Simply Buckhead March/April 2022

March/April 2022 ISSUE 85 • FREE

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

Saying "I Do" ETIQUETTE, BEAUTY, STYLE AND TRENDS TO GET READY FOR THE BIG DAY

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside

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SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® |

MARCH/APRIL 2022

40

Contents

73

73 COVER STORY

16 Editor’s Letter

31 Approved:

[ SIMPLY NOW ]

This spring’s hottest accoutrement has a little swing to it

Fringe Benefits

22 Local Salute:

Photos: 40: Joann Vitelli, 73, 82: Sara Hanna

82

Tackling Food Insecurity

32 Pets: Working Like a Dog

Celebrated chef founds new initiative

A day in the life of a therapy canine

24 Travel Near:

WEDDING BELLS From bridal fashion and beauty to trends and etiquette

[ SIMPLY STYLISH ]

[ SIMPLY DELICIOUS ]

Get a handle on pollen allergies

50 Fashion: The Joshua Kane Experience

82 Review: Fierce Flavors

Ready for Takeoff All systems go for Huntsville

[ SIMPLY LIVING ]

UK designer makes his Atlanta debut

26 Travel Far: Creole Comfort

40 Home: It Takes Two

62 Tastemaker: Bring Out That Bling

84 Drinks:

Brea Fullerton is obsessed with keeping your jewelry sparkly

The long, tall drink in a cold glass

Natchitoches, Louisiana is as delightful as the popular movie that gave it fame

28 Staycation: Get Away to a Good Book Eatonton’s claim to literary fame

30 15 Minutes With: Nirjary Desai Founder of KIS (cubed) Events

34 Kids: “Ah-Choo” Season

A two-part renovation in Kingswood is a family’s respite

44 Bulletin Board: Design Calling Tony Purvis talks interior design at SCAD Atlanta

46 Tastemaker: Made for Living Steve Markey’s holistic approach to design

[ SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ]

67 Art Bulletin: New to the Limelight Buckhead resident Morgan McGill makes her film debut

Deeply satisfying modern Israeli cuisine at Aziza

Huzzah for Highballs

86 Foodie Journal: Charm to Table Le Bon Nosh emphasizes seasonal fare and communal hospitality [ SIMPLY HAPPENING ]

93 Events: Places to go and things to do

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

13

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside MARCH/APRIL 2022 | ISSUE 85 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 [ E DI T ORI A L ] Managing Editor

Karina Antenucci Senior Contributing Editor

Jennifer Bradley Franklin Creative Director

Alan Platten Contributing Home Editor

Giannina S. Bedford Copy Editor

H.M. Cauley Contributing Writers

Jill Becker

Vanessa Pascale Rust Vanessa Pascale Rust pens profile stories for Simply Buckhead’s On Stage column.

The former editor-in-chief of Miami Living has 200+ sitdown interviews under her belt.

She has gone tête-à-tête with a myriad of venerable movie and TV stars, musicians, fashion designers, entrepreneurs and artists including Catherine ZetaJones, Harry Connick Jr. and Meghan Markle to create indepth profiles and cover stories.

Her editorial works, which focus on arts and entertainment, the hospitality industry, fashion and culture, have been published in magazines across the U.S. as well as on various websites. @vanessapascale

H.M. Cauley Carly Cooper Lauren Finney Harden Mickey Goodman Angela Hansberger Taylor Heard Michael Jacobs Nicole Letts Amy Meadows Claire Ruhlin Vanessa Pascale Rust Ginger Strejcek [ PHO T O GRA PHE RS ]

Sara Hanna Joann Vitelli [ SALES & ADVERTISING ] Senior Account Executive

Cheryl Isaacs Account Executive

Michelle Johnson Graphic Designer

Layal Akkad [ DIGITAL ] Website Development Management

BHG Digital Director of Audience Development

Mike Jose 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 © 2022 by Simply Buckhead ®. All rights reserved.

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

14

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

Legal Counsel

Scott I. Zucker

[ BEHIND THE COVER ] Love was in the air at our wedding-themed cover shoot. No, we’re not talking about the smoldering looks between our two stunning models, posing as a stylized bride and groom, who grace these pages.

Instead, an atmosphere of love, joy and appreciation for the individual talents everyone involved brought made this project a success.

Stylist Stacey Bell flawlessly executed our vision for attire, pulled from Suite Bridal, Connaisseur Paris, Guffey’s, Ascot Diamonds and S. Carter Designs. Hair stylist Vincent Bell worked to create styles that showcased this shoot’s vintage feel and incorporated a gorgeous flower “hat” designed by floral artist James Hurley. Nyssa Green’s lush makeup complemented the looks to perfection, and new Buckhead eatery Le Bon Nosh’s stunning interiors set the romantic scene.

We got a little extra dose of whimsy when photographer Sara Hanna’s 6-month-old Maltese puppy, Renner (pictured), came to entertain the group before the shoot.

What’s not to love?

DESIGNER FURNITURE Photographer: Sara Hanna Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

IN MIDTOWN ATLANTA

Styling: Stacey Bell, The Style Sanctum Model: Collins and Zach, courtesy Select Model Management Hair: Vincent Bell Makeup: Nyssa Green Photography assistant: Chris Rothman Florist: James Hurley Designs

530 14th Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

Venue: Le Bon Nosh WARDROBE CREDITS: On Bride: Watters lace dress ($2,225) from Suite Bridal; ring (price upon request) from Ascot Diamonds On Groom: Connaisseur Paris tux ($699), shirt ($79.99), boots ($399) and bow tie ($49.99); ring (price upon request) from Ascot Diamonds

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March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

15

SIMPLY BUCKHEAD®

MARCH/APRIL 2022

[ E DI T OR ’ S L E T T E R ]

By Appointment Only

S

pring is just around the corner, and that means the advent of wedding season.

Those of us who have made the trip down the aisle know that often the things you don’t plan can make a day memorable.

2285 Peachtree Road Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 470.225.7500 Suitebridal.com

While unexpected challenges and joys are a part of the process, our cover story all about weddings aims to help you move toward matrimony feeling grounded with the information you need. Writer Taylor Heard explores expert style tips for brides, grooms and other members of the bridal party; Michael Jacobs uncovers the wedding trends that are making a splash for 2022; and Amy Meadows takes a deep dive into modern etiquette, offering insights for everything from building a wedding registry to being respectful of your attendants’ time (and budgets!).

It’s packed with smart insights you can use, whether you’re a bride, groom or wedding guest.

Premier retailer for Val Stefani

You’ll find the rest of this issue filled with stories designed to inform and inspire. Carly Cooper profiles designer Smith Hanes, who is the creative brains behind the interiors of some of our favorite area restaurants; Lauren Finney Harden explores the fringe trend in Simply Approved; beverage writer Angela Hansberger shares effortlessly delicious highball cocktails; and H.M. Cauley recalls the late art luminary Bill Lowe, whose eponymous gallery lives on.

Sara Hanna

As we head into warmer weather and wedding season, we hope you’re celebrating love and life wherever you see it, from weddings to new blooms that signal the arrival of spring.

Happy reading!

Jennifer Bradley Franklin Senior Contributing Editor

16

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

Let us help you find the perfect outfit for your special occasion.

Providing beautiful quality ladies’ clothing with exceptional personal service in a fun and inviting atmosphere.

110 East Andrews Drive, NW | Suite 5 | Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404.869.0115

Monday: By Appointment Only | Tuesday - Friday: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. | First Saturday of every month: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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N E W S | L O C A L S A L U T E | T R AV E L | 1 5 M I N U T E S W I T H | A P P R O V E D | P E T S | K I D S

SIMPLY NOW

TRAVEL NEAR

Ready for Takeoff P24

Today, Huntsville's name is Rocket City.

Baker & Able, the rooftop bar atop the 106 Jefferson hotel, boasts a cozy indoor area and an alfresco deck overlooking downtown.

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

19

Brookhaven CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL March 26 – 27, 2022

Live your best fest with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts at Brookhaven’s signature event March 26th and 27th.

Dig into a weekend of music from your favorite bands, curated artist market, the best neighborhood food and drinks, activities for kids, car show, and more.

Visit brookcherryfest.org for full schedule of events.

NEWS BY:

Ginger Strejcek

Minty-Fresh

FINESSE New dental practice in Buckhead gives anxiety the brush off

G

oing to the dentist doesn’t rank highly on most to-do lists, but Tend Buckhead hopes to give patients something to smile about when it comes to their pearly whites. Set to open this month at Buckhead Village, the dental care company bundles hospitality with technology for a user-friendly experience that includes streaming entertainment, noisecancelling headphones, designer sunglasses, personalized polishing paste and take-home goodie bags.

“Oral health is inextricably linked to overall wellness, yet it is rarely prioritized as such. In fact, the experience is universally dreaded,” says CEO Doug Hudson, who co-founded Tend in 2019 in New York City and has since expanded into several major metropolitan markets, including two Atlanta locations. “Tend is changing this perception by reimagining dentistry as a joyful, empowering and human experience.”

Amenities aside, the soothing studio space and soft lighting channel a relaxed vibe. It also offers the convenience of online appointment bookings and transparent pricing for a full range of services from routine cleanings to whitening and veneers. Plus, time in the chair is eased with 30-second X-ray scans and quieter, TEND BUCKHEAD low-vibration tools.

Open Monday through Saturday, hellotend.com Tend is non-membership based and @tenddental accepts most insurance coverage. n

NEWS CLIPS GOING GREEN Looking to slough off pandemic woes with a healthy new twist? SKIN Vegan Med Spa in Buckhead is open for business, offering such services as floral and herb-infused facial steams to rehydrate; rose quartz and jade treatments to reduce inflammation and improve lymphatic drainage; and cacao and sea moss masks to target eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis.

“Our vegan spa treatments provide the ultimate transformative experience, introducing a holistic, plant-based,

cruelty-free way of treating your skin and body,” says owner Jazmin Meredith, who recently relaunched SKIN as the first black, woman-owned vegan medical spa in Atlanta.

“We teach our clients how implementing small changes, such as drinking our allnatural drinks and teas, and receiving a face and foot detox [benefits a healthier lifestyle].” skinveganmedspa.com @skinsalonspa

COMING ATTRACTIONS Get ready for some big city fun in Dunwoody. Construc-

tion has kicked off at High Street Atlanta by Perimeter Mall. Envisioned as a pedestrian-friendly center for work and play, the $2 billion mixed-use project by GIC Development Group will offer retail, restaurant, office and residential space, spanning 10 blocks at the intersection of Perimeter Center Parkway and Hammond Drive. Minigolf bar Puttshack signed on as the first tenant. The urban hotspot will also feature a 7,500-square-foot lawn for community events. “High Street will provide a central

gathering place for the entire Perimeter Dunwoody market,” says Dunwoody’s Economic Development Director Michael Starling. highstreetatlanta.com @highstreetatl

HAUTE STREETWEAR When it comes to menswear, Middleman Fresh got game. The celebrity stylist, aka Robert Flood, is showing off some serious swagger at his hip new shop, Fitting Room B in Brookhaven. The luxe mix of street-smart separates and accessories

features a popping palette of eclectic designs that elevate statement dressing to an art.

“People are loving the clothes and the space,” says Flood, who’s outfitted such entertainers as Ludacris, Jeezy and Young Thug in his more than 25 years in the fashion biz. Pumped by his recent pop-up for Waka Flocka Flame’s SKRIT collection, he’s hoping to keep the momentum going through quarterly collabs with independent local artists. fittingroomb.com @fittingroomb

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

21

LOCAL SALUTE

BY:

Mickey Goodman GreenLight Fund advisory member Jodi Cooper works with Leading Men Fellows to encourage young men of color to pursue educational careers.

Kelcy Rainer, therapeutic program director at Chastain Horse Park, with her favorite four-legged friend.

Four-legged Therapy Horses help with healing the anxiety scale. Afterward, it’s down to 0 to 3. We hope the skills they learn transfer to other parts of their lives.”

Success stories abound. “One woman was scared to death,” says Rainer.

“On her first visit, she couldn’t even walk into the barn. On the second, she walked down the center aisle between the horse stalls but scampered away if a horse peeked out. On the third, she not only walked into the stall but haltered a horse and led the filly through her exercises.”

A teen who struggled with communication quickly learned all the horse terminology, could accurately review the prior session and took on a leadership role.

Chastain also provides therapeutic horseback riding programs for a wide range of individuals with disabilities.

Horses have been found to be powerful therapists for people recovering from trauma. That’s why The Boehringer Ingelheim Cares Foundation partners with Chastain Horsepark to provide funding for hippotherapy (derived from the Greek word for horse).

The foundation is a longtime supporter of Wellspring Living, an Atlantabased facility for survivors of domestic sex trafficking and those at risk, where residents are encouraged to take part in the horsemanship-focused program at Chastain Park, designed to promote coping and social skills, as well as foster mental health.

“The girls and women from Wellspring attend with a mental health provider who works alongside our licensed counselors who specialize in equine-assisted psychotherapy,” says Chastain Therapeutic Program Director Kelcy Rainer. “Many arrive with anxiety levels that measure 7 to 10 on

For more information, visit chastainhorsepark.org.

Tackling Food Insecurity

22

Empowering Young Men GreenLight Fund Atlanta, a provider of capital to innovative, sustainable programs that fill a dire need in the community, has selected The Literacy Lab’s Leading Men Fellows as their second investment. The organization’s mission is three-fold. It aims to close the literacy gap in pre-K students, empower young men of color with a new career path and diversify the teacher pipeline.

“Research shows that black students from low-income families are significantly more likely to attend college if they have been taught by at least one black teacher,” says Buckhead resident Joli Cooper, executive director of Learn4Life and an advisory member of GreenLight. “We were shocked to find that out of 226 pre-K and kindergarten teachers in Atlanta Public

Chef Kevin Gillespie and his business partner Marco Shaw launched a program to address food insecurity.

Ed Carter

Celebrated chef founds new initiative Kevin Gillespie, award-winning chef, cookbook author and owner of Red Beard Restaurants, recently launched the Defend Southern Food Foundation with his business partner Marco Shaw. The aim is to decrease food insecurity in the Maynard Jackson school cluster while building the area’s economy by purchasing locally sourced products.

“We buy 75% of our food from local farmers and ranchers, and

Innovative program helps close the literacy gap

100% of the produce grown on the Maynard Holbrook Jackson High School rooftop garden that we sponsor,” says Gillespie, a Buckhead resident. “We also receive food donations from a major meat producer and partner with Second Helpings Atlanta that rescues surplus food.”

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

Gillespie has been involved in hunger-relief programs for decades, but when the pandemic hit and scores of food service workers were furloughed, he tackled the issues of hunger and unemployment head on by creating DSFF. Employees prepare 2,500 meals a day at his Beltline-adjacent location (formerly known as Cold Beer) for families identified by school personnel, then they deliver them to schools for distribution. The organization also partners with Center Parc Credit Union to provide the tools needed for financial literacy, as well as offering resources for other

Schools there was only one black man in early childhood.”

LMF, one of the only organizations of its kind, began 17 years ago in Boston and will open its Atlanta office in 2022. During the first year of the program, 20 young black men ages 18 to 24 who have graduated from high school or have their GEDs will be selected as fellows, trained and assigned to schools with the most need beginning with the fall 2022 semester.

“Most have never thought about a career in education,” Cooper says. “The program offers training, $15 per hour and a chance to continue their education once their year is up.”

For more information, visit greenlightfund.org/sites/atlanta or theliteracylab.org.

necessary items, such as clothing.

“In Georgia, one in six families goes hungry, and it’s one in five for children,” Gillespie says. “A donation of $20—the cost of a cocktail—can feed a family of four for a week.

Customers can make donations at our restaurants or online.”

For more information, visit gunshowatl.com.

Want to nominate a volunteer, company or nonprofit that gives back to the community in Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs or Upper Westside?

Please contact: editor@simplybuckhead.com

Photography by Sharon Theresa Wheaton www.sharonwheaton.com

Wedding of Dr. and Mrs. Ryan Chaliff

GREAT EVENTS TAKE PLACE AT 5CHURCH

INQUIRE TODAY:

404.400.3669 sales@5churchatlanta.com 5church-atlanta.com

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

23

Huntsville/Madison County CVB

TR AV E L NE A R

U

nlike some U.S. cities where a road trip might involve a full day’s drive just to get to the state border, Atlanta has the distinct advantage of being just a few hours away from exciting destinations two or three states away. I went border hopping recently for a long weekend in Huntsville, Alabama, and discovered it’s come a long way since the days when its primary claim to fame was being known as the Watercress Capital of the World.

