Simply Buckhead June 2024

Your Guide to Living Well in Atlanta

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

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Community

Curaçao

Senoia

Colorful

Changing

Moving

Clayton

Fire

With

Photos: 18, 59: Erik Meadows, 26: Patrick Heagney, 88: Madelynne Grace

STYLISH

36 FASHION

Eco Eclectic

SCAD designer Sydney Dean uses recycled and thrifted materials

38 BEAUTY

Injectables 101

Learn about non-surgical options for face and neck

40 WELLNESS

Dysfunction Junction

Your pelvis might need physical therapy

42 TASTEMAKER

A Diabetes Diagnosis

Basketball legend Dominique Wilkins’ story

FAMILY

44 KIDS

Splish Splash

Local pools and lessons for summer swim time

49 PETS

Grieving Pet Loss

How to get the support you need after saying farewell

50 STRATEGIES

Thinking Out Loud

Try the new “loud budgeting” social media trend with tips from a Buckhead wealth advisor

CULTURE

52 ON STAGE

Radiating Humor

Physicist's wife Amy Brown mines comedy’s nuclear core

54 LITERARY

Grandma’s Kitchen Revisited

Brookhaven biz owner shares nostalgic secrets of family recipes

56 TASTEMAKER

A Voice for Future Generations

With Women in Radio, Meaghan Taylor is making airwaves more representative

57 EVENTS

Places to go and things to do

COVER STORY

59 Global Reach

DELICIOUS

68 REVIEW

Finer Diner

Dig into upscale comfort food at Roshambo

72 DRINKS

It’s Spritz O’Clock Somewhere Beat the summer heat with neat variations

FOODIE JOURNAL

Pendolino brings Italian-informed cuisine to Sandy Springs

TASTEMAKER

The Greatest Showmen

Dave Green and Otis Sallid team up for Damsel, a cabaret and supper club at The Works

Featured Restaurants

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead 79 Charitable A spotlight on philanthropic

BEHIND THE COVER

It’s hard to talk about Atlanta’s international connections without, in the same breath, mentioning Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. While the world’s busiest airport excels in efficiency and connects travelers to destinations across the globe, it doesn’t always feel like a luxurious, pleasurable experience. That all changed when PS ATL, a private lounge, opened its doors last year. For this issue’s cover shoot, our model, clad in designer clothes from Antidote, experienced the lounge and the elegance of traveling in style. Learn more about the ultra-luxe experience at PS ATL on page 60.

Photographer: Erik Meadows

Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Model: Jillian W., Click Models of Atlanta

Hair and makeup: Nyssa Green

Stylist: Jake Walton, Antidote

Wardrobe: Rick Owens top ($865) and pants ($815), Balenciaga shoes ($1,450), Jacquemus handbag ($1,115), Balenciaga passport phone holder ($1,045) and Anna Karin Karlson sunglasses ($1,625), available at Antidote. TUMI Extended Trip Packing Case ($1,495), available at TUMI at Phipps Plaza. Special thanks to PS ATL for hosting us.

Mike Jose

Editor's Letter

Ilived in four different countries during my childhood, so I never thought I’d find a hometown that satisfied all my international cravings. Atlanta comes as close as it gets. One of the top reasons I enjoy living here is the diversity of cultures, languages and cuisine I can experience in my dayto-day life. When I moved to Dunwoody, I was thrilled that my proximity to Buford Highway was just minutes away. I can eat a mortadella sandwich at E. 48th Street Market in Dunwoody (just seven minutes from my house), drink bubble tea in Chamblee and then practice my Spanish on a grocery trip to Buford Highway Farmers Market, all in one afternoon. Plus, if I need to hop a plane to another time zone to experience the real thing, nothing beats the efficiency of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. In this issue's cover story “Global Reach,” we pay homage to all the international perks our city offers, from the aforementioned cuisines to language schools and businesses.

These pages also include a taste of the summer season. Ashton Pike highlights colorful sandals in “Simply Approved;” Karina Antenucci rounds up family-friendly places to swim with kiddos; and Hope S. Philbrick takes us on a hungerinducing journey at Roshambo.

We hope you bring this issue along during your summer travels and that, when you arrive back home, you can better appreciate what a worldly place Atlanta is and how lucky we are to have so many global pleasures at our fingertips.

Giannina S. Bedford Managing Editor

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

P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 simplybuckhead.com

For advertising rates, call: 404.538.9895

Joanne Hayes

Publisher and Founder

Sonny Hayes

Chief Financial Officer

EDITORIAL

Giannina S. Bedford

Managing Editor

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

Senior Contributing Editor

Alan Platten

Creative Director

H.M. Cauley

Copy Editor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Karina Antenucci

Chelsie Butler

H.M. Cauley

Carly Cooper

Lauren Finney Harden

Mickey Goodman

Angela Hansberger

Michael Jacobs

Nicole Letts

Amy Meadows

Hope S. Philbrick

Ashton Pike

Claire Ruhlin

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Patrick Heagney

Madelynne Grace

Erik Meadows

Joann Vitelli

SALES & ADVERTISING

Michelle Johnson

Senior Account Executive

Layal Akkad

Graphic Designer

DIGITAL

BHG Digital

Website Development Management

Mike Jose

Director of Audience Development

LEGAL

Scott I. Zucker

Legal Counsel

FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR

Madelynne Grace, owner of Bites and Bevs Media, is a food pho tographer with a passion for both culinary artistry and visual storytelling. Through photography, she aims to reveal the essence of flavor and meticulous art of plating. She moved to Atlanta in 2012 with a degree in sports public relations and a longstanding modeling career, but discovered a love for hospitality. She picked up the camera as a hobby but turned it into a thriving company with a team of photographers, videographers and food stylists who shoot nationwide. Her work celebrates food as art that stimulates not just taste buds but also the visual senses.

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

Copyright © 2024 by Simply Buckhead All rights reserved.

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

Sara Hanna

Dutch Treat Page 22

UP FRONT

“We found two highlights in the downtown district: The first was the almost 600-foot long, floating pedestrian bridge.”

Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, is a colorful Caribbean getaway with Dutch influences.

NEWS BY Nicole Letts

will donate $1 of

SIP SIP HOORAY

BUCKHEAD’S BRASSICA DONATES A PORTION OF SALES TO SCHOLARSHIPS

The Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead restaurant, Brassica, is participating in the Uncle Nearest Historically Black Colleges and Universities Old Fashioned Challenge. Now through Juneteenth (June 19), $1 of each Ivy League Old Fashioned sold at Brassica will be donated to the Uncle

Brookhaven Receives Recognition

The city of Brookhaven and Explore Brookhaven were selected as the winners of the 2024 Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors

Bureaus’ Paul Nelson Award for Outdoor Recreation and Preservation. The award recognizes the city’s dedication to preserve and improve historic Lynwood Park, established in the early 1930s as the first predominantly black subdivision in DeKalb County. Since 2020, Brookhaven has worked to

Nearest Bourbon Scholarship. In turn, Uncle Nearest, a Tennessee-based spirits brand honoring the world's first-known African-American master distiller, will divide funds amongst each of the accredited schools. The ultimate goal is to provide one full, in-state tuition scholarship to each HBCU in the country.

recognize the park as well as improve its offerings. In 2023, monument gateway markers, crosswalk art by local artist Turiya Clark and a bronze recognition plaque were installed, and other significant recreational improvements were made, including adding a pool house and a synthetic turf field. brookhavenga.gov

Gucci Opens at Lenox Square

Italian luxury brand Gucci has expanded. The new Lenox Square store joins its Phipps Plaza sister

Brassica’s Ivy League Old Fashioned is made with Uncle Nearest Rye, agave, orange bitters and peach liqueur that comes from another Atlanta company, Blended Family. “An Old Fashioned is a beloved whiskey cocktail, but we especially love all the variations of it. This one tastes especially fresh,” says Cara McInerney, assistant director of outlets at the hotel.

The initiative is especially close to her heart. “Two of my bartenders are graduates from HBCUs, so

as the brand’s second permanent location in Atlanta. The retail space features 6,500 square feet of men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories and jewelry, as well as Gucci Beauty and the fashion house’s travel collection, Gucci Valigeria. Designed to resemble a home, the shop’s displays are a nod to vast closets with plush upholstery covered in luxe fabrics such as velvet. The boutique was designed with LEED guidelines and principles in mind. gucci.com/us/en

Culinary Dropout

Debuts in Dunwoody

it’s something the entire team is passionate about.” The team saw an opportunity to give back to the local community and beyond, and was eager to get involved. Atlanta is home to the Atlanta University Center, a consortium of HBCUs including Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Morehouse School of Medicine and Spelman College. n

BRASSICA • 404.995.7545 brassicaatlanta.com • @brassicaatlanta

Atlanta’s second location of the popular restaurant Culinary Dropout has opened in Dunwoody close to neighboring food hall Politan Row. Created by James Beard-nominated restaurateur Sam Fox, the new restaurant at Ashford Lane joins its Westside sibling establishment. It is touted as an “eatertainment venue” and is open seven days per week, often featuring live music from local performers as well as televisions

dedicated to various sporting events. The restaurant’s menu features elevated bar food such as deviled eggs topped with prosciutto, pork belly nachos smothered in guacamole, sour cream and pico de gallo, and black truffle mushroom pizza covered in smoked onion alfredo and finished with mozzarella and arugula. There are also crowd favorites such as pretzel bites with provolone fondue.

culinarydropout.com @culinarydropout

Brassica

each Ivy League Old Fashioned to the Uncle Nearest Bourbon Scholarship.

Mickey Goodman

Changing Lives

New knees for those in need

Eight years ago, Dr. Stephen Smith, Physician Assistant Katie Smith and medical personnel from Peachtree Orthopedics teamed up with One World Surgery in Honduras to conduct annual mission trips to perform knee surgeries at the Holy Family Surgery Center on the grounds of a children’s home, Nuestros Pequeños Hermanos (Our Little Brothers and Sisters).

They’ve since performed about 40 knee transplants per visit.

“This year, we’ll make two trips,” says Katie Smith, who coordinates the medical missions. Most years, the volunteers are medical personnel from a variety of practices, but the April trip was entirely made up of Peachtree employees. “In June, we’ll join two other teams from Charleston and Greenville, South Carolina.”

The soft supplies are donated by Piedmont Hospital, and CrossLink in

A Passion for Paws

funding that enabled the nonprofit to create the Pets in Crisis Support program, designed to provide temporary shelter for the pets of people forced to choose between their own needs and the wellbeing of their animals. Causes vary from hospitalizations and domestic violence to homelessness and more.

With The Rollins Foundation’s gift, the Society was able to collaborate with Ahimsa House that focuses on pet fostering for domestic violence

survivors, as well as expanding services at Paws Between Homes for individuals facing evictions.

“Out of all the Society’s excellent programs, this is my favorite,” Rollins says. “People in crisis can set aside one worry to concentrate on their own problems and know that their pets are cared for.”

Norcross provides the orthopedic implants. “They’re our largest donors by far, and with their supplies, we literally change lives by giving patients the ability to return to work to support their families,” Dr. Smith says.

Volunteers usually arrive on Saturday, set up on Sunday and operate Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Honduran surgeon Dr. Merlin Atunez, who grew up at NPH, identifies patients and provides continuity of care.

Serving the underserved in South America began 70 years ago when Peachtree Orthopedics’ founder, Dr. James Funk, took teams to Haiti annually. Next year, they’ll expand to the Dominican Republic.

PEACHTREE ORTHOPEDICS peachtreeorthopedics.com @peachtree_orthopedics

Creating Positive Change Bringing people together

Receiving the Ann Cramer Lifetime Achievement Award at the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s 2024 Leaders in Corporate Citizenship Awards Program was icing on the cake for Amanda Brown-Olmstead who has focused her 52-year public relations career and volunteerism on community projects.

The founder of A. Brown-Olmstead Associates in Buckhead is still going strong at 80 (“and proud of it!”). She’s been a champion for social change since she opened the doors of her company and began working with diverse clients and integrating her staff before that was the norm.

“Giving back was the way I was raised,” she says.

Brown-Olmstead’s projects have included everything from leading the effort to light up office buildings from Five Points to Lenox Square for the 1996 Olympics to coordinating the creation of the Historic Old Fourth Ward Park that has spawned growth and development ever since.

The company’s newest projects include helping to create the “The Many Lives of Andrew Young” exhibit that celebrates the ambassador’s 90th birthday and working with Gwinnett County on the Gateway 85 Community Improvement District that she calls “The Hub of the World” because of the 181 nationalities represented.

A. BROWN-OLMSTEAD ASSOCIATES aboa.biz

Amanda Brown-Olmstead has been a publicist and volunteer for more than 50 years.

Dr. Stephen Smith and P.A., Katie Smith lead medical missions in South America.

LATONYA GATES

Community leader helms a family enrichment program

As told to Amy Meadows PHOTOS: Erik Meadows

Earlier this year, I was walking around the Grove Park neighborhood I moved to seven years ago, talking to people in the community like I do every day. I stopped for a moment and thought about the fact that it’s the same neighborhood where my mother got high years ago. She had five children, and I know she loved us. She gave us all she had to give, but she dealt with heroin addiction and mental health issues; I was actually born in state prison and raised by my grandmother. I’m 50 years old now and still dealing with that childhood trauma, which included becoming a mother myself at age 17. When I started PAWKids in 2015, I recognized that I am who I serve. I’m no different than the child whose father is serving time in prison, whose mother is on drugs. I’ve been there. Right before I got pregnant with my son, Anthony, I was kicked out of DeKalb County high schools. Atlanta Public Schools took me in, and I went through a program called Communities in Schools. I found people who gave me hope—social workers and teachers who wanted better for me and my child. That support extended to my professional life when I began working at Atlanta Youth Academy, where I met people like executive director Chuck Johnston and principal Derek Lockwood and had the chance to start an afterschool program. I eventually moved on to being a program director for Walton Communities. All of those experiences laid the foundation as I worked to launch PAWKids. I was inspired by the mission of my church, Atlanta Westside Presbyterian, that is serving the community from Buckhead to Bankhead. I followed Chuck, whom I became close to at Atlanta Youth Academy, and he took a great interest in the well-being of my

children. He moved from Buckhead to Grove Park to serve the people. Chuck legally adopted me seven years ago, which meant so much because I never knew my real father. Upon moving to Grove Park, I saw a need in the children who lived in a different kind of poverty. Many didn’t have lights or running water, and so many were years behind in their reading. PAWKids started as an afterschool program for those children who needed a safe, clean place to come and get help with their reading comprehension. The program was supported by the historically black Paradise Baptist Church (the “P” in PAWKids) and the predominantly white Atlanta Westside Presbyterian Church (representing the “AW” in the name). We purchased one of the

largest trap houses in Grove Park, and while we have not been able to fully renovate it yet, we created a welcoming space with fresh paint, nice tables and more. We initially had five children participate, but I soon realized I couldn’t work with the children without also working with their families.

