Simply Buckhead March/April 2020

March/April 2020 ISSUE 69 • FREE Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Chamblee and Dunwoody

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

TREASURE HUNTING THE BEST CONSIGNMENT FINDS NEXT DOOR

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Classic Buckhead Living.

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Broker Participation is welcomed and encouraged. ORAL REPRESENTATIONS CANNOT BE RELIED UPON AS CORRECTLY STATING REPRESENTATIONS OF THE SELLER. This project has been filed in the state of Georgia and no other state. This is not an offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy the condominium units in states where such offer or solicitation cannot be made. Prices and availability are subject to change at any time without notice. Picture is an artist’s rendering and may not represent the final building.

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404.698.3898 pacesbuildergroup.com

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A NOTE FROM ERIN… I am so grateful to be named as Harry Norman REALTORS’ 2019 Number One Agent Companywide! I would not have been able to achieve this honor without the love and support of my family, the hard work and dedication of my team, and of course, my clients and friends, without whom none of this would be possible. Thank you!

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404-504-7955 (D) | 404-233-4142 (O) | Erin.Yabroudy@HarryNorman.com | ErinYabroudy.com @ErinYabroudyAndAssociates Buckhead Office - 532 East Paces Ferry Road, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404.233.4142 | HarryNorman.com The above information is believed accurate, but is not warranted. This offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale and withdrawals without notice

T A Y L O R T A N Y A

H O U S T O N

D A L L A S

A T L A N T A

T O O T S I E S REOPENING . C O M FEBRUARY 2020

SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® |

MARCH/APRIL 2020

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74 40

Photos: 32, 40, 64, 74: Sara Hanna

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Contents 12 Publisher’s Letter

26 15 Minutes With: Vince Velazquez

[ SIMPLY NOW ]

A former beat cop keeps an eagle eye on the Atlanta Hawks

16 News:

27 Approved:

Sam Massell Retires from the Buckhead Coalition

[ SIMPLY DELICIOUS ]

Perfectly Packed

40 Fashion: Tote-ally Chic

Not all suitcases are created equal

Muriel Luxemburger’s handbags are inspired by her Parisian youth

74 Review: Bone-afide in Brookhaven

30 Pets: Pet DNA

19 Local Salute:

Unravel the mystery of your pet’s genetic code

Revealing the Beauty Within Makeovers for survivors

[ SIMPLY LIVING ]

22 Travel Far:

32 Home: Fit for Family

South American Dream

Sandy Springs interior stylist Divya Vaswani’s home is both childfriendly and chic

24 Staycation: Days of Vines and Rosés Exploring North Georgia’s newly renovated Château Élan resort and spa

TREASURE HUNTING [ SIMPLY STYLISH ]

Former mayor worked to make Buckhead the “address of choice”

Buenos Aires is a melting pot of European cultural influences and innovative food

64 COVER STORY

Discover new gems and shed those unwanted items with sustainability in mind

42 Beauty: Faddish or

The steaks are high at Arnette’s Chop Shop

Functional? Experts demystify a

80 Tastemaker:

trio of beauty’s biggest trends

Meet the Man Behind the Market

[ SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ]

After 27 years in Morningside, Alon Balshan opens his namesake bakery and market in Phipps Plaza

56 On Stage: Stars are Born Jerry’s Habima Theatre showcases the talent of adult actors with special needs

[ SIMPLY HAPPENING ]

An Artful Redesign

60 Literary: Girl Power

Places to go and things to do

Interior designer Kimberley Miller reveals her residential vision for The Burgess Hotel

Buckhead author Wendy Wax champions strong female characters in her literary works

38 Tastemaker:

85 Events: 89 Charitable: A spotlight on philanthropic and social gatherings

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Chamblee and Dunwoody MARCH/APRIL 2020 | ISSUE 69 P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 simplybuckhead.com For advertising rates, call: 404.538.9895 Publisher and Founder

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

Joanne Hayes Chief Financial Officer

Sonny Hayes Managing Editor

H.M. Cauley Senior Contributing Editors

Karina Antenucci Jennifer Bradley Franklin Creative Director

Alan Platten ValueStream Media Chief Photographer

Sara Hanna Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Cheryl Isaacs Account Executive

Michelle Johnson Assistant to the Publisher

Shelby Miller

Nicole Letts Nicole Letts is a freelance journalist with bylines in Good Grit, Fodor’s and others. She lives in Buckhead with her husband and Atlanta Humane Society rescue pup, Ryan.

When not weaving her next story, she can be found at each of the consignment stores included in the cover story or scouring estate sales for hidden gems. A self-proclaimed grand-millennial who relishes sterling silver and cheeky needlepoint, Nicole peddles some of her finds on Instagram @grandmillennialshop. This issue’s cover and Nicole’s love of estate shopping were a match made in journalism heaven.

Website Development Management

BHG Digital Director of Audience Development

Mike Jose Contributing Writers

Karina Antenucci Jill Becker Giannina S. Bedford H.M. Cauley Rebecca Cha Carly Cooper Jessica Dauler Jennifer Bradley Franklin Mickey Goodman Angela Hansberger Nicole Letts Laura J. Moss Lia Picard Ginger Strejcek Muriel Vega Karon Warren Contributing Photographers

Cat Harper Graphic Designer

Layal Akkad We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission.

Copyright © 2020 by Simply Buckhead ®. All rights reserved.

Printed by Walton Press, Inc. Distributed by Distributech and Distribution Services Group.

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

Legal Counsel

Scott I. Zucker

SimplyBuckhead.com Facebook facebook.com “Like” us at LivingWellATL

Twitter twitter.com Follow us @SimplyBuckhead

Instagram instagram.com Follow us @SimplyBuckhead

[ BEHIND THE COVER ] Since everything old is new again, we set the stage for this cover shoot at the Jennifer Balcos Gallery, surrounded by beautiful art and vintage furniture. Camryn White from Salt Models & Talent had the perfect retro look we envisioned for this cover, working the camera and giving us her best Mod Squad vibe. A great time was had by all on set as we listened to ’80’s tunes while photographer Sara Hanna worked her magic, and the image she ultimately captured for the cover is reminiscent of some of our favorite fashion magazines.

Producer: Joanne Hayes Assistant: Shelby Miller Photographer: Sara Hanna Photo assistant: Dara Dyer Model: Camryn White, courtesy of Salt Models & Talent Wardrobe: Courtesy of Tootsies (Jumpsuit – Carolina Ritzler, $865) Hair and Makeup: Nyssa Green Shot on location at Jennifer Balcos Gallery

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

[ P RO U D S P ON S OR OF ]

ife

Interested in Advertising?

Read Simply Buckhead online at

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

FIND US ONLINE

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

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® MARCH/APRIL 2020

[ PUBLISHER’S LETTER ]

A

s if 2019 wasn’t exciting enough for us, we have started the year off with a bang

and a terrific new team at the editorial helm.

We are truly grateful to Jill Becker for the work she did over the past three years, and beginning with this issue, our new managing editor is Helen Cauley and we have two senior contributing editors, Jennifer Bradley Franklin and Karina Antenucci. These ladies have been a part of our team for almost 10 years and represent a strong part of Simply Buckhead’s ongoing success. Please join me in wishing them the best as they steer us editorially moving forward.

Year after year, our loyal advertisers continue with us, and we cultivate new clients because of the quality of our journalism and the results they see from our readers patronizing their businesses. Our stories highlight the hidden gems in our market—artists, philanthropists, chefs, designers, friends, businesses, homeowners, pets and so much more. Our team goes above and beyond to bring you things you may not see elsewhere through that extra effort of research and personal involvement in the community.

This is a true milestone for me, as 2020 marks our 10th year of publishing. I started Simply Buckhead in 2010 after moving to Atlanta and not knowing a single person except my husband and kids. Thank you for the friendship,

We Create Outdoor Spaces That Reflect Just How You Want To Live Outside

love and support I have received over the past decade. I am proud to live, work and play here, and I look forward to Sara Hanna

the next 10 years!

Cheers!

Joanne Hayes Publisher/Founder/CEO ValueStream Media Group

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

King Landscaping will approach your project with a great appreciation for your vision, your budget, your land and your time. You’ll get spectacular results that will grow more beautiful with age and provide you with many years of enjoyment. That’s our passion. That’s our promise. That’s King Landscaping.

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SIMPLY NOW

STAYCATION

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Château Élan's recent $25 million renovation offers staycationers a new incentive to check in for a stay.

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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NEWS BY:

Karon Warren

A Fore-Ward Thinking Golf Store F

ounded in 2014 by American entrepreneur, GoDaddy founder, self-proclaimed golf nut and billionaire Bob Parsons, PXG opened its first Southeast location at Lenox Square in January. The luxury golf goods store features a full lineup of both right- and left-handed clubs as well as highperformance apparel and accessories.

But the 3,000-square-foot space isn’t

just about shopping—it’s also about playing. It includes two state-of-the-art club-fitting bays, a putting green and a hospitality area. PXG is known for combining breakthrough technology, such as hollow-bodied irons, with sophisticated manufacturing processes including forging with five separate sets of tooling that integrate high-performance alloys. The result? An ultra-thin club

face to create some of the sport’s most esteemed clubs. Golf fans may already be familiar with the brand thanks to the company’s affiliation with notable PGA and LPGA players such as Zach Johnson, Billy Horschel, Ryan Moore, Lydia Ko, Brittany Lang and Christina Kim. Golfers interested in a personalized club fitting can schedule one via the store’s website or by calling the store. n

PXG Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 470.355.5592 pxg.com/en-us/ locations/atlanta

NEWS CLIPS EDIBLE COOKIE DOUGH SWEETENS UP BUCKHEAD Sweet treat fans rejoice! Batter Cookie Dough serves up edible cookie dough at its new Buckhead location in the Powers Ferry Square Shopping Center.

In addition to the popular 12 cookie dough flavors such as chocolate chip and bourbon brown sugar available at the original Ponce City Market, the Buckhead store features an expanded menu that includes ice cream, baked cookies and “Doughlicious” milkshakes.

Batter Cookie Dough 3714 Roswell Road Atlanta 30342 404.538.2691 battercookiedough.com

NEW LUXURY SAUNA BRINGS THE HEAT Locals looking for a different type of wellness experience can now find it HotBox Infrared Sauna Studio in Buckhead. The chain, which also has locations in Midtown and Sandy Springs, is focused on luxury spa suite sauna experiences. Start off

with an infrared sweat session in the sauna followed by a vitamin C rain shower to wash away toxins. Inside the one- or two-person suites, customers can experience chromotherapy (color therapy), music and Netflix shows of their choosing via an iPad. Reap the benefits of muscle recovery, improved skin tone and more while you relax.

HotBox Infrared Sauna Studio 3005 Peachtree Road, Suite B3 Atlanta 30305 hotboxsaunastudio.com

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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NEWS Mary Welch

KO Photography

BY:

Above: Massell announces his retirement at a Buckhead Coalition meeting in February.

Below: Massell graces the cover of Simply Buckhead's March/April 2014 issue.

Sam Massell Retires from the Buckhead Coalition FORMER MAYOR WORKED TO MAKE BUCKHEAD THE “ADDRESS OF CHOICE”

A

fter almost 33 years as the only president of the Buckhead Coalition, Sam Massell is closing the curtain on a chapter to an illustrious career that spanned politics, business and public service.

“It was very much a soul-searching decision,” says Massell, 92. “I like this job, and I’m very lucky to have had this job and all of my jobs. I felt that at some stage I would have to stop, and that time is now.”

There was no one impetus to the decision—certainly not his age. He says it was more that he wanted to spend time with his wife, Sandra, whom he married in 2016. “I found out I liked being at home; she energizes me.”

A search committee is looking for his replacement to lead the nonprofit organization comprised of business and civic leaders.

Charlie Loudermilk, founder of Aaron Rents, came up with the idea of the Buckhead Coalition and approached Massell to lead it. Massell,

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who served as Atlanta’s mayor from 1970 to 1974 and had careers in real estate and the travel industry, said of the position, “It fit like a glove. Charlie wanted a year contract. I said three years, and we settled on two. We still haven’t drawn up the contract.”

Massell quickly got to work creating the Coalition, hiring staff and setting up its job description and values, and, in the process, earning the title “Mayor of Buckhead.” “The purpose of the Buckhead Coalition is to improve the quality of life for the people of Buckhead, for workers, residents, businesses, visitors,” he says.

Those needs can be big or small.

Massell often answers the phone and tries to problem solve. “I was there on a Sunday recently. The phone rang and someone wanted to know when Lenox Square opened. I could answer that.

But we get some calls that we can’t handle, and we will put that caller in the right direction. We don’t fill potholes, but we know the people who do.”

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

Joe Evans, chairman of the Coalition, says the organization has “been blessed beyond measure by Sam’s vision and leadership over three decades. I consider him one of Atlanta’s giants on the highest order.”

Massell points with pride to a number of achievements, many of which are quiet ones. “We were the first community in the whole U.S. that placed defibrillators where the people were, not just in ambulances,” he says. “We put them in hotels, schools, churches.

A person has a much better chance if he has a defibrillator in seven minutes of a heart issue. We all know about the traffic situation. You can’t count on an ambulance getting there in seven minutes. Now everyone does it.”

Other notable achievements were creating a one-page will so people don’t die intestate (just call the office to get one), working with Havertys to provide comfortable furniture for fire stations and donating trauma kits to law enforcement.

On a bigger scale, Massell points to the creation of the recent ramp that connects Ga. 400 with I-285 that lets drivers avoid getting off at Cheshire Bridge and back on the highway.

“It’s all about quality of life.

When you look at it, Buckhead is the address of choice, whether it’s business or residential or both.”

His associates agree that Massell and his work with the Coalition have indeed made Buckhead “the address of choice.”

“The sun shines brighter, and the water is wetter in Buckhead because of Sam Massell,” says Sheffield Hale, president and CEO of the Atlanta History Center and a Coalition board member.

And Massell has no intention of leaving Buckhead’s side: He envisions himself remaining active and involved in the community he’s lived in since 1952. But the self-described cruise junkie is ready to sail on. “I’ve been on at least 80 cruises,” he says, “and I’m ready to do more.” n

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Spend the day or evening on the Town!

Discover over 50 shops, services and restaurants.

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ANCHORS CinéBistro/Cobb Theatre • Costco • LA Fitness • Marshalls • Publix

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES Boogaloos • Dress Up Boutique • Vestique

SHOES Big Peach Running Co.

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

DINING Bua Thai and Sushi • The Flying Biscuit Café HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern • Lucky’s Burger & Brew Marble Slab Creamery • Moe’s Southwest Grill Newk’s Express Café • Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub Red Pepper Taqueria • Tanaka Ramen There Restaurant and Bar • Tropical Smoothie Café Urban Wok (Opening Soon) • Which Wich? • Yogurtland

HOME FURNISHINGS & DÉCOR Redefined Home Boutique

SERVICES Bank of the Ozarks • Brookhaven Alterations Brookhaven Animal Hospital • FBC Mortgage • Keller Williams Reflections Eyecare • Town Cleaners

ELECTRONICS, MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT AT&T

TRAVEL & TOURISM Brookhaven Convention & Visitors Bureau (Opening Soon)

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

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

Southern! Jewish! Soul Food!

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LOCAL SALUTE

BY:

Mickey Goodman

Left: Volunteers Ericka Cox (left) and Anna Majewski (right) give a domestic violence survivor, artist Kalthum Alzubiedi (center), a makeover at All Access to Beauty event.

Below: Scott Miller, co-founder of Shine, helps survivors look and feel beautiful.

WSB's Jovita Moore (left) who emceed the Agape fundraiser and CEO Nell Benn celebrate the Agape Empowerment Experience for Women and Girls.

Setting Kids Up for Success Revealing the Beauty Within Makeovers for survivors “Helping women look and feel beautiful” are more than words for Scott Miller and his mother, Christy.

They’re a mantra for the co-owners of Elevate Salon and Spa in Buckhead. The pair are not only stylists to clients and television and film stars on The CW Network, HBO and Netflix; they also provide free makeovers and gifts to victims of domestic violence at an annual Christmas Day event.

For the last 12 years with help from Christy, Miller and Lindiwe Famodou, co-founders of the nonprofit Shine, have hosted women and children from the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence for a day of pampering called All Access to Beauty. At the event, 70 dedicated

volunteers offered hair styling, makeup, manicures, pedicures, clothing and massages. “We want women to focus on the greatness that shines within them so they can transition back into the workforce,” says Miller.

One of his most memorable clients was a woman who had suffered horrific violence at the hands of her partner. Miller stays in contact with her and her young daughter, and both are thriving.

“People in our industry are not just ‘doing hair,’” Miller says.

“We are building on people’s natural beauty, inside and out.” l For more information, visit shineforme.org and elevateatoverture.com.

Dedicated Dietician When she was on her college tennis team, Page Love realized that members of the men’s and women’s teams struggled with bulimia and anorexia. “To learn more about the mental health issues that go with eating disorders, I took a job at a psychiatric hospital.

The issue became my life’s work,” says the Nutrifit, Sport, Therapy, Inc. nutrition expert.

Agape, a program that empowers and supports 200 underserved kids in grades K-12, feted mothers and daughters in February at the organization’s major fundraiser named Arise: An Agape Empowerment Experience for Women and Girls.

“It gave us an opportunity to honor some of the young women we work with and celebrate their accomplishments,” says Dunwoody resident and CEO Nell Benn. “All proceeds directly benefited the Agape Youth and Family Center.”

Agape’s programs provide in-school instruction and afterschool enrichment for both boys and girls with a focus on character development, academic achievement, reading proficiency by third grade, successful high school graduation and post-graduation placement.

