. The dining room is dark (more hip than gloomy), long and narrow with a woodsy bar on one side, black booths on the other and communal tables running down the middle. Far in the back glows the orange heat of the pizza oven. At the start of my first Hearth meal, my guest and I perused the menu for refreshments. Orpheus’ Transmigration of Souls, a local double IPA with a pleasant, hoppy finish, proved a perfect companion for the chewy, blistered crust, homemade pomodoro sauce and just-melted fior di latte mozzarella on the classic Queen of Sandy Springs pizza. The blood orange Cosmopolitan with Absolut Citron, served in a chilled martini glass garnished with a wisp of orange peel, was a perfect counterpoint to the viscous

balsamic syrup drizzled over roasted Brussels sprouts. We followed that up with the Tavern chopped salad, a colorful assembly of mixed lettuces, chicken, salami, pepperoncini, cheeses and hard-boiled egg, all tossed with just the right amount of homemade vinaigrette. At only $11, it was a steal. The pleasure of my initial visit was surpassed just a few days later. After greeting familiar faces at adjacent tables, my group joined the feasting masses and tucked into the starter of roasted cauliflower. Trust me, it’s more than just a humble crucifer—its toasted buds are amped up with pickled Fresno peppers, cherry peppers, radicchio, pine nuts and fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty dressing that permeates one’s nostrils with a biting punch. Our youngest diner ordered the Simply Red, a pizza that transcends its modest name with dough made with local honey and lovingly touched with a little garlic oil, equal amounts cheese blend and homemade sauce, then torched

Above: The yummy Tavern chopped salad is packed with a variety of meats, cheeses, veggies and greens.

Below: Cauliflower is transformed into a favorite starter when tossed with peppers, pine nuts and fresh herbs.

Above: The Cure, a pizza menu “lifer,” is a meat lover’s delight. Below: The 100 percent Angus chuck Tavern burger comes with homemade pickles and bistro-style fries.

Below: Save room for the cinnamon sugar doughnuts with chocolate and marshmallow sauces and a side of salted caramel ice cream.

The conviviality and earthy aromas oozing out of this place have made me a devotee. for about three minutes. Alas, she frowned when we offered up the PEI mussels in spicy red sauce, capers and Kalamata olives. True to form, though, she gorged on the accompanying toasted focaccia, leaving the mussels in their ambrosial briny broth for the only-toohappy-to-oblige grown-ups. It wouldn’t be a true tavern experience without trying a few classics, and so, on our last visit, we opted for a burger. Hearth’s 100 percent Angus chuck medium-rare version oozes fat, salt and flavor in equal measure. It’s a two-handed proposition, like a teen at the wheel, and I urge newbies to pile on extras such as the homemade pickles (the refreshingly crunchy uncooked variety). Add to that a generous mound of piping-hot, hand-cut fries, and the experience rivals any four-star bistro in town. My only quibble is the sesame seed bun. It’s fine, but why not go for something special like a brioche bun for such a lush burger? Calamari, too, is veteran pub fare, and Hearth’s didn’t disappoint. The crispy rounds were both tender and crunchy, served with an exemplary lemon-coriander aioli and chunky marinara. The chef d’oeuvre was the otherworldly Ring of Fire pizza, consisting of chile oil, three cheeses, chorizo salami, cherry pep-

pers, caramelized onions and roasted cremini mushrooms. Reminiscent of Nice, France’s pissaladière, this pie is a masterpiece. The mushrooms and cheese help mute the heat some, while the salami, peppers and chile oil put your Scoville tolerance to the test. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with the cinnamon and sugar doughnuts with salted caramel ice cream. Sure, it’s superfluous after such a feast, but after playing with the Ring of Fire, ice cream’s not a bad idea. The golden, sugar-dusted orbs arrive hot from the fryer with not just the ice cream, but also twin ramekins of warm chocolate and addictive mellow marshmallow sauce. It’s not my intention as a reviewer to rhapsodize endlessly here, but I have to hand it to Hearth. The conviviality and earthy aromas oozing out of every pore of this place have made me a devotee. Sure, there are plenty of other neighborhood joints, but Hearth, like any longstanding favorite, offers something the others frequently don’t: consistency. Computers crash, relationships fail, it rains when it’s supposed to shine. But for a couple of hours over a meal at Hearth, you can count on everything going just as it should. n

HEARTH PIZZA TAVERN 5992 Roswell Rd. N.E., Sandy Springs 30328 404.252.5378 hearthpizzatavern.com Prices: Openers and salads: $6-$12. Burgers and sandwiches: $10-$12. Pizzas: $7-$19. Desserts: $6-$7. Recommended dishes: Tavern chopped salad, crispy Brussels sprouts, roasted cauliflower, the Tavern burger, Ring of Fire pizza, The Cure pizza, PEI mussels in spicy red sauce, cinnamon and sugar doughnuts. Bottom line: Neighborhood hot spot catering to foodies and families, and serving up cool beers, hip cocktails and top-notch food.

