Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside
CAROLINE JEFFORDS
Whether it’s for business or pleasure, LUXURY WELLNESS is a lifestyle.
VOTED #1 HOTEL IN THE SOUTH BY CONDÉ NAST
Photos: 22: Kerry Murray, 26: Marc Mauldin, 52: Joann Vitelli, 56, 80: Erik Meadows
STYLISH
36 FASHION
Fashion Functionality
Innovation meets luxury in this locally launched handbag
38 BEAUTY Clean Scents
Spritz on a nontoxic perfume
40 WELLNESS
Pieces of Plastic Food safety in the kitchen
42 TASTEMAKER
A Fresh Injection
Kelsey Taylor brings wellness to Spa Sydell Buckhead
FAMILY
44 KIDS
Piercing Plan
What to know about getting those first real earrings
46 PETS Pointed Prescription
Acupuncture for your pet
48 STRATEGIES
Financial First Start
How to smartly invest in your child’s retirement now
CULTURE
50 ON STAGE
Kidding Around Emmy-winning producer Genevieve LeDoux’s children inspire her latest career move
52 TASTEMAKER
Good Vibes for All Charley Humbard marks 20 years of uplifting TV
53 EVENTS
Places to go and things to do
DELICIOUS
64 REVIEW Star Turn
Backed by a celebrity chef, The Americano delivers spotlight-worthy flavors
68 DRINKS
Exploring Amaro Alpine experts are here to help
69 FOODIE JOURNAL
Full of Gusto gusto! founder and CEO Nate Hybl on how he’s redefining healthy fast food
70 TASTEMAKER
Be Hapsy
Brookhaven resident Andrea Wightwick created a canned mocktail for the sober-curious
72 Featured Restaurants
A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead
BEHIND THE COVER
@livingwellatl simplybuckhead.com
@simplybuckhead
@simplybuckhead
Sleep is a hot-button issue when it comes to health. After all, it’s tough to think clearly, have an optimistic outlook or be ready to tackle the day ahead if you haven’t slept well. To illustrate our health-focused “Fresh Starts” cover theme, we hired a stunning model and our team converged on an elegantly appointed suite at the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead. To get the perfect shot, photographer Erik Meadows used a scaffold rig to photograph the bedroom from above. Perhaps this playful scene will inspire you to level-up your sleep routine.
Photographer: Erik Meadows
Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin
Hair and makeup: Nyssa Green
Model: Mikhol, courtesy
Click Models of Atlanta
Wardrobe: Hamptons
Nightgown in Dusty Coral ($98), available at Lake
Special thanks to Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead for hosting us.
Erik Meadows
Editor's Letter
Rather than make a laundry list of goals to complete in the new year, I’ve started to embrace the idea of trying to create more time and space in my life by not making resolutions. This, I’m hoping, will allow me the flexibility to pursue activities that benefit my overall life balance. This issue’s cover feature, “Fresh Starts,” speaks well to my ambition by focusing on sustainable habits that can improve your quality of life. To drive this idea home, we profiled three locals who are changing their habits for the better, from overcoming addiction and achieving a healthy weight to improving sleep, something that is often overlooked but that can have a huge impact on your life.
In this issue, we also offer the chance to experience and learn. From going on an African-style safari in Madison, Georgia; taking a hungerinducing journey through The Americano’s menu; learning about nontoxic perfumes; and meeting Genevieve LeDoux, an Emmy awardwinning producer and creator of the animated rock band Star Forest, each story aims to delight and enrich your life in some way.
As we welcome 2025, we are grateful to be a part of your reading repertoire and hope that in the coming year you give yourself the luxury of embracing pursuits that positively benefit you and those around you.
Happy New Year!
Sara Hanna
Giannina S. Bedford Managing Editor
Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside
P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 simplybuckhead.com
For advertising rates, call: 404.538.9895
Joanne Hayes
Publisher and Founder
Sonny Hayes
Chief Financial Officer
EDITORIAL
Giannina S. Bedford
Managing Editor
Jennifer Bradley Franklin
Senior Contributing Editor
Alan Platten
Creative Director
H.M. Cauley
Copy Editor
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Karina Antenucci
Jill Becker
H.M. Cauley
Carly Cooper
Emily L. Foley
Lauren Finney Harden
Mickey Goodman
Angela Hansberger
Katie Hughes
Nicole Letts
Amy Meadows
Hope S. Philbrick
Claire Ruhlin
Jessica Saunders
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Marc Mauldin
Erik Meadows
Joann Vitelli
SALES & ADVERTISING
Layal Akkad
Graphic Designer
DIGITAL
BHG Digital
Website Development Management
Mike Jose
Director of Audience Development
LEGAL
Scott I. Zucker
Legal Counsel
FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR
Jessica Saunders
Jessica Saunders is an experienced writer and editor who has worked for the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Bisnow Media, California publications The East Bay Business Times and The Registry San Francisco, and The Associated Press. She has written about business, commercial and residential real estate, politics, government, natural disasters, courts, crime and now, pets. Saunders earned a bachelor's degree in journalism from The University of Georgia. She enjoys travel, birdwatching, gardening and home improvement. She lives with two adopted cats, Bryce and Myrtle Laurel.
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.
Printed by Walton Press, Inc. Distributed by Distributech and Distribution Services Group.
City and Sea Page 22
“A trip to Portugal—a destination on my wish list for ages—felt like a lifeline.”
Meet Kelsey Taylor, FNP-BC
Your Partner in Regenerative Aesthetics and Wellness
Kelsey Taylor is a skilled nurse practitioner and aesthetic injector who combines artistry with science to deliver personalized results. A graduate of Emory University, Kelsey specializes in regenerative aesthetics, blending advanced injectables with holistic wellness services to help her clients achieve radiant, confident transformations.
Her services, many of which complement one another for enhanced results, include:
INJECTABLES:
• Bio-stimulators like PBF, Radiesse®, and Sculptra® to stimulate collagen production and restore youthful volume.
• Dermal fillers to treat hollowness and volume loss due to aging or genetics.
• Neuromodulators like Botox®, Dysport®, and Jeuveau® to smooth and prevent wrinkles by relaxing targeted muscles.
WELLNESS:
• NAD+ therapy for anti-aging, DNA repair, and improved energy.
• Tirzepatide for medically assisted weight loss.
• Pe-22-28 peptide to enhance mood, manage depressive symptoms, and boost energy levels.
Discover the synergy of aesthetics and wellness with Kelsey’s expert guidance, and experience transformative, lasting results tailored to you.
BY Nicole Letts
A WHOLE NEW WORLD
ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER INTRODUCES NEW IMMERSIVE CHILDREN’S EXPERIENCE
The Atlanta History Center in Buckhead will reveal its new gallery for kids this month. The Goizueta Children’s Experience, a 5,000-square-foot immersive and interactive exhibition, will bring iconic Atlanta destinations and landmarks to life in one child-friendly space. “The missing link at the istory Center was to attract children
and be known as a family-friendly place. We decided to take one of the galleries in the middle of all of our exhibits and turn it into one focused on children,” says Sheffield Hale, AHC president.
Plans are in the works for the exhibit to rotate annually, but it premieres with Our Great Big City Adults will recognize kid-friendly
versions of the Fox Theatre, complete with a miniature Mighty Mo organ, and The Varsity with a diner-inspired scent station. “We wanted an exhibit that focused on our mission of connecting people to Atlanta and its culture and history,” Hale says.
A new ticket option allows members to add caregivers to their
Heart of Healthcare
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta opened its long-awaited state-ofthe-art campus in Brookhaven at the intersection of North Druid Hills Road and Interstate 85 in late September. The 19-story, 2-million-square-foot facility has 446 beds and a 20-acre outdoor green space. Each floor has washers and dryers, family lounges and kitchenettes. The facility also houses the Arthur M. Blank Emergency Department, the only dedicated Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center in the state. Brookhaven City Councilman 4 John Funny says, in
addition to being a technologically advanced treatment center, the hospital will ultimately provide jobs for 6,000 employees. The city is also preparing for the hospital’s economic impact. “We're looking to establish Brookhaven’s first affordable housing on Buford Highway. We've partnered with a developer and the DeKalb Housing Authority, and that project is already in the works,” Funny says. choa.org • @childrensatl
It Takes Two
The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead has appointed Bermyson Dorvil
as executive chef and Keith Hyche as chef de cuisine of Brassica, the hotel’s restaurant. Dorvil has experience at The St. Regis Atlanta and luxury resorts in South Florida. He will oversee all culinary operations, including the signature brasseriestyle restaurant. Hyche, formerly of Michelin-starred Atlas, will lead Brassica's kitchen. The revamped menu shifts from family-style service to a focus on individually plated dishes. It will feature locally sourced ingredients from new purveyors such as Southern Belle Farm and offer a blend of French and Southern cui-
The Atlanta History Center's new Goizueta Children’s Experience is designed to introduce kids to several iconic Atlanta landmarks.
membership. “We're trying to think about how we can make it easy for people and make the Atlanta History Center a place they want to come back to over and over again,” Hale says. Membership with the caregiver addition is $159 and provides unlimited admission for two adults, two children and one caregiver. n
THE ATLANTA HISTORY CENTER atlantahistorycenter.com • @atlantahistorycenter
sine including items such as smoked lobster cocktail and French venison rack. The hotel will also continue its popular afternoon tea service under Dorvil’s direction. brassicaatlanta.com @brassicaatlanta
On Par Puttshack, a tech-infused mini golf experience, opened its second Atlanta location in Dunwoody in the fall. The 26,000-square-foot venue features four mini golf courses with automatic scoring, private event spaces and an outdoor terrace.
The new location also introduces never-before-seen putts such as the Trivial Pursuit and slam dunk holes. The menu showcases small plates, salads, handhelds and flatbreads alongside craft cocktails, wine and local beers. There is also a charitable twist on the popular tailpipe, a spring roll appetizer filled with fire-braised chicken, bacon collard greens and pimiento cheese. When patrons order the dish, $1 from the sale goes to the Lost and Found Shelter, a place for LGBTQ+ teens who've been displaced from their homes. puttshack.com • @puttshack
LOCAL SALUTE
BY Mickey Goodman
Combining Life and Legacy
Introducing polo to a new demographic
Miguel Wilson and Chancey Timmons Wilson are tightly woven together in life, business and the nonprofit world. He’s the owner and award-winningcelebrity designer of the Miguel Wilson Collection at Phipps Plaza, where she’s the director of human resources. Both are involved in Ride to the Olympics, a foundation they founded to empower youth through equestrian sports, fashion and leadership development.
“All the togetherness is challenging. Every now and then he fires me, then re-hires me immediately,” says Timmons Wilson.
To raise funds for RTO, they created the Atlanta Fashion and Polo Classic so they could introduce more kids from financially challenged backgrounds to polo, the couple’s
Blooming Together
Empowering women through philanthropy
Elizabeth Burdette was living in Austin going through a difficult divorce when she made a con nection with another woman and realized the healing power of human connection. After she moved to Buckhead, she looked for ways to help women bond with one another in a meaningful way.
Her brainchild was Bloom, a giving circle that removes barriers to community engagement and philanthropy. “Our members contribute $1,000 or whatever is comfortable for them and can nominate small 501c3 nonprofits. The board selects three that are put to a vote of our 130 members, who select one,” she says. “The organization does all the research on the donor side and removes obstacles that sometimes prevent small nonprofits from receiving funds by keeping the process simple. Gifts are unrestricted, and we have no expectations about how or when the grant will be used. The winning organizations also nominate future recipients.”
favorite sport. The highlight of the seventh annual event was the inaugural Junior Polo Classic that featured teams from Atlanta and National Harbor, Maryland, where two of their four stores are located.
“In Atlanta, we recruit kids through the Vest Academy that was founded by 100 Black Men of America,” says Miguel. “Initially, 56 kids ages 11 to 15 expressed interest in joining the polo team. When we brought them out to the barn to meet the horses, they were awestruck. Our goal is to expose over 500 kids to horses and equestrian-related sports.”
Miquel also co-founded the Morehouse Polo team, the first ever at a HBCU.
MIGUEL WILSON COLLECTION miguelwilsoncollection.com @miguelwilsoncollection RIDE TO THE OLYMPICS ridetotheolympics.org • @ridetotheolympics
Dignity for the Homeless
New way to help those who are hungry
For Buckhead resident John Patton, founding Street Charity was the result of 30 years of helping the homeless.
“I had bought lunches, volunteered in soup kitchens and provided dollar bills, but I knew that was not the solution to feeding hungry people,” he says. “I wondered if there was a universal gift card that could be used at every fast food restaurant.”
Bloom’s first grant of $55,000 in 2023 was to Motherhood Beyond Bars that serves pregnant incarcerated women, their babies and caregivers with a goal of safe reunification. The 2024 grant of $75,000 went to the Mothers Advocacy Project that helps create stable families to keep kids out of the foster care system and has a 100% success rate. Members also bond through volunteering.
After years of exploration, he learned that the point-of-sale terminals at all quick service brands bear similar codes. The credit card giant Discover helped Street Charity connect with banking institutions to make it happen. One-time donations can be made for bulk shipments of 25 cards for $6.50 each or individuals can contribute $35 per month for four cards that can either be distributed personally or via Street Charity. Cards have expiration dates, and any unused funds are automatically donated to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
“Our mission is to allow generous people to be on the front lines of the solution,” Patton says. “Many
homeless people don’t have mental or substance abuse issues. They’ve just fallen on hard times. Thirteen percent are veterans, and one in five children and five million seniors are food insecure. Instead of begging at the back door, we want to acknowledge homeless people and give them the dignity to walk in the front door as customers,” Patton says.
STREET
Elizabeth Burdette founded Bloom, a woman's giving circle.
John Patton founded Street Charity to help feed hungery people with dignity.
Chancey Timmons Wilson and her husband Miguel Wilson founded Ride to the Olympics to empower kids through equestrian sports.
MIDTOWN ATLANTA CONFERENCE FOR GAY INTENDED PARENTS
Sunday January 26, 2025 12:30p - 4:30p
New Year, New Hobby
At the beginning of every January, people devote themselves to the gym, attempt to cut out alcohol and vow to spend less time on social media, all with one common goal in mind: self-improvement. However, as the year goes on, many waver from these unrealistic resolutions and revert back to their old ways. This year, instead of creating a whole new you, let these items inspire a new hobby. STORY: Katie Hughes
Paint by numbers kit
($29.95)
Even if you’re not the next Vincent van Gogh, painting is an outlet that reduces stress, improves motor skills and allows you to step into your creative side. Reimagine a famous work of art in your own way with this “Starry Night” paint by numbers kit. Each package contains one 8-by-10 inch, pre-printed canvas artist board, eight numbered and environmentally friendly acrylic paint pots, two paint brushes, one line reference sheet and a color reference card.
