Simply Buckhead July/August 2019 by Simply Buckhead

July/August 2019 ISSUE 64 • FREE Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Chamblee and Dunwoody

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

This Year's

RISING

STARS SEVEN OF ATLANTA’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST

TRAE YOUNG • TIMOTHY MAURICE • JOY TRIBBLE • JESSICA DAVIS BRANDON P. FLEMING • KATHLEEN MCDANIEL • KIERA PALMER

COVER UP: 5 SENSATIONAL SUNSCREENS ANXIETY: DON’T STRESS ABOUT IT MOUTH MASSAGE: BEAUTY’S LATEST CRAZE

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ERIN YABROUDY Erin Yabroudy is one of Atlanta’s leading REALTORS® for premier communities such as Ansley Park, Morningside, Buckhead, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Druid Hills, and Brookwood Hills. Beginning her career in 2005, Erin quickly proved her prowess in luxury real estate and established a solid track record of excellence. She is known as a top REALTOR® in Atlanta’s best neighborhoods and has been recognized as a top 15 company-wide real estate agent. Erin is a life member of Top Producers, a recognition bestowed on the leading 15% of REALTORS® in sales and/or volume annually. She has increased her production every year. Today, Erin resides in Ansley Park with her husband, Ron, their four children, and two labrador retrievers. Having made this neighborhood her home and specialization in real estate, Erin is an expert resource for prospective Ansley Park home buyers and can offer a unique and personal perspective on the community. Erin is thrilled to further introduce the prestigious Harry Norman brand into neighborhoods throughout Atlanta.

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SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® |

JULY/AUGUST 2019

Contents

[ SIMPLY STYLISH ]

14 Editor’s Letter [ SIMPLY NOW ]

17 News: A Big Hit

34 Home: A Pine Hills Project An amateur designer hits a home run with her Buckhead family home

38 Fashion:

Transitioning Your Wardrobe

Need a new workout? The recently opened Panthéon Boxing & Fitness is in your corner

A local fashion designer shares ways to take your closet from summer to fall

22 Travel Far: Holding Court in London

44 Tastemaker:

Savoring a royal Indian weekend at the luxe Taj St. James’ Court hotel

24 Staycation: Avalon For All

57 COVER STORY This Year’s

RISING STARS SEVEN OF ATLANTA’S BEST AND BRIGHTEST

[ SIMPLY DELICIOUS ]

The Benefits of Buccal Massage

68 Review: Brooklyn Bound

Love.Beauty.Nourish founder Mary Bogart’s unique, all-natural approach to looking your best

Loyalists line up for a seat at Sandy Springs institution Brooklyn Cafe

Check in to Alpharetta’s Hotel at Avalon for an entertainment-packed escape

[ SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT ]

29 15 Minutes With: Martin Stephenson

52 Art: Memories on Canvas

Teeing off with the PGA Tour Championship’s tournament director

A Buckhead artist delves into her past for creative inspiration

30 Pets: Think Cats Can’t

54 Literary: Grandma’s Doing What?

Kitties young and old can easily learn new tricks

A Sandy Springs author dishes on dating and the senior set

Be Trained? Think Again

72 Foodie Journal: Classic Comfort Zesto rings in its 70th anniversary with special menu items and deals

[ SIMPLY HAPPENING ]

79 Events: Places to go and things to do 83

Charitable: A spotlight on philanthropic and social gatherings

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Photos: 57, 68: Sara Hanna. 30: Cody Wellons

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Sandy Springs, Chamblee and Dunwoody JULY/AUGUST 2019 | ISSUE 64 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

Jill Becker Creative Director

Alan Platten ValueStream Media Chief Photographer

Sara Hanna Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Cheryl Isaacs Account Executives

Bill Garst Michelle Johnson

Jules Salinas

E AT • D R I N K • L O V E E AT • D R I N K • L O V E

Le Bilboquet Le Bilboquet

SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER 7 D AYS A W E E K SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER E7V EDRAYS Y S A TAU RW D AEYE IKS C H A M PAG N E S AT U R D AY L I V EE VDE JR YF RS OA TMU R1 D PA MY I-S 5 P M C H A M PAG N E S AT U R D AY L I VV IES IDT JO UF RR O W M E1B SPIMT E- T5O P M JOIN OUR MAILING LIST AV NI SDI TS TOAUYR UWPE BT SO I TDEA TTEO! JOIN OUR MAILING LIST W W W A. LNEDB ISLTBAOY Q UUPE TTAOT LDAANTTEA! . C O M 3 0 27 B O L L I N G WAY N E W W W . L E B 4I L0B4 O- 8Q 6U 9E -T 9A T9 L4A4N T A . C O M 3 0 27 B O L L I N G WAY N E 404-869-9944

Jules Salinas is an entertainment industry veteran with more than 20 years in fashion, modeling, television and film. She has worked with advertising and marketing agencies, department stores, production companies, film studios, major catalogs and national and international magazines. As a former modeling and talent agent and past associate in the talent development and casting department at Nickelodeon Studios, Salinas has worked in wardrobe, location scouting, producing, writing, makeup, hair and casting, but wardrobe became her passion. A graduate of the University of Florida, she enjoys traveling with her husband, Chad, and three teenagers, Parker, Sloan and Lawson. Her Yorkie-Poo, Izzie, is her fourth child. See her work at styledbyjules.com.