Dietician Page Love is honored by the Manna Fund for her life-long achievements combatting eating disorders.

Combating eating disorders

For her many years helping people with eating disorders gain access to otherwise unaffordable treatment, the Manna Fund presented Love with the 2019 Humanitarian

Longevity is key

Award. The honor is given to an individual who has contributed time and talents to support the organization that provides scholarships for treatment.

She is also an active volunteer with the Eating Disorders Information Network (EDIN) and does extensive community outreach on its behalf.

One of Love’s primary focuses is helping athletes in sports where slim bodies are optimal. “I also educate coaches to be aware when their athletes seem obsessed with their body images,” she says.

“The kids who are with us the entire time have a 98% graduation rate,” says Benn. “After graduation, 20% go to work, 40% enroll in a vocational school and 40% enter college.

They are often the first in their families to attend college.”

The organization began with 25 students, and now, with the help of 1,200 volunteers and staff embedded in E. Rivers Elementary, Sutton Middle, North Atlanta High School, Bolton Academy and Atlanta Classical Academy, it serves 200 students, plus 2,000 more through community initiatives. Students are transported to the center for enrichment programs after school, a time of day when teen crime and sexual activity spike. l For more information, visit agapeatlanta.org.

According to the Manna Fund, 26 million women and men in the U.S., including 500,000 teenagers, suffer from eating disorders.

“Though it doesn’t get a lot of press, people with eating disorders comprise the highest mortality rate of any mental illness,” says Love. l For more information, visit nutrifitga.com and mannafund.org.

Want to nominate a volunteer, company or nonprofit that makes Buckhead, Chamblee, Dunwoody Sandy Springs or Brookhaven a better place to live?

Please contact: editor@simplybuckhead.com

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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TR AV E L NE A R

Above: Visitors can explore Greenwood's history at the Greenwood Museum.

Right: Breezy Quarters in Abbeville specializes in handmade soap, lotion, lip balms, scrubs and more.

Below: The Benjamin Mays Historic Preservation Site documents Mays' life from growing up in Greenwood to working at Morehouse College and beyond.

Escape to South Carolina’s Old 96 District

Above: The brick-paved streets of Abbeville add to the historic downtown's charm.

A girls’ getaway filled with shopping, spa and spectacular food

W

hen I first learned about South Carolina’s Old 96 District, I didn’t know much about the area, so I did some research and found there are many theories behind its name. Some say it was a judicial district; others say it’s based on the 96 miles from the Cherokee town of Keowee. What is certain is the area has a lot to offer. Covering parts of five counties, the region is known as the state’s Freshwater Coast thanks to more than 100,000 acres of water.

It’s also home to more than 10 historic museums, eight B&Bs and inns, and a wealth of shopping and dining destinations, all within three hours of Atlanta up Interstate 85.

I chose Greenwood, a city of approximately 23,000 residents, as my home base while meeting up with friends in the area. Two-story buildings filled with shops and restaurants sit behind the tree-lined Main Street, which invites visitors to stop and stay awhile.

Within walking distance of those businesses, I stayed at the Inn on the Square, a boutique hotel with 48 guest rooms that combine the Southern hospitality of luxurious bedding, cozy chairs and upscale bathroom ameni-

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ties with modern conveniences such as free Wi-Fi and large flat-screen TVs. The inn’s guests enjoy a complimentary breakfast and can opt for dinner in the Carriage House Restaurant.

The evening menu includes a range of French and American cuisine mixed with seasonal dishes such as fried calamari, filet mignon and Southern buttermilk fried chicken.

Throughout the stay, I also ate more than my fair share of mouthwatering cuisine beyond the hotel’s dining spots. In Greenwood, we sampled international treats—think Greek, Moroccan, Caribbean and more—at Kickers Restaurant, indulged in brick-oven pizza at The Mill House and dove into a true country breakfast at West End Cafe. If you’re in nearby Abbeville, don’t miss the spicy chicken quesadilla at The Village Grill.

My friends and I also explored the town’s shops, such as Main & Maxwell, which features such wares as handcrafted jewelry, pottery, art and more from more than 40 local artists, and Thayers Furniture and Fine Gifts, where furniture, china and a wealth of decor pieces are on display.

We also stopped by the Greenwood

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

Museum that provides an educational look at the city’s history through its “Main Street” layout, a fun concept for exploring history. For instance, pop into the local general store for dry goods, see what kids are studying in the classroom or check out the latest styles in the millinery and dress shop.

No girlfriend getaway is complete without some pampering, and The Spa on Maxwell delivers. Offering a full menu of services, the spa provides a respite where you can relax with your besties. Although not large, it offers some amazing treatments, such as the 24K Gold Facial that infuses skin with 24K gold to combat aging.

From the Old 96 District, we drove about 45 minutes to Abbeville, a quaint town with brick roads throughout the historic center. I purchased no-melt lip balms at Breezy Quarters, which also offers handmade soaps, lotions and bath bombs. At Urban 2 Country, we perused the selection of sauces, spices and artisan teas in the market downstairs and checked out the vintage clothing upstairs.

These are just two of the many antique stores, clothing boutiques and specialty shops where visitors

STORY:

Karon Warren

can enjoy some retail therapy.

On the way back to Greenwood, we stopped to visit a spot with a strong Atlanta connection: the Benjamin Mays Historic Preservation Site.

A native of Greenwood, the former president of Atlanta’s Morehouse College lived in the area until he was a teenager when he left to further his education. The museum documents Mays’ life, including extensive details on his time at Morehouse College and his service during President Jimmy Carter’s administration.

Sadly, my stay in South Carolina’s Old 96 District was too short to explore all the area has to offer, but the experience gave me many reasons to return. I'll return to try the water activities available on the region’s lakes and rivers, dine at the restaurants I didn’t have time for, catch a show at the historic Abbeville Opera House and attend local festivals such as the South Carolina Festival of Flowers each June. n

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T R AV E L FA R

PLAN YOUR ADVENTURE Stay Nuss Hotel nusshotel.com

Eat Cucina Paradiso cucinaparadiso.com El Santa Evita +54 11 4833.0131 Gran Dabbang +54.11.4832.1186 Parrilla Don Julio parrilladonjulio.com Proper properbsas.com.ar

South American

Dream

Explore Falena Bookstores falena.com.ar Fundación Proa proa.org La Viruta lavirutatangoclub.com

Above: The Kirchner Cultural Center, originally built in 1888, is South America's largest cultural center.

STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Buenos Aires is a melting pot of European cultural influences and innovative food

M

y exploration of Argentina’s capital, Buenos Aires, started with a slight hiccup: Though I arrived safely, my suitcase didn’t. Fortunately, my home for the five-day stay, Nuss Hotel, was positioned in the heart of Palermo Soho, one of the city’s prime shopping spots, its tree-lined streets packed with local boutiques. Because of an exceedingly favorable exchange rate, I picked up all of the necessities to tide me over, including a pair of suede boots that are now part of my regular wardrobe rotation.

Since a hefty part of my Argentinean obsession was due to its tango scene, I visited during the annual International Tango Festival and watched pros from around the world compete at the Luna Park arena. I was never far from tango, watching buskers perform for tips on street corners and listening to musicians play their haunting tunes in La Boca, the colorful portside where tango music got its start. I even fulfilled my long-held dream of dancing the night away at La Viruta, a milonga dance party that lasts into the wee hours.

Though tango fueled my interest, I soon discovered that there’s much more to love. The city has 287 theaters (and counting!), more than 100 greenspaces and 380 bookstores. One

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such emporium, Falena, nearly hidden in the Chacarita neighborhood, has a tiny cava cafe inside and a vine-shaded courtyard. Another, El Ateneo Grand Splendid, is housed in a 100-year-old converted theater. Though I could read almost nothing in either—my high school Spanish teacher would be disappointed at my rudimentary abilities—both spots were inspiring.

The city’s art scene is also thriving.

I saw ultra-modern, conceptual art at Fundación Proa, a collection from Argentina’s most well-known artist, Julio Le Parc, at the Kirchner Cultural Center and marveled at outdoor art displays like the giant animated metal sculpture in Plaza de las Naciones Unidas. Designed by Argentinean architect Eduardo Catalano, the nearly 60-foot-tall flower opens and closes with the cycles of the sun, providing a glittering backdrop for park visitors.

I also learned all I could about Buenos Aires’ most famous first lady, Eva Perón, best known to the world as Evita. The actress captured the heart of President Juan Perón, and the two married in 1945. She was a champion for the working class, especially women, and after her tragic death at just 33, she subsequently became a larger-than-life legend. I wandered the labyrinthine La Recoleta Cemetery, full of ornate mausolea containing well-

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

to-do families and eventually found Evita’s final resting place, relatively simple in comparison to its more dramatic marble and stone neighbors.

The 14-acre plot of land in one of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods was eerily beautiful and peaceful.

I continued my unexpected Evita pilgrimage at a restaurant named in her honor, El Santa Evita—“the Saint Evita”— for one of the trip’s most memorable meals. Tender empanadas, delicate escabeche with crisp pickles and delicate flan left a lasting impression. The city’s food scene, in general, is worth a trip all on its own. I ate grass-fed steak cooked by masters over a wood flame at Parrilla Don Julio, consistently named one of South America’s best restaurants; sampled small plates influenced by India and South America at Gran Dabbang; shared flavorful dishes with new friends at the hole-in-thewall, warehouse-style dining room called Proper; and saw the city’s Italian immigrant influences in the form of just-made pasta at Cucina Paradiso.

Every meal was a revelation.

I had high expectations, but Buenos Aires more than met them.

The trip was truly a dream come true. n La Boca’s vibrant buildings are the backdrop for artists markets and tango performers.

Above: The author pauses for a photo along a cobblestone street in San Telmo, one of the city’s oldest barrios.

Below: Fundación Proa showcases a neon display by U.S.-based artist Dan Flavin.

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S TAYC AT I O N

Top left and above: The sunroom at the new Marc Bar & Restaurant overlooks Château Élan's 30-plus acres of grapevines.

Left: The resort's latest additions include a cleverly stocked gift shop adjacent to a small cafe serving croissants, coffee and craft beers on tap.

Days of Vines and Rosés Exploring North Georgia’s newly renovated Château Élan resort and spa

A

fter helping me plop down into the deep, bubble-filled whirlpool tub, the spa therapist pours half a bottle of 2017 Merlot Reserve and a cup or so of steeped black tea into the water, then turns down the lights and leaves me to soak for 20 minutes. Having just enjoyed an hour-long Swedish massage from said therapist as part of the Antioxidant Soak Massage Experience (starting at $175), I’m already a puddle of goo, and that, coupled with the whirlpool's warm, pulsating jets, lulls me to sleep for a few minutes. I dozed off again for a bit afterward while lying under

a plush blanket on one of the cozy chaises in the candlelit Quiet Room.

I can think of few better ways to start the day than with a thorough rubdown and calming soak in a luxurious wine bath at a spa at a place like the Château Élan Winery & Resort, the luxe hotel and winery about an hour northeast of Buckhead in Braselton.

Château Élan has long been a favorite getaway for Atlantans looking for a weekend or longer escape, and the recent $25 million renovation gives them even more incentive to check in for a stay. The property’s new look combines modern Southern touches with subtle French undertones, while still paying homage to its original 16th-century, European châteauinspired design, and it included an overhaul of All of the resort's 251 guestrooms and 24 suites have recently been made over and modernized.

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

In addition to lighted tennis and pickleball courts, Château Élan provides 45 scenic holes of championship golf.

STORY:

Jill Becker

the 250-plus guestrooms and suites, the winery, lobby, pool area and spa.

Four new food and beverage outlets were added as well, including Le Petit Café, where my travel companion and I grabbed coffee and pastries, and Marc Bar & Restaurant, where we supped on the salt-brined pork chop with mac and cheese and apple chutney, and a 12-ounce New York strip with foie gras butter and a side of sautéed mushrooms.

Sarazen’s, the restaurant at the clubhouse overlooking the Woodlands golf course, is a great place to begin the day with a hearty breakfast. Go early enough and, like me, you can enjoy your meal with a view of the early morning haze lingering over the links.

The resort has two courses to choose from, providing 45 holes of championship golf amid a lush landscape of rolling hills and geese-filled lakes, plus a driving range and practice facility.

Golf isn’t the only activity on-site.

Guests can get into the swing of things on the five lighted tennis courts and four pickleball courts. Or they can

rent bikes and go for a spin around the 3,500-acre property and surrounding neighborhoods. We chose to take a long stroll on the series of gravel hiking trails that meander through the grapevine-strewn grounds.

Of course, no trip to Château Élan is complete without a visit to the winery. During our seven-glass wine flight, I learned my favorite was the limited edition Brut D’Ananas handcrafted in Tahiti exclusively for the resort. It boasted aromatic pineapple and hints of lemon and vanilla.

The accommodations range from standard double rooms to three-bedroom villas. Our third-floor double, which overlooked the pool, was plenty big enough for two people and was decked out in a palette of soothing greys and taupes. A long soak in the garden tub and a good night’s rest in the comfy bed, along with all of Château Élan’s other recent enhancements and improvements, made it all the more difficult to leave when check-out time came around. n CHÂTEAU ÉLAN WINERY & RESORT chateauelan.com

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15 MINUTES WITH

VINCE VELAZQUEZ STORY:

Jill Becker PHOTO: Sara Hanna

A

s the Director of Team Security for the Atlanta Hawks, Buckhead resident Vince Velazquez’s main job is to ensure the players’ safety throughout their grueling 82-game season. He began his career in law enforcement as an Atlanta beat cop in the mid-’90s on the fringes of the crack epidemic. After a stint in the narcotics unit, he was promoted to detective and transferred to the homicide division, and his 17 years there working on more than 1,000 murder cases are the subject of the TV One true-crime series ATL Homicide. On the show, Velazquez and his longtime former partner, David Quinn, recount some of their most interesting cases. Season three will debut in June or July.

Your path to law enforcement wasn’t a straight shot, was it?

No. I joined the Air Force at 17 and served for seven years, then went to work for Delta as an aircraft engineer. But law enforcement had always interested me. When I was living in Tampa, I applied to be a cop and at Delta at the same time. After weighing my options, I opted to move to Atlanta to work at Delta.

But after five years working the midnight shift, I was unhappy. I realized fixing airplanes was not for me. The law was pulling at me, and I took the test to work with the Atlanta Police Department and began at the academy in 1995.

The people at Delta thought I was absolutely off my rocker to leave my position there and take a 75% pay cut.

You and David, your partner on ATL Homicide, transferred to the homicide division at the same time, correct?

Yes, we’ve worked together since day one. Everyone else in the department had been there for 20 years. At first, they stayed away from us and acted like we had the plague. What got us through was our ambition and drive.

How did the show come about?

I starting making appearances on shows like Cold Case Files, America’s Most Wanted and Nancy Grace. Then Angeline Hartmann, the crime reporter at Fox 5, started the show Georgia’s Most Wanted and began working with David and me,

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

and we became close. She told us when we retired we needed to start our own show. So one day we hired a crew and filmed a sizzle reel in my living room in Buckhead. We had interest from the Oxygen and Discovery channels, but they weren’t a fit, and then TV One said they wanted to give us 12 episodes.

We’re recounting actual cases we’ve worked on. We appear on the show as narrators, but there are actors portraying us in the reenactments.

What’s the most memorable case you’ve featured on the show?

In season one, we revisited a case involving a murdered woman whose ex-boyfriend had slashed her clothes, stolen her shoes and jumped on the hood of her car. There were tons of circumstantial evidence against him, but he was truly grieving her, so we dug deeper and discovered the real killer was this psychopath. We followed our guts, and thank God we did, otherwise an innocent man would have gone to jail.

What’s your personal mantra?

Hard work is the easy part; doing it right is the hard part.

I use that when I’m rushing to get something done instead of doing it slow and right.

What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I’ve had lots of jobs. I was a butcher and worked in construction, a bullet factory and an amusement park.

I never could sit still. n

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Whether heading out for spring break or planning upcoming business trips, adventure travel or family visits, packing the right suitcase can make travel a lot more seamless. As with most travel gear, you get what you pay for. The last thing you want is broken zippers, a wheel that doesn’t work or rips in the material when toting your precious cargo around the world. Consider a quality suitcase an investment piece. Here are some great luggage options to choose from.

A rolling gear bag is a travel option for checked baggage when you need more packing flexibility.

Generally, they don’t have frames, which means STORY: Jessica there is more room for irregular items, such as tennis rackets or other outdoor equipment.

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K ID S

cope with their own stress. “I teach meditation to kids and have noticed the effects of them being more empathetic with their friends, in the moment and calm,” Carlile says.

Here’s how: Put on some gentle meditation music (you can find a playlist on Spotify). Bring your child’s attention to the crown of the head, then face, then ears, and slowly work your way down the body to the toes, all while focusing on breathing. The accompanying breathing exercise can be breathing in for four counts, holding for two and breathing out for six.

Eat a Diet of Primarily Whole Foods

Ben Willis

You’re going to feel less stressed when you get proper nutrition.

Carlile, who attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, recommends eating plenty of organic fruits and vegetables and getting rid of as many processed foods as possible. She notes studies have shown that 90% of serotonin (the “happy” hormone) in the brain is produced in the gut.

When the gut microbiome (the balance of good to bad bacteria) is healthy, it impacts your mental wellbeing. Support it by eating a diet of nutrient-rich whole foods and cutting back on processed foods.

Keeping Calm and Carrying On

Declutter Your Home

Motherhood Unstressed Founder Liz Carlile advocates self-care for moms.

