Simply Buckhead July/August 2015

July/August 2015 ISSUE 32 • FREE

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

BUCKHEAD’S

RISING

STARS

KALE ME CRAZY’S ROI SHLOMO BRAVES PITCHER ALEX WOOD HAWKS FORWARD/CENTER MIKE MUSCALA COMEDIAN MIA JACKSON CHEF ED HARRIS FASHIONISTA CHRISTINA OH CHOA’S DR. KELLY GOLDSMITH ASCENSION AIR’S JAMAIL LARKINS BOSS BABE BODY’S ASHLEE WILSON-HAWN

GET SAUCED: FROM BBQ TO PERI PERI

SUMMER DO:

HAIL TO THE HALO

MANGIA!

AT PORTOFINO

“Our Bank Takes the Cake” “Our grandmother would have never believed it! Her original recipe that we all loved as kids has led to our thriving cheesecake company, which produces more than 40,000 cakes a day and provides desserts to top retailers and restaurants in the country.

A business like ours needs a banking partner that understands products needed to be successful. We have a great partnership understand our business and get to know us personally as relationship that is tailor-made for the way we run our operations. As siblings, we don’t agree on everything.

But we are all glad we made the switch to Georgia Commerce Bank.”

— Atlanta Cheesecake Company Co-Founders

Georgia Commerce Bank has nine locations in metro Atlanta.

Acworth • Brookhaven • Buckhead Century Center • Cumberland • Johns Creek Marietta • Peachtree Corners • Woodstock Seth Gray

Christin Nally Viola

Senior Vice President Commercial Lending

Senior Mortgage Consultant

gacommercebank.com Senior Vice President Private Banking

2970 Peachtree Rd., NW, Suite 100 • Atlanta, GA 30305 (404) 240-5000

3060 Peachtree Rd. NE Atlanta, GA 30305 678.222.2320 www.oxygenfinancial.net

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YOU FILE Check out Ted Jenkin’s Lifestyle Advice

Kile Lewis, Co-CEO and Founder

on the Simply Buckhead website at www.simplybuckhead.com

T E D J E N K I N A N D K I L E L E W I S A R E S E C U R I T I E S L I C E N S E D T H R O U G H I N V E S TAC O R P, I N C . , A R E G I S T E R E D B R O K E R / D E A L E R , M E M B E R F I N R A , S I P C A DV I S O R Y S E R V I C E S O F F E R E D T H R O U G H I N V E S TAC O R P A DV I S O R Y S E R V I C E S , I N C . , A S E C R E G I S T E R E D I N V E S T M E N T A DV I S O R Y F I R M .

The lake brought us together.

Life here sets us apart.

Signature Model Homes Open Daily 80 Miles East of Atlanta | Golf and Lakefront Homes and Homesites | The Ritz-Carlton Lodge One Extraordinary Lifestyle Tour the new golf homes. Sample the lifestyle at ReynoldsPlantation.com/Buckhead | 888-748-3940 Homesites under $100K to $1.5m+ | Residences from the $300’s to $4M+

Real estate and other amenities are owned by Oconee Land Development Company LLC and/or other subsidiaries and affiliates of MetLife, Inc. (collectively, “OLDC” or “Sponsor”) and by unrelated third parties. Reynolds Plantation Properties, LLC (“RPP”) is the exclusive listing agent for OLDC-owned properties in Reynolds Plantation. RPP also represents buyers and sellers of properties in Reynolds Plantation which OLDC does not own (“Resale Properties”). OLDC is not involved in the marketing or sale of Resale Properties. This is not intended to be an offer to sell nor a solicitation of offers to buy OLDC-owned real estate in Reynolds Plantation by residents of HI, ID, OR, or any other jurisdiction where prohibited by law. As to such states, any offer to sell or solicitation of offers to buy applies only to Resale Properties. Access and rights to recreational amenities may be subject to fees, membership dues, or other limitations. Information provided is believed accurate as of the date printed but may be subject to change from time to time. The Ritz-Carlton Lodge is a private commercial enterprise and use of the facilities is subject to the applicable fees and policies of the operator.

For OLDC properties, obtain the Property Report required by Federal law and read it before signing anything. No Federal agency has judged the merits or value, if any, of this property. Void where prohibited by law. WARNING: THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF REAL ESTATE HAS NOT INSPECTED, EXAMINED, OR DISQUALIFIED THIS OFFERING. An offering statement has been filed with the Iowa Real Estate Commission and a copy of such statement is available from OLDC upon request. OLDC properties have been registered with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Real Estate Brokers and Salesmen at 1000 Washington Street, Suite 710, Boston, Massachusetts 02118-6100 and the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection at 1700 G Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20552. Certain OLDC properties are registered with the Department of Law of the State of New York. THE COMPLETE OFFERING TERMS ARE IN AN OFFERING PLAN AVAILABLE FROM SPONSOR. FILE NO. H14-0001.

Luxury Real Estate Redefined Luxury is a life well lived in a home worthy of your greatest aspirations

LuxuryRedefined.com | 404.671.4195 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Georgia Properties Š2015 An independently operated subsidiary of HomeServices of America, Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate, and a franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC. Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of HomeServices of America, Inc. Ž Information deemed reliable but not warranted and is subject to error.

Equal Housing Opportunity. www.BHHSGEORGIA.COM - SUMMER 2015

3 3 0 3 C HAT H A M R OAD | B U CKHE AD Fred M. Briggs, a 52-year member of the AIA in Laguna Beach, whose work brought him extensive honors and recognition including Architectural Digest’s “one of the top 100 residential architects in the world,” designed 3303 Chatham Road for the Milner family. A master of his craft, Briggs brings his trademark style to this home by blending a limited amount of simple, functional materials, contrasting limestone, concrete, steel and walls of glass using Wrightian principles of form and function, with the simplicity, fine detail and scale of Japanese design. From the moment you enter through three huge wood and glass doors into the living room shrouded in floor-to-ceiling glass walls mixed with hardwood planked flooring, and continuing through to the outdoor living spaces, you realize you are in a residence with architectural significance. Notably, the only residence of its kind in the best neighborhood in Atlanta, this rare jewel sits on 2 private acres.

Enjoy a private master suite wing with a master bath in white marble and the latest Waterworks finishes. Rooms that open to the outdoor patios and gardens are flawlessly done in scale to the rest of the residence.

List $4,000,000

Buckhead Office | 3221 Peachtree Road, Ste 105 | 404-537-5200

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

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Akris · American Cut · Billly Reid · Courage. b · Davidoff of Geneva since 1911 · Dior · Dolce Italian Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery · Planet Blue PARTIAL LISTING At the intersection of Peachtree and East Paces Ferry Roads Concierge · Valet Parking · Gift Cards Available 404-939-9290 buckhead-atl.com

Melanoma cancer treatment that results in Salsa dancing.

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Northside Hospital Cancer Institute’s physicians are leaders in melanoma diagnoses and treatment, which is why people from across Georgia trust Northside with their melanoma care. In fact, Northside has one of the fastest growing melanoma programs in the state—helping more and more people get past their cancer and onto the dance floor. For help finding a cancer specialist, call 404-531-4444.

Where the Extraordinary Happens Every Day

CanCer InstItute

SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® |

JULY/AUGUST 2015

All photos/Cover Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

PLUS:

78 [ C OV E R S T ORY ]

67 BUCKHEAD’S RISING STARS

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Find out what the “Rising Stars” from our July/August 2012 issue are up to.

Contents [ F E AT U RE S ]

32

[ DE PA RT M E N T S ]

HOME: DOWNSIZING TO A DREAM

13 LETTERS

43 SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A Sandy Springs couple trades their large residence for a homier, entertaining-friendly abode

15 SIMPLY NOW

55 SIMPLY DELICIOUS

31 SIMPLY STYLISH

81 SIMPLY HAPPENING

24

TRAVEL FAR: A SENSE OF PLACE

26

TRAVEL STAYCATION: PLANTATION BLISS

54

PROGNOSIS: POSITIVE LIVING

The Rosewood London, where English heritage meets contemporary sophistication

A visit to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation is the perfect recipe for family-friendly relaxation

A medical school journal provides a trove of life lessons

56

ITALIAN GLAM —IN OUR OWN BACKYARD Portofino, a neighborhood star for nearly 15 years

28 LET’S GET SAUCY! Dish-finishing accoutrements to make your meals sing July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

9

Advertising For information, email us at

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

advertising@simplybuckhead.com or call 404-538-9895

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Sandy Springs JULY/AUGUST 2015 | ISSUE 32 P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 simplybuckhead.com For advertising rates call: 404.538.9895 Publisher and Founder

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

Joanne Hayes Chief Financial Officer

Sonny Hayes Editor-In-Chief

Giannina Smith Bedford Contributing Editor

Karina Timmel Antenucci Creative Director

Alan Platten Associate Photo Editor

Sandra Platten Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Cheryl Isaacs cheryl.isaacs@simplybuckhead.com Account Executives

Kyle Wilcox Garges kyle.garges@simplybuckhead.com

LIBERATOR SHAPES • SEX FURNITURE • TOYS • LINGERIE • EROTIC ART & BOOKS • OILS & LOTIONS

Adventure awaits, just down the road.

Sarah Gleim

Amy Barbieri

Atlanta native Sarah Gleim is an award-winning writer and editor. After working for almost 10 years as a magazine staff editor, she returned to school to get a second degree in culinary arts so she could combine her two biggest passions: food and writing. That was 10 years ago and she has been covering the food scene in the South ever since. Today she also writes about travel, home decor and interior design, and produces and edits cookbooks for the iconic Southern Living and Cooking Light brands.

Her first book, 100 Things to Do in Atlanta Before You Die, was published in May 2014. In this issue, Gleim got to know some of our community’s most up-andcoming personalities by writing the “Buckhead’s Rising Stars” cover feature.

Alyson Myerson

amy.barbieri@simplybuckhead.com alyson.myerson@simplybuckhead.com Advertising Coordinator

Treasa Waters advertising@simplybuckhead.com Director of Audience Development

Jaime Lin Weinstein Website Development Management

BHG Digital Contributing Writers

Jill Becker Wendell Brock H.M. Cauley Carly Cooper Olivia DeLong Jim Farmer Jennifer Bradley Franklin Sarah Gleim Mickey Goodman Jamie Hausman Kate Parham Kordsmeier Alexa Lampasona Amelia Pavlik Candice Rose Kelly Skinner Chief Photographer Sara Hanna sarahanna.com Photographers

Teryl Jackson Lynn Crow Graphic Designer

Gwantsa Giorgini Copy Editor

Ellen Glass Legal Counsel

Scott I. Zucker

CONCEPT STORE & EROTIC EMPORIUM 2745 Bankers Industrial Dr., Atlanta 30360 | liberator.com | 770 246 6422

10

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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 © 2015 by Simply Buckhead®. All rights reserved.

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

FIND US ONLINE Read Simply Buckhead online at

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

Twitter twitter.com Follow us @SimplyBuckhead

Instagram instagram.com Follow us @SimplyBuckhead

heatherstone A home that’s close to home A gated community on the Georgia side of the North Carolina line, close to Highlands, but also close to the North Georgia communities of Dillard and Clayton.

Just two or so hours from Buckhead.

High elevation. Cool temperatures.

Fabulous long-range views. Near great hiking, zip lining, wintertime snow tubing as well as Sky Valley Country Club and Golf Course.

[ B E H I N D T H E C OV E R ] This issue’s cover shoot took place on the unfinished second level of the eagerly anticipated American Cut restaurant in OliverMcMillan’s Buckhead Atlanta development. Although this was the rawest space we’ve ever used (no electricity!), our subjects were troupers and the end result was worth it. After hair, makeup and wardrobe selections were complete, they posed in front of a gigantic arched window facing Peachtree Street for the perfect setting and light. When the camera wasn’t flashing they socialized and learned Producers: Giannina Smith Bedford, about each other’s industries, while Joanne Hayes and Sara Hanna noshing on bacon caramel popcorn, Chief Photographer: Sara Hanna pork rinds with pimento cheese and Photography Assistants: Scott Reeves and Dara Dyer fried chicken salad sandwiches from Stylist: Michelle Lynch Southern Gentleman. The temps were Hair: Martez Thomas/The Green Room warm, but it was no sweat for Chief Agency Makeup: Nyssa/The Green Room Agency Photographer Sara Hanna to bring out using Face Atelier; Julian’s Cosmetics + the best of these talented individuals.

Skincare (owner and lead makeup artist Julian Reynolds and team Crystal Rock Read all about each of our cover suband Daniel Thomas) jects beginning on page 67, and you’ll Shot on-site at Buckhead Atlanta. Prep space see why they are truly “Rising Stars.” and barstools provided by Gypsy Kitchen.

[ P RO U D M E M B E R OF ]

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

Stately four-bedroom home with over five acres with spectacular long-range views. Soaring great room and stone fireplace, open kitchen, master on main, exercise room, two-car garage and countless other features $1,050,000 MLS 81515

Blue Valley views from this move-in ready home. Spacious great room and open kitchen, master on main with a family/game room and two guest rooms below. The home is offered furnished, and for $599,000 also includes a sellable adjoining lot.

MLS 81634 Bert Mobley Highlands Sotheby’s International Realty 828-200-0846 bertmob@gmail.com Jody Lovell Atlanta Fine Homes 828-526-4104 jody.lovell@sothebysrealty.com

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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HOME DECOR & GIFTS FOR EVERYONE ON YOUR LIST

WAITING ON MARTHA O P E N 1 1 - 6 E V E R Y D AY | N E X T T O C R AT E & B A R R E L A N D L U L U L E M O N

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SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® |

[ E DI T OR ’ S L E T T E R ]

FROM OUR TWEET HEARTS AND FACEBOOK FANS! Follow us @SimplyBuckhead and on Facebook (LivingWellATL)

Buckhead’s Secret Menu Items—we have only 12 prime rib topped with king crab each night?

YUM! @SimplyBuckhead! @kingandduke

We’re all swooning with delight over [the May] issue and can’t thank you enough for giving us the honor of the cover … The whole thing has been a wonderful collaboration and we look forward to our paths all crossing again soon. Merci, merci, merci …

– Meg Harrington and Ann Huff, Huff Harrington Fine Art, Ltd. I had to drop you a quick line to tell you how much I enjoyed the [June] issue. Not only were the stories about the accomplishments of the Golden Years Go-Getters inspiring, but I especially enjoyed your story about returning to Maui.

– Julie Herron-Carson We are thrilled to have such a lovely magazine spotlight our team. I believe the article captured the spirit of what we represent: the vibrant life.

It is an easy read and inspiring to the reader …

I applaud the magazine for taking on this issue of changing the perception of aging. It helps to create a whole new future for us all.

– Sandra Ferrier, ATL Silver Classix Crew I just wanted to write you a brief note to tell you how pleased I was with the article about me written by Jim Farmer and the photo by Sara Hanna. I also want to thank you for considering me to be a part of this impressive group of Golden Years Go-Getters. I feel quite honored and my grandson was impressed that I was in the same company as Fran Tarkenton.

– John Schaffner, BuckheadView.com Just a quick note to say I really enjoy reading Simply Buckhead.

– Melissa Long, NBC Atlanta/11Alive

I am so in awe of the continued success of Simply Buckhead. I love the class and excellence you have maintained!

– Lauren Taylor Baker

@SimplyBuckhead Proud to be on the June cover, thanks for having me!

And thanks @ATLphotos for making me look good! @Fran_Tarkenton I got to get all fancy yesterday at the @SimplyBuckhead shoot ... s/o to @kimbehair1 @Martez @miacomedy Thanks for the love @SimplyBuckhead! Our peach soy candle is a body moisturizer and also an all-natural lube! @SweetPeachSugar @SimplyBuckhead @bertsbigadv thanks for the shout out! #pets #workplace @BrownBagMktg Thanks @SimplyBuckhead for including us in your #Spring fragrance run down! We love @kaifragrance too :) @Woo_Atlanta

[ L E T T E R B OX ] Tell us what you think!

Send your comments, compliments and criticisms to editor@ simplybuckhead.com.

All letters will be considered for publication and may be edited for length and clarity.

CORRECTION: In the June issue Foodie Journal feature we incorrectly attributed the photo in the story about “Buckhead’s Secret Menu Items” to Kathryn Johnson. The correct photo credit is Seth Lambert.

W

hat makes someone a rising star?

To me, it’s a person with undeniable talent and perseverance who is finally being recognized.

A person who’s finally seeing a return on hard work and calculated risk. Someone who, when you’re around them, gives off an energy that makes you want to chance it all for a dream. These attributes belong to all the determined faces that grace our cover. As I learned each of their stories, the common thread is a tenacious attitude that propelled them to their current success and will no doubt lead them to further greatness. There are many talented, intelligent and creative people in this world who never gain recognition. What makes our rising stars different is a refusal to back down until they reach their maximum potential.

After falling in love with aviation as a kid, Jamail Larkins washed airplanes and sold flight manuals to get into the cockpit. Today he is the 31-year-old CEO of airplane brokerage Ascension Air. Comedian Mia Jackson put her courage on the line during an open mic night in front of an all-male audience and worked the local comedy scene for a decade before leaving her day job last year. In July, she makes her network prime time debut on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” English may not have been Christina Oh’s first language, but she spoke fashion flawlessly and became a style icon who, when she attending runway shows, is working on the development of her high-end fur line. Blood, sweat and tears were all part of making it in the big leagues for Hawks forward/ center Mike Muscala and Braves pitcher Alex Wood.

These two 20-somethings have worked toward their athletic goals nearly every day of their lives.

None of our risings stars had an easy path to success. They fought hard to make it to where they are today and are finally enjoying the fruits of their labor. We’re honored to be giving them well-deserved recognition, but know we won’t be the last ones to do so. Remember their names and faces because you’ll see them again— on television, in newspapers and, lucky for us, maybe eating next to us at our favorite Buckhead restaurant.

After all, rising stars are just regular people with an extraordinary drive to do something great.

Giannina Smith Bedford editor@simplybuckhead.com

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

Letters

JULY/AUGUST 2015

14 

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

E V E N T S | L O C A L S A L U T E | T R AV E L | A P P R O V E D | P E T S

SIMPLY NOW

TRAVEL FAR

A sense of place P24

The Rosewood London’s Garden House Wing features an outdoor terrace, which overlooks the hotel courtyard and city’s chimneys and rooftops.

Historic, sophisticated, yet calming, this is one hotel we are sure to return to.

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

15

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The winner must be present at the time of the raffle and have successfully completed completed a consultation, the prize is nontransferable.

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July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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E V E N TS

Photos: Sara Craig Goodell

S I M P LY NOW

Above: Shoppers peruse goods at the Peachtree Road Farmers Market.

Left: Root vegetables on display at the city’s largest produceronly market.

Right: A young family tastes what the market has to offer.

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

SUMMER PRODUCE BUCKHEAD-AREA FARMERS MARKETS ARE IN FULL SWING

T

he Georgia heat isn’t the only thing that peaks in the summer— farmers market bounty does, too.

By midsummer, the markets are in full swing as local growers and producers sell the season’s best produce, including our favorite heirloom tomatoes.

Buckhead residents are lucky to be near three well-known markets on Peachtree Road and in Sandy Springs and Brookhaven, which all conveniently occur on Saturday mornings before noon. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll find at each one: The Peachtree Road Farmers Market is the largest producer-only (means that the products are made by the person selling them) farmers market in Atlanta. Don’t miss the chef demonstrations, which

take place every Saturday at 10 a.m., and include appearances by King + Duke’s E.J. Hodgkinson on July 25.

