Simply Buckhead May 2024

HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY

Mother's Day serves as a special opportunity to express our gratitude to our mothers for all they do. This year, show your love with a gift that lasts a lifetime. Highland Diamond has a diverse jewelry collection suited to every taste, promising the ideal Mother's Day present. We are committed to delivering pieces that are not only accessories but also meaningful tokens of love and appreciation, making any choice the perfect Mother's Day gift.

Photos: 18, 72: Erik Meadows, 26, 66: Patrick Heagney

Contents

DELICIOUS

COVER STORY

FAMILY

@simplybuckhead

76

78 FOODIE JOURNAL

Grindhouse Killer Burgers expands with a Westside location and catering food truck

80 TASTEMAKER Top Shelf Talent

Ty Nicole Tucker wins cocktail competition with a $30,000 brand ambassador contract

Featured Restaurants

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

BEHIND THE COVER

85 Charitable

A spotlight on philanthropic and social gatherings

88 Scene

Spring weather in Atlanta can be mercurial, and after a threat of thunderstorms and hail forced us to postpone our shoot with Atlantabased HGTV personalities Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, Mother Nature redeemed herself with a perfect day to create our cover. The stars brought their A-game, flashing megawatt smiles and effortlessly displaying the same chemistry that makes them so magnetic on TV. Photographer Patrick Heagney framed the winning shot in front of a bespoke Hartley Botanic greenhouse on a Sandy Springs estate.

Photographer: Patrick Heagney

Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Stylist: Quintin Lamarr

Makeup: Ta'Raya Johnson

Hair: Albert Whitehead

Special thanks to John and Jennifer Crandall for hosting us at their property.

Joann Vitelli

Patrick Heagney

Erik Meadows

Where there’s a dream, there’s a way.

You had the will to make it happen. But, before your determination, it was just a dream. At First Horizon, we’re proud to support the spirit of entrepreneurs through every phase of business development. From imagination to operation to innovation, we’re always ready to help you take the next step.

Editor's Letter

The day my husband and I moved into the house we built, with all of its fresh paint and pristine fixtures, it was hard to envision a time when any of it would need sprucing. Now, 10 years later, it’s that time. We recently had professional painters do an outdoor refresh, added some new plants and a spring wreath of white roses and greenery, and it feels like we’re back to being in love with the exterior.

Perhaps you can relate? In that case, this issue’s “Curb Appeal” themed cover story is for you. In it, we profile masters of home updates, HGTV stars Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, who grace our cover. In the feature, find tips from local experts on simple things homeowners can do to majorly dial up their home’s curb appeal and ideas for products to make a welcoming front porch. And, if you really want to go all out to create an outdoor haven, you’ll love our profile of Hartley Botanic greenhouses (one of which is the backdrop of our cover shot).

Beyond adding interest to your outdoor living space, this issue of Simply Buckhead is full of stories we think you’ll enjoy. Angela Hansberger explores a rising trend of cocktails using the Japanese spirit shochu and where to find tasty local versions; beauty writer Emily L. Foley reports on how to choose the right moisturizer as Atlanta’s temperatures rise; Lauren Finney Harden highlights acupuncture and Chinese medicine to help people overcome fertility challenges.

Happy spring, friends!

Jennifer Bradley Franklin Senior Contributing Editor

Sara Hanna

has been working in marketing and advertising in Atlanta for more than 20 years. She started her career at BBDO South and worked on national brands for several large agencies. She transitioned from the agency world to the client side to work with The Coca-Cola Company. Michelle has been with Simply Buckhead since 2019, taking her experience from both advertising agencies and client work to media sales.

Sara Hanna

UP FRONT

Go West Page 22

“Drop-dead gorgeous views, both of the ocean and the jungle-covered Sierra Madre Mountains, make for a relaxing backdrop.”

Conrad Punta de Mita in Riviera Nayarit, Mexico exudes an effortless elegance.

Individuals and corporations can donate up to 10% of their tax liability to an approved 501(c)3 in Georgia.

Thanks to Georgia’s Qualified Foster Child Donation Credit, your tax dollars can now support our youth aging out of foster care! The nsoro Educational Foundation is an approved non-profit.

BY Nicole Letts

TERRY FOR TOTS

WEEZIE ATLANTA STARTS TOWEL RECYCLING PROGRAM

There’s a new way to give back in Buckhead. Luxury and locally owned towel brand Weezie launched a towel recycling program earlier this year. The idea is simple: Bring your gently used towels in good condition to the flagship store on Andrews Drive, and in return, you’ll get $20 off your next

Get Pickled

in-store purchase. Once the towels are received, they are then donated to Helping Mamas, a Norcross-based nonprofit providing essential baby supplies to families in need.

Liz Eichholz, co-founder and creative director of Weezie, says the partnership was a no-brainer. “It's a small action with a big impact not

only for the environment but also in lending a hand to those in need.”

The idea sprouted from a desire to make the brand’s store both a retail space and a community hub. “It allows us to lock arms with our customers and give back to something bigger than us,” says Ellen Carter Milam, senior manager of customer

Weezie Atlanta donates gently used towels to Helping Mamas, a local nonprofit.

experience and retail at Weezie. The program is ongoing. Customers can donate any gently used towel brands, not just those originating from Weezie, once every 30 days. Washcloths are not accepted. n

WEEZIE • 404.941.7514

weezietowels.com • @weezietowels

New Luxe Bridal

Mandi Jackson Bridal has carved a stunning retail space into the lobby of The St. Regis Atlanta in Buckhead.

The long-anticipated Painted Pickle by Painted Hospitality is now open on Armour Drive. The 32,500-squarefoot pickleball concept joins the brand’s successful entertainment portfolio, including The Painted Pin and The Painted Duck. The indoor facility features a signature outdoor court, eight individually contained indoor courts, a clubhouse, elevated central seating and expansive front and back patios adjacent to the growing northeast segment of the Beltline. Beyond pickleball, the space has a stage for live music as well as complimentary pub games, such as ping pong, bucketball, cornhole, darts and board games. paintedpickle.com @paintedpickleatl

Designed by Courtney Walker of

C. Walker Designs, the appointment-only shop is draped in pink, blue and cream, and dotted with pillows from Atlanta textile company Lacefield Designs, while wedding dresses hang on custom gold racks. The salon is owned and operated by its eponymous owner, Mandi Jackson, who has more than 20 years of bridal experience. The boutique sells gowns by acclaimed designers such as Monique Lhuillier and Amsale that can be customized for each bride.

In addition to off-the-rack items, the shop provides bespoke offerings. mandijacksonbridal.com @mandijacksonbridal

So Long, Dentophobia

According to the Cleveland Clinic, nearly 40% of Americans have a fear of going to the dentist. But one Sandy Springs dentist is changing that through state-of-the-art technology. Flax Dental’s “The Wand,” or more generically, “digital anesthesia,” is a

computer-assisted system that provides needleless local anesthesia by controlling the flow rate and pressure for virtually pain-free injections. This allows patients to relax and enjoy a more pleasant procedure experience. Moreover, Dr. Hugh Flax has implemented other advanced technologies, such as 3D imagery, artificial intelligence for oral disease detection and diagnosis, and lasers for everything from cleaning to snoring reduction. flaxdental.com • @flaxdental

Dashing into the frigid waters at Acworth Beach on Lake Altoona in February is not on everyone’s “to-do” list, but Jeremy Smith and James Robbins, real estate advisors at Engel & Völkers in Buckhead, have participated in the Special Olympics’ Polar Plunge for years. As this year’s co-chairs, they continued the firm’s three-year tradition by raising $53,050, more than any other team in the area and increasing last year’s contribution by 40%.

“Funds are harder to come by for the Special Olympics than with other charities, and it’s heartwarming to see so many people of all ages involved, particularly when it’s cold,” says Robbins. “Every dollar goes to see someone realize their dream.”

The event kicked off with a fundraiser at the Republic Social House in Grant Park on Jan. 18, says Smith. “The restaurant donated 20% of the proceeds that contributed to the $6,000 we raised. Erin Hoffman, Special Olympian and organization spokesperson, shared her experiences.”

More than 20 people associated with Engel & Völkers took the plunge Feb. 24 as part of a nationwide event to provide free year-round training and competitions for more than 17,000 special athletes. The temperature dictates how much time can be spent in the water. but if it’s below 60 degrees, it's two-minutes. Over three can risk hypothermia.

Always striving to find new ways to connect to the community, the Spruill Center for the Arts staff hit upon an idea to create a free art closet akin to the small pop up libraries around town. Short on funding, they applied for a grant from the city of Dunwoody and received it. “Thanks to the support of Mayor Lynn Deutsch and the city council, we opened the Free Art Closet in time for fall quarter,” says Amy Gresens, director of education. “Everyone seems amazed at the quality of the new supplies, and one woman was so blown away that she wrote a lovely thank you note to Spruill and the city.” To spread outreach to more kids

and adults, supplies are limited to two items per visit. However, art lovers can return multiple times. Items range from sketch books and watercolor and acrylic paper and paints to pens, markers and brushes that come in multi-packs. Anyone interested can stop by Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sue Jakubecy, a volunteer at numerous organizations in Dunwoody, has been a student and volunteer at Spruill for 13 years. “It’s my special place to go and unwind,” she says. “You leave the world behind, and it’s just you and your art.” She’s also a big fan of the closet and helps wherever she’s needed.

Environmental artist and activist Pandra Williams created EcoAddendum in 2009 to restore native plant communities by saving the seeds and teaching others how to grow them. When she left the organization in 2013, Kathryn Kolb began focusing less on planting and more on teaching the public about native ecosystems and how to preserve them. An expert on wilderness areas, Kolb began by organizing walks; she also works with regional municipalities to create better tree ordinances.

“I lead groups to old growth remnant forests hiding in plain sight in urban forests in Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, West End and throughout the metro area,” Kolb says. “We are one of the few large urban areas to still have high-value forests because parts of Atlanta were too hilly and rocky to farm. So the land wasn’t clear cut or graded. Some oldgrowth trees are still in backyards.” EcoA’s free walks, stewardship and training programs are open to the public. Participants learn to identify trees and plants, and

how to remove invasives in parks and back yards. A schedule is on the website.

Garden Hills resident Fran Kaplan has been on several walks. “Kathryn is amazingly knowledgeable,” she says. “I always feel I’m much smarter than when I started and have a better appreciation of our most precious natural resources.”

Engel & Völkers owner Scott Askew, real estate advisor James Robbins, Paralympian Erin Hoffman, Special Olympics Georgia CEO Georgia Milton-Sheats, and real estate advisor Jeremy Smith at the Polar Plunge.

Kathryn Kolb, head of EcoAddendum, leads nature walks through Atlanta's urban forests.

Amy Gresens displays the new art closet filled with free supplies.

Mickey Goodman

SPRUILL CENTER FOR THE ARTS spruillarts.org • @spruillarts

JANETTE HINTON

Former counselor dances like everyone’s watching with the Stayin’ Alive Crew

As told to Amy Meadows PHOTOS: Erik Meadows

didn't start dancing until I was 18 years old. I grew up in Sandy Springs and was previously a gymnast, along with my identical twin sister, Josette. While she continued with the sport into college, I stopped pursuing it during high school after I broke my arm. Instead, I ended up taking a jazz class when I was a senior and loved it. That led me to sign up for dance classes when I went to the University of Georgia, where I landed a spot in the UGA Dance Company.

By 1983, I wanted to see what else I could do with my dancing. I auditioned to be a cast member at Six Flags Over Georgia. At the time, the shows were really big, and hundreds of people auditioned when the scouts came to UGA to find new talent. I knew I was in way over my head when everyone started using ballet terms, so I decided to just copy the person in front of me.

I was packing my bags to go, and I couldn’t believe it when they called my name. I ended up dancing at Six Flags for two years, and then I got a job dancing on a cruise ship for three years. Eventually, dancing injuries caught up with me, and I came home. Fortunately, I had an opportunity to choreograph for Six Flags. I continued there for 10 years, even after I earned my master’s degree, became a school counselor for Fulton County Schools, got married and started a family.

I stopped choreographing as my family and my full-time job took precedence until several years ago, when my sister and I decided to join an over-50 dance troupe founded by a former Atlanta Hawks cheerleader. I missed dance terribly, and it seemed like a great opportunity to get back into it. Josette and I danced with that group for two years, but some issues with the way it was managed prompted us to

leave. We wondered if we could start our own group. Five years ago, we founded the Stayin’ Alive Crew.

We started small with 12 members, and I used my connections at Six Flags to get us some dance gigs, including at Fright Fest. We officially launched the group as a nonprofit organization and began dancing at all kinds of locations, from senior homes all the way up to State Farm Arena for Hawks games. We did 58 shows last year alone, and we now have 63 dancers, including a couple of men. And while we do all types of dancing, our forte is hip hop because that’s what the audience, especially young people, likes to see. It’s funny to see their reactions; they start to laugh when they first see us, but by the time we’re done, their jaws have dropped.

No one in our group is shy about sharing their age. We’re proud of it. I’m 60. I retired from my career last

June, and I can now focus on dancing and choreographing for the Stayin’ Alive Crew. The creativity keeps me going. It helps my brain, and I see so many other benefits to doing it. I stay very active; in addition to our rehearsals, I play tennis and stretch regularly. Some members even work out together. We also get to give back to the community with our performances, and I get to see the friendships that have formed within this group. It has had such an impact on our members’ lives. That’s what I used to try to do with my students, and this fills that hole for me since my retirement. I get emotional thinking about it.

Our mission is to prove that age doesn't limit you. You just have to find your passion, and it will bring you more joy than you could ever know. When people turn 50, they think it’s all downhill. In reality, it’s only going to get better. We’ve bro-

ken that stigma and showed that you have to take advantage of every day and every moment. You don’t have to settle. To me, attitude is everything. I just want to keep putting smiles on people’s faces and bringing them joy. You just have to keep moving forward and do what you can do. n

The members of the dance troupe have formed deep bonds of friendship.

Janette Hinton blends her love of choreography and dance with the Stayin’ Alive Crew.

Herringbone Bamboo Food Cover ($24-$40)

An essential aspect of hosting an outdoor affair is protecting all the work you put into your palatable party bites. These elegant yet effective bamboo food covers come in small, medium and large, and do the trick to ward off pesky bugs without sacrificing your aesthetic. Anthropologie Lenox Square • 404.237.4175 anthropologie.com • @anthropologie

Citronella Votive Set ($75)

No one likes a party crasher, especially of the flying insect kind. These allnatural, sea salt-scented citronella candles make for apropos tabletop accents and double as bug bouncers.

Bonus: Each of the three votives boasts 50 hours of burn time.

Lucy’s Market • 404.869.9222 lucysmarket.com • @lucys_market

Fresh Air Affairs: Entertaining with Style in the Great Outdoors ($45)

First things first: Get all the inspiration you need for hosting the ultimate open-air gathering from famed fashion designer Lela Rose’s most recent tome. This book offers stylish decor tips, plus ideas for specialty cocktails and dishes your guests will love, and makes for a great coffee table accessory to boot.