PAWKids has morphed into a family enrichment center, a behavioral health clinic that focuses on mental health for both children and adults and a food pantry. We purchased two other properties and connected the houses to develop our campus. Today, we serve 50 children and 11 families, and we go deep with them. I have had so many friends from Buckhead who want to get involved and volunteer. In fact, several of them helped us test the first chil-

that we can work and live together in these neighboring communities.

I’m honored that my children have decided to work alongside me. Anthony, who graduated from Morehouse College, is our manager of operations and development. My daughter, Larenzia, has her master’s

at a time from the ground up. We’ve started with Grove Park. It’s time to look at things differently and pour into our communities. The work is being done here. n

LaTonya Gates is passionate about helping children reach their potential with PAWKids’ afterschool support.

Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals ($130)

Nothing screams “summer” quite like the color yellow, which is why our eyes are locked in on these sweet sandals from Anthropologie. Named after a Greek goddess and a famously beautiful Irish warrior queen, these vibrant shoes will have you oozing confidence (and compliments) with every step.

Anthropologie Lenox Square 404.237.4175 • anthropologie.com @anthropologie

Le Mogador Jnane Sandals ($195)

Ibiza Gingham Sandals ($228)

Take a page out of the ’70s fashion playbook and add these groovy gingham platform sandals to your summer wardrobe. With a 1-inch platform and 1.75-inch heel, this pair of statement shoes elevates any look without sacrificing comfort.

Kate Spade Phipps Plaza • 404.949.9879 katespade.com • @katespadeny

One Step Ahead

While colorful attire isn’t technically exclusive to any one season, there’s something about summer that inspires the infusion of vibrancy into your everyday wardrobe. Here, we’re starting from the ground up. STORY: Ashton Pike

While you’re out and about in Buckhead, pop into Poppy’s of Atlanta, a locally owned boutique that’s become a staple since opening in 1981, and grab a pair of these leather-lined, slip-on slides. With grass-woven detail and bold yellow and blue hues, the pair undoubtedly belongs on your next vacation.

Poppy’s of Atlanta 404.237.7015 poppysofatlanta.com • @poppysatlanta

Sam Edelman Croco Bay Slide Sandal ($120)

Speaking of shopping hot spots in Buckhead, Tootsies has no shortage of chic sandals this season. While everyone loves a neutral summer look, go bold and add a pop of color (and texture) to your ensemble with these luxe leather slide sandals on offer in an energetic red tone. Tootsies Buckhead • 404.842.9990 tootsies.com • @shoptootsies

Atlanta-based brand duo Oka-B, a sustainable footwear company, and CB Grey, a luxury accessories brand, recently joined creative forces to launch a new collection of 16 resort-inspired sandals. Each vibrant pair is completed with a CB Grey scarf tied into a bow that boasts a handdrawn pattern from local founder Courtney Buchanan and can be swapped out for a personalized look, thanks to scarf sets sold separately ($25). The collection is sold exclusively on Oka-B’s website. Oka-B • 888.730.8974 oka-b.com • @oka_b

Kira Sport Sandal ($278)

If you thought Velcro shoes were solely for toddlers, think again. Tory Burch marries fashion and function with this new pair of bright, doublestrapped sandals. Shown here in hue Lemon Mist / New Ivory, the Kira Sport Sandal prioritizes practicality as much as luxury with an ultracomfortable molded leather footbed and rubber sole, so nothing can slow you down this summer.

Tory Burch Phipps Plaza • 404.816.3261 toryburch.com • @toryburch

CB Grey x Oka-B Courtney Slide Sandals ($60)

Moving Mountains

Often seen as the gateway to popular lake destinations

Lake Rabun and Lake Burton because of its location at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Clayton stands on its own as a destination. I found this out on a recent overnight trip to the mountain town. Incorporated about 100 years ago, it’s a tiny town of only a few thousand people, but it holds a lot of appeal.

I checked into the Bridge Creek Inn, new this year and now anchoring one end of Clayton’s growing downtown. It’s owned by Ridgeline Investment Partners, an Atlanta-based development group. The 45-room boutique hotel is managed by Indigo Road Hospitality Group, the Charleston-based firm responsible for Atlanta restaurants Indaco

EASY EXCURSIONS

Clayton is the perfect jumping-off point to explore the surrounding North Georgia mountains by day. Popular hiking spots include the Warwoman Dell and Bull Sluice trails, both of which have stunning waterfalls and vistas. Tallulah Gorge, 15 minutes from downtown Clayton, is a challenging 2-mile hike that features an 80-foot suspension bridge. Advanced cyclists can tackle a 10-mile challenging biking trail. Black Rock Mountain State Park has more family-friendly terrain and a short hike around its small but popular lake.

Lauren Finney Harden

and O-Ku and hotels including Skyline Lodge in Highlands, North Carolina, and The George in Georgetown, South Carolina.

The charming lodging offers more than I expected from a small mountain town hotel: good design, modern amenities (including a perfectly made cappuccino) and most important, access to a thriving downtown. This summer, the property’s restaurant will debut.

The Vandiver will focus on new American cuisine with locally sourced ingredients.

The city’s short Main Street contains prime examples of the town’s juxtaposition: Clayton Cafe, where I had a satisfying fried chicken platter; Butler Galleries, crammed with 15 antique dealers;

and Reeves Hardware, a quintessential hardware-cum-general store, are sandwiched between newer businesses such as Rabun Social, a newly opened Asian-inspired restaurant, and Treehouse, an upscale fashion and home decor boutique. I enjoyed myself as I windowshopped for paper goods, Oushak rugs and pretty floral dresses.

A creative class has settled in Clayton, helming establishments you might think are only available in more cosmopolitan locales. For example, Ghost Apothecary provides the town with tarot cards, tea leaf readings and a well-stocked bookstore. Cage-free Boutique sells bohemian-chic apparel. Oldknow Beverage Company, a newly opened distillery and cocktail lounge owned

and run by two former Atlantans, sits at the other end of Main Street. The space has become a gathering spot for those who love the lounge’s inventive cocktails and sophisticated environs. Drinks, which heavily feature house-made tinctures in unique flavors such as calendula, cinchona bark and ambrette, are made with local mountain water.

The Holy Smokes mocktail I sipped, made with iribancha smoked green tea, lime, orange, tamarind and jalapeño, was in perfect balance.

The evolution of Clayton proves it’s finally time to make the town the destination, not the afternoon pit stop. n

Oldknow Beverage Company specializes in locally distilled spirits and craft cocktails.

Clayton is the gateway to popular spots like Lake Burton.

Harris

Left: Downtown Clayton is enjoying a revitalization.

Right: A cozy, artfilled room at the Bridge Creek Inn.

DUTCH TREAT

Curaçao boasts a Caribbean-meets-European vibe STORY: H.M. Cauley

The heritage of the Caribbean is strongly linked to its colonial ties, with influences of the Spanish, British, French and Dutch spread across the islands. My travels have taken me to many on that list, but one I had long looked forward to exploring was Curaçao.

My family and I took four days to explore this long, skinny stretch of land just 37 miles north of the Venezuelan coast. The island has its own governor and government, but the close European ties are still evident. The official currency is the Netherlands Antillean gilder, though most places accept U.S. dollars. The official languages are English, Dutch and Papiamentu, a Creole blend favored by the residents.

But the most striking remnant of

its Dutch history is the architecture of its capital, Willemstad. The vividly bright hues of the tall and narrow buildings along the waterfront are so colorful that at first glance it’s hard to believe they’re not just giant cardboard cut-outs. Egg-yolk yellows, robin egg blues, pale pinks, mint greens and deep oranges cover the fancy facades decorated with ornamental details below red roofs.

The oldest date back as far as 1650, and most are now offices, shops, restaurants and hotels. These structures stand on both sides of the Sint Anna Bay, an inlet that leads to the town’s natural harbor and where massive cruise ships dock.

We found two highlights in the downtown district: The first was the almost 600-foot long, floating pe-

destrian bridge across the bay that swings 90 degrees from the quay to accommodate sea traffic. Anyone determined to get from one side to the other while the bridge is out of commission can hop a free ferry.

The second find was the Kura Hulanda Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site of 18th- and 19thcentury restored shops, inns, bars, galleries and residences clustered around shady courtyards a block from the quayside. It’s also home to the Museum Kura Hulanda. Spread across 15 small buildings, the museum is a showcase of the various cultures that have blended to create present-day Curaçao. Among its exhibits are several rooms adorned with artifacts—some quite disturbing— that detail the Caribbean slave trade and the role the Dutch played in it.

Beyond Willemstad, Curaçao’s beaches are the main attractions.

The impeccably clear water has made the island an international destination for snorkelers and scuba divers who will find an array of places to explore. With a car, it’s easy to hop from one inlet or beach to the next.

Visitors will find accommodations in a range of prices and styles, from

the boutique Pietermaai Hotel in the heart of Willemstad to seaside spots like Curaçao Marriott Beach Resort. The streets and courtyards of downtown Willemstad are dotted with cafes and bistros for casual dining, but for something more formal, reserve a table at the Michelin-starred Vista overlooking the bay and where the menus feature French and Japanese influences. Fill up without having to dress up at any of the eateries along the island’s western coast, starting at the Restaurant Playa Forti on the northern edge to Boca 19 on the southern. Not surprisingly, seafood is a staple, but so are bitterballen (Dutch meatballs) and papaya stew. No matter where visitors stay, they’ll find the crystal-clear experience awaits. Even from the bridge across the bay, the rocks and sea life below the surface are visible for several feet. That sparkling water and the white-sand beaches were what initially attracted us to Curaçao.

But unlike other island visits we’ve made, where we’ve stayed firmly rooted under a palm-frond umbrella and attempted to taste every tropical beverage the bartenders concocted, Curaçao proved a different experience. With a thriving, historic city just 10 minutes from our hammocks and a variety of different beaches to explore, it was easy to combine our love of learning about the past and the chance to stand neck-deep in the ocean and say, “Hey, I can still see my feet!” n

curacao.com • @curacaotb

Willemstad's waterfront structures are painted in vivid hues.

Curaçao's wealth of beaches boast crystal clear waters ideal for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Pack your overnight bag and head to charming Senoia for a quaint getaway.

Small Town on the Big Screen

Senoia is a picture-perfect weekend getaway STORY: Nicole Letts

filming locations, but those scenic spots are just part of what makes Senoia an adorable getaway.

I started my day at the Senoia Farmers Market that is held on most Saturdays throughout the year. Vendors fill stalls of a former cotton warehouse with eggs, flowers, produce, handmade gifts and baked goods. Finkles Bake Shop tempts pastry lovers with seasonal doughnut varieties while Nic & Norman’s, a second outpost of the popular nearby restaurant of the same name, offers brunch cocktails such as Bloody Marys and mimosas. I opted for both a sour cream doughnut and a mimosa.

From the farmers market, I

walked to Main Street to do a little small-town browsing. There are a few cute boutiques such as Olivia James Apparel and Greenhouse Mercantile, but I was especially smitten by Dang! That’s Crazy where oddities, collectibles and clothing and props from “The Walking Dead” fill the racks. Book Love, a coffee shop and bookstore rolled into one, is a must-stop, too. I spent the rest of the afternoon

enjoying a little Senoia history. First up is the Senoia historic homes tour that features over 50 stops. To make the most of my time, I hopped in my car to see sites such as the Buggy Museum, considered to be one of the oldest continuously operating wooden commercial structures in the state, as well as the Fried Green Tomatoes house, also known as the circa 1910 Travis House that served as the

Threadgoode home in the film.

My tour ended at the Senoia Area Historical Society and Museum. There, I saw clothing and photos from the town’s history, as well as a complete list of movies and television shows filmed in and around town. As a Southern movie buff, I was especially intrigued by the large projector once used for the production of Fried Green Tomatoes that later appeared in “The Walking Dead.”

I moseyed into an early dinner at Bistro Hilary, a high-end French and American-inspired bistro from chef Hilary White. The menu changes seasonally, but you can always count on complimentary, warm homemade wheat bread and salted butter while you decide on the rest of your courses. As dinner wraps up, I considered an overnight at The Veranda Historic Inn, a 10-room bed-andbreakfast, but since home was such a close drive, I headed back to Atlanta confident there will be a return to this small town turned silver screen mainstay in the future. n

COWETA

Left:

Below: The Senoia Area Historical Society and Museum offers insight into the town's past.

Dining outdoors is common in Senoia. Pull up a seat at restaurants such as Bistro Hilary.

Rooted

In Place

A BROOKHAVEN FAMILY REFRESHES THEIR ASHFORD PARK ABODE

The Woodwards are an Ashford Park family through and through. Scott Woodward bought their first home in the Brookhaven neighborhood in 2004, when he and wife Holly were dating. Now their family of five is living at their third address in the community, a 6,400-squarefoot residence purchased in 2013.

Their current home is one of the many newer constructed residences that have helped transform the neighborhood in the last 20 years.

“When Scott bought our first house, maybe only 20% of the neighborhood was new construction. It was mostly old houses and a very different place. Now, depending on the street, it is 75 to 90% new,” Holly says. ➥

STORY: Giannina S. Bedford

PHOTOS: Patrick Heagney

Two elegant chairs from Grandin Road create a hang out spot near the kitchen.

“I also love all the green space behind our house and all the natural light that fills the main floor and basement.” —Holly Woodward

Scott works in Buckhead, and the three Woodward kids, ages 10, 12 and 14, attend private schools nearby, so the family’s daily routines keep them traveling within a convenient 3-mile radius. With their roots firmly planted, they have continued to upgrade their seven-bedroom, five-bath home. When they moved in, they made minor cosmetic upgrades to the property, which was built in 2007 and purchased at auction by the Woodwards. In 2021, they embarked on larger projects, enlisting the help of Shannon Reynolds of Shannon Reynolds Interiors to freshen up the main level and renovate the unfinished basement.

“The kitchen was great function-wise, but it had dark wood with dated granite and yellow-toned tile backsplash,” Holly says. “Even before the renovation started, we loved

how cozy and warm our home felt, and we didn’t want to lose that when we lightened the kitchen. I also love all the green space behind our house and all the natural light that fills the main floor and basement.”