In addition to jewel-toned peppers and leafy greens, look for goods like Dubberly’s seafood, handmade jewelry, Storico Fresco pastas and Yalla! housemade sodas.

The Heritage Sandy Springs Farmers Market is big on small farms, such as Owl Pine Farm in Polk County, Georgia, but familiar vendors are also there weekly, including Watsonia Farms in Monetta, South Carolina.

With more than 15 prepared food vendors, including Zocalo salsas and tamales, Diana’s smoked trout and salmon, and Wholly Pops, there’s a focus on festive foods and a fun time.

The live music tent keeps the mood

upbeat. Arrive early for the best possible pickings.

The Brookhaven Farmers Market is centrally located in the neighborhood on Dresden Drive across from the fire station. Its vendor list is varied, but highlights include Crawfish Shack Seafood, Tatsky’s Frozen Fruit, Emerald City Bagels and Paul’s Pot Pies. Riverview Farms sends their FarmMobile truck to this market, so venture inside for refrigerated goods, such as dairy, eggs and meat, as well as locally made almond butter and freshly baked bread.

With three established and buzzing markets, eating seasonally in Buckhead is easier than ever and supports local farmers and producers.

SHOP Peachtree Road Farmers Market 2744 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 peachtreeroadfarmersmarket.com Heritage Sandy Springs Farmers Market 6100 Lake Forrest Drive N.E. Sandy Springs 30328 sandyspringsfarmersmarket.com Brookhaven Farmers Market 1375 Fernwood Circle N.E. Brookhaven 30319 brookhavenfarmersmarket.com

– Jamie Hausman

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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S I M P LY NOW

E V E N TS

[ F RE E E V E N T ]

SOAK, SCULPT, STRETCH

You don’t have to check in to enjoy one of the W Atlanta-Buckhead hotel’s gratis yoga or barre sessions, which are held next to the rooftop pool.

W ATLANTA-BUCKHEAD POOLSIDE FITNESS CLASSES

POOLSIDE FITNESS CLASSES MAKE A SPLASH It’s the height of bathing suit season, and the W Atlanta-Buckhead hotel is making it super easy and fun—and best of all, free—for you to get in shape so you can show off your six-pack the next time you head to the pool. In fact, the comp fitness classes they’re offering,

which are open to anyone (not just hotel guests), are being held out by their rooftop pool, so you can work out as you look out over the city. On July 16, Aug. 20, and Sept. 17, you can join instructors from Pink Barre for a class that combines elements of Pilates, yoga and isometrics.

On July 28 and Aug. 25, you can practice your downward facing dog and other moves with the folks from Thunderbolt Power Yoga. Towels and water are provided, so just bring your mat and get ready to get ripped. Classes are limited, so sign up in advance. – Jill Becker

Barre: Every third Thursday of the month, April through September, 6:30 p.m.

Yoga: Every last Tuesday of the month, May through August, 6:30 p.m.

WET Deck at W Atlanta-Buckhead 3377 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 Register at watlantabuckhead.com/yoga or watlantabuckhead.com/barre

Area bands hit the stage in Sandy Springs each month during the annual Rhythm & Brews concert series.

[ FA M I LY-F R I E N DLY ]

Musical

ROOTS SPEND HAPPY HOUR SINGING ALONG TO SONGS OF THE SOUTH Pack a cooler, people. It’s time once again for Sandy Springs’ annual Rhythm & Brews concert series. The alfresco performances are held on a stepped downtown green space, where you can lay out a blanket, pop open a cold one (or juice boxes for the kiddos), and kick back and enjoy some fabulous tunes. The event is now in its third year, and features, according to Carol

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July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

RHYTHM & BREWS One Thursday a month, May through August 6:30 p.m.

Adults $5; ages 13-20 $2; 12 & under free

Thompson of Heritage Sandy Springs, which organizes the series, “both up-andcoming and established artists whose origins are deeply rooted in the region.”

On July 23, jam to Underhill Rose, a female trio from Asheville, North Carolina, who’ve

been hailed as “one of the most promising rootsy women [groups] in the Americana scene.” On Aug. 13, rock out to Cigar Store Indians, a rockabilly-roots band from Crabapple, Georgia, who’ve been building a fervent fan base since 1991. – Jill Becker

Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn at Heritage Green 6110 Bluestone Road Sandy Springs 30328 404.851.9111 heritagesandysprings.org

MILLIONS WILL DIE

MILLIONS OF MOSQUITOES, THAT IS.

Summer in Atlanta is time for backyard fun, and your family should feel free to enjoy every second in your little slice of the great outdoors. This is what Mr. Mister Mosquito Control is all about. We do one thing — provide Atlantans with absolutely effective and safe mosquito control solutions. Our Automated Systems are custom-designed and programmed to mist the perimeter of your yard and water features daily, at key times when mosquitoes are most active. We also offer ClearZoneTM Misting Treatments, scheduled every 21 days, for guaranteed mosquito relief.

Trust us to relax carefree — without mosquitoes — in all your outdoor living areas with family and friends.

CALL (404) 471-3800 OR VISIT WWW.MRMR.BIZ. MENTION SIMPLY BUCKHEAD FOR A SPECIAL OFFER.

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July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY NOW

LOCAL SALUTE BY:

Mickey Goodman

Trey, Khaki, Joe, Lee (back row) and Jordan Loughran (front) are deeply involved in Be The Match, an organization that matches bone marrow donors with patients and helped save Jordan’s life.

Life Savers

Camp provides haven for at-risk kids

Bone marrow donors provide the gift of life Buckhead residents Trey Loughran and his wife, Lee, were devastated when their 2-year-old son, Jordan, was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in 2006 and needed a bone marrow transplant in order to survive. Fortunately, his 6-year-old sister, Khaki, was a match and his cancer went into remission.

Two years later, Jordan relapsed.

Since no other family members were matches, they turned to Be The Match, a national registry of potential marrow donors. A donor was found in Chicago. Now, six years post-transplant, he is a healthy fifth-grader at Pace Academy.

Grateful for the support they received, the couple immediately became involved. “Jordan has been an ambassador for causes associated with leukemia at AFLAC and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and Lee and I help raise funds and sign up donors,” Loughran says.

“To join the registry, all it takes is a swab on the cheek.”

The couple continues to be heavily involved in Be the Match.

Loughran, chief marketing officer at Equifax, serves on the national board. He and Lee are honorary chairs at the 2015 Atlanta Be the Match Soirée, a gala that takes place Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. at the Delta Flight Museum.

Loughran is also a member of the Southeastern Board of Operation Hope that provides financial literacy education to people in disadvantaged communities.

“At Equifax, we feel it’s important to assist Operation Hope in its mission to help people participate in the credit economy and give them ‘silver rights.’”

l For more information: bethematchfoundation.org, operationhope.org.

Former Atlanta Hawk Still Flying High At 7 feet tall, former NBA star Kevin Willis is best known for his prowess on the Atlanta Hawks basketball court. But the endeavor that makes the Buckhead resident an even brighter star is his commitment to the Atlanta Children’s Foundation Village, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded

by Willis and his brother, Robert.

“Robert had a vision to give back to kids living in high crime areas and teens aging out of the foster care system,” Willis says.

“In addition to the usual athletic fields, we built an enterprise center to teach skills kids can use in the business world.”

The brothers purchased 157 acres near Toccoa, Georgia, and built cabins to accommodate 60 kids ages 6 to 18. “Robert is the director and manages the camp and counselors,” Willis says. “We also count on volunteers from

Former Atlanta Hawks standout, Kevin Willis, gives back to at-risk kids at the Atlanta Children’s Foundation Village he and his brother founded.

nonprofits and the YMCA, a partner organization. Referrals come from 15 Georgia counties.

Willis attends for two weeks with his 13-year-old daughter, Jadis, who works at the camp.

“We grew up in Detroit and participated in activities at the YMCA,” Willis says. “We understand the value of helping others and giving back to a community that has been good to us.”

Willis is also busy in the fashion world. Because he has always struggled to find clothes that fit his tall frame, the textiles major at Michigan State University and his friend, Ralph Walker, founded a clothing line for men 6-foot-3 and over. Their new store, Willis & Walker, is located in the heart of Buckhead. l For more information: atlantachildren.org.

Buckhead Business Trains Future Leaders PGi is one of the first corporations to partner with Cristo Rey When Boland Jones, founder, chairman and CEO of PGi, the global leader in collaboration software and services, was asked to sponsor four students from Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in their work-study program, he readily agreed.

“We were excited to help,” says Jones, a Buckhead resident and major supporter of Cristo Rey, the Midtown Catholic school that prepares at-risk students for success. The curriculum is so effective that

100 percent of the students are accepted into colleges.

“PGi was one of the early adapters,” says Bill Garrett, president of Cristo Rey. “Boland is a consummate salesman and has encouraged other companies to mentor our young interns, as well as provide sponsorship for our fundraising golf tournament.”

Internships defray the $17,000 needed to educate each student and provide meaningful work experiences for four teens five days a week at PGi. “The com-

puter skills of these high school freshmen are staggering,” Jones says. “I’ve been impressed with their poise and hard work.”

“Cristo Rey recruits average students willing to obey the rules, work hard and make a difference,” Garrett says. “Their success comes from having nurturing adults who give them a glimpse of what is possible.”

The school is actively seeking 25 additional corporate partners willing to contribute to the success of Cristo Rey students.

PGi Founder, Chairman and CEO Boland Jones (far right), interns from Cristo Rey Atlanta Jesuit High School’s Corporate Work Study Program and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed celebrate the grand opening of PGi’s Innovation Lab. l For more information: cristoreyatlana.org, pgi.com.

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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TR AV E L N E A R

Above: Beat the summer heat with Bida Manda’s fiery papaya salad with sticky rice.

48 HOURS IN

RALEIGH

With a James Beard Award–winning chef and an army of enticing eateries, Raleigh is sitting pretty for a foodie adventure

R

aleigh, one of three points on North Carolina’s Research Triangle, has long been known for its oak-tree-lined streets and booming business. But today, the city is making a name for itself in another world: food. With James Beard Award– winning chef Ashley Christensen leading the charge (her first restaurant, Poole’s Diner, put Raleigh on the culinary map), and an army of craft breweries and exotic ethnic eateries by her side, Raleigh is one city epicureans won’t want to miss! Read on for our weekend eating tour through the City of Oaks.

Where to Stay: The Umstead Though technically in Cary, North Carolina, The Umstead is really the only SB-approved lodging option when you come to Raleigh.

Sure, there are some standard big box hotels downtown, but take one step inside this luxe, five-star, five-diamond property and you’ll never want to leave.

The hotel has everything you could ever hope for: Lavish guest rooms with complimentary Wi-Fi and Keurig coffee. An upscale, on-site restaurant (Herons), plus a romantic lounge with live music and outdoor fire pits for late night sipping. A stunning outdoor pool complete with private cabanas and

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July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Above: Don’t miss The Umstead’s five-star on-site restaurant, Herons.

Right: Nobody does elevated traditional soul food better than Beasley’s Chicken + Honey.

STORY:

poolside cocktail service. An epic spa (try the aromatherapy massage) with relaxation lounges, a steam room, sauna, whirlpool and 24/7 fitness center (plus complimentary yoga on weekend mornings).

But perhaps what we adored most about The Umstead is something slightly less tangible. It was the feeling of utter peace and relaxation, thanks in large part to the postcardworthy views (did we mention the property sits on a three-acre lake?) and the level of service and warmth the entire staff exudes around every corner. The Umstead is a true sanctuary—you’ll never believe the 150-room oasis sits just 15 minutes outside of downtown Raleigh (a mere $10 to $15 UberX ride).

Friday Night: Bida Manda, an inviting familyowned Laotian restaurant, is the kind of place that makes everything you’ve eaten prior taste like white bread. The flavor-packed food is bursting with spices and seasonings so exotic, you’ll quickly forget you’re in North Carolina.

Start with the crispy rice lettuce wraps and fiery papaya salad with sticky rice, share a platter of whole crispy fish smothered in tamarind sauce with the table and, whatever you do, do not leave without slurping back a few spoonfuls of the crispy pork belly coconut soup.

Kate Parham Kordsmeier

Saturday: Home to more than 20 craft breweries, Raleigh is well poised for a grueling day of taste testing. Rent a cruiser from Oak City Cycles for a bike-and-brew tour, starting with chef Ashley Christensen’s java-centric hotspot Joule Coffee. The cold brew iced coffee is the perfect kick-start, especially when paired with “hangover grits” (coarsely ground grits are laced with sharp cheddar, bacon, pico de gallo, scallions and sour cream for a Southern-meets-Mexican breakfast of champions).

You can follow along the city’s official Beer Trail, though we recommend stops at Crank Arm Brewing Company, the ultimate bike-friendly brewery, and Big Boss, a dive bar–inspired brewery (think darts, pingpong, pool and the requisite weathered sofas in every corner), known for their approachable and drinkable brews. Stop for lunch at Trophy Brewing Company, where flights of mostly IPAs go down best with their innovative pizzas (heat seekers will revel in The Daredevil, topped with fire roasted tomato sauce, mozzarella, caramelized onions, ghost chili pepper salami, fresh jalapeños and Sriracha).

End the day at Garland, an ethnic takeout window turned brick-and-mortar restaurant vibrating with life and good music. No sur-

Left: Indian dishes, like deep fried cauliflower in a turmericyogurt sauce, abound at Garland.

Left: Crank Arm Brewing Company is Raleigh’s ultimate bike-friendly brewery.

Photo: Matt Kordsmeier

IF YOU GO: The Umstead 100 Woodland Pond Drive Cary, North Carolina 27513 919.447.4000 theumstead.com

prise—the husband-and-wife duo behind it are half of the rock band Birds of Avalon. To be clear: This is not Asian fusion, though you will find Indian dishes, like deep fried cauliflower in a turmeric-yogurt sauce, comingling with Korean plates, like bo ssam (chef Cheetie Kumar’s decadent version includes pear-glazed pork belly with pungent garlic chips, tangy white kimchi, pickled shiitakes and sticky rice).

Sunday Brunch: Plenty of chefs have attempted to elevate traditional soul food, but nobody does it better than Christensen at her Southern-fueled poultry project, Beasley’s Chicken + Honey. Here, fried chicken is as crispy-on-the-outside, juicy-on-the-inside as it gets, best when sandwiched within a flaky biscuit with honey and a pickled green tomato. Paired with pimento mac and cheese pie and a glass of Grüner Veltliner, this is one brunch you won’t soon forget—and that’s before they bring out the banana pudding. n

WWW.SPASYDELL.COM

Bida Manda 919.829.9999 bidamanda.com Oak City Cycling 919.436.0527 oakcitycycling.com Joule Coffee 919.424.7422 ac-restaurants.com/joule Crank Arm Brewing crankarmbrewing.com Big Boss Brewing 919.834.0045 bigbossbrewing.com Trophy Brewing 919.803.4849 trophybrewing.com Garland 919.833.6886 garlandraleigh.com Beasley’s Chicken + Honey 919.322.0127 ac-restaurants.com/ beasleys

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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TR AV E L FA R

Above: The Holborn Dining Room serves classic English dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.

Left: The Rosewood’s wrought iron gates beckon guests to visit the only hotel grand courtyard in London.

Below: Scarfes Bar, named for renowned British caricature artist Gerald Scarfe, features live music and creative cocktails.

A sense of place The Rosewood London, where English heritage meets contemporary sophistication

W

hen you’re staying in the British capital, it’s all about location.

So, on a recent trip to London, my family and I stayed at the beautifully restored Rosewood Hotel. Situated in Holborn, where the City meets the West End, the hotel made it easy to travel to our favorite destinations.

The Tube, Covent Garden, the Royal Opera House, West End theaters and local independent boutiques are just a short walk away.

The 1914 Edwardian Belle Époque-era gem was built as the Pearl Assurance Company’s headquarters; the building’s original features include Cuban mahogany doors and the Italian Pavonazzo marble grand staircase, which has an estimated value of $65 million. Many of the seven types of marble that adorn the staircase can no longer be found anywhere in the world.

This luxe property also boasts the only hotel grand courtyard in London. With its original carriageway and wrought iron gates, it feels like a private manor. At night, the herbal fragrance of vetiver emanates from the outdoor fire pit in the cobblestone courtyard, providing a euphoric backdrop upon arrival.

The hotel’s florist is also the Queen’s florist so the arrangements here are grand indeed. From the lobby to the restaurants, and in every hallway and room, exotic and unique flowers were on display.

After check-in, a butler escorted us to our suite, where we were greeted with

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July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

handmade chocolate pastries in honor of my birthday (which happened to be that day).

Nice touch. I immediately knew this would be a special place.

The 9-hour flight from Atlanta and 5-hour time change equaled jet lag, but we didn’t let that slow us down. We showered and headed out to explore, knowing the luxurious Tradelinens duvet and pillows (90 percent Hungarian goose down, 10 percent Siberian goose feather) awaited us on our return. We walked through Piccadilly Circus, Green Park, Hyde Park and Leicester Square, taking in the sights and sounds before dining in Chinatown and heading back for a good night’s sleep.

Our daily breakfast was in the Mirror Room, a striking salon that offers all-day social dining and afternoon tea. Breakfast offerings were homemade pastries, yogurts, fresh berries, smoked salmon and capers, omelettes, and much more. I was so enamored with the jams that the chef sent some with me upon departure.

For dinner, we visited the Holborn Dining Room where traditional British dishes are made with locally sourced ingredients.

Pressed Ham Hock, Goat Cheese and Red Onion Tart; Dorset Rock; Steamed Jam Sponge; and Welsh Rarebit are just a few eclectic menu items. We were impressed with the selection of cured meats, and nibbled on a charcuterie platter before dinner.

A non-culinary indulgence during our stay

STORY:

Joanne Hayes

was a few hours spent at the Sense Spa and Fitness Suite where the hallmark is relaxation.

The softly lit walkways over rippling water and pebble stones, and Zen-inspired bamboo walls calmed our senses as we headed to the exclusive couple’s suite. The Spa features Sodashi plant products to nourish and balance the face and body and offers massages, facials, and manicures and pedicures.

Another hotel amenity is Scarfes Bar— named after renowned British caricature artist Gerald Scarfe—where the low-lit ambiance features a roaring fire, bookcases filled with more than 1,000 antique books, cozy velvet armchairs and sofa seating. The bar is also home to paneled walls displaying more than 70 caricatures depicting well-known faces in Scarfe’s witty, satirical style—David Beckham, Margaret Thatcher, Paul McCartney, Prince Charles, Simon Cowell and Mick Jagger, to name a few. With its creative cocktail menu, live music and fun atmosphere, there’s true meaning to the phrase “get scarfed.”

After three memorable days at the Rosewood, DETAILS: we headed to the countryside for some more R&R. Rosewood London 252 High Holborn Historic, sophisticated, London WC1V 7EN yet calming, this “sense United Kingdom of place”—Rosewood +44 20 7781 8888 London’s trademark— rosewoodhotels.com/ is one hotel we are london sure to return to. n

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July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

25

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STAYCATION

Left: Enjoy your morning coffee or afternoon happy hour on the lakeside cottage’s spacious wraparound porch.