TIPS ON CREATING A STRESS-FREE HOME FOR BOTH YOU AND YOUR KIDDOS STORY:

L

Karina Antenucci

ife with kids can be extra busy and at times, even chaotic.

Stress levels of even the most well-meaning, fun-loving parents can spike after a long day or an early morning rise and routine. While it’s certainly understandable, the fact is a stressed-out mom or dad isn’t good for anyone at home, especially the kids. Brookhaven resident Liz Carlile, founder of Motherhood Unstressed, a blog and podcast that focuses on self-care for moms, shares the following ways to make the home a more stress-free environment. Hint: It starts by taking care of you.

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Create a Rock-Solid Morning Routine In creating a stress-less home, the number one thing Carlile recommends is creating a morning routine for yourself. She suggests getting up at least 20 minutes earlier than anyone else in the house, drinking a glass of water and sitting down for a 5-minute meditation. “This helps you connect with yourself and gauge where you’re at that day spiritually, mentally and emotionally. Just breathe and be with yourself for a few minutes,” she says.

Next, put on some music for the entire household and start the day.

“Now when it’s time to get the kids up, you are present. And when the kids

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

walk out the door, they will feel supported and grounded,” Carlile notes.

Share a Distraction-Free Meal You might see countertops that need cleaning or text messages coming in, but instead of tending to those right away, turn your attention to being present for one family meal. “Put the cell phones away and turn the TV off.

Eliminating those distractions means you are really there, listening to one another. Kids can feel that positivity and connection,” says Carlile.

Teach Your Kids a 5-Minute Meditation Surprise: Meditation isn’t just for adults! The practice can help children

A cluttered house is a stressful house.

“Pair down and go as minimalist as possible. Keep the quality, good things around you. Donate items you don’t need,” suggests Carlile. When you look around and everything is in its place, it automatically instills a sense of calm. If you make a habit to do a small cleanse every month or so, it’ll have a big effect.

Consider Taking a CBD Tincture A calm mom and dad create a great foundation for a stress-free home.

Cannabidiol, known popularly as CBD, comes from the hemp plant and is said to promote relaxation.

It works hand in hand with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate the other systems in the body, says Carlile, who sells a line of CBD products.

She recommends ingesting a daily CBD tincture, which is hemp oil mixed with a carrier oil. “You will not feel drugged or altered; you’ll feel more like yourself,” she explains. n

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P E TS

UNRAVEL THE MYSTERY OF YOUR PET’S GENETIC CODE

FIND YOUR PET DNA TEST

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Laura J. Moss

aniela Fink adopted her dog, Beans, from Fulton County Animal Services in October 2018, and questions from inquiring friends and strangers started almost immediately. “What breed is he?” they asked.

Beans had been found as a stray and labeled a pit mix, but Fink, an attorney at the Kuck Baxter Immigration law firm in Sandy Springs, wasn’t sure. “I was not convinced since he was very slender and had a very long nose,” she says. “I often take him to Fetch

Dog Park, and everyone asks me what breed he is. Never knowing what to tell them, I decided to do a DNA test.”

There’s no shortage of doggy DNA test kits available today, and millions of Americans have turned to them for more reasons than simply curiosity. Knowing a dog’s genetic background can provide owners with important insights about their canine companion, including behavioral information and potential health risks.

Fink purchased an Embark DNA

Daniela Fink

Thanks to a DNA test, owner Daniela Fink knows more about her dog Beans' genetic heritage.

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

Cats: Basepaws basepaws.com My Cat DNA mycatdna.com

test kit, which tests for more than 250 DNA tests aren't just for dogs. Companies like Basepaws can different dog breeds tell you about your cat’s genetics with a quick mouth swab. and 170 genetic health conditions. What she learned surprised her. While Beans is nearly 50% American pit bull terrier, he also has a mix of breeds including German shepherd, boxer, chow chow and golden retriever.

Interested in learning more about your own pet’s genetic about the accuracy of these test background? Numerous kits can kits. “It’s hard to know how accurate be purchased online or at local they are,” Lisa Moses, a veterinarian pet stores and run from $80 to $150, and researcher with Harvard Medical depending on the kit’s features. To School Center for Bioethics, recently do the test, simply swab the inside told NPR. “Different test companies of your pet’s mouth with the provided use different methodologies as far as tester and mail the sample to the we know.” company. Depending on the service, Still, plenty of anecdotal evidence you’ll receive your pet’s results in a from dog owners supports that their few weeks to a few months. test results seem accurate. And for These insightful tests aren’t limited many dog owners, gaining insight to dogs—there are several felineinto their pet’s background is worth focused DNA kits available, such as the cost of the kit and the time spent.

Basepaws, which reveals not only “Getting to learn more about my your cat’s genetic makeup dog's history was a way for me to by breed and health markers, but connect more to my dog and to get also a “wildcat index” that tells you a glimpse into Beans’ past,” Fink says. which wildcats—such as lions, “I am happy I did it and will happily leopards and cheetahs—your feline tell anyone who asks that he is 50% friend genetically resembles most. pit bull and 100% perfect.” n However, there is some debate

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The Indian-themed Maharaja suite at The Burgess Hotel features sumptuous textiles and a handcarved headboard.

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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H OM E

FIT FOR

FAMILY

The Vaswanis made minor updates to the family room including adding hexagonal tile to the fireplace and textured wallpaper behind the built-in shelves.

Sandy Springs interior stylist Divya Vaswani’s home is both child-friendly and chic STORY:

Divya Vaswani has applied the talents of her discerning design eye to her home and the homes of many clients.

D

ivya Vaswani has always had a creative streak. She channeled it into her career working with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to oversee the transformation of high-end properties and later working in the creative department of Home Shopping Network (HSN). After becoming a mom in 2013, she launched baby blanket line Rajer Rabbit named after her son, Rajer. She’s also poured her talent into her home. It’s what led her to launch her interior styling business, Divya Vas-

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

Giannina S. Bedford PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

wani Interiors, which she helms today, while juggling being a mom to two boys and the wife of a finance executive at Bennett Thrasher.

Her passions and lifestyle are apparent in her Sandy Springs home that showcases the ideal blend of the pretty and practical.

“None of our pieces are high-end because of the kids. I’m not ready to invest in big-ticket items because I want my kids to feel comfortable and not have a fear of destroying specific pieces,” Divya says. “I tend to keep things fairly simple and clean-lined, and try to avoid bulkier pieces if possible.”

Divya and Vijay Vaswani purchased their four-sided brick home in 2017. The three-story abode, built in 2012, is quaint from the outside but deceptively spacious on the inside with

seven bedrooms, four bathrooms and 4,555 square feet. It offers more than enough room for 7-year-old Rajer and 4-year-old Jaisen to romp around and for Divya’s mother, who lives with the family full-time, to have the third level to herself.

“My mom has been with us since my father passed in 2013, and she’s been a big part of my boys’ lives. My in-laws live in Tampa, Florida, and they visit for weeks at a time,” Divya says. “We wanted a house where everyone had their own space. We spend a lot of time together, but it’s also nice to have our own section to get away if we need to.”

Upon move-in, the Vaswanis made some minor aesthetic changes to lighten up the mostly brown and tan interior. They added

Right: Once a dark space, the light and airy kitchen was transformed with paint, subway tile backsplash and granite countertops.

Below: In place of a formal dining room, the Vaswanis have a smart lounge space ideal for happy hour or after-dinner drinks.

“I tend to keep things fairly simple and cleanlined and try to avoid bulkier pieces if possible.”

–Divya Vaswani

ing chairs from Hayneedle, leather seating, a cowhide rug and a sleek, built-in electric fireplace come together to create a stylish entertaining space. “It is by far my favorite place to hang out during the summer,” Divya says. “We watch movies with the kids, play cards and entertain out there often with friends.”

Preferring casual living to traditional entertaining, the Vaswanis opted to forgo a formal dining space to create another “gathering room” off the kitchen. Painted in

s

new light fixtures and wallpaper accents in the living room and upstairs, and in the kitchen they painted the cabinets light gray, added a subway tile backsplash and installed white granite countertops with gray veining.

Over the past two years they’ve also made other updates and filled the home with low-maintenance, yet high-style, furnishings. The living room features a lounge-worthy dark gray sectional from Ashley Furniture and a Rooms To Go ottoman that begs to be a footrest.

“Our ottoman is not a high-end piece by any means. It’s soft, it rolls, it’s super-durable, and lately, it’s been used as a trampoline,” Divya says.

In 2018, the Vaswanis added a sunroom, transforming what was just a backyard cement slab into a chic enclosed space in just 11 days. They kept the exterior brick on one interior wall and selected unstained raw wood for the ceiling, which gives warmth to the modern space. Two swing-

Sherwin Williams Derby Green, the space is adorned with a large world map from World Market, wood placards inviting guests to “Stay Awhile” and industrial-style metal letters that light up and spell #DRINK. “I wanted one room with a crazy color. We have so much fun here,” Divya says.

The Vaswanis enjoy their family meals at a rustic wood table off the kitchen where the chairs from Ashley Furniture and World Market are easy to wipe off, and the Wayfair rug underneath is Divya’s new favorite. “It

An upstairs homework nook for the boys is furnished with two Target tables that “just fit.”

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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H OM E

Above: Furnished with a bed from Highpoint, North Carolina that belonged to Divya’s parents, the master bedroom is done in a soothing palette of blue and gray.

Left: Divya’s favorite touches in the sunroom are the raw wood ceiling and swing chairs, which flank faux wall greenery from Ikea.

DIVYA’S TOP 5 DESIGN TIPS FOR A HOME THAT IS FASHIONABLE AND FAMILY FRIENDLY 1. Find pieces with purpose. Will you or the kids use it often?

Is it needed? Does it work with your style?

2. Display items in threes. It’s more visually balanced and creates variety.

3. Layer textures. I love layering rugs. It provides an extra element to the floor and can make a room feel much cozier.

has a marbled look and is great at hiding all the food that mysteriously falls,” she says.

Some of her other beloved pieces include the master bedroom’s gray wingback chair, which she scored at Home Goods, and the Target tables that fit perfectly in an upstairs nook-turned-homework spot for the boys. The second level also boasts a gym and playroom, which is a work in progress.

“We still have a laundry list of items on our wish list, from the

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floors and the guest and master bathrooms, to painting and changing out more light fixtures,” Divya says. “I think we’re going to have a busy year ahead.”

While the list of to-dos may be lengthy, the Vaswanis have triumphed in having a polished, multi-generational home that can also withstand the inevitable wear and tear family life brings. n The family added the patio of cement pavers during the sunroom construction.

It’s another stylish entertaining space in seasons of pleasant weather.

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

4. Shop your own home first before buying from retail stores. Often, there’s a piece in another room that may work perfectly for the room you are working on.

5. Let your home be a reflection of you and your family.

Allowing your own character and style to shine through really makes a house a home.

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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BULLETIN BOARD

BY:

Giannina S. Bedford

A BREATH OF FRESH AIR

PRODUCT

5 DECLUTTERING TIPS TO BEGIN THE SEASON ANEW 1. Go room by room: If you try to do your entire house in one go, you’ll get overwhelmed and exhausted.

Tackling one space at a time makes the task more manageable, and finishing each room feeds your sense of accomplishment.

2. Have a realistic timeline: Uncluttering your life and purging the old isn’t going to get done in

one day or even one weekend.

Dedicate a day or even just a few hours each weekend to the task instead.

3. Enlist a crew: Get your kids, extended family, friends or even a professional involved. This will make the process go more quickly and make it a more social activity. Plus, you can unload some giveaway items on the cleaning team.

Take your fire-keeping up a notch with bespoke fire tools from Brookhavenbased Southern Andiron & Tool Co. This hometown company, founded by Trey and Marjorie Miller, is making a name for itself and was recently recognized in Garden & Gun magazine’s 2019 Made in the South Awards as a winner in the “Home” category. Its andirons, fire tools and screens are made with Georgia-forged raw steel and include high-quality materials such as hand-sewn leather and natural Tampico bristles.

This Revere-style andiron, The Piedmont, features a spiral baluster and ball top and comes in “rusted” or black.

The Piedmont is available for $995 at southernandiron.com.

SPOTLIGHT

4. Categorize and carry on: Separate items into keep, donate and trash piles. You can also have piles to sell or fix. Either way, pick a box and move on to the next task.

5. The decluttering mantra: Only keep things that will add value to your life in the future and forget about how much you spent on the items.

Don’t let guilt be the deciding factor in what stays or goes.

DESIGN NEWS

n Welcome to the neighborhood, Lazzoni.

This new high-end furniture store recently took over the Buckhead space previously occu-

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pied by Huff Furniture.

Its Peachtree Road digs mark the family-owned company’s fifth showroom in the U.S. and are part of an overall

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

plan to expand to 25 showrooms nationwide in the next five years.

The century-old company, which launched in Turkey, has evolved from making tree houses to window treatments and kitchen projects.

Today, Lazzoni’s highend modern furniture serves a range of clients,

from luxe hotels and offices to homeowners living in condos or mansions. The company even boasts its own hotel in Istanbul that is furnished with its products. lazzoni.com/us/

n The link between technology and the design business is growing. To tackle this topic and address how to add the “human element” back into the design process, the

Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) is hosting a Digital Day on March 11. From 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., panels and seminars will discuss issues such as “Our New Consumer: Understanding the Millennial Designer and Their Digital-First Client” and “A New Decade of Social Media Trends.” For more information or to register to attend the free event, visit adacatlanta. com/events/digitalday-at-adac-2.

n It seems ATL homeowners invest a pretty penny in home decor. In a recent home furnishing report released by Improvenet, Atlanta ranked No. 16 in the top 20 cities where people spend the most on household furnishings. The average spent was $5,660 between 2016 and 2018.

Minneapolis-St. Paul was the No. 1 spending city with an average spend of $9,322.

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead 

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TA S T E MA K E R How did you settle on a global, international look?

It was very important for the feel of The Burgess to reflect some aspects of the journey that Burges and Freny have taken. They both grew up in Hong Kong and are world travelers.

How does artwork factor in?

The Jokhi’s daughter, Jessica, is an artist. We collaborated with her to create custom art for the guestrooms [in the form of four prints]. She also has some original pieces in the lobby and market area. There’s a gallery on the way to the boardroom and meeting room that showcases her original pieces as well.

Kimberley Miller had carte blanche to design The Burgess Hotel, and the result is livable luxury with global flair.

An Artful Redesign Interior designer Kimberley Miller reveals her residential vision for The Burgess Hotel STORY:

T

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

here’s a new boutique hotel in Buckhead, primed to become a destination for both visitors and locals, with 102 guest rooms and suites, a full-service restaurant and luxe bar. Rather than build from the ground up, The Burgess Hotel inhabits the former Wingate by Wyndham. Owners Burges and Freny Jokhi tapped Dallas-based interior designer Kimberley Miller, CEO and principal of Duncan Miller Ullman— whose work on The Curtain Hotel & Members Club in London, Hotel

38

Zaza properties in Texas and a host of boutique hotels in Asia they admired— to lead the three-year redesign.

The result? “It’s a feast for the eyes, really warm and rich with an array of color,” Miller says of the property featuring Frette linens, colorful sofas and bespoke artwork. The design also takes cues from the Jokhi’s family history, including the decor of Mr. B, the bar named for Freny’s father, Keki Bunshah, who led the first Indian Mount Everest expedition. This space is adorned with photographs from

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

his climbs, an element that adds personality and drama to the space.

Here, Miller shares some of her favorite aspects of the design.

How would you describe the guest rooms?

The guest rooms are residential, approachable. They exude comfort.

They have a fresh, timeless, classic feel. I think the layout is significant; the majority of the rooms feel like suites because they’re oversized and have sectionals along with king beds.

Why was having a residential feel so important? Is that a trend you’re seeing in hospitality at large?

Absolutely. This influence is becoming very strong. People have gotten tired of the typical. Instead, guests are gravitating towards something that feels like an experience. Our biggest compliment is when people ask, “Where do I get that lamp? That chair? What is that paint color? I’m going to go home and paint my living room.” We know we’ve accomplished the goal when people feel like it’s something they could live in.

What are some of the standout furnishings from a design perspective?

In the bar/restaurant/lobby experience, we created different gathering areas, and some of the pieces are just phenomenal, like the one-of-a-kind fireplace that Burges and I found at Francois & Co. [with a showroom in Buckhead].

It’s become a magical centerpiece. The bookcase, the Chesterfield sofa and all the furniture in the lobby bar are custom. We also found an antique 8-footlong bone dragon. It’s a showstopper.

What do you want to evoke in that experience?

I want guests to feel welcome and inspired. We want them to feel like it’s their home away from home.

How does The Burgess Hotel fill a need in Buckhead?

I’d been coming to Buckhead for a long time, well before this project.

There wasn’t another unique, one-of-akind property near The Burgess. There are a lot of cool [chain] hotels nearby, but there isn’t anything that has this international, high-level design feel in Buckhead. It’s approachable luxury and an experience you’re not going to have anywhere else. n THE BURGESS HOTEL 3600 Piedmont Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.869.1100 theburgesshotel.com

FA S H ION | B E AU T Y | W E L L N E S S | TA S T E M A K E R

SIMPLY STYLISH

FASHION

Tote-ally Chic P40

For Muriel Luxemburger, handbags are “a universal object that can be endlessly reinvented.”

Muriel Luxemburger in her atelier with the Palais Royal shopping tote made of weathered leather ($375).