In the refresh, the Woodwards replaced the kitchen’s dark wood cabinets with white and the twotiered, L-shaped island with an expanded rectangular one. They selected a dark blue hue for the marble-topped island to give a pop of color and embellished the space with gold hardware and fixtures. Above the island are gold and white pendants from Visual Comfort, and on one side sit elegant bar stools from Ballard Designs. Nearby, a breakfast area features a jute chandelier from Bellacor, table from Rove Concepts and banquette upholstered in a performance fabric that

The sunlit living room offers plenty of seating, including two swivel chairs that can turn to face the kitchen.

Scott and Holly Woodward have been part of the Ashford Park community since 2004.

Holly put to the test by squirting it with ketchup and Chick-fil-A sauce.

“The kitchen is always a hub of activity and seems like where everyone hangs out when we entertain,” Holly says. “With our renovation, we added comfortable bar seating that allows people to feel like they’re a part of the living room or kitchen. We also added a small seating area in the kitchen because, again, every-

one is there anyway. They might as well have a spot to sit.”

The seating area is furnished in two chairs from Grandin Road, and more seating is available in the open living room where sofas and swivel chairs from The Ellenburg Chair Company accompany an RH light fixture, newly added built-ins, a stone fireplace and The Frame television by Samsung.

“The living room has plenty of comfy seats for our family of five when we all try to watch a show together,” Holly says.

The built-ins store the family’s china and crystal that they relocated from the dining room to allow space for a larger round dining table from Classic Home and white dining chairs from Universal Home Furniture. The formal area is also adorned in a state-

ment-making Zeugma chandelier.

“The dining room is one of my favorite spaces. I love everything about this room. It is such a simple space, but so comfortable and put together,” Holly says. “The giant chandelier is my favorite item. I also love that by adding the builtin cabinets in the living room, we eliminated the need for any storage in the dining room.”

Above: Replacing the two-tiered, L-shaped island with a rectangular one opened up the walkway and flow of the kitchen space.

Left: The breakfast area features a built-in bench upholstered in performance fabric that Holly tested prior to installation.

Below: The Zeugma chandelier in the dining room anchors the elegant space.

Below: The basement's

Another one of Holly’s favorite spaces, loved for its practicality, is the mudroom attached to the kitchen. Holly replaced her kids’ three open storage cubbies with closed lockers complete with charging spaces for electronic devices, hat shelves and plenty of room for backpacks and more. The mudroom also boasts a secondary washer/dryer combo.

“Our new mudroom adds function and hides clutter. I love the mini single unit washer/ dryer for kitchen towels and dirty sports uniforms,” she says.

Another big overhaul took place in the unfinished basement that went from concrete floors and wood studs to an extra living space with a wet bar, game area, extra bedroom and bathroom. The seating area gives off a masculine vibe with black teak wall panels, a Four Hands black

leather chair and an 80-inch television above the sleek fireplace.

“All of a sudden, our kids were too big and it felt like we couldn’t all fit in the living room and that was the impetus to finish the basement,” Holly says.

A chic Ping-Pong table (brought by Santa), rustic wood touches and dark gray cabinetry create an upscale, moody vibe that is dotted with University of Georgia memorabilia.

While most of the basement is for fun and games, it also houses an indoor/outdoor gym. The indoor portion boasts exercise machines, while the screened-in outdoor space is equipped with a punching bag, weight bench and more.

“I love our home gym. It is simple

but a room I use daily and has just what I need,” Holly says. “Plus, I love to work out in the open air when the weather allows.”

Another open-air area is the screened porch off the second-floor deck. Furnished in an L-shaped sectional from Costco, it’s another

lounging area the family enjoys with family and friends.

“We host most family holidays, and we always have extra kids around,” Holly says. “I love a comfortable, inviting and cozy space. I want it to be calm and clutter free, but durable and easy to live in.” n

Right: The mudroom boasts a washer/dryer combo, sink and wine fridge across from a wall of lockers for each of the Woodward children.

Right: A design-forward Pink-Pong table fits in with the basement's rustic wood touches.

indoor-outdoor gym is one of the homeowners' favorite spaces.

IN THE DETAILS

Holly Woodward’s 3 favorite design details

2. Gold metallic details. “I love the gold faucets in the kitchen and bathroom and gold sink in the mudroom. We also have gold knobs and handles on the kitchen cabinets, some of the furniture and lighting. Again, it's just a small change, but makes a big difference in making our house feel updated.”

Casual, yet upscale, the basement offers an overflow space for entertaining on game days.

2. Updated lighting. “The new kitchen, living room and dining room light fixtures really update the look of our home. It was a small change that made a big difference and really modernized the look of our house.”

1. The oversized kitchen island. “I love how making a large one-level island really opened up the kitchen and makes the kitchen, eating area and living room feel like one cohesive space.”

BY Giannina S. Bedford

Pollinator Place

Build an attractive garden for bees, butterflies and more

John Jenkins, a manager at Pike Nurseries Buckhead, weighs in on pollinators, the gardens that attract them and how to create a welcoming pollinator garden of your very own.

What is a pollinator?

Bees are well-known pollinators, but more than 100,000 invertebrates, including butterflies, moths, wasps, flies and beetles, plus many mam-

DESIGN & REALTY

balm, milkweed, hyssop, black-eyed Susan (rudbeckia), cone flower (echinacea) and lobelia.

What time of year should you plant one?

Spring is the best time! The nice thing is that most pollinator gardens can consist of perennials (rudbeckia, echinacea and bee balm) that come back each year for a more established garden. Annuals like lobelia, zinnias and salvia are good for the season March through September in Atlanta.

What kind of maintenance do these gardens require?

mals, birds and reptiles, also take on the job. Pollinators move from plant to plant, collecting pollen and nectar. As they move, the pollinators transport and deposit more pollen, fertilizing plants and allowing those plants to reproduce.

What are some of the best plants for a pollinator garden?

A few common ones would be bee

NEWS

Atlanta-based furniture manufacturer Currey & Company recently added Amanda Spence to its roster in the newly created position of director of accessories and portable lighting. Spence began her career at Anthropologie and was one of the founding employees of gardening store Terrain. She’s also worked for West Elm and Napa Home & Garden. In her new position, Spence will help grow Currey’s interior and garden accessories as well as its signature lamp category. curreyandcompany.com

Supercharge your summer grill outs with the AutoIgnite Series 545 Digital Charcoal Grill and Smoker. Recently unveiled by Masterbuilt and Chamblee-based Kamado Joe, the outdoor appliance offers the flavor of charcoal with the convenience of gas. Press the QuickStart auto-ignition button on the controller to light the firestarter, set the temperature on the digital control panel or Masterbuilt app and let the fan and ignitor do the rest. It offers 545 square inches of cooking space, a warming rack, side shelves, cabinet storage and more. Available for $499 at The Home Depot. homedepot.com

Very little once established. Newer gardens need good soil, a good water regimen and good fertilizer. I recommend Dr. Earth Annual Bloom Flower Garden Fertilizer.

Do you need a lot of space for one, or can you plant it in a container?

The answer is no, a lot of space isn’t required. Container gardening can have just as much pollination

as a large garden. A lot of our customers live in apartment complexes and want to attract bees and butterflies, and container gardening can be fun to create and good for the environment.

Any more tips?

When sourcing plants, native plants are a good choice. They will thrive in the weather, moisture and soil in your region. Also, a big concern with a pollinating garden is to avoid any sort of chemicals that can harm the pollinator. Please read labels and look for a more natural insecticide. n

n A new showroom is open on Miami Circle. The Chiarabella Gallery held its grand opening in May, revealing its collection of bespoke cabinetry and premium kitchen, bath and wardrobe solutions. The showroom’s kitchen and bath cabinetry craftsmanship includes Rational Cabinets, made in Italy and designed in Germany, and Bravat Plumbing, a 150-year-old company founded in Linden, Germany. The showroom is open to both the trade and the public. chiarabellagallery.com

n Harry Norman, REALTORS recently presented its annual Metro Atlanta Residential Real Estate Forecast with statistics on the 2023 market and insights into 2024. Despite a surge in younger and female buyers, Harry Norman reported a 17% decline in year-over-year home sales. Looking ahead, greater Atlanta’s price appreciation is expected to outpace national averages at 6 to 8%; the Federal Reserve predicted three rate reductions in 2024; and economists anticipate 2024 to be slightly better for homebuilders than 2023. harrynorman.com

John Jenkins, a manager at Pike Nurseries Buckhead.

Westport Console with Beverage Tub in Aluminum ($2,499)

Keep guests comfortable by inviting them to grab beverages out of Frontgate’s Westport Console. It’s made from aluminum to stand up to the elements. A stainless steel top covers a tub, perfect for keeping up to 20 standard-size beverages icy cold. A lower shelf offers storage, while a playful chevron pattern gives visual interest.

Frontgate • frontgate.com • @frontgate

Pacific Pagoda

8.5-foot Umbrella with Trim ($1,249)

Cook Out

Warmer months mean firing up the grill and taking the entire cooking experience outside. You don’t have to sacrifice style, though, as these items can elevate your outdoor dining experience. From luxe grills to beautifully designed artisan aprons, here’s what you need to create a comfortable and functional al fresco meal. STORY: Lauren Finney Harden

Vietri Limoni Medium Oval Platter ($154)

Travel to Italy without leaving your backyard with Vietri’s Limoni collection. Inspired by the fragrant lemons that grow along the Amalfi Coast, this platter is dishwasher- and microwave-safe, and can plate up everything from salads to steaks. Cheerful and vibrant, this handmade earthenware platter adds color and charm to any tablescape.

Nordstrom Phipps Plaza • nordstrom.com • @nordstrom_phipps

Keepsake Denim Apron ($55)

Cooks will love staying tidy in this dark-hued apron. Inspired by denim’s working roots, it’s a universal unisex design made from 100% cotton. A large front pocket and adjustable ties at the neck and waist will keep any amateur chef comfortable while whipping up a summer salad or kebabs. Designed to wear with washing and age, it’s a beautiful keepsake that can be passed on through families. The brand also makes children-sized aprons to get little chefs in on the action.

Heirloomed heirloomedcollection.com • @heirloomedcollection

Offer shade in style with this umbrella from Ballard Designs. Created with interior design in mind but made exclusively to withstand the outdoors, it’s a playful yet practical way to set the tone for your patio. Made from Sunbrella fabric with a double-scalloped edge, it’s durable, washable, fade-resistant and mildew-resistant to keep grillmasters cool and shaded. It comes in two fashionable colors, navy and seafoam green.

Ballard Designs ballarddesigns.com @ballarddesigns

GX10 Grill Island Double ($21,995)

Paradise Grill’s GX10 Grill Island series is a must for the ultimate in backyard cooking. The setup includes two 32-inch professional grills, fueled by gas or propane, and two 32-inch cocktail stations with a shelf for glasses, garnish trays, ice chest, cutting board and more. Two double-sided burners, fridges, storage compartments, double drawers and outlets keep outdoor chefs fully equipped. Check it out in person at the brand's Phipps Plaza showroom.

Paradise Grills paradisegrillsdirect.com @paradisegrills

ON POINT

every course I could in plants. Later, I had the opportunity to intern with Sheila Wertimer, a well-known landscape architect in Charleston.

In what ways is ballet still a part of what you do?

A big part of my work is narrative and telling a story as an experience. That's something I think comes from my background in dance; it’s an understanding that we're all moving through space. We're all dancing. Dancing is just organized walking. And as a landscape architect, it's my job to choreograph that movement and how people experience space.

What do you wish people knew about landscape design?

We're all aware that the buildings we enter were designed by an architect, but we're not as aware of that same thing in landscape. Everything outside, especially in an urban environment, has been designed by someone. There's so much opportunity in landscape.

What is a good local example where readers can see great landscape design in action?

I worked on a project called Echo Street West in West Midtown. It’s 19 acres that stitch five city blocks together with dining decks, bike trails and public plazas. There are even reconstructed woodlands. It's a dynamic place with a lot of different uses and ways to move through it. It feels like it's been there forever when it's a completely fabricated place.

Landscape architect, interior designer and Buckhead resident Nicole Day remembers the exact moment she realized her calling. She was lying in the grass in Luxembourg Gardens in Paris and thought about how someone had intentionally created the garden around her to be a place of beauty and refuge. It was a masterpiece.

STORY: Nicole Letts

With landscape and interior design, former ballerina Nicole Day finds the world really is her stage

As a classically trained ballerina who spent countless hours at the Atlanta Ballet and the School of American Ballet in New York, Day understands the work that goes into a massive production, whether on the stage or in the environment. In fact, you might say her design work is similar to that of building a stage set: It begins as an empty space

waiting to be transformed. Here, the founder of Day & Day Company, a landscape architecture and interior design firm, shares more about her creative process as well as her new patent-pending product.

How did you go from ballerina to designer?

I got injured at 18, and it became clear I wasn't going to be a professional. So I went to the College of Charleston. A lot of ballerinas do not go to college, but I was very thankful that I did. I didn't know what I wanted to study, but I fell into biology. I was interested in understanding how the world worked, and in that biology degree, I took

You also do interior design, which led to creating your first product. Tell us more. For a particular interior design project, the room was oriented to a corner. We needed to find a corner console, so I designed one. It started as a riddle in my head about how to reconcile a corner. The patent-pending Circle Square Console is designed to be a media console, so there’s an electrical cavity, but it’s versatile. Each piece is handmade here in Atlanta by a local German woodworker, and his attention to detail is phenomenal. Additionally, the wood color gets richer over time, so it evolves with you. n

STYLISH

A Diabetes Diagnosis Page 42

“I'm trying to help raise awareness through education so that people make lifestyle changes.”

— Dominique Wilkins

Basketball legend Dominique Wilkins speaks out about managing the disease.

PHOTO: Erik Meadows

ECO ECLECTIC

SCAD designer Sydney Dean uses recycled and thrifted

Sydney Dean has only attended one quarter at SCAD Atlanta so far, but the up-and-coming fashion designer has already landed a major display of her work. While participating in a student design competition at 2023 Atlanta Sustainable Fashion Week, an event and movement dedicated to combating textile and water waste, carbon emissions and microplastics in oceans, Dean’s sustainable creation was noticed by the Amelia Island Convention and Visitors Bureau. This year, one of her dresses will go on display at the Amelia Island Welcome Center.

For the student competition, a large assortment of waste from Amelia Island beaches was handpicked and presented by ATLSFW founder Tanjuria Willis to student designers to use at their discretion to show how “the future of fashion is sustainable,” says Dean, 21. The destination was a sponsor of the fall event, as was Simply Buckhead “I wanted my piece to be something everyone could appreciate,”

materials

STORY: Karina Antenucci

says Dean, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, who has lived in the Atlanta area most of her life. “Amelia Island wanted to present that they are a sustainable tourist attraction.”