Plantation

bliss S

ometimes you just need to get out of town. It doesn’t matter how far you go just as long as it’s away from the list of to-do’s that leers at you each weekend. But while you want to be free from household duties, you also want to enjoy the comforts— and space—of home. This is where The RitzCarlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation swoops in to save your sanity. Famous for its 99 holes of golf, 27,600-square-foot spa and wait-onyou-hand-and-foot Southern hospitality, the lakefront property is much more than your typical luxury hotel. In addition to its 251 guest rooms, the getaway—just an hour-and-a-half drive from Buckhead—offers three lakefront cottages that are the perfect mixture of pampering and privacy for the entire family.

I had the fortune of enjoying one of these plush accommodations during a two-night escape from the city with my husband, infant daughter, mother and stepdad in tow. After a painless hour-and-a-half drive, we settled into a two-bedroom bungalow, ready for some R&R. The floor plan of the 1,800-squarefoot accommodation—done in a traditional residential décor with a rustic lakeside-themed twist—included two rooms (one with its own sitting area) connected by a living room with a wood-burning fireplace. It was the ideal layout to allow for both communal family time and individual privacy. Over the next two days, we sipped wine on the wrap-around porch, played board games in the living room and retreated to our rooms each evening for deep

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Above: The Ritz-Carlton Reynolds Plantation offers 30 acres of shoreline on Lake Oconee.

A visit to The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, Reynolds Plantation is the perfect recipe for family-friendly relaxation STORY:

Giannina Smith Bedford

sleeps. The butler’s kitchen was the perfect amenity for morning coffee and afternoon snacks—just enough bells and whistles (fridge, dishwasher, sink, toaster oven, coffeemaker and microwave) that you didn’t have to leave your room for each hunger craving, but not enough to cook a full dinner (who wants to do that on vacation anyway?).

When we needed a full meal, we had our choice of three on-site restaurants. We frequented the open-air Gaby’s by the Lake for lunch, where the Maine lobster grilled cheese was an easy favorite. At dinner, we got dressed up for an early bird (read: baby-friendly) meal at the white-tablecloth Linger Longer Steakhouse, where the staff went above and beyond. The delicious from-the-sea appetizers (jumbo shrimp cocktail, tuna tartare and panseared sea scallops), meats from the woodburning grill and well-curated list of wines described by our knowledgeable server (there is also a Level 2 Sommelier on hand to help), made this surf-and-turf feast one to remember. We topped it all off with some mascarpone cheesecake, raisin bread pudding and the restaurant’s signature post-dinner cotton candy. Unfortunately, we were too stuffed for the resort’s “S’mores by the Fire,” so we instead enjoyed a short walk back to our cottage to help digest our remarkable dinner repast.

Lucky for our waistlines, we didn’t spend all our time eating. We took walks on the property’s well-manicured paths, relaxed in waterside Adirondack chairs, biked Reynolds

Plantation’s hilly terrain and took a boat tour of Lake Oconee’s mansion-dotted shoreline with friends who live nearby. Although we jumped in with locals for our jaunt on the water, the resort offers both motorized and non-motorized lake activities, so everything from fishing and kayaks to paddleboarding is at your fingertips. For a less calorie-burning water activity, spend a day at the pool—ours was definitely a highlight. Recently renovated, the deck features a heated infinity pool overlooking the shimmering lake, children’s pool with spraying water features and service at your lounge chair, so you can hang out all day while a friendly server takes your order (another lobster grilled cheese, please!). For a closer view of the water, there is also a sandy beach packed with comfy loungers.

While most of our visit to Reynolds Plantation included quality family time, I was able to sneak away for a morning visit to the spa, where I indulged in a Four Elements Body Treatment that melted away the stresses of life. The dry body brushing and gentle apricot buff left my skin baby soft from head to toe and the massage of essential oils and warm DETAILS: stones soothed my aching The Ritz-Carlton Lodge, muscles. I walked out of Reynolds Plantation there a new woman and 1 Lake Oconee Trail headed back to Atlanta Greensboro 30642 completely recharged 706.467.0600 and ready to take on that ritzcarlton.com pesky to-do list. n

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A PP ROV E D

2 3

4

5

Photo: Shot at Lucy’s Market

1

LET’S GET SAUCY! Dish-finishing accoutrements to make your meals sing STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin PHOTO: Sara Hanna

4. Atlanta Fish Market: Pink Brandy Rémoulade ($7 for 16 ounces)

A well-made sauce can be the crowning glory of any dish—from steaks to stir-fries and burgers to veggies and so much more. Here, we explore some standouts, available right in our own Buckhead backyard.

1. 10 Degrees South: Peri-Peri Sauce ($7 for 9.7 ounces) Made from the African bird’s eye chili, this is hot sauce with the interest turned up a notch. Named from the Swahili word for “pepper,” it’s made with an olive oil base, so the heat, while not unbearable to novice hot heads, lingers. At the restaurant, it adds a kick to lobster, chicken spring rolls and even biltong, the dried and cured meat traditional to South African cuisine.

1811 Piedmont Road N.E. Atlanta 30324 404.607.1622 fatmattsribshack.com

3. Lucy’s Market: A&A Alta Cucina Italia Sugo Casareccio ($10.50 for 16 ounces)

265 Pharr Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.262.3165 buckheadrestaurants.com

5. Whole Foods: Chinese Southern Belle’s You Saucy Thing ($8.99 for 8.5 ounces)

Bar-B-Q Sauce ($8 for 16 ounces)

This Atlanta-made pasta sauce has a silky texture that can only be achieved with time and patience. Ultra-ripe tomatoes are simmered low and slow with onions, carrots, celery, olive oil and herbs to create the rubyred Italian masterpiece. It begs for the addition of fresh pasta and homemade meatballs for a deliciously comforting meal.

Atlanta-based mother and daughter duo Margaret and Natalie Keng take traditional Chinese sauces and infuse a bit of the South, each packing a delicious flavor punch. For this, they blend soy-ginger sauce with sweet Vidalia onions, a favorite from their nowhome state. Use it as a dipping sauce for your favorite pot sticker or as the finishing touch for a rocking stir-fry.

Read any crowd-sourced reviews of this barbecue joint and you’ll see lots of words like “awesome,” “delicious” and “tasty,” and lucky for the Buckhead set, they bottle their

102 West Paces Ferry Road Atlanta 30305 404.869.9222 lucysmarket.com

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2. Fat Matt’s Rib Shack:

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signature sauce. The tomato-based concoction is sweet and tangy, with a hint of heat, and it works equally well with pulled pork, chicken or ribs.

Beneath Buckhead’s “big fish” lies more than just the restaurant—insiders know that the retail market tucked behind the bar is a firstrate place to catch dinner ingredients. This creamy sauce (made with a mayo base and brandy that dials up the flavor) is just right for dressing up a crab salad or salmon cakes or simply as a dip for shrimp cocktail.

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Peachtree

Battle S H O P P I N G

C E N T E R

Close to home.

Far from

ordinary.

With renowned retailers, specialty shops, convenient services and signature restaurants, you’ll discover a world of variety right in your backyard.

Ace Hardware Another Broken Egg Café Bank of America Baskin Robbins Buckhead Orthodontics Burger King Café Lapin Caja Popcorn Carter’s Babies and Kids/OshKosh B’gosh Chico’s European Alterations Festivity For Eyes Optical Framers On Peachtree Frolic Boutique GNC Nutrition Gramercy Atelier H&F Bottle Shop Izzy Maternity J. McLaughlin Jalisco's Mexican Restaurant Joe May Valet Junko Hair Studio LaRo Jewelers Maki Fresh Master Shoe Repair

Mint Julep Mori Luggage & Gifts Mud Monkey nadeau – furniture with a soul Nail Shadow Natural Body Buckhead Pasta Vino Peachtree Battle Antiques Peachtree Battle Barbershop Publix Grocery Richard's Variety Rite Aid Starbucks Talbots The Children’s and Prep Shop Whitehall Tavern Woo Skincare & Cosmetics Zoe's Kitchen #PeachtreeBattle

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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PE TS

Above: All of Margaret Moseley Ussery’s babies! From left to right: Kloe, Everly Mae and Koqui.

Left: Amber Bloomston with Earl the chihuahua and the rest of her beautiful family: Camille, 3, Strickland, 5, and husband Adam.

Right: Lindsey Rodbell Palangio and her pup Gouda await the arrival of a baby girl.

From treats to teething rings What to do when new baby meets fur baby

L

ike many expecting moms, Lindsey Rodbell Palangio has a lot on her mind. This summer she will launch Philanthropet, Inc., a Buckhead-based accessory company that will donate 100 percent of profits to local animal rescue organizations.

But her biggest job will be bringing a new baby girl into the world. One of her main concerns is how will her dog, 9-year-old Gouda, warm up to a little bundle of joy? “I’m definitely nervous, but hoping for the best!” Lindsey says.

Introducing a baby to a dog and living peacefully is a common worry in this stage of life. The following two Buckhead moms have been there and done that, and are full of great tips for Lindsey and other new moms.

From acting to cheering for the Atlanta Falcons, Margaret Moseley Ussery has many accomplishments, but she is most proud of her 4-monthold daughter, Everly Mae. Margaret was concerned about bringing her new baby home to her pups. “Our rescue-Chihuahua mixes, Kloe and

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July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Koqui, frighten easily and are uneasy around children,” Margaret says.

So she and her husband created a game plan for the big day. “Our labor and delivery coach told us we should introduce them by allowing them to do what dogs do when they get acquainted: to sniff and lick,” she says.

First, the couple brought in a baby blanket and let the dogs sniff. Then, per their coach, they laid the baby on a blanket on the floor.

“Keep in mind, parents are present and within arm’s reach the entire time.

If any teeth are shown, that dog must be immediately swooped up and rehomed. I was weeping the whole time—I blame those pesky pregnancy hormones—I was so worried the dogs would not do well. But, after much sniffing and tail wagging, the pups lost interest and just wanted a treat!”

Now all of Margaret’s babies are living together in harmony. She recalls, “One night, Everly woke up crying and Kloe burst into our room and woke me up by lifting my hand with her head.

STORY:

PET PREP Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital sheds some light on what to do before your new baby arrives.

Candice Rose

That’s when I was reminded that dogs love unconditionally.”

Amber Bloomston grew up on a farm with lots of animals, and now she lives in Buckhead with her two children, Strickland, 5, and Camille, 3—and one Chihuahua named Earl.

“For us, the challenges came during the toddler years. Chasing and tail grabbing seemed like a fun game to a toddler! Luckily, the dogs—back then, we had two dogs, but sadly, one has since passed away—were faster and would stay out of the way. I taught the kids to be very gentle with the dogs, and eventually the chasing turned into a game of Throw the Squeaky Toy that everyone enjoyed!” Amber explains.

Her advice for expecting moms is: “Get a sound machine for naptime.

My dogs were barkers, and the sound machine helped to drown out the noise. Just remember, any extra work that you have to do is totally worth it; my kids and dog have the sweetest bond. I could not imagine raising kids without a pet by their side.” n

l Take your pet to the veterinarian for a routine health exam and any necessary vaccinations. l If you haven’t already, now is the time to spay or neuter your pet. A pet that has been fixed is calmer and less prone to health problems. l Work on any behavior or training issues now.

Things like excessive barking or jumping on furniture become much more aggravating when you’re caring for a new baby. l Expose your pet to children as much as possible before your due date. l Get your pet used to the scents and sounds of babies.

Sprinkle baby powder on yourself and play recordings of cooing and crying. l And don’t forget, a little extra love can go a long way!

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

SIMPLY STYLISH

HOME

Downsizing to a dream P32

“We decided to build a smaller home that had the most efficient use of space.” - Jamie Parrish

A Restoration Hardware shelf in the living room displays a variety of books and collectibles as well as a box of DIY yarn balls crafted by Parrish.

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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HOM E

DOWNSIZING TO A DREAM A Sandy Springs couple trades their large residence for a homier, entertaining-friendly abode

T

Above: Jamie Parrish and pooch, Maxie, on the patio of his newly built Sandy Springs home.

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July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

here is something to be said for using every square foot of your home. This is something creative marketing guru and choreographer Jamie Parrish and his partner realized after building a 13,200-square-foot home in Sandy Springs in 2009. They missed the convenience of a smaller home and after four years were ready for something cozier that would still allow them to entertain guests in style and comfort.

“We decided to build a smaller home that had the most efficient use of space— without losing all the features of our larger past home,” Parrish says.

In 2013, they sold the large residence and worked with Buckhead-based LEFKO Design + Build on the construction of a new Sandy Springs dream home.

They selected a lot with a large footprint that would accommodate a 3,382-squarefoot dwelling, but also leave lots of backyard space for their dogs Maxie and Mayo to play and for a pool, hot tub, outdoor grilling area and fireplace.

Above: From the welcoming living room with a volcanic rock gas fireplace to the spacious outdoor patio and pool area, Parrish’s home is the ideal place to entertain.

STORY:

Giannina Smith Bedford

PHOTOS: Sara

Hanna

Along with traveling the country designing and choreographing dance, cheer and gym routines, Parrish recently launched Bold & Dash, a firm which generates bold ideas to help clients reach their audiences, focusing on what he calls the “Mean Girls” and “Millennial Moms” markets (teenage girls and their moms). His outside-the-box initiatives have included everything from making it snow in the Georgia Dome to invading New York City with 100 dancing lizards on behalf of a national beverage launch. Tapping into the creative savvy he uses to serve clients, such as Delta Air Lines and Georgia Aquarium, Parrish knew exactly what he wanted inside his four-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath residence and he drew it on a cocktail napkin. He wanted a black-and-white French industrial-style home with a large kitchen featuring an island with a cooktop so he could socialize while preparing gourmet meals for guests. In the master bedroom, he planned a steam shower and two walk-in closets, each with its own washer and dryer so he and his partner could do their own laundry.

Right: Jamie Parrish is all about the details. Some important ones in the kitchen include the matte backsplash sans power outlets, adjoining prep kitchen and island cooktop so he can face his guests while he cooks.

Below: Black-andwhite photos of the homeowners’ friends flank the entrance of the stairwell. Halfway up, Parrish hung a large mirror on the wall to help open up the landing.

“We don’t need to go upstairs unless there is company, and that is what we wanted.” - Jamie Parrish that can be closed off to hide dirty dishes during a dinner party.

Step through the living room—done in Restoration Hardware furniture (along with the “pooch-friendly couch” Parrish already owned) and a volcanic rock-adorned gas fireplace—into the master bedroom that connects to the porch’s exterior fireplace. While the bedroom is attractive, the honed white Carrara marble master bathroom and walk-in closets are showstoppers. Behind pocket doors are two separate vanity areas joined by a large steam shower equipped with speakers. Across from the quartz countertop sinks are floor-to-ceiling mirrored cabinets that Parrish designed with interior outlets to discreetly store bath products and appliances.

s

Today’s finished product, which Jamie and his partner moved into in November 2014, checks all the boxes. The kitchen, which shares the main level with the living room and master bedroom, is the center of the action. Under a tongue-and-groove ceiling, it’s home to a Thermador wine cooler, Jenn-Air appliances and custommade china cabinets from CW Designs that utilize old windows from Parrish’s dad’s boyhood school. Leathered granite tops all the counters, including the large island that is both for cooking and eating (there is no breakfast table or dining room, but the island can seat eight to 10 people).

Adjoining the kitchen is a separate prep area, with two dishwashers and a sink,

Above: The tongue-and-groove ceiling and china cabinets made with old windows add a rustic French flair to the kitchen’s chic black-and-white décor.

Above: Off the main kitchen, the prep kitchen was given a dropped ceiling “to make it more cozy.”

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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S I M P LY S T Y LIS H

HOM E

Right: Decorated in Restoration Hardware nightstands and a Baker bed, the master bedroom shares the main level with the living room and kitchen.

Below: Parrish and his partner have equal space, including their own washer and dryer, in their walk-in closets.

The bells and whistles continue throughout the home, which is also outfitted with surround sound and floor lights in the living room, on the stairs and in the bathrooms so guests don’t trip in the middle of the night. Upstairs, there are three bedrooms and a full bathroom, but not many closets, since Parrish says guests rarely use them.

Instead, he provides his visitors with a washer and dryer and tells them to pack light.

“This floor plan works for us because it’s two guys, but this floor plan could not be any more perfect for people that are 50plus empty nesters,” Parrish says. “We don’t need to go upstairs unless there is company, and that is what we wanted.”

LEFKO’s custom pre-construction process

requires that the design and all material selection be complete before construction begins. After breaking ground, it took about nine months for the home to be built. “[Our online project management system] is all automated. It allows us to run the project smoothly and effectively and it allows the homeowner to keep track of what is happening. They can keep track of it without even visiting the site,” says David Lefkovits, president of LEFKO Design + Build.

Parrish says so far there isn’t a thing he’d change about his new home, although there are still little projects they are working on, such as finishing up the outdoor cooking and pool area. The home may not be the most traditional design, but it’s Parrish’s vision turned into a reality and the perfect fit for this hard-working, fun-loving, creative couple. n

David Lefkovits’ top 5 tips for building or renovating a home 1. Prioritize your wish list and define a target investment (budget). Consider how long you plan to live in the house and factor in existing needs versus future needs.

3. Find a design-and-build contractor who can compose such a space within your budget. Vet the builder not only on quality of work, but on their process and the homeowner experience.

2. Develop a scrapbook of ideas and visuals of spaces—online resources, such as Houzz and Pinterest, as well as magazines, are great for this.

4. Make sure to pre-wire your home and garage so you can incorporate future technology without requiring a large retrofit. Things like high-voltage garages

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July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Jamie Parrish’s top 5 tips for entertaining: 1. Dinner parties over eight people become impersonal.

2. Always have beer, wine and a light and dark liquor on hand for guests.

3. Handwritten invitations are far superior to Evite or Facebook invitations.

lefkodesignbuild.com and smart home systems are expensive to integrate later on.

5. Be mindful of the non-sexy stuff that has a big impact on comfort! Aspects such as insulation, energy efficiency and moisture control are important considerations when building and renovating a home.

Right: Covered in Carrara marble, the master bathroom shower joins the couple’s separate vanity areas.

4. The best-surprise appetizer in Atlanta is to buy pre-cooked crab claws at Atlanta Fish Market, and serve them with Joe’s Stone Crab Mustard Sauce.

No work, and always a big hit.

5. Light music is nice to buffer awkward silences.

Try the iHeartRadio app for great mixes. boldanddash.com

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S I M P LY S T Y LISH

FA S HION Left: Some of the lingerie selection at Intimacy.

LINGERIE LUST BUCKHEAD BOUTIQUES PROVIDE EXPERT FITTINGS FOR YOUR STORY: Olivia DeLong MOST INTIMATE PIECES

S

hopping for lingerie can be frustrating. Many women find themselves discouraged after attempting to find the perfect bra in particular. On the other hand, we also tend to get aggravated when a recently purchased piece begins showing wear right away or the fit isn’t quite right after just a few washes. The key to lingerie shopping is to first visit a store that specializes in fittings, high-quality pieces and good customer service. Here are three of Buckhead’s most popular lingerie shops that will help in your quest to find the most comfortable—and of course sexy—lingerie.