Today, Huntsville’s nickname is Rocket City. The moniker came about in the mid-1950s after the government brought in a team of German rocket scientists to design the manned Saturn V rocket that went to the moon, launching the start of what would transform the city into a major hub of aeronautical research. Naturally, one of the mustsee spots on any Huntsville visit is the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, with its otherworldly collection of space memorabilia and interactive exhibits simulating everything from gravitational forces to live rocket launches.

For the full experience, sign up for a two- or three-day Space Camp and train like a real astronaut.

Just because Huntsville employs one of the country’s highest concentrations of scientists and engineers doesn’t mean the city doesn’t have other dimensions. Check out its cultural side, for example, at Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, the South’s largest privately owned arts center.

Housed in a converted 100-year-old textile mill, it features more than 140 working artist studios where you can

24

witness masterpieces being made and buy everything from oil paintings to pottery. An Art-o-mat vending machine sells pint-size original pieces of art for just $5. It’s adjacent to Happy Tummy, an excellent place to fuel up with personal pizzas bearing playful names such as the Vampire Killer and Veg Out, Man. If you’re the outdoorsy type, get into the swing of things at Hampton Cove, one of the award-winning courses making up the famed Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail that spans the state. Or hike any of the 30-plus trails at scenic Monte Sano State Park. Not surprisingly, there's a planetarium at the top of Monte Sano Mountain where you can take in a show or gaze through its giant telescopes.

Just 10 minutes west of the park in the bustling downtown area is a great place to lay your head at night: the 106 Jefferson. The city’s first lifestyle boutique hotel, it opened last summer on the former site of the iconic Huntsville Hotel, which dated back to the 1800s.

Throughout, you’ll find fun nods to the city’s aeronautic prestige.

The Do Not Disturb sign, for example, reads "On a Mission." And the convivial rooftop bar is named after the first primates to survive space travel, Baker & Able.

106 Jefferson also has its own onsite, all-day eatery called Revivalist. The European-inspired evening menu includes favorites such as the smoked Scottish salmon with rosemary lavash, the 1855 Filet with foraged mushrooms and a cognac hollandaise, and a warm apple cran-

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Jill Becker

berry tartlet. Other restaurants and bars are within walking distance of the hotel, including The Moon Bakeshop (don’t miss the cruffin, a cross between a croissant and a muffin) and Melt (specializing in funky sandwiches such as the Meatloaf Melt, stacking meatloaf, mashed potatoes and rosemary ketchup on sourdough bread).

A short stroll away is Big Spring International Park, a lush green space that houses the Huntsville Botanical Garden, featuring 112 acres of perfectly manicured lawns, a butterfly

Right: Indian Creek Canal runs through Big Spring International Park on its way to the Tennessee River.

Below: Commune with nature at the scenic Huntsville Botanical Garden.

house, a children's garden and more.

There are some cool shops to peruse in the area as well, including Harrison Brothers Hardware. Open since 1897, it’s since traded shovels and spades for a selection of unique local goods and gifts. One of its space-themed items would serve as the perfect memento of your out-of-this-world trip to Rocket City. n DETAILS huntsville.org @visithuntsvilleal

Huntsville/Madison County CVB

ALL SYSTEMS GO FOR HUNTSVILLE

Above Left: The sun sets on the lifesize replica of the Saturn V rocket at the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

#iHeartHsv Blogger Nicole Castle Brookus

READY FOR TAKEOFF

Above: Restaurants, bars, shops and more are all just steps away in downtown Huntsville.

Samuel Guy House

T R AV E L FA R

Above: The Lands End Room in the Samuel Guy House, a B&B, features locally crafted Olivier furniture.

Drake Boudreaux

Creole Comfort

Brian Jarreau

Left: Natchitoches sits on the banks of the Cane River Lake.

Natchitoches, Louisiana is as delightful as the popular movie that gave it fame STORY:

Above: Meat pies are served alongside jambalaya at Cane River Commissary.

Nicole Letts

Below: Susan Harling Memorial Park tells the story of the real Shelby and pays homage to the film's leading ladies.

A

s the car turns onto Jefferson Street in Natchitoches, Louisiana, I can almost hear the Steel Magnolias theme song start to play. I audibly exhale and notice my shoulders relax. Being here is just plain comforting. The familiar tune’s connection from my head to my surroundings is no surprise. Besides feeling like it leaped off the pages of a movie script, Natchitoches (pronounced Nack-a-tish) is where the sassy, Southern women of the beloved play and film, as well as the real people on which both are based, once walked.

On the self-guided film tour, I pass Truvy’s garage beauty parlor, Ouiser’s historic residence and, of course, the Cook-Taylor House where Shelby’s lavish blush and bashful wedding reception, complete with a red velvet armadillo groom’s cake, took place.

Today, the home is affectionately known as The Steel Magnolias House and is one of more than 25 bed and breakfasts in the town, which is known as the B&B capital of Louisiana. While I did not stay at the six-guest room house, I made a mental note to book a room here when I return.

The town’s Hollywood claim to fame might be Steel Magnolias, but it has a few other accolades under its belt. It is the oldest city in the state and the oldest permanent settlement in the Louisiana Purchase. Plus, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame sits on Front Street overlooking Cane River

26

The Steel Magnolias House is a six-bedroom bed and breakfast in the heart of Natchitoches.

Lake that weaves its way through the city and continues alongside neighboring farmland (and can be seen in the background in the first few minutes of Steel Magnolias). Just across from the lake is the site of the first Roman Catholic Church established by and for people of color in the United States. Parishioners, as well as descendants of the founding families, still worship within its walls. I am most taken by the colorful stained glass and the stunning grounds.

Famous past Natchitoches Parish residents include Kate Chopin, author of The Awakening, and Hunter, a celebrated black folk artist. Melrose Plantation is where Clementine Hunter worked as a field laborer and gifted cook during the day before dedicating herself to her artwork at night. While

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

her first art show wasn’t until the late 1940s when she was in her 60s, Hunter is believed to have been a skilled artist throughout much of her life. Her large-scale murals depict the everyday life of sharecroppers who lived or worked on the grounds.

Today, those paintings can be found on the plantation home’s sunporch, in several of the bedrooms and in the loft of the Africa House, a storage building turned museum.

I find myself getting lost in her richly hued details and buy a piece of artwork created by her grandson and apprentice, James Hunter, in the gift shop as a souvenir.

As I cut open a steaming mini meat pie (think crunchy beef empanada), a Natchitoches must-try, at Cane River Commissary, I take in my surroundings once more. The restaurant is humming with locals, and I pause to think about all of the things those four walls have seen. It started

its life as a schoolhouse before becoming a store and later, of course, a restaurant. The approachable menu pays homage to the area’s creole roots with dishes such as jambalaya, gumbo and even alligator po’boys.

A few days later, when I head back to the Alexandria, Louisiana airport, which is just under an hour from the city center, I pass each of the places mentioned above. Only this time, they’re recognizable from experience, rather than from one of my favorite movies. n

NATCHITOCHES AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU 800.259.1714 natchitoches.com @natchitochestourism

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March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

27

S TAYC AT I O N

Above: The historic courthouse square is the centerpiece of Eatonton's downtown.

Get Away to a Good Book Eatonton’s claim to literary fame STORY:

J

H.M. Cauley

ust 84 miles east of Buckhead, Eatonton is a picturesque burg that could stand in for just about any Southern Town, USA. And it has done so a few times, providing backdrops for movies such as My Cousin Vinny in 1992 and the upcoming Vendetta starring Bruce Willis. The quaint center square, complete with fountain and flora, is anchored by a red brick courthouse, with the quintessential clock and bell tower, whose footprint dates back to the 1820s.

Around what’s bragged to be one of the state’s largest town squares is a smattering of art galleries, craft and gift boutiques, clothing shops and the Eat A Ton Cafe, with exposed brick walls, rustic hardwood floors and a menu of midday favorites.

But beyond its Hollywood-ready quaintness, the seat of Putnam County draws visitors for its literary heritage. Though decades apart, authors Joel Chandler Harris (Brer Rabbit Stories) and Alice Walker (The Color Purple) both called the town home. Eatonton was recently added to the Southern Literary Trail and is also the site of the Georgia Writers Museum, founded in 2014 to honor the state’s literary stars.

“Eatonton is the largest literary hub outside of a major metropolitan area,” says Melissa Swindell, the museum’s executive director. “We have nine authors who have lived within 30 miles of town.”

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Those writers are honored with photos on the museum’s wall of fame, and their creative endeavors are part of the museum’s collection that aims to represent the state’s literary heritage. “We have 74 inductees, including the last one, John Lewis,” says Swindell, who lives in Sandy Springs.

“And we have works in the collection that include the first work by Augustus Longstreet, the second president of Oxford College of Emory University in the late 1700s, through Alice Walker, who is still living.”

The museum also presents author talks that feature Southeastern writers as well as those with regional ties.

Typically on the first Tuesday of the month, the discussions may showcase names such as Mary Kay Andrews, a prolific writer known for her engaging and entertaining beach reads. (Talks are also live-streamed for remote viewing.) Saturday writers workshops draw visitors who can pick up tips from experts such as former AJC reporter and author Jim Auchmutey.

Those who want to make a workshop a weekend getaway can book into the Dot 2 Dot Inn. Hosts Richard and Karen Garrett, originally from the U.K., took over the white-columned mansion in 2018 and spruced up

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

Above and left: The Georgia Writers Museum showcases the work of notable authors who call the state home.

Right: Breakfast at the Dot 2 Dot Inn is a scrumptious affair prepared by the Le Cordon Bleu-trained co-owner.

the original fireplaces and doors installed by a wealthy planter family in 1844. Cordon Bleu-trained Karen delights guests with made-to-order breakfasts, including her homemade brioche French toast, and dinners by request. Other dining options within a 15-minute drive of downtown are The Silver Moon, the Iron Fork Cafe and the Lake Oconee Bistro on the edge of the water.

Weekenders can spend a leisurely Sunday following the Writers Museum’s driving and walking tours that take visitors past locations key to local authors’ lives: Walker’s birthplace, her family home, the Pex theater where The Color Purple had its film premiere, the post office where Harris had his first job and Blackwell’s Furniture, a former tavern building where Harris was born. One attraction that invites guest inside is the

Uncle Remus Museum, a log cabin created out of former slave quarters.

A series of small dioramas showcase characters of Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox and Brer Bear as told by the folksy narrator, Uncle Remus. In 1881, Harris published the tales based on stories he heard slaves sharing on the Turnwold Plantation that was located about 9 miles from the museum.

Outdoor enthusiasts will find an array of options close by, as Eatonton is strategically tucked between Lakes Oconee and Sinclair, as well as the Oconee National Forest. Along with boating, swimming, fishing and hiking options, there’s always a niche to nestle down with a good book. n EATONTON-PUTNAM COUNTY eatonton.com/tourism

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March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

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15 MINUTES WITH

NIRJARY DESAI STORY:

Amy Meadows

F

or her entire life, Nirjary Desai has felt a strong desire to educate people about her Indian culture. Born in Zambia, raised in South Carolina and educated in London, she delights in introducing others to the Southeast Asian customs and traditions that she holds so dear. In fact, she says, “My culture is about community. It’s about cuisine. It’s about celebration.”

It makes sense that Desai infuses that very personal perspective into every event she plans as founder and chief experience officer of KIS (cubed) Events, which she launched in 2006 after a successful sales and marketing career with organizations such as American Airlines and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. From weddings and corporate conferences to bar mitzvahs, baby showers and milestone birthdays, the highly soughtafter event producer and her team have become known for creating one-of-a-kind events that are as well-organized and fun as they are culturally sensitive and socially inclusive. In fact, that distinctive combination has become a hallmark of KIS's events, which are held in locales around the globe, including many in the heart of Buckhead.

You organize myriad events across metro Atlanta. What are your favorite local venues?

I do a lot of work in Buckhead, and I often encourage people to consider the venues there.

I love the InterContinental.

It’s laid out so beautifully for a large event, and the staff has always been so consistent. We also recently discovered a super-cute art gallery called Buckhead Art & Company.

How did you become an event planner?

In the Indian culture, celebrations are usually planned by the community and held in a temple or a community center. About 15 years ago, more South Asians started using full-service venues for their events.

Many hotels lacked the cultural knowledge for their celebrations. Being South Asian, I was often pulled into meetings to help close that business. At the same time, many of my friends

30

were getting married, and I was helping them plan their weddings on the side.

That’s where it all started. I thought, “This could work.”

What is your approach to planning an event?

When I was getting my MBA, I had a professor who said to use the KISS (“Keep It Simple, Stupid.”) principle when it came to anything and everything in marketing. That always stuck with me. So for clients, our approach is very simple. Our delivery is very sophisticated, and we try to make sure that each event has its own style. That’s how KIS (cubed) Events came into being.

How do you make each event special?

Every event is unique. But whether I’m talking to a senior vice president at Amazon about their event or a father of the bride about a wedding, everyone just wants to be understood.

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

It’s important that you feel connected to your client’s story. During the interview process, we ask clients about everything from their favorite vacations and cuisine to their biggest pet peeves. It sparks conversation. And no matter the size of the event, we always use the same level of design and detail so the clients get our true brand experience.

What is your favorite part of working in this industry?

I can immerse myself in so many different cultures.

When I’m planning an event, I experience a culture on a very different level. It’s like an insider crash course, particularly when it comes to the cuisine. Whether it’s Hindu, Muslim or Jewish clients, I’ve been able to enjoy this big learning curve

over the past 16 years. And when I understand a client’s background, I can tell them what they need before they even think of it. It’s the art of being in the service industry. n KIS (CUBED) EVENTS 855.547.2823 kiscubedevents.com @kiscubed

A P P ROVE D

Interior Define Aquarius Textile Wall Art ($225) Love the look of fringe, but prefer it on an accent piece versus a larger furniture item?

Consider a framed fringe textile from newly debuted Interior Define, now open at Buckhead Village District. This alternative to flat artwork brings all of the fun without any of the fuss and will look good in any soothing and calming space. If you would like to see it in person prior to purchasing, make an appointment with an Interior Define specialist to take advantage of the brand’s free design services.

Interior Define 872.802.4119 interiordefine.com @interiordefine

FRINGE BENEFITS Maybe it’s the second-coming of the “Roaring Twenties,” or maybe it’s just because everyone needs a little fun in their lives. Either way, fringe is back in a big way. In both fashion and home decor, fringe adds movement, depth and visual interest, making any piece it touches a swinging good time.

Here are a few items to help you feel fringe-worthy.

STORY:

Julie Neill for Visual Comfort Vacarro Large Chandelier ($4,949) This showstopper of a chandelier comes in three finishes: antique bronze leaf, antique gold leaf and plaster white, a crisp and modern version. New Orleans-based lighting designer Julie Neill brings an artisan’s touch to each of her designs, including those for lighting brand Visual Comfort, available at Circa Lighting. Whether hanging in an entryway or making a statement in Circa Lighting a master bedroom, this 404.233.4131 chandelier adds highcircalighting.com wattage glamour. @circalighting

Lauren Finney Harden

Adriana Orsini Gia Chain Fringe Earrings ($195) Who says you can’t frost yourself with fringe? Exclusive to Saks, these fringe earrings are just begging for a night out on the town. Made from 18K yellow gold-plated sterling silver and cubic zirconia, they’ll make you want to swing your head from side to Saks Fifth Avenue side, whether out to dinner at 404.261.7234 Aria or on the dance floor at saksfithavenue.com Johnny’s Hideaway. @saks

Konekt Thing 3 Stool (Price upon request) Made from brass and horsehair, this stool from family-run, New York-based brand Konekt is a real conversation starter. Its velvet and lush fringe trim bring dimension to any tableau, and its petite size allows for it to be stored away easily if needed. Exclusive in Atlanta to R Hughes at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, it has a lead time of about four to eight weeks, so R Hughes get to ordering.

404.607.8877

Chloé Medium Marcie Fringe Leather Satchel ($2,250) Responsible for “cool girl” looks since its inception, Chloé has long incorporated fringe into its designs. In honor of the Marcie handbag’s 10th anniversary, the leather bag gets an update with attention-grabbing fringe and a commemorative stamp. The satchel with hand and long shoulder straps workable to wear cross-body pairs perfectly with spring’s other major accessory trend, chain belts. It Girl-mode, activated.