Photo: Sara Hanna

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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FA S H I ON

Tote-ally

Chic STORY:

Rebecca Cha

PHOTO: Sara

Hanna

Muriel Luxemburger’s handbags are inspired by her Parisian youth

S

tep into Muriel Luxemburger’s Buckhead workshop, and you are hit with the pungent scent of all things wild and wooly. Stacks of cowhide, Tibetan sheep’s wool, rabbit fur and more, in every color and texture, are everywhere. Industrial sewing machines and oversized spools of thread in myriad colors line the walls, and bright studio lights illuminate collections of handbags, new and vintage.

For those of us who dream in Vuitton and Chanel, paying a visit to Atelier Luxembourg is like coming home.

Luxemburger was born and raised in Paris and has lived in New York, Kiev, Geneva and Lausanne. Each city has informed her identity as an artist and craftsman, but it was during her time in Switzerland that she became obsessed with the business of luxury goods. “In Switzerland, there was definitely an appreciation for what I was creating and selling,” Luxemburger says. “But I realized if I wanted to do this for the long-term, I had to learn the business side, too. I went to the University of Geneva to complete a degree specializing in luxury goods. I took classes at one of the last fine leatherwork ateliers, called maroquinerie. When I moved to Atlanta [in 2013], I was ready.”

And so, Atelier Luxembourg was born. “The name is a tribute to my favorite Left Bank park, the Jardin du Luxembourg. It’s simply by coin-

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cidence that it’s similar to my family name,” Luxemburger says.

In 2013, Luxemburger landed in Buckhead’s Ardmore district and sold her first bags that same year out of a private home. “Then my friends, the Dugauds, started carrying my line in their salon [Bernard Dugaud Atelier de Beauté],” Luxemburger says. “Soon after, The Bitter Southerner started selling the pony clutch and the metallic tassel clutch in limited editions via the online general store. They sold out in every color and helped establish Atelier Luxembourg as a local brand.”

That kind of success doesn’t come without a cost. Weeks go into designing, cutting and building a handbag, with materials sourced both locally and from across the globe. “I am constantly scouting materials,” Luxemburger says.

“Atlanta is a great place for cowhides.

I’ve found fabulous pieces at Scott Antique Markets as well as Tandy Leather.

And my customers demand quality hardware. So now I import topnotch

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

zippers from Switzerland.”

Though cumulatively, each piece is a big investment of resources, Luxemburger stresses the importance of keeping prices competitive.

Depending on the material and the work involved, her totes, bucket bags and crossbody bags range anywhere from $150 to $450 or more for custom pieces.

Luxemburger conducts much of her business at pop-up shops (listed on the website) and via her online store, but her favorite locale is the Peachtree Road Farmers Market in Buckhead, where she has a vendor tent on Saturday mornings from March through December. “I really love this community. I’m inspired by my customers and love meeting them face to face.

They always tell me how happy they are to find authentic, quality handbags in Atlanta. They tell their friends about my business, and because of word of mouth and my online store, I have customers all over the U.S.”

Which means it’s going to be a busy year. “For this spring, besides the subtle greys and chic taupes that are my core colors, we will be adding metallic, deep orange, midnight blue, adorable pink and a wonderfully ‘weathered white’ leather,” Luxemburger says with excitement. “I will be cutting them in the classic shapes of my collection and adding new ones, of course.”

An accomplished painter, embroiderer and designer, Luxemburger could have gone in many directions for her business. “I have made handbags my medium of the moment.

Every day, I experiment with materials, color combinations, closures, handles, structure … it’s a universal object that can be endlessly reinvented.” n

ATELIER LUXEMBOURG 404.747.7333 atelierluxembourg.com

MORE THAN A GYM : A COMMUNITY Come and see what our community is all about.

404.228.3705 3215 CAINS HILL PLACE NW

PINNACLEFITNESSGYM.COM

PINNACLEFITNESS8@GMAIL.COM

B E AU TY

Faddish or Functional?

EXPERTS DEMYSTIFY A TRIO OF BEAUTY’S BIGGEST TRENDS STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

N

o matter how beauty-savvy you are, it’s hard to keep up with the latest “must-have” products and treatments. From reemerging ingredients to new innovations, separating fact from fiction can be a challenge. We tapped three experts to explain three of beauty’s latest fashions.

Trend: Retinol Alternatives Retinols have long-been a skincare buzzword, touted for their miracleworking anti-aging benefits. But lately, clean beauty advocates are recommending natural alternatives.

“Synthetic Vitamin A can be harsh to our skin and cause redness, peeling and photosensitivity, making individuals more susceptible to skin cancer,” explains Kathryn Murray Dickinson, founder and owner of Aillea, the clean beauty retailer with a Buckhead location. Instead of using lab-derived chemicals to take years off, she says, “There are many promising ingredients and products, including the retinoic acid from rosehip, fermented pumpkin enzymes and the recent wonder ingredient bakuchiol, which seems to have all of the power of retinol without the negative side effects.”

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TWO FAVORITES: Kypris Moonlight Catalyst ($98), an overnight treatment that contains fermented pumpkin enzymes to brighten skin tone and refine texture; Tata Harper Retinoic Nutrient Face Oil ($132), which uses retinoic acids from rosehip and added vitamins and minerals to hydrate skin and smooth early wrinkles.

Aillea 3796 Roswell Road Atlanta 30342 470.427.3992 aillea.com

Trend: Double Cleansing “Double cleansing is a process where you use two different cleansers to ensure that makeup has been removed and that the active ingredients can be effective,” explains Ryan Christopher, global director of education for Atlanta-based Astral Brands, which manufactures skincare lines including Cosmedix and Aloette. While double cleansing sounds like an upselling tool for retailers, it has roots in science, which is why many professional facials will feature

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

the technique. “Most people spend less than 60 seconds cleansing their face. That is simply not enough time for cleansers to do their jobs,” Christopher explains, adding that inadequate cleansing can leave makeup residue, environmental pollutants and oils that, over time, can cause blackheads and acne.

The first cleanse removes makeup and excess oil “so the next cleanse can have a positive effect,” he says.

PRO TIP: To execute a pro-level double cleanse at home, he recommends starting with micellar water or a cleansing oil such as Cosmedix Purity Solution ($39), available at Buckhead Grand Spa, to wipe skin clean of debris. Next, choose a cleanser with active ingredients based on your skin concerns.

Buckhead Grand Spa 3338 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.816.4511 buckheadgrandspa.com

Trend: Squalene-Infused Products Walk into just about any beauty shop, and you’re sure to see products

emblazoned with this foreign-sounding word. “Squalane is a hydrogenated version of squalene. We have squalene naturally at the lipid layer of our skin; it is fat produced by our oil glands to moisturize and protect,” explains Amanda Gorecki, founder of Pure MD, a skincare line offered at monthly pop-up events at Buckhead retailers including Draper James, Kendra Scott and Range Boutique.

Because the skin’s natural squalene production slows as we age and because the compound on its own is unstable—a problem for adding it to products—adding the hydrogenated squalene to skin and hair-care formulas is a smart alternative.

The odorless, non-greasy oil is moisturizing, protects the skin barrier and fights free-radical damage thanks to its antioxidant properties.

ONE TO TRY: Pure MD Nourish ($88) serum features both organic, plantderived squalane and vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.

Pure MD Visit puremd.com for information on the next local pop-up shopping event. n

5K WALK » FUN RUN » FAMILY FESTIVAL » FOOD TRUCKS

Sunday, March 15, 2020 12–4 p.m.

The Home Depot Backyard Register online at hungerwalkrun.org PRESENTING SPONSORS: AN EVENT OF:

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BUCKHEAD’S PREMIER SLEEP SOLUTION CENTER Highest rated Temper-Pedic retailer in Atlanta Experienced, expert consultants Financing, delivery & on-site configuration Recommended by chiropractors & physical therapists www.stores.relaxtheback.com/Atlanta-Buckhead 3330 Piedmont Rd. NE, #2•Atlanta, GA•30305 404-848-7977

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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W E L LN ES S

SPA SAVINGS A MEMBERSHIP MAY BE YOUR TICKET TO RELAXATION AT A DISCOUNT

T

reating yourself (or someone else) to a spa membership is a great way to ensure that you’re taking time for much needed rest and relaxation while also making those treatments last and reach maximum results.

Spas in Buckhead, Chamblee and Sandy Springs offer memberships that involve a monthly commitment with added perks.

Here are a few to consider:

MASSAGE ENVY With two locations in Buckhead and one in Sandy Springs, Massage Envy is a convenient option for those seeking a highly affordable spa. At a rate of $60 per month, Massage Envy members enjoy one, one-hour monthly wellness session, which includes a choice of a massage, facial or stretching session. Additional benefits include a discount (varies by location) on any add-on monthly services and products, rollover perks for any sessions that are not used, referral rewards and a military discount for those on active duty. Perhaps the most intriguing advantage of a Massage Envy

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

membership is the ability to use it at any of the 1,150 locations throughout the country. For frequent fliers and road warriors, that means getting a massage wherever work (or life!) takes you.

SPAVIA Located in the mixed-use development Windsor Parkview on The Rail Trail (a walk-run-bike path similar to the BeltLine), Spavia is set amid the hustle and bustle of burgeoning Chamblee. The spa offers massage and skincare treatments, as well as waxing, eyelash extensions, tanning, makeup application and more.

Three membership levels range from $59-$99: The essential membership includes a signature facial, spray tan with body scrub, mineral makeup application or lesson, or a 60-minute signature massage. The premier membership includes a premier massage (think hot stones or deep tissue), facial, body wrap, Hydraderm or peel or an 80-minute signature massage. The ultimate membership includes a four-hand massage, facial, body wrap, Hydraderm or peel,

STORY:

Nicole Letts

or a 100-minute signature massage. Each membership also includes one spa treatment, a 10% discount on retail products, the option to transfer treatments to a family member and the opportunity to level up treatments at a discounted rate.

SPA SYDELL BUCKHEAD The recently opened 5,600-squarefoot Spa Sydell Buckhead is divided into two distinct areas: the day spa and the med spa. Members who join at a monthly level for $89 enjoy services from both sides, and membership perks include 20% off all med-spa services, 10% off day-spa services, a 10% discount for injectables and retail products, a birthday gift, members-only promotions and invitations to special events. With more than 75 services to choose from, you’re sure to find a host of treatments that will suit your needs. Making it well worth your while for a monthly visit are the intimate, soothing treatment rooms and peaceful, curated common spaces draped in luxe fabrics and finishes. Bonus: This location offers complimentary valet parking. n

DETAILS Massage Envy Various locations. massageenvy.com Spavia 5070 Peachtree Blvd., Suite A-110 Chamblee 30341 678.812.0101 spaviadayspa.com/ chamblee-ga Spa Sydell Buckhead 3005 Peachtree Road N.E., Suite E Atlanta 30305 404.255.7727 spasydell.com

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead 

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TA S T E MA K E R

TREE

THERAPY STORY:

Karina Antenucci

PHOTO: Sara

“W

Hanna

alking is my drug of choice,” says Phyllis Abramson, founder of My Forest Bathing, who leads groups and individuals on specialized nature hikes in Buckhead and beyond.

Abramson was drawn to the practice of Japanese Shinrin-Yoku, which translates to “forest bathing,” for its multitude of proven mental and physical benefits. “I’m just the guide; the forest does the therapy,” she notes.

A former registered nurse and retired marriage and family therapist, for the last three years, Abramson has turned her healthy sights to leading these nature walks, including within Buckhead’s Blue Heron Nature Preserve. The avid walker, who first

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A walk through the Japanese art of “forest bathing” with guide Phyllis Abramson

discovered her love of nature growing up in upstate New York, is both a Certified Nature and Forest Therapy Guide through the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy Guides and National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) Wilderness First Aid Certified.

Here, Abramson explains what forest bathing is and why we should consider trading our movie habit for the great outdoors.

Where did the idea of forest bathing come from?

Shinrin-Yoku was started by Japan’s Ministry of Health in the 1980s. The purpose was to help the Japanese with stress relief by prescribing them time in nature. There are now designated Shinrin-Yoku forests and guides in Japan. The concept was brought to the U.S. in 2014, and I was the 101st guide trained here! It is now in 41 countries and gaining in popularity.

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

What is forest bathing exactly?

It is a walk in a natural setting such as a forest or gardens at a very slow pace and in silence, taking time to observe everything around you and using all five senses. It’s all about getting out of your busy mind and being in the moment.

What kinds of health benefits do the trees themselves offer?

Trees give off phytoncides, a kind of forest aroma that includes the terpenes limonene (think of citrus trees) and pinene (think of pine trees). These are antimicrobial compounds and help trees protect themselves. For humans, there are so many studies on the calming effects that trees’ phytoncides have. They are linked to reduction in cortisol [stress hormone] levels and blood pressure, as well as increased mental focus and attention.

What does a walk entail?

My guided walks are typically a 2- to 3-hour experience. We begin by sitting in a circle on camping chairs, and I first explain what forest bathing is. Throughout our time together, we will go walking and then come back together to discuss what we’ve observed. I’ll offer the group or individual a series of invitations in between each walk. These may be to close your eyes and pay attention to what you hear coming from different directions or to walk, stepping very gently on the earth. It’s very meditative.

How can people incorporate forest bathing into their regular lives?

Choose it as a birthday activity instead of a night out. Don’t go to a movie with your family; go to a forest! n

MY FOREST BATHING myforestbathing.com

We invite you to see the difference

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Buckhead 3500 Lenox Road Atlanta, GA 30326 404.254.1899

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SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ART

A Modern Perspective P58

“We think the time is right for a different perspective.” —Heidi Maune

Ramsey and Heidi Maune’s new gallery on Miami Circle is devoted to contemporary art.

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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O N S TAGE

STARS ARE BORN Jerry’s Habima Theatre showcases the talent of adult actors with special needs

F

or nearly 30 years, Jerry’s Habima Theatre has welcomed adult actors with special needs to its stage to provide access to arts programming within the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta in Dunwoody. This March, the theater celebrates ABBA’s greatest hits through its 27th musical production of Mamma Mia!. From March 12-22, the actors will perform dance and musical numbers after just two months of intense rehearsal to learn their lines and choreography.

“Habima has become a nationally acclaimed, annual event that is a go-to for Atlanta audiences. I am so amazed and awed each time I see a performance, and I leave every show with a huge smile on my face,” says Rachel Fox Weitz, who is in her fourth year as chair of the program and has been involved in the theater for longer due to her family’s participation.

The theater started in 1992 when Kim Goodfriend, the founding artistic director, suggested doing a performance show with adult actors with special needs to get them more engaged. The adults were already

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STORY:

part of a short series of theater and movement workshops offered by the department at the time. The theater was named for the late Gerald (Jerry) Blonder, who set up an endowment with his wife to establish the MJCCA’s Blonder Family Department for Special Needs. Habima means “stage” in Hebrew.

“The adult actors, at the time, were in their 30s and had been born and grew up in a time where there wasn’t a lot of support for parents of children with disabilities and special needs,” Goodfriend says.

The program has allowed the adult actors to explore ways to express themselves and gain the confidence to navigate the real world independently while improving their communication skills. “When we started, there weren’t a lot of our actors working in grocery stores or at Waffle House. Now, they take public transportation here, and many live independently,” says Goodfriend.

The very first performance in the ’90s was Tom Stoppard’s 15-Minute Hamlet, an abridged version of Shakespeare’s work. The performances

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

Above: Actors take the stage at Jerry’s Habima Theatre. Don’t miss their production of Mamma Mia! in March.

Muriel Vega have continued ever since with a variety of shows, from The Addams Family to Disney’s Shrek.

The program now enrolls adult actors with special needs who are 18 or older, and invites them to audition during December for the annual spring performance, which is often sold-out. Rehearsals take place during January and February for a March performance.

Over the years, the theater has refined its processes for auditions and rehearsals to spotlight the best talents of each actor who participates. “We’ve changed from this sort of social club to a working theater environment that attracts theater professionals from all over who really just want to be in the room and be part of the rehearsal process,” Goodfriend says.

Katie Rouille is in her 20th season with Jerry’s Habima Theatre and will play Rosie in the upcoming Mamma Mia!. “I really learned how to act and work on characters because of Habima,” says the Special Olympics swimmer.

Goodfriend notes, “Jerry’s Habima

Kim Goodfriend, founding artistic director of the company, has produced and directed since 1992.

Theatre has offered Katie the chance to work with many area theater professionals. Although Katie had participated in productions at her school and church, it is her experience with Habima that really shaped her as an artist.”

The Jerry’s Habima team has found that audience members over the last few decades have walked away with new perspectives on its special needs actors. “Until you are behind the scenes, it is hard to understand the MAMMA MIA! magnitude March 12-22 of emotions Tickets $35 (adults), that are felt $15 (children) by the Jerry’s Habima actors, their Theatre families and 5342 Tilly Mill Road Atlanta 30338 the audienc678.812.4091 es,” Weitz atlantajcc.org says. n

Everyone can PLAY, you just need to register:

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead 

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ART

A Modern

PERSPECTIVE

When it comes to art, contemporary gallery owners Heidi and Ramsey Maune are all about the new and notable

D

ate nights in the early days for Heidi Maune and future husband Ramsey weren’t the usual dinner-and-a-movie combos.

Instead, the two art lovers spent their courtship wandering through Atlanta’s art scene. “We both love art, and we’ve both collected,” says Maune. “So many of our dates revolved around going to galleries and art shows.”

The couple attended high school together in St. Louis, and after reconnecting two years ago in Atlanta, tied the knot last summer. And despite his having a career in commercial real estate and Heidi’s work in the world of medical sales, they decided it was time to turn their passion for art into a living. They launched their namesake gallery in Buckhead last fall, not just as a way to make a living, but also to expand the city’s offerings of

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contemporary art, which Maune describes as works composed primarily by living artists.