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

BHG Digital Director of Audience Development

Lia Picard Copy Editor

H.M. Cauley Contributing Editor

Jennifer Bradley Franklin Contributing Writers

Karina Antenucci Giannina S. Bedford Jennifer Bradley Franklin H.M. Cauley Rebecca Cha Carly Cooper Jessica Dauler Mickey Goodman Angela Hansberger Ann Hardie Michael Jacobs Nicole Letts Claire Ruhlin Muriel Vega Karon Warren Contributing Photographers

Lynn Crow Dylan York Graphic Designer

Layal Akkad We welcome all contributions, but we assume no responsibility for unsolicited material. No portion of this publication can be reproduced in whole or in part without prior written permission. Copyright © 2019 by Simply Buckhead ®. All rights reserved. Printed by Walton Press, Inc. Distributed by Distributech and Distribution Services Group.

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PR E S E N TS

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STRING FLING 2019

[ BEHIND THE COVER ] The crew for this issue’s cover photo shoot was one of the biggest yet. The team included our chief photographer, a photo assistant, two hairstylists, three makeup artists, two wardrobe stylists, a rep from Solomon Brothers Fine Jewelry (who brought in 64 diamond-studded pieces!) and our fabulous contact at the Waldorf Astoria, the hotel where we shot the photos. As usual, they all went above and beyond in ensuring the shoot went off without a hitch, and we can’t thank them enough.

Benefitting the largest puppetry center in the U.S.!

Saturday, September 7, 2019

Photographer: Sara Hanna Photo assistant: Kimberly Evans Stylist: Jules Salinas Stylist assistant: Brianna Hoover Hair: Vincent Tobias, The Standard; Olivia Haynie Makeup: Nyssa Green and Megan Belcher, The Green Room Agency; Mica David Jewelry: Courtesy of Solomon Brothers Fine Jewelry

GRAND HYATT BUCKHEAD 3 3 0 0 P E AC H T R E E R D N E AT L A N TA , GA 3 0 3 0 5

Wardrobe: Courtesy of Macy’s, Tootsies and Express Shot on location at the Waldorf Astoria Atlanta Buckhead

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

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JULY/AUGUST 2019

[ E DI T OR ’ S L E T T E R ]

’ve talked before in this

column about how this job

ENDING HUNGER WITH STYLE

affords me the opportunity

W E D N E S DAY, S E P T E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 9 Sara Hanna

to meet some amazing people, and this surely won’t be the last time I mention it.

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One of those folks is Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young, pictured posing with me in the photo above. Just 20 years

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old, he’s already broken records and expectations. I got to spend a little time with him at the photo shoot for our “Rising Stars” cover story, and he struck me as a sharp, down-to-earth young man who is likely going to be making an impact in the NBA for quite some time. The reason we started doing the annual Rising Stars feature, in fact, is so we could share the stories of remarkable individuals such as Young with you. People like Brandon Fleming, whose journey from troubled youth to assistant debate coach at Harvard University and founder of a local organization called the Harvard Diversity Project will no doubt move and inspire you. Read about Young, Fleming and our five other Rising Stars starting on page 57. Plenty of other interesting individuals are profiled elsewhere in the issue, as well, including Juan Ramírez Hernández, who started the Buckhead Youth Orchestra and has played with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra for more than 40 years (page 46); Lynn Garson, who humorously captures her adventures on the senior dating scene in her new book, Sex and the Single Grandma (page 54); and Jen Yee, the awardwinning pastry chef at Restaurant Eugene (page 74). Each has a unique story to tell, and we’re happy to tell them.

AN EVENT OF:

Jill Becker editor@simplybuckhead.com

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

P R E S E N T E D B Y:

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NEWS BY:

Karon Warren

BIG

HIT A

rea residents now have a new option to add into their workout routine: Panthéon Boxing & Fitness. Opened in Buckhead in May, the new facility focuses on boxing, but it’s not your average gym. “Boxing isn’t meant to be only for advanced athletes and fighters,” says CEO Ben Duvall. “Panthéon knows that, and we’re looking to make boxing fun. We want it to be accessible to as many people as possible.” While most of its classes center around boxing, the facility also offers fitness and yoga classes. “Boxing is one of the most challenging and therapeutic workouts, but at Panthéon, it will be supplemented with [other types of] classes to ensure

that you get a well-balanced, full-body workout in the long run,” says Duvall. Memberships and class packages are available, as are one-on-one private training sessions for boxing, strengthening, fat burning and yoga. To get attendees familiar with the facility, the first intro class is free and is valid for any of the classes, which you can register for online. n PANTHÉON BOXING & FITNESS 325 East Paces Ferry Rd. Atlanta 30305 404.343.4693 pantheon-boxingandfitness.com