Binders Art Supplies and Frames bindersart.com • @bindersart
Atlanta Vintage Books: Collectibles
In a society obsessed with social media, it’s important to detach and revert back to the classics. Atlanta Vintage Books offers a variety of collectibles that include first and limited editions, signed books and other rare items. Some publishers include Easton Press, Franklin Library, Folio Society, Limited Editions Club and more. Whether you're reading wellknown authors such as Sinclair Lewis, James Joyce or Ernest Hemingway, books can be a stepping stone to self-improvement.
Atlanta Vintage Books atlantavintagebooks.com • @atlantavintagebooks
Le Creuset stoneware square casserole dish ($114.95)
After the bustling holiday season, it’s time to settle in, try new recipes and embrace your inner Pioneer Woman. This stoneware casserole dish is the first step to becoming the next "Master Chef". The 2.5-quart covered dish has a classic French look styled after vintage Le Creuset cookware and is designed for easy serving. It is thermal resistant and easy to transfer from the freezer to the oven, making it a no-brainer for make-ahead meals.
The Cook’s Warehouse cookswarehouse.com • cookswarehouse
True Fountain Aerating Decanter Funnel ($29.99)
When dry January is over, bring out your inner wine connoisseur. This stainless steel decanter is a twopiece design that includes a mesh wine strainer and funnel that filters while you pour, bringing out the wine’s best flavors. The strainer also serves as an aerator with holes at its base, and it works for both red and white wines alike.
Hold onto the promise of spring with this hummingbird feeder from Nature’s Way. The hand-blown feeder with an artisan glass pattern makes an artistic addition to your outdoor garden that even the birds will appreciate. It has a 28-ounce nectar capacity and built-in continuous hummingbird perch ring, allowing you to maximize hummingbird viewing and dig into your newest bird-watching hobby. Nature’s Way natureswaybirds.com @natureswaybirds
Finding Balance
Fun for the whole family in LaGrange STORY: Carly Cooper
Now that I’m a parent, I’ve noticed travel falls into three buckets: kid trips, family trips and the oh-so-elusive kid-free vacation. Just one-and-ahalf hours from Atlanta, LaGrange, I was pleased to discover, falls into the family-friendly category with a broad variety of experiences for different age levels and interests. We arrived at Great Wolf Lodge on a Friday afternoon and dove into activities immediately. My 8-year-old son and I conquered both levels of the ropes course, while my 6-yearold daughter and husband played mini golf. We all scaled the climbing wall. (OK, I chickened out two-thirds of the way up.) After a quick outfit
change, it was time for dinner.
We hopped in the car, and seven minutes later, we were at Venucci, an upscale Italian restaurant known for its heaping portions. The warm atmosphere and comforting fare were a welcome contrast to the hustle and bustle of the afternoon. Afterward, we wandered across Main Street to Scoops because what’s a trip to a small town without ice cream? We made it back to Great Wolf in time for a round of bowling and a dance party!
The kids practically fell into their bunk beds, nestled in a themed and decorated corner of our room labeled “Wiley’s Den” after the resort mascot. The next morning,
we drove downtown for breakfast at Gus’s Grill, a local staple for nearly 20 years. It’s a true “greasy spoon” with laminated menus and assorted tchotchkes covering the walls, it’s the kind of place where regulars order “the usual.” To walk off our meal, we wandered around Lafayette Square, admired the fountain and peeked into R&B Vintage, introducing the kids to records. (“How old are you, Dad?”) I admired the women’s apparel at Elliebelles Boutique, while the kids snagged them a Monster Cookie at Crave.
Satisfied with our exploration of this historic textile town, we headed back to Great Wolf for an adventure at the indoor water park. We
splashed our way through the wave pool, down waterslides and through the lazy river. After a quick shower, we settled on Nutwood Winery for a serene dinner and wine tasting. Established in 1833, this familyowned vineyard cafe and tasting room features a patio looking out onto the greenery. Oversized yard games kept the kids occupied while we sampled the sweet vino.
The next morning, we departed for one more burst of fun: Wild Animal Safari in Pine Mountain, a 20-minute drive. We opted to stay in our own car rather than rent one of theirs—in retrospect, probably not the best choice. With two bags of animal food in hand, we followed the road through the safari, meeting bison, goats, camels, deer, pigs, zebras and a giraffe along the way. I could not stop laughing for an hour as the animals surrounded our car, going so far as to stick their heads in the windows to get the food. A llama drooled on my arm, a bison practically licked my son, and the giraffe tickled my hand as it ate. We quickly learned to keep the windows closed when larger animals were nearby. It was certainly a bonding experience.
As we made our way home, I reflected on our success in turning a kids trip into one perfect for the whole family. Now that’s what I call balance! n
The LaGrange town square is a beautiful place to relax and unwind.
The dual-level ropes course at Great Wolf Lodge requires a little skill and a lot of determination.
Nutwood Winery features live music in a quaint setting.
CITY AND SEA
Portugal is a wonderland of culture, history and natural beauty STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin
Travel can be lots of things. Sometimes it’s motivated by celebration, reconnection or discovery. Other times, we hope the trip will help heal us. After my husband and I lost two beloved dogs in a span of three weeks, a trip to Portugal—a destination on my wish list for ages—felt like a lifeline. We started our week-long journey in Lisbon at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz, adjacent to the lush Parque Eduardo VII. The luxurious hotel inhabits a 10-story building originally constructed in 1959 during the dictatorship of Antonio Salazar. Though it’s an easy downhill stroll to the lively city center neighborhoods of Principe Real and Barrio Alto, the Chiado location is quiet by compar ison. Our recently renovated room felt both modern and midcentury, with a marble-clad bathroom, a wood-paneled mini bar stocked with local favorites (including Portugal’s famous pastry, pastel de nata) and an ample balcony with sweeping city views. The property’s 59-foot indoor spa pool, outdoor pool and wrap around rooftop running track (an ideal sunset spot) would make it easy
to stay here instead of exploring. Naturally, though, exploring is the whole point, so we struck out to see the highlights. We queued up for the Jerónimos Monastery, built in the 1500s and known for its hauntingly beautiful Gothic Manueline style; wandered past the 16th century Belém Tower; and snapped pictures of Monument of the Discoveries overlooking the Tagus River. Many of our best moments, however, wouldn’t be found in a guidebook, from sipping vinho verde in the afternoon to perusing colorful cans of tinned fish
that could easily double as art.
Craving some time in a less cosmopolitan place, we drove an hour and a half south to Comporta. Located in the Alentejo region, the area was once the domain of rice paddies and fishermen. That changed in the 1990s when local land developers began to market it as a destination for holiday seekers, capitalizing on its miles of pristine beaches. Its lowkey luxury has earned it a reputation as “the Hamptons of Portugal.”
Independente Comporta, set on nearly 30 acres and surrounded by wild, scrubby pines, was the perfect home base for a few days in the sun. In addition to sprawling multi-
bedroom villas, it has 40 hotel rooms, each with a private terrace with outdoor daybed. They surround the heart of the property with a wellness-focused spa and a saltwater pool with adjoining Bóia cafe and bar serving wood-fired pizzas, fresh salads and kicky cocktails. Even with multiple meals at Michelin-starred restaurants during this trip, my most memorable dish was at the hotel’s charming Maroto eatery. The emerald-hued coriander and garlic rice we enjoyed alongside Alentejo black pork haunts my dreams.
We booked umbrella-shaded chairs at Sublime Comporta Beach Club and feasted on garlic shrimp at Restaurante Sal, just a few sandy steps away. One night, Cavalariça, a Michelin guide restaurant built into a former horse stable, delighted with locally caught oysters and aged steak with chimichurri.
Though I could have given my credit card a workout shopping for designer fashion or craftsman-made home items in Comporta’s boho-chic downtown, I fell in love with the Independente's hand-painted pottery espresso cups. The receptionist was kind enough to write down the name of the unexpected source: a roadside shop just out of town. The shopkeeper spoke almost no English, but we negotiated on some of my favorite mementos of a trip that, while it couldn’t completely heal my broken heart, did remind me that the world holds plenty of joy.
In Portugal, locals often say, “A vida é boa,” or “life is good.” On this trip, I wholeheartedly agreed. n
FOUR SEASONS HOTEL RITZ LISBON fourseasons.com/pt/lisbon • @fslisbon INDEPENDENTE COMPORTA independente.eu/comporta @/independente.comporta
Perched on one of Lisbon's seven famous hills, the elegant Four Seasons Hotel Ritz offers panoramic views of the historic capital.
Pristine beaches and sand dunes are a major draw in Comporta. In the Alentejo countryside, Independente Comporta is an ideal retreat.
Close Encounter
Georgia Safari Conservation Park offers unique experiences for animal-lovers STORY: Giannina S. Bedford
Seeing animals roam in their native habitats always inspires me. Of all the wildlife I’ve seen, nothing compared to the herds of animals I encountered while on safari in Kenya. Traveling to Africa isn’t easy on the schedule or budget, so many people won’t be able to check this journey off their bucket list. But the 530-acre Georgia Safari Conservation Park in Madison that debuted last June delivers a well-executed safari experience about an hour from Atlanta.
My husband and I loaded up our three kids and made the drive to Madison. We planned to spend the night in a luxury safari tent and experience the various animal encounters the property provides. Our two-bedroom tent, located a short walk through the trees from a gravel parking area, was one of six accommodations perched above a vast grassland. Inside, African-inspired decor adorned the central living area, dining and kitchenette. The kids’ room was furnished in two extra-long twin beds, and a primary bedroom had a four-poster king draped in netting. The entire space had unobstructed views of the outdoors through floor-to-ceiling
windows and included a spacious bathroom with a walk-in shower and deep soaking tub.
From the wraparound deck, my kids spotted ostrich, antelopes and zebras. Early in the morning, they watched the staff feed some animals. We loved everything about the spacious tent but spent most of our time out and about.
During the 90-minute VIP Safari Tour, we traversed the park’s acreage meeting various groups of animals, from bison and impalas
OFF-SITE PROVISIONS
Left: The luxury tents, imported from Johannesburg, South Africa, check all the boxes in style and comfort.
named Senha had my eldest daughter’s name, although we spell it differently. We also visited the Giraffe and Rhino Barn where we met a social 2-year-old reticulated giraffe (one of the tallest types) named Phoenix. We fed him lettuce and learned about his daily routine, behaviors and the conservation efforts to protect his kind.
Conservation is a core mission of the Park, which is a sustaining partner for The Georgia Zoological Society. For those looking to spend more time with the giraffes and rhinos, the 10,000-square-foot barn offers an upscale one-bedroom suite overlooking the animals’ sleeping quar-
floor-to-ceiling
you leave your curtains open, you can wake up with a giraffe
Georgia Safari Conservation Park doesn’t currently have on-site dining options, though future plans include adding a restaurant. Downtown Madison, a 10minute drive away, has several options.
n Betty Genes: Southern diner serving breakfast and lunch with dishes inspired by 1970s home cooked favorites.
n Hart & Crown: Upscale British-inspired pub with farm-to-table menu items, such as Spotted Trotter charcuterie, hanger steak with frites and jumbo scallops over Logan Turnpike grits.
t The Dining Room: Thirty-six-seat fine dining restaurant serving an a la carte or prix-fixe three- or four-course meal with wine pairings.
Following our visit to the barn, we took part in the Ambassador Animal Encounter, coming up-close with a two-toed sloth, African spurred tortoise, snakes, lizards and more. Timatea, a Southern three-banded armadillo, and the rambunctious coatis left the biggest impression on my kids who were begging for exotic pets on our way home.
A trip to Africa is a hard reach, but Georgia Safari Conservation Camp delivers the next best thing. Locals have a chance to observe and be inspired by rare species in a safari-like environment, just a short trek from home. n
Above: From the comforts of bed, guests can watch animals wander the grassland.
daughter watches zebras run from the open safari vehicle.
LIVING
Mighty Small but
A ONE BEDROOM BUCKHEAD CONDO IS TRANSFORMED INTO A SOPHISTICATED GEM
Jessica Alexander has lived in Buckhead’s Realm condominium since June 2015. The Kentucky native admits her one bedroom, 800-square-foot unit is small, but she loves the simplicity of the space and has transformed every inch to suit her.
The 2006 condo was originally styled with an industrial feel of cement ceilings, dark wood floors, deep gray walls and dark cabinetry. Alexander remodeled in ear-
ly 2022 with a brighter palette to make the most of the natural light that streams through the main living space’s floor-toceiling windows. With the help of Gabriela Eisenhart, founder and principal designer at Silo Studios, she overhauled the kitchen and installed new floors and ceilings. She also added walls to the bedroom to make it more private and dressed it all up with new paint, custom wall treatments and lighting. ➥
STORY: Giannina S. Bedford
PHOTOS: Marc Mauldin
Jessica Alexander transformed an outdated condo into her personalized respite in the heart of Buckhead.
“The space feels like a breath of fresh air when I return. It’s so clean and tranquil.”—Jessica Alexander
“I love the view of the Atlanta skyline,” says Alexander, who works in private wealth management. “I envisioned creating a sophisticated, chic space looking out onto the city. I feel like we nailed it.”
The kitchen was the most challenging, yet fun, to design, Alexander says. She replaced the original island-on-wheels with a stationary one topped in black quartz to mimic soapstone and wrapped in black, custom reeded paneling with hidden storage. The kitchen’s range hood was finished to match the island paneling, and open shelves were installed above the sink. While the kitchen footprint stayed mostly the same, Alexander extended the
wall to the windows to give the impression of a larger space.
“We used the old cabinetry bones with a few modifications to completely transform the space.
The asymmetrical island design is different and always stands out to guests,” Alexander says.
Steps from the kitchen, the living space was designed surrounding a Marilyn Monroe piece commissioned from Atlanta artist Steve Penley. Alexander says she always wanted a Penley, but this one in particular is special because it pays tribute to her mother, who passed away when she was 5 years old.
“The way [Steve] paints Marilyn looks like my mother,” Alexander
The entry features a custom cabinet, Etsy rug and framed image of David Schwartz's Rhyme Capsule
Outfitted in Bosch appliances, the kitchen was freshened up with white cabinetry, contrasting dark countertops and reeded wood accents.
says. “Even when the piece was basically done, Steve looked back at pictures of my mom and changed the earrings. Then he personally brought the painting to me.”
This meaningful piece set the tone for the entire living space, furnished in Nuevo chartreuse chairs, Regina Andrew Design Happy Floor Lamp, a Lulu + Georgia checkered rug and custom sofa. Behind the media unit is a textured wallcovering by Schumacher.
“The room was designed with the artwork as the focal point. We carefully selected furniture that complements the art, creating an elevated yet fun space,” Eisenhart says.
In her bedroom, Alexander replaced the curved, studio-height wall with a full wall to make the space feel bigger and added a reeded wood accent wall behind the bed. Closets by Design outfitted her storage spaces, and Alexander adorned her bedroom with art by Atlanta artists Jo Baskerville and Emma Bell. The Four Hands bed is dressed in blush linens from Parachute and bamboo sheets from Ettitude.
“Everyone loves the overall vibe, and my calm and cozy bed-
room,” Alexander says.