Hudson Grace • 404.351.7501 • hudsongracesf.com • @hudsongracesf

Summer Nights

Tulum Bar Set ($248)

Keep your guests cool with a refreshing beverage. A functional addition to any fete, this chic bar set from Serena & Lily’s Tulum Collection brings the coastal vibes and cocktails (or mocktails!) right to your backyard.

Serena & Lily • 404.491.7577 serenaandlily.com • @serenaandlily

Hosting in the South is akin to football in the fall. It’s not just a pastime or hobby; it’s an all-out event. This season, ensure your alfresco affair goes off without a hitch thanks to these outdoor entertaining essentials. STORY: Ashton Pike

Round Mod Charcuterie Board ($145)

Brighten up the buffet table and give your appetizers a pretty place to land with this Frenchblue charcuterie board from Buckhead-based biz etúHOME. The brainchild of a collaboration with designer Caitlin Wilson, this bright board is made of reclaimed wood with two contrasting strips of timber topping off its sophisticated design. etúHOME • 470.592.3126 • etuhome.com • @etu.home

Permasteel 80-Quart Classic Patio Cooler ($188.99)

This colorful standing cooler is a must-have for summer soirees. With enough room to fit up to 110 12-ounce cans, plus a built-in bottle opener and cap catcher, it keeps drinks cold for up to 36 hours and comes in a variety of colors to complement any party palette.

The Home Depot Sandy Springs • 770.804.8065 • homedepot.com • @homedepot

Quirky, Quiet & Cute

Panama City offers a surprising breath of fresh air

As a teenager in the '90s, Panama City Beach was the place to go on spring break. Each year, throngs of high schoolers and college coeds descended, packing the beaches with questionable parties. MTV even brought its popular “Spring Break” series to the Gulf Coast town. Vacationing in “PCB,” as it came to be known, was the epitome of cool.

Teenage years long behind me, you can imagine my hesitation to visit Panama City as an adult. Party Town, U.S.A.? No, thanks. But I soon learned the much slower big sister

First, there’s Historic Panama City. Check in at Hotel Indigo Panama City Marina that sits waterfront and offers sweeping views of St. Andrews Bay from many of its rooms. On-site dining includes the lobby-level Tarpon with a coastal and Southerninspired menu; if the weather is breezy and sunset is on the horizon, you’ll want to head to the hotel’s fifth-floor rooftop restaurant, Steam on 5. Sip creative cocktails while enjoying a picturesque overlook. When not imbibing and relaxing at the Indigo, I spent my time dipping in and out of the home stores,

STORY: Nicole Letts

stops were Jute and Palm where I admired artwork by Kathryn Gage and local artisan wares such as hand painted oyster-adorned wine glasses. Another cool stop was Baywitch that was stocked with crystals and other metaphysical goods.

Grab lunch at El Weirdo Taco Pub, a local brewery that doubles as the largest art installation in Bay County thanks to its floor-to-ceiling murals. Then head over to Panama City Hot Glass Studio to try your hand at glass blowing while making a take-home keepsake. I created a pink starfish that is proudly displayed on my bookshelf at home.

St. Andrews, a community founded in 1827, is just around the bay. It’s a quaint, walkable, waterfront village where, if you’re lucky, you’ll see dolphins plunge their fins in and out of the water. Use a visit as I did to enjoy the plethora of public art as well as the mural trail, stopping at “Keep St. Andrews Salty” by Morgan Summers to snap a pic for Instagram. Be sure to pop into the Panama City Publishing Company Museum where George Mortimer West, the city’s founding father, once ran a printing press and local newspaper. Some of the antique presses are still on display (and working!). I couldn’t resist a few postcards for my niece and nephew.

Before dinner, climb aboard Captain Chris Farley’s boat for an eco-tour. A marine biologist by trade, Farley knows exactly where to spot sea life and how to identify critters. And don’t worry. Should you want to take a dip yourself, that’s not a problem. Just let the captain know you want to snorkel or swim. Since my meal plans were adjacent to cruising, I didn’t have to get wet to experience marine life. Farley does the diving, so I could enjoy the scenery.

The afternoon tours wrapped when Farley dropped me dockside at Bayou Joe’s. This casual eatery offers everything from shrimp po’boys to mahi mahi. The real treat is the trash burger, a beef patty piled high with anything the chef dreams up.

I’ve always enjoyed a trip to the beach, but taking in the bays and bayous of Panama City made me appreciate this Florida panhandle destination and its charming surroundings that much more. n

Learn how to blow your own glass souvenir at Panama City Hot Glass.

Above: Shop adorable locally owned boutiques along Harrison Avenue.

Hotel Indigo Panama City Marina sits on St. Andrews Bay.

Art touches almost anything that stands still at El Weirdo Taco Pub.

Michael Booini / Boo Media

Shelbie Scippio

Jean Capps

GO WEST

I’m a huge fan of Mexico, but our oft-visited destinations on its east coast left me longing to explore a different part of the diverse nation to our south. A quick trip to the Conrad Punta de Mita in the state of Riviera Nayarit was just the ticket for a winter recharge. (Bonus: It’s sunny for approximately 90% of the year.)

After a direct four-hour flight to Puerto Vallarta, we headed 22 miles northwest of the city by private car to the 12-acre property. While taking in the spectacular openair lobby, adorned with sculptural chandeliers, plush seating and Mexican art with a modern twist, I learned that the rambling resort has 324 rooms spread across the 10 sleek buildings. Opened in September 2020, it still feels fresh.

Once we had welcome drinks in hand, a friendly staffer whisked us by golf cart to our third-floor oceanfront suite. It clocked in at nearly 1,500-square feet and featured a spacious living room that opened to a wrap-around balcony with plunge pool and loungers. The spa bath-

Conrad Punta de Mita showcases western

Mexico’s coastal charm STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

room came equipped with a rain shower, deep soaking tub and cucumber-scented Mojave Ghost bath amenities. The western-facing orientation meant that we could watch the sunset over the Pacific without needing to leave our balcony. The Conrad is set on a mile of sandy beach called Playa Litibú, lined with rows of lounge chairs and generous umbrellas. Drop-dead gorgeous views, both of the ocean with its gently crashing waves and the jungle-covered Sierra Madre Mountains rising up from behind the

to water features, the property’s three massive pools drew me in. My preference was the infinity pool closest to the beach with partially submerged chaise lounges for soaking up the sun. Guests can also enjoy a family pool with a circular water slide and splash pad for kiddos, and an adults-only pool with a swim-up bar.

The 10,000-square-foot, onproperty spa is another highlight for anyone looking to take their relaxation to the next level and, possibly, connect with elements of the

and experience a cacao-infused massage in an open-air domed room or find peace in a shaman-led temazcal session in a traditional clay sweat lodge.

The resort’s remote location meant that we never ventured off-property, aside from one walk up the beach where we discovered a trio of local horses frolicking in the sand. Fortunately, the food and beverage offerings kept us more than satisfied. From theatrical presentations of modern Mexican fare at Codex and meat grilled over an open flame at the beachfront Mezquite to a fired-to-perfection, Naples-style pizza by the pool, the food was a highlight. I especially loved the breakfast spread at Arbol, where every morning saw a colorful array of traditional Mexican pastries, a rainbow of fresh fruit and a cook pressing fresh tortillas for made-toorder quesadillas. Colibri Roasting Co. kept me buzzing with sweet and strong cold brew. In fact, this delightful property’s memory, with its stunning views, friendly service and comfortable accommodations, has me jonesing for a return visit. n

Left: Expansive views over the Pacific are a perk of oceanfront suites.

Above: Individual spa treatment rooms offer a sense of place and connection to the outdoors.

Below: Book a sweat session in the spa's temazcal

CONRAD PUNTA DE MITA conradpuntademita.com • @conradpuntademita

This seaside property is part of Hilton, which means that points enthusiasts can redeem Hilton Honors to book.

Halcyon Days

Dine, unwind and pamper yourself at this Forsyth County complex STORY: H.M. Cauley

The architects behind the Halcyon project in south Forsyth County named it accurately. The word that suggests a throw-back to a happy and peaceful time inspired this live-work-play complex about 45 minutes north of Buckhead and 6 miles from downtown Alpharetta.

An overnight visit recently gave me the chance to explore this

re-imagined tiny town that replicates an idyllic era when getting to work, entertainment centers and dining spots didn’t require a commute. At Halcyon, all of that is within a short stroll of Embassy Suites by Hilton, where my getaway began by checking into a roomy suite, complete with a minifridge, microwave, work station, living area, king-sized bedroom and oversized

bath. The property also features a well-equipped workout room, a yoga space and a heated indoor pool. In the early evening, the main draw is the free happy hour at the lobby bar where guests mingle over appetizers before heading out to dinner.

When it comes to food, Halcyon has more destinations than one stomach can handle in two days, despite my best efforts. The offerings include the Cherry Street Brewpub with 16 homemade drafts and a spacious patio for lingering outside, the casual tavern Butcher & Brew, the spicy flavors of CT Cantina & Taqueria, the CMX Stone Sports Bar, the seafood-themed Ocean & Acre and outposts of Eclipse di Luna tapas and Hobnob. And there’s a menu of munchies and drinks at X-Golf experience and the CMX CinéBistro on the edge of the complex.

A friend and I opted for dinner at Cattle Shed, a beef-heavy eatery led by Chef Olivia Hurst, a veteran of the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group and a recent winner on Food Network’s “Chopped.” Selections from the extensive wine wall and cocktail menu paired well with a two-bone pork chop and filet, but whole fish, chicken and salmon are on order for the meatless crowd. Brunch, lunch and wine-pairing dinners are also served.

The next day started early with more food at Embassy Suites, where an extensive breakfast buffet of hot and cold options is included, and a chef creates omelets, waffles and

pancakes to order. I had more than enough to sustain me through a lesson in soap making at Buff City Soap where I picked scents (cherry) and colors (pink and purple), and whipped them into a natural blend of oils before setting them aside to cool for a few hours. That gave me time to grab a facial at Clean Your Dirty Face that specializes in facial treatments before popping into Lush nails for a mani-pedi complete with hot wax and a relaxing foot massage. And I managed to make room for a panini of prosciutto, pesto and burrata at Il Bottegone, a tiny market store stuffed with all the imported ingredients to create an Italian feast.

There was little time left for checking out the clothing boutiques, coffee bars, chocolate shop, cupcake store and Halcyon Market, where to-go eateries for poke bowls, tacos, pizza and pitas are under one roof. I did manage to grab a few quiet moments on the town green, where Adirondack chairs, firepits and a kiddie sandbox invite visitors to linger. But it was soon time to pick up my soap, neatly cut into individual bars and boxed, before making the drive home. For Halcyon apartment, condo and townhouse residents, I suspect the day ends by asking the question: What type of cuisine are we going to try tonight? And the answer is only a stroll away. n

Brandon Amato

Left: The green at Halcyon is a gathering spot for entertainment, lawn games and just kicking back.

Below: Kids and adults can create their own bath products at Buff City Soap.

Meat and seafood dishes abound at Cattle Shed. HALCYON • visithalcyon.com • @visithalcyon

LIVING

Two It Takes

DESIGNER KRISTIN WADSWORTH AND HER HUSBAND TACKLED A CHALLENGING RENOVATION: THEIR OWN

Interior designer Kristin Wadsworth of Kristin Wadsworth Design began her career in commercial real estate working for firms such as J.P. Morgan and Jamestown Properties. In 2017, she founded her own design business, utilizing project management skills she picked up in her former industry to merge the operational and creative sides of residential and

commercial interior design. She and her husband, Mike, owner and founder of the contracting and construction Pradera Group, found their current home in Sandy Springs’ River Chase neighborhood in 2019. They fell in love and promptly gutted it. “The house [built in 2000] had great bones, but it needed to be reconfigured more practically for our family,” says the mom of two. ➥

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden PHOTOS: Patrick Heagney

“It's important that our family lives and hosts in a comfortable space.”

—Designer Kristin Wadsworth

There was a problem, however. The family had sold their home in Vinings while working on the renovation in Sandy Springs. She tells her clients that if they can pull it off financially, they can do renovations all at once to avoid living through multiple processes, and she soon found out first-hand what that entailed.

“We moved our then 5- and 2-year-olds into a two-bedroom apartment while we did the renovations,” she says. While the pair were experts in their fields and were able to take the timeline down to a crunched four months rather than the six-plus it could have easily been, Wadsworth says, “It was a crazy time in our lives. I kept my eye on the prize, just as I tell my clients. It was so worth it in the end.”

While she had the usual big hitters on her list such as new cabinetry, tile

and lighting throughout, complex reframing situations required the expertise of her and her husband. Working as a team, they solved issues like non-functioning windows upstairs. “There were three obsolete dormers facing out from the front of the house into the attic,” she says. When they replaced the roof, they also swapped the non-functional dormers with larger windows that dropped down in the roofline, providing much-needed daylight to the upstairs front bedroom. The pair also moved rooms around, reallocating space and turning the former dining room into an office and reconfiguring the formal living room into a formal dining space, complete with built-in china cabinets by Keystone Millworks. An unused elevator shaft off of the kitchen was turned into

A casually elegant living room includes a tongue and groove pine feature wall done with wood salvaged from a demolition.

Designer and homeowner Kristin Wadsworth in her studio.

a large walk-in pantry accessible by a paneled cabinet door.

One room of particular pride is the transformed primary bathroom. “The master bathroom was totally wonky,” she says, recalling its white carpet, a relic of decades past. The space was large but misused; the shower was minuscule, and the man’s closet took up too much space. “We reworked this to include a large soaking tub, new dual van-

ities with custom laundry pullouts and new his-and-hers closets,” she says. The shower, flooring and countertops were done in marble.

While up-to-date on trends, Wadsworth prefers a timeless style for her personal space, and it’s reflected in her home. “Trends turn tacky over the course of a couple of years,” she says, noting that she is careful to pick finishes and furnishings that have staying power not only for her-

self but her clients. In her home, that included mostly new furniture, such as in the formal dining room that Wadsworth calls “the prettiest room in the house,” albeit the least used.

Classic touches include a contrasting color (Benjamin Moore Quiet Moments) on the trim and Schumacher’s Weeping Pines wallcovering for the large accent wall that warms up the space. A skirted console adds softness, and touches like a vintage

copper ice bucket and an antique crystal lamp bring elegance and a curated look. “As much as I love changing things up, I haven’t grown tired of the room and still love it as much as I did when I installed it over four years ago,” she says.

Preferring a timeless elegance doesn’t mean her house is too precious, though. The couple’s two young children, a Great Dane mix and two cats played into the

Right: Drapes by Laura Park complement dining chairs by East of Main.

Above: Kitchen cabinetry by Keystone Millworks flanks a custom venthood by World Coppersmith. Below: Schumacher wallpaper and a Loloi rug bring the dining room together.

furnishings and furniture selection, with Wadsworth aiming for kid- and pet-friendly items that still shone when entertaining, something the family loves to do often.