Nordstrom Phipps Plaza 404.442.3000 nordstrom.com @nordstrom_phipps

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March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

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Children's Healthcare of Atlanta/Canine For Kids

P E TS

Working Like a Dog A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A THERAPY CANINE

S

ince its inception in 2009, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Canines For Kids program has been helping patients deal with, heal from and conquer treatments like the champions they are by matching them with a fluffy partner. This innovative therapy program engages 14 highly proficient golden retrievers, goldendoodles and Labrador retrievers that provide comfort, distraction and motivation.

The dogs are trained for 1.5-2 years before they’re officially matched with their handlers at Children’s.

“For our patients, animal-assisted therapy is a wonderful resource to promote coping with pain, nausea, anxiety and stress when sometimes many other coping strategies might not be as beneficial. [The dogs also] support our teenage patients who

32

might be struggling with missing peers, siblings and family members during hospital visits and stays,” says Jessica Westbrooks, a child life specialist at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s.

Facility dogs such as Aries, a 4-year-old golden retriever, live with their Children’s employee handlers.

With pep in their steps, they arrive at work each day at 8:30 a.m., ready to support their patients.

“There are plenty of quick meetand-greets on their way to their designated floor. They have celebrity status in the hospital for good reason!” says Program Coordinator Kara Klein.

Aries’ day is spent serving patients at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children’s at Egleston Hospital. His primary goal is

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Children's employees Leslye Ryan, Stephanie Whitten and Jessica Westbrooks cuddle up with therapy dog Aries.

Taylor Heard

to help his handler increase coping and reduce the anxiety patients and families experience related to health care and hospitalization. He helps kids feel more at home while undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation or a bone marrow transplant. To do this, Aries will often partake in some pretend play. A young patient might give him a “checkup” using some of the medical equipment and supplies, such as a stethoscope, gauze or anesthesia mask that they might encounter in their own treatments. This helps to familiarize the kids with these items and make them less intimidating.

Similar coping methods are used in other Children’s units with different facility dogs. Ali, a 4-year-old goldendoodle, for instance, can be found helping patients at the inpatient

rehabilitation unit. She helps motivate patients to reach their therapy goals by making treatment playful. “A patient may think they are just playing fetch with Ali or helping walk around the unit to find Ali’s toys, but these are activities designed by the child’s care team to encourage the patient to walk or mobilize,” Klein says.

Each dog gets a well-earned midday play and potty break, and then clocks out at 5 p.m. They go home with their handlers for dinner and to rest and recoup for the next day in the “office.” n CHILDREN’S HEALTHCARE OF ATLANTA choa.org @therapydogsofchoa

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33

K ID S

“Ah-Choo” Season GET A HANDLE ON POLLEN ALLERGIES

I

didn’t have any reaction to pollen until my early 30s, so it was a real shock when last spring my 3-yearold broke out into red, itchy splotches on her eyelids, began sneezing like crazy, had nasal congestion and started coughing the second Atlanta was in bloom. She was obviously allergic, and I was unprepared.

Dr. David Tanner, an allergist and chief medical officer at Atlanta Allergy & Asthma, explains that allergies are genetic, so if you have them, it’s more likely your child will. “While they can appear at any age, allergies are more common in children,” he says.

Any cold-like symptom might understandably raise an eyebrow these days, but sneezing and itchy eyes, nose or throat are more commonly associated with allergies, Tanner notes. “Allergy symptoms tend to be present longer, sometimes lasting six to eight weeks, than those of an upper respiratory infection and occur each spring, fall or both. Upper respiratory infections are more likely to be accompanied by chills, muscle aches, headache and sore throat. It is almost certainly an infection, not an allergy, if fever is present.” Fatigue is another possible allergy symptom.

Here, Tanner offers advice on what to do to prevent and lessen kids’ discomfort this spring and beyond.

Begin Meds in Advance Over-the-counter allergy medications, such as antihistamines, antihistamine eye drops or nasal steroid sprays, are most effective if you begin to take them in advance of peak pollen season before symptoms begin. “They may need to be used daily during the pollen season to get the best relief from allergy symptoms,” Tanner says.

See a board-certified allergist like Dr. David Tanner at Atlanta Allergy & Asthma (above) if allergies are impacting your child's daily comfort.

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Inside Measures Minimize your child’s allergen exposure in the house by changing

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Karina Antenucci

air filters monthly, removing shoes upon entering your home and wiping down pets with a damp cloth if they’ve been outdoors. “Pets can easily track pollen into your home, leaving it on carpets and furniture,” Tanner notes. Since pollen can settle on your hair, skin and clothing, kids should take a shower or bath before bed and put on fresh clothes after playing outside.

POLLEN COUNT

Outside Tactics Pollen counts tend to be highest midday, so adjust outdoor activities accordingly, says Tanner, who suggests running the car AC on the recycled setting instead of zooming around with the windows down.

What’s more, sunglasses may help keep fine particles out of sensitive eyes, and wearing a mask when outdoors can create a barrier.

ment plan may include prescription medications, environmental control recommendations and immunotherapy (allergy shots).

When to See a Doc Parents should see a physician when their child’s daily activities or sleep are being impacted by allergy symptoms, and over-the-counter medications are not controlling those symptoms. A board-certified allergist can perform a skin test to confirm and recommend treatment targeted to manage the allergens causing the symptoms, says Tanner. A treat-

Atlanta Allergy & Asthma has been providing the daily pollen count to Atlanta and North Georgia for more than 30 years. Its pollen counting station is certified by the National Allergy Bureau. Sign up to receive the daily count in your inbox or view it at atlantaallergy.com.

Multiple Allergens If you’re noticing your child has allergy symptoms year-round, they might be allergic to indoor allergens such as dust, mold and pet dander. Or they might be allergic to all the pollens, from trees in the spring, grass in the late spring and summer months, and weeds (specifically ragweed) beginning as early as August in the South and lasting until mid-October. n ATLANTA ALLERGY & ASTHMA 404.351.5711 atlantaallergy.com @atlantaallergy_

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SIMPLY LIVING

HOME

It Takes Two P40

“Not having an open floor plan was an advantage.”

—Susan Carlisle

The family room features sofas

by LEE Industries, done in family-friendly Crypton fabric.

The ceiling is papered in a linen-colored herringbone by Wolf-Gordon.

Photo: Joann Vitelli

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

39

H OM E

Above: Chad’s grandmother’s sofa was recovered for the formal living room. Custom touches throughout help accentuate the space’s femininity.

Below: The front of the house got a face lift, as well as the interior.

IT TAKES TWO A two-part renovation in Kingswood is a family’s respite STORY:

Lauren Finney Harden

PHOTOS: Joann

F

or Susan and Chad Carlisle, Kingswood off West Paces Ferry Road has always felt like “the” neighborhood. “We were drawn to the location; the large, flat yards; and streets with no through-traffic access,” says Susan, who is an independent consultant. “It’s an ideal neighborhood for families.”

But their dream house, built in the mid20th century, wasn’t ready-made. “We knew before putting in an offer that we wanted to make considerable changes,” Susan says.

Enter Jenny Warner of J. Thomas Designs, whom the Carlisles have known for more than a decade. “We became fast friends, and I even worked for Jenny for a bit when I was between jobs,” Susan says.

The Carlisles trusted Warner to change up their first home in 2007, and the client-

40

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

Vitelli

designer relationship solidified from there.

“There was no one else I would trust to work through a renovation,” Susan says.

Warner was in on the plans from the beginning. “Jenny made a few trips to the house before we closed to start the planning,” Susan says. The two decided on a fasterpaced renovation starting in 2019 rather than a slow one over time to keep the disruptions to living in the house to a minimum.

“If possible, I like to be involved from the beginning and do an architectural review,” says Warner. “It’s important for a designer to work alongside the architect because we know how a client is going to live inside the space being created. It is so much easier to tweak the space on paper!”

A fast-paced renovation turned out to be

Designer Jenny Thomas and homeowner Susan Carlisle pose at the home’s front doors.

a great decision, considering the dramatic rise in raw material pricing, supply chain issues and access to qualified contractors, says Chad, an area vice president for tech company MongoDB. That meant that the family, including two kids aged 8 and 13, lived through the renovation, which was trying at times. They had to leave for a week for the hardwood floors to be finished, and the

Left: Two Thibault wallcoverings feature in the dining room.

The sconces and chandelier are vintage.

Below: The Carlisle family pauses for a snack around their kitchen island, which features a built-in banquette.

Above: The host and hostess chairs were recovered in Susan’s custom monogram by Alison R. Banks.

Below: “We wanted buffet accessories that were different and noticeable but in keeping with the soft golds of the room,” Warner says.

Below: The loggia features furniture by Braxton Culler, complete with custom outdoor fabric. Pillows by local artist Jennfier Keim bring in pattern.

“They have two young boys, and the furniture needs to stand up to being jumped on and sat on with damp clothes coming out of the pool.” —Jenny Warner and turned it into the master bedroom,” says Warner. A new vaulted ceiling and a “hers” closet were also added.

The couple also wanted to change the facade of the ranch house and add dormers, plus turn 1,800 square feet of attic space into a playroom, theatre, bedroom, bathroom and storage area.

That required the architect, structural engineer and Warner’s collaboration.

Ultimately, even more was needed to accommodate the Carlisles’ lifestyle and tastes. The home didn’t have an office, for example. “It’s a sign of how work has changed between the prior owner and us,” says Chad. Also, the pool had no pool

house. “We wanted a pool house where the kids could dry off outside of the main home, which spurred a vision to have a combination pool house, exercise room and steam room.” Phase two took about 10 months.

The Carlisles wanted each room to be distinct in the architecture and furnishings but have a layout that worked for the family. For example, they wanted a hallway to flow from the casual (a family room and kids’ jack-andjill bathroom) to the proper (a formal living room and dining room). “Not having an open floor plan was an advantage,” says Susan.

Other functional and fun rooms, such as a kids’ bunk room with a slide and trap door, a laundry room with a working island and s

interior painting took longer than expected, which kept them out of the kitchen.

The home had one issue that was heartbreaking for everyone involved. “We finished a downstairs room before popping the roof up, and that room ended up needing a structural support beam,” says Chad.

“That was painful. We ended up tearing into a wall that was already finished.”

Living through two phases paid off, though, as the family had their dream home in about 14 months. Phase one involved fresh paint and carpet, and planning and executing a new master suite. “We took the existing study and turned it into the master bath and took the existing recreational room

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

41

H OM E

Above: In the master bedroom, custom draperies feature a Pindler fabric and trim that complement custom bedding, including a velvet duvet by Fabricut. Art by Sara Cameli brings the room together.

Left: The family wanted a fullsized playground slide, so Warner designed the bunks around it. Sport court flooring on the back wall hides a secret door into another play area.

The theatre room is a family favorite for hanging out, and Warner loved designing such a unique space.

42

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

lockers, and a craft room and storage closet with a wrapping station, were added.

As for her furnishing process, Warner says, “First we make sure we can monogram it!” She looked for forgiving fabrics with lots of durability and pattern—”pattern hides a lot of flaws”— and relied on the family’s style and scale.

“They have two young boys, and the furniture needs to stand up to being jumped on, made into forts and shields for Nerf gunfights, and sat on with damp clothes coming out of the pool,” says Warner, who also added new draperies, rugs, artwork and accent furniture.

It wasn’t completely all brand-new, though, as Warner likes to incorporate heirloom and sentimental pieces where she can. She reused Susan’s great-grandmother’s table and sideboard in the dining room. “We had the table

Above: The master bathroom features a custom cut antique mirror. “It softens the fireplace surround and adds more reflective light to the room,” Warner says.

raised to accommodate chairs of today’s size,” she explains. “We also removed the needlepoint chair covers that were hand-done by her great-grandmother and had them framed so they could be a cherished memory on display. They now hang in the family room.”

The end host and hostess chairs were recovered and monogrammed. Custom drapes from the couple’s previous home were brought in, as were vintage lighting, fresh wallpaper and a new, scaled-up mirror.

The family trusts Warner implicitly thanks to their previous working relationship and friendship, and it shows in the design and in the details. “Jenny needed little—really no—direction.

She can quickly render a drawing on the spot to provide options for layouts and ideas, and it never ceases to amaze me,” Susan says. n

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43

BULLETIN BOARD

BY:

Giannina S. Bedford

PRODUCT

SPOTLIGHT

DESIGN CALLING T

ony Purvis fell in love with interior design in his late 20s while working at a furniture store—one of his many gigs in between jobs as a musical theater actor. In his 30s, he went back to school to pursue his passion. In 2012, he graduated from Florida State University with a Master of Fine Arts in interior design.

After spending nine years working in interior design, most recently as studio director and senior designer at Carson Guest, he became the new associate chair of interior design at SCAD Atlanta in September.

“I want to help others have that spark of joy that I had. I thought the best way to bring value to any future student was to practice, so I immersed myself in the profession,” says Purvis, who earned a National Council for Interior Design Qualifi-

DESIGN NEWS

44

cation certification and served on the board of American Society of Interior Designers Georgia.

An ASID Georgia board member for the last five years, Purvis was the organization’s 2021 president.

Through ASID, Purvis got to know the SCAD faculty who are now his colleagues. In his new role, Purvis looks forward to shaping the next generation of interior designers through education.

“The world is your oyster when you’re a student. Their enthusiasm, creativity and curiosity are very rewarding to work with as a teacher,” he says. “Our industry is constantly changing, and SCAD is willing to dream big and make things happen.

You don’t always find that opportunity at large institutions.”

As one of the eight original degree

n Buckhead has a new destination for exquisite florals.

Atlanta florist Mary Delia Poynter now offers full-service floral design for events, seasonal flower pot arrangements and home decor in Buckhead’s Lucy’s Market, a one-stop-shop for locally prepared foods, fresh produce and gifts. Shop M. Delia Designs for Lucy’s Market in person at 56 E. Andrews Drive and online at lucysmarket.com.

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

program offerings at SCAD, interior design is one of the university’s highest enrolled programs across the school’s global locations in Savannah; Atlanta; Lacoste, France; and SCADnow, a virtual program. The SCAD undergraduate and graduate interior design programs have garnered more No. 1 rankings than any other university, earning the top spots in DesignIntelligence’s “Best Architecture and Design Schools” for the seventh time since 2008.

“The breadth of the resources SCAD provides for our students, in my experience, is unparalleled,” Purvis says. “The No. 1 resource is our teaching faculty. All my colleagues are highly skilled designers who love the art of teaching. We are constantly working together to fine tune and calibrate our student experience.” n

n Gear up for a busy spring season at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. Digital Day, exploring the intersection of technology and design, takes place on March 9. From March 23-25, the public can shop high-end furnishings at discounted prices at ADAC’s Spring Sample Sale. From April 26-28, Design ADAC pays tribute to interior designers, showrooms, architects and more through three days

Channel Jay Gatsby in this Lucy Chair, part of celebrity interior designer Brigette Romanek’s first furniture collection with Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. Handcrafted in North Carolina, the chair is part of the Lucy collection that aims to balance architecture, high fashion and Art Deco curves in its distinctive pieces. Featuring two rows of tube-like cushioning and a wood frame with angled legs, the chair is available to customize in hundreds of fabrics and more than 20 wood finishes. The collection also includes a sofa and right- or left-arm day beds.

Starting at $3,727.

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of seminars and events.

For more information, visit adacatlanta.com. n Known for its trendy, low-cost clothing, Forever 21 recently expanded into the home category. From fuzzy throw pillows and rainbow keyboard covers to tie-dye inspired soap dispensers, HOME at Forever 21’s decor for every room is priced between $3 and $65. forever21.com

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March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

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TA S T E MA K E R

Made for Living STEVE MARKEY’S HOLISTIC APPROACH TO DESIGN STORY:

Claire Ruhlin

PHOTO: Joann

F

Vitelli

or Steve Markey, design director at Atlanta-based senior living developer Galerie Living, design is practically in his DNA. “Having grown up in Europe surrounded by beautiful architecture, art and music, I found myself naturally drawn to artistic endeavors,” says Markey, who lived in Italy, Belgium and Germany, eventually moving back to the States at age 17. “My parents exposed us to travel, museums, symphonies and operas all over the continent. That exposure to the arts set a foundation that never left me.”

With a passion for design, he went on to teach himself everything he could about architecture—particularly classicists of the early 20th Century and U.S. architecture, with a focus in Atlanta architecture. Today, with more than 40 years of design experience, Markey has made his mark

46

with high-end projects across the globe, including some of Atlanta’s most iconic estates, communities and clubs. He was also a founding member of the Southeast Chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA).”