From the local art and the vintage rugs to carefully selected accent lighting, each square foot was updated with the homeowner’s discerning eye. While Alexander wanted a space that was beautiful, she also wanted to be practical. This is most apparent in the entry way where she commissioned a slender custom cabinet from Tim Livingstone at
Bungalow Woodshop to make a stylish statement while providing precisely measured storage for her collection of colorful sneakers.
“I wanted a curved cabinet, but all the pieces were way too deep and wouldn’t work, so I found someone to make it,” Alexander says.
Alexander’s main vision for her condo was to make it a place where she could relax and appreci-
ate the convenience of living in a small space.
“I travel a lot, and the space feels like a breath of fresh air when I return. It’s so clean and tranquil,” she says. “I feel at peace when I am at home.” n
A nude by Atlanta artist Emma Bell, the first piece of art Alexander bought, sets the tone in the bedroom.
A Marilyn Monroe painting in the likeness of Alexander's mother was commissioned from Atlanta artist Steve Penley.
BULLETIN BOARD BY Giannina S. Bedford
DESIGN DESTINATIONS
Construction Resources expands its footprint
Decatur-based Construction
Resources is expanding with new locations in Buckhead and the Westside. The CR Design Studio in Buckhead, opening this winter, takes up 12,500-square-feet next to Buckhead Theatre. The 47,500-square-foot CR Design Center at Westside Paper is slated to debut in the spring. Both are open to designers, custom builders and homeowners. Construction Resources CEO Mitch Hires shares intel about the new additions.
What are some of the highlights of each location?
Both locations will offer a robust selection of high-quality, premium materials and fixtures, from countertops, appliances and decorative
plumbing to lighting, garage doors and fireplaces. In Buckhead, our CR Design Studio is set up for a deeply personalized experience, perfect for designers and clients looking for inspiration in a high-end setting. Westside Paper will be a dynamic and expansive design center, showcasing brands like Cambria, Wolf, Sub-Zero, Cosentino, UMI, Kohler, Bosch, Thermador and Mohawk, making it a one-stop destination for anyone looking to bring their vision to life.
What prompted the expansion?
Atlanta has been our home for decades, and our commitment to serving this community is at the heart of our expansion. We chose Buckhead and Westside Paper
DESIGN & REALTY NEWS
Sustainably minded bedding company Boll & Branch is open at Westside Provisions District.
The newest location, part of its ongoing expansion efforts, allows shoppers to explore the brand’s collections, receive a complimentary design consultation and participate in personalized events. The 2,714-square-foot shop features a tactile “feel wall” showcasing various fabric options and displays highlighting its 100% organic cotton and other raw materials. bollandbranch.com
based on their significance to the design community and the unique client experiences they allow us to offer. The expansion reflects our desire to make quality materials and expert service more accessible across Atlanta while responding to growing demand for innovative
n ADAC’s Senior Marketing Manager MacKenzie Johnson landed on Home Furnishings Business’ 2024 Forty Under 40 Class. The annual accolade celebrates emerging talent in the home furnishings industry nationally. Nominees are evaluated by judges based on leadership, professional achievements and philanthropic contributions. adacatlanta.com
Cloak yourself in a flower-dyed quilt this winter. By Athens-based Aloka Home, these colorful throws gain their hues from various botanicals that create a subtle tint. Available from $350-$400. alokahome.com • @alokahome
design solutions in the area.
Are these the only CR Atlanta locations outside of Decatur?
For now, yes. Our multi-category design centers in Buckhead, Westside Paper and Decatur will be our primary locations in Atlanta. Each offers a distinct experience, catering to a range of design needs with thoughtfully curated selections in countertops, appliances, lighting and more. In addition to these centers, we also have Sewell Appliance and CR Flooring to provide even more focused expertise n
CONSTRUCTION RESOURCES constructionresourcesusa.com @constructionresources
Textile company Jaipur Living joined forces with Buckhead-based interior designer Michael Habachy to launch a collection that honors the designer’s Egyptian heritage. The Gamil Collection by Michael Habachy consists of four rugs, each in neutral palettes with geometrics inspired by sacred sites in Egypt. jaipurliving.com
CR Design Center at Westside Paper is slated to open in the spring.
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Bring the spirit of ikat front and center with this visually interesting rug. It comes in natural and coastal blue, giving a room a grounding from which to build. This kilim-style rug comes in a variety of sizes from a runner to 11-by-14 feet. Serena & Lily • serenaandlily.com • @serenaandlily
Laura Park Designs Spice Market Pillow ($195)
Inspired by designer Laura Park’s original art, this pillow brings color and style to a couch, chair or settee. The cotton/linen blend cover is 22by-22 inches and printed on both sides. It has a knife-edge finish and comes with a feather-down insert. The Silk Drapery Company tsdcwestside.com • @tsdcdesign
A Global Groove
18-inch Straight Empire Shade ($195)
The Southeast Asian fabric dyeing technique of ikat has been a colorful and vibrant way to display patterns and textures for thousands of years. In interior design, it’s a handy way to liven up any room with visual interest. Consider these ikat and ikat-inspired pieces for your next design project.
STORY: Lauren Finney Harden
John Robshaw Gopan Peacock Organic Sheet Set ($260-$400)
This printed sheet set from textile master John Robshaw gets its inspiration from a traditional ikat design. Done in rich peacock colors, the pattern is slightly fuzzy to mimic the authenticity of the woven technique. The 200-thread count sheets are made in India from organic, pre-washed percale cotton. The set includes one flat sheet, one fitted sheet and two pillowcases that are hand-stitched in a deep teal for added effect. Check them out in person at Travis & Company’s ADAC showroom. Travis & Company • travisandcompany.com @travisandcompany
Add a little flair to your lighting with an ikat-inspired lampshade. From the Pooky Lighting collaboration with GP & J Baker, a British brand that’s held a royal warrant since 1982, it’s a nice way to turn up a lamp’s sophistication. The shade is available in eight designs including three ikat colors and nine lampshade sizes, ranging from 6 to 20 inches. Pooky Lighting • pookylighting.com @pookylightsus
Lee Jofa Coral Ikat Stripe Fabric (price upon request)
Lee Jofa’s Blithfield collection reflects the mingling together of timeless British design and Southeast Asian influences, evidenced by the Ikat Stripe linen fabric. The material is highly durable and comes in other colors such as blue and lime, red and green, and pale blue. Check it out in person at Kravet’s ADAC showroom. Kravet • kravet.com • @kravetinc
Preserving Time
Pressed Floral CEO shares how she captures memories through flower mementos STORY: Katie Hughes
Sarah Ebert was only 19 when she opened Pressed Floral, a custom floral preservation service, in her home state of Utah. Throughout her life, Ebert, now 25, had always wanted to be an entrepreneur, which pushed her to hustle and look for business opportunities in unique places.
The idea for preserving wedding bouquets between two panes of glass came to Ebert one night in her college dorm. At the time, her sister was getting married, and Ebert was working in the wedding industry. With weddings on her mind, she sought to create a piece of artwork that could serve as a
memento of the special occasion while also outlasting it.
“I knew it was something that could be really successful. So I kicked it off from there, and it picked up like wildfire because it was something that no one had ever seen before,” Ebert said. “I believe Pressed Floral created an industry.” Ebert and her husband have moved to Atlanta to oversee Pressed Floral’s second location on the Westside, where she brings her memory-capturing creations to Atlantans.
What kind of arrangements does Pressed Floral preserve? We deal with flowers from all different types of events. We've preserved flowers from a lot before someone started building their dream home so that they can have the wildflowers hung up. It's so special. We've preserved birth flowers, state flowers, anniversary flowers, engagement flowers. A lot of different types of flowers are meaningful.
Why did you choose to open a second location on the Westside?
It's just a happening place. Since we've been there, it's crazy how many connections I've made in the business world, and they're within a 2-mile radius of our location. I love the industrial vibe. A lot of young businesses are going there, so it feels creative.
How do you preserve and maintain your creations?
I believe that we keep the color and structure of flowers the best in the industry. However, we don't use any paints, dyes or chemicals, so these flowers will fade. I love the natural preservation process and how it ages as you age. You have to keep them out of the sun. You need to keep them out of humidity and protect and maintain them so they can last forever.
Why are these creations meaningful to your customers? It's this special arrangement that brings in a lot of different parts of these clients' lives into one bouquet, and then they get to take it with them through all of their stages of life.
What do you love most about your job?
My favorite part is that I get to be creative. I think one of my strongest suits is being creative in the way that we market, create and design new products. I love that I get to do that every day. n
STYLISH
Pieces of Plastic Page 40
“Repeated use can release microplastics—small plastic particles—that can be ingested.”
— Ramie Little
Writer Karina Antenucci, pictured, explores swapping plastic food preparation and storage items for other materials.
FASHION FUNCTIONALITY
Innovation meets luxury in this locally launched handbag STORY: Emily
What is one part problem solver and all parts high fashion? The Scalzini
Gia Mini Tote bag, designed by Atlanta native Renee Scalzini. A graphic designer by training and trade, Scalzini treated herself to prescription designer sunglasses when she turned 40. She quickly
L. Foley
learned there was no great option for carrying her new investment with her throughout her day. “I searched high and low, but couldn’t find anything that worked. The cases you get from the eye doctor are cumbersome and take up too much room in your bag, but flimsy slip pockets don’t protect them,” Scalz-
handbag,” she says. She made her first model out of paper and then set out to find someone to make a proper fabric prototype that could be taken to a manufacturer. Unable to find the right partner, she bought a sewing machine and taught herself to sew using YouTube videos. After making her “true” prototype, she set out to find a manufacturer—an endeavor that was also far from simple. “I finally have a good manufacturer, and I am proud of my product, but it has taken a long time,” Scalzini says. “Indie brands aren’t a priority for many manufacturers.”
When the Scalzini brand launched at the end of 2021, the first bag was made of genuine leather, but the designer’s niece quickly asked for a vegan bag. “At first I didn’t want to go that route because in my mind, vegan leather is that stuff that disintegrates on your shelf after a year. So I began searching the globe to find a better vegan leather,” Scalzini says. Her search led to silicone leather, or sileather, which was developed in 2013. It is typically used for upholstery in luxury cars and boats, but Scalzini discovered that it is temperature resistant so it doesn’t crack or peel in the sun or scuff over time, and it is also buttery soft, making it the ideal luxury handbag material. “While this is a new material for most people, considering it is 100% recyclable, good for the environment and non-toxic, I think it’s something more people will be gravitating to in time,” Scalzini says.
ini says. “And since most people of a certain age have, at the very least, readers, when I started telling my friends about my frustration, they all agreed it was a problem.”
Scalzini’s creative brain took over, and in 2019, she decided to design a solution: a luxury handbag with a protective eyewear case built in. “I woke up one morning with the vision of how the functionality of a protective eyeglasses case could work on the inside of a designer
Because of the unique functionality of her design, Scalzini holds a utility patent for her bags and is now part of an elite group: Only 13% of patent holders in the U.S. are women. Locally, Scalzini bags can be found in Westside Market in Roswell and online. New colors for the Gia Mini Tote recently launched, and three additional designs will hit the website in 2025, but that’s just the beginning for the brand. “I love designing handbags,” Scalzini says. “I have so many ideas that there aren’t enough hours in the day to get it all done. I wish I could just design things that solve problems for the way we live. I really feel like this is my calling.” n
SCALZINI • scalzini.com @scalzini.accessories
Handbag designer Renee Scalzini with her sileather luxury bag, the Gia Mini Tote ($198).
DIME Beauty Core Memory
Eau de Toilette ($52 for 1.7 oz.)
Bright and citrusy, this clean fragrance may just be unforgettable like its name suggests. The hypoallergenic, Leaping Bunny Certified formula combines top notes of Sicilian mandarin, bergamot, grapefruit peel with a middle of jasmine, rosemary and bluebell with a base of cedarwood and bamboo. It also uses skin-friendly organic cane sugar alcohol in place of Alcohol SD 40 as the perfume’s carrier. Fun feature: On the brand website, you can tap on each ingredient to find its EWG score and a definition of what it is.
Ulta • ulta.com • @ultabeauty
Heretic Florgasm ($165 for 50ml)
DedCool 03 “Blonde” Eau de Parfum ($30 for .5 oz.)
Described as “dewy and spicy,” a scan of the full ingredient list shows that this vegan, crueltyfree scent is crafted from many certified organic extracts that are also all biodegradable. You’ll find top notes of juniper berries, pomelo and saffron; middle notes including rose and black violet; and a base of vetiver, blonde woods and raspberry. The formulation is also water-free, meaning it has a higher concentration that aims to last longer on the skin. Bonus: Its manufacturing and warehousing facilities are certified carbon-neutral, and 1% of all sales are donated to For The Planet, an initiative funding environmental nonprofits. Sephora • sephora.com • @sephora
Clean Scents
Spritz on a nontoxic perfume
STORY: Karina Antenucci
More and more consumers want transparency from beauty companies about what they’re putting on their skin, including fragrance. Several perfume brands are meeting this demand by launching clean products and disclosing their full ingredient lists. Since there is no set definition, the term “clean” loosely means product formulas without toxic or sensitizing ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, silicon, PEGs, BHT, BHA, sulfates and artificial dyes. Here are five nontoxic fragrances to freshen up with.
One hundred percent natural, this handcrafted floral scent is a romantic concoction of jasmine, ylang-ylang, bergamot, orange blossom and hibiscus seed. A pink pepper top note adds a little spark, and it finishes with a silky musk on the skin. All of the evocatively named Heretic perfumes’ plant-based ingredients are blended in organic, non-GMO sugarcane alcohol instead of Alcohol SD 40, a common beauty ingredient that can cause skin irritation or dryness. Spritz on the sheer fragrance throughout the day to increase its intensity as needed. Blue Mercury • bluemercury.com • @bluemercury
Henry Rose Jake’s House Eau de Parfum ($120 for 1.7 oz.)
This made-in-the-USA fruity, floral scent features a top note of fresh marine that pairs a clean freshness with middle notes of neroli, peony and jasmine, and has a light musky finish. Henry Rose goes to great lengths to ensure its products won’t harm your health or the environment’s, which is why it touts EWG Verified, Cradle to Cradle and Forest Stewardship Council certifications. It also partners with Breast Cancer Prevention Partners to give back a portion of all proceeds to research and advocacy around toxic chemicals in personal care products. Adding to its cool factor: Michelle Pfeiffer is the brand’s founder. Nordstrom • nordstrom.com @nordstrom
Bond No. 9 The Scent of Peace Natural Eau de Parfum ($480 for 3.3 oz.)
The first all-natural fragrance from New York-based parfumerie Bond No. 9, The Scent of Peace Natural is formulated with essential oils produced from raw materials. The sophisticated scent brings together top notes of lemon and blackcurrant, middle notes of raspberry and damask rose, and base notes that include cedarwood and musk. The line was named to complement its founder Laurice Rahmé’s campaign for spreading peace internationally, an effort for which she earned the United Nations’ Women for Peace Award in 2015. Bloomingdale’s bloomingdales.com @bloomingdales
PIECES OF PLASTIC
Plastic is all around us. In the kitchen, this ubiquitous material is cheap and light, making it a common choice for items used in food preparation and storage. But food safety experts say whether plastics are safe to use or not can depend on the kind of plastic, how it is used and for how long. Plus, healthy home experts recommend alternatives that can be better for your health and the environment. Here are some tips about plastics in the kitchen to decide for yourself.