“I love to entertain, and it’s important that our family lives and hosts in a comfortable space that doesn’t feel like a museum where you can’t touch anything,” she says. That includes being smart with materials, such as using wood from a former project’s demo for the custom-stained feature wall. A custom 60-by-60-inch coffee table was then stained to match.

As a testament to her design philosophy and their lives, several special pieces are incorporated throughout the house. In their Vinings home, they inherited a vintage bar imported from England. The former owner won it in a tennis match overseas, and the buyer didn’t want it, so the pair took it with them. For their fifth anniversary, they splurged and bought each other a Penley painting that hangs adjacent to the bar.

While it was a labor of love, the pair is happy to be in the home, done exactly to their specifications. “I want my kids to make special memories here and look back one day and think that mom and dad gave us a special place to call home,” she says. “It has and continues to be a wonderful place to raise our family.” n

Above: Wadsworth's daughter's bedroom is sweet yet functional.

One of the larger undertakings in the house was the primary bathroom, which had to be reconfigured.

IN THE DETAILS

Wadsworth's favorite vignettes

2. The primary bedroom focal wall. “I had a pair of paintings commissioned by Christy Coole. They hang above the Made Goods nightstands, flanking the

A custom-made bed in Pindler velvet brings a softness to the primary bedroom.

3. The dining room console. “I love the antique copper ice bucket and lamp styled with a custom skirted table. It’s a foreground to the Weeping Pines wallcovering by Schumacher.”

1. Office studio credenza. “I chose a creamy, shagreen credenza to ground one of the new dormer windows, styled with a mounted driftwood sculpture, Kelly Wearstler lamp and Thibaut draperies.”

BULLETIN BOARD BY Ashton Pike

CLEAN SLATE

Top tips for keeping your space tidy

Like many of us, Atlanta-based entrepreneur Kenika Williams felt inspired when “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” was released on Netflix. Today, she owns her own luxury home organization business, Tidied by K, and is dedicated to helping Atlantans in Buckhead and beyond take their home from a stressful space to their favorite place. Here, Williams shares pro tips for keeping a tidy home year-round, .

Be intentional about the home you create. Having an intentional home means you are cognizant of the goals you have for your home. It’s about making every choice—from furniture, decor and the layout to the experiences you allow in it—with a purpose that’s aligned with your personal goals and aspirations.

Intention in your home looks like creating a living space that reflects

DESIGN & REALTY NEWS

your personal values and lifestyle, and also actively contributes to your well-being. When you focus your efforts and energy on creating an intentional home, over time, you’ll appreciate it more.

Focus on quality over quantity. Invest in fewer, better things rather than filling your space with items that don’t add value to your home or your life. Incorporate emotional connection by selecting items that have sentimental value or evoke positive emotions to make your home feel more personal and comforting. For example, I love plants and books, so both are throughout my home.

Organize in a way that makes daily routines smoother and reduces stress.

Focus on organizational systems that meet these three requirements: functional, accessible and practical. You want systems that are simple to maintain day-to-day (practical), easy to access when needed and put away when not in use (accessible), and intuitive to help you and others to keep tidy (functional). When these are the requirements you stick to when creating an organizing solution, you'll find it much simpler to keep a tidy home or space.

The Art Collection at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, one of the largest public art displays in Atlanta and the Southeast with more than 180 pieces featured throughout the stadium, has added four originals to its vast display. The additions include Mr. Brainwash’s “Atlanta Is Beautiful” that highlights prom-

Love it or avoid it, wallpaper is here to stay. Atlantan Amber Guyton, founder of interior design firm Blessed Little Bungalow, recently unveiled her first wallpaper collection, created in partnership with Mitchell Black, a leading name in the world of premium wallpaper. The eclectic offering includes six patterns in four colorways, each inspired by Guyton’s world travels, with design names such as Gentle Giraffe (a nod to her memorable birthday trip to Nairobi) and Tribal Traditions (a print that honors Guyton’s African heritage). Rolls start at $98 and are available online exclusively through Mitchell Black.

blessedlittlebungalow.com

@blessedlittlebungalow

Adopt a spirit of letting go. I know this one is easier said than done, but it's a good practice to implement, even if you start small and build your skill over time. Being a good gatekeeper of what you allow (or allow to stay) in your home is key. Focus on letting go of things that do not serve you or your home. n

inent figures from the city’s rich history, among others. mercedesbenzstadium.com/art @mercedesbenzstadium

n The Atlanta Decorative Arts Center has seen quite a bit of action in the last few months. Milieu opened its first showroom there, fill-

ing its 1,350-square-foot space with billiards tables, shuffleboards, foosball tables, poker tables and the like. Meanwhile, debuting this summer, C + H Interiors more than doubled its showroom into a 4,500-square-foot space to accommodate a new inhouse art gallery and product lines. adacatlanta.com • @adacatlanta

Kenika Williams, founder of Tidied by K.

La Bastille June Rangehood [from $11,600]

For the ultimate in unexpected kitchen color pops, La Bastille’s June Rangehood in copper delivers. The sleek, tambour-style covering adds a dash of contemporary style while the cast metal performs its duties elegantly and quietly. It’s handcrafted to order in Savannah and is also available in brass, zinc and black.

La Bastille • labastille.com @labastilleinc

Just Peachy

Backdrop Hyperion Wallpaper in Peach [$54 per yard]

The innovative paint and wallcovering brand Backdrop brings a hand-painted effect to its Hyperion wallpaper, which can create an almost 6-foot-tall effect. The paper, which is designed in downtown Los Angeles and printed in Brooklyn, paints a sunny and subtle mood in rooms ranging from a primary bedroom to a nursery. If peach isn’t your thing, it’s also available in off-black and bright blue. Check it out in person at Schumacher’s ADAC showroom. Schumacher • schumacher.com • @schumacher1889

Ginori 1735 Oriente Italiano Dinner Plate [$132]

Italy is a state of mind when you add these 10.5-inch porcelain dinner plates from Ginori 1735 to your table. The plate features the garafano, or carnation, and utilizes Florentine ceramics traditions in its production. An airbrushed technique gives the plate its unusual color finish, perfect for a stylish luncheon or everyday dining. They’re even dishwasher safe.

Fête • tresbellefete.com

• @tresbellefete

Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2024 is Peach Fuzz. The warm color radiates enthusiasm, sophistication and a sense of nourishment. As a grounding element in interiors rooted in Southern tradition or as a playful punch in elegant and modern design, it’s a color that evokes energy and hope. Inspired by the hue and all it represents, here are a few peach-toned items to work into your next room.

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Kate Spade New York

Leighton Wall Sconce [$579]

Inspired by the playfulness at the core of the Kate Spade brand, the Leighton Wall Sconce is a charming addition that adds functional lighting. Individually oversized cast glass flowers are illuminated from within and bounce off the polished brass center that casts a warm, cozy glow. If sconces don’t fit your lighting needs, the line also comes in chandelier and flush mount styles as well.

Visual Comfort • visualcomfort.com @visualcomfort

Coral on Ballet Pink Scallop Starter Pack [$410]

Made from 100% organic long-staple cotton, this Weezie towel starter pack features a sweet scallop finished in a contrasting color to make the towels pop. The set includes four bath and two hand towels that can be embroidered in a variety of styles to reflect your monogram. Whimsical, preppy and sophisticated, these would look right at home in a primary bath or little girl’s bathroom.

Weezie • weezietowels.com @weezietowels

Let yourself be transported to the timeless elegance of France in the heart of the Buckhead Village.

Make your reservation 3027 BOLLING WAY, NE LEBILBOQUETATLANTA.COM • 404-869-9944

ARMED WITH ANTIQUES

Amanda Smith scours estate sales and thrift stores, so you don’t have to

STORY: Nicole Letts PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

Some might say it was destiny for Amanda Smith to run an online vintage and antique shop. Smith’s parents were avid antiquitarians, both having a strong draw to items of yesteryear. In fact, in 1990, they moved then-teenage Smith and her brother to the Moravian village of Old Salem in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, a living history museum of sorts where visitors can walk the streets and chat with folks dressed in period garb. There, the family took up residence in the Traugott Leinbach House, built in 1824. Smith’s mother, Dianne H. Furr, was a docent at the Museum of Early Southern Decorative Arts in Old Salem, and her father, Tony Furr, sat on the board of the village for many years. Needless to say,

Smith gets her passion for all things historic honestly.

Today Smith runs Vintage Smith Co. from her home in Buckhead. She hosts Instagram sales on Tuesdays when her followers can tune in to her feed for the latest finds. Her wares range from stunning blue and white Chinoiserie to shiny and sturdy brass figures. Smith shares more about her blossoming business.

How did you get into estate sales?

My husband, Shawn, has always loved architecture, history and antiques, and he was the one who started taking me to estate sales. I would go with him, and I didn't get why they were special because he was buying things I would never buy. But then I started paying attention to other items and going

at other times. He always went on Sundays, and when I started going on Thursdays before everything was picked over, that’s when things changed. I realized there were so many good things waiting to be uncovered.

What did you do before this?

I majored in advertising, graduated from UGA and got my first job at House Beautiful magazine. Mind you, I didn't appreciate house design and decor back then. When we moved to Atlanta in 1998, I worked for Turner Broadcasting and did event marketing. After that, I was in philanthropy just before Vintage Smith Co. took off in May 2019.

How did you know you could make it more serious?

My first big sale was from a Goodwill flip. I got two cool wicker stools, painted them Kelly green and sold them right away. I was like, well maybe I've stumbled upon something.

What do you find rewarding about your job?

I love helping friends’ parents with their downsizing. Not only do you find some real gems, but you learn the history of what something meant to the family, and you can feel their relief that it's going to someone who will appreciate it.

What are some of your most popular items?

People always love kitschy brass and anything coastal. It's just whatever speaks to me. I may buy something and try it out in my house for a little while and decide whether I love it. Our entry table is famous for constant changes. Everyone in the house will notice I’ve swapped the catch-all, and they’ll wonder why there’s a different bowl. And the answer is because I found another vintage piece I liked even better. n

Fit for a Tween Page 38

“The frustration of trying to find shoes that she loved… was something we went through for years.” — Janet Ward

QUADsis co-founders Stephanie Guido and Janet Ward.

FIT FOR A TWEEN

Two Atlanta moms fill a massive void in the fashion market

STORY: Emily L. Foley

It all started when Janet Ward’s 8-year-old daughter hit a growth spurt and needed a women’s size 7 shoe. Suddenly, the only styles that fit her and were age-appropriate were sneakers. “The frustration of trying to find shoes that she loved and weren’t different from what her friends were wearing was something we went through for years,” Ward says. “It was a problem that never went away.”

Though Ward thought about launching a shoe company and talked it over with her close friend Stephanie Guido, it took roughly

two years before the two paired up and took the entrepreneurial leap together. In 2020, utilizing Ward’s business background in mergers and acquisitions and Guido’s eye for design as an interior designer (as well as her background in finance), the pair launched QUADSis, a line of girls’ shoes designed for tweens and young teens that come in women’s sizes.

The name QUADSis has a plethora of meanings and holds great significance for Ward and Guido. It can also be pronounced two ways: “Quads Is” or “Quad Sis.” “The num-

ber four represents strength and confidence: Your quads are some of the most powerful muscles in your body, and we have four daughters between us,” shares Guido. “From a marketing standpoint, we love ‘Quads is confidence’, ‘Quads is strength’, but there is also a running joke that we look like sisters. We wanted to trademark something of our own, so QUADSis was it.”

The brand has five styles of shoes including espadrilles, Mary Janes and booties, and more will launch later this year. “I always have different styles sketched on my mood board, and we show ideas to our girls to get their temperature on it,” Guido says. “Sometimes they think they don’t like a design, but once

we get a sample of it, and they try it on, they change their minds!”

The shoes are primarily sold on the QUADSis website. The partners also plan to sell wholesale and are exploring retail partnerships, starting with Sprong Children’s Shoes in Buckhead. A brick-and-mortar location of their own is also a goal. “To have a flagship store with our name on it would be a dream,” Ward says.

However, their goals are about more than just growth. “We want our brand to be synonymous with giving girls confidence and making them feel pretty,” says Ward. As any mom of teens can attest, wardrobe truly can make or break that confidence.

As for becoming business partners after 20 years of friendship, it has been nothing but positive for the pair. “We are both good at different things, and we quickly landed into where we excel, plus we have always put our friendship first,” Ward says.

“Starting a business together has made our friendship stronger,” continues Guido. “We were close before, but the business forces us to have more candid, open conversations than a day-to-day friendship.” n

Ward and Guido keep their daughters involved in the brand as they design and develop new styles.

Left: The Brooke Boot comes in two colorways and was named after Ward’s daughter.

Right: The Elaine Too Espadrille Wedge is specifically designed with a wedge height and rise that provides balance and support to girls as they walk.

Clover by Clove + Hallow H2Glow+ ($20)

Packed full of nourishing, restorative ingredients such as glycerin, squalane and vitamin B5, this serum supports your skin barrier, hydrates, plumps and delivers a healthy glow while still absorbing into your skin without a trace. Plus, it’s 99% naturally derived and—eco bonus—packaged in recyclable glass. The brand is also Atlanta-founded and based.

Clover by Clove • cloverbyclove.com @cloverbyclove

Hanni Good Aura Body Oil ($34)

Love the hydration, glow and soft skin an oil provides, but hate the greasy residue? Join the club! This “anti oil” from Atlanta-based Hanni is created using fractionated tech to shrink the molecular size of the oil itself, so it absorbs into the skin quickly and completely. Forget everything you think you know about oil sitting on your skin.

Hanni • heyhanni.com • @hannismooth

LIGHTEN UP

Summer-fy your skin hydration

STORY: Emily L. Foley

Keeping your skin hydrated is important, but with Atlanta’s summer humidity, you should steer clear of thick creams or lotions that can clog pores and leave skin feeling weighed down. “Warmer temperatures can stimulate our skin to naturally produce more oil, so you may notice your favorite wintertime moisturizer suddenly feels ‘greasy’ or like it’s sitting on the skin,” says Ryan Christopher, esthetician, Beauty By Ryan in Sandy Springs. “And that’s simply because heavier moisturizers use oils to form a barrier on the skin, while lightweight moisturizers rely more on water content.” These light products will help keep your face and body hydrated during summer’s sweltering days.

Fleur & Bee Rose and Shine Rose Toner ($30)

Rose water has been used in beauty routines for thousands of years, thanks to its soothing, hydrating and anti-inflammatory abilities. This toner shines with those qualities and an elegant, calming scent. Spritz your face with it before, after or during your skincare or makeup routine, and it’s going to calm, hydrate and soften your skin every time.

Fleur & Bee • fleurandbee.com • @fleurandbee

Algenist Power Recharging Night

Pressed Serum ($95)

Biotech-produced ingredients derived from sea algae power this overnight hydrator to amp up your beauty sleep. Your skin wakes up healthy, happy and hydrated.