One of his latest achievements is Corso Atlanta, an award-winning senior living facility that brings a luxurious slice of Paris to Buckhead, pairing European design sensibilities with “transitional contemporary aesthetic elements.” We spoke with Markey about his kismet relationship with Galerie Living, the inspiration behind his creative process and the future of livable design.

What led you to Galerie Living?

I had just switched to a new architectural firm as a senior designer when I heard of a client they were courting who might want to build a “city block of Paris” in Atlanta. I knew right away that I wanted to design that project, not realizing the partner in charge already had me slated for the work. I

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

started off designing a different project for that client, Tim Gary, CEO of Galerie Living. Tim and I hit it off immediately, and it was an easy transition to move from that project (Village Park Milton) to the Paris project, which was Corso Atlanta. So I came here because Tim has the vision to create beautiful projects, and I’ll stay because he supports that vision by his actions every day.

What do you think has contributed to your success as a designer?

I have a holistic approach to design; all elements of architecture, landscape and interiors combine in everything I do. I do not believe in “form follows function,” and I do not believe in “function follows form.” I design in 3D—everything at once, all together. I have described the process as having an ever-evolving Rubik’s cube slowly rotating above my head.

How is design important in creating a successful community?

Design is paramount in creating environments that lift the soul and

spark the spirit. In Europe, centuries of architecture rich with human scale, sculpture, gardens and fountains constantly enforce the beauty of humanity while people go about their everyday tasks. These amazingly beautiful sparkle points that occur along daily journeys subliminally raise people’s emotional barometers and enrich their lives, whether they realize it or not. In the United States, it can be challenging to get this much beauty in our daily lives. As the band R.E.M. said, “Here’s a truck stop instead of Saint Peter’s.”

What’s the future of design as it relates to adult living communities?

I believe the future of design is an evermoving target for senior living. I think hospitality-based design is our cue for where the industry needs to move.

People want to be treated with dignity and maintain their independence. They do not want to be shut away or marginalized. Everyone wants to live life to the limits they set. It is up to us to provide a platform that GALERIE LIVING allows them to do that hap678.677.8900 pily and at their galerieliving.com own pace. n

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The Joshua Kane Experience P50

“A fashion collection–it’s all storytelling.” —Joshua Kane

Designer Joshua Kane, wearing a suit from his bespoke collection.

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

49

FAS H I O N

THE JOSHUA KANE EXPERIENCE UK DESIGNER MAKES HIS ATLANTA DEBUT STORY:

I

Lauren Finney Harden

t’s extremely difficult to put Joshua Kane in any sort of box. He’s been a professional soccer player, a video game designer, a fashion designer and a director. However, he’s most well-known for his eponymous fashion label, Joshua Kane

50

Bespoke, which is based in London but has a global reach with clients all over the world, including here in Atlanta. Inspired by the first dandy, Beau Brummell—who was the 19th century’s answer to the influencer— Kane has vision, influenced and limited by nothing other than his own imagination.

Stints at fashion houses such as

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

Jaeger, Paul Smith and Burberry further refined his point of view.

You might remember his influence on Burberry, circa 2010. Kane, then a 25-year-old senior designer under Christopher Bailey, is responsible for the iconic double shearling, double-button collar that was popular at the time.

Kane eventually realized that work-

ing for someone else wasn’t for him, and in his extra room in his spare time, he began making suits. In 2014, he launched Joshua Kane Bespoke, which he sees as more than a one-dimensional business. “Fashion is just one of the things I enjoy,” he says. “The storytelling is what I love.

I love creating characters, writing scripts. A fashion collection–it’s all storytelling.”

The designer is known for creating his own fabrics, which often include beautiful brocades and always impeccable custom tailoring. Today, his collections for men and women feature suits, dresses, leather jackets, a plethora of accessories from hats to skateboards and other clothing pieces.

As for his runway shows, he says, “It’s an immersive experience.” The models, or “characters,” as Kane prefers to call them, are often made up of a menagerie of his actor, musician and model friends, and have included American rapper Machine Gun Kelly. The shows are an untraditional milieu of the arts and more of a spectacle for the onlooker, and typically involves live performances, artistic set dressing and elements of theater. He views runway shows as a stage for storytelling, rather than just showcasing clothing or a catwalk to display new designs. The guests are welcomed to interact with their surroundings before and after the show and sometimes are invited to be a part of a personable experience (think: dinner and/or after parties).

Atlantans will be able to meet Kane and view his collection first-hand as he brings an immersive fashion spectacular to Flourish Atlanta in Buckhead on April 19. The event, which is hosted by Simply Buckhead, will involve a bold and unique experience that brings fashion, film and sound together to tell a story. “It’s the farthest thing from a fashion show,” he says.

“I would describe it as a multi-faceted experience that covers every element of storytelling I’ve ever delved into.”

Kane also is debuting a video game this year. With a passion for gaming, he began designing video games at age 9. But a fashion video game it’s not. “Clothing is very loosely written into the script,” he says, and the game’s working title is “The Tailor’s Journey.” The game is being produced in metro Atlanta by Fathom 7 Digital Studios.

With much of his clientele based in Atlanta, and his video game developers based here as well, Kane knew the time was right to give our city a dose of his magic. n joshuakanestore.com @joshuakanebespoke

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Maggie Schreck, PA-C is a highly-skilled and sought-after injector treating patients in the Buckhead location of Truffles Medispa. Maggie is an injector trainer for both Allergan (the makers of Botox Cosmetic, the Juvederm portfolio, and Kybella) and Galderma (the makers of Dysport, the Restylane portfolio, and Sculptra Aesthetic). Maggie is also one of the very few injectors who trains physicians and other practitioners throughout the State of Georgia in the use of Sculptra Aesthetic for both the face and body. With more than fourteen years of injectable experience, Maggie specializes in Non-Surgical Aesthetic Rejuvenation.

She is a true artist who loves working with patients to help them achieve their aesthetic

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SLOUGH OFF EXFOLIATORS TO REVEAL YOUR FRESHEST SKIN YET STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

S

pring is when nature unveils a rejuvenated look, with blooms and blossoms on the landscape. It’s often a time to think about revealing a refreshed visage, too. “Your body naturally sheds skin. When we exfoliate, we’re trying to amplify what the body does typically in order to get a smoother, brighter appearance,” says Jennifer Burger, SeroVital Beauty ComfortBead Cleanser ($39) a board-certified This one-step facial cleanser purports to yield dermatologist who less-pronounced pores and visibly smoother skin. lives in Buckhead.

Physical exfoliation from bamboo powder and There are two primary jojoba beads and chemical exfoliaUlta styles of exfoliators. The tion from lactic and glycolic acids ulta.com first category is manual, @ultabeauty give you a deep clean. which can be as simple as using a textured washcloth to loosen dead skin cells or applying a scrub containing sugar or other “scrubbing” particles. The second type is chemical and works by using acids, such as salicylic, glycolic and malic acid, Soap & Glory Original or enzymes such as Pink The Scrub Of Your bromelain and lactase, Life Body Scrub ($9.99) to dissolve dead cells.

Get yourself into a lather While it can feel good over this foaming, skinand even productive to smoothing body scrub, scrub away dead skin formulated with gentle cells, Burger urges causcrubbing beads. Lightly tion. She recommends scented with rose and bergamot, this vegan product looking for gentle prodis also cruelty-free. ucts, and, if you’re going for a manual exfoliator, use one Target target.com with smooth beads rather than the @target harsh, crushed apricot scrubs that were popular in the ’80s and ’90s.

“If you’re using anti-aging products,

such as retinoids and retinols, those products also try to get rid of the top layers of dead skin,” she says. “So if you’re doing those plus [other exfoliators], it can Paula’s Choice 2% be too much.”

BHA Liquid Exfoliant Some red flags that (from $11) you’re overdoing it? If Available in three you “start getting redness, sizes (1 to 8 ounces), burning or stinging” that’s this leave-on beta painful or truly irritating, hydroxy acid formula she says to back off of has a cult-like followyour exfoliation regimen. ing, thanks in part to While some ultra-gentle viral videos on TikTok. An independent products are designed for panel found that 90% frequent use, the natural of users in a study turnover for skin on the saw improved skin face is about once a week, texture, and 82% experiand the body is about enced smaller pores. once per month, so that can be a good cadence to start your exfoliating regimen.

Burger recommends exfoliating in the evening so you can let your moisturizer soak in overnight.

A good rule of thumb is to listen to your skin and, when in doubt, talk to your dermatologist for customized tips. n

Repêchage Vita Cura CelluSea Smooth Multi-Action Body Exfoliator ($45) This new, sugar-based body scrub gently sloughs off dry skin and uses seaweed, cocoa and caffeine extracts to initiate a more toned appearance. Mint essential oils will leave you feeling invigorated. Pro tip: Use it in the morning for a delightful wake-up.

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Natura Bissé C + C Vitamin Scrub ($75) Developed by the Barcelona-based brand founded in the 1970s, this micro-granulated rosehip seed scrub is gentle enough for the face but effective to use on the body. It’s infused with bitter orange extract to boost skin turnover for extra luminosity.

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Spongelle Wild Flower Bath Sponge ($16) These flower-shaped bath sponges come pre-loaded with foaming cleanser in delightful scents such as Bulgarian rose, French lavender and coconut verbena.

Just add water and gently buff the body for a spa-like shower experience. It lasts for at least 14 washes.

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March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

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W E L LN ES S

Root Cause How to nip women’s hair loss in the bud STORY:

Karina Antenucci

W

omen’s hair loss is more common than you might think. “About 40 to 50% of women at some point in their lives will experience hair loss,” says Dr. Daniel Lee of Anderson Center for Hair in Sandy Springs. It begins most often in the early 50s but can happen at any age.

Your body might be shedding strands for several reasons, and some can be serious if left untreated. So if you’re losing more hair than usual for two months or more, see your dermatologist or doctor specializing in hair loss to determine the cause.

Your health care provider may first order blood tests to rule out anemia, thyroid disorders, vitamin deficiencies and hormonal imbalances, all of which can be remedied with medication or supplements. If the lab work doesn’t turn up anything of note, a scalp biopsy is often the next step in finding the underlying cause.

A very common cause of hair loss is experiencing a stressful event, such as pregnancy, divorce, a move or a job change. “The good news is that this is not permanent. Your hair will grow back on its own,” Lee notes.

Female pattern hair loss, which is genetic, is the top cause. While you cannot stop it from happening, you can significantly decrease its progression with preventative measures, which is why “the earlier you seek help, the better,” Lee says. Here, he speaks to several options:

Over-the-Counter Topical Product The generic form of minoxidil, which comes in 2% or 5% formulations, is the same topical foam as its more expensive branded counterpart, Rogaine. Apply it to the scalp one or two times per day. “Any woman starting to lose hair should be on it,” Lee says. He notes not to be alarmed if the product increases hair loss initially as it pushes the hair to grow in a different cycle; this shedding is not permanent.

cap lined with embedded low-level lasers, it stimulates the hair follicles’ cells to produce healthy follicles and hair. This kind of product purchased through your doctor or online is pricey (several hundred to thousands of dollars), so it may be tempting to buy the cheaper laser combs on the market. However, Lee advises against it. “Laser combs don’t work because the hair follicle has to be exposed to the laser energy for a continuous amount of time, not for a second or two.”

Prescribed Medication Alternatively, your doctor may suggest an oral medication such as spironolactone, a diuretic that prevents hair loss, or finasteride, a medication that works by decreasing a hormone (DHT) and should only be used for older women as it can cause birth defects.

In-Office Treatment PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, injections is another method used to help prevent hair loss. This therapy utilizes a concentration of a patient’s own blood platelets containing growth compounds that are injected into the scalp. The suggested regimen depends on the patient.

Hair Restoration Surgery After ruling out treatable causes or, if despite preventative methods, hair loss continues, hair transplantation is an option. “It’s not as bad as what people think,” says Lee of the daylong outpatient procedure that requires sedation and local anesthesia. After the scalp is numbed, a strip of skin is removed from the back of the scalp. Technicians then isolate each follicle, and a surgeon implants them one by one in bald patches.

If you’re losing hair, don’t despair. There are possibilities for help. n Dr. Daniel Lee specializes in hair loss, helping women and men at Anderson Center for Hair.

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March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

TA S T E MA K E R

Scrub a Dub: Use SHINERY Radiance Wash ($28) like a normal hand wash. For optimal shine, use warm water plus two or three pumps, and work the wash into a lather around your jewelry. Then simply rinse.

said it had to have ammonia, that the jewelry has to sit in a formula. On the more natural, gentle side, people said they don’t have super cleansers to address grease. That’s when I stopped asking for a “jewelry cleaner.” I said I needed it to be a cleanser that was safe and moisturizing for hands but a super cleaner for jewelry.

How often do you recommend washing jewelry?

For rings, daily. Jewelry cleaning is often seen as a chore and done once a month maybe. So we’re all walking around with dirty jewelry. The true innovation in SHINERY is how easy and gentle it is for daily use on all metals and gemstones, though you should defer to your jeweler’s instructions. If a piece cannot get wet, then we say you shouldn’t use our product.

Bring Out That Bling Brea Fullerton is obsessed with keeping your jewelry sparkly

A

fter getting engaged in 2018, Brea Fullerton became fixated on caring for her engagement ring, which easily gathered gunk from hand lotion and the like.

She soon learned that all of the available at-home options for cleaning jewelry, including dip jars and Dawn detergent, either used harsh chemicals that she didn’t want near her skin or didn’t quite do the trick to remove buildup. Though her career path was in sports and entertainment, she set out to create a product solution.

Shortly after her wedding, Fullerton moved to Atlanta and founded SHINERY in 2020. Its hero product is

62

STORY:

the Radiance Wash, a hand soap and jewelry cleaner in one that is gentle, nontoxic and moisturizing for the skin yet strong enough to remove everyday dirt, oil and grime from your bling. Two more silver and white products followed including Radiance Towelettes for an on-the-go shine-up and the Illuminating Pom, a chemical-free sponge to polish metals. The Bridal Collection features the same three products repackaged in pink and white. Located in Upper Westside, the team does all of its shipping and receiving.

Here, we chat with Fullerton about how she pulled off a consumer packaged goods launch.

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

Karina Antenucci

What was the straw that broke the camel’s back?

On my wedding day in 2019, the photographer asked to see my ring.

It was just professionally cleaned, yet I could see lotion and gunk stuck in the crevices. I thought, ‘How do we not have jewelry cleaner in the bridal suite? We have dress tape, boob tape, everything.’ I was frustrated that my ring wasn’t clean.

What did it take to get SHINERY’s wash right?

I met with chemists for 16 months to develop the idea, formula and brand.

Every chemist I initially spoke with

What are you most looking forward to this year?

I look forward to more customer stories. We’ve received a couple DMs from people using our products to clean old silver heirloom pieces, Christmas ornaments—applications I never thought of. What people write to us is so meaningful and sentimental.

What advice would you give someone else who wants to launch a product line?

You’re truly only as great as your partners in the beauty/cosmetic/consumer packaged goods world. You’re in a relationship with several different companies, from manufacturers to people who print, make boxes and bottles, so finding quality partners is important. n

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March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

ON S TAG E

| ARTS BULLETIN

| PROFILE

SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ARTS BULLETIN

Spotlight: Barrett Ervin P67

“It makes people happy to have something that makes a room look prettier.” —Barrett Ervin

Artist Barrett Ervin draws much of her inspiration from homes, both inside and out.

Photo: Joann Vitelli

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

65

O N S TAGE

Photographer: James Hicks, Hair and makeup: Gabriella Biangel, Stylist: David De La Cruz

“I was new to everything, but when I got used to it, it was a breeze.”

NEW TO THE LIMELIGHT BUCKHEAD RESIDENT MORGAN MCGILL MAKES HER FILM DEBUT STORY:

I

Vanessa Pascale Rust

t was Morgan McGill’s obsession with Indiana Jones at a young age that sparked her interest in acting.

“I watched his movies all the time, and I literally wanted to be Harrison

66

Ford, who plays Indiana Jones, so bad. I was like, ‘Mom, I want to do this!’” McGill’s mother took the hint and enrolled her in private acting lessons at 6 and group classes by the time she was 8. Just before she turned 9, McGill joined an advanced improv troupe, helmed

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

by renowned improviser Julia Jones, that performs at local and regional venues. In 2019, the young actress made her television debut on HBO’s “Lovecraft Country.”