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

D R I NKS

Alcohol not included COCKTAILS REINVENTED WITH ZERO ALCOHOL

t’s the new year, when everyone’s calendars fill with the marks of lofty resolutions and goals of self-improvement. Let’s face it: The holidays can make us feel a bit pickled. Along with working out, meditating and organizing, many of us opt to start the year off alcohol-free. Whether for weight loss, better sleep, a reset of the liver or just the sense of accomplishment, for those set on having a dry January, thankfully there are much better offerings these days. It’s an especially good time to be a teetotaler. Many restaurants and bars have drink menus with delicious zero-proof choices. Whether they do it with a clever blend of juices or highlighting flavorful syrups and potions, you can still enjoy a cocktail with a fruity finish or spicy start and stick to your resolves. Having alternatives to boozy cocktails is an imperative for Seven Lamps’ beverage manager Vinnie Dugan. The restaurant lists zero-proof choices on the Jerk Soda selection of the menu as a sort of homage to the guys and gals who used to hand make delicious sodas behind pharmacy and grocery counters. “Non-alcoholic drinks are extremely important to me,” says Dugan. “I’ve

MEDICINE MAN

STORY:

Angela Hansberger

Want to make a zero-proof cocktail at home? I came up with this fruity mojito that works for guests of all ages. PINEAPPLE GINGER MOJITO l 2 ounces pineapple syrup (equal

APPLE-OPAL BASIL

KALE AID

been sober for just over two years now, so it’s significant for me to have options for people who don’t drink.” One of his favorites is the AppleOpal Basil, a crisp, clean concoction balanced with refreshing herbal notes of basil, which he captures in a simple syrup. He tops the mixture with Granny Smith apple juice with crushed ice and soda water. Just around the corner, healthconscious eatery True Food Kitchen has a menu section of non-alcoholic drinks that, much like the food menu, rotates with the seasons. Not only is the Medicine Man a tasty and

composed drink, it’s also chock-full of health benefits. Strongly brewed green tea is stirred together with black cherry and nutrient-rich sea buckthorn, while honey balances the naturally tart juices. It’s served over ice and topped with sparkling water and a smattering of vitamin C-laden pomegranate seeds. True Food Kitchen’s bright green Kale Aid packs the punch of a zingy cocktail without the booze. Served in a tall Collins glass, it features blended bits of kale, ginger root, apple, celery, cucumber and lemon, offering a mild yet spicy kick. n

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

parts pineapple juice and sugar boiled for 2 minutes, then chilled) l 1 ounce fresh lime juice l ½ ounce pineapple juice l ¾ ounce ginger syrup l 3 pieces pineapple chunks l 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves l 2 dashes Angostura bitters l Sparkling water Combine first seven ingredients, shake, strain and pour into Collins glass. Top with crushed ice and a splash of sparkling water.

DETAILS Seven Lamps 3400 Around Lenox Rd. Atlanta 30326 404.467.8950 sevenlampsatl.com True Food Kitchen 3393 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.481.2980 truefoodkitchen.com

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January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

FOODIE JOURNAL

Culinary News & Notes

BY:

Lia Picard

FOOD NEWS n Fifth Group Restaurants opened the first Buckhead location of Ecco in November. Executive chef Andrea Montobbio, who hails from Italy, helms the kitchen, where he prepares “elevated European cuisine” such as roasted lamb agnolotti and wood-grilled dorade. fifthgroup.com n In March, Buckhead will welcome Georgia’s first outpost of the popular Dallas-based eatery Velvet Taco. A former Nation’s Restaurant News “Hot Concept” winner, it boasts creative taco creations such as the Crawfish & Pork Jambalaya and Vindaloo Flank & Hemp. velvettaco.com n The owners of Buckhead’s Le Bilboquet and Umi are teaming up to open Le Colonial’s first Atlanta location in The Shops Buckhead Atlanta. The restaurant, expected to debut sometime this spring, will bring together the culinary influences of Southeast Asia and France.