Algenist • algenist.com @algenist

Banila Co Blooming Youth PeachCollagen Multi-Stick Balm ($21)

K-Beauty brands know a thing or two about multi-use products, and this stick balm is a true multi-tasker. Packed with collagen and hyaluronic acid, the portable stick plumps and hydrates, and can be used directly on dry spots or all over your face. Apply it as the first step of your skincare routine pre-SPF or moisturizer, or as the last step as a primer before you put on makeup.

Banila Co • banilausa.com @banilacousa

Glossier Full Orbit ($28)

Heavy eye creams seem great for smoothing fatigue lines and crow’s feet, but they can cause undereye breakouts and even milia. Plus, the sting of putting thick eye creams on your eyelids? No thanks! Full Orbit is gel-like, absorbs quickly and hydrates and brightens without clogging your pores, and it can even be used on lids with zero eye irritation.

Glossier • glossier.com • @glossier

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, dining and entertainment destination with a blend of interesting boutiques, delicious restaurants and useful services.

ANCHORS

Costco

• LA Fitness

• LOOK Dine-In Cinema

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

• European Wax Center

GNC (General Nutrition Center)

Johanna Clark Hair

Massage Heights

• Intown Pediatrics

• The Joint - The Chiropractic Place

• Nail Talk & Tan

Vein Clinics of America

26 Thai Sushi & Bar

The Flying Biscuit Café

Kilwins

• Salon Red

• Town Dentistry

• Vida-Flo: The Hydration Station

DINING

• Costa Coffee

• Crumbl Cookies

• HOBNOB Neighborhood Tavern

• Mirko Pasta

• Moe’s Southwest Grill

Newk’s Express Café

• Red Pepper Taqueria

There Restaurant and Bar

Tropical Smoothie Café

• The Wing Guru

HOME FURNISHINGS & DÉCOR

Redefined Home Boutique SERVICES

Brookhaven Alterations

• Brookhaven Animal Hospital

Corporate America Family Credit Union

Keller Williams

• Reflections Eyecare

Town Cleaners

• Tutu School Brookhaven

ART, ELECTRONICS & ENTERTAINMENT

AT&T

• Hawaii Fluid Art (Opening Soon)

TRAVEL & TOURISM

Explore Brookhaven

www.townbrookhaven.net

Conveniently located on Peachtree Road adjacent to Oglethorpe University.

UNMASKING THE TRUTH

Debunking Common Skincare Myths

By Elise P. Barnett, M.D. Founder of Atlanta Skin Wellness Center

we are constantly bombarded with messaging on skincare dos and

straight.

Myth #1 “I don’t need sunscreen daily information is hit or miss. As a boardcertified dermatologist, I’d like to debunk some common myths and set the record

don’ts though the trustworthiness of this because I work indoors.” This is a common myth that I hear frequently from

patients. Some believe that if they are not outside seeking the sun, then sunscreen is unnecessary. Studies have shown that even momentary sun exposure (for example, walking from your car to your office building, checking your mail, traveling in your car) has a cumulative effect. These little bits of sun exposure add up to one hour per week—the equivalent of baking in the sun for a full hour. To combat the cumulative sun damage incidental sun exposure causes, I recommend a light daily sunscreen of at least an SPF 30 on the face and neck. This should be worn rain or shine, 365 days of the year.

Myth #2 Getting a “base tan” will prevent me from burning. Tanning at all, especially in a tanning bed, causes damage to the skin. Tanning beds emit UVA rays, which penetrate more deeply into the skin than UVB rays which are found in abundance in natural sunlight. UVA rays emitted from tanning beds damage collagen and accelerate wrinkling, creating an eventual “leather bag” appearance to the skin. UVA rays also increase one’s risk of melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. UVB rays found in sunlight contribute to sunburn, but low levels of UVB over time do cause “hardening” of the skin or thickening of the skin’s very top layer, making it less susceptible to acute and obvious burns. UVA rays emitted by tanning beds do not contribute to hardening of the skin, so they create no physiological burn protection.

Myth #3 The higher SPF I use, the more protected I am from sunburn. While this “myth” does hold some truth, sun protection does not go up significantly after about SPF 30.A sunscreen with an SPF rating of 30 provides 97% UV protection. SPF 40 provides 97.5% protection and sunscreen with an SPF rating of 50 provides 98% UV protection. What matters most is the amount of sunscreen applied and the frequency of reapplication. A person should apply 2 ounces (the amount in a shot glass) of sunscreen to cover the parts of the body not covered by a swimsuit. Reapplication is key! Reapplying sunscreen every one and a half hours or more frequently after getting wet or sweating will help keep you protected in the sun

If you have questions about skincare myths or any other skincare concerns, let us know how we can help!

Elise P. Barnett, M.D. Board-Certified Dermatologist

SHARP ALTERNATIVES

Does Chinese medicine for fertility work?

When trying to get pregnant with my second child, I began asking around for proactive and holistic early fertility treatments, including acupuncture, to supplement my attempts and Western gynecology practices.

Among those I polled, the overwhelming answer was Buckhead Acupuncture & Herbal Center, where Mark Schwartz has been exclusively focused on women’s and men’s fertility since 2010.

When looking for a Chinese medicine fertility specialist to help get pregnant, stay pregnant or reduce symptoms, credentials are just as important as in Western medicine, as not all practitioners are created equally. Schwartz has extensive training in his field. He’s a licensed acupuncturist with the Georgia Composite Medical Board and has master’s level training in Chinese medicine, as well as a doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese medicine with a focus on women’s health and reproductive medicine. To consider a practitioner,

he says it’s imperative at minimum to see a licensed acupuncturist to ensure you’re getting quality care from someone who has advanced knowledge and who is governed by the Georgia Composite Medical Board.

While there are five branches of Chinese medicine (herbs, acupuncture, dietary recommendations, movement therapies and longevity techniques), Schwartz’s practice mainly focuses on herbs and acupuncture for fertility issues. Almost all Chinese medicine practitioners in the country offer acupuncture, but not all offer herbs, an essential part of the process, according to Schwartz.

“When we put acupuncture and herbs together, we’re working on increasing blood flow to the uterus and helping produce higher pregnancy rates and fewer ectopic pregnancies, and decrease the risk of certain types of early pregnancy loss. They can also help increase IVF egg retrieval, fertilization, blastocyst and live birth rates,” he says. For men’s infertility, they can help

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

with erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, motility and morphology, or the size and shape of sperm.

Patients should expect to spend three to six months with a Chinese medicine doctor to see results. “It’s not a magical, one-time thing,” says Schwartz. A first appointment includes a lengthy intake for a full picture view of a person’s life, health history, stressors and more. Patients undress for an acupuncture session and lie down on their backs (or are elevated with pillows, if further along in a pregnancy) and are covered by a sheet. Single-use sterile needles are then inserted into the body head to foot.

Schwartz always starts with three relaxation points at the top of the head, between the eyebrows and over the sternum. For women’s fertility, he follows up with points on the lower body, including the lower abdomen for the uterus, tubes and ovaries, and a point about three inches above the inner ankle bone. This distal point is the most

important one related to women’s health, according to Schwartz. From there, depending on patient symptoms and conditions, he will place somewhere between 10 to 20 additional needles.

His patients visit once a week to receive acupuncture and pick up Chinese herbs. If doing IVF, the frequency of acupuncture treatments will increase six weeks before an embryo transfer to potentially increase pregnancy rates, reduce losses and reduce ectopic pregnancies. The custom blend of herbs is taken in tea form two to three times a day to help treat a patient’s constellation of symptoms.

While Schwartz doesn’t know exactly how many people he’s helped, he measures success by the moms with babies in their arms and the cute pictures he receives. He’ll be getting a photo from me this summer. n BUCKHEAD ACUPUNCTURE & HERBAL CENTER

“

To quote Martin Luther King Jr., ‘Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health is the most shocking and inhuman,’” says Dr. Michael Vincent Smith, CEO and founder of Marti Health. The new health care platform works to improve the quality, consistency and equity of health outcomes for socially at-risk populations beginning with the sickle cell disease community and caregivers.

Smith is a former heart surgeon with significant experience in value-based health care, a business model where doctors are paid to keep people healthy versus treating them just when they’re sick. He has also worked in health equity at Anthem (now Elevance) and Cigna, and as the deputy chief health equity officer with CVS Health. He named the company in honor of King. “We think our job here is to reduce injustices in health care,” says the Chastain Park resident.

Financially supported by the UnitedHealthcare Accelerator program and with a contract with CareSource, Marti Health began enrolling highrisk patients with sickle cell disease into its program this February.

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder affecting around 100,000 Americans and more than 20 million people worldwide. It originated from a single gene mutation 7,000 years ago in SubSaharan Africa. People who have two copies of this particular gene mutation have sickle cell anemia and sickle cell crisis, where the flow of blood is blocked to an area of the body because the cells have become stuck in the blood vessel.

How does the disease present itself?

It almost always presents within the first two weeks of life and usually no later than six months, though there are exceptions. While it’s much more prevalent in African Americans, it affects all races. Thirty percent of children with sickle cell will have a stroke before age 18 that causes cognitive loss, not motor loss, that is sometimes undiagnosed and impacts learning; 12-26% will have hearing loss by age 18. It causes a life of organ damage, serious pain and premature death—50% die before age 51.

Health Equity Crusader

Dr. Michael Smith improves outcomes for at-risk populations

STORY: Karina Antenucci PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

How does the story of Brittany

Hightower exemplify the quintessential sickle cell experience?

Brittany was a 22-year-old African American woman in Texas who went to her local ER on Christmas Eve 2022 and complained of severe pain from sickle cell. The ER team didn’t give her adequate medication for the severity. Blunting the pain with high doses of medicine reduces sickle crisis progression and stops the body from killing cells. When Brittany continued to complain, nurses said they could not give her more meds. Then they called the local police who

told her to leave the hospital. She died eight days later. When we speak with sickle cell patients, we hear the same story of combined clinical ignorance and cultural insensitivity.

How do you aim to change this outcome with Marti Health?

We are focused on eliminating disparities in health care for special needs populations, starting with sickle cell, and improving the quality and access to comprehensive and compassionate care management. We do this through community-based engagement, a proprietary online

platform for early identification of burden of illness and avoidance of acute pain crises, while fostering patient trust and empowerment.

This isn’t your first time finding equitable solutions to fill health care gaps.   When I was chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Atlanta Medical Center from 2005-2009, I became aware of the fact that black men in Atlanta had the nation’s highest rate of dying of lung cancer. So we launched the first early-detection lung cancer program in Georgia, which in conjunction with the Early Lung Cancer Action Project, led to the United States Preventive Task Force guidelines for lung cancer screening. Then I found out that Jehovah’s Witnesses were being denied heart surgery because they can’t take blood [transfusions] for religious reasons. It is possible to perform some open-heart surgeries without giving blood, so we did and were the first in the state to do so. I’m trying to come up with equitable solutions for everybody. n

Cancer upends your life. We’re doing everything we can to change that. By reimagining the care experience to ease the burden of cancer. With the research, trials, and personalized treatments you can only get at Winship of Emory. All so you can focus on what matters most: the best chance of living a full life.

Learn more: emoryhealthcare.org/winship-cares

VISIT OUR MIDTOWN LOCATION.

Cancer care designed around you. And your life.

What

— Zoe Oli

“We want to help raise the next generation of leaders.”

What a Doll

12-year-old entrepreneur Zoe Oli lifts up other girls STORY: Karina Antenucci

When Zoe Oli was 6, she did not like her curly hair and wished it was straight like her classmates. Her mom, Evana, searched for a black girl doll to boost her self-esteem but couldn’t find one featuring curls or braids like Zoe’s. So Zoe decided to make her own. A year later, in 2019, she launched Beautiful Curly Me, a brand to inspire confidence in brown and black girls with relatable dolls. The young entrepreneur’s dolls and growing array of products, from puzzles to storybooks, are now available online as well as at Macy’s and Learning Express in Buckhead, and are expected to be part of a Target launch later this year.

Zoe’s favorite part about run-

ning a business is helping others. “I launched the doll line so girls can see themselves positively reflected,” Zoe says. “When parents tell me their girls love the dolls and feel better about themselves, that’s the best part.”

The books that followed the doll launch had the same self-boosting purpose, including affirmations telling girls they are beautiful and can do anything they put their minds to. A series of books will come out sometime this year to complement a new line of dolls that have different passions, such as entrepreneurship and performing/visual arts, to show girls they can be anything they want to be. With every doll sold, Beautiful Curly Me gives a doll to a girl in need.

Of course, combining the role of CEO with seventh grade and extracurricular activities such as tennis, track, piano and theater, is no easy feat. “My mom helps me balance my time. She holds down the fort while I’m at school, but I am heavily involved with the business side of things. I’m in all of the meetings I can be in and know the day-to-day and behind-thescenes [happenings].”

The biggest lesson the Olis learned through starting their brand is that some form of help is always out there. “When we began, we were on our own with Google research. Now, we’re part of a lot of industry organizations and have mentors who guide and help,” Zoe says.

Paying their good fortune forward, last summer Zoe and her mom launched Youth Mean Business (youthmeanbusiness.com), a week-long growth accelerator for entrepreneurs ages 11 to 17 that includes mentorship and coaching. “This is important to me because, as I’ve grown, I’ve noticed there aren’t

a lot of resources for kids who have already started a business,” Zoe says. “We want to help raise the next generation of leaders.”

They also manage the Curly + Confident Club, a virtual club membership ($30 per month) for girls ages 6 to 12 to meet online and in person, if located in Atlanta, to get resources and activities to grow their confidence.

In addition to these programs and her new product launches, in the year ahead, Zoe is looking forward to increasing her speaking engagements. In 2022, she gave a TEDx talk about confidence and the role toys play. Since then, she has spoken at schools, benefits, company meetings and more.

“I was very shy before. I’m introverted, but because I’m passionate about this, I’m able to come out of my shell. The business has helped me with public speaking and to grow my confidence,” she says. n

Do you know someone who snores?

Feeling tired? Have trouble sleeping? Hate your cpap?

sleep quality

Have you ever considered how your sleep quality profoundly influences your overall health? Poor sleep quality can significantly disrupt your daily life, leading to persistent fatigue, mood disturbances, and even the onset of serious health conditions.

Keep it comfortable

uncomfortable, there are a range of personalized sleep solutions, including an oral sleep appliance as a revolutionary alternative.

If you exhibit signs or report symptoms consistent with a restricted airway, we now take proactive steps by offering a complimentary home sleep test. We firmly believe in the importance home sleep study

of your well-being, which is why we prioritize the detection and management of sleeprelated issues. Our esteemed dentists, Dr. McDonald and Dr. Patel, are proud to provide their expertise in reviewing your home sleep test results with the goal of empowering you to make informed decisions regarding your health.

Whether you've newly received a diagnosis of sleep apnea or simply find traditional CPAP machines cumbersome and We’re here to help!

To schedule a sleep evaluation or learn more about our services, please contact us at:

DOG’S DAY OUT

Fabulous daycares and boarding for your priceless pooch

Whether you travel frequently or work in an office, having a home away from home for your canine offers peace of mind that they’re in good hands. Atlanta has an abundance of doggie daycares and boarding facilities. Here are a few pet-friendly choices in Buckhead, Dunwoody, Brookhaven and the Westside.