Most recently in 2021, the 13-yearold played the lead of Lynn Loud in her first made-for-TV film, “A Loud House Christmas,” a Nickelodeon flick expected to lead to several follow-up films. Streaming on Paramount+, the live-action movie is based on the network’s popular

cartoon show by the same name about the chaotic, everyday life of a boy named Lincoln Loud, a middle child with 10 sisters. Lynn is the spunky fifth child in the family.

“We’re both sporty, and it kind of fit perfectly, except I am more girlygirlish, and she’s more of a tomboy.

I had to interpret the tomboyishroughness for Lynn. I was new to everything, but when I got used to it, it was a breeze,” says the born-andraised Atlantan about the role.

“A Loud House Christmas” was filmed just 30 minutes from McGill’s home in Buckhead. She especially loved doing the snowball fight scene, which was shot in March in 90degree weather. “It was so much fun working on set with everyone, and we bonded together!”

With her attraction to the limelight and inherent athletic abilities, it seems that McGill is following in her parents’ footsteps. Her dad is Curt McGill, a former NFL center for the Indianapolis Colts and NY Jets, and her mom, Kelly Baskin McGill, is an NCAA tennis champion. In addition to acting and modeling, McGill is an accomplished athlete who plays tennis and volleyball for Spike Atlanta and competes in the USTA circuit. “I was born and raised in an athletic house. Weekends are a big deal for my dad and us because we watch a lot of football. And my mom coaches a lot of college kids, so we go to their tennis matches a lot,” McGill says.

Additionally, her mother co-owns and is the COO of The Salt Agency, a modeling firm located in Buckhead Village District. “I’m kind of influenced by that, too,” McGill says.

When McGill has free time and isn’t going on auditions, like many 13-year-olds, she enjoys hanging out with her friends. “Hopefully, there will be some more auditions coming up,” she says. Whether on screen or on a court, we’re sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of her soon. n @officialmorganmcgill

ARTS BULLETIN

Q&A

BY:

Mickey Goodman

PHOTOGRAPHER

CHRISTY BUSH

Joanne Vitelli

A SPOTLIGHT

HOME INSPIRED

BY:

H.M. Cauley

ARTIST BARRETT ERVIN DRAWS ON DECOR FOR IDEAS

B

uckhead native Barrett Ervin can’t remember a time when she wasn’t drawing or painting. “I took art classes all through high school and minored in art in college,” says the 28-year-old. So when she moved into her own place, her interior designer mom, Beth Ervin, suggested she create some decor pieces. The results were so good that her mom then encouraged her to sell them.

That inspiration launched a budding career that has become a fulltime enterprise thanks to Instagram, where her work has been viewed and purchased by people around the country whom she believes have been actively looking for “happy, new things” and snapping up her contemporary abstracts within

minutes of their arrival online.

“I try to make my pieces transitional over time so they can go into any space,” she says. “I use mostly pastel acrylics and colored pencils. For a recent collection, I just did acrylic on paper, but for commissioned works, I’ll work on canvas as well.”

Ervin is working on 16 large floral canvases for the ADAC showroom of Mrs. Howard, a high-end home furnishings and accessories store. And she’s gearing up for her next online collection release in May. She attempts to assemble one collection each season, she says.

Her last one had 20 pieces; some are up to 50. “I specifically try to come up with a theme by brain-

ART HAPPENINGS

Fertile Ground: From Sankofa to Blue Heron Exhibit

Beloved Community: African American Artists in Atlanta Collections and Beyond Through June 5 at Oglethorpe University Museum of Art The free exhibition, co-curated by John Daniel Tilford and Taylor Roberts, highlights works by great African American artists of the 20th century including Romare Bearden, Augusta Savage and Richmond Barthé, as well as contemporary artist Shanequa Gay. Many of the featured black artists were excluded from major museums in the 1960s and 1970s.

storming ideas or dabbling with something. For instance, my next collection is all dots that grew out of scribbles.”

The inspiration for Ervin’s floral collection came from her mom.

“She’s really good at arranging flowers, and I drew on that. I also went to houses around the area and used the color palettes for inspiration. Sometimes I’ll go to Scott Antique Markets; I get a lot of ideas from home decor or even from other artists on Instagram.”

Art as decor is never far from her mind, Erwin says. “It makes people happy to have something that makes a room look prettier and makes Barrett Ervin them feel barrettervin.com good.” n @barrettervin_art

William Tolliver’s Eve, a 20th century acrylic and oil on canvas.

404.364.8555 museum.oglethorpe.edu @oumuseum

Through April 15 at The Blue Heron Indoor Art Gallery Atlanta Public Schools, Blue Heron Nature Preserve and ZuCot Gallery present a free exhibition with works

by ZuCot Gallery-affiliated artists to raise appreciation of nature-inspired art of the past and present by black artists. The surrounding parks and greenspaces provide inspiration for students to develop nature-inspired art of their own.

404.946.6394 bhnp.org/arts/indoor-art @bhnpatlanta

s a teenager, Christy Bush began a life-long love affair with photography that propelled her to the University of Georgia where she pursued a degree in fine arts. After graduation and sojourns in Los Angeles, New York and around the world shooting for major fashion brands, the Buckhead native returned to Athens where she has found a balance between fine art and fashion photography. Bush’s works are represented by Jackson Fine Art in Buckhead Village. Her book with a title that says it all, Familiar: 30 Years of Photographs. Rock ‘n Roll, Fashion and Coming of Age in the South, published by The Bitter Southerner, debuts this month.

The forward in the book was written by R.E.M. lead singer Michael Stipe. What is your connection to the band?

Michael, Mike, Peter and Bill have been like family to me for decades.

R.E.M. has been there through pretty much every phase of my life.

Did your interest in photography stem from your passion for punk rock?

Absolutely! The kids were like characters from a movie. I started bringing my camera to photograph my weekends.

All the photos in Familiar feel very intimate and capture real emotion.

How did you select them?

They are intimate. I am so connected to each and every one. My publishers were patient to listen to my stories while we were selecting the images.

Whom will readers likely recognize?

R.E.M., of course, and Amy Winehouse, Helena Christensen, and I hope a little bit of themselves in the different personalities shown on the pages.

What formats do you prefer?

I use digital, film and Polaroid. n

$63, bsgeneralstore.com @christybush_public

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

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P RO FILE

Above: Donovan Johnson, gallery manager, Bill Lowe Gallery

FAREWELL TO AN ART ICON GALLERY OWNER BILL LOWE IS REMEMBERED STORY:

F

H.M. Cauley

or Bill Lowe, the iconic Buckhead gallery owner who first put his name on a space in 1989, the relationship with art was all about love.

“It’s like falling in love; it’s an energetic thing,” he said in an interview with Simply Buckhead last spring. “You don’t marry because it’s a good investment. There’s no guarantee it will pay off. It’s like your spouse: You have to live with it and had better love it.”

For Lowe, who died in December at 68 from Hodgkin’s lymphoma, art incorporated emotional, spiritual and psychological elements that mattered more than financial appreciation.

“Art is inherently sensual,” he said.

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“I am very committed to making it matter, and buyers make it matter to me and my life.”

Giving others the chance to have a life in the art world was also important to him, says Anne Dennington, the executive director of the nonprofit arts organization Flux Projects.

“The opportunities he gave me at such a young age–wow!” she says.

“And it wasn’t just me. Bill had the ability to see the potential in everybody. He’d spend as much time with a student as he would with a collector. He was probably the most accepting person I’ve ever known.”

Dennington worked with Lowe in the early 1990s in sales, went back to school for a master’s degree then returned to the gallery for another

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

10 years and worked her way up to gallery director. “I saw how he was driven by this passion for the arts,” she says. “He believed artists were shamans tapping into a universal truth that they shared with us. He’d be on the phone for hours with artists talking about philosophy.”

Lowe also supported the art scene beyond his gallery. He hosted the inaugural Art Papers Art Auction in the early 2000s and started the Miami Circle Art walks and strolls.

“He made the arts fun in Atlanta,” Dennington says.

Gail O’Neill of ArtsATL never worked for Lowe but enjoyed a strong, 15-year friendship and saw up-close how right his instincts were.

“I remember when he had a gallery

in Santa Monica in the 1990s, he hired a back-up singer for Tina Turner because he fell in love with her energy,” says O’Neill. “She turned out to be one of his most successful sales people.”

O’Neill also recalled Lowe being one of the major players in putting the city’s art scene on the cultural map. “His gallery is where I would take people from out of town to show them how vibrant and radically important Atlanta is for art,” she says.

“He was very progressive, not bound by conventions. And he approached everyone with the same level of time and attention. I really and sincerely miss him.”

Donovan Johnson, who worked with Lowe for 10 years and is now the gallery manager, says Lowe saw his potential at their first meeting, when Johnson was 18. “He told me there are many paths to achieving your highest aspirations. Some have connections and wealth. Some have sheer talent. Others are left to pull together the sum of all their experiences and interests to craft a pathway from nothing, to rise from the ashes with nothing but their own drive. I might be one of those people.”

Lowe is also remembered as a survivor of a difficult industry, despite some controversy. In 2017, a court ordered him to pay restitution to artists and agents in a dispute over payment.

“The gallery business is hard, but he didn’t quit, even as other galleries closed or no matter how hard it got,” Dennington says.

Lowe’s attitude toward art will continue to guide the gallery, Johnson says.

“It originates with passion,” said Lowe. “What do you love to look at?

Start there, then move into letting art reflect the values of what you love.” n

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March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

COV ER S TORY

On Bride: Sophie et Voilas Bhristy cape ($1,340) from Suite Bridal; bracelets and ring (price upon request) from Ascot Diamonds; earrings ($2,275) and necklace ($4,175) from S. Carter Designs.

On Groom: Paul Betenly tuxedo ($695), Dior bowtie ($135), Brackish peacock feather cummerbund ($650) and Armin Oehler shoes ($425) from Guffey’s of Atlanta; ring (price upon request) from Ascot Diamonds.

WEDDING BELLS From bridal fashion and beauty to trends and etiquette A marriage is much more than a wedding day, but that all-important event marks the beginning of something special. You’ll remember it forever, so it’s natural to want it to reflect your desires just as you envision them. The day can be filled with unexpected joyful moments and unforeseen challenges. Here, we dive into what you need to know about wedding style, trends, etiquette and looking your best on the day you take the plunge.

PHOTO: Sara

Hanna March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

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Courtesy of Anne Barge Atelier Viva Love Photography

Above: Naomi by Blue Willow Bride, Anne Barge Atelier.

Left: The bride doesn’t have to be the only one wearing white! Grooms can opt for a white tuxedo jacket for a fashion-forward edge to their wedding-day look.

Below: Brides don’t even have to wear white. As mixing and matching colors and patterns becomes more on-trend, many couples are opting for avant-garde attire over traditional threads.

AISLE STYLE EXPERTS OFFER TOP TIPS FOR OUTFITTING THE WEDDING PARTY Taylor Heard

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hat color palette to choose? Will the bridesmaids wear the same dress? What color suit should the groomsmen wear? Does this even go together?

No shortage of questions race through the minds of newly engaged couples while planning a wedding—especially when it comes to the not-so-simple question of “What will everyone wear?” It can put a lot of pressure on the couple: Not only do they have to dress themselves, but they also have to plan for what the wedding party, parents and guests will wear, too.

On the bright side, the persistent questions are a reminder that you and your partner have the opportu-

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nity to turn your love for each other into a live mood board. Each piece of the puzzle comes together for a truly intimate visualization of your shared love story.

“I always tell my brides their wedding dress is the most self-expressive garment they will ever wear, so every part of that day needs to reflect the couple’s style–who they are as individuals and as a couple. Do what represents you and what makes you happy,” says Darla Daye, bridal stylist at Suite Bridal in Buckhead.

Of course, as the saying goes, it’s easier said than done, which is why we tapped local experts to get their insider know-how for shopping for the entire wedding party.

(You can thank us later!)

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

Viva Love Photography

STORY:

Get an early start.

Many couples are shocked when stylists or credible wedding resources tell them to allow enough time for shopping so that you’re purchasing final choices six to eight months before the wedding.

Grooms, especially, tend to get a later start. Craig Arthur von Schroeder, founder and CEO of Buckhead’s

Commonwealth Proper, says, “A good custom suit takes time. Fabric can be coming from Italy or the U.K., several fittings are required, and the last thing anyone wants is added stress on an already stressful life event.”

Depending on where they’re ordering from, bridesmaids and groomsmen, as well as mothers and fathers of the couple, can get away

C OVE R ST ORY

SHOP TO IT Everyone in the wedding party will strike wedding-day attire gold at these local clothiers Right: The Anne Barge Atelier is home to a curated selection of custom gowns.

BRIDES, ATTENDANTS & MOTHERS

Anne Barge Atelier

Courtesy of Anne Barge Atelier

Below: Want two looks in one? This ensemble from Elite Pour La Vie includes a detachable skirt.

It allows brides to get that striking silhouette for the ceremony while keeping it sleek for dancing at the reception.

eder advises discussing the level of formality beforehand so you can be sure to match in that area.

Erin Krut, director of retail operations at Atlanta-based Anne Barge Atelier, adds, “The bridal industry has everything you can dream of. One of the most beautiful ceremonies I’ve seen was where the two grooms wore colorful, tailored suits, and the bridal party, as well as guests, all wore white for the summer soiree.”

Determine your budget— including room for alterations.

with snagging their wedding-day look four to six months before the wedding. Just leave plenty of cushion in the timeline to accommodate for alterations and today’s seemingly unavoidable shipping delays.

Have an idea of what you’d like to try on.

Good news: All those years of mindlessly saving wedding gowns to your Pinterest board will finally pay off.

Before your first appointment, have a few photos of looks you love to show your stylist; this will help them more efficiently guide you through the shopping experience. (There is one caveat, but we’re getting there!)

For two brides or two grooms tying the knot and concerned about coordinating outfits while keeping them a secret from each other, Daye says it helps to have the same stylist who can ensure you don’t pick the same dress or suit, while von Schro-

Budget is another key factor that will drive the stylist’s decision for what they pull for you to try. Your budget should include the price of your gown plus alterations, which could be anywhere from $100 to $1,000).

Krut stresses, “When your dress arrives, it will need tailoring. This is not an off-the-rack dress that you purchase from a department store. Tailors will provide added support where needed as well as adjustments so your body carries the dress as designed.”

Daye adds, “Don’t try on anything outside of that budget unless you are willing to pay what the dress costs. The worst thing is falling in love with a dress you can’t afford; it would be very hard to find a dress in your budget to replace it.”

Remain open-minded.

While it’s important to have some type of vision for your wedding-day look, it’s equally important not to narrow your options too much too soon. “In my experience, 98% of the time a bride will walk out of the bridal salon with a dress she never imagined,” says Krut. “I think this is because looking at photos of other brides or

models in gowns is very different from when you actually try them on yourself. Trust your stylist; ask them to pull something unexpected for you.”

404.873.8070 annebarge.com @annebargebridalatelier

Bella Bridesmaids 404.846.8880 bellabridesmaids.com @bellabridesmaids

Britt Wood Designs & Bridal Salon 404.914.7186 bwdesignsinc.net @jhbrittwood

Elite Pour La Vie 678.490.2227 elitepourlavie.com @elitepourlavie

Mandi Jackson Bridal 404.841.6202 mandijacksonbridal.com @mandijacksonbridal

Choose the wedding party’s outfit after you’ve found yours.

Attendants can expect to get direction from the soon-to-be newlyweds on color, fabric, style and accessories.

For the bridal party, Krut says, “I absolutely love a mixed look for bridesmaids. As long as the palette is cohesive, textures and patterns mixed together make for fabulous photos. This is also a chance to bring in each party member’s sense of style or personality. Think of adding a sparkle for the maid of honor, florals in various patterns. And there is always someone who would love to wear a jumpsuit or pants!”

It’s proper etiquette to be respectful of a budget (again, including alterations) your wedding party would be comfortable with when determining their looks. “Remember, unless you’re paying for all of the dresses, those standing up with you are shelling out money for your wedding,” says Daye.

Meanwhile, mothers and fathers should expect some similar direction, so don’t go rogue! The goal is to avoid color-palette conflicts.

When a bride is overseeing the details, for example, Krut reminds parents: “Always ask the bride what she would like to see you in. She will have thoughts and help guide you to what works best with the entire group. You can even make a special shopping day!”