Agent Provocateur

Intimacy

Soma

There’s just something about this swanky Phipps Plaza shop that is intriguing to even the most conservative. The small boutique feels like a rich palace with its dark interior, yet bright and very revealing lingerie sets line the walls and mannequins. London-based Agent Provocateur carries lingerie, hosiery, nightwear and bathing suits for those special occasions in your life—think honeymoon, wedding night and birthdays. Lots of lace, bows and provocative designs make up the store’s inventory. Agents are there for private fitting sessions that can be booked beforehand, allowing them to choose options for clients prior to the appointment. The new line, L’Agent, launched in 2013 and adds a fresh feminine style mixed with a few sultry pieces, too. L’Agent was designed by actress Penelope Cruz and her sister Monica along with Creative Director Sarah Shotton.

The moment you step foot in the flagship Intimacy store in Phipps Plaza, you can decode what founder Susan Nethero wanted her stores to encompass—pure comfort. Although Nethero sold the brand a few years ago, it still lives up to her mission. As we all know, it can be difficult and sometimes awkward working up the courage to schedule a real bra fitting.

Intimacy’s friendly stylists (they are trained to be stylists, not just bra fitters), consult with each client in a dressing room, first getting to know the client’s lifestyle so they can better fit the shopper for what they really need. Then, they measure you to make sure you are indeed the size you think you are, listen to your frustrations concerning current lingerie and recommend sets and pieces based on that information.

You’d never know it because they are hidden in chic cabinets and drawers, but the Atlanta store has 15,000 bras in stock with a wide range of designers and price points, including Prima Donna and Aubade. Don’t forget your bathing suit, too—also included in Intimacy’s inventory!

Soma, with locations at both Lenox and Phipps Plaza, is your classic lingerie shop filled with comfortable pieces for everyday or special occasions. The store sells only their own branded clothes, including some popular lines like Vanishing Tummy, Vanishing Back and Vanishing Edge. Clients feel at home upon entering the super inviting shop with welcoming staff when shopping for lingerie pieces and night sets. With bra sizes ranging from 32A to 44G, it’s a sure thing that you’ll find something that fits. Their Expert Fit stylists are there to measure and fit you, but also to consult and help talk through your needs and wants.

This is the place to go for undergarments that need to go beneath outfits with “problem areas” like a low-cut dress or halter-top.

Agent Provocateur 3500 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.869.2881 agentprovateur.com

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Intimacy 3500 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.261.9333 myintimacy.com

Soma Lenox Square Mall 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.720.2664 Phipps Plaza 3500 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.841.5616 soma.com

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S I M P LY S T Y LISH

BE AUTY

HELLO, HALO Learn how to recreate this surprisingly simple boho-sexy updo STORY:

Karina Timmel Antenucci PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

I

t’s July in Atlanta and it’s hot and sticky out there. A halo braid looks stunning whether you’re off to the gym or walking down a red carpet, and ensures that your hair stays off your face and neck. Surprise—this day-to-evening updo is actually two French braids that meet together, and easier to pull off than you think. Try your hand at this ’do with step-by-step tips from Max Sanchez, owner of Buckhead’s White Salon and Spa.

1. A fresh start.

You can start with freshly washed and blow-dried hair, but a halo braid is also a great style for “next-day” hair. Either way, make sure to spray your roots with a dry shampoo, such as Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair Dry Cleaning Spray ($29), holding the product about six inches from your scalp. “Dry shampoo absorbs oil, adds volume and gives texture, which is a very important part of this style; otherwise, it’s going to be too slippery,” Sanchez says.

section and add it to the center, then pick up a piece of the loose hair from the other side of that area and add it to the center. Wherever you place your hand that is holding your hair is where the braid will go. “I move my hand all around the hairline, circling in the shape of a crown,” Sanchez says. “Make sure that it is nice and tight around the ears so there are no bulging pieces.”

3. Neck step.

Once you pass the nape of the neck, stop the French braiding and create a normal braid on the rest of that section all the way down to the end of the hair. Secure the ends with a small elastic band that is close to your natural hair color so that it blends in.

4. Keep up the French.

Now repeat steps two and three on the other side of your head with the remaining loose hair.

2. Play your part.

Find where you would like to part your hair at the top of your head near the hairline; section hair into two parts (they don’t have to be even); and begin French braiding on one side. Separate strands for the first braid into three sections. Take one

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5. Tuck away.

Grab the ends of both braids, crisscross them and use bobby pins to tuck, secure and blend them into the opposite braid.

Pair your effortless-looking hairstyle with a peaches-and-cream makeup palette— like Makeup Artist Scott Spencer Miller of White Salon and Spa did here.

6. Smooth moves.

Smooth out the sections as necessary with your fingers, “the best comb in the world for a more natural look,” Sanchez explains.

7. Fashionable finish.

Rub a dime-sized amount of molding paste, such as Rene Furterer Vegetal Styling Modeling Paste ($25), into your fingertips and use it to define and set the hair. Next, top your braid off with a finishing spray, like Rene Furterer Vegetal Styling Finishing Spray ($28), to set the style with a long-lasting hold. “This hairstyle could actually last for a couple of days if everything is nice and tight,” Sanchez says.

How do you make sure you look more high fashion than Little House on the Prairie with your halo?

“The key thing is using the right products,” Sanchez says.

“This style is a bit matted— that’s what’s cool about it.

It doesn’t look clean clean.

There’s texture.” n

Right: Kevin Murphy and Rene Furterer products add texture to hair, a key component to pulling off a halo braid.

WHITE SALON AND SPA 2973 Grandview Avenue N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.816.7500 whitesalonandspa.co

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July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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S I M P LY S T Y LIS H

WE LLN E S S

Survive and thrive Buckhead trainers give their top tips for getting obstacle race–ready

STORY:

S

Rugged Maniac Aug. 22 ruggedmaniac.com Spartan Race (Atlanta Super) Oct. 10 spartan.com Down & Dirty Oct. 18 downanddirty obstaclerace.com

THE EXPERTS

JEFF BAIRD

himmying up walls or under barbed wire. Getting covered head to toe in mud. High-fiving fellow racers as they cross the finish line. Behold, just a few of the experiences in store when you take on an obstacle course race (OCR).

But if you’re training for your first OCR, where do you begin? We’ve asked a few Buckhead-area trainers to share their top tips for getting race-day ready.

Upcoming Atlanta-Area Races

Amelia Pavlik

Photos: Rugged Maniac

1. CHANNEL YOUR INNER WARRIOR. A good race for beginners is the Warrior Dash, says Jeff Baird, owner of Chaos Conditioning Studio. “It’s relatively short, and the obstacles are designed so that most people can complete them with little preparation,” he says. “Even experienced participants tend to run this race for fun, so there’s a welcoming party vibe that can be less intimidating for beginners.”

2. JUST SAY “OHM.” A little yoga can go a long way in helping you prep for one of these races, says Carly Grace Hinchman, owner and director

of Thunderbolt Power Yoga.

“You will be asked to climb and crawl, and a limber body will be of utmost importance,” she says. “Practice power yoga two times per week, and you’ll benefit from increased endurance and flexibility, and experience the benefits of breath work.”

3. TRY A LITTLE TRX. Do your basic strength training exercises (like rows, chest presses and lunges) on a TRX Suspension Trainer, Baird says.

“This tool uses your own body weight to efficiently enhance full-body strength, core stability and balance.”

4. EMBRACE PLANKS AND BEAR CRAWLS. These are great exercises to strengthen your core, says Flywheel instructor Cara Weaver.

“Sometimes you have to crawl through mud pits under wire or ropes. These exercises strengthen your core enough to last without face-planting in the mud or scraping your back on that barbed wire.”

5. STRETCH—AND STRETCH SOME MORE. “We all—self included—neglect this important part of exercising. But without it, your body will hurt and can become easily injured,” says Ellie Vance, a personal trainer at Eclipse One on One. Hire a professional or use a foam roller, whatever works best for you. n

Chaos Conditioning Studio The Forum Athletic Club at Lenox Square Mall Atlanta 30326 404.590.5852 chaosconditioning.com

CARLY GRACE HINCHMAN Thunderbolt Power Yoga 3872 Roswell Road N.E. Unit C4, Atlanta 30342 404.556.1605 thunderboltpoweryoga.com

ELLIE VANCE Eclipse One on One 295 West Wieuca Road N.E. Atlanta 30342 404.843.2663 eclipse1on1.com

CARA WEAVER Flywheel 102 West Paces Ferry Road N.W., Suite A Atlanta 30305 678.702.5684 flywheelsports.com

WEEKEND WARRIOR SHARES 3 TRAINING TIPS

Photo: Spartan Race

By day, Alex Valdivia is Buckhead’s go-to dog trainer. And you’d probably never guess he’s competed in more than 10 OCRs over the past few years.

This October, he’ll take on the challenge of racing in all three OCR world championships over the course of three weeks: the Lake Tahoe Ultra Beast by Spartan Race, the Warrior Dash World Championship in Tennessee, and the OCR World Championship in Ohio.

Here are Valdivia’s training tips for first timers:

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July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

1. Try a Savage Race or Tough Mudder. “I’d recommend these to beginners because of the level of camaraderie, and the atmosphere is more fun and noncompetitive,” he says. “But the races are still tough with great obstacles.”

2. Cross-train. “Whether you’re on a trail or local track, at a park or gym, try to simulate the race and obstacles that you are about to face,” Valdivia says.

For example, incorporate buckets or sandbags into your sprints to simulate the types of things you’ll do during a race.

3. Rest and recover. Valdivia trains one day and rests the next. Also, he uses compression clothing for muscle recovery and swelling. Last but not least, Valdivia recommends heading to Buckhead’s Icebox Cryotherapy to help muscles mend and improve circulation.

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead 

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S I M P LY S T Y LIS H

TA S TE M A K ER

Keeping up with Connors Meet the fashionable mind behind Buckhead’s newest bag boutique STORY:

Olivia DeLong

I

f you haven’t discovered the concept store Bella Bag, grab your girlfriends and head to the shop—stat.

Launched by Buckhead resident Cassandra Connors, Bella Bag is an online retailer that has been selling gently used, pre-owned designer bags since 2005. They launched their first showroom in 2012 and it’s newly located within the Buckhead Atlanta complex.

Connors, a New Jersey native, opened Bella Bag after realizing the gently used designer handbag market was really lacking. There was a gap in the way authentic luxury was bought and sold—traditional consignment shops required you to wait until the item sold to receive payment, and even then, it was at a low 50 percent of the price. Sites like eBay were inconsistent, and you’d never know what condition the item would be in when it reached your door.

She realized this, after spending years developing an eBay business during and after her New York University college career, where she bought and sold designer fashion items. She thought there was no better way to help women and men everywhere afford the accessory of their dreams than a convenient marketplace that is consistent, safe and honest. Bella Bag, which sells purses from to Gucci to Goyard (swoon!), has doubled their revenue every year since 2010, proving Connors had the right idea. Here, she shares her Buckhead obsessions and the business that every woman is glad exists.

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Tell us about the beginning—give us some history into how and why your business came about.

I was basically a college student whose shopping habit incurred quite a bit of debt. So, as I started to walk down the path of consigning designer items to recoup some of my money, I realized how many problems there were in that industry, for both business owners and consumers. Since then, I have really worked to change that, and that’s how Bella Bag came to be.

Tell us about your favorite bag. What do you carry every day? Or do you switch it up?

I’m pretty traditional. I love to carry a classic Chanel flap. It’s timeless, looks great with everything from cocktail attire to jeans, and it’s an investment piece.

Chanel frequently raises their prices in retail so we see customers actually receive more for their bags when selling to Bella Bag than they originally paid. It’s a great choice because of that!

Talk a little bit about your new store in Buckhead Atlanta and why you decided to open your flagship location there.

Bella Bag is very much a luxury brand and we understand how important it is to associate ourselves with the amazing neighboring businesses in Buckhead Atlanta to truly stand out and explain to consumers what it is we do.

What’s a typical day like for you?

I don’t really have a typical day. One thing I’m truly grateful for is the flexibility that owning a business brings, as well as the incredible team we have at Bella Bag to support our mission.

My days are all different and exciting, and I try to keep a great balance between work and family.

Do you travel much for Bella Bag? If so, where?

Not an overwhelming amount, but Bella Bag also has a wholesale business where we supply our bags to other major companies, so I often travel to meet with the channel partners who are mostly located on the west coast and in New York. I also try to immerse myself in our biggest markets—New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas and the South Florida areas—from time to time to get a better understanding of who our customers are and how we can better serve them.

How do you find all the bags you sell?

We receive our bags from regular women looking to trade or sell their own previous purchases and we also work with a few other incredible VIP sources to garner special pieces. That’s our secret sauce, however, so that’s all I’ll say!

Do you have a business motto or statement to live by?

My father always says, “This too shall pass.” It’s important to remember that in tough times, but also in great times. It will keep you a little humble and hungry.

When it comes to Buckhead, where do you like to eat, shop and hang out?

I love to eat, shop and hang out right in my neighborhood at Buckhead Atlanta. I love the cauliflower at Gypsy Kitchen or having a glass of BELLA BAG rosé with friends at Le Bilboquet. I also 3065 Peachtree Road N.E. frequent Intermix and Atlanta 30305 Scoop, La Perla and 404.856.0626 Theory … I adore the bellabag.com new development! n

ON S TAG E | A RT V I E W | L I T E R A RY

SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ART VIEW

A sanctuary for Southern artists P53

More than 4,000 artworks fill the Miami Circle gallery owned

by Bill Lowe, who describes the move back to Buckhead seven years ago as “euphoric.”

“I’m still really interested in creating a place at the table for the Southern artists and the collectors in the community.” - Bill Lowe

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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S I M P LY A & E

ON S TAGE

A theater-loving couple backs new Atlanta Artists Lab at Alliance Theatre STORY:

Jim Farmer

Passionate art patrons T

hey have long prided themselves on being local arts patrons and philanthropists, but now Margaret and Robert E. (Bob) Reiser can add the word producers to their titles. The Brookhaven couple are the driving forces behind the Reiser Atlanta Artists Lab at the Alliance Theatre.

The Alliance launched the series in 2013 as a way to find a producing home for local artists across all performing arts disciplines, including theater, dance and multimedia projects. After an open call for detailed project descriptions, including a work sample and/or a script, three submissions are chosen annually and awarded $10,000 for development. This year’s winners— Nichole Palmietto’s untitled theater piece about three characters trying to rediscover themselves, Mark Kendall’s Morgan Freeman Presents the Magic Negro and Other Blackness and Haddon Kime’s The Untitled Red Book Project—will be presented in free performances at the Alliance next spring and will hopefully find producing homes.

The lab is an ideal fit for the Reisers.

They love theater as well as supporting the community. “We were made aware early on what [Alliance Theatre artistic director] Susan Booth was thinking about doing with the series,” Bob says. “It’s a natural for us, since it cultivates new artists.”

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Over the years, both Bob and Margaret grew to love theater. “I did not realize how much I did until I served on the board of Georgia Shakespeare,” Margaret says.

Also focused on cultivating talent, the late Georgia Shakespeare provided opportunities for local artists to work in the summer, usually a dark time for theaters.

The couple have been married for 10 years. Margaret is an Atlanta native who earned a degree in economics from Duke University and an MBA from Emory University in finance. She’s worked for Citizens and Southern National Bank and BoardWalk Consulting, but is now retired. Nonetheless she continues to volunteer her time with the Alliance Theatre, Woodruff Arts Center and the Harland Charitable Foundation.

Bob grew up in Virginia, but has been in Atlanta for more than 40 years.

A graduate of Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, with an MBA from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, his professional career began at Exxon Corporation and continued with investment firm Montag & Caldwell. In 1982 he founded investment management and consulting firm The Reiser Company, which later merged with Balentine & Company.

He still works, but jokes that he is about 80 percent retired. Active in various board duties as well, he met Margaret

while volunteering with Families First, a social services agency.

The Reisers were recently honored with a Frabel glass sculpture in recognition of their community support at the Alliance fundraiser A Tony Evening. “It’s daunting,” Bob says. “This is not something we got into because we wanted to be recognized. We are hoping it gives impetus to other opportunities for the arts.”

Both Margaret and Bob have two children, respectively—Stephen and Melissa, and Scott and Danielle—and four grandchildren. Brookhaven is an area they cherish. “We are very urban-oriented in interests. We love the convenience of where we are and all we can do here,” Bob says.

Although they subsidize the Artists Lab, the couple are content to let others pick winners. They weren’t able to attend the first year’s performances, but have already planned to be at next year’s.

“It’s exciting to see these projects go on to other productions,” Margaret says.

“It makes us very proud.” n

ALLIANCE THEATRE 1280 Peachtree Street N.E. Atlanta 30309 404.733.4650 alliancetheatre.com/content/reiseratlanta-artists-lab-0

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The Westobou Festival

Some art can’t be contained.

So we didn’t try.

September 30 – October 4

Come on over for five days of music, art and fun in Augusta. Experience the Westobou Festival with dozens of innovative performances, events, exhibitions and screenings representative of the best in music, dance, film, spoken word and visual arts. Come celebrate with us!

Get your tickets today!

WestobouAugusta.com

S I M P LY A & E

A RT V IE W

Bill Lowe (center), owner of the Lowe Gallery for 26 years, has made it his mission to connect artists and the community. He’s joined in his efforts by his executive staff, Jeremiah Ojo (right) and Brenda Massie, who recently came on board as the gallery director.

A sanctuary for Southern artists After 26 years, Bill Lowe still connects community and art

B

eing part of the city’s art circle for 26 years has given Buckhead’s Bill Lowe a front-row view of the boom and bad times of being a gallery owner. Since he first opened a Bennett Street space in July 1989, he’s moved locations twice, weathered the Great Recession and, most recently, hired a dynamic director to lead the business into the future.

One of the most important decisions he made over the years, Lowe admits, is returning to Miami Circle last year after seven years in Midtown. “It seemed like there was an opportunity happening around the Woodruff Arts Center, SCAD and Georgia Tech,” he says.

“I wanted to get into an area that could create dynamic interaction.

But as it turns out, we moved into Midtown just as the world collapsed and the economy died.”

The decision to shift to a location in Buckhead has been “close

to euphoric,” Lowe says. “It’s galvanized our collectors, and to some degree that relates to the fact that Buckhead is the most ideally-suited location for any serious gallery.”

Despite the years and moves, Lowe’s vision has remained unaltered. “I’m still really interested in creating a place at the table for the Southern artists and the collectors in the community,” he says. “I feel the South has historically been respected in the worlds of music and literature, but in the visual arts, we’ve been somewhat marginalized. I’ve been committed to showcasing Southern artists alongside their counterparts from around the world.”

And there are plenty of both represented among the almost 4,000 pieces of art that adorn the gallery. In addition to hailing from around the world, many of the 80 artists Lowe works with are women. “When I opened this

gallery, I stated that I was interested in a philosophical leaning toward the female consciousness, and though that doesn’t necessarily mean it has to come from female artists, I do attract an inordinate number of them,” he says.

Lowe recently added one particularly noted woman to his operation. Brenda Massie joined Lowe as gallery director in May, bringing an extensive training in painting and sculpture as well as 25 years working in the New York art scene. Her last position in Atlanta was directing the nonprofit, photography-centered Hagedorn Foundation Gallery.

“As soon as I met him, I thought it was a perfect fit,” Massie says. “We have the same attitude about how art has to be somehow universal and how it has to be about something.

We both agree it expresses our true nature, versus what culture

STORY:

H.M. Cauley

may be pushing at us. I also think he is a very adventurous person, especially in art, and that’s really healthy for Atlanta.”