WAGGING TAILS

This daycare and boarding spot on the Westside offers a free evaluation day to ensure it’s a good fit for your four-legged love. Wagging Tails has a large indoor playroom, 36 sleep-

STORY: Chelsie Butler

ing rooms and a 1,500-square-foot, fenced-in outdoor yard with an 8-foot privacy fence and a doggie pool. Bathing services are offered, as well as a 30-minute massage add-on for your pampered princess.

Safety bonus: A recirculating water trough features a filter so your dog is never drinking another pup's germs. Plus, the facility has partnered with Peachtree Dog Trainers so your pet can play and train with the pros during their stay. Prices are $40 for a full day and $30 for a half day. Package discounts are offered.

PUPPY HAVEN PET RESORT

Each of Puppy Haven’s two locations

in Buckhead and one in Brookhaven (there are seven Atlanta locations) offers spacious and secure indoor and outdoor play areas, splash pools, plenty of toys and interaction with and supervision from trained professionals. Amenities include spacious sleeping quarters, individual care and attention, ample potty breaks and calming music for overnight stays. Daily activity packages include Group Play, Individual Play, Puppy Care and Senior Care. It also offers training services. Lodging starts at $50, and custom activity packages range in price. New customers receive a free daycare day and a free night of lodging.

ATLANTA PET RESORT

This boarding and daycare facility In Dunwoody features two indoor play

PUP PAYBACKS

There are many benefits to letting your pooch spend an afternoon in doggie daycare.

“The environmental stimulation from being around new dogs really helps desensitize them to a multitude of scenarios and creates a more [socialized] canine companion.”

—Cain Henderson, a customer service rep with Atlanta Pet Resort in Dunwoody

“Dogs who come to daycare regularly build confidence with every visit.”

—Sophie Sirzyk, director of marketing and administration for Puppy Haven Pet Resort

“Having an extra set of eyes on your dog on a routine basis provides owners with an incredible resource for their dog’s health and well-being.”

—Tabitha Trimm-Hooson, CEO of Wagging Tails

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Each pet facility will have its own set of rules and regulations regarding immunizations and preferred dog behavior, so do your research to ensure your pup is ready for an amazing stay.

spaces and one outdoor play yard with artificial turf and plenty of plastic play equipment for pure fun. Because Atlanta Pet Resort operates on a group-play basis, pups are temperament tested before longer stays to determine who is best for low- or high-energy groups. The facility also accepts dogs that only do well with human interaction through a PlayAlone service, where handlers make time just for them. Puppy Postcards allow Petectives to report back to the owners when they can’t be there to see them in person. The full-day rate is $32; half-day rates start at $20; boarding begins at $51 per night. Amenities packages include grooming services, and cuddle and story times are sold separately. n

ATLANTA PET RESORT • 770.212.3131

atlantapetresort.com

@atlantapetresortdunwoody

PUPPY HAVEN • 404.885.8788

puppyhaven.com

@puppy_haven_chastain

@puppy_haven_buckhead

@puppy_haven_brookhaven

WAGGING TAILS • 404.873.0049

waggingtailsatlanta.com • @waggingtailsatlanta

Above: Atlanta Pet Resort in Dunwoody keeps pups active with plenty of indoor and outdoor play spaces.

Above: Being in doggie daycare helps socialize pups and provides plenty of rest and relaxation.

Below: Puppy Haven has several Atlanta locations and offers a variety of daily activities for dogs.

The Home Market

How to navigate a purchase or sale this year STORY: Amy Meadows

Whether you’re hoping to buy a new home or sell your current one, changing your residential status right now might be a daunting prospect. Despite recent high mortgage rates and inflation, real estate agent Erin Yabroudy of Harry Norman REALTORS in Buckhead reveals that it is possible to find either the right buyer or the home of your dreams in today’s market.

What are the challenges of the real estate market in Atlanta today?

A shortage of inventory is probably the biggest challenge. There also are affordability challenges because interest rates are higher than they were a few years ago. Home values are continuing to increase as well; home prices appreciated 6% over the last year, and we expect that to hold true in 2024.

Are there any positives about 2024’s real estate market?

Mortgage rates have moderated

and are down from their high back in the third quarter of last year. Some in the industry believe they will continue to come down over the course of the year. That will bring more buyers into the market, which will lead to more competition and multiple-offer situations.

What are your tips for selling a home this year?

Pick a great real estate agent and take their advice in regard to selling. Right now, pricing is important. I would err on the side of caution in terms of positioning yourself at market value or even a little bit under to get several offers in a few days. Also, market prep is critical. The homes that are selling for the best prices have taken time to present something really good. It doesn’t have to cost a fortune: put on a fresh coat of paint, declutter, boost your landscaping with fresh pine straw or have your windows washed. These things can make a big impact.

How should some approach the home buying process right now?

Start by getting your financing in order. If you’re planning to get a loan, lock in with a pre-approval, if you can. Your real estate agent can recommend the right mortgage lenders for you. If you end up in a multiple-offer situation, this will help you stand out by giving the seller some surety. Also, don’t just think about what you can afford; think about what you want to afford. Just because you can buy a $2 million house doesn’t mean it will feel good to actually spend that much. That holds true at every price point. And in this market, be flexible if you can about your requirements. If you can’t be flexible, then be patient until you find the right home.

a home is definitely possible in today’s challenging economic environment.

What do you say to those who are uncertain about the current real estate market? We cannot control the economy. We can’t control interest rates, the stock market, who’s going to

be president or inflation. It comes down to why you originally wanted to make a move. Are you getting married? Getting divorced? Having a baby? Downsizing? If your reason has not changed, then try to let go of the economic uncertainty. Atlanta is consistently rated as a top city for all kinds of reasons: We’re affordable, we have great weather and many companies are moving here. You can feel a lot of surety about Atlanta and the long-term viability of homeownership here. n

Lisa-Blue

From Saint-Tropez to Atlanta

“Our galleries become our homes . . . and our clients become our friends.”

— Philippe Horowicz

From Saint-Tropez to Atlanta

“

There are so many places in the world where we could open a gallery,” says Laura Horowicz, co-owner with her hus band, Philippe, of the Carousel Art Gallery, a contemporary gallery in Buckhead Village. “One of our main criteria is that we feel at home.”

With galleries in Miami and Saint-Tropez, the couple says Atlanta fit the bill as their third location and enticed them to move from Florida. For Laura, who still has family in Kentucky where she grew up, it is also a way of getting closer to her roots. Eager to expand and impressed with Atlanta’s burgeoning art scene, the couple had their eyes on real estate here. The move happened quickly. They were finishing their exhibition season in Saint-Tropez in September 2023 when they learned of an open retail space in Buckhead Village.

Couple opens bold new gallery in Buckhead

Hands-on with the openings of their galleries, they shipped dozens of artworks from France to Miami that fall and had select pieces trucked to Atlanta. Once here, the duo unpacked crates, hung the art and furnished the space just in time for their opening in November before heading back to Context Art

have a particularly bold, distinctive voice and technique. For instance, the gallery includes dazzling floral paintings by Eric Alfaro and playful, provocative works by painter Chance Cooper. Mid-career artists include Mr. Brainwash, known for his street art, and French pop-art sculptor Richard Orlinski.

her paintings. Dechamby, who owns a SaintTropez gallery, was instrumental in Philippe’s moving to Tampa 15 years ago on a golf scholarship. It was a big change from the small village in Switzerland where he lived with his mother and sister. He went on to get a degree in marketing, but his good

married and traveling the world on modeling jobs before settling in France. They worked in Dechamby’s gallery then opened their own space in Saint-Tropez, followed by the Miami location in 2021.

When working with collectors, Laura says being a good listener is tantamount. “It helps to know where people vacation, what style of home they have and whether they want their art to be cohesive with that style. We love helping

Both Laura and Philippe pride themselves on their personalized service and do many of the installs

The couple lives at a Buckhead condo with their dog, Pepper, and plans on buying a home in Atlanta soon. But Philippe notes they spend most of their time in the gallery. “Our galleries become our homes; our team becomes our family, and our clients become our friends,” he says.

This month, they will host a solo show for Alfaro, followed in June with one for mixed media artist Cayla Birk. Later this year, they plan to exhibit at the inaugural Atlanta Art Fair Oct. 3-6, a celebration of local and regional art. n

CAROUSEL FINE ART • 404.963.776

nyc.carouselartgroup.com @carouselfineart

LESSONS FROM THE PANDEMIC

Emory doctor’s book focuses on mental health

Dr. Dhaval Desai realized something wasn’t quite right in the summer of 2020 when he found himself not wanting to help his daughter learn to ride a two-wheeler.

“I just wanted to finish the evening grind with the kids and lie down on the couch,” says the Sandy Springs native. “I can remember faking feeling any joy when she did it. I had enough insight to know something was wrong that I wasn’t excited to be in the moment.”

That disconnected feeling was more the result of a long day as

the director of hospital medicine at Emory Saint Joseph’s. It was just a few months into the pandemic, and Desai and his colleagues were already exhausted.

“I’ve always enjoyed sharing that frontline perspective, especially when it comes to the patient experience, but we were thrown into the fire,” he says. “Burnout has been an ongoing issue, and that can lead to compassion fatigue.”

Added to the COVID crisis was Desai’s having become a dad for the second time just two weeks before the world shut down. “As a doctor,

STORY: H.M. Cauley

a father and husband, I came to a point where I was struggling with mental health.”

One of Desai’s therapeutic tactics was to write honestly about his experiences, and at the same time, tell the story in a way that portrayed health care workers as human beings. The result is Burning Out on the COVID Front Lines: A Doctor’s Memoir of Fatherhood, Race and Perseverance in the Pandemic

“A lot of us forget what we went through; all we all remember is seeing pictures of those terrible hospital scenes in New York,” he

says. “We forget that health care workers are human beings, but with so much work to do, it takes us away from the mission we signed up for.”

The two-year project of writing his first book gave Desai the chance to examine his own experiences and to encourage others from any walk of life who are struggling with mental health issues to find the support they need.

“I want the major takeaway to be that it’s OK to not be OK,” he says. “You can be highly functional and still not be OK. About 400 physicians a year die by suicide, and that should not happen.”

Desai points to the case of Dr. Lorna Breen, a New York physician who committed suicide in 2020 after battling the pandemic’s demands and her own case of COVID. All proceeds from the book will go to the foundation named for her that works to raise awareness of mental health issues and reduce their stigma in the medical community. Desai himself admits to feeling vulnerable while writing the book.

“But there are so many people out there like me who may not recognize their own vulnerability or do anything about it,” he says. “I talk about how I came through it and how I’m so much better. I was never suicidal, but I had a dark cloud over me. I’m grateful I can share my voice so others can be on that journey, too.”

Desai, who also teaches at Emory’s medical school, adds a warning about the current state of the health care system as well. “It’s very fragile,” he says. “But we also need to think about preventative care to make sure we have a stable system we can depend on. I’m not sure we can sustain another pandemic.” n dhavaldesaimd.com • @doctordesaimd

Musician Joe Alterman lost his best friend and mentor when legendary jazzman Les McCann died at age 88 in December.

More than half a century apart in age, the two bonded over their joyful approach to jazz piano, highlighted on one of two albums Alterman released in August, Joe Alterman Plays Les McCann: Big Mo & Little Joe. “It meant a lot to him, which meant a lot to me,” Alterman says. “Songs that he never thought would live on are living on, and it brought us together more.”

The Sandy Springs native, who also recently released Solo Joe: Songs You Know, performs locally and around the country, and participates in special events, including opening for comedian Paul Reiser at a benefit for Dunwoody’s Marcus Jewish Com munity Center in January.

Additionally, he has a second career as the executive director of Neranenah, the Jewish arts and culture series that was known as the Atlanta Jewish Music Festival until mid-2020. In June, he’ll mark his sixth anniversary at Neranenah, Hebrew for “to come together and sing.”

He shares an artistic life with his wife of one year, Stephanie, an actor and the director of arts and culture education at the Marcus JCC.

Tell us about your two recent albums. One was my first solo piano album. There are a lot of tunes by people like James Taylor and Carole King that are modern standards. They are really arrangements I put to jazz tunes during COVID. I didn’t get into jazz through the solos, like the improvisation. It was hearing the way jazz musicians interpreted songs that I already knew. So hope fully people will hear what I first heard when I came to jazz. The next one was really special. Les McCann was my hero, my mentor-turned-best buddy. We met 12 years ago, and barely a day went by that we didn’t speak. This album showcases his compositions plus one that we wrote together. When I was doing release shows for the album, we’d be FaceTiming before the show, and I’d say, “I’m about to go play your music,” and he’d say, “Our music,” and he was very serious about it.

In the Key of Comfort

Joe Alterman shares the joy of his own music and Jewish culture STORY: Michael Jacobs

lege-age students, a few in high school, who gravitate to my music and want to talk to me. It’s so special, but it is so bizarre that they look at me like I looked at a 35-year-old piano player when I was their age.

How do you balance your personal music with Neranenah?

Every day is just crazy, honestly. But I like what I’m doing, so it works out. If I didn’t have Neranenah, I’d be itching for something else

sweeter when I come back.

What’s ahead for Neranenah?

Every year, we like to pay tribute to a Jewish-owned record label.

I’ve always been fascinated by Commodore Records and Milt Gabler, the producer who recorded Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” when nobody else would, and he also recorded “Rock Around the Clock.” His nephew, coincidentally, is Billy Crystal, and I was able to arrange

a virtual chat with him. Our season opener next year will be an evening weaving that virtual conversation into an evening of great Commodore Records music.

Crystal grew up around his uncle and all these great jazz musicians. Louis Armstrong used to go to their seders when he was a kid, and I said, “What was it like having seder with Louis Armstrong?” He had that raspy voice, and Crystal said his grandma one time looked at Louis and said, “Can’t you just cough it up?” n

JOE ALTERMAN joealtermanmusic.com • @joealterman NERANENAH neranenaharts.org @neranenah

The Sintoses

EVENTS BY Nicole Letts

ALL ABOUT ART

AN AWARD-WINNING FESTIVAL COMES TO DUNWOODY ONCE AGAIN

As a popular Mother’s Day tradition, the Dunwoody Art Festival returns on May 11 and 12. What started in 2010 as a small spread on Chamblee-Dunwoody Road has turned into an annual event that promises fun for the whole family. Now, almost 15 years later, join throngs of neighbors and visitors at Dunwoody Village Shopping Center on Dunwoody Village Parkway for the twoday festival featuring over 130 artisans as well as food vendors and live music.

Frances Schube, co-founder of Splash Festivals that produces eight festivals around metro Atlanta, is a Dunwoody resident of 34 years. This festival in her company’s repertoire holds a special place in her heart.

“Artists come back year after year and fight to get a spot,” she says. This year, expect to see new artists and returning favorites, such as jewelry artist Kathryn Riechert and painter Lucy Thomas.