Henri Hollis

lecolonialatlanta.com

A SUPER BOWL SPREAD WINNING GAME-DAY RECIPES

he Super Bowl is Feb. 3, and although at press time we don’t know who’s playing in it yet, we do know that Atlanta will be partying. And what’s a Super Bowl bash without good food? A proper watch party doesn’t necessarily call for gourmet eats, but they do need to be tasty. Irby’s Tavern opened in Buckhead last June, giving us a polished sports bar with classic bar grub. Its executive chef Jarelle De’Long knows all about preparing for such an event, so we asked for his best advice for feeding your fellow football fans. “You can’t go wrong with a dip, which is a game-day favorite that’s tasty, quick and easy to prepare,” he says. “Set it up next to your favorite bag of chips and watch it serve itself.” A few of his favorites include buffalo chicken, French onion and crab. To prevent getting overwhelmed, start planning your party early, suggests De’Long. “Keep the menu simple, make a checklist and get as much done ahead of time as possible,” he says. “And remember to have fun and enjoy yourself.” While the big game is happening in our own backyard this year, if you’re planning on staying home to Irby’s Tavern watch with your 322 East Paces Ferry Rd. N.E. best buddies, here Atlanta 30305 are a couple of 404.254.1333 can’t-miss nibbles. n irbystavern.com

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Pimento Cheese Dog Bites Serves 5-7 De’Long recommends serving a brown ale with these tasty treats as it complements the andouille flavor. PIMENTO CHEESE l 6-ounce can diced roasted red

peppers l 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese l ½ cup mayo l 1 tablespoon minced garlic l ¼ cup minced onion l 1 tablespoon Sriracha l Salt and pepper to taste

CORNDOG BATTER l 1 pound andouille sausage l 2 cups yellow cornmeal l 2 cups all purpose flour

V-cut, removing the inner meat. (When the two halves are put back together, there should be a hollow center.) Fill the center of each sausage half with pimento cheese and put the two halves back together. The cheese will act as an adhesive. Place stuffed sausages in freezer until firm (about 30 minutes), then cut into 1-inch pieces. Heat vegetable oil to 350 degrees in a pan with high sides. Skewer each piece of sausage and dip into corndog batter, shaking off the excess. Fry up to 10 skewered bites at a time for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Serve with your favorite condiments or dipping sauces.

l 1 teaspoon salt l ½ cup sugar

Dunkaroo Dip

l 3 tablespoons baking powder

Serves 4-6

l 2 eggs l 2 ¼ cups milk l 3 cups vegetable oil

Thoroughly combine pimento cheese ingredients. Cut the andouille sausage in half, lengthwise. Then with each half make a

Le Colonial specializes in upscale Vietnamese food with a French twist.

De’Long created this recipe to remind people of their childhoods, and loves dunking doughnut holes into the dip, but you can use anything (cookies, fruit, etc.).

l ½ cup butter l 8 ounces cream cheese l Pinch of salt l 1 teaspoon vanilla extract l 1 cup powdered sugar l ½ cup tricolor sprinkles

Using a mixer, cream together butter and cream cheese. Add the salt and vanilla extract. Continue to mix until a smooth, creamy consistency is achieved. Add the powered sugar and mix until it dissolves, then fold the sprinkles into the mixture with a spatula.

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

TA S T E M AKE R

FUN FACT

Christopher Watkins

Schwab has about 2,000 vinyl records. He’s been collecting them for more than 20 years.

FLOWER POWER Flower Child executive chef Matthew Schwab puts the ease in healthy eating

ike the health-conscious restaurant that he leads, Flower Child executive chef Matthew Schwab is new to Buckhead. But that doesn’t mean he’s not embracing the local lifestyle from heart to stomach. After working at busy restaurants such as The Cheesecake Factory and Cooper’s Hawk Winery in Orlando and Nashville, Schwab joined Flower Child in March 2018 and spent two months training at the company’s original locations in Phoenix, Arizona. Last July, he opened the first southeast outpost at the Shops Around Lenox, where the menu features salads, bowls, wraps and vegetarianfriendly small plates. He works side-by-side with sous chefs and line cooks, coaching, cooking, tasting and contemplating new menu items. “This business is always changing, so you’re always learning,” says Schwab. “The restaurant is bright and fun. Every-

thing is shiny and new. You feel the positive vibes just walking in the door.” Below, Schwab reveals what brought him to Flower Child and how he balances restaurant life and time with his wife and 2-year-old daughter. How’d you get involved with Flower Child? I saw the job posting online, and it sparked my interest because I haven’t done anything with a brand whose total drive is health. The restaurant doesn’t have a fryer or a freezer. You can’t beat that for fresh, healthy food. I’m learning a lot, working with ingredients I never had exposure to before. My wife is pretty happy that I’m eating salads for lunch instead of burgers. How has the way people dine out changed? America has turned into such a now, now, now culture. We offer

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Carly Cooper

quick service with ticket times of four to eight minutes. You get your food fast. Plus, a lot of people want to get healthy and are more conscious about what they’re eating. The plaza Flower Child is in screams health. We’re surrounded by yoga and spin classes. We don’t even have soda in the building. We make our own tea and lemonade. People are ready for something new, something healthy. What do you cook at home? I’m a novice barbecue chef. I like to make ribs. My wife eats a lot of fish. My daughter has a lot of allergies and can’t have strawberries, grapes, dairy or peanuts. Basically, I cook three different meals for my family. I didn’t have any experience with farro and barley in the past, but they’re mainstays as far as super grains at Flower Child, and they’re good. I’m starting to use them [when cooking for my family].