To make the eco-friendly dress,

Dean cut a hanger mannequin to create the bodice. Upcycled curtains and spare elastics were used for the skirt, and embellishments were crafted from beach toys. “You can’t tell that the embellishments were made out of buckets and other items,” she says. “Even though I didn’t win the competition, Amelia Island reached out to me directly because they loved the piece.”

A self-funded college student, Dean is working to save up for one quarter at a time so she can pursue her dream. She’s majoring in fashion design, minoring in fashion merchandising and, upon graduating, hopes to work at a fashion house— or open one of her own.

Dean considers her work “maximalist” and cites French fashion designer Thierry Mugler’s designs in comparison. “Maximalist means taking things others wouldn’t think were fashionable and making them fashionable. For me, more is more. Go big or go home!”

Her multidisciplinary, eclectic style

can also be seen in another notable piece she calls a “very out there, black-and-white belt corset moment.” Dean used recycled cardboard to make the inside structure, belts thrifted from Goodwill and other thrift stores, second-hand jewelry and scrap fabric for the lining.

Dean’s personal style is all business, though. Her go-to outfit: a great pair of slacks and a well-fitting button down with lots of jewelry and heels.

Currently, the budding designer is working on five different lines, including menswear, streetwear, Y2K and couture. One of her SCAD professors is mentoring her outside of school, teaching her about cohesiveness when making a new line.

“I enjoy different esthetics. I love any and everything fashion, and want to experience it all and produce it myself,” Dean says. She adds that this is her first magazine interview. No doubt, with her talent and drive, it won’t be her last. n

@6ydneyy

Sydney Dean's clothing designs use upcycled materials, such as fabric from curtains, and second-hand pieces, such as belts and jewelry.

Up-and-coming fashion designer and SCAD student Sydney Dean looks ahead to a fashion-forward future.

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.

received a diagnosis of sleep

or simply find traditional CPAP machines cumbersome

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

with the goal of empowering you to make informed decisions regarding your health.

Injectables 101

Cosmetic injectables aren’t for everyone. If you prefer aging au naturel, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. But for some, a little (or big) modification here and there to help brighten eyes, restore lips to their former glory or soften frown lines is a welcome addition to a beauty routine. Maggie Schreck, certified physician assistant and injectables specialist at Truffles Aesthetics in Buckhead, walks us through different ways the neck and face can be treated non-surgically and provides tips and considerations.

Specialist Consistency

Getting injectables is not like get ting your nails done. “If you go to a different person every time, you’ll have inconsistent results,” Schreck says. To that end, do your research and find an experienced and wellreviewed cosmetic injector. Random Botox party? Pass. After all, this is your face we’re talking about.

Forehead Wrinkles and Crow’s Feet

Droopy Eyelids and Eye Hollows

LINGO LESSON

n Biostimulators stimulate the body to produce its own collagen and elastin, softening lines and tightening skin. Brands include Sculptra and Radiesse.

n Dermal fillers are gels that give volume. Brands include Restylane and Juvéderm.

n Neurotoxins freeze the muscles and can smooth out wrinkles and provide lift in certain areas. Brands include Botox and Dysport.

In this day and age, most everyone

as Dysport, are used to smooth fore head wrinkles and crow’s feet at the corner of the eyes. On the forehead, it can treat both the horizontal lines above the eyebrows and the vertical lines between the brows. “We typically treat these two areas together, as one is responsible for lifting the brow and the other for lowering the brow. This can help avoid feeling ‘heavy’ in the eyebrow,” Schreck says.

The

Neck

Learn about non-surgical options for face and neck

If the issue you’d like to address is “hooding” on the upper eyelids, Schreck says neurotoxins can provide a very subtle lift. She recommends seeing an oculoplastic surgeon for a significant amount of hooding. However, a sunken look around the bottom of the eyes can be treated with a hyaluronic acid filler such as Restylane Eyelight that creates volume. “Product selection is critical in having a good outcome. An inappropriate dermal filler under the eyes could attract water and look puffy.”

The vertical muscles called the platysma bands in the neck pull down on the lower part of the face. Over time, this constant pulling can create that crepey, loose look under the chin, jowls on the jawline and horizontal folds across the neck. “We can use a neurotoxin to tighten up turkey neck or jowling and a biostimulator like Hyperdilute Radiesse to boost collagen and elastin to soften the necklace lines,” Schreck says. The biostimulator results

STORY: Karina Antenucci

build over time and take two to four treatments for good results. For those who want to get rid of a mild to moderate double chin and prefer not to undergo liposuction, Schreck recommends Kybella, which requires multiple treatments for results, but is very effective. “It causes the fat cells to burst, and then the body removes them.”

Lip Lines and Volume

“There are so many different options for lips. We’ll pick it based on how long you want the product to last and if you want more definition, to smooth wrinkles or add major volume,” Schreck says. Both neurotoxins and filler can be used to treat vertical—aka smoker—lines. The neurotoxin reduces how intensely you can pucker the lip, and a filler, such as Juvéderm or Restylane Kysse, softens lines and adds volume. Lip fillers typically last anywhere from six to 12 months. n

Vanessa Corral Photography

DYSFUNCTION JUNCTION

Your pelvis might need physical therapy

STORY: Karina Antenucci

The pelvic floor is the whole region of the body that sits between the belly button and the bottom of the pelvis. It supports core stability and bowel, bladder and sexual function. When it’s out of alignment, it can lead to back and hip pain, muscle weakness or overactivity, pain during intercourse, urinary incontinence, constipation, uncomfortable pressure and more.

“Pelvic floor dysfunction is highly common in women postpartum, but there is a misconception that you have to have a baby to have issues with the pelvic floor,” says Blair Green, physical therapist and founder of Catalyst Physical Therapy in Dunwoody. “Both sexes can get it from several other causes, such as a sedentary job, sports injury, hamstring injury or trauma like a car accident. You may be predisposed to it, too.”

Hormones also play a role. Whether a woman has kids or not, pelvic floor problems may arise as she approaches menopause because of

lower estrogen levels. “Estrogen, and to some degree testosterone, helps maintain muscle integrity including strength and lubrication. The tissue starts to change in menopause, similarly as it does during nursing after childbirth,” Green says.

Addressing all of the above issues is pelvic health physical therapy, a specialized niche that combines exercises with manual therapy in addition to other treatment strategies and patient education utilizing models and pictures. It’s focused on the muscles, nerves and soft tissue structures in the pelvic floor, including the abdominals, lower back, diaphragm and, yes, the vagina and rectum. The only way to reach and work on some of these areas is internally.

“Some people from day one say, ‘I’m here and ready.’ Others might be fearful, so we would wait to do internal therapy until they are comfortable,” Green says.

For those who just can’t get comfortable, pelvic health physical ther-

apists can teach at-home techniques using silicone pelvic floor wands. Breathwork and mindfulness exercises are also helpful. “Through breathing techniques, we teach people how to relax their pelvic floor and calm down the nerves,” she says. So why aren’t more people—and their health care providers—talking about pelvises and pelvic health physical therapy? “I think it’s partly because it’s embarrassing to discuss things like leaking when you exercise or pain during sex,” Green says. “There’s a lot of shame and fear attached to this area of the body. But though it’s common, it’s not normal, and there’s a lot you can do to fix it.”

Green highly recommends going to see a pelvic health physical therapist when you are pregnant to learn pelvic mobility exercises, breathing techniques and other delivery-room strategies to minimize the risks of childbirth injuries. Then visit your PT again within one to two months of giving birth. “Even though symp-

toms might not present themselves right away, waiting five, 10, 20 years later, which women often do, creates more problems.”

For more chronic issues, expect frequency of visits to be once or twice per week for six to eight weeks initially. Then a monthly or bi-monthly check-in might be needed.

When looking for a qualified professional, know that not all physical therapists do pelvic health, just as not all technicians and nurses who do pelvic floor therapy do PT. You’ll want someone who has been comprehensively trained and a practice that offers a private room, advises Green. APTA Pelvic Health (the Academy of Pelvic Health) is a trusted resource to find a provider near you. n CATALYST PHYSICAL THERAPY catalystga.com • @catalyst_ga APTA PELVIC HEALTH aptapelvichealth.org/ptlocator @aptapelvichealth

NanoStockk

BEAT THE HEAT AND THE BREAKOUTS

Tips to Prevent Summer Acne

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

Though acne can affect us throughout

the entire year, some of us notice an

increase in symptoms during the summer months. This can be due to several environmental factors leading to increased sebum (oil) production and clogged pores. Fear not, there are ways to get ahead of summertime acne and helpful tips to keep it under control.

In summer, sweat can build up on our skin and clothes and cause our pores and hair follicles to become clogged, leading to pustules and inflammatory papules. This excess sweat can also cause an increase in sebum production which can exacerbate acne. One simple step to minimize acne breakouts or folliculitis (infected hair follicles) on the chest, back and elsewhere on the body is to shower off with water as soon as possible (for example, post workout or outdoor excursion). A quick rinse helps to remove the sweat and debris to prevent bacteria from becoming trapped in hair follicles. If a shower isn’t practical, then a quick change of clothing (removing sweat-soaked t-shirts or tight-fitting shorts) can help prevent flare-ups.

If these steps aren’t curbing the issue, then an over-thecounter medicated body wash or face wash may be in order. A preparation including salicylic acid will exfoliate dead skin cells and reduce inflammation. Benzoyl peroxide washes have been a mainstay in acne treatment for decades but have come under some scrutiny in recent months. Generally, they are still considered safe if they are not expired and are kept at room temperature.

If you have tried these tricks, and acne or infected follicles remain a problem for you, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. We can prescribe topical and occasional oral prescription medications to combat the problem and offer tips for prevention. Our aesthetic services include many treatments geared toward acne, folliculitis and dark spots left behind by these inflammatory bumps. These procedures complement prescribed medications to give our patients the best result possible. Mild chemical peels and hydrafacials help to gently exfoliate dead skin cells, clean out clogged pores and reduce residual pigment on the skin from prior breakouts. We also offer light therapy to quell inflammation and target the bacterium frequently associated with acne and folliculitis.

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

A Diabetes Diagnosis

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 38.4 million people, including adults and children, in the U.S. have diabetes. Type 2 is the most prevalent (90-95% of cases) form and can lead to heart problems, neuropathy, amputations, blindness and other issues if left

for 15 years. It started when I found out that I was a diabetic after I retired from basketball. My father and grandfather died from it, and it’s been in our family for a long time. My brother was just diagnosed with it, too. I’m trying to help raise awareness through education so that people make

like orange juice, which I haven’t had in 20 years, and added other things like green vegetables and salads. When I was first learning to manage diabetes, I counted carbs. You can still have your steak every now and then. I’m also very physically active. For me, that’s walking a lot, and I lift weights and work on my strength.

the road, and you can manage it. There are things in life that slow you down but are not meant to stop you. Stand above it by educating yourself and managing your disease to the level and quality of life you are trying to achieve. n dominiquewilkins.com @dominiquewilkins21

Basketball legend Dominique Wilkins’ story STORY: Karina Antenucci PHOTO: Erik Meadows

Splish Splash

Summertime madness has begun! There’s nothing like a pool day to get the kids’ energy out and find some parental calm with a family-friendly activity that beats the heat. No pool at home? No problem. Cool off at a local club near you that offers memberships with perks and welcomes public drop-ins. Plus it’s a great time to sign your little (or not so little) one up for swim lessons at a trusted neighborhood school. Below, you’ll find some options to make your water play safe and fun.

CHASTAIN PARK

ATHLETIC CLUB

Enjoy ample lounge chairs for sunbathing and a large pool with shallow and deep ends and swim lanes at Chastain Park Athletic Club. The pool is open between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily including holidays, and pool members have exclusive access 5 to 8 p.m. and until 9 p.m. Fridays. All parents, children, grandparents and nannies in a single family are covered

under a $450 membership that provides access between May 13 and Sept. 8. Other memberships are also available, and discounts are applied if one or more of children partake in the Tidal Waves Swim Team. Alternatively, drop-ins are welcome for $5 per person over age 2. And kids aren’t the only ones having fun in the water—check out the adult swim team.

404.255.2762 • gomotionapp.com/team/ recascpacga/page/home

GOLDFISH SWIM SCHOOL SANDY SPRINGS

At this welcoming swim school, 30minute lessons are based on the philosophy that children learn through play. The guided sessions start at $31 with a ratio of one instructor per four children and include swim toys, interactive songs and various games and activities. Year-round classes are offered for children 4 months to 12 years old in the 90-degree, indoor swimming pool. Caregivers can watch from behind a glass wall and then

Local pools and lessons for summer swim time

STORY: Karina Antenucci

take kiddos for a treat at the Snack Shack. Adults will also appreciate the swimsuit and hair dryers and private changing rooms.

770.766.0237 goldfishswimschool.com @goldfish_sandysprings

GARDEN HILLS POOL

This quaint facility is true to Garden Hills style: It’s surrounded by lovely landscaping and boasts a good-looking pool house. Options for water play include a $5 daily admission for anyone over age 2 or family memberships starting at $315. Membership perks include access to the pool the two weekends prior to Memorial Day before it is open to the public and two weekends following Labor Day after it closes to non-members. Plus enjoy extended members-only hours each evening starting at 5 p.m. and access to special events such as parties and movie nights. Regardless of membership status, you’re welcome

to sign your child up for private, summer-long swim lessons with its Cool Sharks Swim Team coaches who also teach diving and swim teams for kids and adults.

404.848.7220 • gardenhillspool.com

BRITISH SWIM SCHOOL

Located at LA Fitness’s Lenox/ Buckhead gym, British Swim School offers group lessons starting at $30 per class for all ages—babies to adults—in the heated and laned pool. Up to four kids are paired with a trained adult instructor (no high schoolers!) at the classes offered year-round. Cool features include a flexible makeup-day policy for when life happens and a “Survival Week” a few times per year when lessons are taught with children wearing clothes to learn the feeling of being submerged in clothing. Your babe will graduate to fish status in no time! 770.212.2292

britishswimschool.com/atlanta

@britishswimschoolatl n

Goldfish Swim School brings year-round swim lessons to Sandy Springs.

GRIEVING PET LOSS

How to get the support you need after saying farewell STORY: Chelsie Butler

Anyone who's lost a furry family member knows there's nothing quite like that sadness. The grief can be unbearable, so it’s helpful to know various outlets are available for support during this difficult time.