“We saw some good contemporary galleries, but what we didn’t see was blue chip artists with limited or multiple prints at price points that were more approachable,” says Maune. “Knowing that Atlanta is a growing and vibrant city, we thought it would be a good fit. We decided to go for it, found a great space on Miami Circle and figured, ‘What’s the worst that can happen?’”

In a town that touts tradition in architecture and art, Maune realizes that “contemporary hasn’t quite latched on yet.” She’s out to change that by introducing national and international artists with names that might be new to some locals. The gallery’s opening featured sculptures

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

and prints by New York-based Alex Katz, and this month, the spotlight shifts to Justin Lyons, an emerging artist from Florida who defines his colorful works as “street art inspired.”

“We’re looking for artists who are mid-career or rising to the top and have staying power,” says Maune.

“We think the time is right for a different perspective, especially since Atlanta has people moving here from all over the world. There will always be the love of traditional things in the South, but we also want to open people’s eyes to a bigger art world.”

Part of that mission means educating art lovers, designers and collectors about how contemporary can fit into a traditional environment. The couple has already done just that in their renovated Brookhaven home that Maune describes as “a ’50s ranch

STORY:

H.M. Cauley

that’s become a quirky two-story.”

“We do have a lot of contemporary art inside,” she says. “You’ll walk in and see an antique chest with a piece of modern art above it, and it works beautifully. We’re just starting to scratch the surface of working with the design community to get the word out that contemporary works well with traditional.”

So far, owning a gallery has already fulfilled the couple’s main objective, says Maune. “One reason we wanted to do this was to travel and meet a lot of MAUNE interesting CONTEMPORARY people. We’ve 747-A Miami Circle done both, Atlanta 30324 and we’re 678.705.4735 having a lot maune.com of fun.” n

Shop. Sip. Savor.

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3400 Around Lenox Drive Atlanta, GA 30326

flaxdental.com ShopsAroundLenox.com

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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GIRL POWER

Beth Kelly

MY EX-BEST FRIEND’S WEDDING (Berkley Trade Paperback Original, $16), available for purchase at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, IndieBound, Books-A-Million, and eBOOK.

Buckhead author Wendy Wax champions strong female characters in her literary works STORY:

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Ginger Strejcek

ong before #MeToo was grabbing headlines and blowing up the internet, Wendy Wax was championing women in her own right, proving the pen mightier than the sword as she readied a full battalion of female protagonists. While the leading ladies of the bestselling author are purely fictitious, their virtues are anything but. Channeling real-life people and the challenges they face, her contemporary heroines rise to the occasion with resounding girl power and universal sisterhood.

“I think women are the strongest beings on the planet. We are often the bedrock of our families and the glue that holds others together,” says Wax, from the 37th floor of the

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Buckhead high-rise she calls home.

“It’s when things fall down around us or the people we love are threatened that we discover how strong we are.”

With a decades-long writing career that’s spawned 15 novels and two novellas and a 33-year marriage that’s produced two children (both sons, now grown and forging careers of their own in NYC and DC), Wax has graduated from working mother but continues to write full-time.

The hours grow longer, she notes, as deadlines loom closer.

Her most recently published novel, My Ex-Best Friend’s Wedding, spins a spellbinding tale of family, friendship and forgiveness around a heavenly heirloom: an ivory satin bridal gown with a Chantilly lace mantilla. Referenced as “THE DRESS,” it’s the embodiment of matrimonial magic

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

yet lays no claim to fairy-tale endings for the women who wear it. “I was inspired by a wedding dress that’s been in my family for generations,” says Wax, who dedicated the book to her aunt Lois, complete with a bridal portrait of her in the exquisite fabrication.

While the gown sparked the story in much the same way Bernie Madoff’s Ponzi scheme gave her a launching point for the popular Ten Beach Road series, she says it’s the characters who count. “I interweave journeys of selfdiscovery—people figuring out who they are and what they’re made of during the tough times. I’m fascinated by the inner strength that comes from adversity and the difference friendship can make in our lives.”

She tackles serious matters with a healthy dose of humor. “I think Mary Poppins had it right—a spoon-

ful of sugar helps the harsh realities go down. So while I’m always trying to dig as deeply as I can, I take an intentionally light tone. One reviewer described my novels as ‘beach reads with substance.’ I’m good with that.”

A Florida native, Wax turned to fiction after a 20-year career in broadcasting, which notably included being the voice of the Publix Teller machines (“If I’d gotten a dime for every withdrawal, I’d be a billionaire!” she quips) and hosting a live radio show called Desperate & Dateless. At the time, she was both.

She met her husband, by chance, at JFK Airport in New York, and the couple relocated to East Cobb in 1997. Wax began her first novel with a toddler and newborn underfoot. “I chalk this decision up to post-pregnancy hormones and lack of sleep. I had no idea what I was doing or how hard it would be,” she says. “Because of their ages, it took me years to write that first novel, but I did manage to finish and sell it. This is when I discovered that a first sale is only a small step on what can be a very long and winding road. Publishing is not a sprint; it’s a marathon.”

Wax is currently plotting the course of The Break-Up Book Club, set in Atlanta with a whole new crew of empowered women. Meanwhile, she has some impressive role models of her own. Her BFF, Dana Barrett, is running for election to the U.S. House to represent Georgia’s 11th Congressional District. You go, girl! n

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead 

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S P E C I A L A DVERTI SI NG SECTION

THE GREEN LIGHT We are proud to introduce Simply Buckhead’s NEW special advertising promotion: THE GREEN LIGHT. Nyssa Green is a well known influencer throughout Metro Atlanta. She has attracted a large audience through her TV, Print and Radio segments.

People look to her for advice and suggestions on local products and services, and she is now bringing her talents and influence to Simply Buckhead.

GEORGIA PEACH MOVERS We are “GEORGIA” Peach Movers, a 5-star moving company on a mission to exceed every client’s expectations by providing the best moving experience. We also give back by donating a meal to a food insecure family after every move. l Mention this ad for $50 off your next move.

Max@georgiapeachmovers.net 404.304.4182 l GaPeachMovers.com Connect with us on IG @georgiapeachmovers

BODY AWARENESS STUDIO Leslie Clayton, founder and director of the Body Awareness Studio, Balanced Body Master Instructor known for using Pilates and integrative tools to relieve pain and rebalance the nervous system after physical or emotional stress. Inspired by the body’s bio intelligent wisdom for healing, she gives her students new ways of thinking and moving in life.

She’s n advocate for survivors of sexual abuse and believes that Pilates is a powerful resource for healing. Advanced Higher Brain Living facilitator, Natural Rhythms Creation coach and Heart IQ coach.

5549 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342 404.252.7550 l BodyAwarenessStudio.com

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

CRAB404 Crab404, located in the heart of the perimeter off of 285 Roswell Rd exit, opened in September 2019. Our food is fresh from the sea and ready to serve, straight from the Gulf of Mexico. Crab404 offers a laid back atmosphere with a full service bar and TV’s. The dining area can host up to 100 customers, with a view of the award-winning kitchen.

Reservations recommended.

4969 Roswell Road, Atlanta 30342 l 770.457.7161 l crab404.com

LEARNINGRX - ATLANTA BUCKHEAD Did you know that struggles with thinking, learning, reading, memory or attention are often caused by weak cognitive skills? LearningRx brain training gets to the root of the problem by radically strengthening these skills with your own personal brain trainer! Visit us to test your brain and see why our results have been called life-changing by hundreds of families in Atlanta over the last 12 years!

BOXWOODS Boxwoods, voted one of the top 50 retailers in the U.S., Atlanta’s Best Home Accessory Shop, Best Garden Gift Shop, Best Holiday Décor Shop and an American Express Member Favorite featuring a unique mix of home accessories, affordable furniture, gifts, antiques, jewelry, clothing, and handbags, plus an award-winning plant department.

5180 Roswell Rd, Atlanta GA 30342 l 404.252.7246 l learningrx.com

100 E. Andrews Dr. NW, Atlanta, GA 30305 404-233-3400 l boxwoodsonline.com

SCOTT ANTIQUE MARKETS

YEARGAN & KERT LLC

Scott Antique Markets are America’s favorite treasure hunts!

We host the world’s largest indoor antique show the second weekend of every month at the Atlanta Expo Centers. With an astonishing 3,500 exhibit booths filled with antiques and designer items, there is sure to be something for everyone!

Yeargan & Kert LLC is a high profile Georgia criminal defense firm consisting exclusively of former state prosecutors and military veterans. If you are facing DUI, drug, traffic tickets, or other criminal charges, you definitely want to call them to ensure the best outcome for your case. They’re the best!

3650 & 3580 Jonesboro Road SE, Atlanta 30354 740.569.2800 l scottantiquemarkets.com

1170 Peachtree Street, Ste. 1200, Atlanta, GA 30309 404.467.1747 l AtlantaDUILawyer.com

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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TREASURE HUNTING DISCOVER NEW GEMS AND SHED THOSE UNWANTED ITEMS WITH SUSTAINABILITY IN MIND

S

pring: The season most associated with “re,” when we look to renew, revamp and reorganize as the environment around us is reborn.

“Spring cleaning” has become, for many, an annual ritual that pulls back the coldblocking drapes, throws open the windows and banishes the dust and darkness of winter. And for good reason: Along with budding trees and blooming bulbs, we’re ready to break out into the (thankfully) longer hours of sunlight. This season also makes it an ideal time to cast a critical eye

on our environments, from the living room to the bedroom closet, and see what isn’t working anymore. From that well-worn futon in the family room to the jeans you need to admit will never pass your thighs again, it’s time to toss and, ideally, replace with things that befit the new decade.

One ongoing trend that has moved steadily into the 2020s is recycling—and not just plastic and paper. Donating or consigning furniture, accent pieces, gently worn clothing and accessories is the ultimate act of recycling that enables your

PHOTO: Sara

Hanna

unused or unwanted items the chance to be reborn as another person’s perfect find. And the same locations that welcome those items for resale are also treasure troves where that just-what-I-needed piece may be waiting.

We’ve combed Buckhead and the surrounding areas to find some of those troves and have tossed in details on how to get your own once loved but no longer functional items ready to move on.

Happy hunting!

CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES STORY: Ginger

Strejcek

ALEXIS SUITCASE

Alexis Suitcase features finds in women’s and men’s clothing and accessories.

s

Sporting Coach handbags, Prada sunglasses, Burberry scarves and footwear fabulous enough to stop Carrie Bradshaw dead in her tracks, Alexis Suitcase is a must-visit spot for fashionistas whose impeccable designer taste is curbed only by budgetary constraints. With three Atlanta-area locations, including a 3,000-square-foot showcase in Buckhead, the upscale consignment boutique offers more than 10,000 unique items up to 75% off retail.

Hit the street in gold metallic Versace sneakers for $455, step out in Manolo Blahnik Hangisi heels for $400 or snag a pair of Jimmy Choo pink velvet ankle booties for $200—all priced well below the approximately $1,000 retail tag. Shirts are sorted by color; everything else is arranged by

category and size, with couture items and new finds in a separate section.

There’s stuff for guys, too.

“Our customers love the variety, quality and value we offer,” says E-Commerce/Marketing Manager Monaay Walker, adding that Louis Vuitton leads the pack in popularity, followed by Gucci, Chanel and YSL. “People want quality pieces that won’t fall apart after one wash, like many of the fast fashion brands out there today. And when you can get the same designer item for less, who doesn’t love to save money?”

Not to mention the planet. “Shopping consignment is a sustainable way to reduce textile waste,” she says. “With the growing concern about fashion’s impact on the environment, women can feel good knowing that they are reducing their carbon footprint while keeping their wardrobes fresh and updated!”

Alexis Suitcase opened in 2005,

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an enterprising venture of Georgia Tech grad Jayna Thompson, a savvy shopper with business smarts and a passion for fashion. Her success in Sandy Springs led to a second location in Johns Creek in 2009 and a third in Buckhead in 2012.

The story behind the name is a cute one. During her college days, Thompson traveled to New Zealand for a study abroad with a friend named Alexis. She didn’t pack for the chilly temps and ended up rummaging through Alexis’ suitcase every morning for something warm to wear.

Today, Leslie Brown runs the show. Another biz wiz with a sensational sense of style, she purchased the company in 2017, transitioning from a 20-year career as a CPA to the owner of a place where she had been shopping for years.

2221 Peachtree Road N.E., Suite H Atlanta 30309 220 Sandy Springs Circle, Suite 189 Sandy Springs 770.390.0010 alexissuitcase.com

Designer accessories finish the outfit at Alexis Suitcase.

BACKSTREET BOUTIQUE Resale consignment shop Backstreet Boutique is known around town for its exclusive designer pieces, including the largest inventory of current St. John clothing as well as vintage items from Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Armani and more.

Owner Joey Mccraw opened her original store on Roswell Road in Buckhead 20 years ago before moving to East Shadowlawn in 2006.

3140 E. Shadowlawn Ave. N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.262.7783 buckheadsupscaleresale.com

BUCKHEAD THRIFTIQUE Treasure hunters at Buckhead Thriftique can score fantastic finds while helping others in the process.

The nonprofit thrift store, owned and operated by Buckhead Christian Ministry, provides free clothing to people in need and sells affordable clothing and household goods to the community. Any profits are used to prevent hunger and homeless-

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Find your next fab outfit in the boutique setting of Buckhead Thriftique.

ness for Atlantans in crisis; leftover merchandise is donated to mission efforts around the world.

Thanks to its affluent address at the Shops of Miami Circle, the 8,400-square-foot space is graced with many upscale labels not typically found in thrift stores. Think St. John and Tori Burch for women and Giorgio Armani for men, with designer accessories—bags, belts and baubles—displayed in a boutique-style setting. The eclectic and ever-changing inventory includes racks of shoes and children’s clothing, bedding and books, small electronics and furniture.

Shelves are stacked with everything from clocks and cookware to crystal and collectibles. Prices start at $1.

“Our inventory comes from a plethora of generous community donors. Shoppers tell us we have great inventory, the best prices, and incredible volunteers and staff,” says Michelle Krompegal, director of retail operations. “Not only can thrifty shoppers receive great deals, but they are also helping our community members in need and reducing items that go into the landfill.”

Donations of new or clean, gently used clothing and small household items are always welcome, she says, adding that children’s and men’s clothing and shoes are in high demand.

Contributions are tax-deductible.

Buckhead Thriftique started as a clothing ministry in 1987.

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

The first store opened on Piedmont Road in 2006 before moving to its current location in 2010.

A recent expansion and renovation doubled the space.

Haviland and Minton, and crystal by Waterford, Baccarat and Rosenthal.

Among the crown jewels: a Picasso studio painting and an elegant set of Saint Louis Crystal “Excellence” water goblets (both sold at auction), and two diamond bracelets appraised at $2,500 each (sold at the fall trunk show).

Resale is a win-win situation across the board, Holleman says.

Donors can recycle unneeded items to benefit others and get a tax deduction for themselves. Customers can have fun shopping for necessities and affordable luxuries in a hospitable setting. And net profits benefit various church missions and community charities. Respite Care Atlanta, The Boyce L. Ansley School for Homeless Children and Church of the Common Ground have been selected as recipients.

“We are staffed by a wonderful, talented and devoted group of volunteers along with a small paid staff equally devoted,” she says. “To many, we are a place to come to whether you buy or not. Everyone is welcome.”

1893 Piedmont Road N.E. Atlanta 30324 404.876.5440 cathedralatl.org/mission/ cathedral-thrift-house/

800 Miami Circle N.E., Suite 160 Atlanta 30324 404.365.8811 buckheadchristianministry.org/ thriftique/

CATHEDRAL THRIFT HOUSE When it comes to resale shops, Cathedral Thrift House is one of the oldest kids on the block. It’s been around since 1949, with several relocations over the decades. Operated by The Cathedral of St. Philip to serve the community, the nonprofit shop is well stocked with an eyepopping assortment of high-quality items from designer clothing and accessories to home goods and furniture, gently used to brand new.

The inventory is donated by parishioners and residents from Buckhead and surrounding neighborhoods.

“Our customers love the thrill of the hunt for unique treasures at a great value,” says manager Nellie Holleman.

“Some come in daily, especially our antique dealers and designers, but also our neighbors. Many come in once a week. We have a saying ‘You snooze, you lose,’ as new merchandise comes in daily. If you see it, buy it then as tomorrow it might be gone.”

That includes china by Limoges,

Consigning Women in Dunwoody is noted for its designer duds in a range of sizes.

CONSIGNING WOMEN From activewear to evening gowns, sizes 00 to 3X, there’s something for everyone at Consigning Women, says co-owner Cindi Williams, who opened shop in Dunwoody in 2009 with long-time friend Jenny Neuger.

The two quickly doubled the space from 2,000- to 4,000-square-feet within the first six months. “Our stock runs the gamut. Everything is organized by size and color, so you can go right to the rack and see if we have the top you might be looking for or that pair of dressy shoes for an evening out,” she says. “Of course, we love the ladies who stay all day—and we have them.”

Most items are priced between $20 to $150; the occasional bag goes for up to $2,000. Purses are the top sellers, with Louis Vuitton, Prada, Chanel,

Clothes are just part of the selection at Lost- N-Found, where furniture and

Gucci, Kate Spade and Coach all in the mix. Some merchandise is new: We found an NWT Escada skirt that retails for $690 on the floor for $28.50. Inventory hanging around for 30 days is discounted 25%.

“It’s fun to watch women find that perfect piece and help them with their wardrobe needs,” Williams says. That includes brides. Though the store doesn’t carry traditional wedding gowns, it does offer some unique alternatives for the big day.