Being a chef isn’t exactly a 9-to-5 job. How do you find time to be with your family? During training, I was 3,000 miles away. Thank God for technology these days. You can Skype or FaceTime. My wife came from the industry, so she understands the hours. I try to spend every waking moment I can with her and my daughter. I’ve been fortunate enough to be there for [my daughter’s] major milestones, such as rolling over and her first steps. What do you do for fun? In Orlando, we were Disney season pass holders. Here, it’s fun being able to go to a lake and not worry about alligators. I was a skateboarder for 25 years. It’s difficult to find the time now, but we went to the skatepark in Kennesaw, and my daughter enjoyed watching me. n FLOWER CHILD 3400 Around Lenox Rd. Atlanta 30326 678.668.2271 iamaflowerchild.com

Parkside

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parksideparlor.com

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92 WEST PACES FERRY ROAD ATLANTA | 30305 | 404.504.9292 92WESTPACES.COM

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

FEATURED RESTAURANTS A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead BY: Wendell PHOTOS:

Brock, Rebecca Cha and Angela Hansberger

Sara Hanna

ANIS CAFÉ & BISTRO Anis is everything you’d hope to find in a French bistro, without having to buy a plane ticket: traditional Provençal dishes, relaxed patio dining and often a small congregation of Frenchspeaking diners to help set the mood. Grilled North African-style Merguez sausage, coquilles St. Jacques or a bright, crisp salade d’Arnaud (named after the owner) are all winning starters. Entrées of truite meunière, poulet rôti and boeuf au poivre are sure to bring you back to that quaint Provençal village square. Best-in-class items are the croque monsieur, salade Niçoise, moules marinières and not-to-bemissed chocolate mousse. Lunch prices: $8-$19 Dinner prices: $8-$35 anisbistro.com

BABYLON CAFÉ When Iraqi native Saad Marwad and his wife, Kelly Rafia, opened Babylon Café in 2014, the city’s foodie community started to buzz about the couple’s fresh, flavorful repertoire of Middle Eastern classics, from falafel and hummus to kebabs and baklava. While the starters are quite good—try the fattoush salad, the lentil soup and the eggplant badenjan—the earthy, long-simmered stews are unlike anything else in town. We

like the herb-based qurma sabzi with super-tender lamb shank and the bamia (okra and tomatoes) with oxtail. Don’t leave without a sip of the anise-flavored aperitif called arak and a bite of kanafeh, a sweet made of shredded phyllo, housemade sweet cheese, rose- and orange-water syrup and pistachios. Appetizers and sides: $2-$7 Entrées: $12-$20 babyloncafeatl.com

BLUE RIDGE GRILL For more than 20 years, Blue Ridge Grill (BRG) has been a mecca for Buckhead power lunchers and chill evening diners alike. Whether for business or romance, BRG is a paragon of hospitality, and each guest is embraced like a VIP. Standard crowd-pleasers on the Euro-American menu include grilled Georgia trout, French-boned chicken with wild mushrooms and filet mignon with Vidalia onions. Small plates and sides of iron skillet mussels, Caesar salad with crisp Beeler bacon, custardlike corn soufflé and (off-menu item) fried pickles with buttermilk dipping sauce are absolute must-tries. If cost is an issue, call ahead, as menu prices are not advertised online. Lunch: $9-$42 Dinner: $13-$62 blueridgegrill.com Cookies and milk is Davio’s spin on Oreos and comes with a boozy mini milkshake.

Tantalize your taste buds with traditional French fare, like this delectable mussels dish, at Anis Café & Bistro.

CABO CANTINA Even if you aren’t a sports fan, you’ll welcome a visit to this Mexi-Latin sports bar on Pharr Road. The 35 varieties of 100 percent agave tequilas are just the start. Kick off with a five-star margarita that’ll have you shouting “touchdown!” long before the national anthem begins. And just try to keep your eyes on the game when knockout dishes such as braised short rib empanadas, smokyspicy chorizo or chipotle shrimp tacos and a side of tender yucca fries arrive at your table. Mains such as the adobo chicken and charred rib eye, or healthier fare like the citrusy, fresh ceviches, are big winners as well. Let’s just hope your favorite team is, too. Brunch: $10-$17 Starters and shared plates: $5-$12 Tacos and sides: $3-$4 Entrées: $12-$25 cabocantinaga.com

DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE With its handmade pasta, terrific steaks and foundation of classic Italian dishes, the Atlanta outpost of Massachusettsbased chef-preneur Steve DiFillippo sets a higher-than-usual standard for a mall restaurant. Fine-food lovers flock to Phipps Plaza for Davio’s delicious fried calamari, tagliatelle Bolognese

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

and warm spinach salad like ravenous shoppers on the hunt for Louis Vuitton bags, Tiffany silver and Dior gowns. And they can do no better than the buttery medallion of impeccably grilled top sirloin, slathered with Gorgonzola and paired with wilted spinach and sea-salt-and-truffle-oil fries. No wonder the Davio’s menu is as tantalizing as the shoe department at Nordstrom. Appetizers and salads: $9-$16 Pastas, entrées and steaks: $18-$48 davios.com/atl

FLYING BISCUIT CAFÉ Flying Biscuit Café is a touchstone of diner life here in Atlanta, and with good reason. “Creamy dreamy” grits and flaky Southern biscuits round out most every meal, and there are loads of tummywarming, substantial dishes to choose from. Turkey hash, the Not Your Mama’s Pimiento Cheese Sandwich and chicken pot pie (made with hot, buttery biscuits, of course) are reminiscent of grandma’s kitchen, and the congenial staff will keep you coming back for more. Gordo Stevens’ artwork across the walls and ceiling adds a funky, kitsch-cool vibe to the Brookhaven outpost of this breakfast and brunch favorite. Breakfast: $3.29-$12.99 Lunch: $4.99-$12.99 flyingbiscuit.com

THE HUNGRY PEACH Despite the hyper-elegant surrounding showrooms, The Hungry Peach, located inside the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, serves up anyone’s idea of a perfectly down-home lunch. Colossal salads and delectable renditions of classic sandwiches, such as the meltin-your-mouth corned beef Reuben, egg salad and smoked bacon-pepper jack wrap, are sure to please welcome visitors and hungry professionals alike. Sides including the Cajun mac ‘n’ cheese and loaded potato salad will knock your designer socks off. Not to be missed are the freshly made sweets, such as the five-layer coconut cake and Callebaut chocolate brownie. Wash it all down with a bottomless mason jar of iced sweet tea. Starters: $4-$9 Salads: $10-$12.50 Sandwiches: $8.50-$12.50 Desserts: $2.50-$6 thehungrypeach.com

KALEIDOSCOPE BISTRO & PUB Kaleidoscope is one of Brookhaven’s most popular watering holes. Fabulous small plates include pimento mac and cheese, roasted cauliflower seasoned with garlic and a touch of lime, and the smoked pork and pimento spring rolls. The steak frites with garlic-heavy chimichurri is exceptional, as is the poutine, a Canadian treat consisting of crisp, hand-cut fries smothered in gravy and mozzarella. Looking for somewhat lighter fare? Go for the fried chicken club salad tossed with sundried tomatoes, fresh avocado and golden chunks of bird. A table on the pet-friendly patio guarantees topnotch people-watching. Appetizers: $5-$12 Salads, pizzas and burgers: $7-$14 Mains: $13-$19 k-pub.com

The sliced hanger steak at Kaleidoscope pairs perfectly with the chimichurri sauce and garlic parmesan fries.

THE SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN Both Southern food newbies and aficionados will take to this sexy gastropub, as smooth and easy as the finish of one of its primo bourbons. (If you’re old school, go for the gloriously icy Resurgens mint julep; if not, there’s no shortage of cocktail possibilities.) When your whistle’s wet, dig in to favorite starters of spicy charred okra and PEI mussels in a whiskey cream sauce. Both will leave you smitten. Classics such as the shrimp boil, Springer Mountain half fried chicken and shrimp and grits with New Orleans barbecue sauce are all mouth-

The Hungry Peach’s colorful Chioggia beet salad boasts toasted almonds, goat cheese and harissa.

watering. And it wouldn’t be Southern if there weren’t sweets to make your toes curl in delight. Leave room for a nibble or two of brown butter cake or the favorite at our table—almond nougat semifreddo. Small plates: $6-$12 Salads and sandwiches: $6-$13 Large plates (including brunch entrées): $13-$28 thesoutherngentlemanatl.com

STORICO FRESCO ALIMENTARI Is a trip to Italy on your bucket list, but you can’t get away? A meal at ohso-authentic hot spot Storico Fresco may be just the ticket. A must here is the meat and cheese board, piled with prosciutto, bresaola, culatello, fragrant cheeses and gooey honeycomb. Its refined, rustic and utterly classic pastas, including garganelli con funghi, tagliatelle alla Bolognese and ravioli spinaci, conjure up images of Tuscan vistas and Michelangelo statues. Seconds such as the pork shank for two and bone-in veal chop will sate your Italian cravings as well. End your repast with a glass of the world-class Miscela d’Oro espresso. Appetizers: $12-$24 Salads and sandwiches: $10-$21 Pastas: $11-$23 Mains: $24-$30 Side dishes and desserts: $6-$7 storicofresco.com