Saying Goodbye at Home

With all pets, there comes a time when you must make the difficult decision to part ways. This stressful experience can be made a little less so by enlisting the aid of an in-home euthanasia specialist.

Dr. Sydney Brehm has been providing this service as well as at-home veterinary hospice care with Atlanta-based Lap of Love for four years. The veterinarian and Buckhead resident says saying goodbye at home helps reduce anxiety for both the pet and the owners.

Brehm doesn’t wear scrubs with potential hospital smells and always carries treats. She spends time getting to know the pets and their relationships with their owners. She explains each step of the process and doesn’t rush anything.

“It can be stressful to take a pet to the vet,” she says. “We do our best in private practice, but we can’t provide the same experience as doing this at home, in the pet’s favorite place.”

Brehm says the guilt over the decision to euthanize a pet can be overwhelming, but the decision to end their pain in a comfortable and loving way is made with the love for the pet in mind.

Surviving the Aftermath Grief has no timeline, Brehm says, so once you say goodbye, extra sup-

port is helpful. Robin ChisolmSeymour started her pet loss support group in 2008 with weekly meetings at BluePearl Pet Hospital in Sandy Springs. The free meetings are now virtual, and anyone going through pet grief is welcome.

“The loss of a beloved pet can be devastating, and some people feel they have no one to talk to and therefore feel isolated and alone,” Chisolm-Seymour says. “A pet loss support group is designed to  provide an emotionally safe environment that is caring and compassionate. Participating in a support group with other grieving individuals can help them realize they are not alone and what they are feeling is entirely normal.”

For those who desire more personal counseling, Lap of Love has grief coaches who provide

one-on-one support sessions ($50 for 50 minutes) and The Arms of Love Journey course ($149), limited to six people over six weeks. According to pet loss grief coach Christiana Saia, who is also a certified grief companion, these meetings allow more time to focus on each individual’s journey.

“Everybody's grief journey is going to be unique and dependent on several factors, but many find it helpful to simply feel that their grief reaction is valid and normal,” Saia says. “The variety in our services allows for exploration of different supportive avenues.” n

Thinking Out Loud

Try the new “loud budgeting” social media trend with tips from a Buckhead wealth advisor STORY: Amy Meadows

Earlier this year, comedian and writer Lukas Battle went viral with a TikTok post in which he explained to viewers that he would not be going out to dinner because he only had “$7 a day to live on.” While said in jest, his decision to engage in what he has coined “loud budgeting” has taken social media by storm. The growing trend involves people sharing public posts about their finances in an effort to take control of their money and make better spending decisions. Here, Ben Glassman, private wealth advisor and director of financial planning with Northwestern Mutual’s Haven Wealth Advisors in Buckhead, discusses the pros and cons of loud budgeting and offers his tips for giving it a try.

What are the benefits of loud budgeting?

Loud budgeting empowers people, particularly the younger generation, to be more vocal about their spending habits than we have seen in pre-

vious generations. It allows people to establish clear financial boundaries when facing pressure to spend. Finances have historically been viewed as a more private matter, often discussed within a household or with a financial advisor. Loud budgeting has created a sense of community where people are opening up about the de-

tails of their financial situations and discussing the challenges of making [monetary] decisions. Once someone puts something out there on TikTok or YouTube, that often keeps them, particularly those in the younger generation, more accountable.

What kind of information should I share if I want to start loud budgeting?

I think it depends on how loud you want to be. We have to be mindful of not oversharing. Goal-oriented conversations are really important. For instance, I think identifying areas of day-to-day spending where we can make changes is a great place to start. Discussing a spending plan instead of a budget, which has developed a negative connotation and can be associated with financial stress or life deprivation, can be helpful. In fact, I think loud budgeting is working to destigmatize the discussion by making a public commitment to normalize money conversations through open and honest dialogue.

What should I not share online when loud budgeting?

The specifics of your personal financial situation in a world of technology could lead to an increased risk of fraud or identity theft. Just remember that when things are put out there, it’s really hard, if not impossible, to take them back. I think the boundary comes when you get too detailed with specifics: your financial institutions, bank accounts, specific numbers and dollar amounts.

How do I make sure that my loud budgeting is effective?

I think engaging with a professional financial advisor is a really important second step for that accountability piece. An advisor can give you open, neutral feedback to make sure you’re on the right track. Through comprehensive and holistic planning, an advisor can equip you with the tools you need to align the dollars that you have with the goals you’ve laid out while being mindful of things like taxes, inflation, interest rates and liquidity. Always start with a plan. n

Ben Glassman believes that loud budgeting can be a beneficial component of a strategic financial plan.

Radiating Humor Page 52

“Imagine if you’re learning a language and you only get to practice 10 minutes a day, three times a week. That's why it takes so long to get good.” — Amy Brown

Standup Amy Brown experiments with “nerdy girl” humor.

Amy Brown was eating Cheez-Its and drinking white wine when she had a vision of herself 20 years later, still the wife of a nuclear physicist, still the mother of two, still snacking on her Buckhead sofa, but with a rounder physique.

She decided to do something drastic to change her future: She took an improv class, then a standup comedy class. She was comfortable in front of an audience from her time as a musical theater student, and stepping onstage for a comedy graduation performance felt good, like slipping into a warm bath.

Eight years later, her husband is still a physicist. Her 19-year-old son is in college; her 17-year-old isn’t far behind. And Brown is part of a growing army of female Atlanta comedians who trained at Lace Larrabee’s Laugh Lab at The Punchline in Buckhead and gather for pool parties at Brown’s house each summer.

“I don’t make my children watch my material. That would be, I think, child abuse,” Brown says. “We do laugh together a lot as a family. When I can, off the cuff, make them laugh, it’s the absolute best moment in my life.”

Her “nerdy dirty” comedy mixes the sexy side of science with the life observations of a woman who grew up on a New York farm so far north that her hair and nostrils froze on winter mornings. She escaped to Sweet Briar College in Virginia so she could see daffodils before June.

Moving south, she discovered pimento cheese, white gravy, chicken salad and pork in every vegetable, along with 15 added pounds. “I don’t have the immunity to handle the food.”

Brown is a regular at clubs around Atlanta, including the monthly Top Shelf Comedy shows at the Distillery of Modern Art in Chamblee. She typically travels two weekends a month to perform.

Connecting with the audience is crucial for Brown. She loves the terrified faces of young people hearing her tales of middle age, and she cherishes the memory of an older black gay man at a show in New Orleans.

“He said I was a national treasure.”

She’s honing her comedy as she prepares to record her first album.

Radiating Humor

Physicist's wife Amy Brown mines comedy’s nuclear core STORY: Michael Jacobs

“I’m trying to make something beautiful and multilayered.”

Brown is also writing a book about her experiences from childhood to young motherhood in Colorado, where the family lived before moving to Atlanta 12 years ago.

“I’m dyslexic, so it is a freaking nightmare,” Brown says of writing.

Her weekly Nerdy For podcast on YouTube began in March 2023.

It gives her a chance to highlight funny friends and touring comedians, produce content she can chop into Instagram clips, test jokes and show off her personality.

As her own manager and promoter, Brown uses the podcast to build a following to persuade clubs to book her as a feature act. “That’s just more stage time,” she says. “You work on more material, rinse and repeat, until

one of your videos goes viral.”

One video did. It’s a joke about her young sons’ asking what happened to her penis. “I told them I didn’t eat my vegetables, and it fell off.”

The video has almost 80,000 likes and 2 million views on Instagram, but she still has fewer than 4,000 followers. “At least I’m not eating Cheez-Its and drinking white wine every night.” n

AMY BROWN • amybrowncomedy.com youtube.com/@amybrowncomedy @amybrowncomedy

GRANDMA’S KITCHEN

18 years ago. In almost two decades of photographing aprons, candles, fabrics, cushions, wallpaper, mixing bowls and more, something edible often wound up in the shot. Part of it was styling, but another part was the Brookhaven mom’s fascination with food.

Schoenith has assembled 100 of those must-know recipes into The Heirloomed Cookbook, an intergenerational collection of dishes and drinks handed down from her and her husband’s families and updated for contemporary cooks.

“I’ve always wanted to do a book, and in the last year and a half, I really homed in on putting it together,” she says. “I wanted it to be a coffee table book for the kitchen island, for it to be beautiful and timeless. I think we captured that aesthetic.”

The full-color book is divided into traditional sections, from appetizers and entrees through desserts and cocktails. Each recipe is noteworthy for being a classic dish or a family favorite. Schoenith’s personal favorites, copied from stacks of old recipe cards she inherited, include a bourbon slush cocktail, strawberry shortcake and chocolate and caramel pecan turtles. Each entry comes with a little blurb that explains the backstory of why it was included, who created it and how to replicate it perfectly.

“My favorite thing is the story behind every recipe,” she says. “A lot of them came from my visiting Grandma, sitting and listening as she made something then having her write it down.”

One of Schoenith’s most vivid memories is centered on Grandma’s waffles and ice milk (a less expensive version of ice cream made with milk). “When I was young, I visited, and she’d make homemade waffles with ice milk, syrup and fresh fruit. It was the best dinner! She was the inspiration for my business; I started selling aprons from her kitchen table, and my brand was originally named Ice Milk Aprons.”

In an age when food is fast and easy to order from just about any restaurant, Ashley Schoenith is on a mission to get people back in the kitchen

STORY: H.M. Cauley

not just to eat, but to cook. And from scratch, no less. That goal stems from the love of nostalgia that inspired her to launch the Heirloomed company

“My brand is all about the nostalgia of yesteryear but making it current for today,” she says. “Growing up in Tallahassee, I spent a good deal of time in the kitchen with my mother and grandmother. We ate home-cooked meals all the time, and I grew up making pot roast and chocolate cake. I still have a penchant for baking and cooking, especially with timeless recipes everyone should know how to make.”

Working with photographer and long-time collaborator Heidi Harris, Schoenith recreated the recipes in her own kitchen. “My three kids loved shooting day. They’d come in asking, ‘What did you make?’ They spent a lot of time eating the food.”

Not all the nostalgic creations made the cut, Schoenith admits. “Yeah, the frozen salad with marshmallows, pineapple and whipped cream—I left that out.” n

Heidi Harris

Meaghan Taylor doesn’t need a microphone to be a force in radio.

As the digital content producer for “The Steve Harvey Morning Show,” the Florida A&M graduate and Buckhead resident oversees social media, blogs and other online materials for the syndicated radio program and its more than 100 affiliates.

But she has broader influence as the founder and chief marketing officer for Women in Radio, an organization that uses networking, mentorship, internships and job placement to address the gender disparity in an industry where men hold 60% of the jobs.

Founded in 2016, Women in Radio drew 175 attendees from 20 states to Atlanta Tech Village for its eighth annual conference in March and presented its inaugural Trailblazer Award to Thea Mitchem, the executive vice president for programming at iHeartMedia. Taylor, 32, spoke with Simply Buckhead about Women in Radio’s successes and opportunities.

What drew you to radio?

I actually went to school to be the next Nancy Grace, which is definitely out of my character because I’m so shy. I wasn’t allowed on TV news until I got to a certain year at the university. So I just ended up at a radio interest meeting instead, and I fell in love with college radio.

Why did you start Women in Radio? It was mostly about making new friends. Most of my friends were in the health care field, and they just didn’t understand everything we have to go through. I needed mentorship, but most importantly friends who understood what it was like.

Is the gender disparity worse for women of color?

I would say so, yes, because I feel like they are seen in music like R&B or hip-hop. We don’t see many in the pop or country field or actually leading stations or being in any corporate structure. And what’s crazy is that women are the main consumers of radio. Who knows better what a woman would like than a woman?

A Voice for Future Generations

With Women in Radio, Meaghan Taylor is making airwaves more representative STORY: Michael Jacobs

What progress have you seen since 2016?

I know a lot of women who have been following us for years now who are starting to get those program director contracts or full-time contracts, which is a big thing. So many people working in the industry are just part time and not getting paid for their work.

How can the industry keep making progress? They should be looking at what we’re doing. We’re making strangers into

mentors and mentees. Imagine what they could do internally. I also think it starts with the colleges. We don’t really have an opportunity to take a class about the [radio] industry where we can be prepared for those roles.

What are your goals for Women in Radio and for yourself?

I would love to be back in the classroom in some way. For a brief time, I was working for the Connecticut School of Broadcasting teaching radio and social media. I would like to do that in a university or local

college level. I would also like to partner with the city of Atlanta in the next five years to help with media training for any girls or boys who would be interested in doing that when they’re older. I would love to make Women in Radio my fulltime job, where I’m able to do more with the younger generation. n

MEAGHAN TAYLOR • @itsmeagtaylor WOMEN IN RADIO womeninradio.org • @womeninradio

STEVE HARVEY FM steveharveyfm.com • @steveharveyfm

EVENTS BY Nicole Letts

MAD FOR MAHJONG

FOUR BROOKHAVEN FRIENDS OFFER CLASSES FOR THE CLASSIC TILE GAME

The hunter-green tiles with vibrant Chinese characters click and clack across Bethany Smith’s game tables. A gaggle of women is gathered in her basement for Mahjong 101, an introductory course for the centuries-old tile game that’s having a renaissance across the country and in Atlanta.

Smith is one of four women who make up Mahjong Social ATL, a mahjong instruction and accessories company based in Brookhaven. Smith’s other partners are Molly Levinson, Valerie Parente and Melissa Mitchell. The latter two are Smith’s neighbors, so gathering for a game is as simple as it is convenient. The foursome launched their company in early 2024. It has since shot to popularity, gaining traction by word-of-mouth recommendations from men and women.

Monthly lessons are held on an ongoing basis. Starting at $100, the lesson includes a three-hour class with a 4-to-1 student to teacher ratio, a custom rule and tips book designed by Mahjong Social ATL, a National Mah Jongg League card required for standardized and tournament play, and light bites and beverages. If players are already knowledgeable but want to brush up their skills, they can opt for the group’s Mahjong 102 class for a smaller fee, or participate in guided play where seasoned players can strengthen their game and ask questions of the instructors as they go.

Once monthly lesson dates are launched, Cott says to

at @mahjongsocialtl for the latest information about upcoming classes, new merch and more. n

mahjongsocialatl.com • @mahjongsocialatl

offers lessons in Brookhaven as well as private classes that come to you.

The tile game, mahjong, is quickly becoming one of Atlanta's favorite pastimes.