Check the type of plastics you own.
The Resin Identification Code, a small triangle with a number from 1 to 7 on the bottom of the container,
indicates the plastic's composition and if it’s food grade. “The safest options are usually 1, 2, 4 and 5 while 3, 6 and 7 are generally not recommended,” says Lahcen El Haddadi, food safety instructor and consultant at F&B Safety Solutions, which has worked with Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, among other businesses. Plastics that should not be used to store food include BPA (bisphenol A), PVC and polystyrene (hello, Styrofoam), as they are known for leaching chemicals.
Discard single-use plastics. Don’t reuse plastic takeout containers or refill bottled waters, as they’re not made for that. The risks include consuming bacteria and chemicals.
Food safety in the kitchen
STORY: Karina Antenucci
Trash (or recycle, when possible) old plastics.
Plastic items, from cutting boards to food storage containers, should be replaced when they have signs of wear and tear, such as cracks, breaks and deep scratches. “[These] can trap bacteria that can spread to food,” El Haddadi says. Repeated use can also release microplastics—small plastic particles—that can be ingested, says Ramie Little, vice president of business and legal affairs, Wellness
Within Your Walls in Peachtree Hills, an educational resource group promoting healthier interior environments. For instance, one study published in American Chemical Society in 2023 showed a cutting
RECYCLING TIPS
To stop recyclable containers from ending up in landfills, empty them fully and give them a quick rinse, says El Haddadi. He advises that clear or white plastic containers are usually recyclable, while compostable and biodegradable plastics are typically accepted by industrial composting, not recycling, facilities. This is because biodegradable plastic can degrade the overall quality of plastic if added to recreate new products.
board could shed up to 10 red Solo cups’ worth of microplastics over the course of a year. There is limited long-term health data on what effect that actually has on a person (but eating plastic with your carrots sure doesn’t sound appealing).
Another reason for shedding old plastics is that over time, they break down when exposed to heat from sources such as microwaves and dishwashers. When this happens, “they can release chemicals into food. Some of these are known to be toxic, while others have undetermined toxicity,” El Haddadi says.
Pick an alternative to plastic. Too many unknowns with plastics for your liking? The team at Wellness Within Your Walls suggests BPA-free silicone and glass for food prep and storage. “Since glass is non-porous, meaning it does not absorb or release toxic chemicals or microscopic particles, it is especially preferred for hot foods,” Little says. Also, instead of plastic wrap, beeswax wraps are a natural, eco-friendly and reusable solution for fresh foods that require breathable storage options, such as cheeses, vegetables, herbs and baked goods. Other materials that are generally safe but have some limitations, notes Little, include stainless steel, which cannot be microwaved; foodsafe bamboo that deteriorates over time if it isn’t properly cleaned and isn’t microwave/dishwasher safe; and aluminum that should not be used with hot or acidic foods because of chemical leaching. n
The author is pictured with her wood cutting board, which works well for chopping produce but not meat.
Jamie Annarino
A Fresh Injection
Kelsey Taylor brings wellness to Spa Sydell Buckhead
STORY: Lauren Finney Harden PHOTO: Erik Meadows
Spa Sydell, an Atlanta institution for more than 40 years, is synonymous with massages and facials, but it recently expanded the Buckhead location’s wellness offerings. Kelsey Taylor arrived last year and brought with her a new skill set to complement the spa’s menu. Originally from Maine, Taylor graduated in 2023 from Emory University’s nurse practitioner program. She has a goal of elevating wellness and beauty to go beyond just injectables. “We want to treat people from the inside out,” she says. For her, that includes educating and helping underserved populations such as women, veterans and the LGBTQ+ community get the recognition, funding and research they deserve to get better care. That
includes advocating for genderaffirming facial feminization and masculinization through the use of fillers instead of plastic surgery. Here, she introduces her experience and thoughts on the wellness industry.
Tell us about your background before becoming a nurse practitioner. I joined the military in 2008. I always wanted to get into medicine, but there was a four-year wait for [military] medics and no guaranteed slot. I didn’t want to wait that long. So I took an exam called the DLAB (the Defense Language Aptitude Battery) that gauges foreign language ability, and they offered me a job as a cryptologic technician interpretive, as a Russian interpreter. They sent me to Cali-
fornia for a year to become fluent in Russian. Then I worked at the National Security Agency as an intelligence analyst. I was also a volunteer EMT in the military. I needed a break after that, so I went to Thailand in 2013. I fell in love with it and with scuba diving. I got my diving certification and became an instructor. A few years later in 2020, I got accepted into Emory’s MN-MSN nurse practitioner program.
Tell us about your work at Spa Sydell. I wanted to include regenerative medicine and functional wellness in my practice because I think they are really important and go hand in hand with aesthetics. We do full blood panels, individualized care plans and weight loss consultations with prescriptions. I’m also offering other peptides that many people, including some providers, don’t know about. We have peptides that
help with muscle building and some that are good for skin and hair. We even offer peptides that are good for depression, anxiety and erectile dysfunction. According to research, some of these peptides can reverse neurodegeneration and other symptoms we see in Alzheimer’s and dementia patients.
What about injectables?
We offer four different neurotoxins: Botox, Jeuveau, Dysport and Xeomin. For dermal fillers, we usually use Juvederm and Restylane. However, I like to focus on combination treatments with biostimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse. We also have Pure Bio Filler, which is similar to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in that it uses your own blood to stimulate collagen production. We warm the plasma into a gel-like consistency and then mix it with the fibrin matrix that is full of growth factors. It’s used as an all-natural filler and biostimulator. n SPA SYDELL • 404.255.7727 spasydell.com • @spasydellatl
Pointed Prescription Page 46
veterinary medicine, including acupuncture.
“Most of the clients find me when their dog or cat has a problem not solved by Western medicine.” — Dr. Katie Bockstedt
Veterinarian Katie Bockstedt is certified in traditional Chinese
PHOTO: Erik Meadows
PIERCING PLAN
What to know about getting those first real earrings STORY: Karina Antenucci
Ear piercing is common in cultures around the world and a sweet rite of passage. However, the practice does come with some risks, including infection, allergic reaction and keloid formation, a type of scar tissue. So if you’re thinking about when and where to get your child’s ears pierced, it’s good to consider the following advice from pediatricians for a safe and healing process.
Age Appropriateness
Different family traditions may influence the timing of getting ears pierced. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests waiting until kids are mature enough to take care
of their lobes themselves. “A few of the reasons we recommend waiting include a potential higher risk for infection and scarring. There is also the potential for the shape of the ear to change over the first few years of life,” says Dr. Jason Hefner, regional medical director of internal medicine and pediatrics at Piedmont Physicians Group. At a minimum, Hefner says to wait until after the first rounds of vaccines and preferably after your child’s 6-month pediatrician check.
Prep Work
Find a reputable place with experienced technicians, whether that’s your pediatrician’s office, private
piercing studio, tattoo parlor or retail location with good public health measures. “The most important thing in choosing a location is the overall reputation and company policies toward
Some pediatrician practices offer ear piercing. It's worth asking before researching other locations.
cleanliness and hygiene. Disposable, single-use needles and properly sanitized equipment are essential to prevent complications and infections,” says Hefner, who notes that single-needle piercing tends to have less local tissue damage and lower risk of infection and keloid formation than piercing guns.
Selecting Earrings
The AAP suggests choosing an earring material that is low risk for local reactions, such as gold or stainless steel. Steer clear of plated jewelry that can cause irritation. “It is a good idea to especially make sure that the post and backing of the earrings are nickel-free. Nickel tends to be one of the substances most likely to cause local inflammatory or allergic reactions,” Hefner says. Also, stick with lightweight stud earrings over hoops to prevent tearing of the earlobes.
After Care
Overseeing your child’s healing process will help reduce risk of infection. They should not touch the new piercings except when cleaning them, or remove or change the earrings for at least four to six weeks, advises the AAP. Hefner says the routine twice daily cleaning with gentle soap and water or a cleansing solution is essential to prevent infection. He adds that most experts also recommend gentle rotation of the earring (with clean hands) a few times a day to decrease the risk for scarring and inflammation. “Lastly, make sure the backing of the earring is not applied too tightly, as this can lead to infection or the backing getting attached to the skin/scar tissue after the piercing.”
It can take several months for the ears to fully heal, so have your child keep the posts in for six months after piercing to prevent the holes from closing. If you notice an embedded earring back, pain, redness, puss or swelling that lasts longer than 24 hours after the piercing, contact your physician for an exam and treatment immediately. n
PIEDMONT HEALTHCARE • piedmont.org
JBryson
Pointed Prescription
Acupuncture for your pet
STORY:
JJessica Saunders PHOTO: Erik Meadows
ust as a growing number of humans turn to acupuncture to relieve chronic pain and other conditions, more and more pet owners seek out the treatment for ailing animals.
Acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine that’s been in use for at least 2,000 years. The most familiar form applies needles to specific points within a body to better align its “Qi” or life force.
The American Veterinary Medical Association has had a policy on “complementary and alternative veterinary medicine,” which includes acupuncture, since 2001.
Dr. Katie Bockstedt, associate veterinarian at PetWell Veterinary Healthcare in West Midtown, practices traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM). She has a doctor of veterinary medicine degree from The University of Geor-
“I thought, ‘I don’t like doing this for myself, so why would it be my first choice for my patients?’”
Acupuncture works by stimulating points in the body that relate to different internal organs or processes, she says. Microscopic studies show acupuncture points are different than adjacent structures; they usually have more blood vessels and nerve endings.
An initial integrative medicine appointment, which is $190 and takes two hours, includes a thorough patient history and ends with a treatment plan, which may involve diet changes, herbal medicine and acupuncture. In an acupuncture session, needles are inserted and left in for about 20 minutes. The owner distracts the patient from any discomfort with treats. The dog or cat usually relaxes once the first needles are in, and get calmer with subsequent sessions, Bockstedt says.
For chronic disease, she recommends four to six treatments, one to two weeks apart. After the initial series, the goal is for the patient to taper off to longer intervals between sessions, and eventually once a season.
Observation, lab work and physical exams indicate whether the treatments are effective. Improved quality of life is often the priority for clients, Bockstedt says. Western medical tests may or may not show changes from acupuncture treatment.
gia and is certified in veterinary acupuncture and other integrative medicine practices. She has used acupuncture on dogs and cats with kidney disease, liver disease, arthritis, orthopedic issues and behavior problems such as urinary incontinence and separation anxiety.
“Most of the clients find me when their dog or cat has a problem not solved by Western medicine,” she says. The patients have “more complicated issues,” and their owners seek out other options that lead them to her.
She would like to treat more patients when they are younger to “get them on the right path from the beginning,” says Bockstedt, who found integrative medicine solved her own medical problems that had been resistant to Western medicine.
That led her to reconsider her veterinary practice where she often prescribed antibiotics and steroids.
One patient, a dog with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis that causes scarring in the lungs, had difficulty breathing, she recalled. After a few weeks of acupuncture, herbs and diet changes, the dog's symptoms improved. “The owner reported that the dog's energy levels were much increased, and she could no longer detect respiratory symptoms. The X-rays of this dog's lungs never changed, but the owner did not mind as the symptoms resolved,” Bockstedt says.
Acupuncture is not always appropriate. In cases of emergencies, infections and surgeries, Western medicine is initially the best choice, with TCVM used to help speed healing, rebalance the body and prevent recurrence. n
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ANCHORS
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APPAREL & ACCESSORIES
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Conveniently located on Peachtree Road adjacent to Oglethorpe University.
FINANCIAL FIRST START
How to smartly invest in your child’s retirement now STORY: Lauren Finney Harden
Afinancial “hack” going around social media states that if you put money into a custodial ROTH IRA account when your child is young and pay them for work they do for your company, they could easily have a million dollars by the time they retire. A tax-advantaged individual retirement account allows individuals to save for retirement while growing money tax-free, after initially being taxed at the time of the investment. But it seems most social media personalities oversimplify the process, says money manager and Buckhead-based Emilie Dayan Hill a chartered financial analyst, and founder of Finance that Feels, a newsletter and educational resource aimed at women. She says it is true that you can set your child up for financial success in retirement through savvy money management of any earned income now. However, this strategy comes with lots of caveats, rules and restrictions. “You should always run this by a tax professional, and this is not personalized advice,” Hill says. Read on to find out if this financial strategy is available to your family and how it might benefit your child.
grow tax-free. The contribution limit in 2024 was $7,000 a year. If your child’s account is funded the full amount every year from when they were 1 until 18 years old, it could be north of $5 million.
A child has to be earning income in a family business in order for this to work, correct?
Yes, there has to be legitimate work for a legitimate company, such as an LLC or S-Corp. The work needs to be
age-appropriate and relevant to the business, whether family-owned or another company. (Be sure to check your state's labor laws on minimum age to work.) You can’t make up jobs like chores and count that as a business expense. Additionally, your child has to earn more than $7,000. They can’t earn $1,000, and you put $7,000 into a custodial ROTH. You need to document everything and have a paper trail for reporting. Treat your child as an employee for reporting purposes. Issue them a W-2 like any other employee. You will need to also pay them the market rate. To help visualize this: If you are paying them minimum wage in the state of Georgia ($7.25) and trying to make it to the full contribution amount of $7,000, they’d need to be working 19 hours a week, which isn’t legal for certain age groups. However, children don’t need to work for a family business to get a custodial ROTH IRA. Your child is eligible to contribute to a ROTH for any job as long as there is a paper trail. For example, if your child gets a job at 15, they could put it into their own ROTH IRA account, but it’s hard to get teenagers to part with their money.
Are there any drawbacks to this retirement strategy?
Your child can’t touch the interest and profit money until retirement age, but they can take out the initial contributions. But the idea is your child could have millions of dollars because the investments have compounded the original contributions.
Are there other ways parents can make money work smarter for their kids?
You could prioritize being able to pay for college by putting money into a 529, which is an education-specific and tax-free account that can only be used for education expenses. You have to pay a penalty to use 529 funds for anything like a down payment on a house. There’s also a plain custodial brokerage account that, like a custodial ROTH IRA, can convert into their name when they turn 18 or 21, depending on the state. A custodial brokerage can be used to pay for anything, but there are no tax benefits. n
EMILIE DAYAN HILL emiliedayanhill.com • @emiliedayanhill
CULTURE
Kidding Around Page 50
“I joke [music for kids] goes from CoComelon to Cardi B, because there's nothing in the middle.”
—Genevieve LeDoux
Music to our ears: Emmy-winning children's content producer Genevieve LeDoux's newest venture is an animated rock band called Star Forest.