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN Don’t be put off by the mobs of hipsters waiting for a table or the funky menu items with unfamiliar ingredients such as hemp, flax and chia. Though it could easily be mistaken for an ephemeral, crunchy beardo hangout, True Food Kitchen is here to stay—not just because of its good intentions and exemplary karma, but because of its tasty eats. Favorites include the shiitake lettuce cups, spring asparagus toast and the T.L.T. (tempeh, lettuce and tomato) sandwich. Good for the uninitiated are the margherita pizza, steak tacos and Mediterranean chicken pita. Recommended drinks include the non-alcoholic Cucumber Cooler and Medicine Man tea or the buzz-inducing lemongrass margarita, citrus skinny margarita and Strawberry Smash. Starters and vegetable plates: $7-$13 Salads and bowls: $10-$14 (added protein $3-$9) Pizzas and sandwiches: $12-$16 Entrées: $14-$26 truefoodkitchen.com

Hungry for more? Visit the Simply Buckhead website to read all of our Restaurant Reviews! simplybuckhead.com

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

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January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

E V E N T S | C H A RI TA B L E | S C E N E

SIMPLY HAPPENING EVENTS BY:

Karon Warren

[ F E AT U R E D E V E N T ]

BUILDING UP FUN

AN EVENT FOR LEGO FANS YOUNG AND OLD

ego fans unite! International Lego Day returns to the Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta at Phipps Plaza on Jan. 28, when visitors of all ages can indulge their love for the tiny building bricks. The activities include meet and greets with your favorite Lego characters, such as Batman, Bertie, Emmett and Kai, and a group build in the Model Builder Academy. Also on tap are a scavenger hunt in Miniland, where more than 1.5 million bricks were put together to represent Atlanta’s most iconic buildings, and a Minifigure trading event so folks can fill out their collections. “We are honored to celebrate another year of Lego and the awesome memories made because of these bricks,” says

Whitney Kemmerick, marketing manager at Legoland Discovery Center. “It’s rewarding to be in a position where we’re able to watch children across generations explore their imaginations through the simple act of playing.”

INTERNATIONAL LEGO DAY Jan. 28, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets start at $12.50 Legoland Discovery Center Atlanta 3500 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.848.9252 atlanta.legolanddiscoverycenter.com

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

E V E NTS

[ STYLE ]

Football Turns Fashionable

BUZZ MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION Jan. 21 sandyspringsga.gov/recreation The city of Sandy Springs honors the King legacy by highlighting the individuals and groups who celebrate his spirit and reflect the diversity of the community. This free annual event takes place at City Hall’s new location at 1 Galambos Way.

ATLANTA HOSTS THE SUPER BOWL OF RUNWAY SHOWS For those more interested in style than the Super Bowl, the 18th annual Off the Field Players’ Wives Association Fashion Show is the perfect way to celebrate the sport’s biggest game. On Feb. 1 at The Shops Buckhead Atlanta, the wives of both former and current NFL players, current and retired players themselves, and some celebrity guests will strut down the runway, showcasing the hottest winter styles from the shopping center’s top merchants. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Girls Who Code, a nonprofit supporting women in computer science. “We look forward to engaging with the Atlanta community and celebrating fashion while raising important funds that will directly support Girls Who Code,”

CATHEDRAL ANTIQUES SHOW

OFF THE FIELD PLAYERS’ WIVES ASSOCIATION FASHION SHOW

says Ericka Lassiter, president of Off the Field. “It’s a high-energy ode to style, sisterhood and philanthropy, and an all-around good time.”

WILD HOG SUPPER

[ N E A R BY ]

A Wild Kickoff A DYNAMIC DINNER PARTY MARKS THE START OF THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION Continuing one of Atlanta’s timehonored traditions, the 57th annual Wild Hog Supper takes place Jan. 13 at the Georgia Freight Depot. This yearly shindig serves as the unofficial kickoff to the Georgia legislative session, with proceeds benefiting

Feb. 1, 11:30 a.m. Tickets start at $200 The Shops Buckhead Atlanta 3035 Peachtree Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30305 offthefieldpwa.org/fashionshow

the Georgia Food Bank Association’s Farm to Food Bank program. “The Wild Hog Supper is barbecue, sweet tea and peach cobbler with a purpose,” says Danah Craft, executive director of the Georgia Food Bank Association. “Members of the Georgia

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Jan. 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m. $35, plus one nonperishable food item Georgia Freight Depot 65 M.L.K. Jr. Dr. S.W. Atlanta 30303 georgiafoodbankassociation.org/ wild-hog-supper

General Assembly and the public come together at the start of the legislative session to celebrate our agriculture community and the farmers who donate more than 14 million pounds of Georgia-grown produce to feed the hungry every year.”