EVENTS BY Nicole Letts

A Buzzworthy Festival

Decatur hosts a family-friendly event in honor of bees

National Pollinator Week Festival hits Decatur this month for its fourth annual installment. Held in conjunction with National Pollinator Week, the event will be held June 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Decatur Square. “It's a perfect time for families to have fun learning about bees and butterflies and how to protect them,” says

chairperson Peter Helfrich.

Helfrich says the goal of the nationwide event is to raise awareness about pollinators. Kids will enjoy activities, photo opportunities and face-painting while adults can sip on award-winning craft mead from Monk’s Meadery. In addition to Beecatur, other environmental organizations will be on hand

A Book Club for All

Sandy Springs library hosts reading discussions

Join fellow bibliophiles for One Book, One Read, the annual Fulton County Library System’s book club that began in 2022. At the time, the goal was simple: get as many residents as possible reading and discussing the same book. This summer’s book continues that mission. The Measure by Nikki Erlick is a New York Times bestseller that follows eight characters who each receive a box with contents revealing the length of their lifespan. The summer reading challenge culminates with a discussion led by the author herself where attendees have the opportunity to ask questions and participate in a book signing. To stay on track with the finish line and to give neighbors a chance to mingle, the Sandy Springs Library will host a

BUZZ

PICS IN THE PARK

Select summer Fridays beginning in June dunwoodyga.gov

@cityofdunwoodyga

Dunwoody’s summer movie series is back for 2024. The free event offers family-friendly movies alongside giveaways, popcorn and candy, all under the night sky at Pernoshal Park at dusk. Head to the city of Dunwoody website for details about schedules and timing.

JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION

June 15

atlantahistorycenter.com/ event/juneteenth-2024

@atlantahistorycenter

to answer questions about bees, butterflies, pollinator-friendly plants and more. Decatur became the first Bee City USA in the state in 2016, which means it supports the creation of pollinator habitats and educating residents about bees. n

The Atlanta History Center has hosted a Juneteenth commemoration since 2013. The day symbolizes the end of enslavement in the U.S. This year’s program honors black culinary heritage through baseball with the More Than Brave: The Life of Henry Aaron exhibition. This is a free event, but donations are encouraged.

XOMG POP!

June 19

xomgpop.com • @xomgpop

Last year's discussion featured the authors of The Personal Librarian, Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray, along with moderator and Fox 5 anchor Alyse Eady.

mid-summer book club meeting and discussion June 17 from 1 to 2 p.m.

All upcoming One Book, One Read events are listed on the Fulton County

fulcolibrary.org/locations/ sdy_sp@fulcolibrary beecaturga.com • @beecaturga

The all-girl pop group created by Dance Moms veteran and popstar JoJo Siwa and her mom, Jessalynn, takes the stage at Buckhead Theatre. As one of only 10 cities on the tour, the show promises “infectious beats and electrifying music.” Tickets start at $41.75 and are on sale now.

STARS & STRIPES

July 4

visitsandysprings.org/ stars-stripes-fireworks-display @visitsandysprings

Library System’s events page. n

Fireworks will light up the night once again at the Stars and Stripes 4th of July celebration in Sandy Springs. All are invited to set-up chairs and blankets at City Springs to take in the annual Independence Day display. Bring a picnic or visit one of the many on-site food trucks to round-out the experience.

GLOBAL REACH

IN AN INCREASINGLY CONNECTED WORLD, ATLANTA IS THE INTERNATIONAL HUB OF THE SOUTH

Atlanta is undeniably a cosmopolitan city. Georgia’s capital city is home to the world’s busiest international airport, with new destinations added year-round, and to a host of entrepreneurs who hail from all over. Whether you’re looking for ingredients to recreate a far-flung destination's cuisine, hoping to learn a new language or ready to plan a getaway, this feature has you covered.

COME FLY WITH ME

Iwatch through the window as my car passes Delta Air Lines’ headquarters and its flight museum. We’re traveling down Toffie Terrace, a road that runs parallel to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Planes of every size and from every carrier are visible on the tarmacs. The road bends, and a small sign on the left reads, “PS.” with an arrow pointing right. Just

then, a stone wall and a closed gate come into view. I roll my window down and confirm my reservation to PS ATL, Atlanta’s most luxurious lounge experience.

Aliyah, my personal concierge, meets me under the portico at the front door, takes my bag from the trunk and escorts me inside the Salon, a sundrenched space with cozy seating. The marble-

topped bar running the length of the room is stocked with enough top-shelf spirits to concoct any cocktail you can dream of.

The ceiling tower overhead hums music passed through Bose speakers. Large-scale artwork is a statement of color and personality. The works are done by artists from around the world such as Johannesburg’s Cameron Platter and New York’s Kianja

Strobert. Scan the QR code at the bar to read about each piece, its artist and price tag. Everything is for sale. I cozy up in a corner nook, so I can watch incoming aircraft and take in my surroundings. So far, I am the only one here, and that feels as glamorous as you’d imagine. Anthony, one of the servers, attentively deposits a menu at my table. “Would you like to start with caviar and champagne?” he asks. I eagerly accept, excited for the next three hours to come. The signature welcome for the establishment, which stands for “private suite,” is served with blini, salty potato chips, chives and crème fraîche. This is just the beginning of the luxe amenities.

Traveler needs are anticipated; it’s almost like PS tells me what I need rather than the other way around. For example, a makeup bar cart is situated between the two bathrooms. It’s stocked with full-size Anastasia Beverly Hills products for on-the-go touch-ups. I freshened my face with the translucent powder, brow gel and lip gloss. Should I have required a rinse, there is a walk-in shower with Le Labo products and even a plush robe. Marvis mouthwash, Lola feminine supplies and stainremoving pens are also a part of the complimentary perks. One of only two locations—the

other is at LAX, and more are planned around the country—PS at Hartsfield captures Atlanta’s essence. The menu is by Unsukay, the team behind Muss & Turner’s, Local Three and Roshambo. As such, find familiar favorites such as the Peach Old Fashioned ripened with peach liqueur and bitters, and The Gobbler sandwich, essentially a complete Thanksgiving meal in a brioche bun. As I sink further into pampering, I’m taken by how quiet it is in the Salon. No plane humming. No airport hustle. Just stillness. And yes, that serene setting has a steep fee. A non-membership single day pass is $1,095 per person, one-way.

ATL LEVELS UP

VINO VOLO

The new-to-Atlanta wine bar and restaurant opened in winter. Known for its commitment to the local market, the concept features a menu of wines from around the world as well as Georgiabased wineries Chateau Elan and Three Sisters. It also showcases craft beers and ciders from Atlanta breweries such as Urban Tree Cidery and Monday Night Brewing. vinovolo.com/atlanta

CENTURION LOUNGE

BY AMERICAN EXPRESS

The latest luxe lounge is all the rage. Located in the E Concourse adjacent to gate E11, 26,000-square-feet of lounge space, including three outdoor terraces, awaits for American Express cardmembers to enjoy. Entry is dependent

on which card you hold, but once inside, guests can expect a menu by James Beard Award-nominated Atlanta chef Deborah VanTrece, local coffee by Rev Coffee Roasters and the Reserve by American Express, a bar with more than 20 whiskeys. thecenturionlounge.com

NEW AND RESURRECTED FLIGHT ROUTES

As of late March, Delta Air Lines passengers can fly directly from Atlanta to Tulum, landing in Mexico’s newest international airport. The carrier has also announced plans to resume its Maui’s Kahului Airport route in November. SAS, Scandinavia’s leading airline, is launching a new daily nonstop service to Atlanta from Copenhagen beginning on June 17. atl.com

Wardrobe: Nina Ricci top ($570), skirt ($1,045) and head scarf ($240); Area shoes ($1,050); Rabanne necklace ($650); Rick Owens wallet ($1,555); and Balenciaga passport phone holder ($1,045), available at Antidote. Touro Kensington 2.0 Expandable Spinner suitcase ($269.99), available at Touro Luggage at Phipps Plaza.

Around the corner from the Salon are three equally quiet private suites. Best suited for groups or families—the Salon is for adults over 21—the suites for up to four guests have a stylish seating area, a small kitchen stocked with a mini fridge and a private bathroom. Complimentary Ouai hair products, Sony earbuds and a variety of snacks are also available.

About half an hour before boarding, Aliyah appears at my side to let me know my aircraft’s crew has arrived, and I’ll be escorted through security soon. When it’s time, I am the sole traveler at PS’s adjacent private TSA screening which stag-

gers travelers, so the experience is as individual as possible. I have to physically tell myself to slow down. I am the only one here, and there’s no rush to get through the process quickly. Once through, I meet a driver who eagerly takes me in a BMW directly to the plane. Before I scurry up the boarding stairs, she offers to take my photo so I can remember the day. She directs my background, fixes my hair and takes several shots. My time at PS might be complete, but it’s not an experience I will forget. n

PS ATL

Guests can get a breath of fresh air at one of three outdoor terraces at Centurion Lounge by American Express.

SAVORING SOUTH AMERICA

Belén de la Cruz, the owner and founder of her eponymous business, has become a fixture at places such as Chattahoochee Food Works and Lucy’s Market, thanks to her fresh, delicious and authentic Argentinian empanadas. What started as a hobby has become a thriving food business, complete with several metro Atlanta locations. Here, she explains how she stumbled into what is now a mini Argentinian food empire.

How did you get your start in baking and cooking?

I’m not a professional chef; I’m selftaught. Cooking was always a hobby, and Argentine culture is all about food and cooking. I have a background in marketing, but I turned my hobby into a business when I moved to Atlanta in 2015 for my husband’s job. I started cooking a lot because of the preservatives in food. I didn’t want my kids to eat them. A friend asked me to give her a cooking class, and I felt like it was something I should have been doing all my life. Then I got my food cottage license. There were really no Argentine places in Atlanta at that time.

the butternut squash, but we grew up eating quiche with butternut squash. I wanted to bring our Argentine flavors to our empanadas. This is not fast food. They are baked to order, with no preservatives. We also bring the empanada flour from Argentina because flour is processed differently here. Whenever we open in a new community, we like to introduce these differences and explain why our empanadas are a healthy option.

You’re known for your empanadas, but you also do alfajor pastries with dulce de leche. When I started cooking classes and got my food cottage license, the only thing I could do from home was pastries. But when we opened the bakery to share our empanadas with even more people, I knew I couldn’t leave pastries behind. They were my starting point. We make them truly Argentine-style with dulce de leche, which is very traditional. We also added cakes. None of them have preservatives. We use other techniques to keep them fresh.

Do you cater events?

We do. I love having people add our Argentine flavors to their weddings and corporate events. The community is so open to trying new things, and we’re not trying to Americanize everything. I do love the carrot cake we added, even though it’s not typical in Argentina. People just kept asking for it.

Are you still offering cooking classes?

How are Argentinian empanadas unique?

First, we use flour, not corn, like other South American countries. We bake them instead of frying them. In terms of flavors, the fillings are distinctive because they reflect the typical foods and flavors of what we eat in Argentina, which are different from other countries in the region. At my business, our most popular fillings are beef, chicken and cheese, and beef and cheese. We did cheesy beef for our local customers in Atlanta, though it’s not a traditional filling. Neither is

Yes. There was a moment when I had to stop during the pandemic and after opening our second and third locations. But in 2022, I felt something was missing, and I needed to go back to my classes. They’re how I got started. So I’m doing classes again, including team building for corporations. I do classes for teenagers, families and friends. I just open my kitchen and say, “This is how I cook.” Instead of just teaching people to follow a recipe, I like to give tips, pushing people to be smart in the kitchen and organized. I want them to have fun and find enjoyment in cooking. They take away much more than an empanada recipe. n

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

BONJOUR, OLÁ, HOLA, ATLANTA!

The world’s become a smaller place, thanks to technology that can, in seconds, connect friends and coworkers from opposite sides of the planet. And with that connectivity has come the reality, according to researchers at University College of London, that English is now the global lingua franca.

That’s good news for travelers, entrepreneurs and execs doing business in foreign lands. But at the same time, there’s something intimate and rewarding about speaking to someone in their non-English native tongue.

Huraiyah Ahmed, director of the Atlanta International Language Institute, said that intimacy is often what brings adult learners to the Sandy Springs center. “I think it’s a core part of human development to want to engage with the world and other cultures,” she says. “And that often means they have an interest in learning other languages.”

Ahmed, who has led AILI since

2012, grew up in Atlanta learning several languages. “My parents believed in the strength of education, so I learned French, Arabic, Spanish and some Latin. They exposed me to different books, and the stories made me want to learn more about languages. Even now, there’s always something new to learn.”

At AILI, classes for adults and children are offered in 26 languages, and instructors are available for group and private sessions in 39 languages with less general interest, such as Hindi. Small groups meet mornings, afternoons and on weekends, while one-on-one instruction can be arranged to meet a student’s schedule. Each language is taught on nine skill levels with prices starting at $300 per 10-week session.

The options are the reasons people sign up for classes, Ahmed says. “A lot of times it’s career motivated; a real estate agent might want to learn Spanish, for instance. Others

PERFECT

YOUR FOREIGN LANGUAGE SKILLS FOR WORK OR FUN STORY: H.M. Cauley

want to expand their minds culturally, or they plan on visiting a place and want to know the language.”

Lincoln De Oliveira, CEO of the Atlanta Institute of Language on Lenox Road, oversees group classes in nine languages, and he spends time coaching members of the film industry on their speaking skills. But the majority of his clients are adults from their late 20s to 50s.

“Prior to the pandemic, French was the top language, but when clients couldn’t travel overseas, Spanish became first, followed by French and Portuguese,” he says. “The majority are traveling to Central and South America where they have family members or friends, or where they might be looking for places to retire. If you go away from the big cities, the locals [may not] speak English.”

While Atlanta is home to a number of schools, institutes and private companies ready to get speakers beyond “bonjour,” some adults may

hesitate to sign up: They’ve heard the theories that learning another language gets tougher with age.

“The truth is, adults are just busy: They have kids, jobs and social commitments,” she says. “Making extra time to study can be difficult. That’s the biggest challenge.”

Watching movies and TV shows might help, but Ahmed isn’t convinced it’s the best approach. “Are you going to watch over and over to learn the words? The most helpful thing I tell students is to make time from 7 to 7:30 a.m. just to listen to a vocabulary list. Don’t overwhelm yourself. Even that exposure for 10 or 15 minutes a day, five days a week, can make a real difference.” n

ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE INSTITUTE 404.250.0350 • languageatlanta.com

ATLANTA INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE 404.444.1532 • ailanguage.org @atlantainstituteoflanguage

GLOBAL GROCERIES

TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH YOUR SHOPPING CART STORY: Angela

Coupled with a vibrant food scene, Atlanta is brimming with specialty food stores. From adobo to zucchini flowers, the diverse selections offer a way to explore the world through food products. Browsing the aisles can expand culinary horizons and, for many, impart a connection to their ancestral home. Find that ingredient you’re yearning for or taste new provisions at some of our favorite spots.