NEWS CLIPS MENSWEAR RETAILER OPENS PEACHTREE BATTLE SHOP Joining its sister location and the company headquarters in Buckhead, menswear clothier Onward Reserve recently opened a new storefront in the Peachtree Battle Shopping Center. With stores in Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Washington, D.C., owner and founder TJ Callaway sought to create a brand that is “authentically Southern” and “laid-back but

unwavering in quality.” The shop’s shelves are stocked with everything a stylish Atlantan needs, from shirts and slacks to bags and belts. Onward Reserve 2333 Peachtree Rd. Atlanta 30305 onwardreserve.com

SANDY SPRINGS LIBRARY REOPENS AFTER RENOVATIONS Following extensive improvements that closed the library last August, the Sandy Springs Library is reopening in July.

The interior work included new finishes, updated restrooms and lighting, the addition of a children’s and storytime room, and a technology zone and computer lab. Prior to the renovations inside, exterior upgrades were made that included roof and brick repairs, pressure washing, new paint, tree removal and improved fencing. The enhancements are part of the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System’s Library Building Program, which will

bring improvements to 23 library branches as well as its downtown headquarters. The program is expected to wrap up in late 2020. Sandy Springs Library 395 Mount Vernon Hwy. N.E. Sandy Springs 30328 404.303.6130 afpls.org/sandy-springs-branch6

BROOKHAVEN WELCOMES PIGS AS PETS Fancy a porcine pet? During a recent regular session, the Brookhaven City Council approved an ordinance amend-

ment that permits residents to keep potbelly pigs as household pets. The amendment comes with several restrictions, including a weight limit of 200 pounds, a minimum fence height of 4 feet and a minimum enclosure size of 250 feet per lot. In addition, only residents living in lots zoned as single-dwelling detached residential are permitted to own pigs, which must be vaccinated and spayed/ neutered. Buckhead also permits potbelly pigs as pets.

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Simply

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LOCAL SALUTE

BY:

Mickey Goodman

Devoted volunteer Karen Atkins (left) and PADV president Nancy Friauf don aprons to prepare meals at an area safe house.

Bringing Communities Together

CCC founder Amy Ziede (top right) joins co-executive director Dara Grant and some costumed youngsters at last year's fall festival.

Retired executive chairs major fundraiser

Creating opportunities for underserved kids In 1994, 12-year-old Sandy Springs resident Amy Zeide heard a news show about a thief stealing toys intended for children at a homeless shelter and was so affected that she decided to use her allowance and babysitting money to replace the stolen gifts. The following winter, she spent the $400 her parents had given her in honor of her bat mitzvah on the first of what came to be known as Amy’s Holiday Party, a celebration benefiting children and families from local homeless shelters, foster care networks and refugee centers. “We invited 25 kids, and my friends volunteered to help,” says Zeide. “[For this year’s event] in December, we expect more than 1,000 kids and 300 volunteers.” The event features everything from crafts and carnival games to free toys and photos with Santa. Zeide expanded her reach expo-

nentially in 2010 when she founded Creating Connected Communities (CCC), a 501(c)(3) that provides year-round educational programs in partnership with more than 50 local agencies. “Our dual goal is to connect children in need and empower teens to become lifelong volunteers and leaders,” she says. CCC hosts spring, summer and fall festivals such as the June event when 300 children from Title I schools descended on Tiny Towne, an “edutainment” center in Norcross, for a day of fun and learning. In July, more than 1,000 metro Atlanta elementary school kids and scores of volunteers will take part in an outdoor CCC festival featuring games and crafts in partnership with Horizons Atlanta. l To volunteer or donate to CCC, visit cccprojects.org.

Slaying a Deadly Foe

Getting involved in the Partnership Against Domestic Violence (PADV) was a natural fit for Buckhead resident Karen Atkins, who has personal experience with domestic violence and wanted to help others in similar situations. The organization’s mission is to end the crime of intimate partner violence, empower survivors and provide a 24-hour hotline and two 24-hour safe houses. The retired VP of sales and benefit services at ADP was asked to join the PADV's board in 2014 and was named chair of the 2019 PADV Hearts with Hope Gala that took place in May at the InterContinental Hotel. “I began by volunteering to cook dinner for 25 residents at a safe house once a month, which I continue to

Pancreatic cancer survivor Debra Bradley has traveled to D.C. to meet with legislators to request additional funding for research.