Jan. 23-27 cathedralantiques.org This annual event brings together art, antiques and design to benefit a designated charity. This year, all net proceeds will go to Wilderness Works, which provides enrichment and outdoor living experiences to Atlanta’s children. Tickets start at $15 for a three-day show entry ticket.

WATCH THE BIG GAME AT DANTANNA’S Feb. 3 dantannas.com Grab your fellow football fans and watch the Super Bowl together at Dantanna’s Buckhead, where you can enjoy an allyou-can-eat buffet, featuring everything from prime rib to snow crab legs, for $89. Reservations are available online, but the staff will also accommodate people on a first-come, first-served basis on game day.

GEORGIA BOY CHOIR FESTIVAL GRAND FINALE CONCERT Feb. 16 georgiaboychoir.ticketleap.com/ festival The culmination of the Georgia Boy Choir Festival, this performance features more than 250 young men from around the country celebrating music. Boys from 3rd through 12th grades will participate in this event at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students.

Save Childhood Dreams. Save Childhood Dreams. CURE Childhood Cancer. CURE Childhood Cancer.

Sara, Age 11 AcuteAge Myeloid Sara, 11 Leukemia Acute Myeloid Leukemia Dreams of being an astronaut. Dreams of being an astronaut.

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their We’re doing it by funding research will CURE Happydreams. New Year! Our resolution for 2019breakthrough is a big one: help morethat children grow upchildhood to realize cancer and by providing tangible support to patients and their families. their dreams. We’re doing it by funding breakthrough research that will CURE childhood cancer and by providing tangible support to patients and their families.

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CH AR I TABLE

Monique Tucker, Jasroop Multani Jessi Rosenbaum, Diane Jarrell, Chris McKenna

Photos: Simon Salt

WINE WOMEN & SHOES

Lea Bodie, Diana Carolina

“T Brittany Mirani, Mary Kathryn WellsWinsett, Pam Wells, Emmie Howard Jennifer Berg, Kaori Brauns

he $315,000 we raised is the most in the history of Wine Women & Shoes Atlanta,” brags Mary Kathryn Wells-Winsett, co-chair of the recent fundraiser benefiting the leukemia and women’s cancer programs at Northside Hospital. Four hundred partygoers gathered at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead for, among other things, a Best in Shoe contest in which dozens of contestants modeled their fanciest footwear. Professional models also took to the runway to showcase the latest fashions from Tootsies boutique. Speaking of style, the 35 Sole Men—volunteers whose duties include schmoozing with guests and selling raffle tickets— were decked out in shirts and bow ties donated by Southern Proper. David Van Dyke raised $3,575 and was crowned the King of Sole. WSB-TV news anchor Tyisha Fernandes and Atlanta and Company host Christine Pullara Newton emceed the event, which also included designer shopping, live and silent auctions, gourmet eats, wine tastings and a Champagne luge in the shape of a giant shoe.

Elizabeth Davis, Elaine Goldberg, Amy Butler

Sharon Specker, Rachel King, Ashley Morgan, Amy Lyle

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

For reservations please call 404.844.4810

CH AR I TABLE

Willie Rivero

Karla Arriola, Jennifer Kalmes

LATIN FEVER BALL

Rene Alegria, Susana Chavez

Photos: Simon Salt

ne of Atlanta’s most festive fundraisers celebrated its 30th anniversary in grand style recently at the InterContinental Buckhead hotel. More than 650 patrons gathered for a lively evening of music, dancing and Latininspired eats and drinks that included everything from mini arepas and Argentinian-style chicken to Spanish crème brûlée and bottles of cava. Costumed fire twirlers, jugglers and other performers from The Off Centered Project entertained the crowd, who also danced the night away to the rhythms of the Nova Sound Orchestra. A benefit for the Latin American Association, the black-tie affair included live and silent auctions featuring notable items such as a deluxe vacation to Belize and a soccer ball signed by all of the Atlanta United players. This year’s ball raised more than $500,000, which goes toward the organization’s efforts in providing social and legal immigration services to the state’s Latino community.

Mike and Gay Donnelly

Mary Elizabeth Marquardt, Chris Marquardt

Aníbal Torres Joel Camilo, Patricia Sánchez

Amira Davis, Ivan Rodriguez

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

THE HIGHEST POINT OF FITNESS!