The bottom line: Have fun and communicate clearly to everyone involved, and you’ll be well on your way to a stylish, unforgettable trip down the aisle. n

Suite Bridal 470.225.7500 suitebridal.com @suitebridal

Susan Lee 404.365.0693 ​​susanleeatlanta.com GROOMS, ATTENDANTS & FATHERS

Alton Lane 470.348.2236 altonlane.com @altonlane

BALANI Custom Clothiers 678.270.2640 balanicustom.com @balanicustom

Connaisseur Paris 404.600.1076 connaisseurparis.com @connaisseurparis

Commonwealth Proper 517.243.3277 commonwealthproper.com @commonwealthproper

Guffey’s of Atlanta 404.231.0044 guffeys.com @guffeysatl

Hideoki Bespoke 678.825.3470 maisonhideoki.com @hideokibespoke

Knot Standard 678.218.6448 knotstandard.com @knotstandard

Miguel Wilson 404.330.8626 miguelwilson.com @miguelwilsoncollection

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

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YellowBird Visuals Michaella Jelin-Till

Paul Patrick Films & Associates

Colorful newlywed flash and fun, including an end-of-night food truck, can be preserved through journalistic-style photography or live painting. An electric violin is a popular option for customized musical accompaniment.

case of a storm, says Legendary Events owner Tony Conway.

Anywhere and Everywhere

TRENDING PAST TRADITION FUN TOPS FORMALITY AS COUPLES PLAN THEIR BIG DAY STORY:

Michael Jacobs

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eddings themselves are one of 2022’s biggest trends, with planning site The Knot predicting 2.6 million U.S. unions. “So many people have been pushing things off for so long” that they’re eager to do something fun and personal, says Shelly Danz, whose Atlanta Party Connection runs the semiannual Atlanta Wedding Extravaganza.

For some, personalization pushes aside tradition. “Not everybody is

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throwing the garter or catching the bouquet or having a million toasts,” Danz says. “People are finding all different things to make it special for them.” For instance, they might roll out an adult bounce house or choose a grandmother as a flower girl.

For others, what’s special echoes the past, says Britt Wood, owner of BW Designs, which operates a floral studio and bridal salon. “Everything old is new again. Brides are pulling inspiration from their mothers’ and grandmothers’ weddings,” from the use of traditional silk faille in gowns to an overall opulence in events.

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

Great Wide Open Weddings are heading outside, often into tents that are like fresh-air ballrooms. “Everyone’s trending to have more space,” says Camile Fox, sales manager at Classic Tents & Events.

Vlad Gorenshteyn, managing partner of Party Express Entertainment, says even a tent used as a supplemental space offers a safe area for those skittish about being inside in a crowd.

Flexibility in size, climate control and flooring means tents will likely outlast COVID concerns, Danz says.

When planning anything be sure to have a place to move inside in

The surge in celebrations creates a demand for venues beyond such popular sites as Legendary Events’ Flourish and The Estate.

“Home weddings are a growing part of the business,” Wood says.

Lately, photographer Savanna Sturkie has brought her journalistic style to weddings in family gardens and public parks, and Gorenshteyn has seen an uptick in weddings in barns.

Meanwhile, art galleries offer builtin decor. Jennifer Balcos doesn’t want her eponymous Westside gallery to be known for events, but, for serious art collectors, she can provide an intimate space with a view of the Atlanta skyline and can display art to match a couple’s color scheme.

Size Matters Small weddings were common the past couple of years. Sometimes the immediate family met at an accessible destination, whether in the Caribbean or the North Georgia mountains.

Such elopements continue, Conway says, often with a big party later or a first-anniversary celebration to include more friends. But he says

Nancy Jo McDaniel, NJM Photography

C OVE R ST ORY

Southerners want huge weddings.

His average is 200 to 230 guests.

People are ready to party, Danz says. “I want to have a reason to celebrate and dance and have fun.”

maids last fall will make that blue a hot trend. Pantone agrees: it’s their color of the year for 2022.

We Will Always Love Her

Couples struggle to spend time with hundreds of guests at the reception.

A wedding weekend is one solution, Conway says, with perhaps a welcome party and rehearsal dinner Thursday and farewell brunch Sunday, each with its own entertainment.

“It really does give you a lot of time for these people who have spent a lot of time and money to be with you to celebrate,” Danz says. “It’s just about having everybody together.”

Couples are bringing in more musicians, and wedding guests can’t wait to hit the dance floor, Gorenshteyn says. “The intensity of people coming into an event, it’s just like ‘Let’s skip the formalities and go.’” They’re all dancing with Whitney Houston, he says. Requests pour in for her version of “I Will Always Love You.” An addition is electric violinist Alex Ahn, who plays beautiful classics and rocks out, Danz says, proving that there’s more to consider, beyond the traditional wedding band or DJ.

Popping With Pastels

Setting a High Bar

One fun way couples can put their own style stamp on the day is through a signature color palette.

Brides are embracing color, Wood says. The same is true for grooms, Danz says, citing custom tuxedos in colors such as red and purple.

Conway says pastels are popular, led by pinks and blushes, as well as blues and light blues, often with platinum mixed in.

Sturkie thinks heiress Ivy Getty’s choice of periwinkle for her brides-

Many couples are going beyond specialty cocktails to specialty bars devoted to, say, bourbon or tequila, Danz says. Bars also have gone mobile, like a tiny, tipsy food truck.

Food stations have supplanted plated dinners in some cases, Conway says. Sushi is huge, but so are such Southern classics as fried chicken, collard greens, and mac and cheese, he says. “I see the food trend being lots of new and exciting things, but there’s still comfort food.”

Working for the Weekend

Vue Photography

Jennifer Balcos Gallery

Party Express Entertainment

Outdoor weddings, whether open to the elements or in a tent with the amenities of a ballroom, offer added space and fresh air, while an art gallery takes style and decor to another level of class and culture.

Visual effects, including smoke and lights, help make the first dance even more memorable.

For dessert, Danz says, couples are rolling out waffles and cakesicles embedded with edible gems, a glamorous alternative to traditional cakes.

Food trucks can provide an endof-night surprise for hungry guests.

Memories in a Flash Documentary-style photography fits a focus on fun over formality, Sturkie says, with less posing and more actions and reactions.

“In my own wedding gallery, I’m not anywhere in my favorite shots,” Sturkie says. “It’s my mother-in-law crying, my brother tearing up during my vows and seeing my grandmother for the first time that day.”

Related developments include more use of film and direct flash, and a resurgence of Super 8 movie film, all creating memories with a 1980s or 1990s feel, Sturkie says.

Live wedding painters capture beautiful memories in an even older school way.

The key when sorting through trends is setting priorities, Sturkie says, whether it’s the venue, the dress, the flowers or the cake. “I told my photographer I would’ve gotten married next to a Dumpster on a Tuesday as long as she shot it. She was the most important thing to me.” n

Atlanta Wedding Extravaganza 770.744.5750 atlantaweddingconnection.com @atlantaweddingextravaganza

BW Designs 678.760.9722 bwdesignsinc.net @jhbrittwood

Classic Tents & Events 770.449.1010 classic-tents.com @classic.tents

Jennifer Balcos Gallery 404.441.5745 jenniferbalcosgallery.com @jenniferbalcos_gallery

Legendary Events 404.869.8858 legendaryevents.com @legendaryevents

Party Express Entertainment 404.939.3813 partyexpressentertainment.com @partyexpressentertainment

Savanna Sturkie 706.718.2941 savannasturkie.com @savannasturkiephoto

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

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Jessica Lyness Kendall, artist and owner of Beauty Asylum Hair & Makeup, puts the finishing touches on a bride’s makeup before the walk down the aisle.

COVE R S T ORY

BRIDAL BEAUTY BOOTCAMP LOOK YOUR BEST ON THE BIG DAY

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veryone walking down the aisle wants to look their best, from brides and grooms to attendants and parents. While a few of the finishing touches can be done at the last minute, some impactful aesthetic details are more of a process. Here are the tools you need to build your ideal beauty timeline.

TONE IT UP If you’ve ever tried to kick your fitness into high gear, you know that results take time. Joyce McNally, a Sandy Springs-based personal trainer, recommends meeting with a trainer at least six months ahead of the wedding to discuss your goals, any lifestyle changes you are willing to make (think upping your daily steps and altering eating habits) and lay out a schedule for training and other workouts. Her tips? Pick a workout you actually enjoy, such as spin or dance classes for cardio, add some strength training and don’t resort to quick fixes or crash diets. “Your wedding guests won’t know a number on the scale,” she says. “Working toward fitness goals can help you feel strong.”

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STORY:

LASH OUT All eyes will be on you at the ceremony and reception, so you want to make sure your eyes look spectacular. Lash extensions are one way to make sure your peepers stand out.

The process involves a technician individually gluing semi-permanent lashes onto your natural ones, so you get fuller, longer lashes without mascara. “You can have tears of joy without being worried about ruining your makeup,” says Anastasia Peck, lash artist and owner of Blink & Wink in Buckhead. For those who haven’t had extensions, start them a few months before the wedding. The every-three-week refill schedule will give you time to figure out what you like and make adjustments, since the extensions come in varying shapes and sizes. She suggests getting a refill a few days before the ceremony.

“With extensions, you can wake up, and you’re ready to go,” Peck says.

GET YOUR GLOW ON Want a tan without sun damage? Get a spray tan. Julie McGee, owner of True Glow, advocates finding a spray

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

tan provider who applies a rapidly developing solution by hand using a high-volume, low-pressure sprayer for even coverage. “Book a trial spray at least a month in advance,” she says.

“You can see how the color develops, how long it will last and if you need to tell your tech to tweak the color.”

The week of your wedding, book your spray tan two to three days in advance to give your color time to develop and allow you to shower before the big day. McGee’s pro tip for making your spray tan last: “Apply Eucerin Advanced Repair body lotion all over your skin twice a day,” she says.

stylists understand your desired look.

“We request pictures to evaluate what is achievable. Hair length, texture and density are important,” Kendall says.

“We make recommendations based on all these details.” Book a trial session six weeks in advance of the big day, armed with your veil and accessories so you can tweak the look.

Kendall also notes that it’s best to have your last haircut at least six weeks before the wedding day (“Freshly cut hair can act as virgin hair, and this will not hold curls or pins as well,” she says). n

FLAWLESS FINISHES

Beauty Asylum Hair & Makeup

Hair and makeup on the wedding day can be the icing on the cake, but those final looks are often the product of months of planning. Jessica Lyness Kendall, artist and owner of Beauty Asylum Hair & Makeup, recommends booking your chosen stylists a year or more in advance since in-demand vendors book early.

Next, gather a few inspiration photos for hair and makeup you like, as well as images of your dress, so

beautyintervention.com @beautyasylum

Blink & Wink 404.906.3200 blinkandwink.com @blinkandwink_atl

Joyce McNally @joycemcnally

True Glow 678.437.8256 yourtrueglow.com @trueglowtan

Be Our Guest If you’re a wedding guest, etiquette applies to you as well! Some top tips from Lavender and Richter include: n RSVP on time. n Do not arrive late. n Don’t drink too much. n Adhere to the requested dress code. n Don’t assume that you get a plus one. n Be respectful to wedding day requests such as “unplugged wedding ceremony” or “no children.” n Be attentive to wedding announcements so you don’t delay the day’s events. n Give the couple space for post-wedding pictures.

RULES OF ENGAGEMENT EXPERTS REVEAL THE DOS AND DON’TS FOR YOUR BIG DAY

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t’s not often that you are both the host of a party and the guest of honor. Many brides and grooms face that challenge when it comes to their wedding. Most couples have never planned such a large event and aren’t sure how to navigate the process, particularly the proper protocol surrounding certain aspects of their nuptials. Here, some of Buckhead’s premier wedding experts share their top etiquette tips to help ensure that getting hitched goes off without a hitch.

“There have been many changes in the world of weddings since our parents and grandparents got married,” says Pollyanna Richter, a certified wedding planner with studios in Buckhead and Alpharetta. “One thing that has not changed is good etiquette. It is, above all, taking care of others and making them feel comfortable and respected, especially at your wedding.”

PARTY TIME One of the first things to do after getting engaged is ask friends and family to be members of the bridal party. It’s up to you to communicate the role you hope they’ll play during the planning process. It’s critical to have open conversations about a variety of topics, including expenses for such things as wedding attire, professional hair and makeup and bachelor and bachelorette party trips. According to Buckhead wedding planner Kris Lavender, “Setting unrealistic expectations can bring frustration and disappointment to such a special moment in life.”

Conversations should take place early and be candid, says Richter. “Al-

low them the opportunity to see both the big picture and the smaller details.

Your close relatives and friends will need time and space to fully consider your invitation and come to their own conclusions about accepting or politely declining the role.”

KEEP ME POSTED “Today’s generation communicates very differently than years ago,” Richter notes. In fact, you have myriad communication channels at your disposal. It’s best to know when and how to use those channels effectively.

Lavender recommends sending save-the-dates nine to six months ahead and the invitation between three months and eight weeks before the big day. “The goal is to get the final guest count at least one month prior to the wedding day,” she says.

It’s acceptable to use a variety of communication methods to convey important dates and information. As Richter observes, many people use social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, blogs and wedding websites to distribute engagement announcements and save-the-dates, and even post-wedding photos.

However, she says, “Good old-fashioned snail mail or a chat are considerate ways to communicate with your guests who belong to a different generation.” Traditional communication methods such as the postal service should be used for the official invitation and thank-you notes.

IT’S A GIFT An exciting part of getting married is the thoughtful gifts you’ll receive. But creating a gift registry is not as simple

STORY:

as grabbing a scan gun and “running amok,” says Angi Evert, owner of fête, a bridal registry shop in Buckhead. A successful registry involves careful planning and strategy.

“The ultimate goal is to have everything you need to live a beautiful life with the one you love, so register for the life you want,” Evert says. She suggests registering for at least one gift for every invited guest to ensure there are plenty of items from which to choose. “People want to shop your registry because they want to give you something you want. So make sure you have lots of things for them to choose from,” she says. “Once you put 200 items on your registry, you will have every price range included.”

While tricky, it is appropriate to ask for cash to put towards your honeymoon, says Lavender. In fact, many guests may prefer this option, especially if they are flying in from out of town. Be sure to make the suggestion subtly; instead of pointing people to your Venmo or PayPal account, start a honeymoon registry site and include a link on your wedding website.

No matter the gift, it’s important to send thank-you notes within three months, but you don’t have to wait until after the wedding to do that. “Set a daily goal and write a few thank-you cards after receiving wedding gifts,” Richter says. “The circle of gratitude is not complete without a heartfelt, written thank-you card.”

SHOWERED WITH LOVE Wedding showers are a wonderful way to celebrate before the big event, and today, many couples have multiples. Lavender recommends keeping these events light and play-

Amy Meadows ful. She says, “If you are having a very formal black tie wedding, then showers are a great place to have nontraditional elements and some fun.”

Richter also suggests if you have more than one shower, invite different guests to each one, though there may be some repeat guests.

“Most likely, your parents, close friends and family, and the wedding party will be invited to more than one shower,” she says. “Remind them that they’re not expected to bring presents to each.”

THE BIG DAY Both Richter and Lavender offer the same tip for the day of your wedding: Be on time. Your guests will be waiting for you, and while you will be overflowing with excitement and emotion, it’s important to stick to the schedule. “It’s your day. Do what you want as long as you don’t inconvenience guests,” Lavender says, adding that it’s also critical to let your wedding planning team take the lead while you enjoy your day.

“Let your planner and vendor teams do what they do best.” n

fête Registry & Gifts 404.254.0114 tresbellefete.com @tresbellefete

Kris Lavender Wedding & Event Planning 470.315.0729 krislavender.com @krislavenderwedds

Pollyanna Richter Weddings 470.545.2584 pollyannarichter.com @pollyannarichterweddings

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One of a Kind Wedding.

VI N TA G E C H A R M M E E T S S O U T H E R N S O P H I S T I CAT I O N a t t h e d i s t i n c t l y u n i q u e M i l t o n ’s C u i s i n e & C o c k t a i l s . Accentuated by impassable service & cuisine, our 160 year old farmhouse provides the perfect backdrop for all your wedding needs. Our property encompasses a beautifully restored home, s p r a w l i n g t e n t e d l a w n , e x p a n s i v e o u t d o o r patio and our one acre garden site, “Milton’s Acre”.

Contact Caroline Goin, Events Manager direct at 678-469-6508 or email at cgoin@sphospitality.com.