One strike against pancreatic cancer The diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer was devastating to Debra Bradley, managing director of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage’s Buckhead office. Even more shattering, she was not a surgical candidate because of the location of the tumors. “I immediately got a second opinion and was fortunate to be eligible for a clinical trial at Emory Winship Cancer Institute,” she says. “The results of the treat-

Ending Domestic Violence

ments are nothing short of miraculous. After nine rounds, there is no evidence of the disease.” After recovery, Bradley became involved in the Pancreatic Cancer

Action Network (PanCAN) and last year she traveled to Washington, D.C. for Advocacy Day, where she met with legislators on Capitol Hill. The unified effort paid off when Congress increased research funding from $50 to $60 million. She returned to Washington again in June to continue the work. Bradley’s husband proposed to her after she was diagnosed and they appeared on NBC Nightly News on Valentine’s Day to discuss not only their love story but the need for funding. “There are no screenings and no tumor markers,

do,” says Atkins. “The more stories I heard from women in the residences, even friends and acquaintances, the more involved I became. One in six women will be affected by domestic violence.” Since joining the board, Atkins has put her business acumen to good use and attracted new corporate sponsors. “Whether the donation is $100, $10,000 or more, there is a return on investment for companies and employees when they feel involved,” she says. In addition to PADV, Atkins mentors young women in the Professional Women’s Alliance and works with inner-city children through Buckhead Church. l To donate or become involved with PADV, visit padv.org.

and blood tests are not conclusive for the third leading cause of cancer deaths,” she says. On November 9, Bradley and hundreds of others will head to Chastain Park for the annual PurpleStride 5K, one of PanCAN’s largest annual fundraisers. l For information and to donate to PanCAN, visit pancan.org.

Want to nominate a volunteer, company or nonprofit that makes Buckhead, Sandy Springs or Brookhaven a better place to live? Please contact: editor@simplybuckhead.com

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

TR AV E L NE A R

Left: The center's Saturn V rocket is one of only three in the world. Below: The Moon Shot simulator gives you an idea what it's like to rocket into space.

OUT OF THIS

WORLD

Above: Commemorate the day we took "One small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" at Huntsville's U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Right: Visitors can pretend they're driving on the moon in the replica lunar roving vehicle. STORY:

H.M. Cauley

Alabama’s Rocket City launches moon landing anniversary events

hether you remember precisely where you were in the summer of 1969, or just think the late ’60s are retro cool, the city of Huntsville, Alabama, invites you to step back in time for a major celebration. July 20 marks the 50th anniversary of Apollo 11, the first moon landing—one of the few moments when anyone within range of a television set or radio stopped in their tracks to listen to the words of astronaut Neil Armstrong echo through space. The momentous occasion marked the culmination of hard work and extraordinary determination, American style. Though five decades have passed, the enthusiasm for everything Apollo continues to draw visitors to Huntsville, home of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. Along with a wealth of hands-on activities, exhibits and shopping for NASA-related goodies (freeze-dried ice cream, anyone?), the center boasts one of the country’s largest displays of rockets, giving visitors a close-up look at what can

usually only be seen from afar. “Our rocket garden was installed in 1969, and we opened the center in 1970,” says Ed Stewart, director of exhibits and curation. “Inside, we have landers, rovers and satellites, including a Saturn V rocket that was the first off the assembly line and one of the earliest two built.” That 5,363-foot-high Saturn is the one that launched Apollo 11 into space. Outside, a vertically posed replica gives visitors a view of how high the crew capsule was. “It’s a very different perspective when you stand next to it and you can’t see the top,” says Stewart. Rockets are taking center stage as part of Huntsville’s anniversary celebrations. The “Rockets on Parade” exhibit features artistically designed replicas created by volunteer enthusiasts whose works will be judged for various awards. On July 16, the center will attempt to set a Guinness World Record by launching 5,000 model rockets simultaneously at 9

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

a.m. (Organizers are also encouraging rocket enthusiasts around the world to launch their own rockets.) A display of 1960s-era cars is set for July 13 and a “Moon Landing concert” will be performed July 20 in the shadow of the Saturn replica. Downtown Huntsville, about a 10-minute drive from the Space Center, is also marking the anniversary with a street party the night of July 19. While in town, plan to dine at Purveyor, noted for its upscale food and handcrafted cocktails, and as the place to pick up a yummy picnic to go. Nearby is Domaine South, a wine shop that also serves limited daily menus of artisanal dishes. Hearty surfand-turf specialties are on the menu at Cotton Row Restaurant, carved out of an 1821 cotton exchange on the edge of the town square. Though Huntsville is just a threehour drive from Buckhead, an overnight stay means plenty of time to take in all the planned activities and sights. Check out the new AC