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE Pinnacle Fitness is the Premier Personal Training Fitness Center in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, Georgia with revolutionary equipment including the only Kinesis Wall in the area. At Pinnacle Fitness, you will be carefully guided by professional, certified trainers and a staff dedicated to your personal fitness and wellness program, which also includes nutritional guidance. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder that members often define Pinnacle Fitness as a New York or LA facility with Southern charm - and with a commitment to have each of its members reach their own Pinnacle of Fitness.

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CH AR I TABLE

Rhonda Briggins and son Kai

Photos: Henri Hollis

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms Allison Fillmore with daughters Taylor and Alexa

ATLANTA’S WOMEN OF DISTINCTION

group of powerhouse women was honored recently at the Atlanta History Center, at what was the March of Dimes’ first Atlanta’s Women of Distinction event. Nominated by their friends or colleagues for their community involvement, business leadership and other factors, the honorees included notable females in entertainment, real estate, transportation, technology and other categories. A Community Impact Award and a Rising Star award were also presented. The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Morehouse School of Medicine’s Dr. Valerie Montgomery Rice, a renowned infertility specialist and researcher, who was also the founding director of one of the nation’s first centers devoted to studying diseases that disproportionately impact women of color. Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms was on hand to congratulate the winners and give the keynote speech, in which she noted the responsibility each of us has to better our communities. The event not only recognized some incredible local women, it also raised $125,00 for the March of Dimes.

Martina Marshall Edwards

Kristin Stanley, Cynne Simpson, Shane Salter

Lisa van Kesteren

Joli Cooper-Nelson, Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, Stacey D. Stewart

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

S C EN E

I’LL DRINK TO THAT Our Bold Women of Buckhead raise a glass after a successful photo shoot. PHOTO: Sara

January/February 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Hanna

SUPER BOWL ATLANTA Saturday • February 2, 2019 • Cobb Galleria Centre

The premier culinary and sports event is coming to Atlanta!

Enjoy signature dishes from over 32 of America's finest chefs, meet and get photo's and autographs from more than 35 NFL legends, current, alums and Hall of Famers. Join noted celebrities from all areas of the entertainment world while you stroll and enjoy the evening.

GUESTS TICKETS ON SALE NOW AT TasteoftheNFL.com

Ben Leber

Andrew Zimmern

National Player Host

National Chef Host

Chris Draft

Kevin Rathbun

Atlanta Player Host

Atlanta Chef Host

Honorary Past and Current Chairs Committee

Jeff Bridges

Bobby Flay

Matt Birk

Tony Dungy

Michele Tafoya

Daryl Johnston

Local beneficiary

This Party With A Purpose® raises awareness and dollars for hunger relief locally and nationally. For more information please visit us at TasteoftheNFL.com

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CHASTAIN - SANDY SPRINGS OFFICE 3344 PEACHTREE RD ¦ ATLANTA, GA 30326

1147 CLIFTON ROAD ¦ ATLANTA, GA 30307 DRUID HILLS

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JACK DERRICKSON ¦ 678-463-1633

PAM HUGHES ¦ 404-626-3604

1314 ROSWELL STREET SE ¦ SMYRNA, GA 30080 SOLD

700 PARK REGENCY PLACE ¦ ATLANTA, GA 30326 UNDER CONTRACT

WILLIAMS PARK Craftsman Style 4 bedrooms/3.5 baths

UNIT 605

FMLS: 6078394

Phipps location 3 bedrooms/3.5 baths

UNDER CONTRACT in 5 DAYS

FMLS: 6099602

CLOSED for 98% of LIST

JILL HUITRON ¦ 404-376-5114

MARGIE KESSLER ¦ BARBARA CHRISTIE ¦ 404-803-1617

MARCIA MAKES IT HAPPEN! 529 COBBLESTONE DRIVE ¦ ATLANTA, GA 30342

705 BASS WAY ¦ ATLANTA, GA 30327 HARDIN R I DGE A G AT E D C O M M U N I T Y

New Construction READY!

5 bedrooms 5 full ba/2 half ba

Listed for $1,575,000

Listed for $1,500,000

536 COBBLESTONE DRIVE ¦ ATLANTA, GA 30342 SOLD New Construction in NORTH BUCKHEAD 5 bedrooms 5 full ba/2 half ba

MARCIA WEINHOFF, SMC, ARS

Top Producer - Atlanta REALTOR® Association Luxury Home Marketing Specialist New Homes Sales Professional 404-983-0309 Marcia.Weinhoff@HarryNorman.com

Listed for $1,550,000

CHASTAIN-SANDY SPRINGS ¦ 5290 ROSWELL ROAD, STE A ¦ ATLANTA, GA 30342 DIANE SMITH, SR. VP, MANAGING BROKER ¦ HARRYNORMAN.COM ¦ 404-250-9900 The above information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted. Offer subject to errors, changes, omissions, prior sales and withdrawals without notice.

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