“We had a bride looking for something a little classy and a little funky for a sundown wedding on the lake.

She found the most beautiful brown dress with a full taffeta skirt and a beaded bolero to go with her stunning cowboy boots.”

Proud of their reputation as the “Cheers” of the consignment world (“After you visit a few times, everyone knows your name!”), Williams says the team works hard to please customers and consigners in a friendly, relaxing shopping environment. “We’ve been blessed to take in new consignments every day for the 10 years that we’ve been open.

So when we say it is never the same store twice, we really mean it.”

A biannual turnover sale on winter clothing is set for early March, with remaining inventory donated to the Wellspring Living thrift stores.

“People literally mark their calendars for this,” says Williams. “We just have an unbelievably loyal following of consignment shoppers.”

2508 Mount Vernon Road Dunwoody 30338 770.394.1600 consigningwomenatlanta.com

LABELS RESALE BOUTIQUE Prepare to shop ’til you drop at Labels Resale Boutique, a top destination for luxury consignment since 2009. The five locations include three within walking distance on Paces Ferry Place, one in Sandy Springs and a deep discount outlet center in Vinings.

Start at the main store, housed in an English-style cottage in Buckhead, to peruse contemporary women’s tops, bottoms, suiting, athletic wear, denim, handbags and accessories. Cross the street to browse designer offerings for men.

Just down the way, there’s a colorfully chic runway of dresses and shoes, both casual and formal, from Banana Republic and Balenciaga to Lily Pulitzer and Louis Vuitton. St. John, premier designer handbags and clutches, accessories, jewelry and sunglasses can also be found.

Owned by Fernando Perez and

appliances are often part of the inventory.

Susan Stephens, the boutique consigns items for 90 days and pays 50% of the sold price to the consignor. Unsold items are either picked up by consignors or donated to various charities.

The stylish selection comes from high-end wardrobes in Atlanta and around the country. Online shopping is available, too, with such recent offerings as a black leather Collier de Chien bracelet by Hermes for $650, Chanel red acetate sunglasses for $300 and beaded dangle earrings

by Mignonne Gavigan for $50.

3208 Paces Ferry Place Atlanta 30305 404.549.7562 Dress & Shoe: 3235 Paces Ferry Place Atlanta 30305 678.705.2247 Men’s Store: 3209 Paces Ferry Place Atlanta 30305 404.458.3143 Sandy Springs: 227 Sandy Springs Place Atlanta 30328 404.390.3854 labelsrb.com

LOST-N-FOUND YOUTH THRIFT STORE With rave reviews on Yelp proclaiming it “the pinnacle of thrift stores” and “the best thrift store ever,” Lost-NFound Youth Thrift Store is a go-to mecca for mega-thrifters, antiquers, prop designers and folks looking for just about anything. Open daily, with prices starting at a quarter and hardback books going for a buck, the shop brims with clothing, furniture, small household appliances, office furniture, fitness equipment, electronics, art, toys, home decor and more.

Everything is donated, with contribu-

tions largely coming from individuals and businesses in the community.

A recent inventory check turned up Doc Martens for $8, leather cowboy boots for $30 and a Kate Spade bag for $40. For sporty types: a MacGregor Jack Nicklaus CG 1800 3-PW men’s golf set for $40 and a Mongoose sports bike for $50. Among the furniture in the newly-expanded showroom was a cherrywood armoire for $150 and a Pottery Barn wooden queen sleigh bed for $250. There was a Tiffany & Co. 18-piece dinner set for $150, and a 2001 Nissan Altima for $1,700.

Prized relics have been claimed as well—most notably, a 1925 Singer sewing machine, an antique cuckoo clock and a silk Persian rug. Come Halloween and Christmas, a sizable chunk of space is filled with seasonal merchandise. It doesn’t hurt that Lost-N-Found is a popular drop spot for movie props, with consistent donations from TV shows like “The Walking Dead.”

Aside from scoring great deals, unearthing unique finds and reducing landfill waste, shopping resale at Lost-N-Found is literally changing lives. Proceeds from the thrift store directly fund the programs and services of Lost-N-Found Youth, an Atlanta-based nonprofit with a mission to end homelessness for LGBTQ+ youth. This includes emergency and transitional housing, a 24-hour crisis hotline and a youth center that assists with job placement, healthcare, housing and educational opportunities. Nearly 60% of the organization’s operating budget comes from revenue from the thrift store, now in its seventh year.

For super savings, go the last Monday of the month, with 50% off

clothing and linens.

2585 Chantilly Drive N.E. Atlanta 30324 678.856.7824 infy.org/thrift-store

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY St. Vincent de Paul Georgia operates 13 thrift stores across the state, including a Chamblee location, offering clothing, household goods, appliances, furniture, children’s items and new mattresses at discounted prices. The mission-driven enterprise is self-sustaining and communityminded. Shopping vouchers are available to people in need, helping them move toward stability and self-sufficiency. It also creates jobs, providing training and work experience for those facing barriers to employment.

Revenue funds direct aid for clients in the form of assistance for rent, utilities, medical expenses, transportation, etc. Unwanted items are sold as raw material for recyclers.

5463 Peachtree Road, Suite A Chamblee 30341 770.936.0766 svdpgeorgia.org/what-we-do/ clothing-furniture/thrift-stores/

THE DRAKE CLOSET With three locations, The Drake Closet sells new and gently used clothing, shoes and accessories.

Prices range from $3 to $30. All of the merchandise is donated, with proceeds benefiting The Drake House, which provides emergency housing for women and children in North Fulton.

6030 Sandy Springs Circle Sandy Springs 30328 678.515.3349 thedrakehouse.org

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CONSIGNMENT FURNITURE DEPOT With 12,000 square feet of showroom space, Chamblee’s Consignment Furniture Depot is one of the largest consignment furniture stores in the region. The sprawling shop is owned and operated by husbandwife duo Mark and Victoria Schutter. The couple, once consumer electronics professionals, opened the store 12 years ago in an attempt to keep busy after retirement. They were enamored by the consignment furniture business model, despite the questionable timing of their launch: It was 2008 and the thick of the recession. “Had we gone into any other kind of retail, it would have been bad, but at that particular time, it was great for consignment stores,” says Mark.

With rare exceptions, Consignment Furniture Depot is strictly a consignment store. According to Schutter, they do not augment their furniture selection with new pieces. Instead, shoppers will find pieces from model homes, return items from manufacturers and other contemporary furniture in great condition.

Those interested in consigning pieces can email photos and a brief description of items to info@cfdatl. com. Once the email is received and reviewed, you will likely receive a call from Victoria who will discuss the photos and what she thinks will (or won’t) sell. Once approved, consignors deliver pieces for a 90day consignment period. Generally, 80% of items are sold within the

FURNITURE AND DECOR STORY: Nicole

first 60 days. The consigner split is 50/50, and checks are mailed on the 15th of the month following the sale. Items that sell well (and quickly!) include modern, contemporary and midcentury pieces, but unfortunately, you’ll have to find another place for more traditional or antique pieces such as armoires and china cabinets.

5461 Peachtree Road Chamblee 30341 770.452.1545 consignmentfurnituredepot.com

The name says it best: Mélange is a mix of eclectic styles from classic French to modern.

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Letts

MÉLANGE Translated from French, “mélange” means a mixture or melody, and that’s exactly what Mélange brings to Buckhead’s Miami Circle. The store is a hip yet harmonious blend of a variety of design styles. Think Henredon campaign chests alongside French-inspired dining chairs.

Now in its sixth year, the consignment shop manned by Edie Yao accepts high-quality furniture, lighting, home decor, art and rugs.

While the store does have a wide range of styles including antique, midcentury, modern and transitional, Yao is careful not to use the term “antique” shop. “[It’s] a very eclectic mix,” she says. From the facade, the store looks quaint, but a walk through the front doors reveals a vast interior with a series of rooms, each one unveiling more treasures than the last.

To consign at Mélange, start by sending photos and information via email to info@melangeatlanta.com.

You will likely receive a follow-up phone call to discuss further details.

During the call, a Mélange representative will go over the basic parameters of the store’s consignment contract. Like other area consignment stores, Mélange has a 50/50 split policy, and items are typically on the floor for no longer than six months. In some instances, the store arranges a home visit to see items in person. Regardless of whether you intend to shop or sell, Mélange is a must-see.

Put on those comfy walking shoes to explore the 12,000-square-foot Consignment Furniture Depot.

652A Miami Circle Atlanta 30324 404.816.5648 melangeatlanta.com

NOW AND AGAIN Now and Again is one of Atlanta’s oldest consignment stores. Owner Mary Kirchner opened the store 30 years ago near East Andrews when the former Buckhead Glass space, a well-known business on Roswell Road, shuttered. Kirchner, a former Hilton Head real estate agent, jumped at the chance to move to what she describes as an ideal location. Today, Now and Again is a premier consignment shop for those looking to unload high-end, traditional and antique furniture without the hassle of selling it themselves.

The store is neatly styled in vignettes, so shoppers can get an idea of how pieces would look in their own spaces. As you meander, don’t forget to look up and down: Now and Again always has a collection of rugs underfoot and an assortment of chandeliers overhead.

Consignors are asked to submit photos, dimensions, item history, brand and other details to the shop via email at consignments@nowandagain.net. The split is 50/50, and items are required to stay for at least a month. If a piece hasn’t sold after four months, consignors can pick-up items or leave them for four more. At that point, if it hasn’t sold, Now and Again will donate the item to a local charity or keep it in the store to sell at a discounted price.

Kirchner accepts a variety of pieces ranging from mahogany beds and dining tables to Chinoiserie accessories and lamps, and she’s always on the hunt for English pieces, which sell well. However, in Now and Again’s case, size does matter.

“People are downsizing their houses and the size of the furniture, so that tells us we can’t accept too large of a piece,” says Kirchner. While those grand pieces are harder to sell, Kircher does make the occasional exception, so don’t hesitate to inquire, just in case.

4310 Roswell Road N.E. Atlanta 30342 404.262.1468 nowandagain.net

SIMPLE FINDS FOR THE HOME Now in its sixth year, Chamblee’s Simple Finds for the Home is part consignment store, part dealer booth collection, which means it offers the best of both worlds.

Shoppers can find a bookshelf and fill it with books and trinkets, too. Owned by trio Ken Matthes, Carolyn O’Kane and Michael O’Kane, the shop aims to offer turnkey pieces that customers can take home, put in place and enjoy.

Michael says finding the items to fit that ready-to-use description relies on truly understanding what sells and why. “It is critical to educate the consignor on current trends, buyer demands and expectations.”

At any given time, Simple Finds for the Home has more than 135 dealers and approximately 400 to 500 active consignors, so the selection is bountiful and always changing. If you think consigning with Simple Finds for the Home is right for you,

begin by submitting pictures of the items you are interested in selling to info@simplesindsga.com. Due to the shop’s desire for those turnkey pieces, items should be in good, like-new or new condition. Typically, there is a 50/50 split, but O’Kane says there are instances when the shop has offered 60/40 or 65/35 in the consignors’ favor. “Certain exceptionally costly or high-line items might see that percentage scale slide,” he explains. Part of that decision is recognizing that sellers have different reasons for consigning. “We try to be cognizant that in some cases there might be a bereavement that brought them to our doors. Others might have a personal attachment given the memories that some pieces might have from family heirlooms. Our goal is to net the highest yield for our consignment customers and stay in constant contact with them throughout the entire process.”

3614 Chamblee Dunwoody Road Chamblee 30341 678.691.4241 simplefindsga.com

SOUTHERN COMFORTS With four locations in the metro area, Southern Comforts is the consignment gift that keeps on giving. Shoppers can easily spend a day bouncing among locations and furnish an entire room with their finds. The Dunwoody location on Mount Vernon Road is tucked neatly into a corner, but don’t let the small facade fool you.

Inside, big bargains are to be had.

Sellers will find deals here, too. According to Southern Comforts owners, who have been in the business for more than 15 years, they sell 95% of what is consigned. To get started, The vignettes at Now and Again let shoppers see how pieces might look in their own homes.

Set up like a furniture showroom, Swoox specializes in sleek, modern styles.

email photos and extra information to jenny@southerncomforts.com.

From there, you’ll learn more about which pieces are accepted as well as which store is the best fit for your items. You will schedule a time to deliver your furniture, or Southern Comforts can recommend a mover to help. The consignment period is 100 days, and if an item has not sold or reclaimed at that time, it becomes the property of the store. Southern Comforts also accepts small decor items, so if you’ve been looking to downsize your china collection, this store is your spot.

2510 Mt. Vernon Road Dunwoody 30338 770.901.5001 southerncomforts.com

SWOOX For those whose style leans toward the contemporary, cool and just plain funky, head to Buckhead’s Swoox, a self-described “curated consignment store.” The shop feels like a well-designed showroom versus a jammed thrift emporium, due to the store’s relationship with area designers who often bring in their own pieces. Furniture from brands such as LEE Industries, Bernhardt Interiors and Verellen anchor the shop while moody artwork saturates

the walls. Truly, the store’s artwork is the consignment star. Most pieces come from private collections and are on consignment, but the shop supplements its stash with works from local and regional artists.

Swoox also has a variety of gifts and decor that align with its style. Jewelry by Shavon Beal and midcentury modern barware are sprinkled throughout, making it an ideal spot for both big and small purchases.

According to manager and curator David Celani, items that sell well at Swoox include drink tables, matching chests, ottomans and sofas. “Anything cool and edgy and in current design rotation trends is what we’re looking for,” he says.

While not the specialty, the store will also accept the occasional antique, as long as it can be “funked-up” with modern elements.

To consign with Swoox, email images and information to Celani at swooxdavid@gmail.com, who hand-selects accepted items. Swoox prides itself on moving items around frequently to keep them fresh and showcase them in new ways. The store’s split is 50/50.

28 E. Andrews Drive Atlanta 30305 404.869.0042 facebook.com/swooxatlanta

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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COV E R S TO RY

CHECK THE WALLS CONSIGNMENT ART DEALS MAY BE STEALS

A

fter five years of brokering artists and selling their works from the confines of her condo and car, Jennifer Balcos went brick-and-mortar last October. The self-described art advisor needed a physical space to showcase the fine art she sells.

“It was time to give all [these artists] a platform where things could be hung and exposed—and a place for shows and parties,” says the Buckhead resident.

“Those things are hard to do if you don’t have a setting.”

Having a cozy 1,800-square-foot space also allows Balcos room to showcase art that’s on consignment. Just like fine furnishings, clothing and accessories, art is another commodity that’s recycled for resale, though Balcos says not many Atlanta area outlets dabble in it.

“That’s where I stand out,” she says. “A lot of galleries won’t accept art on consignment, but people do want fresh looks every year, so the idea is becoming more trendy.”

Consigners bring Balcos the art for a variety of reasons. Homeowners who are downsizing often find a particular piece won’t physically fit or blend into the decor of a new place. People may inherit works they’re not fond of. Whatever the reason, if it’s fine, documented art, Balcos will consider it. Consignments are offered with a 50-50 split and a one-year contract.

“I’ve had pieces from 19th century

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STORY:

H.M. Cauley

PHOTO: Sara

Hanna

artists, midcentury oil paintings and African sculpture, with prices from $1,250 to $5,000, though I’ve received some as high as $30,000,” she says. “Even though I mainly broker with 20 artists, you don’t have to be an artist to sell something here.”

Balcos, who has an interior designer’s background, has also begun to accept select furniture and decor pieces that double as a backdrop for the artwork while waiting for their next owners. “Every piece you see here will be vintage; nothing is new or mass produced, though you might find something with a vintage body covered in a new fabric. Each piece I source has to resemble a piece of artwork; it should be unique.”

Among the finds treasure hunters might discover are a Vladimir Kagan kidney-shaped sofa in faux leather ($13,500), a 1970s Falcon chair ($1,250) or a midcentury modern cocktail table. “Right now, the midcentury movement is huge, but I what I really love is finding things you don’t see everywhere,” she says.

The consignment side of the business also affords Balcos plenty of surprises. “You never know what someone will bring through the door. It’s like Christmas every week.” n Jennifer Balcos Gallery 22B E. Andrews Drive N.W. 30305 404.441.5745 facebook.com/jenniferbalcosgallery

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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This lovely home is surrounded by lush landscaping, and has two floors of living space. The open concept floor plan holds living room with a large stone fireplace, a dining area, and an updated kitchen. Sapphire Valley Master Association amenities (access to Faifield Lake, pools, tennis, etc.) are included.

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© 2020 BHH Affiliates, LLC. An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. ® Equal Housing Opportunity.

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A N SL EY MOU N TA I N & L A K E

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404.480.HOME | ANSLEYMOUNTAINS.COM | 116 WEST MAIN ST. UNIT 1C, BLUE RIDGE, GA 30513 Equal Housing Opportunity | Christopher Burell, Principal Broker and Chief Motivation Officer | All information believed accurate but not guaranteed. If your home is currently listed, this is not a solicitation.

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RESTAURANT REVIEW

Bone-afide in Brookhaven P74

An uber-glam carnivore's playground, Arnette's is primed to become an Atlanta dining destination for years to come.

Arnette's lobster spaghetti is a masterpiece of fresh, luxurious flavors.

Photo: Sara Hanna

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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REVIEW

Bone-afide in Brookhaven The steaks are high at Arnette’s Chop Shop STORY:

Rebecca Cha PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

M The wedge salad is dressed up with tart tomatoes, smoky bacon and tangy blue cheese.