Hotel Huntsville Downtown, adjacent to the city’s Big Spring Park. And if history well before the 1960s is more your style, plan a stay at the Dogwood Manor Guesthouse, a restored 1900s home built amid a grove of old oak and hickory trees and a smattering of dogwoods planted long before man even imagined setting foot on the moon. n

DETAILS AC Hotel Huntsville Downtown achotels.marriott.com Cotton Row Restaurant cottonrowrestaurant.com Dogwood Manor Guesthouse dogwoodmanorbandb.com Domaine South domainesouth.com Purveyor purveyorhuntsville.com U.S. Space & Rocket Center rocketcenter.com

Cor n

st Bi

N ro

iko

HAS NEVER TASTED SO GOOD

Kym

@buckheadlife buckheadrestaurants.com

er C afÃ©

T R AV E L FA R

Above: The beautiful lobby welcomes guests with its Indian-inspired jewel-toned accessories and glamorous appointments.

Holding Court in London STORY:

Right: The hotel's architecture transports guests to the days of Queen Elizabeth I's court.

Joanne Hayes

Savoring a royal Indian weekend at the luxe Taj St. James’ Court hotel

n a recent trip to England, accompanying my husband on a business trip, we checked into the opulent St. James’ Court hotel for a brief weekend respite. My husband indulged my love of Indian culture on this stay (the property is part of Taj Hotels, a subsidiary of one of India’s largest business conglomerates), and we were both impressed with the warmth and luxury we experienced. The buildings that make up the St. James’ Court and its sister hotel, the

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Suites and Residences, have a history dating back to Tudor England and the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Their proximity to Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street and other top attractions made them a fashionable home-away-from-home for many of London’s key figures, and they remain a popular destination all these decades later. Newly renovated, the St. James’ Court includes a fitness room, hair salon and Jiva Spa. Not surprisingly, the spa’s treatments are based on healing therapies that embrace Indian spirituality and draw heavily from Left: The cozy Hamptons Bar is a perfect place for a nightcap before retiring to your plush room.

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

royal Indian culture. The body scrubs and wraps, Bhutanese baths, hot stone massages and, my personal favorite, the Shirodhara (an ayurvedic treatment in which warm oils are slowly and steadily dripped on the forehead), are just a sampling of what’s offered there. Upon arrival at the hotel, we were warmly welcomed with a tray of chocolates and fruit, and a personal note from the manager. We freshened up before heading out for a bite, taking a few minutes to admire the lovely courtyard on property, which features a Victorian fountain and large Shakespearian-inspired frieze. We opted to dine that evening at Bon Gusto, a nearby Italian restaurant, then had a quick nightcap at the hotel’s elegant Hamptons Bar. The next morning, we ate a full English breakfast at Bistro, one of the several dining options at St. James’ Court. We then headed out to the Portobello Road Market, an allday experience that consisted of meandering through antiques and art shops, watching street per-

formers and purchasing street food and fresh cheeses, olives and juice from the colorful kiosks. Back at the hotel, we treated ourselves to the Jasmine Indian Afternoon Tea, nibbling on spiced cream cheese sandwiches, chicken tikka spring rolls and the traditional Indian dessert gulab jamun (fried doughnut-like dumplings soaked in rose-flavored syrup). We dined later that evening at the hotel’s Michelinstarred restaurant, Quilon. While seafood is central to its southwest coastal-Indian menu, I opted for spicy vegetarian and meat options, including fried cauliflower tossed with yogurt, green chile and curry leaves; almond chicken; and chickpea masala, all scooped up with the paratha flatbread. Jetting home the next day, my love of all things Indian was satisfied. At least for the moment. n

ST. JAMES’ COURT LONDON stjamescourthotel.co.uk

{Siz zling Summer}

22 Locations in Atlanta brazilianwax.com

S TAYC AT I O N

Avalon

For All Check in to Alpharetta’s Hotel at Avalon for an entertainment-packed escape STORY:

Giannina S. Bedford

pproximately 20 miles north of Buckhead, Alpharetta is far enough away but still close enough to be the ideal location for a quick getaway from the hustle of central city life. And since Alpharetta became mother to the 86-acre mixed-use development Avalon in 2014, the Atlanta suburb has transformed into a vibrant destination for food, shopping and entertainment. The best way to take in all that Avalon has to offer is by booking a stay at The Hotel at Avalon, part of the Autograph Collection of luxury hotels. The property is situated on the east side of the sprawling development, just steps from multiple stores and eateries. Valet your wheels and spend the weekend exploring the outdoor mall’s offerings. At the end of the day, retreat to the 330-room hotel, where the elegant residential furnishings and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the streets below provide a classy sanctuary for your suburban sojourn. Whether you’re a 20-something planning a retreat with the girls, a couple celebrating an anniversary or a family with little ones, The Hotel at Avalon fits the bill.