Kidding Around
Emmy-winning producer Genevieve LeDoux’s children inspire her latest career move STORY: Jill Becker
They say necessity is the mother of invention, which certainly holds true for Genevieve LeDoux. The chief imagination officer, as she jokingly refers to herself, of Silver Comet Productions, LeDoux is an award-winning producer whose current pet project centers around an animated rock band called Star Forest.
The aha moment for her newest venture took place during the pandemic, when, to get out of the house, she and her two sons would get in the car and drive around
with the windows rolled down and the music cranked up. Her oldest son, Hudson, who was 5 at the time, wasn’t a fan of his 3-year-old brother Dempsey’s music because it was too babyish. So LeDoux went looking for music for kids Hudson’s age and found it didn’t exist.
“Everything that was made for the 5 to 9 age group was still very immature and not well produced, so they weren’t into it,” LeDoux says. “I joke it goes from CoComelon to Cardi B, because there’s nothing in the middle.”
It was then she saw a niche that
forth to Atlanta, and he came home one day and said, ‘You know what, there’s something really happening there,’” she explains.
LeDoux had just gotten nominated for her Emmy and was about to have a baby, so moving was a tough decision for the pair, but they headed to Atlanta when her son was 4 months old and settled in Buckhead for 5 years. “I didn’t know a soul,” she says, “but I fell in love with the people, the trees and the culture.”
The LeDoux family now resides in Smyrna in a whimsical, all-rock house built in 1890. Part of the Silver Comet Trail runs through their property, which is where the name for her production company came from. Their home also inspired the name of the fictional cartoon band she created, Star Forest. “We have a lot of trees in our backyard, and for some reason this one night, just after dusk, there were thousands of fireflies,” LeDoux says. “We’d had fireflies lots of times, but this was a show. And that’s when I said it's like a starry forest.”
needed to be filled. For inspiration, LeDoux drew upon her years in Los Angeles working on children’s TV shows like “Yo Gabba Gabba!,” “My Little Pony” and a stop-motion series called “Tumble Leaf” that won her an Emmy for Outstanding Preschool Children’s Animated Program. She and her husband, Chris LeDoux, who founded the visual effects company Crafty Apes, had since relocated to Atlanta when he decided to open an office here in 2014. “He was working a lot for Tyler Perry and was going back and
LeDoux came up with the band’s creaturesque animated characters: lead singer/keytarist Fawn Velvette, guitarist/singer Twig Leifort, bass guitarist/rapper Sluuth Marbles and drummer Rocktapus “Rocky” Blueblood VII. She also cowrites the songs in a genre she describes as synth wave nature pop. The band has put out two albums so far: Star Forest and the newly released Let Me Be Real. The latter includes a song called “Fancy Little Creek” that was written about the creek that ran through LeDoux’s backyard in Buckhead. The albums can be found on the Apple, YouTube and Amazon streaming music platforms. The band also has its own YouTube channel, @starforestrocks, with music videos, bandmate interviews and more. And a new mobile iOS game called Beam On: A Star Forest Quest is about to debut.
However you encounter Star Forest, you’d be wise to heed the following notice posted on one of the band’s recent YouTube videos: “Warning: Side effects may include uncontrollable toe-tapping, spontaneous daydreaming and a sudden urge to befriend talking animals.” n
SILVER COMET PRODUCTIONS silvercometstudios.com
STAR FOREST starforest.rocks • @starforestrocks
Chanda Wiliams
First Things you First
The diversity of the workforce, the passionate gospel music fans and the great airport for our sales team and clients have contributed to our being an entertainment leader.
Did the aim always stay the same?
We’ve always been true to our purpose to uplift people through quality entertainment. We established the genre of uplifting content. Our mission is to provide an alternative, to be a beacon of light on a dark media landscape. If you watch our different brands, movies or series, you’ll have a positive feeling. We say our characters have character. It doesn’t mean we don’t deal with relatable, tough stories, but in the end, we win in the right way. It’s time well spent.
What sort of shows do the channels air or stream?
We have “Reba” and “Blue Bloods” as well as movies from the studios that produce them. But we also create original movies and content such as “Atlanta Eats” that are filmed around the metro area. We also have UP Faith & Family, GaitherTV+ and aspireTV, which we launched with [former NBA star] Magic Johnson to celebrate black and urban culture.
Good Vibes for All
Charley
marks 20 years of uplifting TV STORY: H.M. Cauley PHOTO: Joann Vitelli
Growing up as the son of televangelist Rex Humbard, Charley Humbard heard a lot of great gospel music. And keeping with the spirit of spreading uplifting messages to the faithful, he launched the Gospel Music Channel 20 years ago. Since then, the company’s CEO and founder has put his positive spin on a number of ventures and won Peabody, Emmy and the Movieguide Visionary awards for family-friendly programming. Here, he shares
his background and insights on his niche of the industry.
How did you get started in the TV business?
I grew up in Ohio, went to college in Nashville and have been in the Atlanta area off and on for 35 years. I started on the production side before moving into sales and management, working for Turner, Crawford Communications and Discovery, where I was a founding member of the international team that put the
network in 140 countries. After 9/11, I gave up globetrotting to settle in Atlanta where I have family.
How did the Gospel Music Channel grow?
In the beginning, it was like MTV for gospel and Christian music. But five years in, that changed to movies and shows all around uplifting entertainment. The channel became UPtv and quickly grew from fewer than 3,000 subscribers to more than 70 million. Atlanta turned out to be a great market for us. It’s been our home now for 20 years, but when we launched, I couldn’t have foreseen how perfect Atlanta would be.
The last decade has brought major changes to the public’s TV-watching habits. How has that impacted the company?
We’ve gone through quite a shift with the decline in cable subscribers—we went from 71 million down to 40—but the good news is we got into streaming early. It’s been growing through 2015, and we now have three subscription services, including one for kids’ programming. I think streaming is here to stay, and it’s going to look more like cable.
Away from work, where do you find your entertainment?
I like to fly fish, and I go to a house we have in Utah to ski in the winter. And I love eating at Star Provisions next to Bacchanalia. Our office is on the Westside, so it’s my go-to lunch spot. n
UPTV • uptv.com • @up_tv
Humbard
EVENTS BY Nicole Letts
DECOR & MORE
DESIGN ENTHUSIASTS GATHER FOR CATHEDRAL GIVING BY DESIGN
As January melts into February, head indoors for the third annual Cathedral Giving by Design. Held Jan. 24 and 25, the weekend-long event includes an evening cocktail party and live auction, a design panel with respected interior designers and an architect, as well as a tour of homes showcasing the panelists’ talents.
Co-chair Leslie Foster says, “This is a unique charity event because it unabashedly celebrates design and hospitality while first and foremost considering our beneficiary.” The charitable recipient changes each year, allowing for various nonprofits across Atlanta to receive funding. For 2025, the committee has chosen Wellspring Living. The organization, which supports survivors of sex trafficking, was chosen out of 28 applicants. “Atlanta is a big city, and we are a big church that likes to tackle big problems. Through our partnership, Wellspring Living will be raising money to start building tiny homes for survivors,” Foster says.
Attendees are invited to the opening reception at the Cathedral of St. Philip on Friday when guests will be treated to live music, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, cocktails and a live auction. Saturday begins with the design panel titled “Beyond the Front Door: Trends in Decorating, Lifestyle & Entertaining.” Panel members include interior designers Melanie Millner of The Design Atelier, Phoebe Howard, Ashley Gilbreath and architect John Plaster. Christina Dandar, the blogger
and YouTuber behind The Potted Boxwood, returns this year as moderator. At the conclusion of the panel, guests can embark on a self-guided tour of homes showcasing designs from each of the participants.
“My friends have told me they’re excited about the event because it's a great way to have fun and support a wonderful organization,” co-chair Rebecca Hollingsworth says. Tickets options range from $50 to $275 and are available for individual events or as a weekend package. n
Panelists at this year's event will cover the topic, “Beyond the Front Door: Trends in Decorating, Lifestyle & Entertaining.”
Designed by Melanie Millner, this residence on the Chattahoochee River is one of the five homes on the Cathedral Giving by Design Tour of Homes.
Emily Followill
EVENTS BY Nicole Letts
Celebrating Civil Rights
Recognizing the impact of Martin Luther King Jr.
The King Center, situated within the historic Sweet Auburn district, will embark on its annual King Holiday Observance, a two-week-long celebration commencing Jan. 8 and culminating Jan. 20. This year's theme, Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365, will serve as a guiding star, illuminating the diverse array of events
and programs designed to honor the enduring legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
The observance begins with an opening reception that sets the stage for two weeks of purposeful engagement related to King’s teachings. The cornerstone event on Jan. 20 will be a community service project where volunteers will assemble essential kits for Atlanta's underserved residents,
Bountiful Branches
Conversations about Jewish genealogy in Buckhead
Presented in partnership with The Breman Museum, the Atlanta History Center welcomes author Gary Deutsch to McElreath Hall at the Buckhead campus on Jan. 19. Deutsch, the author of I’ve Got Levys in my Genes: An introductory guide to Jewish Genealogy and the former president of the Jewish Genealogical Society of Georgia will teach attendees how to embark on genealogy studies. Through a discussion, Deutsch will unravel the mysteries of the past, showing how to leverage census and naturalization records, precious personal documents and even silent
Attendees of Gary Deutsch's lecture at the Atlanta History Center are invited to participate in a hands-on genealogy workshop.
storytellers like tombstones to piece together a more complete family history. The talk will also outline other useful ancestry and genealogical tools. A hands-on workshop with members of the Society will conclude the presentation. This is an ideal class for beginners seeking an introduction to researching and understanding Jewish genealogy. n
atlantahistorycenter.com @atlantahistorycenter
BUZZ
STRIDES FOR SURVIVORS
Jan. 11
stridesforsurvivors.org
@stridesforsurvivors
Put on your sneakers and join the ninth annual Strides for Survivors walk around Chastain Park’s PATH. The 2.7-mile walk supports Turning Point, a breast cancer rehabilitation organization.
King Center hosts a series of events each January commemorating the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr.
demonstrating the power of collective action. Additionally, the center will offer a wealth of educational opportunities, catering to both educators and young minds. Teachers will have access to lesson plans, while children are invited to an on-site puppet show and story-telling.
thekingcenter.org • @thekingcenter
Registration before Jan. 10 is $35. Day of registration is $40.
PAINTED PICKLE OPEN PLAY
Sundays
paintedpickle.com
@paintedpickleatl
Calling all pickle ballers! Head to Painted Pickle in Buckhead every Sunday evening from 7 to 10 p.m. for solo, partner or group play. The courts are organized by skill level and led by in-house Athletic Director and pro Ivan Vizcaya. Entry is $20.
SOCIAL BITES TRIVIA
Mondays
gosocialbites.com
@socialbitesfoodhub
SocialBites, a new food hub in Sandy Springs with four different food concepts at one point of purchase, has launched trivia nights. Gather your friends for a few hours of knowledge testing and competing against other teams. Past theme trivia nights have included Marvel, Disney and Harry Potter. The festivities begin at 7 p.m.
SUPERVISED PUPPY PLAYTIME
Saturdays
centralbarkusa.com/atlanta
@centralbarkatlanta
This Seder photo is from the program presenter’s personal collection.
Bring your pup to Central Bark in Brookhaven for supervised social hour. Puppy Hour is a free playdate for puppies, giving them opportunities to learn valuable socializing skills. Puppies of all ages are welcome, but proof of up-to-date Bordetella and DHPP vaccinations is required.
The
Gary Deutsch
Fresh
S tarts
LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE WITH HEALTHY NEW HABITS
PHOTO: Erik Meadows
“New Year, new you” feels like an expected—but tired—mantra for the start of 2025. Instead of a litany of ambitious resolutions that are likely to go by the wayside, we are focusing on sustainable habits that can really boost your overall quality of life. Here, we profile three locals who have changed their lifestyles to conquer a specific area of concern: achieving a healthy weight, overcoming addiction and improving sleep quality. Plus, we have interviews from professionals to give you a roadmap to get started on your own journey. Think of this feature as a “choose your own adventure” to improve your health this year and beyond.
Click Models of Atlanta model Mikhol is wearing Pointelle Pants Bundle in Boxwood ($148), available at Lake.
Living a New Lifestyle
Trisha Addicks shares her weight-loss
journey STORY: Karina Antenucci PHOTO: Erik Meadows
In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brookhaven resident Trisha Addicks was terrified she was going to die. She had every comorbidity that health care professionals listed as risk factors for contracting a severe form of the virus, including obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and pre-diabetes. Even without the COVID factor, she was at increased risk for developing heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. After years of yo-yo dieting, the 56year-old weighed the most she ever had and was at a breaking point.
“I went to my doctor in March of 2021 and, for the first time, just laid it all out there about how I wanted to lose weight and get healthier,” says Addicks, a sorority rush consultant with a podcast, “Mad Rush with Trisha Addicks.”
She credits her physician, Dr. Amatu Rabbi at the Center for Medicine in Sandy Springs, for changing her life. Together, they took a close look at Addicks’ diet and created a high-protein, low-carbohydrate, portion-controlled meal plan. Addicks began counting calories. She assumes she had previously been eating upwards of 4,000 calories a day from large meals. Three years later, she has lost more than 100 pounds and is eating between 1,200-1,500 calories a day to maintain her weight.
At first, the dietary changes felt daunting, but Addicks decided to allow herself to eat anything in small portions versus cutting off certain foods entirely. “If I want pizza, I let myself have it. So I don’t freak out and eat a whole pizza. I’ll have it, but not much of it and not all that often. Still, the option is there,” Addicks says.
Her typical daily meal plan includes lots of small snacks, a breakfast such as an egg and half a piece of toast, a sandwich or salad for lunch and a varied dinner that she enjoys cooking with her husband. Though diet is a big part of it,
Addicks says the lifestyle change that has made the biggest difference in her health has been daily exercise. She walks every day for an hour and a half, and hasn’t taken a day off in more than a year. Once she got into the groove of this routine, Addicks added personal training twice per week to strengthen her body. She now trains with a small group at Alloy’s Chastain location.
“I’ll talk to friends on the phone while I walk. If you have time to chat on the phone, then you have the time to walk,” Addicks says. (In fact, that’s exactly what she was doing during this interview.)
In addition to big-deal health improvements such as lowering her cholesterol and blood pressure and reversing pre-diabetes, Addicks’ quality of life is better today. For one thing, she sleeps more soundly. She also enjoys more quality time with her family. Instead of sitting out activities, she goes on hikes and golfing excursions with them (they golf; she walks next to the cart).
Another fortunate outcome but an unfortunate societal norm: She gets taken more seriously postweight loss. “From people I met through work to many doctors, no one except my friends and family could see past the fat before,” she says.
With a newfound confidence, Addicks is spreading her wings in her professional life. She launched her podcast in 2023 and wrote a book about business that will be published next year. Additionally, she appeared in the MAX documentary Bama Rush and on the cover of The Wall Street Journal, and has been featured in several other media outlets as a leading sorority rush expert.