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uch has been written about Arnette’s Chop Shop, the newest offering from the Word of Mouth restaurant group that includes Haven, Valenza and Vero Pizzeria. You may have read about the stunning rib-caged staircase leading to a second level where a Southern comfortable veranda, bar and dining space await,

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

adorned with huge portraits of music icons Jagger, Hendrix and Harry (Debbie, that is).

You’ve likely heard, too, about the exclusive members-only knife club and its enviable perks from custom-engraved steak knives to special event access. And of course you’ve heard about the menu: oysters and caviar, Chicago-sourced ribeyes, strips and tomahawk steaks, and hearth-roasted shellfish.

Perhaps you’ve even seen with your own eyes this revamped industrial space that’s well on its way to becoming the Brookhaven spot to see and be seen and to dine.

And I am here to tell you: It’s almost as good as you’ve heard.

It was pummeling rain on our first visit, but thank God for the valet canopy and complimentary umbrellas. Upon entering the fortress-size walnut door, my friend and I were whisked into the busy dining room where blown glass fixtures and leather banquettes in calming neutrals create a mellow, Santa Fe feel. We were squeezed between occupied two-tops, and while I generally don’t like to be in such close proximity to others, there is at least one perk: You have a front row seat to your neighbors’ food.

Expensive steakhouses are like theatre—

The cowboy ribeye, wet-aged for 50 days, is beautifully marbled, tender and juicy. Don't forget to order a side of compound butter!

most cuts here range from north of $50 up to $140—and we shamelessly soaked in the scene like it was Hamilton. Towering plates of sumptuous roasted marrow and earthy wagyu beef tartare were followed up with a sizzling cowboy ribeye, the mound of golden compound butter melting into the charred hollow of the steak’s soft center. “I’ll have what she’s having,” said my friend.

Along with a gentle, fruity 2017 red Burgundy from Bouchard, we ordered the $75 cowboy steak and commenced with Arnette’s classic wedge salad—a mainstay on steakhouse menus. This version was rich with chunky bits of tart tomato, smoky bacon, tangy blue cheese and organic iceberg lettuce. It was fresh and texturally complex, but with the dim lighting and 360-degree chatter, it was hard to give the salad our full attention. Not so with our ribeye. We had heard so much about Arnette’s version—a deeply marbled, bone-in beauty that’s wetaged for 50 days. Ours was unctuous, juicy and satisfying, but it arrived more mediumrare than black-and-blue as we had ordered, with a rather gray (not charred) exterior.

We perked up, though, with the steamy hot Dauphinoise potatoes. Oozing hot butter, cream and melted Gruyere cheese, it was a mere memory in under four minutes.

Our next visit was beyond exceptional.

We got the best booth in the house (#44) and only ordered ice teas, but still our

Left: The incomparable shaved prime rib on a soft onion Kaiser roll is a gustatory delight.

Below: Who can resist creamy, buttery, cheesy spuds?

Dauphinoise potatoes is a must-try side dish.

Expensive steakhouses are like theatre, and Arnette's is no exception.

Left: Earthy, herbed root veggies and chanterelles are an oft-ordered side dish, and with good reason.

Below: Arnette's version of baked Alaska: crisp, bronzed meringue gives way to cooling mint chocolate ice cream and pistachio cake.

waiter was accommodating and deferential, as if we’d sprung for the reserve Ornellaia 2015 ($389). We agreed on the lobster pasta for starters. A triumph, each individual strand of homemade pasta was lightly coated with a masterfully crafted butter sauce, the chopped tomatoes were all San Marzano, and the lobster? You’re served a half pound—mainly claw and knuckle meat—each rosy chunk oozing with deep, marine flavor as if the creature had just been plucked from the sea.

The next dish, however, took home first place on our notepad. You’ve read those entertaining “my dream last meal” pieces by famous chefs? Well, this is the meal I would choose. I’m talking about the shaved prime rib sandwich. The description—“Gruyere, horseradish, onion Kaiser, jus, side of fries”—hardly does it justice. And at $20, it’s a gift. Imagine: the soft buttered Kaiser roll soaking up the

thick, salty jus, tenderizing the already tender meat, and all of it melting in your mouth at once. The plate arrived with golden handcut fries the size of Paul Bunyan’s fingers.

Tossed with sea salt and accompanied by the most delightful ketchup I’ve ever tasted—a spicy, rich Sir Kensington—these fried spuds were a revelation.

Arnette’s Chop Shop has the potential to be a destination for years to come. It’s got the spark, the beauty and the buzz. My only quibble—and it’s not a small one—is that at these prices, the steaks better be perfect: cooked by a time-tested grill veteran, served with a “no place I’d rather be” smile, and tasting even better than you imagined. Not 50 or even 75% of the time. Every time. Atlantans will pay whatever it takes to get a great flamebroiled steak. Now it’s up to Arnette’s to ensure this praise-worthy concept delivers. n

ARNETTE’S CHOP SHOP 2700 Apple Valley Road N.E., Brookhaven 30319 404.969.0701 arnetteschopshop.com Prices: appetizers and salads: $9-$22; shrimp, oysters and caviar: $13-$150; sandwiches: $18-$25; hearth-roasted shellfish, fish and steaks: $13-$140; sides: $8-$14; desserts: $8-$12.

Recommended: wedge salad, 22-ounce cowboy ribeye, Dauphinoise potatoes, lobster spaghetti, shaved prime rib sandwich.

Bottom line: A high-class, earnest-effort steakhouse whose breathtaking decor gives it an edge over the rest.

There are upcharges for various items. If you don’t like surprises on the bill, familiarize yourself with the online menu or call beforehand with questions.

Street or valet parking (complimentary); only open for dinner (bar opens at 4 p.m., dining room at 5 p.m.).

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

75

D R I NKS

Bee’s Knees recipe Serves 1 2 ounces gin 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice ½ ounce honey syrup Lemon twist for garnish In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake together gin, lemon

juice and honey syrup.

Garnish with lemon twist. *To make honey syrup: Add ½ cup honey and ½ cup water to a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until blended. Strain into a jar and seal tightly with a lid. Will keep for 1 month in the refrigerator.

Will Hansberger

A Bee’s Knees cocktail has sweet and citrusy balance that is easy to replicate at home.

Buzzworthy THE BEE’S KNEES COCKTAIL

"Y

ou’re the bee’s knees” was a popular idiom in the 1920’s lexicon. It was a time when similar phrases, such as “you’re the cat’s meow,” meant you were peachy, extraordinary or the best.

Do bees even have knees? Actually, they do. Imagine honey bees flitting from flower to flower. In addition to the nectar they collect from flowers, their tiny, hair-covered bodies also collect pollen. They move all the collected pollen to the inner surfaces of their hind legs next to their knees. Then they compress the pollen into tiny pellets.

The outer surface of their hind legs is concave, creating a pollen basket where they store the pellets. These pollen bits are the main protein source that feeds a honey bee colony.

We don’t know who named the Prohibition-era cocktail, but Bee’s Knees seems fitting for the balanced sweet and citrusy cocktail that has remained a classic for 100 years.

It's the perfect drink to sip in the new decade of the ’20s.

Basically a gin sour, a Bee’s Knees

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

traditionally combines gin, lemon juice and honey. The three-part harmony is shaken and chilled, poured into a cocktail glass and typically topped with a lemon twist, but it is an easy classic for variations. At home, switch the lemon for lime, try different honeys or switch the base alcohol.

Bartenders around town stir them up in textbook form and show how easily and deliciously they can be modified.

At Buckhead’s upscale boutique bar and vintage game outpost, The Painted Pin, Beverage Director Trip Sandifer keeps 20 classic cocktails on the menu at all times. That’s one for every bowling lane. The Bee’s Knees is always on the menu, listed simply as “gin, honey, lemon,” and its simple perfection will leave you buzzing.

The Southern Gentleman’s bartenders add to the archetype recipe to create a bright and vegetal version they call Nick’s Garden. Botanical gin and lemon juice get a hit of subtle anise with tarragon-infused honey. It’s further flavored and colored by the sweet addition of blackberry and beets. The brilliant hue

STORY:

Angela Hansberger

would certainly draw honey bees.

How about a Bee’s Knees with a smoky kick? Casi Cielo boasts Atlanta’s largest selection of mezcal. Next time you’re sipping their Oaxacan-inspired cocktails, ask for a Mezcal Bee’s Knees.

It’s still citrusy and refreshing, but the mezcal’s wood-fired pit method of roasting the agave plant after harvest imparts the flavor of smoke.

Ray’s on the River is extraordinarily scenic, a place that seems to bring nature inside. It’s a location where bees can thrive. This year, newly installed beehives began buzzing with tiny new tenants. Named for them is The Apiary, a whiskey-laced spin on the Bee’s Knees with Woodford Reserve Bourbon, honey syrup and lemon bitters. Once the first batch is harvested, bartenders will use their own honey in the cocktail.

You can add local flavor to your home version of a Bee’s Knees with Honey Next Door, made from 150 hives in 15 different Atlanta neighborhoods.

Pick it up at Sandy Springs Farmers Market, Tower Wine and Spirits, Brookhaven Wines or at honeynextdoor.com. n

Top: The Southern Gentleman adds color and earthy flavor to a Bee’s Knees with beets.

Bottom: Ray’s on the River raises hives for honey to add to its food and drinks, such as this flavorful cocktail.

DETAILS Ray’s on the River 6700 Powers Ferry Rd. NW. Sandy Springs 30339 770.955.1187 raysrestaurants.com The Southern Gentleman 3035 Peachtree Rd. NE Atlanta 30305 404.939.9845 thesoutherngentlemanatl.com Casi Cielo 6125 Roswell Rd. Atlanta 30328 404.549.9411 casicieloatl.com The Painted Pin 727 Miami Circle NE Atlanta 30324 404.814.8736 thepaintedpin.com

Jessica Davis Interior Designer & Founder

Interior Design Atlanta | New York atelierdavis.com 617.833.7244

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead 

77

FOODIE JOURNAL

Culinary News & Notes

BY:

Lia Picard

Chef Pano Karatassos suggests using his olive oil to finish salads, sauces, risotto and pasta.

GREEKING OUT W

hat do you do after running a restaurant for nearly 20 years and publishing a cookbook?

If you’re Pano Karatassos, executive chef of Buckhead’s Kyma and son of noted restaurateur Pano Karatassos, you launch a line of Greek food products. Each item is a kitchen staple that home chefs will enjoy having available in their cupboards.

The brand, named Chef Pano, seemed inevitable to Karatassos.

“For years, guests of Kyma wanted

our extra virgin olive oil, honey, olives and feta. We would fill empty wine bottles with the oil and deli cups with honey, olives and feta,” he explains. “Finally, I decided to reach out to our contacts in Greece and started co-branding.”

Currently, the line consists of two kinds of honey, Kalamata and green olives and extra virgin olive oil. Through his frequent travels to Greece, where he still has family, Karatassos met producers at markets

CHEF PANO KARATASSOS LAUNCHES A LINE OF GREEK FOOD PRODUCTS

and sourced the ingredients that are sure to delight his customers.

Each of the products is delicious, but the aromatic honeys shine with their own unique terroir. He explains, “The forest honey from Mount Olympus is robust and earthy, as its name suggests, and it’s a honey most Europeans would say they grew up on.” The thyme honey, on the other hand, is fragrant with floral and herbal notes. Despite their differences, they can be eaten simi-

Chef Jamie Adams and his business partner Leonardo Moura of il Giallo opened their newest venture, Lagarde, in November. The modern restaurant, located in Chamblee, features New Orleans-inspired food such as po’ boys, gumbo and other dishes influenced by Adams’ mother’s cooking.

Here, he shares a recipe that’s simple and delicious enough to feed the entire family. Don’t forget to serve it with a drizzle of olive oil— Adams’ father wouldn’t eat the dish without it.

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n Silom Thai and Sushi Bar, sister restaurant to Buckhead’s Bangkok Station, is now open near Lenox Square. The menu features more than 80 Thai street food dishes including chicken satay, fried tofu and Thai beef jerky. silomthaisushi.com

Red Beans and Rice Serves 4-5 1 pound soaked red beans (Adams likes the Camellia brand) 1 smoked ham hock 1 pound Tasso ham 1 sweet onion, diced ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon Old Bay spice 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper 1 pound cooked rice Extra virgin olive oil for drizzling Place the first eight ingredients into a heavy casserole pot.

Add enough water to cover the beans by 3-4 inches. Bring to a low boil and cook for 45 minutes or until the beans are tender.

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

Kyma 3085 Piedmont Rd. Atlanta 30305 chefpano.com

FOOD NEWS

FEED YOUR KREWE LAGARDE’S JAIME ADAMS SHARES A BIG EASY-STYLE RECIPE

larly. Karatassos suggests enjoying the honeys on buttered toast in the morning or with fresh berries as a snack during the day.

The Chef Pano line is available at Kyma (with the exception of the feta, which will be available this summer) and select products are available through his website. n

n Fifth Group Restaurants opened its second location of Alma Cocina in Buckhead’s Terminus community earlier this year. The restaurant specializes in Latin American cuisine with dishes of fried chihuahua cheese with tortillas, roasted chicken mole and fried avocado tacos. alma-atlanta.com

Serve over rice and drizzle with extra virgin olive oil.

Lagarde American Eatery 5090 Peachtree Blvd.

Chamblee 30341 470.385.3533 lagardeatl.com

n Fans of Fox Bros.

Bar-B-Q will no longer need to drive to Candler Park (where waits can be over an hour). Brothers Justin and Jonathan Fox are opening an outpost at mixed-use development The Works. Expect it to open in early July. foxbrosbbq.com

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

79

TA S T E M AKE R

FUN FACT Balshan is an amateur photographer and takes most of the photos for his markets himself.

Why did you pick Buckhead for your third location?

It’s a natural progression. We have Virginia-Highland [Morningside] on the east side of town. We always had people coming from Sandy Springs, so we opened up [near] there. It was the right opportunity, the right location, at the right time.

What aspects will be unique to this store?

It’s a blend of both locations. VirginiaHighland has the cozy neighborhood market feel, but we don’t have much seating there. We will reduce the number of market items from Dunwoody in Phipps Plaza. We’ll focus on pre-made food, pastry, dessert and to-go items, so you can enjoy a glass of wine or beer and a European cafe experience.

How will this store be different, given that it’s in a mall?

This is not going to be a mall experience. There’s a beautiful garden and a 1,600-square-foot patio. We’ll open the doors wide in the fall. We don’t just sell food. We sell an experience.

Meet the Man Behind the Market After 27 years in Morningside, Alon Balshan opens his namesake bakery and market in Phipps Plaza STORY:

A

Carly Cooper PHOTO: Sara Hanna

n Israeli native, Alon’s Bakery and Market founder Alon Balshan moved to New York in 1986 with a culinary degree, European baking experience and $500 in his pocket. He soon found his way to Atlanta, and after stints at Engelman’s wholesale bakery and Murphy’s, he opened the first Alon’s in Morningside in 1992. Known for

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its made-to-order sandwiches and salads, plus pre-made soups, entrees and baked goods, it quickly became a neighborhood staple.

In 2008, Balshan launched a Dunwoody outpost with a large patio and an expansive selection of gourmet goods. This summer, he will bring his favorite items—including Gruyere scones, Brussels sprouts

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

salad and lamb sandwiches—to Buckhead with a 5,300-square-foot spot in Phipps Plaza.

“There was a time when I was working 21 hours [a day]. My first Christmas, I worked 24 hours,” Balshan says. “Now I have 200 people working with me.”

Despite his large staff, Balshan still plays an integral role in the daily operations. “My office is in Dunwoody, but I am in the kitchen all the time.

I’m still involved in new product, proofing the dough and experimenting for the holidays. It’s not an easy job by any means,” he says.

We spoke to Balshan about the new location and his plans for the future.

How does your Israeli background influence your culinary approach?

The whole culture is from there. I grew up eating eggplant. When we opened 27 years ago, the produce guy told me I order more eggplant than all the others together. Farm to table is the only thing my mother did. We didn’t buy frozen stuff. We bought it from the market an hour away from the fields and cooked it the next day.

What are your plans for the future?

Next year, we are going to open up the Virginia-Highland space with more seating. We are now producing some of the cakes and cookies there, but we just built a wholesale bakery on Peachtree Industrial. Then we’ll be able to knock out a wall and change the configuration.

What do you do for fun?

I like to do woodwork. I play guitar a little bit. I’m getting into sailing. I like mountain biking, too. Even though I am in the restaurant business, I still like to entertain people at home.

My mom loved entertaining. It’s what I do; it’s part of who I am. n Locations in Morningside and Dunwoody. Phipps Plaza outpost coming this summer. alons.com

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

Brock, Rebecca Cha and Angela Hansberger

PHOTOS: Sara

Hanna

BABYLON CAFÉ When Iraqi native Saad Marwad and his wife, Kelly Rafia, opened Babylon Café in 2014, the city’s foodie community started to buzz about the couple’s fresh, flavorful repertoire of Middle Eastern classics, from falafel and hummus to kebabs and baklava. While the starters are quite good—try the fattoush salad, the lentil soup and the eggplant badenjan—the earthy, longsimmered stews are unlike anything else in town. We like the herb-based qurma sabzi with super-tender lamb shank and the bamia (okra and tomatoes) with oxtail. Don’t leave without a sip of the anise-flavored aperitif called arak and a bite of kanafeh, a sweet made of shredded phyllo, housemade sweet cheese, rose- and orange-water syrup and pistachios.