One of Massie’s main objectives is to continue Lowe’s focus on engaging local artists and art lovers. “I do see her acting as a conduit to a much more invigorated interface between this gallery, the institutional art world and the nonprofits in Atlanta, as well as the rest of the gallery community,” Lowe says. “She’ll do that by orchestrating much more connectivity in the art world. And that’s really a progression of what we’ve already been doing.” n

BILL LOWE GALLERY 764 Miami Circle, Suite 210 Atlanta 30324 404. 352.8114 lowegallery.com

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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S I M P LY A & E

LITE R A RY

“Writing had been my outlet for a long time, and it was a way for me to process the emotions of becoming a physician.”

Prognosis:

Positive living A medical school journal provides a trove of life lessons

T

he stress of medical school is notoriously oppressive: The long shifts, lack of sleep and intense responsibility are just a few factors students cope with. For Scott Kelly, the pressure of studying at the Medical College of Georgia and training at Emory University Hospital was offset by writing.

“I started keeping a journal in the fall of 1994, and I stayed with it all through medical school until 2002,” says Kelly, a graduate of the Lovett School who lives in the Peachtree Battle area. “Writing had been my outlet for a long time, and it was a way for me to process the emotions of becoming a physician.”

Kelly’s journal centered not on the anxiety and stress, but rather on the remarkable stories of human courage and triumph.

There was the woman with breast cancer who talked about her husband constantly, although he had died three years before. “He was very much a part of her life, and when I look back to that story, I’m amazed at how they could build a life together that death couldn’t separate,” Kelly says. There was the man who had a heart attack and told the doctors after the procedure that he’d left his body and witnessed them working to save him. “He told the surgeon, ‘Thank you for

54

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

massaging my heart,’ and the surgeon was stunned,” Kelly recalls. “I heard those stories all the time, and they always fascinated me.”

Now a physician with Resurgens Orthopaedics, Kelly doesn’t keep a journal, but when he rediscovered his writings last year, he immediately wanted to put them to positive use.

“I have children, and I thought, ‘What if something happened to me, and I wasn’t there to hold their hands?’ Everything I wanted to tell them was there in that journal.”

The result is What I’ve Learned from You: The Lessons of Life Taught to a Doctor by His Patients that debuted in March. Before it was published by Art Heals Media, the memoir was read and approved by Kelly’s fifth- and sixth-grade daughters.

“They thought it was amazing,” Kelly says. “At my first book signing, my 12-yearold picked out two sections she liked to read aloud, and she went with the day she was born and the reason why I decided to become a doctor. It was an incredibly proud moment for a father.”

The book is also resonating with health care workers who have read it, Kelly says. “It reminds them why they got into medicine in the first place. It brings compassion back to

STORY:

H.M. Cauley

the art of medicine. That’s what people want, but the landscape has changed so much.”

Kelly is donating most of the book’s proceeds to the Arts Heals Media Foundation.

The move gives him a chance to support the personal interest he has in art and his belief in its healing powers.

Others outside the medical field are also telling the author how much the personal stories move them.

“I’m always interested in whatever makes you a better version of yourself—that’s what I enjoy most,” he says. “I believe this book can do that.

It touches people’s hearts in ways they didn’t expect.” n WHAT I’VE LEARNED FROM YOU: THE LESSONS OF LIFE TAUGHT TO A DOCTOR BY HIS PATIENTS is available on amazon.com and at Barnes & Noble.

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

SIMPLY DELICIOUS

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Italian Glam—In our own backyard P56

The bar at Portofino is a dark, masculine nook graced with a portrait of Ernest Hemingway, who favored the celebrity haunt on the Italian Riviera.

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography It’s “as clear as the crystalline waters of Portofino that this place is a standout,” says our restaurant reviewer Wendell Brock.

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

55

S I M P LY D E LICIOUS

R E V IE W

Left: While Portofino’s cuisine can be playful and creative, the veal and ricotta meatballs are a good example of rib-sticking, oldfashioned Italian at its best.

Right: Boscaiola is a splendid seasonal dish of English peas, mushrooms, pancetta and cream stirred with tiny pasta shells.

Above: Portofino’s fried artichoke hearts are positively addictive and terrific for sharing.

ITALIAN GLAM —IN OUR OWN BACKYARD

W

ell, first the bad news: I’m not going to Portofino this summer!

(I’ve already written a letter to Sophia Loren telling her I won’t be able to make it to the sunny celebrity hangout on the Mediterranean—il sigh.)

And now the good news: I’ve found a primo spot for feasting on the vibrant flavors of the Italian Riviera paradise right here in our very own Buckhead.

Yes, dear reader, that’s me you see on the patio, lurking behind designer shades and peering at the menu of Portofino, the darling Paces Ferry Place bistro where executive chef Matt Marcus’ earthy cooking evokes Liguria while staying smartly anchored in America. (And sometimes the American South.)

Sure, the ladies who brunch can nosh on a mound of fresh mozzarella and bright heirloom tomatoes drizzled with arugula pesto. The rest of us will want to twirl delicious fried artichoke hearts in tarragon aioli or spread flatbread with spinach-and-

56

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Portofino, a neighborhood star for nearly 15 years STORY:

kale dip, then dig into a buxom bowl of rigatoni drowning in lamb Bolognese.

Owned by general manager Mike Anderson and partner George Tice, this neighborhood gem turns 15 in December. So forgive me if I’m tardy to the party, and please excuse me while I drift away on Marcus’ wonderfully comforting, handcrafted food. After two memorable meals here, I’ve got it bad for this slightly-off-Paces Ferry slice of Italy.

So arrivederci, Isabella Rossellini and Roberto Benigni! Hello, Corn and Goat Cheese Agnolotti and Limoncello Cheesecake!

While I mull things over, I like to savor a fusion sipper like The Paces Ferry Place.

It’s an appealingly balanced, sweet-tart mixture of Woodford Reserve, limoncello, peach, bitters and ginger ale that’s kinda reminiscent of an Old Fashioned. (It’s worth noting here that the bar is well stocked with Italian-friendly reds, whites and summer rosés.) Then, it’s on to the mandatory artichoke hearts—a ginormous portion big enough for three or four to share—

Wendell Brock PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

and perhaps the veal-and-ricotta meatballs.

(Come si dice “totally amazeballs”?) Lobster bisque, grilled octopus (served with chorizo, crispy fingerlings, red onion, sherry-vinegar gastrique and parsley) and a summer salad of watermelon and ricotta salata (with flowering kale, kalamatas and mint oil) also sound mighty tempting.

Of the pastas, we were crazy about the Boscaiola: little shells tossed with English peas, foraged mushrooms, pancetta and cream. (So rich and so darn good.)

The Brodetto—a heaping bowl of mussels, clams, scallops and shrimp piled on top of tagliatelle in tomato-saffron broth, with grilled bread on the side—was also quite tasty. Any of the pastas can be ordered as a half-portion, which makes for a nice second course.

We liked the spaghetti tossed with bottarga (fish roe) and found that it tasted better after sitting for a while, so the pungent flavors could meld with the noodles. Another real keeper was the shrimp and polenta. A play on Southern shrimp and grits, this super-

Above: Shrimp and polenta favors a dish Southerners love with grits; Portofino gilds the lily with poached eggs and good crusty bread.

Above: With a name like Portofino, you’ve got to have seafood; the Brodetto piles it high atop tagliatelle with grilled bread for sopping.

Below: The juicy hanger steak with cauliflower purée, Brussels sprout leaves and pancetta, garnished with garlic scrapes and a squash blossom.

Above: Bottarga (fish eggs) with spaghetti imparts the wonderfully briny flavors of the sea.

Portofino is a primo spot for feasting on the vibrant flavors of its Italian Riviera namesake. decadent dish was moistened with a tomatoand-shrimp broth, flecked with pancetta and topped with a farm egg. The kitchen was nice enough to divvy up both the spaghetti and the polenta into separate bowls for two to share without making a mess, and we—or rather I—sopped up every drop of the creamy-dreamy, Italian-style shrimp and grits.

In true Italian fashion, Portofino is the kind of place where, if you pace yourself, you can indulge in three or four courses. So on the night I dined here with a friend, even after appetizers and pasta, I just had to try the hanger steak. Served on a puddle of cauliflower purée, with a side of crispy Brussels sprouts and bacon, it was an intensely satisfying and flavorful pile of juicy meat. Mangia, mangia!

In the dessert department, pastry chef Deenie Anderson is a master of Italianinflected sweets, from gelato and budino to tiramisù. There’s banana-and-whitechocolate bread pudding and a decadent dark chocolate-hazelnut torte with vanilla bean gelato, nougatine and hazelnut sauce.

Better than Nutella, and we couldn’t stop till it was finito. Even lovelier, though, for summer is that divine limoncello cheesecake. Made with ricotta, cream cheese, lemon zest and the namesake liqueur, it sits on a graham cracker crust and is topped with homemade lemon curd, powdered sugar and mint.

So here’s the dealio: In a city cluttered with Italian restaurants of every ilk, from marinara-heavy mom-and-pops to venerable institutions, it’s as clear as the crystalline waters of Portofino that this place is a standout. Like Osteria Mattone in Roswell, like Colletta in Alpharetta, it finds its considerable appeal in the impeccable quality of the food and a vibe that is sophisticated without ever being stuffy. In a word: Superb. n Editor’s note: For this review, we made one lunch visit and one dinner visit to Portofino. Unfortunately, we learned at press time that the restaurant is eliminating lunch service and launching Sunday brunch this fall. But all is not lost: Many of the midday favorites are likely to remain.

Above: Pastry chef Deenie Anderson’s limoncello cheesecake is bright, zingy and perfect for summer.

Left: A good way to start a meal is with a Paces Ferry Place—a Georgia-meetsItaly cocktail with peaches and limoncello.

PORTOFINO 3199 Paces Ferry Place, Atlanta 30305 404.231.1136 portofinoatl.com Prices: Soups, salads and antipasto, $7-$14.

Pastas, $18-$24. Entrees, $24-$29.

Recommended: Fried artichokes, veal and ricotta meatballs, house-made mozzarella, boscaiola, brodetto, spaghetti bottarga, shrimp and polenta, hanger steak, chocolate-hazelnut torte, limoncello cheesecake.

Bottom line: Exceptional Italian.

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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S I M P LY D E LICIOUS

D R IN KS

One tequila, two tequila …

Jacob Gluck brings the flavor of Mexico to Buckhead STORY:

“W

e like to say that we’re Mexico grown and Atlanta zoned,” says Jacob Gluck, CEO and founder of the newly minted Goza Tequila. The Buckheadbased tequila brand just made its debut in Georgia this April, and is being poured at several Buckhead spots, such as Hal’s The Steakhouse, Twist, Yebo and The Ivy Buckhead.

It also landed in Nashville this June.

Entrepreneurial-minded Gluck, 27, comes to tequila by way of Wall Street (he was an institutional stockbroker) and met the liquor’s producers five years back through a mutual connection. After trying their smooth-drinking liquor, and later visiting their hacienda and distillery in Mexico (where they had more than a million liters of inventory), he was sold. Gluck knew he wanted to brand and sell this product in the U.S., and more specifically, in the South. “It was random, but I thought, why not?”

In order for a liquor to be branded as “tequila,” a company has to meet the Mexican government requirements, or Norma Oficial Mexicana, for tequila production. One such requirement is that the tequila be made from agave harvested and distilled in specific regions of Mexico.

This is why you don’t find tequila distilleries in the United States—or anywhere else, for that matter.

Goza Tequila is a highland tequila (indicating the geographical loca-

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Kelly Skinner

tion, and the liquor’s floral tendencies), utilizing mature, nine-year-old, 100-percent blue agave grown on an estate in Jalisco, Mexico. After harvest, the agave is double distilled and the tequila is aged (unless it’s the Blanco, which is unaged) before being shipped to the U.S., where it is distributed by Georgia’s National Distributing Company (as well as a distributor in Tennessee), and marketed and sold to bars, restaurants and liquor stores by Gluck and his crew from their DeskHub headquarters in Buckhead.

“First and foremost, I wanted to introduce a brand that took the intimidation out of the tequila,” says Gluck, noting that Goza means “enjoy” in Spanish. Instead of the short, square, masculine bottles preferred by other top tequila makers, Gluck opted for sleek and slender, and enlisted the talent of pop artist Burton Morris to create an approachable label that complemented the brand’s flavorful lines. There’s the easy-going, unaged Blanco; the more complex, caramel-nosed Reposado (aged six months in white oak barrels); and the rich-spiced Añejo (aged one year in white oak barrels).

Building off of Gluck’s approachability angle, Goza has various events in the works, including a fall 0.1K fun run/block party benefiting La Amistad, a nonprofit that helps disadvantaged Hispanic youth. He also has an upcoming “tech”-quila event that sponsors a hackathon (where computer coders write code all night). They’re also in the process of tricking out a “Goza Round Town” school bus that will take drinkers around Buckhead. n

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

DRINK UP! BLANC STARE COCKTAIL Cocktail by Goza 1 ounce Goza Blanco 0.5 ounce lemon juice 0.5 ounce agave nectar Prosecco to fill strawberry slice for garnish

Shake tequila, lemon juice and agave nectar in a cocktail shaker.

Pour into a champagne flute and top with Prosecco. Garnish with strawberry slice.

MAKE MY DAY Cocktail by JCT. Kitchen 1.5 ounces serrano pepper-infused Goza Reposado (recipe below) 0.5 ounce passion fruit, puréed 0.5 ounce simple syrup 0.5 ounce lime juice 2 pinches sea salt Serrano pepper-infused Goza Reposado Insert three serrano peppers into a bottle of Goza Reposado.

Let it sit for six hours.

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Pour over crushed ice.

ONCE MORE WITH FEELING Cocktail by Madison Burch, Bar Manager and Head Mixologist, Seven Lamps 3 ounces Goza Blanco 2 ounces chile-infused red wine (recipe below) 1 ounce lime juice 1 ounce orgeat syrup 2 dashes chocolate bitters Chile-Infused Red Wine 2 red Fresno chiles, chopped with seeds 2 limes, zested 1 quart full-bodied red wine

To create the chileinfused red wine: In a large container with lid, add the red chiles and lime zest. Slowly pour the red wine into the container and mix all ingredients. Cover and store in the refrigerator for 24 hours until the wine has been infused with the chilies and zest.

“Once more with feeling”, created by Madison Burch at Seven Lamps Combine the tequila, chile-infused red wine, lime juice, syrup and bitters in a cocktail glass with large ice cubes.

Stir all ingredients together until well combined. Serve on a warm summer day!

DETAILS: Goza Tequila 3565 Piedmont Road Building 4, Suite 200 Atlanta 30324 678.834.9691 gozatequila.com

Buckhead

Full service b ar live music Festive patio

BuckheaD 404.841.8472 3400 Aroun d L en ox D r, Buc khead, GA 30326

TradiTional indian food in a n o n T r a d i T i o n a l aT m o s p h e r e

D e c at u r 404.633.9233 1363 C l airmon t R d, D ec at ur, GA 30033

w w w. b h o j a n i c . c o m

Shops Around Lenox Next to Crate & Barrel™

Just North of N.Decatur and Clairmont Rd Intersection

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S I M P LY D E LICIOUS Photo: Lauren Rubenstein

FOODIE JOURNAL Culinary News & Notes Kate Parham Kordsmeier

SMACKDOWN

BY:

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521 KITCHEN & QUE

Executive chef

Nagib Sued, who hails from Pura Vida and Big Tex Decatur.

Drew Kirkland, who hails from Kevin Rathbun Steak, Rathbun’s, Levy Restaurants and PGA National Resort.

Combo plate and price

Two-meat combo plates are served with choice of two sides and Texas toast for $16.25; threeand four-meat combo plates also available for $19.75 and $22.75, respectively.

There’s only one combo plate available: a two-meat combo served with choice of two sides for $14.95.

Varieties of meats

Six meat options: sliced smoked turkey, barbecue chicken, smoked pulled pork, smoked sausage, beef brisket (chopped or sliced), and baby back ribs; plus salmon, catfish and a veggie plate.

Six meat options: pulled pork, sliced brisket, pulled chicken, ½ chickens, pork spare ribs and wings.

The barbecue is cooked fresh every day, and it’s no easy feat. The pork takes 14 hours, brisket 12 hours and ribs 2 hours.

Meat is smoked every day in small batches (read: when they run out, that’s it). The brisket takes 12 hours, pork 10 hours and ribs 4 hours.

Sourcing practices

Local sourcing is a priority—they source beef and pork from Buckhead Beef and chicken from Springer Mountain Farms in North Georgia.

Working with high-quality proteins is key—they use only Certified Angus Beef, hormone-free chicken from Mar-Jac Poultry in Georgia and pork from North Carolina farms, like Asgard Farm. They also use preservative-free bread from Atlanta’s H&F Bread Co. for their buns.

Barbecue style, according to the chef

“We do Southern barbecue with influences from regions throughout the South,” Sued explains.

“We use a combination of woods and rubs that are uniquely our own.”

“We don’t follow any specific [regional style of barbecue], like Memphis, Kansas City or Texas; we serve eclectic barbecue and make what the people in Georgia like,” Kirkland says.

What makes their menu different

Smokebelly is easily the most chef-driven barbecue restaurant on this list. Not only does their menu include a “tapas” section with unconventional dishes like lettuce wraps, fried pickled okra, disco fries and mac-and-cheese skillets, but they also offer modern versions of classic sides (think sweet corn and edamame succotash and bourbon sweet potato soufflé; innovative sandwiches, like the smoked salmon club and a pimento cheese BLT; and an extensive entrée salad menu.

Dish chef is most proud of: The Pressed Banh Mi.

521 is also more chef-driven than your standard barbecue restaurant, plus they also cater to many types of palates. Their menu includes vegetarian and gluten-free options, like housemade black eyed pea burgers and fancy grilled cheese sammies; and many non-smoked entrées, like fried chicken, braised brisket and citrus roasted chicken.

You’ll also find more inventive side dishes here— there are 10 options, each with their own unique twist, like collards braised in Coca-Cola, a refreshing kale slaw and crispy garlic-spiked green beans—a handful of entrée salads and fun appetizers, like pimento cheese deviled eggs.

Dish chef is most proud of: Smoked Brisket.

Chef Sued makes seven different barbecue sauces (sweet, savory, spicy, Alabama white, Carolina Red, Carolina Gold and Cherry Cola).

Mixing and matching is encouraged.

Chef Kirkland makes two tomato-based sauces (one sweet and one spicy), plus a housemade hot sauce and pepper vinegar. We found their sauces to be more extreme than others on this list—either incredibly sweet or extraordinarily spicy.

This is a true full-service restaurant in a gorgeous setting. Enjoy live music every Thursday, Friday and Saturday and a bustling cocktail bar with an extensive craft beer and wine menu. Smokebelly feels more like a trendy neighborhood restaurant than your average roadside barbecue stand.

521 falls somewhere in between Smokebelly and the other two spots. They offer counter-service during lunch and full-service in the evenings, but the decor is a bit more bare-bones and casual. 521 offers beer and wine, and supports local breweries like Sweetwater and Second Self Beer Company.

Roughly $50 for two people

Roughly $25 for two people

smokebellybbq.com

521kitchenandque.com

How do you cook your meats?