“It’s so important to know that, even at my age, it can be done,” she says. n
Health coach tips for a diet and fitness routine that works STORY: Karina Antenucci
Fad diet, shmad diet. Let’s get real: If you want to lose weight and keep it off in the long term, you’ll need a consistent fitness and healthy eating routine. Tramell Smith, certified personal trainer at Pinnacle Fitness in Buckhead, offers the following advice that he says will work for virtually anyone looking to get fit.
EATING RIGHT
A healthy diet is rich in lean proteins, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and dairy or dairy alternatives. Smith says the simplest way to stay focused on healthy eating is to go for quality, oneingredient food items to build your home-cooked meals. For instance, if you’re making a soup, opt for individual herbs for flavor over a manufactured bouillon cube that packs 17 ingredients in one item. Whether your schedule allows for three healthy meals per day or two meals and a snack, Smith suggests eating the healthiest way possible for your time. Just make sure snacks are planned so you don’t end up eating junk food or overeating. “I’m not a fan of grazing. I like a planned snack like 10 Triscuits in a to-go container. Grazing would be having the box of Triscuits and going hand to mouth. The next thing you know, you ate the whole box.”
CALORIE COUNTING
To maintain or lose weight, keeping track of calories can be helpful. If you’re not consulting with a nutritionist, Smith recommends doing an online search for a “calorie calculator” to determine how many calories your body generally needs based on age, gender, height, weight and perceived activity level. From there, keep track of your daily food and drink intake, and plug it into an app with calorie-counting tools such as Fitlife or MyFitnessPal.
“For weight loss, take away 100-150 calories from your daily al-
lotment four days out of the week and don’t go over the allotment on the other three days. You’ll be on track to lose a half a pound per week, depending on what your goals are,” Smith says.
MOVEMENT MATTERS
Smith suggests working out four days per week, too, at least to start. Aim for a variety of movement. For example, two days per week with a trainer, one day of a cardio fitness class and one day of doing something lighter, such as going for a walk.
“Don’t be afraid to be strong,” Smith says. While low weights and high reps might be the go-to for strength training for many people, mixing it up with some heavier weights a few days out of the month to build muscle is a good thing. “The benefits are stronger bones and joints, balance and overall wellness and quality of life. Muscle doesn’t get sick per se. The more body fat you have, the more sickness and inflammation.”
WORKOUT SIDEKICKS
Start working with a trainer as soon as possible so you don’t develop bad workout habits, such as misalignment and bad posture, rushing and not incorporating recovery time, which all can result in injuries. What’s more, a workout buddy is great for accountability and to make it more fun. “Misery loves company, I like to joke. I prefer to train small groups of two to three people with like-minded goals. People tend to show up more, work harder and complain less,” Smith says. “Having others encouraging you and going through the same thing makes it more enjoyable for all parties involved.”
And don’t forget to celebrate the small victories. “They help you get to the bigger ones!” Smith says. n
Sleep On It
Buckhead resident and integrative health coach changed her sleep habits and her life STORY: Amy Meadows PHOTO: Erik Meadows
When Jenni-Lee Basson and her husband, Garth, were planning a move to Atlanta from South Africa six years ago, she had an epiphany. During one of their weeklong visits to their new city, they slept incredibly well. Removed from the prevalent crime to which they had become accustomed in their home country, and
which often kept the mother of three up at night, they were able to enjoy a level of restorative sleep they hadn’t experienced in years. Even during Garth’s cancer battle, which he was fighting at the time and ultimately beat, they rested soundly. It made her stop to think about how important sleep was to her well-being.
“I had such broken sleep,” says Basson, who began considering her sleep habits after Garth was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2015 and received a second diagnosis of stage four cancer two years later. That stress, coupled with raising three girls, had put her in a continuous cycle of exhaustion where she fell asleep quickly but woke up often
during the night and felt groggy the next day because she never achieved adequate deep sleep. “That became a habit,” she says, noting that she accepted her doctor’s prescription for sleeping pills at the height of Garth’s cancer treatment when she couldn’t shut down.
“There came a time when I said, ‘I don’t want to become dependent on these pills. I need to look at how I can make some changes,’” says Basson, who began with small, simple steps such as taking magnesium at night and choosing to put down her
Health coach Jenni-Lee Basson has several resources ready to help her get an excellent night’s sleep.
phone a few hours before she went to bed. By the time her family completed their move to Buckhead, she had a comprehensive, fairly strict nighttime routine that includes being in bed by 10 p.m. with the lights out by 10:30, ensuring that she can get a full eight hours of sleep. She strives to keep her bedroom decluttered, uses blackout curtains and sleeps with an eye mask. She often takes an Epsom salt bath to help detox and ease into a deeper sleep.
Basson’s sleep-based routine also goes beyond her bedtime regimen. For instance, she engages in a variety of deep breathing exercises throughout the day to combat stress—something her entire family does on a regular basis. “When you have high levels of stress, you can’t just bring those down before you go to sleep,” she says. “You have to take small breaks during the day with sessions of breathing. It has helped me a lot.” She also does infrared sauna sessions when time allows.
The cumulative results for her have been noticeable. “You start your day better, you feel more focused, you have clarity. When you wake up in the morning, you’re more energetic. Mentally, physically and emotionally, your overall health is improved,” Basson says. “The importance of better sleep is something underestimated by so many.”
With that in mind, Basson, who has always been passionate about health and nutrition, went back to school to study integrative holistic health, taking a yearlong online course with the Institute for Integrative Nutrition. Now she has a growing business as an integrative nutrition health coach that allows her to share her knowledge with clients facing similar challenges. When it comes to sleep, her advice is to implement small changes over time to avoid becoming overwhelmed and stay consistent. “You cannot make a list of 10 changes and say, ‘I’m going to do all of this.’ Even one change can be hard. So you’ve got to make one change at a time,” she says. “There’s no quick fix. We don’t do anything unless there’s a reward. The reward is feeling and functioning so much better.” n
ENTER SANDMAN
Improve your sleep with tips from a Buckhead specialist STORY: Amy Meadows
he alarm goes off, and you drag yourself out of bed. It takes a while to feel like you can face the day ahead (possibly after a cup or two of coffee). According to Dr. Matthew Schmitt of Piedmont Physicians Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine in Buckhead, this slow motion movement in the morning is quite normal. “We refer to this as sleep inertia,” he says. “We feel a little sleepy, and we find it hard to have motivation to do anything. Most people have some degree of sleep inertia after they wake up. It usually lasts 15 to 30 minutes, and then we go about our day and realize that we actually feel fine.” owever, if you feel fatigued and unable to function throughout the day, it might be time to investigate your sleep quality. Not getting the seven to nine hours of nightly sleep recommended by the federal Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion can be detrimental. Fortunately, there are steps to
MORE THAN A FEELING
oor sleep can be responsible for more than daytime lethargy. “There are myriad problems you can experience, even feeling that your memory is not as good as it used to be,” Schmitt says. “You can also have uncontrolled hypertension or difficulty controlling diabetes, and there is a lot of data supporting a very strong association between sleep and cardiac arrhythmias. Sleep can even be connected to fatty liver disease and the gallbladder system.”
If symptoms can’t be attributed to any specific condition, Schmitt recommends visiting a sleep medicine specialist. “Sleep should be one of the standard vital signs we look at,” he says. “How can we optimize our functioning in the daytime if we don’t optimize what we’re doing at nighttime?”
MEDICAL MARVELS
If you are diagnosed with a disorder such as obstructive sleep apnea that narrows airways during sleep and interrupts breathing, a sleep aid like a CPAP machine can be beneficial. However, that is not the only medical intervention available. Schmitt explains that oral appliance therapy involves the use of custom-made retainers to keep your lower jaw forward and your airways open while you sleep. There also are surgery options for the back of the mouth and throat, as well as implant technologies. Additionally, pharma companies are working on pills to help treat sleep apnea.
AT-HOME OPTIONS
You might take steps to improve your sleep on your own. For instance, Schmitt recommends stopping caffeine intake as many as six hours before bedtime, as well as avoiding large meals at least two hours before turning in. He suggests putting down your smart devices an hour before going to bed and sleeping in a dark, cool, quiet room. Having a bedtime and wake up time to help set your circadian rhythm (your body’s internal clock) for optimal sleep is key. And while catching up during a marathon weekend sleep session can be
It’s a Stretch
Jamie Bodner, owner of Pinnacle Fitness in Buckhead, has made stretching an essential part of his bedtime routine to help unwind, loosen up and focus on breathing. Each night, Bodner selects one to three stretches to target areas of his body that need the most attention. Here are two of his favorite yoga-based stretches that promote relaxation for sleep.
n The Thunderbolt Pose: Sit on your knees with your bottom resting on your heels. Lean back slightly to lengthen the spine. Hold the post for 30 seconds to one minute.
n The Child’s Pose: Sit on your knees with your bottom resting on your heels. Lean forward, keeping your backside on your heels, until your stomach is resting on your thighs and you can place your forehead on the floor. Stretch your arms out in front with palms facing down. Hold the pose for one to three minutes.
When stretching, Bodner advises, “Listen to your body. Don’t push beyond what feels comfortable.”
helpful at times, Schmitt says, “If you are depriving yourself of sleep every week for long periods of your life, there may still be some detrimental effects to your body.” As you adjust your habits, keep a sleep diary for a week or two so you can track changes in your amount and quality of sleep and overall wellness. “Sometimes when you take your own assessment, you can solve your own mystery,” Schmitt says. If not, the information can be helpful to your doctor—and it’s important to seek help if you don’t see improvements. “We need to give sleep some priority and respect,” he adds. “The engine of your car can’t run without oil, and your brain cannot run without sleep.” n
404.350.0009 • piedmont.org • @piedmonthealth
Beyond Addiction
An on-going alcohol battle turns a BBQ guru into a lifeline for others STORY: H.M. Cauley PHOTO: Joann Vitelli
DAS BBQ founder and pit master Stephen Franklin, 49, keeps a busy calendar managing two restaurants, promoting his brand and having a family. But no matter how hectic the week, he finds time to attend an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting.
Franklin has been a binge drinker since he was 16.
“I spent 17 years abusing it and pretending I didn’t have an issue,” he says. “I’d even mix in drugs sometimes. There were periods when I’d give it up, but then I’d go back because that was the thing that worked for me.”
Franklin is open about his addiction, noting that it didn’t stem from a traumatic childhood or the boredom of an early career in commercial insurance. Rather, it was all about the buzz. “I liked how it made me feel. Even with the embarrassments and serious consequences it brought, I
“I was drinking every day, and my life was going into a very dark space, but that was my wake-up call. I realized I owed it to her and my wife to do everything I could to be a father she’d be proud of.”
A few months later, with strong support from two of his mentors, Franklin found a Friday night AA
meeting off Peachtree Road and summoned the courage to attend— but not before downing a 22-ounce bottle of beer in the car. Once inside, he immediately knew he was in the right place to find help.
“I felt like I’d finally reached my tribe,” he says. “I broke down crying and asking how I had avoided this for so long. It was relief more than anything. But it was still a struggle; for four years, I went to at least 300 AA meetings and had three rehabilitation stints, two as an outpatient and one inside for 90 days. I almost died several times and was hitting the bottom over and over.”
Through AA, Franklin found a sponsor with whom he still speaks daily. “He stuck with me and showed me a peace and confidence that I wanted, too,” he says. “At first, I didn’t understand the idea of sponsorship or that I was worthy of having someone with my best interests at heart to walk me through the program. But that was the beginning of the difference: accepting the idea of a hand up, not a hand out.”
That ongoing relationship inspires Franklin to offer himself as a hand up wherever he can. “People showed up when I needed it, and when I offer myself to sponsor someone, I know my job is to be of service to the next person who is struggling. That fills me with a sense of purpose.”
Though he’s been a successful restaurateur since 2017, the challenge of sobriety never lets up, Franklin says. He regularly attends AA meetings for the support and is glad his eateries in Grant Park and Westside have relatively low alcohol sales. “If I were in a high-end dining environment four or five days a week, it wouldn’t be good for me. But here, there’s so much to do that it helps me stay focused and busy.”
Franklin also credits the city’s hospitality industry for its support. “Atlanta is a very welcoming and accepting environment where I can say I have an issue with drugs or alcohol, and the industry recognizes that and encourages people to talk about it openly. It might just change one person’s life, and they’ll go on to do remarkable things.”
Franklin encourages others struggling with an addiction to reach out and get help without embarrassment. And he shares his motto with them: “The crap from our past is fertilizer for our future.” n
OVERCOMING ADDICTION
Social worker from The Berman Center sheds light on how to change the course of addiction
According to the 2023 United States National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 48.5 million (16.7%) Americans battled a substance use disorder in the past year. But many people have addictions that aren’t drugs or alcohol; they can span a multitude of behaviors, such as social media use, exercise, gambling, smoking and more.
Addiction looks different for every person, and for this reason, the medical community chooses not to define it.
As the adolescent program director at The Berman Center, an intensive outpatient program in Sandy Springs that treats mental health and substance abuse disorders, Allie Sanford has a clear definition. She says addiction is using a substance to cope with something, whether that is trauma, boredom or loneliness. “It is leaning on that substance in a way that is unhealthy because it creates issues in other areas of your life,” she says.
HOW IT STARTS
According to Sanford, addiction almost always starts out as simply having fun, whether that’s drinking with friends, scrolling on TikTok or playing video games. However, at some point, the brain starts to associate the enjoyable activity with relief from a negative emotion, such as stress. The brain then creates an association between the behavior and feeling better.
“Then it becomes ‘I only feel good when I do that thing,’ and that's when we end up with addiction,” Sanford says.
THE SCIENCE
BEHIND ADDICTION
Two chemicals, dopamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), play a vital role in addiction. Dopamine creates an anticipatory thrill associated with initial use. GABA is a euphoric relaxation and plays an
important role in drug reward and the development of addiction.
When someone engages in addictive behaviors, they artificially inflate the dopamine and GABA in the brain.
STORY: Katie Hughes PHOTO: Joann Vitelli
“Your brain then stops producing those things on its own without the behavior to go along with it,” Sanford says. “That means nothing else you do is as enjoyable as it used to be because you don't have enough dopamine and GABA in your brain to create that sense of enjoyment.”
WARNING SIGNS
One of the biggest tells that someone is veering into problematic behavior is if the addiction starts negatively impacting their life, such as causing a job loss or driving a wedge in relationships. Other warning signs include an increase in impulsivity or using addictive behaviors as a coping mechanism.
CHANGING COURSE
When struggling with addictive behaviors, it may seem impossible to return to a life without them. Sanford says the key to fighting addiction is to detox from the addictive behaviors and replace them with something else.
A detox, such as a 30-day break from social media, allows the brain
to reset and produce GABA and dopamine in a more natural way. That replacement can help people cope in a healthy way without having that behavior in their lives.
Embracing healthy replacement behaviors that bring joy, such as exercise, a group cooking class, reading or crafts, can help with the isolation and frustration that are often experienced during the withdrawal process.