800 MAYFIELD RD ENGAGEMENTS

MILTON

GA

30009 : 770 817 0161 : MILTONSCUISINE.COM

SHOWERS

REHEARSALS

WEDDINGS

Photo Credit: Emilie Nash Photography

GARDEN WEDDING, FARMHOUSE WEDDING,

RE V I E W | DRI N K S | F O ODI E J OU RNA L | TA S T E M A K E R | RE S TAU R A N T S

SIMPLY DELICIOUS

RESTAURANT REVIEW Fierce Flavors P82 Restaurateur Tal Baum blends the Israeli cuisine of her childhood with seasonal ingredients.

Aziza's hearty veal osso bucco is served with turnips, swiss chard, almonds, tamarind and herbed rice.

Photo: Sara Hanna

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REVIEW

FIERCE FLAVORS

Meaty wood-charred octopus sits atop couscous and peppers, dressed with bright romesco.

Deeply satisfying modern Israeli cuisine at Aziza STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

Pull apart Aziza's croissant-like kubaneh bread and sop up freshly grated tomato and spicy schug for a satisfying start to any meal.

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I

had planned to visit Israel in late 2019, but life got busy as it often does around the holidays, and I decided to put off my pilgrimage until it was more convenient.

I couldn’t have known that a virus would turn the world upside down, postponing my travel plans indefinitely. Even though I’ve yet to float in the Dead Sea, marvel at Tel Aviv’s Bauhaus architecture or photograph

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

the glittering Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, I'm grateful that I don't have to miss out on Israel's flavors.

Meaning “happiness” in Arabic, Aziza is tucked into the lower level of Westside Provisions District so covertly you might miss it. Your culinary horizons would be the poorer for overlooking it, though: It’s a treasure hiding in plain sight. It sits next to its more casual sibling, Falafel Nation, that specializes in quick, grab-and-go items such as hummus bowls and pitas stuffed with all manner of tasty fillings.

Aziza, on the other hand, is designed for a more elevated experience, with striking environs created by designer Smith Hanes.

The dimly lit dining room and diminutive bar feature subtle nods to the Middle East with muted earth tones, hanging baskets, blushtoned upholstery and statement-making light fixtures. The open kitchen, with its large wood-burning oven that factors heavily into most dishes, is a welcoming focal point.

As special as the dining room feels, the food at Aziza is the main event. To whet my appetite, I started with the Shug Shake cocktail. The shaken blend of tequila, lime, char-

treuse and a proliferation of fresh dill, parsley and mint looks (and tastes) like the garden of Eden in a glass. It's just right alongside the restaurant’s signature kubaneh, a pull-apart bread popular in Israel and Syria. Resembling a giant muffin-shaped croissant, it gets its feather-light and crispy texture from the butter laminated between the layers. Served with juicy grated tomato and schug, a spicy condiment made of garlic, hot peppers, spices and fragrant green herbs, it sets the scene for the simple, elegant and intensely flavorful dishes to come.

Sharing is the best way to maximize your tour of the menu, so my husband and I began with the simply monikered Hummus No. 1. The silky chickpea mixture forms a cradle for braised duck, pecans, pomegranate and nutty tahini, just waiting to be scooped with still-steaming laffa bread. We stuck to the sea to round out our starters, with tender-crisp, wood-blistered octopus with coriander, couscous, peppers, sunflower, romesco and almonds, and an elegantly presented tuna tartare served with preserved lemon labneh, caviar, lemon oil and herbs.

A friend from Lebanon introduced me

Above: Silky hummus comes topped with rich braised duck, pecans, pomegranate seeds and tahini.

Left: A meaty masterpiece: rich lamb cholent with flageolet beans, pearl onions, tomato, carrots and radish.

Right: Start your meal with the appetiteawakening Shug Shake, a verdant blend of spirits and fresh herbs.

Below: Apple boureka's layers of airy pastry and vanilla cream with honey-poached apples is a sweet send-off.

Aziza is a treasure hiding in plain sight. to wines from the Middle East more than a decade ago, and I’m such a fan that their presence on any menu is enough to dictate my order. We chose garnethued glasses of Galilee-grown Canaan Red by Dalton and the Château Ksara Red Blend from Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley. Both were earthy and nuanced, enhancing the already intense flavors of the kitchen’s meaty masterpieces. The short rib tagine came with fork-tender carrots, apricot, Fresno peppers, almonds and saffronscented couscous, while the grilled lamb shoulder, served with toothsome fava beans, herbed rice and pomegranate and cucumber salsa, was so tender that it rendered my knife useless.

After such a savory feast, you could be forgiven for opting out of dessert at a lesser eatery. Here, though, it’s worth the splurge. Allow yourself to be tempted by the spiced raspberry tarte, topped with juicy pomegranate sorbet and fluffy

citrus meringue, or my personal favorite, the towering apple boureka. Layers of crisp, flaky puff pastry are given the Napoleon-style treatment with honeypoached apples, vanilla cream, almond pecan praline and sweet-tart mascarpone ice cream. If you don’t mind an evening caffeine hit, spring for the Turkish coffee service, where your friendly server will pour the inky cardamon-spiked coffee slowly from a cezve to aerate it tableside.

Served with a petite house-made cookie, it’s the perfect send-off.

Part of the delight of supping at Aziza is the seamless, modern way restaurateur Tal Baum blends the Israeli cuisine of her childhood with seasonal ingredients available in the American South. The result is a culinary experience that strikes the balance between adventurous and comforting. It was certainly enough to strengthen my resolve to seize the opportunity the next time a trip to Israel presents itself. n

AZIZA 404.968.9437, aziza-restaurant.com, @azizarestaurant Prices: small plates and starters: $10-$21; mains: $29$43; desserts: $13.

Recommended: kubaneh, Hummus No. 1, Shug Shake cocktail, octopus, short rib tagine, apple boureka.

Bottom line: Bold, happiness-inducing flavors served with warm hospitality in a stylish environment transport guests to Israel.

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D R I NKS

KNOCK ONE OUT OF THE PARK Cooper’s Craft Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, an official sponsor of the Atlanta Braves, now has a branded bar along the firstbase side on the terrace level of Truist Park. To kick off the baseball season, Alicia Yandell, director of food and beverage for Hopkins & Company, created The Flying Highball. Swing by for one during a home game or make this crowd-pleaser at home.

Flying Highball Serves 1 1 oz. Cooper’s Craft Bourbon ½ oz. Cynar ½ oz. lemon juice ½ oz. honey syrup 1 dash bitters 3 oz. ginger beer Combine all ingredients except ginger beer in a highball glass.

Fill with ice. Top with ginger beer. Stir gently.

HUZZAH FOR HIGHBALLS THE LONG, TALL DRINK IN A COLD GLASS

I

n a memorable moment in The Great Gatsby, set in a speakeasy cellar on New York’s 42nd Street, the waiter inquires, “Highballs?” “Yes, highballs,” agrees Jay Gatsby, the iconic character of writer F. Scott Fitzgerald’s imagination. It’s a drink that sets a scene.

While its history is disputed, a highball combines a base spirit, alcoholic or non, with a larger portion of carbonated beverage. There are lots of variations, but a tall narrow glass packed full of ice is a constant for the classic. These are drinks you know: Scotch and soda, rum and Coke, vodka soda, Dark & Stormy (dark rum and ginger beer). They are easy to drink, light and refreshing, and more diluted than a standard cocktail.

The key to a perfect highball is finding complementary ingredients.

No shaker required, just booze, ice, effervescence and perhaps a flourish of swizzling a bar spoon.

When you order a highball in Japan, it’s implied that you want a whisky highball. Some drink historians say that beverage was created to be consumed while eating food. It’s a lower-alcohol option that allows the flavor of whisky

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to be enjoyed without drinking it straight and continuing to sip it with a meal.

They are so ubiquitous there that you find highballs in vending machines, and bars are equipped with machines made with ingenuity that fuse quality and speed. One of those import-only Suntory Highball Machines is at Westside’s Little Trouble, where it suits the futuristic vibe of the space. Up to four highballs have been on tap since opening. The difference isn’t just speed; the machine pre-chills the liquor and hyper-carbonates the water for ice-cold enjoyment.

Sip on the salaryman classic of Toki whisky and soda or try All the Secrets, made with vodka, elderflower, lavender, lemon and butterfly pea flower tea, which lends slight earthiness and violet hue. Does it have five times the bubbles as the machine claims? We think so.

Ranchwater has long been a West Texas staple, but you can now find it on

STORY:

Angela Hansberger Far left: Ranch Water is a Texas style highball that complements the smoked fare at Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q. Left: Elegant and refreshing, a highball is also an easy classic to make at home.

DETAILS Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q The Works 770.755.5099 foxbrosbbq.com @foxbrosbarbq

menus across the country, including our own Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q. The mix of tequila, sparkling mineral water (Fox uses Topo Chico) and lime is simple, light on calories and fizzy. A tall glass pairs dreamily with smoked ‘cue as well.

The wine list is extensive at Lucian Books and Wine, but co-owner Jordan Smelt also includes the national drink of France as an aperitif to the composed menu and shelves of beautiful books.

Absinthe-like anise flavored liqueur and soda water mingle in a cloudy, pale yellow glass of “Pastis and Fizzy Water.”

It’s an easy-going mix to sip on while perusing. n

Little Trouble 404.500.4737 little-trouble.com @littletroubleatl Lucian Books and Wine 404.549.2655 lucianbooksandwine.com @lucianbooksandwine Rumi’s Kitchen 404.477.2100 rumiskitchen.com @rumiskitchenofficial Truist Park 404.588.9100 mlb.com/braves @truistpark

SAVE THE DATE APRIL 19, 2022 6:30 p.m.

FLOURISH ATLANTA

3143 Maple Drive NE, Atlanta, GA 30305 Simply Buckhead Magazine is presenting a new stunning, immersive fashion event.

We are pleased to announce the inaugural Atlanta Fashion Gives experience, featuring London’s Joshua Kane Bespoke, to benefit CURE Childhood Cancer. This exhibition of theatrical fashion and music, including celebrity guest models, will elevate Atlanta’s fashion scene, on par with shows seen in Paris, London, Milan and New York, and is sure to be the talk of the town in Atlanta fashion!

Tickets and sponsorships now available at https://ATLFashionGives.givesmart.com

Culinary News & Notes

BY:

Claire Ruhlin

Photos: Anthony Tahlier

FOODIE JOURNAL

CHARM TO TABLE S

ituated in The Irby residential development in Buckhead, allday cafe Le Bon Nosh is a celebration of simple, seasonal food and culinary-driven community. Forough Vakili combines her Parisian roots with French cooking to create a bustling, expansive space that serves rotating breakfast items as well as season-driven lunch and dinner menus. A pastry case is packed with pain au chocolates and seasonal tarts, and a wine bar features organic and natural wines. Here, Vakili shares her vision.

What is your main focus for the menu?

It’s very local and seasonal.

We work with as many local producers and purveyors as possible and use products that are either organic or sustainably raised.

Guests can expect to see a variety of vegetable-forward soups, tartines, galettes, salads and sandwiches that showcase my simple approach to food.

Le Bon Nosh emphasizes seasonal fare and communal hospitality

What are you most excited for people to experience?

Our food, hospitality and design will be what bring guests in for the first time, but what I am most excited to share with our community is the culinary and wine programming centered around cooking and eating seasonally and supporting small growers and purveyors.

What inspired the community-driven focus?

I always wanted Le Bon Nosh to be a space where like-minded people choose to gather. In bringing together our farmers, purveyors, winegrowers, partners and guests, we are building that community.

My goal is to be that neighborhood kitchen where we have regular customers who know and understand our ethos and choose to dine with us repeatedly because of it.

Tell us about your event space and catering options.

Our space can transition for a range

Madelynne Ross

FOOD NEWS

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The all-day menu at Le Bon Nosh embraces simple, seasonal food envisioned by Chef Forough Vakili.

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

n Downtown Atlanta’s Amalfi Pizza brings its Neapolitan pizza and pasta to Buckhead with Amalfi Cucina & Mercato. Located at 3242 Peachtree Road, the new concept also includes a market where guests can purchase fresh pasta, homemade

of private dining events. Our private dining room upstairs is the best match for a more intimate celebration, whereas the wine bar downstairs is both elegant and fun. A full buyout would be a natural choice for anyone looking for a beautiful space for a large reception. Establishing corporate catering partnerships for our neighboring office towers has always been part of my business plan.

Tell us about your nonprofit initiatives.

We had our inaugural meal donation event with the KIPP Soul Primary School [part of KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools’ network of tuition-free, public charter schools] in December 2021, and it was the perfect full-circle moment at the close of the year and one month after opening our doors. We are thrilled to continue and grow our partnership with KIPP Schools this year Le Bon Nosh and to involve our 404.835.2007 local community lebonnosh.com in the effort. n @lebonnosh

sauces, single-serve dishes, Italian wines, aged meats and other imported products. amalfiatl.com

n Lazy Dog Restaurant and Bar is now open on the edge of Dunwoody’s Perimeter Mall. With locations in California,

FRESH

TAKE Your spring menu staple: Davio’s farro salad After closing in early 2020, Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse officially reopened its Phipps Plaza location in November 2021, bringing its menu of handmade pasta, prime steaks and fresh seafood and salads back to Buckhead.

For an at-home dish that’s as refreshing as it is hearty, Executive Chef Robbie Burton’s farro salad is easy to make— and even easier to eat. Multiply it for a larger crowd.

Farro Salad Serves 1 4 oz. cooked farro ½ oz. peas ½ oz. peppadews, sliced 1 oz. cauliflower, raw, shaved 1 oz. avocado, diced ½ oz. olive oil 1 oz. peppadew juice 1/5 oz. pea tendrils 1/3 oz. Parmigiano, shaved salt and pepper Cook farro al dente in water only. Place in the refrigerator until chilled. Mix in the peas, peppadews, cauliflower and avocado. Mix in the olive oil and peppadew juice. Salt and pepper to taste. Scoop into the salad bowl. Finish with pea tendrils and shaved Parmigiano.

Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse 404.844.4810 davios.com/atl @daviosrestaurant

Colorado and Georgia, the restaurant is inspired by the lifestyle of the Rocky Mountains, serving a menu of modern comfort food. lazydogrestaurants.com

n SweetWater Brewing Company has made its foray into the

canned cocktail game with SweetWater RIFF, a twist on the vodka soda, produced in partnership with RIFF Cannabis.

Available in Citrus and Strawberry Mule, each drink has 105 calories with no added sugar or any cannabis or THC. sweetwaterbrew.com

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Tim Lenz Photography

TA S T E M AKE R

FUN FACT Hanes hopes to start Jiu-Jitsu training at Team Octopus soon.

Bella Cucina. He asked me to design the Blue Eyed Daisy Bakery at Serenbe.

In 2005, Ford Fry called me—referred

by Michael Phillips of Jamestown Properties—and asked me to design JCT. When I designed The Optimist, a 10,000-square-foot restaurant, in 2010, I knew I was legit (as a firm).

What’s your process like?

We create a backstory. The project needs history behind it. We fill in design details around that story. For The Optimist, the dream was it had been a food production plant on the coast of Savannah. The story informs the materials. The materials and interior architecture inform the whole of the space. The final details—­­­furniture and lighting—are led from that.

Where do you get your inspiration?

It can come from anywhere. A floor pattern came from a book with a photo of Fidel Castro standing in a lobby of a hotel in Cuba. The pattern lives in the design language of Superica in Nashville and Charlotte. We painted it on the concrete floor.

It all comes from people riffing with each other. It’s like you’re creating a jazz song. Someone throws out this, and someone throws out that, and all of a sudden, the details come together.

The Set Designer Smith Hanes creates restaurants’ signature look STORY:

T

Carly Cooper

he Select. King & Duke.

Nina & Rafi. Watershed on Peachtree. The restaurants all have one person in common, and it’s not the owner or chef. It’s Smith Hanes, founder of West Midtown’s Smith Hanes Studio, a team of interior designers, architects and industrial designers who create and implement the vision of restaurants, hotels, workspaces and residences.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all approach.

“We call ourselves set designers

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more than interior designers. We study you and your brand, and develop a look for you. We don’t have a set style,” Hanes says.

Raised in North Carolina, Hanes graduated from UNC Chapel Hill with a history degree before moving to Seattle, where he managed a French bakery. “I was always in love with the food business. I’m drawn to how you feel when you’re in a restaurant or bar,” he says.