Appetizers and sides: $2-$7 Entrées: $12-$20 babyloncafeatl.com

BLUE RIDGE GRILL For more than 20 years, Blue Ridge Grill (BRG) has been a mecca for Buckhead power lunchers and chill evening diners alike. Whether for business or romance, BRG is a paragon of hospitality, and each guest is embraced like a VIP. Standard crowd-pleasers on the Euro-American menu include grilled Georgia trout, French-boned chicken with wild mushrooms and filet mignon with Vidalia onions. Small plates and

sides of iron skillet mussels, Caesar salad with crisp Beeler bacon, custardlike corn soufflé and (off-menu item) fried pickles with buttermilk dipping sauce are absolute must-tries. If cost is an issue, call ahead, as menu prices are not advertised online.

Lunch: $9-$42 Dinner: $13-$62 blueridgegrill.com

BROOKLYN CAFE This Sandy Springs institution is never without crowds of satisfied diners, and it’s easy to see why. Join lunching locals over sandwiches and fresh salads such as the petite Caesar with peppery cayenne croutons or the mission fig and crumbled blue cheese with greens. The in-house smoked salmon salad is near perfection, as is the Brooklyn-famous Reuben consisting of juicy corned beef piled atop buttery toasted rye. Dinner highlights include the blackened mahi tacos and crab cake salad. Wrap things up with mile-high double chocolate cake or the homemade Key lime pie, each one sliced to feed two or more. And as if the phenomenal grub weren’t enough, it’s all served up by a friendly, whizbang staff, making for a delightful meal you won’t soon forget.

Appetizers and salads: $7-$12 Sandwiches and mains: $11-$31 Desserts: $7 brooklyncafe.com

Gauchos deliver the meat—like this bottom sirloin—tableside at Chama Gaucha.

CHAMA GAUCHA Chama Gaucha is the latest addition to what is turning into a Braziliansteakhouse strip along Piedmont Road.

It has an appealing price point, a wonderfully fresh salad bar and, for meat lovers, an endless parade of gauchos bearing skewers of flame-kissed prime rib, pork loin, sausage, lamb, chicken, shrimp, and on and on—all you care to eat for a set price. Start with a classic lime caipirinha. Try the meats that look good to you, and remember to pace yourself. The filet and the picanha (thin, delicate strips of prime sirloin) won’t let you down, but the most memorable cut is the rich, succulent, super-fatty meat that’s carved from the beef rib. Heaven.

Lunch: $26.50 (salad bar only $19.50) Dinner: $44.50 (salad bar only $24.50) chamagaucha.com

COPPER COVE INDIAN BISTRO

Copper Cove Indian Bistro's marinated and tandoor-charred chicken never disappoints.

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

Anjali and Subrata Roy have won our hearts with this pan-Indian bistro, their third restaurant in the Atlanta area.

Whether you visit for the bountiful lunch buffet or a more relaxed evening meal, you will leave sated and inspired by the Roys’ formidable talent with the Indian spice palette. Proprietary blends transform standards such as Chicken 65, tikka masala and tandoori into something sublime. Just as commendable are the lamb rogan gosht, chicken shahi korma and shrimp bahadur. For afters, go for something

sweet and creamy, such as kulfi (Indian ice cream), kheer (rice pudding) or ras malai (similar to cheesecake without the crust). Your dining adventure wouldn’t be complete without trying the masala chai, consisting of milk, tea, ginger, black pepper and bay leaf.

Accompaniments, appetizers and soups: $2-$10 Chef’s specials, tandoori and traditional dishes: $12-$22 coppercoveindianbistro.com

FLOWER CHILD Get your groove on at this 21st century health food haven where bright colors, happy smiles and good vibes abound. Whet your whistle with some refreshingly fruity on-tap kombucha (a fermented tea drink) and treat yourself to starters of tart, juicy tomato toast or creamy avocado hummus. You’ll be bowled over by the tantalizing flavors of the Mother Earth bowl, the Glow bowl and other health-friendly bowls, wraps and plates. Menu standouts include the “Forbidden Rice” bowl with grass-fed steak, the Mediterranean quinoa salad and for dessert, the vegan dark chocolate pudding. A limited wine and beer selection is available for those who prefer a cocktail with their quinoa or a tipple with their tofu.

Soups, salads and appetizers: $6.25 - $12.50 Bowls, entrées and wraps: $9.95 - $15.50 iamaflowerchild.com

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

Flower Child's all-veggie bowl, aptly named Mother Earth, has something for everyone, from meaty portobellos to spicy sweet potato.

Breakfast: $3.29-$12.99 Lunch: $4.99-$12.99 flyingbiscuit.com

KYMA The name means “wave,” and making waves is exactly what executive chef Pano I. Karatassos has been doing at his family’s stellar Greek seafood restaurant since 2002. From marides (tiny, “French fry”-size white fish) to Greek specimens grilled whole (try the barbounia or bronzino), Kyma excels at delivering the kind of simple, unadorned flavors you’ll encounter on a patio by the Aegean.

Order a glass of Greek wine (there are many options) and a few classic meze for sharing (we like the dolmades, spanakopita, cuttlefish stuffed with lamb stew and the feta-zucchini fritters), and your meal will go just swimmingly.

Meze: $8-$14 Mains: $26-$46 (whole fish $30 or $36 per pound) buckheadrestaurants.com/kyma

PASTA VINO You can surely find trendier pizza parlors or posher places to eat Italian in Atlanta. But if you’re looking for old-fashioned linguini with clam sauce or chicken Florentine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere with a loyal following, this Buckhead favorite has got you covered. The restaurant is beloved by many for its home-style cooking, casual ambience, reasonable prices and a staff of servers who have acquired faithful customers of their own. Owner Nancy Powell treasures her crew, most of whom have been on the job for more than a decade. Given the refined state of Italian dining in America today, Pasta Vino is not likely to win any awards for innovation or inspiration, but it remains a perfectly fine, frequently delicious trattoria.

Starters and salads: $2-$10 Entrées: $10-$22 pastavinoatlanta.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.

Turner’s Blue Creek Ranch in Nebraska, it comes with bacon crumbles and blue cheese. And that’s all it needs. Just ask for a side of rings and a little ramekin of that horsey sauce.

Small plates: $6-$12 Salads and sandwiches: $6-$13 Large plates (including brunch entrées): $13-$28 thesoutherngentlemanatl.com

Appetizers: $5-$14 Burgers: $12-$19 tedsmontanagrill.com

TED’S MONTANA GRILL We love everything about the housemade dill pickles; the fat onion rings with horseradish dipping sauce; the Arnold Palmers; and the all-American, stick-a-flag-in-it, “where the buffalo roam” burgers. Yep, we’re talking bison, baby. It’s leaner than beef, yet richer and moister, somehow. The Ted’s burger that really rocks our world is the Blue Creek: Inspired by owner Ted

TREEHOUSE Occasionally, sitting at Treehouse feels more like a cookout. Neighbors and regulars have been coming here for the familiar comfort food and laid-back atmosphere for more than 20 years.

Brunch is a big deal, with a large menu and generous portions of favorites such as the Georgia pecan waffle and Southern-style eggs Benedict covered with sausage gravy. It’s all about the patio here, and dogs are welcome guests. The chef works to enliven old favorites with as much attention to the all-American fried chicken sandwich as the New York strip au poivre. He also curates a mighty fine list of craft beers.

Brunch: $8-$10 Appetizers: $3-$13 Burgers and sandwiches: $7-$10 Large plates: $17-$22 treehouseatlanta.com Note: Prices and menu items may have changed since original publication.

Hungry for more?

Visit the Simply Buckhead website to read all of our Restaurant Reviews!

The Southern Gentlemen's Springer Mountain fried chicken with dreamy classic sides is a hands-down winner.

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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

SIMPLY HAPPENING

EVENTS BY:

Karon Warren

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

Clockwise from top left: Founding Angels Among Us members (from left) Karin Wallace, Pam Richard, LuAnn Farrell, Ellen Stanley, Tiffany Powers, Lisa Zambacca and Tina Walden; Atlanta’s The Celebrity All-Star Band entertains the crowd; a guest of honor looking dapper; gala committee member Jennifer Greenbaum with her parents, Rebecca and Don Johnson.

ROARING RESCUE GIVE TO YOUR FURRY FRIENDS DURING THIS ’20S-THEMED FUNDRAISER

R

eturning on March 14 to the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead, the sixth annual “For the Love of Paws” Gala welcomes attendees to step back in time to the Roaring Twenties.

Benefitting homeless cats and dogs through Angels Among Us Pet Rescue, the event will feature a cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres, a seated

dinner, open bar, auction and live music that harkens back to the time of flappers and speakeasies. “‘For the Love of Paws’ helps to raise the funding necessary in order to provide treatment for thousands of homeless and critically injured or sick animals throughout the year that wouldn’t otherwise have a chance,” says Jennifer Greenbaum, gala com-

mittee member. “The gala is not only our largest individual source of fundraising, but it is also a chance for those of us in the rescue to look back and celebrate what we have accomplished as a group in the past year and the past 11 years. Rescue is hard; it’s messy and sad, but it’s also happy, wonderful and so very rewarding and life-changing.”

“FOR THE LOVE OF PAWS” March 14, 6:30 p.m.

Tickets: $200 individual, $1,750 for tables of 10 Grand Hyatt Atlanta 3300 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 877.404.5874 facebook.com/events/1382533481902482

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E V E NTS

BUZZ LUCKY LEPRECHAUN IN BUCKHEAD 2020

[ I N T E RIOR DE S IG N ]

Creative Inspiration TAKE A TOUR OF THESE KITCHENS TO CURATE A NEW LOOK FOR YOUR OWN If you’re searching for ideas to freshen up your cooking space, don’t miss the 23rd annual Tour of Kitchens held by The Junior League of Atlanta Inc. on March 21 and 22. Featuring 14 kitchens in Buckhead, Brookhaven and Dun-

woody, this self-guided tour invites attendees to explore each kitchen at their leisure. Volunteers and kitchen designers, such as Dove Studio, Morgan Creek and German Kitchen Center, will be on hand to discuss each kitchen’s features and answer questions. “We have 14 beautifully designed kitchens curated by some of Atlanta’s most esteemed designers that attendees will be able to pull inspiration from. There will also be delicious food from some of Atlanta’s best chefs for attendees to taste,” says

Chair Becca T. Brooks. Food demos will include Four Seasons Executive Pastry Chef Erica Lee, Happy Camper and CalyRoad Creamery. Tickets are $35 each and must be purchased online by March 20.

TOUR OF KITCHENS March 21-22 404.261.7799 tourofkitchens.org

March 14 atlantabartours.com Don your green, grab your friends, and get ready to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the luck of the Irish. During this pub crawl, you’ll stop in more than 10 bars, restaurants and clubs around Buckhead to sample exclusive drink and food offerings, DJs and live music.

Tickets start at $12.

PAULA POUNDSTONE March 27 thebuckheadtheatreatl.com Whether for date night or an evening out with friends, a few hours with comedian Paula Poundstone, known for her quick wit and take on day-to-day events, at Buckhead Theatre is a great way to get an unusual perspective on everything from science to politics. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the comedy starts at 8 p.m.; tickets start at $65.

THREE CHOIRS FESTIVAL

[ N E A RBY ]

Behind the Curtain GET A FIRSTHAND LOOK AT ARTISTS AT WORK In a rare opportunity at the High Museum of Art, visitors will get a chance to see what goes into creating and putting on a new art exhibit at the Magnum Live Lab Photography Residency and Exhibition. From March 16 to 27, American photographer Carolyn Drake and South African artists Lindokuhle Sobekwa and Mikhael Subotzky will explore Atlanta to shoot their photographs. Visitors will see the photographers’ creative processes at work as they edit and curate the

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photos in an onsite studio at the museum. The completed exhibition will be available March 28 through April 19. “It’s very rare that visitors have the chance to peek behind the curtain to see an artist’s creative process and how we put an exhibit together,” says Gregory Harris, associate curator of photography at the High. “It will all happen rapidly in two weeks.” The times the residency is open to the public will be posted on the museum website.

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

At left: Magnum Photographers.

Shenzen, China, 2017. Live Lab workshop with Alex Majoli and Christopher Anderson. © Magnum Photographers/Magnum Photos.

Middle: Portrait of Carolyn Drake. At right: Portrait of photographer Lindokuhle Sobekwa by Refilwe rwebi (2018).

MAGNUM LIVE LAB PHOTOGRAPHY RESIDENCY AND EXHIBITION

March 16 – April 19 Admission: $14.50 for everyone age 6 and older; free for members and children age 5 and younger.

High Museum of Art 1280 Peachtree St. N.E. Atlanta 30309 404.733.4400 high.org

April 2 calendar.gsu.edu/event/ three_choirs_festival Starting at 7 p.m., enjoy a free musical extravaganza when the UGA Hodgson Singers, the Emory Concert Choir and the GSU University Singers take the stage together at Peachtree Road United Methodist Church in Buckhead. This annual event is open to the public.

CRAFTSOUL FESTIVAL April 4 atlantahistorycenter.com At the Atlanta History Center, explore the various facets of craft in the South with contemporary artist demonstrations. Watch as the sheep at Smith Farm undergo their warm-weather shearing, and enjoy the traditions that make up our shared history. Tickets are included with general admission, which is $21.50 for adults, $18 for seniors and students and $9 for kids ages 4 to 12.

Atlanta Pet Life atlantapetlife.com

Simply Buckhead simplybuckhead.com

P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 • 404-538-9895

CH AR I TABLE

Amy Nguyen, Justin Black, Alexis Lenderman

Tara Mays, Reggie Holloway, Darrell Mays

STARFISH BALL

Photos: Cat Harper Photography

T

Tony Conway and Mayor Bottoms

Jeff Sprecher, Kelly Loeffler, Trameka and Jerome Bettis

he nsoro Educational Foundation marked 15 years of supporting youth aging out of the foster care system during its 2020 Starfish Ball, an event that raised $1.3 million to help those youths realize their dreams of going to college. The ballroom at the St. Regis Atlanta was decorated with a New Orleans-inspired theme as a salute to Darrell Mays, nsoro’s chair and founder who hails from that city. He was joined at the sold-out event by Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, who was also marking her 50th birthday. Ball Chair Stephanie Travis Patterson welcomed nsoro’s most distinguished guests: the 29 college graduates from 10 states who have been supported by the organization’s efforts. Keynote graduate Justin Black shared his story of growing up in foster care homes in Detroit and graduating from Western Michigan University with nsoro’s help. The event also honored Football Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis and U.S. Senator and co-owner of the WNBA’s Atlanta Dream Kelly Loeffler.

Founded in 2005, the nonprofit nsoro currently supports 268 scholars in 31 states who attend 191 post-secondary institutions; 346 have earned degrees.

“Within the population we serve, a college degree changes more than the trajectory of one life; it directly impacts the legacy of a generation,” says Executive Director Monica Pantoja. “We are profoundly grateful for the many benefactors, corporate partners and volunteers who make that change possible.”

Claire Travis, Marge Patterson, Yammer Khan, Stephanie Travis Patterson, Jack Sawyer

Lonnie and Linda Johnson

Monica Pantoja, Stephanie Travis Patterson, Claire Travis, Dawn Watt

Trameka and Jerome Bettis, Franco Harris and friends

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2020 CONCOURSE OFFICE PARK

5K RUN | 2K RUN/WALK TOT-TROT | FAMILY PICNIC Join thousands of people as we gather together to run, walk, play, eat, and celebrate life at Lauren’s Run and the CURE Childhood Cancer Annual Picnic.

Don’t miss out on Atlanta’s ultimate day of family fun!

Join the fun at Lauren’s Run: LaurensRun.com

CH AR I TABLE

Co-Founders: Susan Watson, Michelle Rooks, Ashlie Ming Garland

Photos: Drew Dinwiddie, Adam Hagy, Serge Lambotte, Rashun

BATTLE FOR THE BRAIN

T Thomas Watson, Susan Watson, David Watson, Matthew Watson

Karl Jaeger, Brenna Jaeger, Paige Jaeger, Reid Jaeger

he third annual Battle for the Brain brought together employees from some of the city’s top businesses to showcase an un-business-like skill: lip syncing. The fun raised awareness and support for Emory University’s Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center that works to solve the riddles of Alzheimer’s and dementia, and to find effective prevention and treatment options.

The February event, sponsored by the nonprofit Daughters Against Alzheimer’s, showcased 10 high-energy and often hilarious performances by teams from Delta Air Lines, Dorsey Alston Realtors, Morgan Stanley, Steve Penley Art, the Atlanta Falcons Cheerleaders and more. While they rocked the Coca-Cola Roxy, they also pushed the total raised in the last three years to more than $1.3 million. The goal is to raise $10 million to prevent and treat Alzheimer’s by 2025.

Front row: Jamie Hall, Lairin King, Sarah Bracey, Erica Williams, Lindsey Anderson, Faith Blackburn, Abbi Livingston, Brennan Sutton. Back row: Erica Levy, Hannah Pahner, Moriah Noegel, Traci Jefferson, Chrystle Fleck, Georgia Perry, April Brown, Lauren Glover, Tracey Johnson Johnson

Taylor McCauley, Christina Hopkins, Akshita Suddula, Magen McRoberts

Jess Farrell, Brittiney Wall, Annemarie Younger

Alicia Love, Annika Eichenlaub, Mindy Menzel, Tracy Simms, Margaret Averyt, Caroline Crawford, Lisa Foose, Julie Renehan, Rebecca Gilliland, Mariesa Snell, Carol Formisano, Kelly Miles and Desiree Mirabile.

March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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S C EN E

THE ULTIMATE WAY TO GO GREEN Call it vintage, retro or recycling: Shopping at consignment boutiques and thrift stores can breathe new life into treasures from the past. And these outlets provide a place to recycle those items you just can’t use anymore.

PHOTO: Sara

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March/April 2020 | Simply Buckhead

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