SEEKING HELP
For someone seeking help, finding a therapist and leaning on a close inner circle can provide necessary support to overcome addiction. No matter what, don’t expect a quick fix. “I talk to clients about embracing [that the process is going to suck],” Sanford says. “Remind yourself that it will be different soon. You just have to wait it out.” n
Allie Sanford is the adolescent program director at The Berman Center where she works with adolescents, adults and their families.
DELICIOUS
Star
TurnBACKED BY A CELEBRITY CHEF, THE AMERICANO DELIVERS SPOTLIGHT-WORTHY FLAVORS
Atlanta has mixed experiences with celebrity chefs. Star toques such as Emeril Legasse, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Art Smith and “Top Chef” host Tom Colicchio have all tried and failed to make a longterm success of restaurants here. Perhaps with so much homegrown culinary talent, Atlantans have a sixth sense for knowing when and if the chef whose name is on the
menu isn’t actually in the kitchen. An exception to this rule seems to be The Americano, the anchor restaurant at the Intercontinental Buckhead Atlanta. Opened in May of 2022 in the space formerly occupied by Smith’s Southern Art eatery, the concept is the brainchild of Scott Conant, Scottsdale, Arizona-based judge on Food Network’s “Chopped,” a James Beard Awardwinner and four-time cookbook author. ➥
STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin
PHOTOS: Erik Meadows
Whether he’s in the kitchen or simply managing from afar, it seems Chef Scott Conant has the Midas touch.
Perhaps Conant has cracked the code for being in the kitchen enough to keep the restaurant’s operations humming and bestowing the food with his own star touch. It seems to be working: I visited twice over the course of a couple of months—once with Conant in the kitchen and once when he was away—and the consistency and quality of the dishes impressed me equally on both visits.
If you’re looking to start your meal with a bit of a show, order the smoked Negroni. An attendant will wheel over a cart and mix New Riff Bourbon Barrel Aged Gin, St. George Bruto Americano, Carpano Antica and, for a nod to Georgia’s state fruit, Champagne-peach shrub. The glass carafe is lit and infused with smoke before being poured into a glass sporting a giant ice cube. If theatrics aren’t required, choose one of the other balanced cocktails or wine from a list that leans heavily on bottles from Italy and California.
The olive oil-poached octopus arrived perfectly fork-tender, surrounded by fingerling potatoes and briny olives and capers. From the raw bar menu, tuna crudo gets an herbaceous zing from Conant’s
take on chimichurri and black garlic vinaigrette, plus a delightful crunch from crispy risotto rice. In both dishes, vibrant flavors played well together, evoking locales close to the sea rather than landlocked Atlanta.
I’m a sucker for a great steakhouse wedge salad, and the version at The Americano doesn’t disappoint. Crisp, baby iceberg lettuce comes dressed with crunchy bacon lardons, creamy buttermilk blue cheese dressing and tangy marinated tomatoes. It’s a decadent way to eat your veggies.
Chef watchers may know that one of the dishes that put Conant on the culinary map is the beautifully simple pasta pomodoro. It’s essentially three ingredients: tomatoes, basil and fresh, daily made pasta. An early version of the dish at Conant’s then-restaurant Scarpetta in New York led famed Times critic Frank Bruni to ask, “Is any other chef coaxing more or better from [the tomato] than he?”
The simplicity of the dish’s elegantly al dente pasta cloaked in velvety tomato sauce, studded with basil and sprinkled with salty, creamy Parmesan is a wonder to behold.
Above: Fork-tender octopus is dressed with herbs and tangy olives and served over creamy fingerling potatoes.
Above: Pomodoro, Chef Conant's signature, is a perennial favorite. Here, the silky sauce cloaks tender gnocchi.
Right: The tuna crudo is fresh, flavorful and bursting with color. Textures, from crisp risotto rice and delicate edible flowers, play well together.
My advice: If you’re here for the steak, plan to order the pomodoro to share for the table. You shouldn’t come for a meal and miss the dish the “Today” show once called “heaven in your mouth.”
Aged steaks are another main event on this menu that bills itself as an Italian steakhouse. You can’t go wrong with a classic, 8-ounce filet mignon paired with a side of horseradish crema. The buttery texture renders a knife almost unnecessary. For a heartier portion, choose the aged and earthy 16-ounce prime ribeye. Order it at your preferred temperature, and it will arrive with a just-right charred exterior and gorgeous marbling. You won’t need anything to enhance it, but the house-made steak sauce, with all of its spiced and piquant notes, is a worthy addition. Pair your carnivorous entrees with sharable sides such as
Above: Find your ideal ratio of silky polenta and earthy mixed mushrooms as a hearty side dish to share.
Right: Tagliatelle tossed with a meaty ragu of wagyu, pork and tenderloin gets topped with fontina fonduta.
Left: Smoked tableside, the restaurant's version of a Negroni is as theatrical as it is flavorful.
Right: The diminutive chocolate tortino is technically big enough to share, but guests looking to indulge a sweet tooth might want to keep it to themselves.
potato puree flavored with chicken jus and crispy shallots, creamy polenta topped with roasted seasonal mushrooms (hello umami!) and truffle sugo, or charred and garlicstudded broccolini with parmesan.
Dessert so often feels like an afterthought following such a decadent meal, but it’s worth indulging at The Americano. The mascarpone cheesecake walks the line between light and dense, adding texture in the form of a graham cracker crust and streusel and sweetness with blueberry compote. For a sweet finale that doubles as artistic expression, choose the chocolate tortino, a petite cake coated in a glossy glaze and served with a crunchy tuile of cocoa nibs and intensely sweet marasca cherries. Whether he’s in the kitchen or simply managing from afar, it seems Conant has the Midas touch. n
Bottom line: The Americano fits right into Buckhead, an epicenter for top steakhouses and Italian eateries. Prime steaks, super-fresh seafood and housemade pastas are served in an elegant dining room overlooking Peachtree.
EXPLORING AMARO
Alpine experts are here to help STORY: Angela Hansberger
Meaning “bitter” in Italian, amaro is a category of bittersweet liqueur meant to be enjoyed as an aperitif (before dinner) or digestif (after dinner). With a breadth of options, the herbal palate cleansers ease digestion and taste wonderful, too.
The restorative properties of herbs, roots and other botanicals date back to ancient Greeks and Arabs of Medieval times. Monks with secret recipes infused bittering agents with neutral spirits to make tinctures prescribed for any number of ailments.
These herbal beverages are often served as a spritz or as a cocktail enhancer, but they make a fine experience as a standalone tipple, either neat or over ice. How do you choose?
Jason Swaringen and Taurean Philpott worked together to showcase a range of amari not only to please all palates, but also to complement the modern alpine menu of Avize, a new restaurant on the Westside.
“Being an alpine restaurant, we
like to highlight amari produced in and around alpine regions, but are certainly not limited to those,” Swaringen says. “We also include some herbal liqueurs that we believe function much like an amaro, for example, Zirbenz, an Austrian stone pine liqueur,” he says. Chartreuse and Jägermeister, from France and Germany respectively, are also on the menu. Avize also has a farm from which many ingredients are sourced, and farmer Grant Wallace uses an abundance of black walnuts from the Bremen Farms property to develop a locally made Nocino liquor Swaringen hopes to showcase soon. Swaringen’s suggestions for introductory amari are Amaro Montenegro and Amaro Nonino. “They are less intense in bitterness and have heavier notes of macerated citrus peel along with light spices,” he says. A less mainstream option would be Pasubio Vino Amaro by the producer Cappelletti. “It’s a wine-based amaro best served chilled. It tastes like blueberries and pine, and has a
low alcohol content of 17%.”
Swaringen’s favorites include Amaro Lucano, Braulio and Cynar. Lucano is made from 30 different botanicals including wormwood, bitter orange, gentian, angelica, holy thistle flower and rue. “It’s really approachable and has this wonderful cinnamon body and burnt caramel-like sweetness,” Swaringen says. Amber colored Braulio ages in barrels of Slavonian oak with a secret formula including gentian, juniper, wormwood and yarrow. “It tastes of the mountains with heavy notes of pine and spearmint that transport you right to the mountaintop,” he says.
Made from the leaves of the artichoke in an infusion of 13 botanicals, Cynar is a bit vegetal, bracing and bitter. “I like Cynar because it is well balanced between sweet and bitter, and has elements of tobacco and cola,” Swaringen says. Philpott loves Zucca, made with Chinese rhubarb, cardamom and citrus zest among other proprietary ingredients. “It has great balance and richness,
and a distinct baking spice and coffee character to it,” he says.
Beyond a menu of classic cocktails such as the Black Manhattan and Hanky Panky that incorporate amaro, guests will notice many bottles used in cocktails on Avize bar. In Sultry & Brooding, a French 75 riff, there is a subtle addition of Fernet Branca.
“Just a small amount gives the familiar classic extra depth, along with a lovely eucalyptus finish,” Swaringen says. The garnish of a painted “skirt” of dehydrated mint, sugar and salt highlights the refreshing pop.
Old Man of the Woods is an Old Fashioned-inspired cocktail poured tableside over a hand cut, emerald-shaped ice cube. It’s a beautiful spectacle to watch if you are at the bar when Swaringen cuts it.
“Zirbenz offers sharp pine notes that play well with the spices in Michter’s Rye and an herbaceous house made bay laurel gomme syrup (simple syrup alternative),” Swaringen says. n
At Avize, Jason Swaringen can walk guests through the varying tasting notes of the restaurant's collection of amari.
FOODIE JOURNAL Culinary News & Notes
BY Claire Ruhlin
Full
of Gusto gusto! founder and CEO Nate Hybl on how he’s redefining healthy fast food
In 2014, when former NFL quarterback Nate Hybl couldn’t find many healthy and fast dining options, fast-casual bowl and wrap restaurant gusto! was born. Now the restaurant brand is celebrating more than a decade in business, having expanded to 14 locations, 12 of which are in the Atlanta area. Hybl shares how he’s built more than just a healthy dining brand.
What makes gusto! unique?
As an early pioneer in bringing the bowl concept to the market, we consider ourselves “Atlanta’s bowl brand.” Our globally inspired cuisine offers bold flavor combinations that typically can’t be found anywhere else. Plus, our hand-crafted, healthy, delicious meals can be made in 30 seconds or less. From the beginning, I was passionate about sharing my
4 large Meyer lemons, juiced
5 ounces pecorino cheese, finely grated
discoveries of bold, vibrant and healthier ingredients, and determined to prove that global bowls could thrive in the capital city of the South.
It’s important to positively impact everyone who crosses our path, including our teammates and guests. We believe that someone’s manager can influence their mental health more than almost anyone else in their life. With that in mind, gusto! created a People Team responsible for helping individual team members grow both inside and outside the dining room. The People Team is dedicated to ensuring gusto! guides its team members intentionally through leadership development, training, culture and team member experiences. This has helped gusto! maintain a low employee turnover rate. While we understand that most of our teammates will eventually leave for another opportunity, we want them to leave gusto! better positioned for success than when they arrived.
FOOD NEWS
n Atlanta restaurateur Barry Mills is bringing a new modern steakhouse, Steak & Grace, to Dunwoody. Expected to open in early 2025, the eatery will feature fire-cooked steaks and include gluten-free, keto and dairy-free options.
n In October, four metro Atlanta restaurants were awarded a Michelin star: Omakase Table in West Midtown, O by Brush in Buckhead, Staplehouse in Old Fourth Ward and Spring in Marietta. Five were awarded the recognition in 2023, bringing Atlanta’s total number of Michelin-starred restaurants to nine. guide.michelin.com
How has the menu evolved over the years? It’s important that gusto! continues to innovate and discover new menu items that excite people’s palates. The menu is recognized for offering a fresh take on global cuisines and introducing guests to unique and bold flavor combinations. Our product development team creates robust, limited-time menus that include seasonal flavor profiles for drinks, cookies and entrees. n
GUSTO! whatsyourgusto.com • @whatsyourgusto
Sandy Springs’ Powers Ferry Village. Stop by to taste a menu of small plates, wood-fired pizzas, pasta, seafood and steak, or make this Cacio e Pepe dressing at home.
Bocado’s Cacio e Pepe
Dressing Yield: 4 cups
INGREDIENTS
5 eggs
1
½ cups canola oil
1 ½ cups olive oil
5 ounces Parmesan cheese, finely grated
4 teaspoons freshly toasted black pepper, coarsely ground
3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
4 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 cup water
Salt, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
In a blender, combine the eggs, lemon juice, toasted pepper, minced garlic, Dijon mustard and both grated chees-
es. Blend the mixture until smooth. With the blender running on low speed, slowly stream in the water. Gradually add the canola oil and olive oil in a thin, steady stream while the blender is still running to create a smooth, emulsified dressing. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning with salt and additional pepper, if needed. If the dressing is too thin, continue blending to thicken it further. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
The newest iteration of restaurateur Brian Lewis’ Bocado, previously located in West Midtown, is now open in
Bocado’s Cacio e Pepe dressing, pictured on the restaurant’s mixed local greens salad. Ciao Bella Dress up a salad with Bocado’s creamy, tangy dressing
Ingredients for an omakase sitting at O by Brush change seasonally.
Be Hapsy
Brookhaven resident Andrea Wightwick created a canned mocktail for the sobercurious STORY: Carly Cooper
Andrea Wightwick asks two questions to whomever she meets: What’s your favorite flavor of Fanta? Which restaurant makes your favorite margarita?
She’s found people to be passionate about their beverages and has learned a lot from their answers. It makes sense given that Wightwick’s been in the beverage industry for more than 15 years, starting as a receptionist for PepsiCo while in
college at Georgia State University, from which she graduated in 2004. Wightwick marketed Gatorade, then studied emerging brands like Vitaminwater and Smartwater for Nielsen. In 2023, the Brookhaven resident went out on her own, launching Hapsy, which she describes as the “first bubble-free, low-calorie, nonalcoholic beverage that drinks well with others.” Its first flavor, Salty Seagull, tastes
What’s in it?
It’s truly 0.0 percent alcohol by volume (ABV). We don't even use an alcohol solvent. As a result, it's a simple blend of citrus juices, raspberry juice, sea salt, elderflower and nonalcoholic bitters.
What’s your next flavor?
Salty Seagull is made to be consumed on its own, or you can mix in tequila, vodka or gin. The next one, set to launch this spring, will have a richer body and fuller mouthfeel, and you would probably enjoy that with a darker spirit. I don’t want to reveal more yet.
When do you find yourself drinking Hapsy?
I say Hapsy hour is any hour because it's nonalcoholic. I get out a fancy coupe glass around 3 p.m. and shake Hapsy over ice. I like a really cold martini, and I drink Salty Seagull the same way. I finish out the day of work slowly, enjoying a nice little “cocktail.” Other times, it’s a Monday or Tuesday night when I feel like a cocktail, but I don't really want to drink alcohol. We also brought some Hapsy in a cooler to shoot the ‘Hooch over the summer. We love playing pickleball as a family. Hapsy is so light and crisp that I think of it when I'm active.