For Family Fun WHAT TO DO: After check-in, head to

the second floor for a swim in the open-air pool. Complete with curtained cabanas, in-pool loungers and a turfed terrace with more than enough seating, it’s the perfect spot to unwind. For little ones 6 and under who need to get more energy out, Avalon boasts a 1,300-square-foot indoor/outdoor play area next to Regal Cinemas. The complex also hosts special family-

friendly events throughout the year, from ice skating and a Noon Year’s Eve party in the winter to an Easter egg hunt and trick or treating. WHERE TO EAT: Corral the troops for a meal at Antico Pizza Napoletana or Bocado Burger, both spinoffs of the intown favorites. Top it off with a creative-flavored scoop at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams or try the made-to-order, hand-rolled ice cream at Kremo.

For a Romantic Rendezvous The Hotel at Avalon bar is the ideal place to linger over a glass of wine with the one you love. And just a stone’s throw from the lobby, the Woodhouse Spa caters to couples with side-by-side Swedish massages. Top off your day with a date at Regal Cinemas Avalon 12, where you can order food and drinks from the full-service kitchen and bar and recline in the plush seats while taking in a flick. WHERE TO EAT: Share a Sweetheart (sushi) Roll and sip a MF Manhattan at the chic MF Bar or grab an outdoor table at Rumi’s Kitchen to feast on Persian cuisine. After dining on lamb kabobs and basmati rice with lentils and raisins, savor the Persian doughnuts served with saffron rosewater syrup and Bavarian cream. WHAT TO DO:

For a Girls Getaway WHAT TO DO: Gather your gal pals for some retail therapy at Anthropologie, Boogaloos and athleisure destinations Athleta and Lululemon. You can even don your new workout gear and hit a class at Flywheel Sports or Club Pilates. If you prefer to take it easy, lounge in a private cabana at

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Above: From sidewalk cafes and a movie theater to a bevy of wellknown retailers, Avalon attracts visitors from near and far. Right and below: The Hotel at Avalon is a chic respite boasting a sundrenched pool, fully-equipped fitness center and more.

The Hotel at Avalon pool terrace and spend the day sipping cocktails and enjoying bites from the Magnolia Bar. As evening approaches, get a blowout at Drybar and a mani/pedi at Parisian Nail Salon before hitting happy hour at Crú Food & Wine Bar. WHERE TO EAT: Take your pick from a variety of global food destinations, from upscale Italian fare at Colletta to classic Vietnamese at District III.

Or stay close to home by sampling the Southern fare of South City Kitchen, an Atlanta favorite, not to mention a great spot for peoplewatching, located in the bustling lobby of the hotel. n THE HOTEL AT AVALON 678.722.3600 thehotelatavalon.com

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July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

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Jessica Dauler

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July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

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Under the Cork Tree

5600 Roswell Road Atlanta, GA 30342 404-228-7470

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

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MARTIN STEPHENSON "I

’m not a very good golfer,” confesses 38-year-old Buckhead resident Martin Stephenson, which seems like a strange admission from someone who’s around golf pretty much all day, every day. But as the tournament director of the big PGA season-ending Tour Championship held at the historic East Lake Golf Club each August notes, “There’s an old adage that if you want to play less golf, get into the golf business.” The man responsible for overseeing everything from ticket sales to media relations to corporate sponsorships for the annual event, which is broadcast in millions of homes in more than 25 countries, actually has little time to watch the action during the five-day tournament pitting the top 30 players in the world against each other. He’s too busy running around making sure the Tour Championship is a must-attend Atlanta event “whether you’re a golf fan or not.” How and when did you first get interested in golf? My older brother got me into it. I was maybe 10 years old. Was it love at first swing? When I started playing, I had a horrible temper and got super frustrated. I just assumed I’d be good at it. It took me until around high school to discover that it wasn’t worth getting upset about if I wasn’t going to put in the time to be really great at it. Did you always plan to have a career in golf? When I was in college at SMU in Dallas, I worked for a local Fox news affiliate, and my plan was to get into sports broadcasting. But then I got a call from someone asking if I would be interested in being the marketing and sales intern for the Tour Championship back when it rotated between Houston and Atlanta each year. I did that for like a week, until the operations intern realized she didn’t want to do the grunt work involved, so we switched positions, and I was immediately out on a forklift moving portable toilets, planting stakes, etc. How crazy is your schedule during the event? I probably log 30,000 to 35,000 steps a day during the five days the gates are open.