Parking for the festival is available at Dunwoody City Hall. Shuttles will run continuously to and from the entrance. Additional parking may be found in the surrounding area. The event is rain or shine; hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 11 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 12. Entrance is free and open to the public. n

splashfestivals.com/events-festivals/dunwoody-art-festival @dunwoodyartfestival

from the Alabama flower

Peruse items from

Above: Cat necklace by participating festival artist Kathryn Riechert (top).

BY Nicole Letts

Food That Rocks returns to Sandy Springs Rocking

Good Flavors

Sandy Springs celebrates all things cuisine again at Food That Rocks on June 6 from 6-10 p.m. at City Green. The one-night-only, food-festival-style event is presented in partnership with Taste of Atlanta and brings the diverse flavors of Sandy Springs to one spot. Admission gets patrons “all you can eat” from a vast selection of restaurants. The 2023 event brought

together six bakeries, more than a dozen beverage distributors and 20 restaurants. This year's lineup is being announced on a rolling basis, but ticket holders can expect participants such as The General Muir, il Giallo Osteria & Bar, McDaniel's QN2 and Southern Bistro. Last year, the event also featured live music, cooking demonstrations, a tarot card reader, a caricature artist

and a 360 photo booth. The tasting experience benefits Community Assistance Center, Second Helpings Atlanta, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House and Giving Kitchen. General admission tickets include food and beverages, while VIP tickets offer early access, a swag bag and other perks. n

Where the Garden Grows

American Hydrangea Society Garden Tour comes to metro Atlanta

The Annual American Hydrangea Society Garden Tour on June 8 started 30 years ago by Penny McHenry with the goal of bringing together hydrangea enthusiasts. This year’s 29th event is a celebration of its favorite flower and an opportunity for members to mingle. Tours are centered around the hydrangea genus in different types of settings in gardens both large and small. Tickets are included in the annual price of membership, which is $35 for a single (and single ticket) or $50 for a household that includes two tickets. Admission gives visitors access to five gardens throughout north Atlanta, Roswell, Marietta and Canton. n

BUZZ

LEGALLY BLONDE THE MUSICAL

May 3-19

cityspringstheatre.com @cityspringstheatre

Elle Woods and her friends take the stage at Byers Theater at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center this month. The musical spectacular follows everyone’s favorite blonde law student as she sings and dances her way through school, cliches and love triangles. Tickets start at $37.

SALSA NIGHTS

Ongoing on Wednesdays

eclipsediluna.com/locationdunwoody • @eclipsediluna

Shake your tailfeather during salsa nights at Eclipse Di Luna Dunwoody. Happy hour drink specials begin at 4 p.m., and the live band starts at 7 p.m.

Need to brush up on your skills?

A professional instructor offers complimentary lessons each week from 7:30-9:30 p.m.

CONTRAPUNTO

ART EXHIBIT

Through May 19

museum.oglethorpe.edu/ exhibitions/contrapunto @oumuseum

Contrapunto: Works by a Contemporary Latin American Artist Collective at the Oglethrorpe University Museum of Art brings artists together under one roof and celebrates contemporary Latin American art in the Southeast. Works on display are by Carlos Solis, Pedro Fuertes, Jorge Arcos, Dora Lopez, Melvin Toledo and Catalina Gomez-Beuth.

DINNER AND A DIVA: PAGLIACCI AT PETITE VIOLETTE

May 21

petitevioletterestaurant.com

@petiteviolette74

Have a night at the opera and dinner, too, at the French restaurant Petite Violette in Brookhaven. The cash bar opens at 6:15 p.m. while guests mingle over passed hors d’oeuvres. Then the four-course dinner is served beginning at 7 p.m. Between courses, Capitol City Opera Company presents songs from Pagliacci by Ruggero Leoncavallo. Tickets are $75.

At CURE Childhood Cancer, we help children fight and defeat cancer every day by supporting families in treatment and funding critical research.

Our mission is to help EVERY child reach their full potential. Join us in the fight against childhood cancer. This is your chance to change a child’s life and fuel the future for kids like Julian.

Together, we have the power to turn every child’s “most likely” into a chance to change the world.

Learn more and be a part of the cure! curechildhoodcancer.org

CURB APPEAL

EXPERT ADVICE, OUTDOOR

UPGRADES AND PRODUCTS THAT EXTEND YOUR LIVING SPACE

Your home is your haven, and the exterior is the place that provides that all-important first impression. As you’re in sprucing mode this spring, why not let that motivation extend to the outdoors? If you need a bit of inspiration, this feature has you covered. Here, we profile local HGTV stars, Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson, hear from experts how small exterior upgrades can make a big impact, learn about an England-based artisan greenhouse manufacturer bringing British elegance to Buckhead and see musthave products for creating a welcoming front porch.

POWER COUPLE

HGTV STARS EGYPT SHERROD AND MIKE JACKSON ARE TWO OF A KIND

STORY: Karina Antenucci PHOTO: Patrick Heagney

HGTV’s “Married to Real Estate” husband-andwife team Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson came up with the idea for their hit show while they were on lockdown at their Atlanta-area home.

“COVID broke a lot of couples and reinforced others. We were the latter. It caused us to dig deep and focus, and brought us closer as a family,” Sherrod says. “Mike started to document our lives and the renovations we were doing while stuck in the house. When we watched the footage, we thought, ‘This could be a show!’”

So the duo created a sizzle reel from Jackson’s cellphone footage and submitted it to HGTV producers, whom Sherrod knew quite well from hosting 13 seasons of “Flipping Virgins” and “Property Virgins.”

“HGTV was ready for something that felt more authentic, less host-y and more like reality TV,” Sherrod says.

Their first show as a couple, “Married to Real Estate” follows Sherrod and Jackson as they renovate Atlanta homes for clients, including some in Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs, and take on their own home projects. All three seasons are streaming now on Max.

The two met in New York during Sherrod’s previous life as a radio personality and Jackson’s as a DJ. Both full of side hustle, Sherrod was building her real estate brokerage business, now called Indigo Road Realty, and Jackson was establishing his career as a contractor at the same time. They married in 2010

after six years of dating, and moved to Atlanta in 2012.

“It was divine intervention. My wife couldn’t be with anyone else,” says Jackson about Sherrod’s needing a builder for a husband to fulfill her home-improvement requests. As of spring 2024, the laundry list of projects has included lime-washing the exterior red brick, changing windows, upgrading the front door to a modern one, renovating the basement and adding a four-car garage and a 1,900-square foot carriage house, which also serves as a workshop for Jackson to pursue his love of woodworking. Next stop: the kitchen.

In addition to the TV show, Sherrod and Jackson host “The Marriage and Money Podcast.” Sherrod also runs Indigo Road Design Group; launched Indigo Road Home Furnishings, a product line, in fall 2023; is a two-time book author and a speaker. Jackson co-owns Jackson Draper Renovations, a construction and home-improvement company, and also has written a book.

“We really enjoy the fact we get to do what we love with the person we love. It’s a roller-coaster ride sometimes; other times, it’s a riverboat ride,” Jackson says.

Sherrod and Jackson exude gratitude for their relationship, just as they do for their celebrity. Sherrod notes a recent visit to The Capital Grille in Buckhead where it seemed as if everyone in the restaurant shook their hands. In the ladies’ room that night, someone asked her if their youngest daughter, Harper, was now sleeping in her own bedroom—a storyline from

Season 1. (She is.) “We like to call our fans ‘fams’ because they’re like family. When folks approach us, it’s more like your auntie giving you a hug. We feel appreciated without it being overbearing,” Jackson says.

The city of Atlanta gave them a proverbial hug in 2022, too, when it declared August 23 “Egypt Sherrod and Mike Jackson Day” in honor of their contributions to real estate and the community.

While their lives are anything but ordinary, the couple’s secret to maintaining normalcy within the family unit with their three daughters is to put the laptops away. “We have Simone who is 22 and working in New York; Kendall who is 12 and into sports; and 5-year-old Harper, our future president. The only way to make it work is to be fully present for all of their different needs. We want to set a good example as their mom and dad, and teach the kids to have balance,” Sherrod says.

The next chapter in the Sherrod-Jackson balance mobile will include spending weekends on their farm somewhere in Georgia or Tennessee. They’re currently on the hunt for the property. Sherrod loves to garden and looks forward to teaching their girls about agriculture. Jackson can’t wait for more time and experiences with the kids.

“Experiences over materials. There’s nothing else we need,” Jackson says. n

EGYPT SHERROD

indigoroadrealty.com

• @egyptsherrod

MIKE JACKSON

jacksondraperrenovations.com

• @djfadelf

PAINT BY NUMBERS

“Refreshing your home’s exterior paint yields instant curb appeal. Get inspiration from professionally designed homes. Then opt for latex paint to ensure the investment will last. Overall, a home’s paint job can completely transform how it is presented. My go-to shade is Oyster Bar by Sherwin Wiliams.”

Justin Q. Williams

Interior designer, Trademark Design Co. trademarkdesignco.com

CHOOSE TRADITIONAL

FRESHEN YOUR FACADE

Tips from six home and gardening experts

Contrary to what HGTV, DIY Network and Magnolia Network might have you believe, home improvement doesn’t have to mean intense renovations and overhauls. Instead, small spruces you can make to your space will give instant curb appeal. Quick fixes include adding new hardware; power washing windows, sidewalks and exteriors; installing a new mailbox; adding a fresh welcome mat; and pulling weeds. But as our experts share here, other home upgrades give impressive im-

pact without the splurge. Below, top local authorities in the architecture, interior design, realty and landscaping spaces share a few of their best tips for giving your exterior instant pizzazz. After their advice, a trip to the nearest landscape and supply store might be in your future.

DETAILS MATTER

“Begin by focusing on key areas that command attention, such as the front door. A fresh coat of paint

or stain can breathe new life into the entryway without breaking the bank. Prioritize touch-ups in high-traffic areas like the door threshold and trim, where small improvements can make a significant impact. Additionally, consider cost-effective options for outdoor lighting upgrades, opting for updated, stylish fixtures that offer both functionality and aesthetic appeal.”

Robin Blass Agent with Harry Norman, Realtors

robinblass.harrynorman.com

“The perfect recipe for success in improving curb appeal is to use timeless gas sconces at the front entry along with a well-detailed, classically-inspired front portico, with or without a Chippendaleinspired balustrade, and a well-manicured landscape of boxwood and hydrangeas.”

T. Blake Segars

Architect, T. Blake Segars Architecture blakesegars.com

FUNCTIONAL FLORA

“A container garden is a quick way to spruce up your exterior. Choose pottery that complements the style of your home. The larger the pot, the bigger the impact. For spring, this includes petunias, marigolds, begonias and many more options. Another key to a pristine landscape is mulch. It’ll give your landscape a polished look while also helping retain moisture and suppress weeds.”

Kara Ziegler

Regional manager, Pike Nurseries pikenursery.com

MAINTAIN AND RETAIN

“Create a harmonious balance between softscape and hardscape elements for a front yard that is not only visually appealing but also functional. It is important to maintain and even enhance the hardscape elements such as pathways, patios, fire pits and walls that provide structure and defining spaces within the garden. This will enhance curb appeal while reflecting the homeowner's style and the home's architecture.”

Navid Derakhshan

CEO, Outdoor Makeover outdoormakeover.net

ROBIN BLASS

KARA ZIEGLER NAVID DERAKHSHAN

T. BLAKE SEGARS

SETH VAN DEN BERGH

INCORPORATE PERSONALITY

“Thoughtfully chosen and properly scaled furniture can elevate outdoor spaces while avoiding clutter. Add a touch of coziness with fresh exterior pillows, seasonal planters and a welcoming doormat. Choose smart, ambient lighting. Opt for indirect lighting with the light source facing downward or upward to minimize glare. Also, avoid fixtures that harbor debris and shelter insect buildup. This not only maintains cleanliness but creates a more inviting atmosphere.” n

Seth van den Bergh Creative director, The Drawing Room ATL thedrawingroomatl.com

Above: Uplighting highlights landscape features as well as the front elevation of a home.

Above: Small changes such as a new welcome mat, refreshed planters or even new lanterns can give an instant facelift.

Left: A combination of hard and softscaping creates a harmonious landscape design.

Left: A fresh coat of paint can make an impact without a high price tag.

rivernorthphotography

MartinPrescott

Heidi Patricola

Barlow Tyrie Sissinghurst Teak Bench ($5,384)

If you’re lucky enough to have the space on your front porch for a bench, invest in a teak one that will last your family for decades. Inspired by a design that 19th century architect Sir Edwin Lutyens made for Sissinghurst castle in Kent, England, this 77-inch one is an heirloom quality piece that patinas nicely over time. All-weather Sunbrella fabric cushions can be added in 25 colors to make your bench pop.

AuthenTEAK • authenteak.com @authenteakoutdoorliving

Spring Spruce Up

Obeetee Fara Outdoor Rug ($29 to $599)

The Fara rug line from Room & Board is an indoor/outdoor powerhouse. Inspired by graphic and simple Scandinavian design and hand-tufted and hand-woven in India, it’s available in five colors and eight sizes to fit any outdoor scheme. Durable in all weather conditions thanks to its strong polyester yarn, it adds depth, dimension and functionality to front entrances and covered front porches. The Obeetee brand is known for its social and environmental practices, offering its workers fair wages and safe working conditions while supporting local school systems.

Room & Board • roomandboard.com @roomandboard

A focus on your front porch or patio is in order now that spring has arrived. This season, gravitate towards the classics to give your house’s calling card a fresh look. Timeless items such as teak benches and all-weather boxwoods give major curb appeal while seasonal items like a neutral, grounding indoor-outdoor rug and cheerful pillows add pizazz. These locally sourced items can get you started just in time for porch weather. STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Laura Park Designs Dogwood

Outdoor Pillow ($140)

For those with an outdoor bench or swing, a pillow like the Dogwood style from Charlottebased Laura Park Designs adds color and a dash of personality. Made to look like an indoor pillow but function like an outdoor one, the 22-by-22 inch pillows have a double-sided print and are finished with a knife edge for an elegant look. They’re also water- and mold-resistant, and made with a UV-treated fabric to prevent fading.

Fête • tresbellefete.com • @tresbellefete

Lavender Wreath ($140)

Lavender represents calm and serenity, so what better way to greet guests than with a talisman of Zen that also gives off one of life’s most pleasant scents? This artfully arranged wreath made of lavender stems measures 14 inches in diameter, the perfect size and scale to make a splash on a front door. While the wreath makes a statement on its own, you can add seasonal ribbon for extra appeal.