What do you do for fun?
of citrus, berry and elderflower.
Sold in 8.4-ounce cans designed to be poured into highball glasses, Hapsy is sold online at behapsy. com as well as on Amazon. It can also be purchased at The Zero Co. in Poncey-Highland. We spoke to Wightwick about her favorite ways to drink Hapsy, as well as what’s in store for the future.
How did you come up with the idea for Hapsy?
I realized there's nothing out there like a real cocktail, but nonalcoholic. It’s just sodas, juice and lemon-lime seltzers. There's nothing sophisticated that you would want to hold.
We worked with bartenders to understand the makeup of a good cocktail. There's complexity— tartness, acidity and umami—so it doesn’t taste like a kid’s juice pouch.
Our children, ages 11 and 13, keep us busy. Our daughter dances with the Atlanta Ballet and plays volleyball. Our son plays soccer in two different leagues and enjoys baseball and basketball. When we're not at some field or court cheering them on, we're usually hiking. We like to bike to Savi Provisions and get a King of Pops on weekends. We try to find simple joys in our downtime. We like to go camping, and we generally spend some time in Colorado, skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. Every Friday, my husband and I have a standing meeting at Verde in Brookhaven. We close out the week together over tacos and tequila.
Anything else we should know?
We donate a percentage of our proceeds to The Giving Kitchen. We love their agenda and want to support them. n
HAPSY • behapsy.com • @hapsy
FEATURED RESTAURANTS
A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead
The prime New York strip at Lucian Books and Wine is accompanied by chanterelles, cipollini onions and béarnaise.
Chido & Padre's shines with a colorful array of south-of-theborder favorites.
5Church's decadent New York-style cheesecake comes topped with fluffy vanilla cream and adorned with mango sauce.
BY: Wendell Brock, Rebecca Cha, Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Angela Hansberger, Hope S. Philbrick PHOTOS: Madelynne Grace, Erik Meadows
5CHURCH BUCKHEAD
5Church Buckhead, a funky upscale restaurant on Peachtree, offers helpful servers, modern local art, a 21+ sunroom patio and selfie-ready spaces. Menu items meld Southern roots and global influences. Addictive baked oysters boast a texture akin to pasta and a parade of earthy and spicy flavors. Sushi tots contrast crunchy/soft textures and sweet/spicy flavors in each bite. The lamb burger tops meat with red onion marmalade, gorgonzola, arugula and a secret sauce, a combination that marries earthy and tangy notes. The shrimp and grits has a great sauce-to-grits ratio, so each forkful carries sophisticated, spicy flavor without losing the stone-ground grits’ creamy texture. Grilled salmon is cooked to order and available on the brunch, lunch and dinner menus with some variations. Chicken and waffles reigns at brunch for good reason, pairing fluffy ricotta waffles with crisp, juicy, fried chicken. Desserts are sinfully good.
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 French-speaking 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-inclass items are the croque monsieur, salade Niçoise, moules marinières and not-to-bemissed chocolate mousse.
Lunch: $8-$19 • Dinner: $8-$35 anisbistro.com
CANOE
Dining at Canoe feels like a vacation. Nestled on the shores of the Chattahoochee River, it serves upscale food and pampering service surrounded by manicured gardens, flowing water and birds. Celebrating its 27th anniversary in 2022, Canoe offers more than 300 bottles of wine, 40 by the glass. Beers range from well-known international brands to local craft brews. Creative cocktails are updated often and include riffs on classics. The food menu is driven by ingredients at the peak of flavor, so changes are frequent. While salmon, steak, chicken, rabbit and kangaroo are menu constants, presentations vary. Meats are cooked to perfection and paired with impressive sides such as tender brie
ravioli, crusty vegetable tart, savory bread pudding or other creations. The signature dessert is popcorn-flavored ice cream layered with peanut Cracker Jack, Chantilly cream and salted caramel sauce for a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.
Chido & Padre’s beguiles with lavish decor, delectable aromas and scrumptious fare. At brunch or dinner, refreshing margaritas range from spicy to tart, sweet to crisp. Guacamole and chips make for satisfying nibbles. Corn tamales stuffed with veggies arrive with a spicy red sauce (save a few chips to scoop up every drop). Enchilada rojas boast sublime smoky, peppery and umami flavors. Chicken mole is crowned with a velvety smooth sauce layered with complex notes. Carne asada makes a meal of juicy skirt steak with black beans, cilantro rice, fresh avocado, corn salsa, vibrant sauces and warm tortillas. Mexican street corn is so scrumptious you may gobble it down in record speed. Brunch heroes include huevos rancheros and breakfast tacos, both offering a tongue-tingling good morning. For dessert, consider tres leches, an ultra-light three milk cake layered with fluffy frosting and berries. Fresh Baja Mex fare and vibes await on East Andrews.
Appetizers: $5-18 • Salads: $10-12
Traditional dishes: $14-18 • Large plates: $2230 • Sides: $3-6 • Desserts: $8-9
Meals at Ecco in Buckhead have the elegance and spontaneity of a spin around the dance floor, thanks to the hyper-seasonal approach to the menu. The kitchen shines in creative interpretations of European cuisine with dishes such as Spanish octopus with Castelvetrano olives, grilled pork tenderloin with beet top risotto, and tortellini stuffed with butternut squash and mascarpone. Perennial favorites such as fried goat cheese with honey and cracked black pepper and the Allora flatbread (with its San Marzano tomato sauce, still bubbling mozzarella, hot sopressata and pepperoni) don’t fail to impress. Paired with expert service, a nicely curated wine list and an atmosphere that’s at once sleek and cozy, this Phipps Plazaadjacent eatery warrants a visit. Bottom line: If you find something you crave, visit soon to get it before it’s gone.
Small plates: $9-$18 • Flatbreads: $15-$21
Pasta and mains: $19-$36 • Sides: $7-$12
Desserts: $6-$9 • ecco-atlanta.com
HEARTH PIZZA TAVERN
Sandy Springs is lucky to be home to Hearth Pizza Tavern, where world-class pie is served up in a cozy corner of the Exchange at Hammond. Pizzas such as the Ring of Fire and The Cure would earn three Michelin stars if there were a pizza rating, and other menu items aren’t far behind. If you’re eating carb-free, go for the Tavern chopped salad, piled high with Italian meats and cheeses, or dig in to hot, crispy Brussels sprouts or zesty roasted cauliflower. If those don’t tempt you, then the steaming bowl of PEI mussels or an oozing, medium-rare Angus beef burger will be your best bet.
Openers and salads: $6-$12 Burgers and sandwiches: $10-$12 Pizzas: $7-$19 • hearthpizzatavern.com
LUCIAN BOOKS AND WINE
Whatever you order, bet on stunning presentations and delicious flavors at this Buckhead Village-adjacent eatery. The concept combines the owners’ passions of art, books, wine and hospitality. Executive Chef Jason Paolini helms the fine dining kitchen. Harmonious flavors, contrasting textures, sophisticated preparations and artful plating are running themes. Seasonal produce drives the menu, so options evolve. From starters through desserts, all plates are easy to share, though you may envy every bite your dining companion takes. More than 400 wines are featured on the drinks menu, including some rare finds. The stunning cases are packed with books for sale; all non-fiction, they’re primarily about art, design, fashion, food and wine. Reservations are strongly encouraged: Lunch reservations are for 90 minutes, dinner for two hours. Call or book via Resy with a credit card; no-shows and late cancellations trigger a $50 per person fee. Lucian validates parking for two hours in the building’s underground lot.
Photo-ready dishes pop out of the open kitchen at Oaxaca (wah-hah-kah) in Chamblee. Vibrant colors and abundant garnishes advertise the robust aromas and flavors packed into each creation. Rooted in Oaxaca, Mexico’s indigenous culinary traditions, a variety of moles and salsas dot the food menu while mezcal reigns over the cocktail list. The popular Agave Rising Sun pairs tequila with crisp cucumber, sweet pineapple and tart lime juices. Guacamole arrives studded with herbs, flowers, nuts and radishes. Tetela de pato showcases duck confit, black beans and Oaxaca cheese in a triangular masa nestled atop tamarind
mole. Enchiladas divorciadas smother its chicken-stuffed tortillas in green and red sauces divided by a stripe of sour cream. Green mole pipian covers braised wagyu short rib in an herb-nut sauce. The restaurant’s modern decor has an outdoorsy vibe, and high-volume music pumps up the energy; the aesthetic flows from the dining room onto a covered patio. Drinks: $5-16 • Tacos: $7-8 • Starters: $8-19 Entrees: $17-45 • Sides: $7-10 • Desserts: $15 oaxacaatl.com
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 mouthwatering. 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 entrees): $13-$28 thesoutherngentlemanatl.com
ZAFRON
If you’re like us, the minute you hear Persian foodie buzzwords such as mirza ghasemi hummus and kabob, your mouth starts watering, and you’ve got one foot out the door. If you’re smart, you’ll head directly to Zafron in Sandy Springs. Once seated, a beaming server will bring a complimentary sabzi plate and pita from the wood-burning oven. That extra-mile hospitality spills over into all areas, especially the food: world-class lamb kabob, fire-roasted salmon and the “Zafron special” made with chile, mango and eggplant. Plenty of classic small plates and rice dishes are joined with a few East-meets-West treats such as spicy Zafron chicken wings and tiramisu. Starters and salads: $5- $9 • Wraps (lunch only): $12 • Entrees: $12-$32 Sides and rice: $3-$7 • Desserts: $5-$7 persianrestaurantsandysprings.com
Note: Prices and menu items may have changed since original publication.
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maggie schreck
Maggie Schreck, PA-C is a highly-skilled and sought-after injector treating patients in the Buckhead location of Truffles Medispa. Maggie is an injector trainer for both Allergan (the makers of Botox Cosmetic, the Juvederm portfolio, and Kybella) and Galderma (the makers of Dysport, the Restylane portfolio, and Sculptra Aesthetic). Maggie is also one of the very few injectors who trains physicians and other practitioners throughout the State of Georgia in the use of Sculptra Aesthetic for both the face and body. With more than fourteen years of injectable experience, Maggie specializes in Non-Surgical Aesthetic Rejuvenation.
She is a true artist who loves working with patients to help them achieve their aesthetic goals. She is known for her excellent bedside manner, exceptional patient care, and innovative treatments that cannot be found at other practices. Maggie obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Fine Arts from Miami University of Ohio and her Physician Assistant degree from Yale University. In addition to her extensive experience as an injector, Maggie has worked in the field of plastic surgery since 2007 assisting in surgery, preoperative care, and postoperative care. Maggie is a native of upstate New York and lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children.
Botox/Dysport softens fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead, crows feet and frown lines
Kybella non-surgical fat reduction in neck and body.
Fillers adds or restores volume to the face with results lasting up to two years
QWO
FDA-approved treatment of cellulite with minimal downtime
Sculptra face and body treatment that stimulates collagen to lift and build volume
Maggie Schreck, PA-C
BELIEVE BALL
STORY: H.M. Cauley
PHOTOS: Lynn Crow Photography
More than 600 guests at the CURE Childhood Cancer Believe Ball in early November were inspired in their mission to end the disease after hearing the remarkable journey of 12-year-old Carter, and his parents, Lyndsay and Tim Soriano. Together, the crowd raised $1.78 million to battle childhood cancer. The evening also featured cocktails, live and silent auctions, a paddle raise, dancing and musical performances by SCAD’s Bee Sharps and “American Idol” season 12 winner Candice Glover. The music kept going at an after party where the Papa Sol band played on. The Ragab Spirit of Hope award went to Stephanie Rauls of Novelis for her long-standing support. Simply Buckhead was a proud media sponsor.
Amy McMorrow, Daniel McMorrow
Devinder Ahuja, Nutan Ahuja
John Shull, Kristin Connor, Shannon Turner, Jane Hendrix
Jenn Hobby Rivera, Grant Rivera, Jack Rollins, Mindy Rollins
Jenn Hobby Rivera, Grant Rivera, Jack Rollins, Mindy Rollins
Mike Jackson, Sonny Hayes, Joanne Hayes, Lori Chase, John Chase Steph Rauls, Chris Rauls
EMORY WINSHIP GALA
STORY: H.M. Cauley
PHOTOS: Jack Kearse, Pete Winkel
The 360 guests who attended the Emory Winship gala at the St. Regis Atlanta did more than enjoy a November evening of cocktails, dinner and entertainment. They raised a remarkable $1.8 million for the Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, a leading nonprofit in the world of cancer research and patient care. The “Ring for Research” call to give alone garnered more than $350,000 in 20 minutes. Buckhead residents Jane Jordan Casavant and Julie Fox chaired the evening that included dancing to The SEEiT choir and band and a special tribute to honorary chairs Nancy and David Stonecipher for their long-standing commitment to Winship and its mission. Simply Buckhead was proud to be the event’s media sponsor.
Terry Roddy, Denise McGuigan, Karen Dewalt, Kevin Reddick
Maggie Lawson, Dr. David Lawson, Brenda Nease, Mac Nease
Dr. Jennifer Larimore; Gail Grimmett, Kim Silverthorn
Dr. Suresh Ramalingam, David Stonecipher, Nancy Stonecipher, Gregory L. Fenves
Sonny Hayes, Joanne Hayes, Kristin Connor, John Shull, Christopher Lightfoot, Catherine Lightfoot
CRYSTAL BALL
STORY: H.M. Cauley
PHOTOS: Morgan Cristo
The 42nd Annual Crystal Ball, dubbed Reaching for the Stars, lit up the St. Regis Atlanta in mid-November as 350 supporters of the Arthritis Foundation enjoyed dinner, dancing to The Reserve Club band and live and silent auctions. Chaired by Drs. Plas and Judith James, the event honored the life of the late Ellie Pruitt, whose parents recounted the 8-year-old’s struggle with arthritis. Dr. Scott Boden was presented with a Distinguished Service Award, and Taylor Wilson was honored with the Pat Pratt award. The evening raised $500,000 that will go towards research and advocacy efforts to bring the Foundation closer to a cure.
Venitia Smith, Mark Gillin, John Courtnay, Lukas Hempel, Tom Trentmann
Barbara Hillier, Beca Knaus
Stephanie Manivanh, Plas Terry James II, Dr. Judith James, Dr. Plas James
Gordon Lee, Dr. Sandra Wong, Drs. Mary and Scott Boden, Dr. Valerie Thadhani, Grace Lee, Dr. Joon Lee, Dr. Ravi Thadhani
Shelley Wynter, April McDonald
Dr. Scott Boden, Charlie Haddock
Sonny Hayes, Amber Johansen, Joanne Hayes, John Coalson
WHAT A DISH
Chef Scott Conant presents one of his signatures, gnocchi al pomodoro, at The Americano in Buckhead. PHOTO: Erik Meadows
Cancer upends your life. We’re doing all we can to change that. By reimagining the care experience to ease the burden of cancer. With experts in your cancer and the research, trials and treatments you can only get here. All so you can focus on what matters most: the best chance of living a full life.