STORY:

Jill Becker PHOTO: Sara Hanna

What’s the best course you’ve ever played? I grew up playing the Capital City Club in Brookhaven, and I love East Lake. It’s truly a special place. But I’d say my best golf trip was to Bandon Dunes in Oregon. What would your dream foursome be? Myself, Bobby Jones, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. I would like to see them all in their prime so we can settle the debate on the greatest player of all time. What’s on your golf bucket list? I need a hole in one. Desperately. My older brother has one, and even my mom has one. What do you like to do in your free time? Spend time with my wife and three kids. I also enjoy going on a run on weekends. It’s a nice time to clear the head. What are your go-to places in Buckhead? During football season, it’s Whitehall Tavern. We also eat at Jalisco or La Fonda because my wife loves Mexican food. If she and I get a chance to go out for a nice steak dinner, we’ll go to Chops Lobster Bar. What are you bingewatching these days? I’m late to it, but Narcos. Michael Peña [who plays one of the characters] loves golf. n

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Cody Wellons

P E TS

Think Cats Can’t Be Trained? Think Again. KITTIES YOUNG AND OLD CAN EASILY LEARN NEW TRICKS

here’s a common misconception that cats can’t be trained. However, the truth is that any cat can. It’s simply a matter of understanding your pet and what motivates him or her to work for a reward. While dogs have been specifically bred to work for praise, cats, on the other hand, didn’t evolve to please their human caregivers. In fact, they essentially domesticated themselves when they moved into farming communities and settled into a mutually beneficial relationship with humans by providing rodent control. Since the two are such different animals, it makes sense that you can’t train a cat the same way you’d train a dog. “People often believe cats are untrainable because they compare them to dogs,” says Mark Spivak, head trainer at Comprehensive Pet Therapy, which has a location in Sandy Springs. “In fact, cats are intelligent and train-

able. Yet, whereas most dog owners insist that their dog adhere to basic obedience commands, few cat owners have the same expectations.” There are numerous benefits to putting in a little training time with your feline friend. For one, it provides your cat with mental stimulation and physical activity, two things the average indoor cat doesn’t typically get enough of. “It’s mental stimulation your cat may not get otherwise,” says cat behaviorist Ingrid Johnson, who, through her company Fundamentally Feline, provides in-home behavioral consultations for clients in Buckhead and throughout the Atlanta metro area. “You can’t just expect [cats] to sit inside and look out a window for 20 years and be enriched.” While any cat can benefit from training, owners often turn to behaviorists and trainers such as Johnson and Spivak because they’re interested

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

in behavior modification. Some of the most common issues owners seek to correct are aggression and urinating or defecating outside of the litter box, problems that Spivak says account for 95 percent of Comprehensive Pet Therapy’s cat training appointments. However, owners don’t need to wait for a problem to arise before trying out some training. There are plenty of both practical and fun ways to engage your cat in training that will benefit you both. “You’ve got really basic behaviors that can help get cats to the veterinarian, such as training them to willingly enter their carrier,” Johnson gives as an example. “You can also do target training, and this type of behavior can help with introducing cats to other cats or teaching them to take medications. There are also life-saving commands such as coming when called, which is a very

STORY:

Laura J. Moss

important behavior to teach any pet.” Plus, training can be entertaining. “You’ve got your fun stuff—your high fives, spins, skateboards, running through a tunnel,” says Johnson. Want to try out some training with your own kitty? You’ll find a wealth of tutorials on YouTube, and Johnson also suggests checking out the book The Trainable Cat, by John Bradshaw. You may also want to get training tools such as a clicker or target stick, and it’s essential to have some tasty treats on hand to use as a reward, as cats learn through positive reinforcement, not punishment. n

DETAILS Comprehensive Pet Therapy cpt-training.com Fundamentally Feline fundamentallyfeline.com

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July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

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

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HOME

The multilevel playroom in the Brookins family’s Buckhead home is the ultimate kids hangout.

A Pine Hills Project P34

“I never imagined living in a home where I got to design every inch of every room just how I wanted it.” — Jennifer Brookins

Photo: Sara Hanna

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

H OM E

Exemplifying Jennifer’s love of texture, the living room boasts a whitewashed pecky cyprus ceiling and Indiana limestone fireplace.

A Pine Hills Project

After living in a townhome, the Brookins family is relishing the space and amenities offered by their custom-built, self-decorated home.

AN AMATEUR DESIGNER HITS A HOME RUN WITH HER BUCKHEAD FAMILY HOME STORY:

lair and Jennifer Brookins were outgrowing their Buckhead townhouse. They loved the Pine Hills location overlooking Shady Valley Park, but with four flights of stairs and two young children, they knew it was time to move. “It’s great when you’re single and have a dog. It’s perfect to have no yard. But not for carrying groceries and having two kids and strollers,” says Blair, the founder and president of ITelNetworks.