E. 48TH STREET MARKET

Proudly family owned and operated for more than 30 years, E. 48th Street Market in Dunwoody is an Italian specialty store, bakery and deli. The Augello family is known for their hearty sandwiches filled with Italian meats and cheeses, as well as their own pastas, including sheets of lasagna and the sausages and cheeses to prepare your family recipe. Stock up on jarred sauces, imported 100% virgin olive oil, condiments, dried pastas, hard cheeses, a bounty of Italian wines and desserts such as zeppole and cannoli.

Freezers are stocked with stuffed pastas, braciole, seafood, prepared meatloaf and seasoned Italian beef, while the deli case is loaded with cold cuts, cheeses, stuffed breads and pizza dough.

WAGAYA GROCERIES

Small but mighty, Wagaya is highly curated with Japanese, Korean and Chinese pantry staples. It’s a mix of cult snacks, Japanese sweets, instant wonder foods, miso, gochujang and all sorts of fanciful products you would find at a Japanese convenience store in Tokyo. Fill a basket to capture the essence of Japanese cuisine at home. Along with matcha, bottled teas and coffees, the store has a large artisanal sake selection. From the sashimi grade fish to seaweed, source all you need to make sushi at home.

BUFORD HIGHWAY FARMERS MARKET

Known for its massive selection of international goods and wallet-friendly pricing, Buford High-

way Farmers Market is as much a gigantic grocery with 100,000 square feet to cover as well as a tourist destination to seek out the unfamiliar. Aisles are stocked with tea, rice and frozen dumplings to go along with corridors devoted to countries of the world. The massive produce area has everything from jackfruit to local bee pollen. A diverse meat and seafood section takes up the back. It’s a place where you may spot local chefs. It opened in 1974, but you will always find something new and probably every ingredient for any recipe. Don’t miss the butter section from around the world, the Eastern European bakery, the wild selection of Asian potato chip flavors, the food court and the expert cheesemongers.

CITY FARMERS MARKET

A bit smaller than the Buford Highway market, but more amply lit and well organized, City Farmers Market in Chamblee packages most of its produce for a quick grab-and-go. You’ll find young coconut, lots of durian, all kinds of seafood (including some swimming in tanks), a large Jamaican section, tons of Japanese serving ware and noodles galore. Check out the large section of vegan frozen items you don’t often see,

including bags of vegan shrimp. Roasted ducks hanging in a window point the way towards a food court area with barbecue and dim sum.

SUPERMERCADO CHICAGO

This Mexican market in Chamblee, well established as a go-to for fresh produce and choice cuts for all your carne asada needs, doubles as a taqueria. You’ll find a good cross section of Latin American foods: various hot sauces, El Milagro tortillas, mountains of dried chiles, excellent chorizo and bags of house made tortilla chips. Watch the corn grinder in action for orders of fresh masa. The taqueria in the back is always hopping with madeto-order tamales, tacos wrapped in double corn tortillas, carnitas and a salsa bar. Grab a fresh orange juice, horchata or fruit cup as you exit. n

BUFORD HIGHWAY FARMERS MARKET

770.455.0770 • aofwc.com @bufordhighwayfarmersmarket

CITY FARMERS MARKET • 770.936.8858 cityfarmers.market • @cityfarmersmarket

E. 48TH STREET MARKET

770.392.1499 • e48thstreetmarket.com

SUPERMERCADO CHICAGO

770.452.1361 • @supermercadochicago

WAGAYA GROCERIES • 404.951.8536 wagayagroceries.com • @wagaya_groceries

Hansberger PHOTOS: Erik Meadows

Left: Lacquered roast ducks and dim sum at the entrance of City Farmers Market.

Left: Like a mini vacation, shoppers can travel the aisles of Buford Highway Farmers Market in search of world cuisine, including these Eastern European baked goods.

Right: The writer peruses a vast selection of imported Italian specialty items at E. 48th Street Market. Angela Hansberger

PATINAED PIECES

A MOTHER AND SON TEAM HELM LE CHATEAU EUROPEAN INTERIORS

To know Iten Ibrahim is to know a powerhouse seller.

Egyptian by birth, she was raised in France, where, as the consummate entrepreneur, she sold candies to her classmates. In 1983 at age 17, she started Le Chateau European Interiors.

That entrepreneurial mentality has served her well. She, along with her son and co-owner Mohammed Abdullah, runs Le Chateau European Interiors, one of the country’s most prolific antique showrooms. Clients fly in to see wares they’ve sourced from France, Italy, Sweden and more. They sell everything from 18th-century French antiques to refurbished midcentury Swedish pieces out of the Upper Westside location. Here, the two discuss the business, their ties abroad and what motivates them.

How do you source your pieces?

MA: My French father has a natural

eye for design and knows the local spots for the best auctions and markets for authentic antiques. He continues to be our primary source, living in France full-time.

Your Upper Westside location isn’t the first you’ve had. Can you tell us about your time in Florida?

II: I went to the University of Tampa for graduate school, selling everything I could. Another container, another container, while I was still in school! Then we got a bigger store, and we started to travel to antique markets and shows, including to Scott Antique Markets. One night in Tampa, there was a huge fire. Everything was gone. My husband wanted to go back to our country, but I decided to move to Atlanta. I bought a building in Macon and a house in Canton, and every day I drove 200 miles. I had nothing, but I said to myself, ‘You started one day, and you can

start again.’ And I just kept selling. Now we have a 20,000-square-foot showroom, a 10,000-square-foot restoration house and two warehouses (one is 20,000 square feet, and the other is 30,000).

What makes the pieces at Le Chateau unique?

MA: Our quality control process. We source the highest quality items in person, and then each goes through a rigorous inspection process. Items in perfect original condition are unchanged, while items that need more love are sent to our in-house restoration team to be refinished or reupholstered. We can bring a piece back to life: That’s not just furniture but art. We also customize pieces, offering a complimentary design consultation and plan. Our expert restoration team then gets to work. We even have our own line of paints with Benjamin Moore, so our cus-

tomers can select their exact finish color. We can change the legs, add a marble top, rebuild doors and so on. We recently launched a new line of textiles, too, to provide unique upholstery options for our customers.

Are there any trending periods or antique styles?

MA: The Louis XVI vintage look is always trending. It’s classic and simple with hints of detailing; it’s elegant, not overbearing, and people love that timeless design. Trending colors are the classic golds and French blues. People like pieces that pop while remaining subtle.

What drives you?

II: I love to have beautiful things no one else has. When you are raised with beauty and quality like I was, it's not how much you pay for it. I believe in real stuff! I don’t like fake furniture or jewelry, and I don’t like fake people. I’d rather have nothing until I get the one good thing. I also love solving problems. I’m an immigrant in America with a beautiful American family. n

STORY: Lauren Finney Harden PHOTO: Joann Vitelli

DELICIOUS

Finer

Diner

DIG INTO UPSCALE COMFORT FOOD AT ROSHAMBO

It can be a challenge to decide what to order off the menu at Roshambo, located in the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center. Every option reads like a temptation. Fortunately, help is at the ready: Decide with a quick

game of “rock, paper, scissors.” If you lack the necessary three hands, enlist help from a dining companion or your server. Don’t know how to play? A paper pad at each table helpfully details the rules of the game formally named Roshambo. ➥

STORY: Hope S. Philbrick

PHOTOS: Madelynne Grace

Roshambo is owners’ Chris Hall, Ryan Turner and Todd Mussman’s ‘love letter to Atlanta.’

The Magnolia breakfast is always available.

Roshambo is owners’ Chris Hall, Ryan Turner and Todd Mussman’s “love letter to Atlanta.” (The trio’s restaurant group, Unsukay, also includes Muss & Turner’s, Eleanor’s, Local Three and MTH Pizza.) To that end, most of the decor honors the city. Opposite the wood and glass bar, a wall is adorned with a triple-layered Atlanta skyline; each wood panel represents the city as photographed in 1970, 1996 and 2015. A room dubbed the “side hustle” is decorated with a collection of plates featuring local icons from Outkast and Ted Turner to Atlanta Zoo’s famed gorilla Willie B. Photos near the restrooms showcase Atlanta symbols and legends. A rack of cassette tapes honors the erstwhile retail chain Turtle's

Lunch, dinner and weekend brunch menus all present something for everyone, whatever the craving and definition of “comfort food,” from classic Southern dishes to global favorites. Daily specials expand the menu Mondays through Fridays. In classic diner fashion, breakfast is available all day, though the selection shifts as the hours progress. The Magnolia, the one option that’s always available, includes two eggs any style—my fried eggs were cooked to perfection—plus creamy heirloom grits, crispy bacon, turkey sausage and a hearty biscuit. Shrimp and grits is a brunch and lunch standard, though the recipe evolves seasonally. This early spring’s version added pumpkin, kale, onion and lemon pepper to its namesake duo, a creative, delightful interpretation of this Lowcountry classic.

Faux Cheval Burger is another menu staple. “This is our bestseller,’” said a server with a broad smile. One bite and I understood why. Packed with juicy umami, it tops two Angus beef patties with American cheese, Dijonnaise, sweet pickles and crisp lettuce. A solid argument can be made that the word “yum” in the dictionary could be accompanied by a picture of this burger. It’s tasty as is, but you can add bacon and/or a fried egg. A mound of crisp-tender tater tots is served alongside.

The bucket o’ chicken is also on all menus, a satisfying constant. Bite into a crispy-juicy segment, and odds are that this is one fried

Above: Shrimp and grits is a menu staple that evolves with the season.

Above: The tangy, spicy buffalo cauliflower wrap pairs nicely with crunchy tater tots.

Right: Thai shrimp salad satisfyingly hits salty, tangy and sweet notes.

Left: A popular Middle Eastern street food, chicken shawarma packs tangy-smoky flavors.

Right: Bucket o' chicken is on all menus—ready to satisfy inevitable cravings.

Below: Faux cheval Burger is an impressive best-seller.

bird you’ll crave again and again. It’s just-right on multiple fronts: texture, taste and temperature. Brunch sides include grits and scrambled eggs while lunch and dinner swaps those for mac and cheese and collard greens. Hearty biscuits, honey butter, Alabama white sauce and house hot sauce are always included. “A lot of people don’t know this,” said one staffer when I phoned in a to-go order, “but you can switch the sides. I recommend green beans instead of collards.” Solid advice. The earthy-sweet green beans pack a crisp bite. Mac and cheese smothers al dente pasta with creamy sauce, a lovely match. Wednesday’s special chicken pot pie is perfect for fans who prefer a high ratio of filling. There’s no crust; rather, a biscuit crumble sits atop a thick stew. Chicken, peas and carrots are coated in a velvety herby sauce that lures successive spoonfuls. The vegetarian, healthy-ish Buf-

falo cauliflower starter is presented as a fork-friendly dish with diced carrot and celery plus blue cheese crumbles. It’s a not-too-spicy shareable that could stand in as a side salad. For something larger, consider the Thai shrimp salad with shredded cabbages, carrots, cucumber, herbs and scallions with peanut dressing that’s salty, tangy and sweet.

Chicken shawarma, a spicy cousin to Greek gyros, plates strips of sea soned poultry with hummus, pita, cucumber and tomato salad plus tzatziki sauce. Whether you build sandwiches or fork and knife your way through, taste buds dance to the tangy, citrusy and smoky beat. The butter cake, a dessert so popular it sometimes sells out, is like a merger of bread pudding and caramel apples. Rich and moist, it hits sweet, tart and buttery notes. Want to dine out? Roshambo is a fine answer. n

Roshambo

404.835.7373 • roshamboatl.com • @roshamboatl

Prices: Cocktails, $10-18; wine, $14-25/glass or $48-210/bottle; beer, $4-12; whiskey, $12-40; starters, $9-17; salads, $9-25; sandwiches, $16-21; mains, $18-34; daily plates, $21-45; fried chicken bucket meal, $68; sweets, $10.

Recommended: Buffalo cauliflower, faux cheval burger, shrimp and grits, bucket o’ chicken.

Bottom line: This modern spin on the classic American diner has a casual vibe with a funky sense of humor, snappy service and upscale preparations of a broad range of comfort foods.

Decadent butter cake, topped with sky-high whipped cream, is a sweet end to any meal.

Above: Le Bon Nosh serves up a spritz that drinks like a fizzy Negroni—the best of both worlds.

Left: Bistro Niko incorporates the invigorating essence of elderflower into the St. Germain Spritz.

Above: Culinary Dropout proves agave spirits make great spritzes with their Paloma Spritz.

Right: The She's Sicily spritz at The Americano has the delightful addition of Brandy and a burst of mint.

IT’S SPRITZ O’CLOCK SOMEWHERE

The spritz, the iconic Italian aperitif, is one of the most celebrated cocktails of summer. The bright, bubbly and bittersweet style has been around since the 19th century. Today, “spritz” is a catch-all for a cocktail incorporating Prosecco, liqueur and a splash of soda served in a wine glass. Variations are endless—no cocktail shaker required.

The spritz dates to the postWWI period, when northeast Italy was under the rule of the AustroHungarian imperialists. The story holds that foreign soldiers, having an aversion to the strength of Italian wines, asked for a “spritzen” of water to dilute their drinks. The beverage evolved over time. Water was soon traded for sparkling soda, which improved with Prosecco, and eventually liqueurs entered the mix.

Out of the rising popularity of the bitter liqueur, the Aperol spritz became chic in the 1950s. The stan-

dard recipe is a 3:2:1 ratio of three parts Prosecco, two parts Aperol and one part soda. This effortless structure lends itself to countless creations. Bartenders can mix up the perfect match to the summer heat with these lighter, fresher cocktails with a hit of fizz.

Taverna keeps it classic in Buckhead Village. The Aperol Spritz is crafted with the herbal citrus backbone of Aperol. Club soda and sparkling wine bring the bubbles to the glass. Simple, summery and timeless.

The Negroni Spritz at Le Bon Nosh satisfies Negroni lovers looking for a lighter version and a kick of bubbles. It uses Forthave Red, a bittersweet aperitivo from a small Brooklyn-based distillery that uses only plant-based, organic materials. The liqueur hints of chamomile, orange and rose, and combines with gin, sweet vermouth and French sparkling wine for a classy aperitif that matches the elegant space.