He and his wife, Bella Cucina owner Alisa Barry, travel frequently—to Yountville, California, New York, Mexico and Italy—but have considered Atlanta

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

home for 25 years. As a self-employed stylist, Hanes worked in the home furnishings industry, doing displays for wholesale and then transitioning into developing collections and rooms for companies. In 2004, he launched Smith Hanes Studio, growing it to 10 team members with a second office recently launched in New York.

Here, he gives us a behind-thescenes look at his work.

How did Smith Hanes Studio get started?

My wife and I were renting space from [Serenbe developer] Steve Nygren for

How do you think the design of a place impacts the customer experience?

When people are inspired by what they see, when they look good in a space because the lighting is great, when the sound is beautiful—they don’t have to scream to be heard—they are more comfortable, they stay longer, and they tend to come back more often.

What do you do for fun?

I’m a trained 5Rhythms teacher. It’s dance and meditation as one. I went all over Europe and America practicing with teachers for four years before being accredited. I fell in love with movement and how it made me feel. Classes are two hours. It goes slow to fast to slow again. It’s basically a meditation at the end. n SMITH HANES STUDIO 770.780.1316 smithhanes.com @smithhanesstudio

A Place Where You Belong

Spend the day or evening on the Town!

Discover over 50 shops, services and restaurants.

Town Brookhaven is truly your one stop shopping and dining destination with a blend of interesting boutiques, delicious restaurants and useful services.

ANCHORS

• Costco • LA Fitness • Marshalls • Publix

APPAREL & ACCESSORIES • Dress Up • Vestique

SHOES & BICYCLES • Big Peach Ride + Run

HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY

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

DINING

• 26 Thai Sushi & Bar • Crumbl Cookies • The Flying Biscuit Café • HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern • Kilwins (Winter 2022) • Lucky’s Burger & Brew • Moe’s Southwest Grill • Newk’s Express Café • Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub • Red Pepper Taqueria • There Restaurant and Bar • Tropical Smoothie Café • Urban Wok • The Wing Guru (Spring 2022)

HOME FURNISHINGS & DÉCOR • Redefined Home Boutique

SERVICES

Now Re-Open at Phipps Plaza!

ELECTRONICS, MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT

Join us for Lunch, Sunday Brunch & Dinner!

• Brookhaven Alterations • Brookhaven Animal Hospital • Corporate America Family Credit Union • FBC Mortgage • Keller Williams • Reflections Eyecare • Town Cleaners • AT&T

TRAVEL & TOURISM • Explore Brookhaven

For reservations call 404.844.4810 or visit www.davios.com/atl 3500 PEACHTREE ROAD NE, ATLANTA, GA 30326

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

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

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FEATURED RESTAURANTS A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead BY: Wendell Brock, Rebecca Cha, Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Angela Hansberger, Hope S. Philbrick

ARNETTE’S CHOP SHOP Arnette’s will dazzle you with its no-expense-spared interiors, cosmopolitan wine list and, of course, its meat. Chicago-sourced ribeyes, strips and tomahawk steaks are the main attraction supported by a top-notch cast of appetizers and sides, from decadent roasted marrow and wagyu beef tartare to classic wedge salad and Dauphinoise potatoes. (There are also oysters and caviar, if you don’t mind shelling out a few extra bucks.)

Favorite items include the 50-day wetaged cowboy ribeye; the bliss-inducing lobster spaghetti; and the shaved prime rib sandwich, a real scenestealer. Don’t forget to ask about the members-only knife club.

Appetizers, salads and sandwiches: $9-$25 Shrimp, oysters and caviar: $13-$150 Hearth-roasted shellfish, fish and steaks: $13-$140 Desserts: $8-$12 arnetteschopshop.com

BONE GARDEN CANTINA Beyond the colorful Día de Muertos dining room decor, the well-curated mezcal and tequila selections and the uber-friendly service, Bone Garden Cantina offers some of the most authentic Mexican cooking in Atlanta. Tastier guacamole and hot dipping queso you will not find, and we’ve tried! The tender-tothe-bone Mexican pork ribs are meaty,

PHOTOS:

Sara Hanna, Joann Vitelli

miraculous bites of earthy richness, and the tomatillo-rich pozole verde soup is pure south-of-the-border goodness.

Garlic-sautéed shrimp enchiladas and adobo steak quesadilla seasoned with guajillo chile are among many fine familiar classics. Smaller plates include exemplary tamales and tacos.

Appetizers: $2.50-$9.50 Soups and salads: $4.50-$9.00 Tamales, tacos and empanadas: $3.50-$5.00 Mains: $7.50-$12.75 bonegardencantina.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.

Save room for the cinnamon sugar doughnuts with chocolate and marshmallow sauces and a side of salted caramel ice cream at Hearth Pizza Tavern.

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

DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE With its handmade pasta, terrific steaks and foundation of classic Italian dishes, the Atlanta outpost of Massachusettsbased chef-preneur Steve DiFillippo sets a higher-than-usual standard for a mall restaurant. Fine-food lovers flock to Phipps Plaza for Davio’s delicious fried calamari, tagliatelle Bolognese and warm spinach salad like ravenous shoppers on the hunt for Louis Vuitton bags, Tiffany silver and Dior gowns.

And they can do no better than the buttery medallion of impeccably grilled top sirloin, slathered with Gorgonzola and paired with wilted spinach and sea-salt-and-truffle-oil fries. No wonder the Davio’s menu is as tantalizing as the shoe department at Nordstrom.

Appetizers and salads: $9-$16 Pastas, entrées and steaks: $18-$48 davios.com/atl

FARM BURGER

Bone Garden Cantina has tempting tacos of all varieties.

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Of the locally pastured gourmet-burger chains, Farm Burger, which has a Buckhead shop on Piedmont Road near Tower Place, has long been a favorite. And it’s hard to imagine a more decadent list

of toppings for your grass-fed, dry-aged patty than oxtail marinade, apple slaw, red-bean chili, pork belly, bone marrow, cured lardo, bacon, fried egg or the six kinds of cheese. Keep your eye on the blackboard for seasonal specials, too. In spring, you might get a burger decked out with Vidalias and pesto; in summer, a dollop of peach chutney. While we don’t normally pass on beer-battered onion rings, Farm Burger’s sweet potato fries are irresistible.

Snacks: $2-$4 Burgers: $6.75-$8.50 farmburger.net

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

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

The Woodall's globallyinspired menu is packed with mouthwatering options.

HEARTH PIZZA TAVERN Sandy Springs is lucky to be home to Hearth Pizza Tavern, where worldclass pie is served up in a cozy corner of the Exchange at Hammond. Pizzas such as the Ring of Fire and The Cure would earn three Michelin stars if there were a pizza rating, and other menu items aren’t far behind. If you’re eating carb-free, go for the Tavern chopped salad, piled high with Italian meats and cheeses, or dig in to hot, crispy Brussels sprouts or zesty roasted cauliflower. If those don’t tempt you, then the steaming bowl of PEI mussels or an oozing, medium-rare Angus beef burger will be your best bet.

Openers and salads: $6-$12 Burgers and sandwiches: $10-$12 Pizzas: $7-$19 hearthpizzatavern.com

PRICCI Opened in 1991, Pricci is the Italian jewel in Buckhead Life Restaurant Group’s crown. This Buckhead institution still aspires to (and delivers) exceptional service, superlative Italian cooking and a vibe that’s both elegant and inclusive. Nothing says buon appetito like silky burrata Pugliese (cream filled mozzarella), tangy parmesan and anchovy-rich Caesar salad and aromatic steamed cozze (mussels in tomatogarlic sauce). Barbera-braised short rib ravioli, pecorino-sauced cacio e pepe and pizzas of all varieties are favorites, but if you’re extra peckish, order the Dutch-imported 16-ounce veal chop.

Mangia bene, but don’t forget to try Pricci’s world-class tiramisu.

Appetizers and salads: $8-$26 Pizza and pastas: $17-$27 Entrees: $24-$46 Desserts: $6-$15 buckheadrestaurants.com

SOUTHBOUND A “welcome to the neighborhood” vibe lingers throughout Southbound in Chamblee, whether you sit at the bar stocked with artisan spirits, on a comfortable chair in the main dining room or under an umbrellaed picnic table on the patio. Weathered wood, exposed bricks and dangling light bulbs give the space casual elegance. The menu presents Southern comfort food with some creative international flavors and influences. Variety means there’s something for just about any preference, diet, budget and hunger level. The menu changes about three times a year, but popular favorites remain, including the double-stack burger, Southern ramen, smoked short rib, Chamblee hot chicken and wild Georgia Shrimp.

Small plates: $4-$18 Mains: $14-$33 Sides: $4-$6 Desserts: $6-$9 southboundatl.com

Starters and vegetable plates: $7-$13 Salads and bowls: $10-$14 (added protein $3-$9) Pizzas and sandwiches: $12-$16 Entrees: $14-$26 truefoodkitchen.com

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

tzatziki, or a breakfast sandwich laden with sausage, cheese and egg.

Breakfast: $6.40-$15.30 Lunch: $6-$16.70 whitehousediner.com

THE WOODALL THE WHITE HOUSE At this venerated breakfast nook, you’ll find Atlanta movers and shakers in ties and starched shirts huddled over omelets and pancakes. But regardless of a guest’s status, owner Demos Galaktiadis, who came to America from Greece in 1966, treats everyone the same. He has run this Peachtree Road institution for 45 of its 68 years, and over time, the food has evolved into a unique combination of home-style Southern and Greek standards. At lunch, you might have moussaka and collards or fried grouper and a Greek salad, finished off with a dish of banana pudding.

But breakfast is king here. We recommend the Olympic omelet, stuffed with spinach, tomatoes, onions, mushrooms and peppers and served with a side of

With its friendly, relaxed vibe, it’s easy to feel among friends at The Woodall in Westside Village, whether you prefer the comfortable dining room or outdoor patio. Whitewashed brick, shiny metal, warm woods, brown leather and modern light fixtures cozy up the converted warehouse while a mural of eagle talons clasping a silver spoon adds personality.

The dinner and brunch menus present globally inspired dishes and drinks featuring local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, with options such as lump crab beignets, open-faced tenderloin sandwich, Sicilian calamari and rock shrimp and fried chicken tucked into a feather-light biscuit. The restaurant’s website confidently asserts, “You’ll be back!” There are plenty of reasons to do just that.

Small plates: $9-$15 Salads: $9-12 Sandwiches: $11.5-17 Mains: $13-$43 Sides: $5-$6 Desserts: $9-$10 thewoodallwestside.com

Note: Prices and menu items may have changed since original publication.

Hungry for more?

Tender at the bone. Pricci's 16-ounce center cut veal chop is crusty and golden outside, pink and tender inside.

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

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

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pice up date night with dinner and a show at Petite Violette, where guests can sink their teeth into a juicy murder mystery and a four-course meal in the private Bordeaux Room of the French restaurant in Brookhaven.

Every Friday and Saturday night, professional actors lead the audience in an interactive production of Murder, Mystery, and Mayhem, scripted with a comedic twist for loads of laughs. Participants can snag a prominent role, opt for a small part or choose to be a spectator.

“We offer a unique night out for couples, families with older kids, team building or anyone who wants an evening of laughter and fantastic food,” says Creative Director Katie Kneeland, an Atlanta-based actress and singer. “No two performances are ever the same because our cast of actors rotates, and members of our audience will provide some of the supporting roles in our show.”

Designed for adults but suitable for ages 10 and up, the original productions are changed up quarterly. Now playing, Yellowstonezark pits a riled ranch owner against a new casino threatening his land in a cheeky nod to “Yellowstone” and “Ozark.”

Chock full of nutty characters, it’s staged by the same team that formerly entertained at Agatha’s: A Taste of Mystery, which ran for more than 30 years downtown.

As for the grub, it’s gourmet all the way, from appetizers and a fresh salad to a seasonal entree with meat, fish and vegetarian options, a glass of wine and dessert.

“The seating is family style,” adds Kneeland, “so you may even leave with new friends.”

Anthony Gropp, co-owner and head chef at Petite Violette, says, “We love hosting social groups like bachelorette parties, birthday parties and girls’ nights out because it’s so much fun to watch them get in on the action and have a great time. They make memories that are unique to our event that will last a lifetime.”

Cost is $75/person. Check-in starts at 6:45 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. show.

MURDER, MYSTERY, AND MAYHEM 404.634.6268 petitevioletterestaurant.com/events @petiteviolette74

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

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E V E NTS On view at Fernbank, these stunning European suits of armor were made centuries ago from steel, leather and fabric.

Both are from the Collection of Museo Stibbert in Florence, Italy.

[ NEAR ]

BUZZ PINK AFFAIR March 19 thepinkaffair.org @turningpointbcr

Enjoy an elegant evening of entertainment at the InterContintental Buckhead Atlanta at this 21st annual gala for TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, a nonprofit, community-based health care organization. Dana Barrett will emcee the event that features a seated dinner, live music, open bar and live and silent auctions.

BRIAN REGAN COMEDY SHOW March 24-26 thebuckheadtheatreatl.com @buckheadtheatre

Up in Arms EUROPEAN KNIGHTS GALLOP INTO TOWN FOR SWASHBUCKLING SHOW Those prehistoric bone-crushers might rule the hallowed halls of Fernbank Museum of Natural History, but brawly European warriors are geared up for some epic action. On view through May 15, the newly unveiled “Knights in Armor” exhibit is a heavy metal showcase of Medieval might featuring 100-plus ogle-worthy objects from the renowned collection of the Museo Stibbert in Florence, Italy.

Marvel at suits of armor, helmets

and swords so magnificently made that the sheer beauty of the pieces stand in stark contrast to their purpose. Mounted equestrian figures in full armor add to the awe, bringing history to life in a striking spectacle of gallant adventure.

“This diverse array of objects tells the story of the evolution of armor and weapons during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods and really showcases the exceptional skill and artistry of the master craftsmen in workshops

in major productions centers in Italy, Germany, France and Spain,” says Bobbi Hohmann, VP of Programming and Collections at Fernbank.

Open daily, 10 a.m.-5p.m.

Online tickets required.

“KNIGHTS IN ARMOR” 404.929.6300 fernbankmuseum.org @fernbankmuseum

Laugh it up with one of the premier comedians in the country as Brian Regan takes the stage at Buckhead Theatre for an all-ages show at 7 p.m. nightly, plus a 9:30 p.m. performance March 26. The funny man is known to wow crowds with his observational humor that’s tickled the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock and David Letterman.

BROOKHAVEN CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL March 26-27 brookhavenga.gov/festival @brookcherryfest

Celebrating a seasonal showcase of pink blooms, this annual event at Blackburn Park features two days of music (with headliner Joan Jett and the Blackhearts), an artist market with 100-plus makers, a kids zone, dog lure chasing and more.

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Double the Fun SHOP ART AND HUNT EGGS IN SANDY SPRINGS Artsapalooza will be serving up a side of scrambled eggs April 16-17 in Sandy Springs as the free springtime festival unveils its artistic treasures on Easter weekend. Families can B.Y.O.B. (bring your own basket) and hop on down the bunny trail to find eggs in a beautiful outdoor setting alongside an expansive gallery of art, live acoustic performances by local musicians, a children’s play area and gourmet food trucks offering

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April 9 livenation.com @cadencebankamp

Rock out with American indie folk band Bon Iver at Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park. R&B artist Dijon opens the show at 7:30 p.m. healthy alternatives and beverages.

“This year, we’re joining forces with Heritage Sandy Springs and welcome festival goers to join us for the largest Easter egg hunt in the city with over 5,000 hidden Easter eggs,” says Randall Fox, founder of Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, which hosts the event.

Enjoy artist demonstrations and hands-on activities while browsing the creative works of 150-plus arts and crafts vendors, including painters, photographers, sculptors, jewelers, glass blowers and leather and metal

March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

STUNT DOG EXPERIENCE April 16 citysprings.com/events/ stunt-dog-experience @citysprings

artisans. Leashed dogs are invited, too.

Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun. ARTSAPALOOZA sandyspringsartsapalooza.com @affpsevents

Be amazed by mind-blowing dog tricks and incredible stunts at this high-energy, family-friendly show at 2 p.m. at Byers Theatre in Sandy Springs. Famed trainer Chris Perondi demonstrates the Frisbee-loving feats of his exceptional rescue dogs with a mission to promote pet adoption and more.

S C EN E

SWEET NOTHINGS Our cover models, Collins and Zach, share a playful moment with a Piece of Cake cupcake.

PHOTO: Sara

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March/April 2022 | Simply Buckhead

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