BBQ HOW FOUR OF BUCKHEAD’S BEST BARBECUE RESTAURANTS STACK UP

SMOKEBELLY

Sauces

Ambiance and service

Average cost of dinner for 2 Website

MY BUCKHEAD:

YVES NEIDLINGER THE GREATER GOOD

FAT MATT’S RIB SHACK

Bill Wrench, a restaurant industry vet for nearly 40 years, and his father-in-law Don Cobbs.

No chef, but Eddie Smith, who hails from Hamburger Hamlet, the Pleasant Peasant and Vickery’s, is the main cook.

Two-meat combo plates are served with choice of two sides and Texas toast for $15.95, three- and four-meat combo plates also available for $20.95 and $24.95, respectively.

There’s only one combo plate available, which includes 1/4 slab of ribs with 1/4 smoked chicken, for $9.95. Sides are not included, but you will get a slice of white bread.

Six meat options: smoked chicken wings, pulled pork, pulled chicken, smoked chicken, brisket (chopped or sliced) and baby back ribs.

Three meat options: ribs, smoked chicken and chopped pork.

Every day, fresh barbecue is made, and the cooking time isn’t quick. Pork and brisket take 13 hours, while chicken and ribs take up to 4 hours.

Expect fresh barbecue seven days a week here.

The pork takes 8 hours, the ribs 3 hours and the chicken 2 hours.

The Greater Good sources most of their proteins from Sysco, the world’s largest broadline food distributor. Farms include Butcher Block (Colorado) and Smithfield (Virginia), the world’s largest pork producer and processor.

All of the meats are sourced from local suppliers, like Mar-Jac Poultry (Gainesville) and Country Ranch Foods pork (Marietta).

“We incorporate Kansas City, Memphis, Carolina and Texas style barbecue in our restaurant,” Wrench says.

“If I had to pick a style, I’d say somewhere in the Delta area of Mississippi,” says owner Matt Harper.

Like all the restaurants here, The Greater Good makes every single dish from scratch daily, including their stocks, sauces and rubs. You can truly taste the difference in quality. Their menu skews more traditional, though no less delicious.

Classics shine, from fried pickles and mac and cheese to flavorful baked beans and potato salad.

Dish chef is most proud of: Brunswick Stew.

Fat Matt’s is undoubtedly the most traditional barbecue restaurant on this list. Their menu is short and sweet, but the few items they offer, they do incredibly well. Some might argue they are the best—in fact, they have the most and highest Yelp reviews on the list. They’ve also been around the longest and have long been considered an institution in Atlanta.

Dish chef is most proud of: Ribs.

THE FOUNDER OF CULINARYLOCAL SHARES HIS FAVORITE SPOTS IN BUCKHEAD

B

uckhead resident Yves Neidlinger launched CulinaryLocal, a marketplace for food events (think wine tastings, special dinners, cooking classes, festivals and farmers markets) around the city, last year.

Now for Neidlinger’s guide to Buckhead eats:

n When I’m craving a quick, cheap bite to eat, I go to Farm Burger. I love their grass-fed beef and original take on the hamburger, although most often, I order their chicken and quinoa burgers for a healthy alternative. n Time to celebrate—I’m headed to 1Kept. I can’t say enough great things about this restaurant. They feature a blend of American cuisine with a nod to the South and the dishes never disappoint—their sunchoke purée is one of the most amazing things I’ve ever tasted. n My go-to coffee shop is Mae’s Bakery. This hidden gem serves coffee and tea, plus a delicious selection of pastries, from almond croissants to cookies. n When I’ve got no time to cook or go out, I pick up Tin Drum. I have lunch there probably twice a week. n When it comes to grocery stores, I shop at Brito Supermarket for incredible rotisserie chicken. But I also love Peachtree Road Farmers Market. n When I’m in the mood for ethnic food, I go to Sufi’s.

My best friend is Iranian and I’ve been fortunate to have some fantastic Persian food. Sufi does all the basics right. n Sunday brunch—my favorite spot is Holeman & Finch. The burgers, the bar, the small bites. It’s a culinary playground. n It’s happy hour, and I’m at Vino Venue, which has an impressive selection of wines and staff that is equally knowledgeable. Taking wine home? Savi Provisions has an impressive selection and they do regular wine tastings that we feature on CulinaryLocal.

Sensational Sunday Suppers

Fat Matt’s offers only one sauce, and they make 50 gallons of it per day. It’s sweet at the start, with a little heat as it goes down.

While the Greater Good is a full-service restaurant (there’s a counter for takeout). It’s a small, dark space reminiscent of old-school roadside barbecue shacks with a nice patio perfect for warmer weather. Expect checkered tablecloths and friendly servers. Wine and beer, including local craft brews, are offered.

Fat Matt’s is a no-frills, classic barbecue spot with counter-service only (though your food is delivered to your table). This feels like the most authentic barbecue restaurant. With live blues nightly, it’s lively and fun. No fuss; this is a beer-only spot. Order by the bottle, or pitchers are also available.

Roughly $25 for two people

Just shy of $25 for two people

greatergoodbbq.com

fatmattsribshack.com

Bring your family together and pull up a chair at St. Cecilia’s Sunday Table, where chef Craig Richards’ communal dining experience includes four courses ($35 per person) of luxurious seasonal treats, like fried artichokes with mint and lemon, summer tomato ragù and whole fish with charred lemon aioli.

t

Wrench offers five different original sauces and rubs, each meant to be paired with a specific meat. The house sauce is tomato-based with molasses and is a little sweet and spicy. There’s also a sweet sauce, a “hot” tomato-based sauce laced with habañero, a mustard-heavy, vinegar-based Carolina sauce and a tangy Kansas City-style tomato-based sauce.

Sunday suppers have long been a tradition in Southerners’ kitchens, but today, restaurant chefs are jumping on the communal bandwagon and dishing out family-style meals on Sunday evenings. Your grandmother’s meatloaf better watch out!

t Nothing says family dinners quite like spaghetti—up the ante and head to Valenza in Brookhaven for their threecourse Sunday supper ($24 per person), called Notte di Famiglia, complete with family-style sides, like sofrito braised spring greens, crispy pecorino potatoes and creamy mascarpone polenta.

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TA S TE MAKER

Photo: Heidi Geldhauser

S I M P LY D E LICIOUS

A FAMILY AFFAIR Hospitality is in Johnny Esposito Jr.’s blood STORY:

Carly Cooper

B

uckhead Tavern owner Johnny Esposito Jr. grew up in the hospitality business.

His father, John Esposito Sr., was the man behind Buckhead’s famed Johnny’s Hideaway, so Esposito learned from the best.

“My father started Johnny’s in the early ’60s, and I was born into it,” he says.

“I had summer jobs working for him. His passion was entertaining and events; we’ve been big on booking events over the years.”

Esposito Jr. opened Buckhead Tavern last year and has since taken over executive chef duties. He also manages day-to-day operations.

“I’m very dedicated to what I do—I like keeping people happy,” he says.

When he’s not working the front door or the kitchen’s expo window, Esposito Jr. can be found golfing, spending time with his wife (they got married last August), or working out at Concourse Athletic. He shares his story here.

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How did you learn your craft?

My father had 20 different restaurants over the years, here and in Florida. I worked back of house, where I got my training with food. I had so much experience that I got very good at it. I worked full-time in the family business and then ventured out on my own in my late twenties. I had two Esposito’s Taverns in Duluth.

Why did you decide to open Buckhead Tavern?

My partner, Ron Barber, had the space. I had the idea. We put them together and created more of a modern American fare food spot with all of the sauces and dressings made from scratch, Holeman & Finch bread, and nothing frozen. We even cut our own French fries. We didn’t want to be that “bar food place.” People are going in that healthier direction, and I wanted people to enjoy a high-quality product.

How do you think Johnny’s Hideaway has made an impact on the community?

My dad started it in 1979. He was really influential. He employed so many people,

helping put them through school, and really created a lifestyle. Generations of families have gone to the establishment over the years.

How does Buckhead Tavern differ from Johnny’s Hideaway in purpose and offerings?

Buckhead Tavern is a localized neighborhood place. This area is going through a growth spurt, and we’re really trying to be a part of the community. We got our niche. We’re more of a nonsmoking modern fare establishment. We’re really excited about the entertainment and keeping things local with local brews and farm-to-table fresh food.

Back in its heyday, Buckhead was known for nightlife, but it’s changed.

How have you had to evolve your offerings to address that?

You need to go with the times and keep your finger on the pulse of what people are looking for. We’ve updated the food and the music. We’re really touching the tables, being with the guest and customizing to what they’re looking for.

What are your plans for the future?

I would like to do a couple more locations, but there’s nothing on the map yet. n

NOW SERVING LUNCH DAILY 11:30AM-2:30PM

T H E S O U T H E R N G E N T L E M A NAT L . C OM

3035 PEACHTREE RD / ATL / 30305

Handmade pasta, perfectly cooked steaks & fresh seafood expertly prepared using the �nest ingredients.

2ND LEVEL @ CORNER OF PEACHTREE & BUCKHEAD AVE S U N -W E D 5 :0 0 -10 : 0 0 P M / T H U -S AT 5 : 0 0 - 11: 0 0 P M / B A R O P E N L AT E R

traditional & modern spanish cuisine

For reservations please call 404.844.4810

TO RESERVE YOUR TABLE CALL 404 939 9840 OR VISIT GYPSYKITCHENATL.COM

3035 PEACHTREE RD / ATL / 30305 2ND LEVEL @ CORNER OF PEACHTREE & BUCKHEAD AVE

sun-wed 5:00 -10:00pm / thu-sat 5:00 -11:00pm / bar open later

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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S I M P LY D E LICIOUS

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

Brock

PHOTOS:

Sara Hanna

BABYLON CAFÉ When Iraqi native Saad Marwad and his wife, Kelly Rafia, opened Babylon Café in 2014, the city’s foodie community started to buzz about the couple’s fresh, flavorful repertoire of Middle Eastern classics, from falafel and hummus to kebabs and baklava. While the starters are quite good—try the fattoush salad, the lentil soup and the eggplant badenjan—the earthy, longsimmered stews are unlike anything else in town. We like the herb-based qurma sabzi with super-tender lamb shank and the bamia (okra and tomatoes) with oxtail. Don’t leave with out a sip of the anise-flavored aperitif called “arak” and a bite of kanafeh, a sweet made of shredded phyllo, housemade sweet cheese, rose- and orange-water syrup and pistachios.

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

CAFÉ AT PHARR New Orleans owns the po’boy. Philadelphia has its cheese steaks. Maine gave us the lobster roll. So … what about Buckhead? I’d have to say that the neighborhood’s defining dish is chicken salad, the classic bird-and-mayo spread

that can be crammed in your mouth between slices of bread or eaten daintily with a fork. Thanks to the entrepreneurial zeal of Johnny Liu—whose Taiwanese immigrant parents opened the original Café at Pharr in 1993—this comfort food has become a new fast food. You have to love the story of Café at Pharr. An enterprising family comes up with a formula that charms and beguiles the locals: Fresh food served in an accessible and unfussy environment that never loses its friendly neighborhood feel.

Babylon Café’s samak masguf—a whole grilled wild tilapia sprinkled with sumac and breadcrumbs and plated with onion, tomatoes and beets—is a stunner.

Entrée sandwiches and salads: $7.50-$9.50 cafeatpharr.com

CO’M VIETNAMESE GRILL In a Buford Highway strip mall on the edge of Brookhaven, Co’m has for some time now been my favorite place for the vibrant, aromatic flavors of the Southeast Asian nation that ownerbrothers Duc and Henry Tran once called home. While Atlanta has pho shops aplenty, the stars here are the rice and noodle dishes, which can be ordered with heavenly grilled meats, chicken or fish. The pièce de résistance, though, is the grilled grape-leaf rolls, stuffed with bits of beef, lamb, salmon, duck or tofu; doused in a pool of You won’t run out of food at Fogo.

Start with a sugary lime caipirinha and move on to salads, cheese bread, sides and the non-stop meat experience.

sweet-fishy vinaigrette and sprinkled with crushed peanuts and crispy fried scallions. Heaven!

Appetizers: $3-$10 Entrées: $7-$18 comgrillrestaurant.com

FOGO DE CHÃO You don’t have to brave the pampas of South America or the wilds of Africa to witness the most primitive form of cooking—and eating—on the planet.

Every day of the week, deep in the heart of Buckhead, hunks of meat sizzle over an open fire, and grown men smack their lips and engage in gluttony as a kind of participatory sport. At this Brazilian churrascaria, you can sip caipirinhas and nibble cheese bread; graze from a beautiful, bottomless salad bar; then indulge in an endless parade of meats, carved straight onto your plate by servers in gaucho drag.

It’s all quite delicious, though the place can get Vegas crazy at times, so just be prepared for a mob.

The full experience: $51.50 (dinner); $32.50 (lunch) Salad bar only: $24.50 (dinner); $22.50 (lunch) fogodechao.com

GRINDHOUSE KILLER BURGERS The Piedmont Avenue location of burger-preneur Alex Brounstein’s success story is where you go for a superbly flavorful, juice-dripping,

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napkin-soaking beef patty with all the trimmings. Though you can customize your sandwich, consider the signature “Cowboy” treatment: cheddar, bacon, barbecue sauce and a beer-battered onion ring—for a slim $7.99. To gild the lily, add an order of Frings (that’s fries and rings), and ask for a side of the chipotle ranch dipping sauce. Here you can quaff a draft brew, slurp down a boozy shake, like the banana-flavored Puddin’ Out, or sip a “Snooty” cocktail such as the mezcal-based El Guapo.

Burgers: $4.50-$7.99 Starters and sides: $2.50-$5.50 grindhouseburgers.com

JALISCO After nearly three decades, Jalisco remains a giddy, guilty pleasure trip through a tunnel of cheese. This Tex-Mex institution at Peachtree Battle is better than an El Paso taco kit, but not exactly a showcase of the sophisticated techniques and ingredients of the Mexican larder.

Without apology, Jalisco is what it is, a place with consistently good, standard-issue burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and even a “Hamburguesa Mexicana.”

(It’s topped with nacho cheese.) This is not a place where the kitchen thrives on change and creativity. For the most part, the menu is the same as it has been since Jalisco opened in 1978.

Lunch specials: $5-$9 Entrées: $9-$13 404.233.9244

Taka’s sushi rolls—including the spider roll with deepfried softshell crab—are exceptional and sometimes named for Atlanta brands. Also pictured are the UPS roll (cucumber, avocado, egg omelet and barbecued eel) and the ICBM (with tuna, salmon and hamachi).

PANAHAR BANGLADESHI CUISINE Anyone who has a passing familiarity with Indian food will feel right at home at this exotic-yet-homespun Buford Highway hole-in-the-wall. The $9.99 lunch buffet is a delicious way to sample the flavorful, aromatic cuisine of Bangladesh, which often uses less spice and more coconut milk than its sister region in Northern India. At dinner, you may take advantage of the BYOB policy, bringing wine or beer to wash down the highly appealing biryanis, kormas, tandooris and other delights of the Bengali table, including many here with beef.

Appetizers: $4-$6.

Mains: $11-$15. panaharbangladeshi.com

PASTA VINO

and cult-inspiring Japanese chef Atlanta has ever known: Sotohiro Kosugi, owner of Buckhead’s legendary (but now shuttered) Soto Japanese Restaurant. Today, Moriuchi holds court at his own Pharr Road sushi bar, where his impeccably fresh fish and hot and cold appetizers compare to the best Japanese food in town. The only difference: His prices won’t shipwreck your budget. Among our faves, the UPS roll is a delicious nod to the Atlanta-based Big Brown fleet, and the black cod and okra tempura are packages you’ll be happy to see arrive at your table.

T

Located on Peachtree Road adjacent to Oglethorpe University

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

F a c e b o o k . c o m / To w n B r o o k h a v e n www.townbrookhaven.net

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First and second courses: $8-$18 Entrées: $20-$42 Five-course tasting menu: $70 Seven-course grand tasting menu: $90 woodfiregrill.com

AUG 6 • PG

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After a three-hour, four-course dinner with cocktails and wine, we can report without hesitation: The Woodfire team remains at the top of its game. We decided to investigate by checking in on a crucial Tuesday. Woodfire is closed on Mondays, so Tuesday night is the swing

JULY 16 • PG-13

We love everything about the housemade dill pickles; the fat onion rings with horseradish dipping sauce; the

Chef Taka Moriuchi learned from perhaps the most famously finicky

shift, when the week’s new dishes are being tweaked, wine pairings selected and the staff is on high alert to absorb it all and not go blank when customers ask what the orange mayonnaise-y stuff in the bouillabaisse is. (It’s the classic aioli-like French sauce called rouille.) While it could use a bit of a makeover on the design end, the food and service show no signs of wavering.

WOODFIRE GRILL

TED’S MONTANA GRILL TAKA SUSHI AND PASSION

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

J U LY 3 0 • P G

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

Appetizers: $6-$20 Nigiri: $2.50-$11 Sushi rolls: $4.50-$19.50 takasushiatlanta.com

Arnold Palmers; and the all-American, stick-a-flag-in-it, “where the buffalo roam” burgers. Yep, we’re talking bison, baby. It’s leaner than beef, yet richer and moister, somehow. The Ted’s burger that really rocks our world is the Blue Creek: Inspired by owner Ted Turner’s Blue Creek Ranch in Nebraska, it comes with bacon crumbles and blue cheese. And that’s all it needs. Just ask for a side of rings and a little ramekin of that horsey sauce.

Free movies

You can surely find trendier pizza parlors or posher places to eat Italian in Atlanta. But if you are looking for old-fashioned linguini with clam sauce or chicken Florentine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere with a loyal following, this Buckhead favorite has got you covered. The restaurant is beloved by many for its home-style cooking, casual ambiance, reasonable prices and a staff of servers who have acquired faithful customers of their own. Owner Nancy Powell treasures her crew, most of whom have been on the job for more than 10 years. Given the refined state of Italian dining in America today, Pasta Vino is not likely to win any awards for innovation or inspiration. But it remains a perfectly fine, frequently delicious, middle-of-the-road trattoria.

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July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

SIMPLY B U CKHEAD COV ER S TORY

BUCKHEAD’S

RISING STARS NINE ATLANTANS YOU DEFINITELY WANT TO KEEP YOUR EYES ON STORY:

Sarah Gleim PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

Atlanta has always attracted—and inspired—some of the most successful businesses and entrepreneurs in the South. The founders of Coca-Cola, Home Depot and Spanx—not to mention a slew of other success stories—have roots right in this community. But what about our neighborhood’s current up-and-comers? Who’s making waves in business, fashion, sports, medicine and culinary arts that we simply have to know about?

Not surprisingly, we didn’t have to look far to be blown away. From 23-year-old Atlanta Hawks forward/center Mike Muscala (who incidentally helped propel the team to its best season ever) to the hilarious comedian Mia Jackson, who landed a spot on the upcoming season of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing” premiering July 22, we’re thrilled to introduce you to nine “rising stars” that are definitely going places, fast.

Read on for their stories.

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aseball has always been a part of 24-yearold Braves pitcher Alex Wood’s life. The Buckhead resident began playing the game when he was just barely big enough to throw the ball, and has loved it ever since.

“I started playing when I was just 5 or 6 years old,” he says. “My dad introduced me to baseball and he has always been my guide through this journey that’s brought me to the Braves.”