Hudson Grace • hudsongracesf.com @hudsongracesf

Rounded Cone Outdoor Boxwood Topiary (from $499)

Passersby will never know these lush and green boxwoods aren’t the real deal. These sculpted plants work beautifully when dropped into ceramic, teak or wooden planters, bringing a verdant freshness to a patio or porch. Dress them up for the holidays with bows, lights and more. A bonus: easy maintenance for those with black thumbs. To clean, just dust with a soft cloth. Frontgate • frontgate.com • @frontgate

GROW WITH IT

Hartley Botanic brings handmade luxury greenhouses from England to Atlanta

Several key elements comprise a traditional English garden: hardscape pathways, colorful perennials and annuals, entryways with picket fences and, often, a glass greenhouse full of delicate flowers and delicious fruits and vegetables. If you’re ready to bring the latter to your outdoor living space, then you are in luck. Hartley Botanic, an England-based manufacturer of premium aluminum greenhouses, offers its handmade products throughout Buckhead and beyond, allowing local residents to create the perfect space in their own backyards for cultivating a green thumb regardless of the weather. Here, Neal Bobrick, president of Hartley Botanic Inc. in the United States, shares his insights about the process of installing a greenhouse and what it can bring to your home and life.

Why have greenhouses become popular in recent years?

STORY: Amy Meadows

The greenhouse growing culture is in its infancy here in the U.S., but our business is expanding because of several trends, including a focus on growing your own food and eating organic. Also, because more greenhouses are out there, people are being exposed to something they didn’t realize they could have. When they see today’s greenhouses, they often want one.

What are the benefits of having a greenhouse?

A greenhouse allows you to grow what you want to grow year-round. Growing is all about the temperature, climate and conditions. A greenhouse lets you create whatever conditions you want inside of it and grow throughout the year despite the weather. For instance, in some climates, you can’t grow tomatoes all year long. But if you have a greenhouse and heat it properly, you can grow them at any time.

shipped by boat to the U.S., trucked to its destination and installed by one of our employees.

What options are available through Hartley Botanic?

The same goes for orchids, tropical plants and other beautiful greenery.

What goes into the process of installing a greenhouse?

If you have the land that can accommodate a structure as small as 8 feet wide and 12 feet long and the proper building permits, then a greenhouse is certainly an option. You have to start by building a foundation; many people use poured concrete or a concrete block with a brick, stone or stucco veneer. That is handled by a homeowner with the help of a contractor who can also add plumbing, heating and whatever features you decide to include. Then we come in and install the Hartley Botanic greenhouse that sits on top of that structure. We provide very specific drawings and measurements for the greenhouse, which is constructed at our factory in England, overwrapped to protect it from damage,

We have three greenhouse ranges: Victorian, Heritage and Modern. The Victorian is the most popular in the U.S. It is a very traditional, English-looking structure with a robust aluminum frame and slender glass paneling, which was a trademark of the Victorian era. The Heritage offers lower-priced options with thinner aluminum frames. The Modern features designs that are streamlined and contemporary. Our sales executive can walk you through the process of purchasing the right one for the amount of land you have available and the price you want to pay. Regardless of which range you choose, the fundamental features, including the individual pieces of 4 millimeter tempered safety glass and the 30-year lifetime warranty, remain the same.

What are the biggest benefits of installing a greenhouse?

Life can get stressful, and gardening can be very relaxing. If I personally can garden year-round, plant vegetables and watch them bud and grow (my favorite is tomatoes), that is relaxing to me. If you enjoy something, but you can’t do it all the time, how can you find a way to do it whenever you want to? That’s what Hartley brings. n

Above: Hartley Botanic president Neal Bobrick says that homeowners can find the perfect greenhouse for their yard and lifestyle. Left: A greenhouse can be as beautiful as it is functional, allowing for year-round gardening. Patrick Heagney

HARTLEY BOTANIC hartley-botanic.com • @hartleyusa

DELICIOUS

The

Reel

FISHMONGER’S CASUAL APPROACH TO ULTRA-FRESH SEAFOOD

Landlocked Atlanta might not be the first place that comes to mind when the craving for ultra-fresh seafood hits. Fishmonger on the Westside could be the right spot to get your fix. The brand’s third outpost, opened in 2023 after successful locations in Poncey-Highland and at Pullman Yards (both opened their doors in 2022),

set up shop in La Fonda’s former home and will eventually move across the street into the Star Metals building.

The space has a funky-cool vibe with white-painted brick and cinder block walls, leafy green plants trailing down the walls and purple-hued lighting. Fancy, it is not, but that low-key decor is just right for the menu’s messy but delicious offerings. ➥

STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin PHOTOS: Erik Meadows

The low-key decor is just right for the menu’s messy but delicious offerings.

Giant peel-andeat shrimp are finger-licking good.

My husband and I rolled up one evening and settled into a table inside, though in warm weather, the covered patio that nearly doubles the restaurant’s capacity would appeal. With my Gold Rush cocktail, a blend of bourbon, wildflower honey and lemon in hand, we set about deciding on our seafood of choice. (Note: Vegetarians and non-fish fans won’t find much to tempt their taste buds.)

A petite bowl of seafood chowder was the perfect foil for the rainy evening, its concentrated, creamy fumet a microcosm of the ocean with clams, chunks of delicate white fish, shrimp, Yukon potatoes

scallops. The crusty sourdough soaked in nori butter was ideal for mopping up all of the bits of broth.

I chose the Caesar salad, intrigued by the addition of briny bottarga, sometimes called “Mediterranean caviar.” Great leaves of crisp romaine came covered in creamy dressing and studded with anchovy, bacon-crisped bread crumbs and a mountain of finely grated parme-

san cheese. It gets an extra kick with Calabrian chili. I didn’t add a filet of blackened grouper—the very meal that former President Obama ordered from the Pullman Yards location when he was in town for a political rally—but the salad was memorable on its own.

Next, we moved onto mains, opting for the lobster roll. Unlike the classic New England-style version stuffed with cold lobster salad, Fishmonger serves its Connecticut-style, with meaty chunks of warm lobster tossed in drawn butter and piled into a split-top bun. It was a revelation that sent me right back to a driving trip down the coast of Maine a few years back, though its diminutive size left me wanting much more. It felt like a bit of a tease, a snack even. Seriously, even the side of coleslaw matched the sandwich in size. Fortunately, the New Orleans-style peel-and-eat shrimp were hearty and big enough to share. The basket of jumbo, head-on prawns came drenched in a sauce of white wine, brick-

Above: Tuna tartare is one of the restaurant's more elegant presentations.

Right: Corn on the cob is packed with umami flavors: miso, black garlic and parmesan.

Below: Lump crab, avocado, sprouts and crisp watermelon radish top sourdough toast to create a hearty open-faced sandwich.

and

Left

Below: Briny oysters on the half shell are sourced from Southern waters.

hued New Bae Seasoning, butter and shrimp stock, and served with a much-needed side of “sopping toast.” It was so deliciously messy that, while it would make for awkward first date food, it’s worth every finger-licking bite. A side of aptly named “umami corn” consisted of sweet corn on the cob, dripping with a compound butter of miso and black garlic, and rounded out the meal.

I returned a couple of weeks later for a weeknight happy hour, when from 5 to 7 p.m. oysters are half price. We sidled up to the bar so we could observe as the staffer made quick work of our dozen, shucking them carefully to not lose a drop of the briny liquor inside the Southern-sourced bivalves before placing them atop chipped ice, accented with vinegar-y mignonette, fresh lemon slices and cocktail sauce.

Feeling fancier? Order the “chef set” oysters on the half shell that come with gourmet accoutrements such as creme fraiche, citrus foam, fish roe and diced kiwi.

Since man cannot live on oysters alone, we decided to try other items that caught my eye on the first visit. I wholeheartedly recommend the open-faced crab and avocado toast. A piece of tooth some, toasted sourdough comes topped with avocado and blue crab dressed in citrus vinaigrette, and with matchstick watermelon radish es and peppery sprouts.

Seafood is the main draw here, but I couldn’t resist tasting the only dessert on the menu. The sweet, sour, and creamy Key lime pie arrived portioned as an individual tartlet, piled high with airy whipped cream, lime zest and an Amarena cherry. It felt like just the right size and flavor to end on a high note. Less thrilling, though, was the reali zation that the restaurant adds a compulsory 20% gratuity to every check, regardless of how good (or not) the service is. Still, this effort lessly cool seafood joint impresses by sourcing top-notch ingredients and letting them shine. n

umami corn, tuna tartare, Key lime pie.

Bottom line: Landlocked seafood lovers will find a haven of super-fresh fare at this casual Westside eatery. They’ll be in good company too: A past U.S. president and reviewers from the Michelin Guide are fans.

Above: The big-enough-toshare Caesar salad gets an extra kick with Calabrian chili and bacony breadcrumbs.

Fishmonger's sole dessert, Key lime pie, transports guests to the tropics.

: The buttery lobster roll is topped with bright green herbs and served with a side of slaw.

SEEK OUT SHOCHU

Japan’s national spirit is finding its place stateside STORY: Angela Hansberger

The new spirit showing up on many backbars in Atlanta is by no means “new.” Shochu (show-chew) dates to the 16th century in Japan, where it currently outsells sake and whisky. It’s only taken a few hundred years, but we are catching on to the intriguing spirit so revered in Japan.

Honkaku Shochu is especially intriguing because it tastes like and has the aromas of what it is made from. Its rich and versatile profile makes it satisfying sipped neat, on the rocks and as a base for cocktails. Unlike vodka, the unique crafting process lends a depth of flavor to the spirit. And compared to vodka, a 2-ounce serving of shochu has about 35 calories compared to vodka’s 120. It has no sugar.

There is often confusion with similar sounding spirits listed together on Asian menus. Shochu is not soju. Soju is a Korean spirit that is column distilled much like vodka, diluted down and dosed with artificial sweeteners. “It couldn’t be more different than shochu,” says Christopher Pellegrini, shochu expert and author of The

Shochu Handbook foremost work on the subject.

be made with the traditional pot still, and additives such as coloring or flavoring are never permitted. The only approved ingredients in production are koji, yeast and water. Shochu, like sake, is fermented from approved ingredients and their koji (the same ingredient used to make miso, mirin and soy sauce).

Each part of the process, from fermentation, distillation and aging, contributes to the final product.

“The two-stage fermentation process typically takes 2.5 to 3.5 weeks, after which the pot still is used just once to create a spirit that smells and tastes like the ingredients used to make it,” Pellegrini says. This fresh shochu is then aged in tanks, clay pots or oak barrels before bottling.

“There are 53 approved ingredients for the base of authentic shochu production, but the most commonly used are sweet potato, barley, rice, kokuto sugar, buckwheat (soba) and sake lees (the nutritional byproduct of sake production),” Pellegrini says.

process can add depth of flavor. Shochu is intriguing for bartenders to play with in cocktails as it blends harmoniously with a variety of ingredients. Rice shochu lends clean notes, while potato shochu gives an earthy punch. Green tea shochu can be pleasingly astringent, while barley notes are nutty and roasty. Sweet potato and barley shochu sales make up 90% of the market in Japan.

In addition to local spirits shops, shochu is finding footing in Atlanta sushi spots. Mujō bartender Michael Satusky mixes a refreshing Hojiso Highball with rice-based Kome Shochu. It works well with shiso syrup, lemon and umeboshi

to make riffs of classics. Her Eastern Eclipse is a nod to a specialty drink popular in Japan called Chu Hi.

McAllen blends shochu, baijiu (a fermented Chinese liquor), peach tea, pineapple, lemon and butterfly pea flower. “I named it for the shochu and baijiu origins and the nightfall effect that happens when stirring in butterfly pea flower tea,” she says. n

BRUSH SUSHI • 404.500.1888

brushatl.com • @brushatl

MUJŌ • 404.400.6832

mujoatl.com • @mujoatl

OMAKASE TABLE • 347.977.7229

omakasetableatl.com • @omakasetable.atl

Above: Mona McAllen of Brush Sushi with the Eastern Eclipse cocktail. Left: Chiran Tea Chu Shochu marries the flavors of green tea and sweet potatoes.

Oaxaca is a casual, all-day eatery offering simple, yet inventive takes on traditional Mexican cuisine.

5255 Peachtree Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30341 770.450.4805 | oaxacaatl.com

RISE & GRIND

Grindhouse Killer Burgers expands with a Westside location and catering food truck

Atlanta-based burger concept

Grindhouse Killer Burgers is expanding to the Westside with an eighth location planned to open on Chattahoochee Avenue in 2025. The new 7,000-squarefoot concept will include a second-story deck and ample indoor-outdoor dining, as well as Grindhouse’s classic menu of freshly ground beef and housemade toppings. In the meantime, look for the Grindhouse Killer Burgers catering food truck at events around Atlanta. Alex Brounstein, who owns the restaurant with

Sugar Rush

Johnny Farrow, dishes on why they chose the Westside and what’s new.

Why did you choose the Westside for this new location?

All five of the existing Grindhouse locations are on the eastside of Atlanta, and even farther east in Athens, so going to the Westside was always our plan for the next restaurant. This location on Chattahoochee just seemed perfect, though: a corner lot and very visible across from TopGolf and in front of The Works development. And the old bank branch building had a retro feel to it.

ReeRee’s Dough founder and cookie dough connoisseur

Erica Davis shares her chocolate chip cookie dough recipe

Made with real ingredients, ReeRee’s Dough’s frozen, pre-made cookie dough aims to make baking delicious, quality cookies quick and easy. Purchase four different flavors at Whole Foods and Kroger stores across Atlanta. If you’ve got more time, follow owner Erica Davis’ chocolate chip cookie dough recipe to make your own frozen dough.

INGREDIENTS

3 ⅓ cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon kosher salt

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 ¼ cups granulated sugar

2 tablespoons molasses

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 ¼ cups mixed chocolate chips

INSTRUCTIONS

Whisk together the flour, salt and baking soda in a bowl. In another bowl, mix the sugar, molasses and softened butter until blended. Mix in the eggs and vanilla.

Freshly ground beef and housemade toppings set Grindhouse Killer Burgers apart. Grindhouse Co-Owner Alex Brounstein.

What makes the Westside location unique? It’s our only location on the Westside! Also, the design will be a little different with some architectural elements we haven't done before. This is the first location we have designed postCOVID, so the layout is different in terms of outdoor space and making things easier to pick up takeout food.

What excites you the most about this new location?

I think the design by our architect Leslie Ellsworth of Studio SOGO is going to be very eye-catching. Also I'm excited to get to know a whole new customer base.

Will there be anything new/ unique on the menu?

Nope, all Grindhouse locations have the exact same menu. The only thing that can vary by location is our selection of top-shelf whiskeys and tequilas.

Can you tell us about the Grindhouse truck?

We have been working on the catering/food truck for a while. There

Gently stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips, being careful not to overmix. Place 1.5-2 tablespoon-sized dough scoops onto parchment-lined bak ing sheets and freeze until firm. Frozen dough may be stored for up to one year.