Beat the summer heat with neat variations of a classic STORY: Angela Hansberger

Perfect for the sunny patio and available by the glass or carafe, the St. Germain Spritz is a signature cocktail at Bistro Niko. The delicate, hand-picked elderflowers in St. Germain liqueur add honeysuckle-like flavors and aromas to the glass, further lifted with its fizzy finish.

Swanky Italian steakhouse

The Americano recently debuted its version of a spritz called She’s Sicily that adds a delightful twist of fruitful and oaky brandy to Prosecco, Aperol and club soda. The gentle floral flavors are boosted both by bubbles and a sprig of mint, slapped to release oils before being placed in the glass. Want a margarita but in the mood for a refreshing spritz? The Paloma Spritz at Culinary Dropout is the answer. Using silver tequila as a base, bartenders fill the glass with a mix of fresh grapefruit and Combier Pamplemousse grapefruit liqueur. It’s fresh and ripe, and a

sprinkle of Himalayan salt tames the punchy bitterness. Each sushi roll at Chamblee’s Fudo is a sensory experience, binding together complimenting or contrasting flavors and textures to tickle the palate. The drink menu follows suit with cocktails such as the Dancing with the Stars. This spritz incorporates vodka, elderflower liqueur, grapefruit juice, Aperol, lemon juice and Prosecco for a blend of bittersweet, citrus and floral that is a summertime tango for the tastebuds. n

THE AMERICANO theamericanorestaurant.com @the-americano-atlanta

BISTRO NIKO • bistroniko.com • @bistroniko

CULINARY DROPOUT culinarydropout.com • @culinarydropout FUDO • fudoatlt.com • @fudoatl LE BON NOSH • lebonnosh.com • @lebonnosh

TAVERNA tavernabylombardi.com • @dinetaverna

BY Claire Ruhlin

La Dolce Vita

Pendolino brings Italian-informed cuisine to Sandy Springs

Pendolino, an Italian restaurant from chef-owner Kevin Maxey and KRM Hospitality, is now open at Chastain Market. An Italian-forward menu also takes cues from local ingredients and Maxey’s 30-plus years in the hospitality industry that include working alongside chef Tom Colicchio at Gramercy Tavern and Craft, both in New York, as well as serving as culinary vice president for Ford Fry Restaurant Group. Maxey then started KRM Hospitality. Here, he shares what to expect from this new neighborhood destination.

Pendolino's Chef-owner Kevin Maxey's menu combines Italian and Southern flavors.

How does Pendolino's menu balance Southern and Italian flavors?

To me, Italian-style dining means sourcing and taking inspiration from the things around us. When you travel throughout the small villages of any region in Italy, you’ll find very similar menu items at all of the restaurants because that’s what the region grows, and that’s what the people from that region eat. We like to celebrate the same way by incorporating “Southern” ingredients by highlighting produce from local farms and sourcing ingredients from the region, like

FOOD NEWS

n A second location of Cultivate Food & Coffee, the first of which is on Howell Mill Road, is now open at Citizens Market food hall at Phipps Plaza. Stop by for coffee, breakfast and brunch. cultivating.co

n Two CraveWell Cafe locations are now open in Atlanta, one in the Westside Village shopping center on Marietta Boulevard and another on Roswell Road in Sandy Springs. Both offer juices, smoothies, wraps, sandwiches and salads. cravewellcafe.com

Sidetracked Wine Co., a wine shop from the team behind Elemental Spirits Co. and The Zero Co., is in the works to open in Chamblee. sidetrackedwine.co

using rice grown in South Carolina for a risotto or featuring fresh burrata cheese made in Charlotte.

What makes Pendolino unique?

I think what makes us different is that we’re looking at the menu through an Italian lens rather than trying to transport guests to Italy. The food and beverage are inspired by Italy, but they’re also inspired by

Blue Sunday

Celebrate summer with a tropical cocktail from Okay Anny's at Politan Row Ashford Lane

Okay Anny’s, a cocktail bar and lounge tucked away in Dunwoody’s Politan Row food hall, embraces ’80s and ’90s elements and, like its Midtown sibling, JoJo’s Beloved, craft cocktails. Bring the party home with this tropical take on Long Island Iced Tea.

my culinary history in Atlanta, my childhood in Texas and cooking in New York and Seattle.

What makes you excited about being in this area?

I love this neighborhood! It has such a sense of community. Everyone uses the park, and everyone feels like a neighbor. So many people can walk to the restaurant or take a quick drive and not have to get on major roads. One thing we know about Atlanta is that traffic can be tough. n

• 404.937.3057 pendolinoatl.com • @pendolinoatl

½ teaspoon blue curaçao Splash of club soda Lime peel

INSTRUCTIONS:

Add all ingredients, except the club soda, to a shaker tin filled with ice, seal and shake vigorously for 10 to 15 seconds. Strain into a Collins glass filled with ice, then top with soda. Garnish with a lime peel.

OKAY ANNY'S COCKTAIL BAR 470.299.8155 • okayannys.com @okayannysbar

Andrew Thomas Lee

Cassie Wright Photography

The Greatest Showmen

Dave Green and Otis Sallid team up for Damsel, a cabaret and supper club at The Works STORY: Carly Cooper PHOTO: Erik Meadows

Dave Green and Otis Sallid are quite a pair. The former, owner of The Select in Sandy Springs, has worked in restaurants since high school. The latter is a prolific choreographer, producer and director who has been associated with performers from Debbie Allen and Mariah Carey to Spike Lee and Stevie Wonder. Together, the unlikely duo created a 10,000-square-foot supper club and cabaret called Damsel. Located at The Works in Upper Westside, Damsel offers an immersive theatrical experience with top-shelf food and drinks in a striking atmosphere designed by Atlantan Smith Hanes.

“It’s a feast for the senses,” Sallid says.

“We have amazing Broadway talent and production quality. I don’t think there’s anything like it in the country,” Green adds.

Here they share their story.

Tell me about the cabaret.

SALLID: It’s stories of love, happiness, jealousy, betrayal and lust. It’s about art and culture. Each performance has its own story. It could be a [“Sing, Sing, Sing"] 1940s moment, something by Janet Jackson or something from a tango with a cellist. We have five or six dancers and one singer.

GREEN: It’s not an old-style cabaret with a two-and-a-half-hour show and no time to spend with your guests. Classy and sexy is the approach. At 6 p.m. it starts. There’s a three- to five-minute performance, then 12 to 15 minutes before the next one. In between each, the lights go up and down for food and drink. This goes on until 11 p.m.

How does ordering work?

DG: There’s a constant delivery of food, all elevated share plates. It’s like going to a billionaire’s hors d'oeuvres party. You get a welcome platter with charcuterie, cheese,

vegetables and hummus. You can pre-select drinks, and they keep coming. It overwhelms the senses.

What type of food is served?

DG: It’s like a flexible prix fixe with high-end stuff: cucumber cups full of crab, spring rolls with tuna made into a bouquet, truffle arancini, crispy cones of lobster meat and coin-sized beef Wellington. You have a two-hour reservation for the table and can choose items based on the experience [price point] you sign up for. Afterwards, you don’t have to leave. You can go to the bar and watch the show (no reservations needed). There’s an upstairs room for [club] members and a covered/ uncovered rooftop open to the public where you can get dessert like flambé from a cart. At midnight, these chef-manned carts shift to serving breakfast. After 11 p.m. on weekends, the cabaret room turns into a ’70s-’90s dance club.

Where did you get your inspiration for Damsel?

DG: We went to LA and Vegas, St. Barts and Paris—any place that would be informative.

OS: Some places had great talent but not great food; some had bad lighting. Here, we bring all the elements together.

How do you two collaborate?

OS: We are so similar it’s crazy. This is a living, breathing, moving project. We had a lot of conversations to make sure we’re on the same page.

DG: I have tremendous respect for Otis as a man and as an artist. We’ve gotten to know each other, and I’ve gotten to know his wife. In LA, Otis surprised me with a visit to the set of “Grey’s Anatomy.” We applied his approach to his art to choreograph the entire experience at Damsel. He brought in the right people for a full, rich sound. You don’t just hear it; you feel it. It becomes part of a very deep experience. n

DAMSEL • damselatl.com • @damselatlanta

Otis Sallid and Dave Green

FEATURED RESTAURANTS

A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

The prime New York strip from Lucian Books and Wine is accompanied by chanterelles, cipollini onions and béarnaise.

The giant peeland-eat shrimp at Fishmonger are finger-licking good. Nothing wraps up an evening at Pricci like their unforgettable tiramisu.

BY: Wendell Brock, Rebecca Cha, Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Angela Hansberger, Hope S. Philbrick

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 steaks: $13-$140 • Desserts: $8-$12 arnetteschopshop.com

BONE GARDEN CANTINA

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

FISHMONGER WEST MIDTOWN

Don’t let Atlanta’s landlocked location deter you from going all-in on seafood. It’s superfresh at this homegrown eatery, founded by Nhan Le and Skip Englebrecht. Embrace the casual vibe with well-crafted cocktails and freshly shucked oysters, all sourced from around the South. Prepare to get a little messy with an order of head-on, peel-and-eat shrimp coated in New Bae Seasoning, served with much-needed sopping toast or a petite lobster roll drenched in warm butter. Or copy former U.S. president Obama’s order of Caesar salad, given an extra kick and interest from Calabrian chiles and briny bottarga, topped with blackened grouper. There’s nothing fancy or pretentious about this eatery; it turns out consistently tasty dishes. Even the reviewers from Atlanta’s first Michelin Guide are fans.

Salad: $13 • Sandwiches: $16-$32

Oysters: $18-$22 • Crudo: $18 • Sides: $5-$8

Dessert: $8 • fishmongergroup.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. 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 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 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

Erik Meadows, Joann Vitelli

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!

PHOTOS:

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BOW WOW BRUNCH

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Lahcen Boufedji Photography

Ahowling good time was had by the 550 guests who headed to Buckhead’s Flourish event space in late April for the Bow Wow Brunch. At this fundraiser for the Atlanta Humane Society, guests bid on an array of live and silent auction items, including dinner with chefs from three Michelin-star restaurants, a cocktail party for 50 at The Club at Chops, designer jewelry and the chance to have their pet featured on the side of a Society vehicle. Chaired by Helen Carlos, Sandra Baldwin and Tony Conway, the festivities raised more than $1 million to support the organization’s mission to provide shelter, adoptions and veterinary care to the metro area’s animals. Kathleen Rollins was honored with the Anne Cox Chambers Humane Heroine Award for her commitment to animal welfare, and Dr. Gloria Dorsey, retiring from the Society after 28 years, received the Heart of Atlanta Humane Society award. Major supporters included Neiman Marcus, Ed Voyles Automotive Group, Su and Al Longman and media sponsor Simply Buckhead

Al Longman, Su Longman

Joanne Hayes, Sonny Hayes

Kathleen Rollins, Cal Morgan

Helen S. Carlos

Nick Richardson, Seth van den Bergh

Heather Shaw, Jared Lehr

Dr. Gloria Dorsey

Pano Karatassos, Freddy Money, Aaron Philips, Piero Premoli, Tony Conway, Dean Crownover

maggie schreck

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

She is a true artist who loves working with patients to help them achieve their aesthetic goals. She is known for her excellent bedside manner, exceptional patient care, and innovative treatments that cannot be found at other practices. Maggie obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Fine Arts from Miami University of Ohio and her Physician Assistant degree from Yale University. In addition to her extensive experience as an injector, Maggie has worked in the field of plastic surgery since 2007 assisting in surgery, preoperative care, and postoperative care. Maggie is a native of upstate New York and lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children.

Botox/Dysport softens fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead, crows feet and frown lines

Kybella non-surgical fat reduction in neck and body.

Fillers adds or restores volume to the face with results lasting up to two years

QWO

FDA-approved treatment of cellulite with minimal downtime

Sculptra face and body treatment that stimulates collagen to lift and build volume

Maggie Schreck, PA-C

FASHION A CURE

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Jenni Girtman, Jack Kearse

The most successful Fashion a Cure event to date took place in late April when 500 supporters raised more than $370,000 for Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute. The luncheon at the Piedmont Driving Club brought together cancer survivors, their loved ones and Winship health care professionals, many of whom stepped into the spotlight and modeled clothing from local boutiques. One of those featured was Simply Buckhead’s publisher Joanne Hayes, who walked the runway with her doctor and whose video of her cancer journey proved an inspiration for generous giving. Simply Buckhead was also the media sponsor. Chaired by Buckhead residents Lynne Rankin, Jennifer Raulet and Ashley Whitehurst, the afternoon featured a raffle and live auction overseen by emcee Ronnel Blackmon and fundraising host Magen McRoberts.

Dr. Suresh Ramalingam

Ashley Whitehurst, Jennifer Raulet, Lynne Rankin

Dr. Grant Carlson, Joanne Hayes

Ronnel Blackmon

Julie Fox, Lane Courts, Loulie Reese, Reed Roberts, Diane Festa

Katherine Wirth

Michele James, Pollyanna Dunn, Amy Githens

THE TASTING EXPERIENCE

STORY: H.M. Cauley

PHOTOS: Steven R Dewberry

Chefs from more than 30 area restaurants served up bites of their signature dishes as part of The Tasting Experience, an early May fundraiser for the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Services offered through Jewish Family and Career Services. Event chairs Louise and Brett Samsky and Michelle and Gary Simon welcomed about 700 guests to The Stave Room for an evening of cocktails, a silent auction featuring art created by clients in the service’s artist collective and music from The Tasting Experience choir whose members are also served through the program. One of the event highlights was the presentation of the inaugural Champion of Inclusion award to Larry Smith, an original board member of the Marcus Foundation who has worked tirelessly on behalf of those with autism and developmental disabilities. Simply Buckhead was a platinum sponsor, contributing to the $700,000 raised for the cause.

Larry Smith, Terri Bonoff

The Tasting Experience choir

Louise Samsky, Julie Ducoff Blase

Artist Collective items for the silent auction

Elana Satisky, Terri Bonoff, Amanda La Kier

Chef from Vino Venue

David Poline, Elana Satisky, Sara Kogon, Viki Freeman, Amy Fingerhut, Mark Brown, Louise Samsky, Gary Simon, Kyle Simon, Michelle Simon, Dayna Royal, Samantha Paulen, Jonathan Halitsky, Michelle Sims, Vanessa Frank, Beth Friedman, Tracey Grant

SAVORY AND SWEET

Belén de la Cruz's empanadas and pastries bring the flavors of her native Argentina to Atlanta. PHOTO: Joann Vitelli