Wood was a natural from the start, and was a star player at Ardrey Kell High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, where he was named the North Carolina Class 4A player of the year in 2009. That same year, he graduated and was recruited by the University of Georgia to play NCAA baseball for the Bulldogs. “It was a dream come true for me to play ball at UGA,” Wood says. “I grew up a Dawgs fan because my dad attended school there, so it was really a blessing to attend such a great school.”

But everything came to a screeching halt his freshman year after he was sidelined due to an ulnar collateral ligament tear in his left elbow—an injury that required Tommy John surgery. “Getting that news was extremely tough because it was potentially career ending,” he says. “Luckily I was young enough to make a full recovery. I was just 18 and I’ve had no side effects from the surgery.”

If anything, he says the injury taught him to appreciate how fortunate he is to play in the major leagues, especially for a team like the Braves. Growing up in the South, Wood says he was a huge Braves fan, and being drafted in the second round by his favorite baseball team in 2012 was one of the best days of his life. “For me to accomplish something that I had been working toward my entire life, and to have the opportunity to play for the Braves was pretty incredible,” he says.

Perhaps the only day that has topped being drafted is the day he pitched his first MLB game as a Brave. It was May 30, 2012, and he pitched a scoreless ninth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays. “Stepping on the mound in my first major league game was surreal,” he says. “To be surrounded by guys that I grew up watching and idolizing my entire life was pretty special.”

Wood’s career so far with the Braves seems to be holding strong. Last year he closed the season with an 11-11 record, and at press time, he had a 4-4 record and 3.40 ERA. When asked how he hopes to end this season, he gave an answer that will make Braves fans very happy.

“This season I am hoping to end it with a ring,” he says. “My goal every year is to do everything in my power to help us win a World Series.” n

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ALEX WOOD BRAVES PITCHER

MIA JACKSON COMEDIAN

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alk to funny lady Mia Jackson for five minutes and you might be surprised to learn that she spent years in corporate America. Not what you might expect from the 36-year-old sassy and hilarious comedian who is making her network prime time debut July 22 on NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.”

But like many comedians, the Sandy Springs resident took a long road to get to where she is today—and her comedy is a reflection of everyday life. “My stand-up is like I’m somebody’s friend—it’s observational, silly, sometimes ridiculous,” she says. “And there are little jabs of mean streaks in there. I usually get told that I’m very likable and adorable, and I’m not against being told I’m adorable!”

Originally from Columbus, Georgia, Jackson didn’t even start performing comedy until after she graduated from the University of Georgia in 2000. She was a fan of attending live comedy shows in Athens and Atlanta during college, and even met comedians who visited the campus. “While I was in school, I would have loved to do stand-up, but I didn’t know how, or how to get started,” she says.

Finally she got up the nerve to attend an open mic comedy event in Athens. “I was the only woman there. Period. In the building,” she says. “The guy that was hosting asked me if I wanted to be a comedian and he encouraged me to sign up for the next open mic.” Those male comics became her first real audience—and comedian friends—and they became her sounding board for jokes. But most importantly, they forced her to get onstage.

By 2004, she was involved in the Atlanta comic scene, performing live at spots like the Punchline and the Laughing Skull.

“When I started stand-up, I went straight into it—I wanted to figure it out on my own,” Jackson says. “I did take a one-day class, and I did improv classes, too, but did so poorly!” She says the improv classes solidified her desire to stick to stand-up.

Last year she took the plunge and left her “regular paying” job to take a chance at comedy full-time. “It could have been devastating, but it felt like there was stagnant water in the drain, and then I pulled the plug and it was a relief.” Today, she travels across the country making audiences laugh with major headliners like Dave Chappelle and Amy Schumer.

Her favorite comedians? Chris Rock— “I love that his comedy is so smart. And Jim Gaffigan—he can do an entire hour on food. How does that even happen?” n Wardrobe: White lace dress, Rebecca Taylor, Bloomingdale’s; jewelry, L George Designs

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CHRISTINA OH FASHIONISTA

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ashion and style came naturally to 40-year-old Christina Oh, even if the English language didn’t. She moved to Seattle 13 years ago from South Korea and realized quickly how dressing impeccably helped her get further when there was a language barrier.

That was years ago; now Oh speaks perfect English and she’s as chic as ever.

“I’ve always been told I have good style, so I decided to start a blog, Christina’s Style,” she says. “I wanted to focus on women over 40, sharing cosmetic tips, fashion tips and style tips. I wanted to make every woman beautiful.”

But this is probably not your typical fashion blog. Followers get a glimpse of Oh as she hits Cannes for the Christian Dior 2016 Cruise runway show (yes, she just returned from her third invite in a row); attends soirées and events with Nicolas Bos, the creative director for Van Cleef & Arpels; and rubs elbows with some of Atlanta’s most elite— all while dressed, photographed and chronicling it like a glamorous fashion model.

Her newest fashion venture is Oh2 by Christina Oh, a high-end fur line she launched at a trunk show at the St. Regis this year.

“The furs are from Milano, Italy, and South Korea,” she says. “The line is classy and very fun, and we are marketing to a demographic as young as 30 to early 50s. So far the line focuses mostly on mink, fox, sable and lynx, with python and crocodile accents.” She plans on the line eventually including shoes, hats, bags and jewelry—a complete fashion line all under the Oh2 by Christina Oh name.

Currently she’s sold pieces to personal buyers, and is working on a wholesale deal with Neiman Marcus. “I will definitely have more trunk shows,” Oh says, “and will be donating furs to charity events like the Ballet Ball and the Thriving Children Gala. I want to give back to the Atlanta community.”

She lives in Buckhead with her husband, Edward, and their three sons, Jeffrey, Eugene and Michael. “I love it here. It’s such a good neighborhood with such good schools,” she says. “The Southern hospitality, food and weather are perfect.” n

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ED HARRIS EXECUTIVE CHEF

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he life of an executive chef might look exciting if you’re watching it on The Food Network from the comfort of your living room sofa. But the reality of running a restaurant for a chef means grueling hours and long nights for not nearly enough pay. That’s often the recipe for disaster if you have a family.

And that’s why 35-year-old Ed Harris decided to leave the restaurant kitchen to start his consulting company, Chef Life Consulting. “I was working from one in the afternoon until sometimes three or four a.m. with a new family,” Harris explains.

“I wanted to spend more time with them, and I’d always wanted to be my own boss.”

And he’s definitely paid his dues to get to this point. Harris grew up in the kitchen and was cooking at 7 years old. He was born on St. Lucia, but has lived on almost every Caribbean island, picking up cooking techniques and traditions along the way. At 16, his family moved to Brooklyn and after high school he went straight to the Art Institute of New York City to study culinary arts.

For several years he moved from restaurant to restaurant, absorbing cuisines and techniques like a sponge. “A chef needs to bounce around early in his career to learn as much as possible from many different chefs,” Harris says. “I never stayed anywhere more than a year.” Until he landed at Buddakan, the lavish Asian restaurant in New York City’s famed Meatpacking District. That’s when, he says, he became obsessed with Asian culture.

“I stayed at Buddakan for five years,” Harris says. “I learned how to make dumplings, fried rice, Asian sauces.” And not long after, The Food Network came calling. In 2010, while a junior sous-chef at Buddakan, Harris beat out three other New York chefs to win the season 4 episode of ‘Chopped.’ “It was so crazy.

It was a good experience and I learned a lot.

Because of that, I did ‘24-Hour Restaurant Battle,’ and I just got invited to do ‘Iron Chef International’ in Canada in September.”

He and his wife, Jane, and their two daughters moved to Atlanta in 2012 and now live in Brookhaven. He still travels to New York where he does restaurant pop-ups and restaurant consulting. The main bulk of his consulting work, though, is here. “We do a lot of private dinners in homes, team building classes, help retrain restaurant staffs, update menus,” he says. “It’s a win-win because now I create my own schedule and can spend more time with my family.

We wouldn’t leave here for anything.” n

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MIKE MUSCALA HAWKS FORWARD/CENTER

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ou might as well be living under a rock if you haven’t heard the name Mike Muscala. He’s the Atlanta Hawks’ 6-foot, 11-inch forward/center who helped send the team to one of its best seasons ever. After a hot streak, the team just missed the chance at the NBA Championship with a heartbreaking Eastern Conference finals loss to LeBron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Muscala, who lives in Buckhead, began playing basketball when he was just 5 years old in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he grew up. “I definitely liked it a lot when I was younger,” he says. “And I was much taller [than other children] when I was in grade school, so my height helped a lot, too.”

He continued to play the game throughout high school, and knew he wanted to attend a college where he could get a good education—and participate in an established basketball program.

Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, provided him with all of those things.

And he excelled. By the time he graduated in 2013, he was named the 2013 Patriot League Player of the Year, the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All Conference.

He also was Bucknell’s all-time leading scorer.

“I’m extremely proud of what I accomplished during my four years there,” Muscala says. “We lost in the first round of the playoffs my senior year, so I wish it would have ended better.”

But his basketball career didn’t end at all. He was drafted right out of college by the Dallas Mavericks, and was immediately traded to Atlanta.

The 23-year-old just finished his second year with the Hawks, and says his goal right now is to stay with Atlanta. “I love the city and love coming to work every day,” he says. “I work with a great group of guys and a great coaching staff.”

And his fans are grateful. Affectionately called Moose—a nickname his father gave him as a young boy that has followed him all the way to Atlanta—Muscala says the fan base in Atlanta couldn’t be better. “The fan support has been really good the last two years,” he says.

“I wouldn’t want to play anywhere else.” n

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ASHLEE WILSON-HAWN OWNER, BOSS BABE BODY

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ou might remember 31-year-old Ashlee Wilson-Hawn from reality TV. She was described as the “boss” on the Style Network’s “Big Rich Atlanta.” But don’t let the show’s image of her cloud your impression. “The TV thing was great, but I like to say that on reality TV, your image and who you are is ultimately in the hands of the producers,” says the Buckhead resident. “Most of the time you’re not portrayed as who you are. They called me the boss on the show so I flipped it and ran with it because I certainly do have that take-charge and no-holds-barred attitude.”

Yes she does. And she’s using that take-charge attitude to empower women through her all-natural, all-organic skincare line Boss Babe Body, and a beauty regimen that preaches the importance of sunscreen and sun safety. The former Miss Georgia Teen says at age 11 or 12, her dermatologist told her that she’d be “the fountain of youth” if she wore sunscreen every day.

He also showed her pictures of skin cancer. “That made a huge impact on me,” Wilson-Hawn says.

Fast forward to today and she’s the beauty host on 11Alive’s “Atlanta and Company” and is enjoying the success of her body scrub line. The scrub has been part of her beauty secret for most of her life.

“It really came from when I was a little girl on modeling shoots. I watched models rub coffee grinds on their legs and wrap them with Saran Wrap,” she says.

“This was before Photoshop so they had to look good right then and there.”

Last year she began researching how to make her own body scrub with coffee grinds and ginkgo from her parents’ farm in South Georgia. Friends and family raved about the end product, so she made 1,000 bags last July, which sold out in a day and a half via social media. Before Christmas she had hired a staff, and had sold her products to 6,000 people in six countries.

Today her Boss Babe Body line includes three scrubs and sells in select salons all across the globe. In July her scrub is being featured in British Vogue.

“I want to change women’s lives in a powerful way,” Wilson-Hawn says. “I feel like many women don’t feel sexy, and I want to give them their ‘sexy’ back.” n

Wardrobe: White dress, Ted Baker, Bloomingdale’s; shoes and jewelry, Chanel (her own)

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amail Larkins is not your average 31-yearold. He’s the owner of Ascension Air, a small airplane brokerage business with 25 full-time employees. His love of flying began when he was just 12 and was introduced to the Young Eagles Program by a Delta Air Lines pilot.

“My first flight was in a 1956 Cessna 172,” Larkins says, “and I instantly fell in love with it.” He immediately wanted to take flying lessons, but couldn’t afford them. He wasn’t deterred.

On the contrary. At age 12, he began doing odd jobs for pilots in exchange for flying lessons , and later became certified by the FAA. “I washed airplanes—anything that would get me up in the air to build flight time,” he says. When he was 14, he took his first solo flight while on a trip to Canada. (FAA regulations bar anyone in the U.S. under age 16 from flying solo —no passengers or copilot.).

He financed his flying career by selling flight training manuals and equipment, while also performing aerial stunts in air shows—all before graduating from high school. By his senior year, he purchased his first aerobatics plane, a Christen Eagle II. “My parents weren’t very keen on such a young kid learning how to fly, but they always let me explore it,” Larkins says.

In 2000, Larkins became the national spokesman for the FAA’s Young Eagles program. He earned an Aviation Business Administration Degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, in 2006, and in 2011, he was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum.

Today his company focuses on two segments of aviation: first, traditional sales, management and chartering of flights for clients; and second, consistent use of the airplane. “That’s when clients own their own plane, but don’t want to oversee its maintenance, etc.,” he explains.

“When they show up for a flight, we’ve taken care of everything and have the plane ready for them to fly.” Larkins is also expanding the company to include fractional ownership, which is similar to a timeshare of a small plane.

“I have such a passion for aviation—everything I’ve done in my life has been about that,” he says.

Although he fully admits work takes up much of his time, the single (and looking) Buckhead resident does enjoy spending time outside of the office. “I’m a big foodie. I eat at Umi multiple times a week. And I like Tavern at Phipps and Tongue and Groove. If I’m not at one of those three places, I’m at DeKalb-Peachtree Airport.” n

Wardrobe: Cream tank by All Saints and black-and-white blazer by Theory, Bloomingdale’s; black suede shoes

by To Boot New York and jeans (his own)

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JAMAIL LARKINS OWNER, ASCENSION AIR

DR. KELLY GOLDSMITH CHOA PEDIATRIC ONCOLOGIST

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or some outsiders looking in, Dr. Kelly Goldsmith could appear to have an incredibly depressing job.

After all, she’s a pediatric oncologist at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. But she couldn’t disagree more.

“It’s not depressing,” Goldsmith says. “It’s actually very rewarding. The beauty of working with children is we get to play with them to figure out how to get them to tell us what is wrong … Every child is different in personality and disease. We want to make it a fun game for them so it’s not so scary. And we do cure kids with cancer.”

And if there’s anyone who is on a mission at CHOA to cure childhood cancer, it’s Goldsmith. The 42-year-old physician was meant to be a pediatric oncologist. She followed directly in her father’s footsteps (something she swore she wouldn’t do!); he was also a pediatric oncologist. She now runs CHOA’s laboratory that investigates chemotherapy resistance in pediatric neuroblastoma, a common solid tumor that affects children.

“In the lab, I figure out why this tumor is therapy resistant,” she explains. “I study those pathways and work with new drugs to target that. When we figure out new drugs, we put those drugs in clinical trials to see if they work in humans.” Since Goldsmith began running the lab two years ago, they’ve been able to show, for the first time, a bench-to-bed trial come to fruition.

Goldsmith also directs the clinic at CHOA that treats children with state-of-the-art MIBG therapy. MIBG specifically targets reoccurring tumors like neuroblastoma and is only offered in a few institutions in the country.

There was an MIBG clinic at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where Goldsmith trained and was an attending oncologist, so it was only natural that she run the clinic here. “We get patients from all over the Southeast that can’t get treatment anywhere else,” she says.

Being part of the CHOA family and Atlanta community also has been rewarding for Goldsmith. It’s the first time she’s run her own lab, and she and her 11-year-old son— who live just south of Buckhead—love being back in the South after living up north for years.

But what she’s most proud of is her team at CHOA and their work to cure childhood cancer. “I’m thrilled that we were just named by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 10 Pediatric Cancer Hospitals in the country,” she says.

“And I am going to continue to fight for our patients.” n

Wardrobe: Gold sequined tank dress by Hoss Intropia, Bloomingdale’s

C OVE R S T O RY BUCKHEAD’S

RISING STARS

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ROI SHLOMO OWNER, KALE ME CRAZY

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t the height of the fro-yo craze, there was Roi Shlomo. The Buckhead resident founded Yogli Mogli not long after moving to Atlanta from Las Vegas in 2009 and is now at the forefront of another culinary trend—juicing. But this time it’s different for Shlomo. This time he says it’s all about health.

“I honestly thought I was eating healthy,” the 37-year-old Shlomo admits. “Until I watched a documentary about GMOs and organic foods and learned about how badly we are really eating.” After months of intense research, he says he was disgusted with what he learned about our food system and went to a strict all-organic diet of smoothies, juicing and salads. Immediately he found it hard to find places to eat that offered foods that fit his new regimen.

“First I did it for myself, but then I realized it was going to be my next venture,” says the Buckhead resident. That’s how Kale Me Crazy was born. The first location opened in Inman Park in 2013 and in 2014, he sold Yogli Mogli to focus on Kale Me Crazy full-time. “While juices and smoothies are our specialties, we are more than just a juice bar,” he says.

Each location (a second store opened in Decatur last year) features a full menu of organic sandwiches and wraps, salads and soups in the winter.

“At first I was worried that people wouldn’t get it because the concept is so advanced,” Shlomo says. “But it’s been amazing and all word-of-mouth.” He hopes to have six more locations open by the end of the year, and in May opened the concept to franchising. “I’m looking for health-conscious entrepreneurs who want to expand the concept with me—in the Southeast at first, and all over the country after that.”

When Shlomo isn’t busy working at his own restaurants, he loves dining out in Buckhead.

“My favorite is definitely Kyma—it reminds me of home,” he says. “I’m from Israel, so I grew up on Mediterranean seafood. When I have family in town we always go to Kyma.”

He also loves traveling—especially outside the country. But when he’s in Atlanta he spends a lot of time at Chastain Park. “I run Chastain, play tennis there, and of course see shows there.”

But for now his focus is establishing Kale Me Crazy franchises, and he plans to own no more than four locations himself. His goal is to provide healthy food to more people.

“Everyone should have access to fresh and real food. I’m hoping to give that access.” n

LEONARDO SANTAITI “I was bicoastal until 2012, when I realized all the work was coming back here,” he says.

“So I moved back and have been working at Tongue and Groove on weekends while writing, editing and acting. Atlanta is a great place to build your resume because you’re a bigger fish in a smaller pond. There are greater opportunities for up-and-coming actors.” Santaiti, 28, spent most of May in Atlanta filming Allegiant: Part I. One of his next projects was inspired by his bartending gig: His company is putting together a documentary with Tongue and Groove’s owner Michael Krohngold about the 20th anniversary of Buckhead’s iconic nightclub.

Until then, Santaiti can be seen in the recently released Insurgent where he plays the role of Amity Seth.

Photo: Teal Moss Photography

Born in New York, Leonardo Santaiti put down roots in the Atlanta area when he graduated from Kennesaw State’s business school in 2009 and settled in Brookhaven.

Along the way, music and performance have been integral to his life. “I was in chorus in elementary school, band in middle school and theater in high school,” he says. “I started training seriously when I was 14 and have been doing short films ever since.” Santaiti took up bartending and playing guitar in a band while working on his acting resume.

In 2010, he snagged a lead in A Band of Rogues, a film that took him to Argentina for three months. When he returned, he got an agent, started his own production company, Santitan Studios, and began splitting his time between Atlanta and Los Angeles.

ERICA ASH

Photo: Tracy Bosworth Page of Studio Duetto

Atlanta doesn’t get to see as much of 40-something Erica Ash as she’d like. A busy film and stage career forces her to spend several months a year away from her Buckhead apartment and in Los Angeles or New York. But whenever she has the chance, Ash gets back to her local roots—even though they didn’t include acting. An Emory grad, Ash was planning on medical school after a gap year working in Japan, but while she was in that country, she was asked to fill in as a backup singer for a band. After one performance, someone asked her to model, and from those assignments, she was asked to be in a film. “I listened to my gut and just kept saying yes, and one thing led to another,” she says. “It was fun. I felt alive and creative, and I had money coming in.