BAKING INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Remove frozen dough balls from the freezer and place on a rimmed, ungreased cookie sheet, spacing 2 inches apart. Let sit while the oven preheats. Bake for eight to 10 minutes until the edges start to brown. Rotate sheet halfway through. When done, immediately remove cookies from the sheet and transfer to a wire rack or counter to stop cooking.

n Frozen dessert chain Jeremiah’s Italian Ice is coming to West Midtown with plans to open at 1042 Northside Drive this summer. Menus include Italian ice, soft serve and gelati, a mixture of Italian ice and soft serve. jeremiahsice.com

n Owners of the entertainment and culinary concept Block & Drum are planning to open in Chamblee. Anchored by a distillery and tasting room with a vinyl listening lounge, the concept includes restaurants housed in shipping containers, a hydroponic farm and an outdoor stage. blockanddrum.com

Fast-casual Mediterranean street food restaurant SabaRaba’s is open in the mixed-use Lumen Chamblee development. Expect pitas, laffa (flatbread wraps) and gyros made from fresh ingredients. eatsabarabas.com

have been so many requests for catering that we had to turn down in the past because burgers and fries don't always travel very well. So our goal was to design a truck that can bring the entire Grindhouse experience to you—and not just the amazing food but the entire Grind-

Top Shelf Talent

Ty Nicole Tucker wins cocktail competition with a $30,000 brand ambassador contract STORY:

Ty Nicole Tucker started bartending as a hobby. The Upper Westside resident was bored at home during the COVID-19 pandemic and started playing with syrups and the craftier elements of bartending. She took classic recipes and tweaked them, such as when she made rosemary syrup for a Cosmopolitan. Her passion grew as she found an audience on Instagram Live and eventually got a job bartending at Politan Row.

Today, she operates a boutique mixology company with branded syrups called SoMixxy. She has a team of 15 contract bartenders and managers for mobile mixology and hosts classes and events like Canvas & Cocktails with local artists and Wax & Sip with candlemakers. She recently won the Lobos 1707 Bestin-Class Cocktail Challenge to become an ambassador for the tequila and mezcal brand with a $30,000

contract. She will curate mixology recipes for the brand and showcase them at festivals and events.

To qualify, Tucker had to design two cocktails and describe the ingredients, process, garnish and glassware. After she was chosen as one of the top 12 contestants, she had to submit a five-minute video showcasing her cocktails and explaining why she’d be the best brand ambassador. The top five were invited to participate in a live competition in November.

“I was so excited! Everything happened so quickly. It was a two-week span between submitting the application and going to Kentucky,” she says. “The competition was surreal. I’m glad I pushed myself to do it and that other people saw something in me.”

At the competition, Tucker and her opponents created, presented and served cocktails, and were judged on creativity, storytelling, taste and ease

of execution. Named the “People’s Choice” winner, Tucker’s cocktail is called The Holy Mole, comprised of Lobos 1707 Mezcal, ancho-chili demerara syrup, apricot preserves, lemon juice and barrel-aged chocolate bitters, all garnished with a plantain chip, apricot preserve and a sprinkle of Tajin seasoning.

How did you come up with your competition-winning cocktail? I wanted to recreate the flavors of mole, so I made a syrup with the peppers used in mole and added chocolate bitters to play with the spice. I wanted to pay homage to my grandmother, so I added the apricot preserve. She would always eat it in the morning while watching her favorite soap opera and drinking tea.

How have you seen the Atlanta cocktail scene evolve? Initially, bartenders weren’t getting

as much recognition. Now, shows like “Drink Masters” are having an impact. More bartenders are getting into the craft side instead of pouring Hennessy and Cokes or tequila and sodas. Places with a speakeasy vibe such as The James Room and JoJo’s Beloved have opened that have a craft cocktail edge. Plus, there are more educational events throughout the city for the community of bartenders to learn and talk about our experiences and lessons learned.

What’s your secret to composing a stellar cocktail?

I think about the season and the theme, as well as the brand. I think about things that inspire me in relation to the brand. With Lobos, the tradition and legacy made me think about family values and my grandmothers.

What’s your drink of choice?

A Mezcal Last Word [mezcal, green chartreuse, Luxardo Maraschino liqueur, lime juice]. I’m looking forward to using Lobos mezcal in one. n

SOMIXXY • somixxy.com • @somixxyr

Carly Cooper PHOTO: Erik Meadows

FEATURED RESTAURANTS

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

The Alden's lemon tart with cantaloupe sorbet is a refreshing summer dessert, finished with local honey, bee pollen and Chantilly cream.

An ever-seasonal menu of feel-good dishes makes True Food Kitchen a destination for healthy foodies.

Extraordinary pizza was added to the menu during the pandemic at il Giallo Osteria & Bar.

BY: Wendell Brock, Rebecca Cha, Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Angela Hansberger, Hope S. Philbrick PHOTOS: Madelynne Grace, Sara Hanna

THE ALDEN

Chamblee’s popularity as a residential and dining destination seems to be on the rise, and Chef Jared Hucks is here to make sure diners eat like royalty. Winning starters include a homemade bread plate with prosciutto butter and cheddar pimento cheese, silky sweet potato bisque and sashimi quality seared scallops. For mains, go with the cold smoked salmon, Moroccan-spiced shrimp and grits or the hickory smoked Brasstown coulotte steak.

Desserts are deliciously unique. If you’ve got belly room to spare, be sure to witness the chef’s gastro-theatrics with the banana bread pudding service. Our favorite was the lunar chocolate, which the chef calls his “dessert moonscape.”

Smaller dishes: $11-$21 • Larger dishes: $23$45 • Desserts: $9-$15 • Chef’s tasting menu: seven courses/$95 • thealdenrestaurant.com

ARNETTE’S CHOP SHOP

Arnette’s will dazzle you with its no-expensespared 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 wet-aged cowboy ribeye; the bliss-inducing lobster spaghetti; and the shaved prime rib sandwich, a real scene-stealer. 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 s teaks: $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-to-the-bone Mexican pork ribs are meaty, miraculous bites of earthy richness, and the tomatillo-rich pozole verde soup is pure south-of-the-border goodness. Garlicsautéed 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 • Tamales, tacos and empanadas: $3.50-$5 • Mains: $7.50$12.75 • bonegardencantina.com

FLOWER CHILD

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

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

IL GIALLO OSTERIA & BAR

Experience the love-through-food feeling in generous portions at il Giallo Osteria & Bar in Sandy Springs, where Italy’s Piedmont region is brought to life by Chef Jamie Adams and General Manager Leonardo Moura. The menu showcases classic, seasonal and regional Italian dishes. Fresh pasta is made overlooking the dining room during service. Spaghetti and meatballs present al dente pasta and fork-tender spheres of ground duck, turkey and beef. “Crazy lasagna” layers braised short ribs with sheets of pasta, drizzled with garlic and rosemary juice for yummy umami. Chicken parmigiana is so big it fills the plate. Pizza, made by Pizzaiolo Brendan Keenan, features a Neapolitanstyle thin crust that’s cooked through; one bite of margherita is all that’s needed to be impressed. The wine list showcases varietals and blends from around the world, including several Italian picks. Beer and classic and creative cocktails are also offered. Save room for tiramisu or hazelnut chocolate bars.

Appetizers: $4-20 • Salads: $14-16

Pizza: $16-24 • Pasta: $18-39 • Sides: $12-13

Entrees: $29-51 • Desserts: $10-12 ilgialloatl.com

LUCIAN BOOKS AND WINE

Whatever you order, bet on stunning presentations and delicious flavors at this Buckhead Village-adjacent eatery. The concept combines the owners’ passions of art, books, wine and hospitality. Executive Chef Jason Paolini helms the fine dining kitchen. Harmonious flavors, contrasting textures, sophisticated preparations and artful plating are running themes. Seasonal produce drives the menu, so options evolve. From starters through desserts, all plates are easy to share, though you may envy every bite your dining companion takes. More than 400 wines are

featured on the drinks menu, including some rare finds. The stunning cases are packed with books for sale; all non-fiction, they’re primarily about art, design, fashion, food and wine.

Reservations are strongly encouraged: Lunch reservations are for 90 minutes, dinner for two hours. Call or book via Resy with a credit card; no-shows and late cancellations trigger a $50 per person fee. Lucian validates parking for two hours in the building’s underground lot.

Small plates: $6-25 • Medium plates: $16-29

Mains: $38-48 • Desserts: $12-18

Wines: $16-34/glass; $50-990/bottle lucianbooksandwine.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 tomato-garlic 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

STARFISH

Starfish—which can look just a little lost on the block that houses Restaurant Eugene and Holeman and Finch—is exactly the kind of sushi joint we have been trolling for. In a city where Japanese cuisine can be hit-or-miss and sometimes not the freshest, chef-owner Seung K. “Sam” Park’s reticent little pearl is a superior catch—cute and compact as a bento box but with just a hint of luxury. At dinner, we were delighted to see how the kitchen plays around with untraditional ingredients such as truffle oil and balsamic vinegar, slicing fish as thin as carpaccio and arranging it in dazzling presentations. When our flounder sashimi arrived, the server told us to place a dab of the ponzu jelly spiked with cilantro, jalapeño and lime on a strip of the fish and roll it up. Exquisite. Starfish isn’t the kind of place that announces itself with screaming klieg lights or red carpets. But in this culture of excess, sometimes being a little bit under-the-radar can be very seductive. Lunch Entrees: $7-$16 • Dinner Entrees: $12$30 • starfishatlanta.com

TREEHOUSE

Occasionally, sitting at Treehouse feels more like a cookout. Neighbors and regulars have been coming here for the familiar comfort food

and laid-back atmosphere for more than 20 years. Brunch is a big deal, with a large menu and generous portions of favorites such as the Georgia pecan waffle and Southern-style eggs Benedict covered with sausage gravy. It’s all about the patio here, and dogs are welcome guests. The chef works to enliven old favorites with as much attention to the allAmerican fried chicken sandwich as the New York strip au poivre. He also curates a mighty fine list of craft beers.

Brunch: $8-$10 • Appetizers: $3-$13

Burgers and sandwiches: $7-$10 • Large plates: $17-$22 • treehouseatlanta.com

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 buzzinducing lemongrass margarita, citrus skinny margarita and Strawberry Smash.

Starters and vegetable plates: $7-$13

Salads and bowls: $10-$14 (added protein $3-$9) • Pizzas and sandwiches: $12-$16 Entrees: $14-$26 • truefoodkitchen.com

ZAFRON

If you’re like us, the minute you hear Persian foodie buzzwords such as mirza ghasemi hummus and kabob, your mouth starts watering, and you’ve got one foot out the door.

If you’re smart, you’ll head directly to Zafron in Sandy Springs. Once seated, a beaming server will bring a complimentary sabzi plate and pita from the wood-burning oven. That extra-mile hospitality spills over into all areas, especially the food: world-class lamb kabob, fire-roasted salmon and the “Zafron special” made with chile, mango and eggplant. Plenty of classic small plates and rice dishes are joined with a few East-meets-West treats such as spicy Zafron chicken wings and tiramisu.

Starters and salads: $5- $9 • Wraps (lunch only): $12 • Entrees: $12-$32

Sides and rice: $3-$7 • Desserts: $5-$7 persianrestaurantsandysprings.com

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

HUNGRY FOR MORE?

Visit simplybuckhead.com to read all of our restaurant reviews!

QUIET HEROES

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Lynn Crow Photography

Being a mom is a tough job at the best of times, but the role takes on even more gravitas when a child has cancer. The Quiet Heroes program of CURE Childhood Cancer made sure those moms got an extra dose of thanks and support during a late March luncheon at Flourish in Buckhead. About 500 participants enjoyed a threecourse meal prepared by Legendary Events, music from SCAD’s Bee Sharps vocal ensemble and a round of comedy and encouragement from comedian and motivational speaker Kenn Kington. Radio personality Jenn Hobby emceed the festivities that included a silent auction and a raffle. Simply Buckhead was the media sponsor and provided magazine copies in each “Mom’s Bag” that was filled with gifts donated by Atlanta businesses. The event raised $448,397 for childhood cancer research.

Susan Post

Jenn Hobby, Kristin Connor Kacy Fuller

Kristin Connor

Chelsea Key

Luzia Uralova, Carolyn Smith, Latisha Baker, Sarah Clement

Jennifer Nix, Yolanda Gamel

Kenn Kington

SCAD Bee Sharps Ekaterina Mirazakulova, Brenda Brinson, Cindy Arnold, Anna Azevedo

VOTE EARLY APRIL 29 - MAY 17

ELECTION DAY MAY 21

SHERIFF PATRICK “PAT” LABAT

Fighting for Fulton ounty!

Reduce Crime

Protect Communities

Improve Jail Conditions

Enhance Courthouse Security

Recruit & Retain Exceptional Employees

LABAT’S FIRST TERM SUCCESSES

Secured GROUNDBREAKING EMPLOYEE PAY RAISES to 36%, competitive $10,500 signing bonus, and increased overtime pay to double time

REDUCED JAIL POPULATION resulting in 600 detainees no longer sleeping on the floor

Achieved 100% BODYWORN CAMERA USAGE increasing transparency and accountability

REDUCED CRIME — captured 20 of Fulton County’s Most Wanted and removed hundreds of guns off the street

ENHANCED MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES for detainees and introduced mandatory wellness evaluations for employees

Restaurant - Lounge Vietnamien OPEN EVERY DAY FOR LUNCH & DINNER

RED SHOE LUNCHEON

As if the 105 attendees of the 14th Annual Red Shoe Luncheon needed another reason to don their heels and head to the Cherokee Town Club, the keynote speaker gave them one. Two-time Emmy winner and Georgia Radio Hall of Famer Ryan Cameron entertained the audience as the keynote speaker at the February event. He was also honored with an award for his support of the organization. Health care entrepreneur Hanz Fequiere received an appreciation award for his support, while Howard Luckett and Michael Daniel were presented with Hero Awards for their service to veterans and for sharing their personal heart health stories. The organizing committee, led by Buckhead’s Lillian Short Connolly, planned the gathering in support of the Veronica Blount Memorial Foundation that raises awareness around heart disease. Through a silent auction, online donations, raffle tickets and contributions, the event raised $30,000.

Deidra Ragland, Rozelle Lake, Desta Lewis

Tee Blount, Dr. Howard Luckett, Michael Daniel Nicole Russell, Nancy Howell, Monalisa Chowdhury Tee Blount

Dr. Yama Brown

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Paul Daniel, Richard Woumn

William Wesley, Kathy Walker

CHEER ON

The Stayin’ Alive Crew, an over-50 dance group with more than 60 members, performs at venues small and large, from State Farm Arena to senior living homes.

PHOTO: Erik Meadows

Serving Atlanta for 40 Years and Counting.

ENJOY OUTDOOR SEATING AT ALL LOCATIONS, FRESH MARGARITAS.

Family Owned and Operated. Expanded patio dining, catering for all of your needs and a colorful wall mural for those Social Media photo opportunities.

Join us on Sundays for BRUNCH!

*Perimeter location only

Victor Macias, Owner

Don’t forget to join us this year for Cinco de Mayo, Sunday, May 5 at all locations to try our award winning, hand crafted, organic margarita!

Dunwoody Perimeter Mall 6115 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. Sandy Springs, GA 30328

Buckhead 1784 Peachtree Rd. NW, Atlanta, GA 30309

404.249.1522

Sandy Springs 5925 Roswell Rd., Sandy Springs, GA 30328

404.252.7347

elaztecaatlanta.com