I thought there was no way I’d get that from being a doctor.” After a few successful years, she decided to pursue similar opportunities in the U.S. Seven years ago, she returned to New York, connected with an acting coach and quickly started getting parts. Since then, she’s shuttled between New York and L.A. to take roles on Broadway in Baby, It’s You, The Lion King and Spamalot. She’s also been featured in Scary Movie 5 and will soon be seen on the STARZ network in Survivor’s Remorse, which was filmed in Atlanta in May.

BUCKHEAD’S FAMOUS FACES You may not know their names yet, but keep a careful eye out as the credits roll. It’s quite possible you’ll see more of these three actors who are working their way into the limelight while living in the Buckhead area.

STORY: H.M. Cauley

JUSTIN JAMAR After earning a master’s degree and getting a toehold in corporate America, Kentucky native Justin Jamar, 34, moved to Orlando in 2007 to take a promotion. But working in occupational safety wasn’t filling the void that only acting could. “I started seeking opportunities to model, and I found work and got an agent,” he recalls. “After six months, I went to an acting class, and that was it.” When family issues drew him back to Kentucky, Jamar put his acting dreams on hold and returned to corporate America. Another promotion landed him in Atlanta where, in 2008, he decided to

stop delaying his acting urges. He moved to Los Angeles in 2009 and scored parts on Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and BET’s The Game.

He was picked by comedian Steve Harvey as a “most eligible bachelor” and appeared on the star’s talk show. But the South beckoned again, and now Jamar is based in Sandy Springs, where he’s close to relatives and still able to be in the running for various projects. In between auditions, he’s written a book, Wrapped in Skin, about finding purpose and meaning in life, and founded the Elevation Project, an initiative to help others find their own purposes in life.

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RISING STARS Folk singer Amy Andrews keeps her postal address in Decatur, but claims she really doesn’t live anywhere but behind the wheel of her Toyota. Since we last spoke with her, she quit her day job, released the album LIVE, at Red Clay Theatre and now pursues her music career 24/7. Constantly on tour (with her dog, Pup Frances, in tow), she’s crisscrossed the country and has taken her sound global. After finishing up her latest tour this summer, she’s returning to Atlanta to work on her new album. “I am so looking forward to bringing new music to both loyal, longtime listeners and new fans from the road,” she says.

Playwright Topher Payne has been heating up the national stage since we last checked in with him. He’s written and starred in numerous plays across the country and even made an appearance in the film Identity Thief.

This year alone, his Gene-Gabriel Moore Playwriting Awardwinning play, Angry Fags, was produced at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago; his play Perfect Arrangement is premiering in New York offBroadway this fall; he’s released an audiobook, Funny Story: The Incomplete Works of Topher Payne; and, this Christmas, he’s premiering his first holiday show, called Let Nothing You Dismay, at Dunwoody’s Stage Door Players. He’s now officially represented by the Gersh Agency in New York, and stays happily rooted in Decatur.

Life is pretty sweet right now for Highland Bakery owner and CEO Stacey Eames. This former cover subject just announced Highland Bakery’s new partnership with Mike Lassiter of Rising Roll Gourmet Café. Soon, the beloved bakery will move to a franchise model— meaning more of those delicious sandwiches and fresh-baked breads across ATL and in other cities, too!

As far as the immediate future goes, Eames is set on opening four to five new locations in 2015 and even expanding the brand’s commissary.

This Decatur-based entrepreneur, who recently celebrated a major milestone birthday, has a lot of exciting prospects on her plate.

Shortly after her Simply Buckhead cover, actress Morgan Saylor relocated to New York City and has steadily increased her star power. She continued her role as Dana Brody on Homeland through 2013 and recently starred in films such as White Girl, Jamie Marks Is Dead and McFarland, USA. This past summer, she did her first New York City play, When We Were Young and Unafraid at the Manhattan Theatre Club. Lately, she’s been busy shooting Rob Reiner’s next film, Being Charlie, and is putting together her summer travel plans. Soon, she may also be headed to the University of Chicago as an undergrad.

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WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

The last three years have brought a lot of change for photographer Pouya Dianat. He has grown his business and his family—the Sandy Springs resident is now married with a baby. Among the A-list clientele his company, Pouya Creative, regularly shoots for are the Atlanta Braves, ESPN and Sports Illustrated. His company also creates content for Delta Air Lines. His wife works as his producer, and he’s the proud owner of two studios near Turner Field—one is an 8,000-square-foot creative studio, the other is a 2,000-squarefoot wet plate photography studio. “On any given day in our studio you could come in and find us shooting with a 200-pound, 100-year-old camera; a 12-camera, 360-degree immersive media camera we designed in-house; or just doing a plain photo shoot.”

Visual artist Nikita Gale has adapted to life in Los Angeles where she’s earning her MFA in new genres at UCLA. Since being featured in Simply Buckhead (she was preparing for her first commercial solo art show back then), she has been profiled in Complex magazine, had her work reviewed in The New York Times and completed residencies at both the Vermont Studio Center and Elsewhere (in North Carolina). She recently showed her artwork in the PARMER at NADA exhibit at New York’s Abrons Arts Center. While in grad school, she’s been experimenting more with her work and has been focused on video and installation.

This summer, you can view one of her video works on display at Kennesaw State University’s Zuckerman Museum of Art.

It’s been three years since we featured these six talented Atlantans in our July/August 2012 “Rising Stars” feature. Time proves that our predictions were dead-on: These people are going places. Here’s what they’ve been up to lately.

STORY:

Kelly Skinner COVER PHOTO: Sara Hanna

Award-Winning Cuisine.

Memorable Dining.

AT L ANTA F I S H MA RKE T Seafood

B I S T RO NI K O Neighborhood French Bistro

B UC K HEAD B RE A D CO .

European Bakery

B UC K HEAD DI N E R New American

C HOP S L OB S TE R BA R Prime Steaks & Seafood

C ORNER C AFÉ European Style Café & Bakery

KYMA Mediterranean Seafood

P RI C C I Contemporary Italian

103 W ES T Private Events

B OC A RAT ON C H OP S L OB S TE R BA R Prime Steaks & Seafood

C I T Y F I S H M ARKE T Seafood

F OR T L AUDERD A LE L OB S T ER B AR SE A G RI LLE Whole Fish, Live Lobsters & Prime Steaks

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believe Children with cancer BELIEVE we will be their heroes

www.curechildhoodcancer.org 1117 Perimeter Center West • Suite N-402 • Atlanta, GA 30338 | 770 986 0035 • 800 443 2873

B U Z Z | C H A RI TA B L E | S C E N E

Photos: Erik Meadows

SIMPLY HAPPENING

Tomatoes take a variety of twists at the festival.

More than 50 chefs and mixologists will be serving at the Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival.

SPOTLIGHT:

TO-MAY-TO, TO-MAH-TO Chefs from Buckhead and beyond highlight summer’s bounty Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival July 19 JCT Kitchen and Bar 1198 Howell Mill Road Atlanta 30318 404.355.2252 killertomatofest.com

Proving that tomatoes are killer good, chef Ford Fry hosts the seventh annual Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival. More than 50 chefs and mixologists turn the tomato into a creative dish.

Buckhead restaurants in attendance include Fry’s outposts of St. Cecilia and King + Duke,

plus Seven Lamps and Buttermilk Kitchen.

Expect tastes well beyond the bloody mary or caprese salad. Last year’s noshes and sips included a “S’Rimp Cocktail” with gin and purple Cherokee tomato water; a crispy pastrami with tomato aioli; and marinated eggplant and cherry bell tomatoes with burrata and oaked fish sauce.

“The festival celebrates our agrarian roots and focuses on one of the beloved crops Georgia Organics farmers grow so perfectly: the tasty tomato,” says Georgia Organics Executive Director Alice Rolls. “It’s a day to stimulate our taste buds and toast the fun members of the good food community.”

As you weave your way through the streets of

the Westside Provisions District, keep an ear tuned in to the live music by tribute band Ill Communication and Fry’s all-chef band, Five Bone Rack.

Among the talented chef instrumentalists are guitarist Jamie Adams, formerly of Veni Vidi Vici, and bass player Zeb Stevenson of Watershed. The festival is from 1 to 5 p.m., and tickets are available to purchase online at xorbia.com. A VIP ticket gets you admission one hour early. Eat guilt-free knowing that proceeds from the fundraiser benefit nonprofits The Giving Kitchen, which supports members of the restaurant industry with unanticipated grants, and Georgia Organics, which connects organic food from Georgia farmers to Georgia consumers. - Alexa Lampasona

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BUZZ

Events, exhibits, galas and more

BY:

Jo Tastula teaches a heart-opening yoga series at Infinity Yoga.

The Tams perform at Heritage Sandy Springs’ Concerts by the Springs series on July 12.

Photo: Amir Magal

Photo: Heritage Sandy Springs

Alexa Lampasona

Sheridan Watson’s Julep Cup painting.

The Piano Guys (from left to right) producer/videographer Paul Anderson, pianist Jon Schmidt, cellist Steven Sharp Nelson and music producer Al van der Beek.

Photo: The Piano Guys

MOVIES ON THE TOWN Thursdays in July Town Brookhaven 4330 Peachtree Road N.E. Brookhaven 30319 404.281.3568 townbrookhaven.net A great way to spend pleasant summer evenings is at Town Brookhaven’s free outdoor movies. Grab your blankets and lawn chairs and snag a spot on the grass, where you can watch throwback classics, such as Grease and Dirty Dancing.

Arrive early to pick up dinner or snacks from one of Town Brookhaven’s restaurants; many offer specials for moviegoers, such as Cinébistro’s popcorn or Noche’s boxed taco dinner.

Music and announcements begin two hours prior to the movie, which begins at dusk.

A full list of the movies is available online at townbrookhaven.net.

JO TASTULA WEEKEND WORKSHOP July 17-19 Infinity Yoga Brookhaven 1376 Dresden Drive Atlanta 30319 404.860.1732 infinityyogaatlanta.com Often you hear about “opening the heart” in yoga, and in this workshop, special guests Jo Tastula and Stuart Watkins come to Infinity Yoga to present a series of five sessions focused on just that. Each session aims to connect you to the

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spiritual side of yoga, offering a mix of yoga flow, breathing and meditative focuses. Tastula is the founding teacher of YogaGlo, an online streaming yoga classroom, and comes with a 16-year background in advanced yoga studies. Watkins teaches in Australia and he brings a blend of Eastern spirituality and Western technique to his sessions. Classes are available to purchase either per session or for the full workshop.

THE RELUCTANT DRAGON July 28-Aug. 9 Center for Puppetry Arts 1404 Spring Street N.W. Atlanta 30309 404.873.3391 puppet.org The Reluctant Dragon debunks the myth of fire-breathing dragons and fearless knights.

Instead, the dragon in this charming tale comes to a small village and refuses to fight the knight who is called to slay him. A book-loving boy introduces the two and an unexpected friendship ensues.

Costumed puppeteers incorporate rod and tabletop puppetry to bring the likable characters to life as the trio of friends plot a way to fool the town with a staged fight.

This exclusive showing is presented by Portland, Oregon-based Tears of Joy Theatre. Shows are Tuesday through Sunday. Tickets are $16.50 for nonmembers and $9.25 for members.

July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

CONCERTS BY THE SPRINGS July 12, Aug. 2 Sandy Springs Society Entertainment Lawn at Heritage Green 6110 Bluestone Road Sandy Springs 30328 404.851.9111 heritagesandysprings.org Whether you want to jam to Motown tunes or sing along with Beatles covers, Heritage Sandy Springs’ July and August concerts take you back to the ’60s.

On July 12, The Tams bring the big horns and swingin’ dance moves that are characteristic of their beach music.

The band is fun to watch on stage, and guests are encouraged to dance along to the rhythmic sounds. The Aug. 2 concert will feature The Return, known as one of the best Beatles cover bands in the country. The group tries hard to duplicate the Beatles experience, from the mannerisms of the original artists to replicating instruments and gear. The gates open at 5 p.m., so come early to snag a spot on the lawn. The free concerts are from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

EMERGING ARTISTS SHOW Aug. 7-29 Anne Irwin Fine Art 690 Miami Circle N.E. Suite 150 Atlanta 30324 404.467.1200 anneirwinfineart.com

Anne Irwin Fine Art’s annual Emerging Artist Show features the work of more than 25 Georgia and Southeastern artists.

These artists were culled from more than 150 submissions.

Vibrant paintings by Lucy Reiser Williams and portraitstyle paintings by Rhonda Feldman, both Buckhead residents, will be featured. Styles will vary from abstract to representational. Potential art buyers can snag deals, as most works are priced under $1,000. The opening reception is on Aug. 7 from 6 to 8:30 p.m., where guests can get a first look at the exhibition. Beer, wine and cocktails, as well as heavy hors d’oeuvres, will be served.

THE PIANO GUYS Aug. 8 Chastain Park Amphitheater 4469 Stella Drive N.W. Atlanta 30327 404.733.5012 classicchastain.com Classical music has moved from the CD cabinet to music videos due to the contemporary sounds of neoclassic groups like The Piano Guys. The cello and piano duo melds original compositions with the classics, combined with expert showmanship and visual effects for Brides-and-groomsto-be can experience a wedding preview at this “Fake Wedding” bridal show.

Photo: Elvira Kalviste Photography

an impressive on-stage concert at Chastain Park Amphitheater.

Pack a picnic and pair a night under the stars with the riveting, emotional melodies of The Piano Guys. The concert begins at 8 p.m. and tickets are available through ticketmaster.com.

THE BIG FAKE WEDDING Aug. 19 Atlanta History Center 130 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.692.3241 thebigfakewedding.com Imagine seeing each piece of the wedding planning process come to life during a fake wedding and reception. Instead of a typical bridal show, vendors perform their services: A variety of floral arrangements anchor each table; DJs and bands switch off on the stage; and tables are populated with food and drink spreads.

Models will wear vendors’ latest gown and dress designs. Brides and grooms have an opportunity to meet the vendors so that when it’s time to plan their wedding, the experience is top of mind. The ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 and include a light dinner, sparkling wine and a swag bag.

The highesT poinT of fiTness!

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE Pinnacle fitness is the Premier Personal Training fitness Center in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, georgia with revolutionary equipment including the only Kinesis Wall in the area. At Pinnacle fitness, you will be carefully guided by professional, certified trainers and a staff dedicated to your personal fitness and wellness program, which also includes nutritional guidance by a licensed dietician. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no wonder that members often define Pinnacle Fitness as a New York or LA facility with Southern charm - and with a commitment to have each of its members reach their own Pinnacle of fitness.

Offering: Personal Training | golf fitness Classes | Yoga Classes | ZumbaÂŽ Classes MENTIoN THIs aD FoR a CoMPlIMENTaRy FITNEss assEssMENT by owNER JaMIE boDNER!

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One in five children in America struggles with hunger.

Support Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry® campaign.

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Sommeliers GIL KULERS, Piedmont Driving Club | Sommelier Chair CALEB HOPKINS, Atlas Restaurant CLARK ANDERSON, No. 246 SILVIO GARCIA, Cherokee Town and Country Club PERRINE PRIEUR, Perrine’s Wine Shop

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6/9/15 1:00 PM

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Cody Kell, George Mazariegos, Scott Kell

Calvin, Ashley and Cody Beanblossom

Susan and Michael Scott, Bob Allen

Gonzalo and Denise Arana More than 70 cars and bikes entertained attendees at the fundraiser.

Photos: Teryl Jackson Photo assistant: Rachel Blaser

Luke and Tim Gunn clean up a vintage ride.

CARS AND ’Q FOR THE CAUSE

M

Chris Carders, Tony Etherton Alison and Tripp Davis

ore than 600 attendees joined Choate Construction for its fifth annual Cars and ’Q for the Cause, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation. Held in the back parking lot of Choate Construction’s Sandy Springs headquarters, the afternoon fundraiser featured mouthwatering food by Jim ’N Nick’s Bar-B-Q, music by The Mystery Men “jam” band, a raffle and more than 70 classic, muscle and exotic cars and bikes. Some of the envy-worthy rides included a 1927 Rolls-Royce, 1958 Mercedes 190SL, 1931 Duesenberg Roadster, 1948 Chevy Fleetmaster Pickup and a 2015 McLaren 650S, among others. The crowd included Choate CEO Millard Choate, Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul, Ed Bolian with Motorcars of Georgia, and avid car collector and CEO of Innovative Water Systems Ron Green. Also in attendance was Leann Rittenbaum, a cystic fibrosis patient and the genesis behind Choate Construction’s support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which received $175,985 as a result of the event. n Grant and Sarah Carlson

Leann Rittenbaum and event chair Emily Bridges

Melissa Meinert, Sara Chaney, Kristin Kirkpatrick, Kurena Hill

Ron Green, President of Choate Construction Company Millard Choate, Ben Johnson, Angela San Martin, Olivia San Martin, Jeanie Blanc

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July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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CHA R ITAB LE

Dan Turner, Leslie Zacks, Larry Connolly, Vernon O’Neal

Kenny Hamilton and Jaye Watson

Donna and Jack Kennedy April and Alex Voris

Sandra and Chris Cauley entertain the gala crowd.

Photos: Lynn Crow Photography

BELIEVE BALL Dave and Emily Katarski, Erin and Dustin Fleishman

T

he second annual Believe Ball, held at The St. Regis in Buckhead, honored retired 11Alive News anchor Jill Becker, who has served as a tireless advocate for children with cancer. More than 630 guests gathered to honor Becker and celebrate the work of CURE Childhood Cancer, a nonprofit cancer research foundation dedicated to finding cures for childhood cancer. Sold out in just a few weeks, the black-tie gala was chaired by Sylvia and Pat Tylka and Christine and Tom Glavine. The elegant evening included a cocktail reception, silent auction and seated dinner as well as an awards presentation, live auction and dancing. Donna and Jack Kennedy served as the presenting sponsor for the second year in a row. Other sponsors included AutoNation, Delta Air Lines, Christine and Tom Glavine, Mercedes-Benz of Buckhead and The Tylka Family. The Believe Ball raised $890,000 to further CURE’s mission, topping its 2014 figure of $750,000. n

Brad and Marie Foster Christine Pullara

Stephanie and Andy Shearer Elena Tate, Chip Madren, Olivia Tate, Mary Elizabeth Paris

Pat and Sylvia Tylka, John Rossino, Jill Becker, Chris and Tom Glavine

Kate Myers, Paula Collins, Lisa Branch, Shelley Howard, Kristin Connor

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S CE N E

IT’S A ‘DO! Model Grace Dwyer sits pretty as hair guru Max Sanchez of White Salon and Spa puts the finishing touches on a chic halo braid.

Get the look in this issue’s Beauty story (page 38).

PHOTO: Sara

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July/August 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Hanna

You be the judge at this year’s

A Sense of Place.

Hundreds of contemporary American artists? Yes! Come see the Best of Show and Juror’s Awards at the opening reception on Friday, September 11, 2015.

A Sense of Place is held annually at The Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art, Augusta’s only independent, nonprofit visual arts school and gallery. The event extends through October 16th. Come on over.

GertrudeAugusta.com

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