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Giannina S. Bedford PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

They looked for a home for a year and a half, with no luck. Then, in 2015, Blair was riding his bike on W. Roxboro Road and noticed an elderly woman placing a “For Sale” sign in the front yard of a home on a half-acre corner lot. “I stopped the bike and asked, ‘Are you selling this lot?’” he recalls. “I always thought it would be a great lot.” Seizing the moment, Blair got the property under contract in 24 hours. Then the ball began rolling for the Brookins to design and build their ideal home. It took 14 months and lots of ups and downs—including a pool variance, tree permitting and two sets of architectural plans—but in 2017, the family of four finally moved into the 6,500-square-foot abode. With a front porch out of a picture book, a resort-worthy pool deck complete with a hot tub, 6.5 bathrooms and 5 bedrooms, plus a mother-in-law suite Blair uses as a home office, the residence is everything the Brookins ever wanted. Once building was underway, Jen-

nifer went to work picking the finishes for the interior, which features shiplap walls, reclaimed wood beams, brick and more. The finished product screams the work of a professional interior design, but it’s all the result of Jennifer’s discerning eye. “I’ve always liked to decorate,” says Jennifer, a former Sarah Smith Elementary teacher and now stay-at-home mom who has taken to helping friends and neighbors with their home design projects. “She’s on Pinterest a lot,” Blair teases. The vision for the Brookins’ coastal-chic interior was inspired by many of the homes in the communities along Florida’s 30A, such as WaterColor and Seaside, and the architectural gems at Serenbe. While vacationing near 30A, Blair often hit the beach with the kids while Jennifer toured homes taking photos and gathering information on materials and where to source them. The wood beams in the main living space, for example, were reclaimed from an Ohio barn and the lime-washed

Right: The light and airy kitchen is equipped with a wine cooler and two fridges, both hidden behind a mirrored facade. Below: The Brookins got their lot under contract in just 24 hours, but it took 14 months to get the actual home built.

“It was difficult to furnish an entire house on a strict budget. I ended up going to every sample sale in town.” –Jennifer Brookins

Above: The family spends a lot of time relaxing in their alfresco living space next to the pool. Left: The keeping room off the kitchen features a Curry & Co. chandelier, furniture from Lee Industries and Dovetail, and etageres from Frontgate.

a corner of large windows. This is where Jennifer sips her morning coffee and birdwatches with the kids. Near the main entry, a formal dining room impresses with a wall in reclaimed wood and a drum pendant light from EllaHome. Complementing the upscale beachy vibe is an abundance of enormous windows that let in the natural light. “I don’t have shades or curtains and people can see in,” says Jennifer, “but that doesn’t bother me. Where we need privacy, we have it.” One of Jennifer’s favorite windows is the one above the kitchen’s cooktop that allows her to look outdoors while she cooks and the sun to illuminate the heart of the home, an oversized island topped with an impressive slab of quartzite from Levantina. “It took me two months to find a piece [of Sea Pearl

bricks framing the kitchen’s picture window were once part of a Chicago building that was torn down. Other eye-catching touches include the living room’s pecky cypress ceiling arranged in a diamond pattern and the schmeared Indiana limestone fireplace (the schmear done in large part by Jennifer’s own hands). All of it meshes seamlessly with sophisticated furnishings from Lee Industries, Faulkner’s Custom Furniture, Redefined Home, Serena & Lily and Palecek. “It was difficult to furnish an entire house on a strict budget. I ended up going to every sample sale in town from the day we began building,” says Jennifer. The home’s open floor plan features two casual dining spaces, a rustic yet sleek kitchen and a keeping room tucked into

quartzite] that didn’t have a seam,” she says. Jennifer didn’t let little challenges hold her back from fulfilling her design vision, and the extra touches are what give each room character and interest. In the master bedroom, the vaulted ceiling features reclaimed wood beams, and the master bathroom is hidden behind antique French doors sourced from Scott Antique Markets. “They’re from a building outside of Versailles,” says Jennifer. “Those are some of my favorite pieces. They are very, very old.” Sliding open Jennifer’s prized doors reveals a master bathroom with floor-to-ceiling blue-glass tile that emanates a feeling of being underwater. The bathroom also features gray cabinets by Keystone Millworks, a custom Penhaglion tub, a walk-in shower and a private water closet behind frosted glass. While the home’s main level was created to fulfill Blair and Jennifer’s every desire, the upstairs is all about the kids. At the top of the stairs, a fun and funky playroom is equipped with an attic-turned-loft, book- and toy-stuffed built-ins, family photos and a hidden room behind a tiny door they call the

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

H OM E

Above: Outfitted in turf, the backyard pool deck makes a big splash.

Below: The majestic master bedroom is furnished with an upholstered linen bed, antique nightstands and white tassel lamps.

Above: Vintage French doors from Scott Antique Markets open to a master bath awash in blue glass tile. Right: A Penhaglion tub below an arched window is a favorite bathing spot for the Brookins’ young daughter.

“fort,” where the Brookins’ kids, 5-yearold Wesley and 4-year-old Hannah, love to hide. “They spend hours up there, and when we can’t find them, they’re usually in the fort,” says Jennifer. The upstairs also houses the kids’ bedrooms. Hannah’s is a pastel-hued space with painted checkered floors and Wesley’s sports a nautical theme with a compass painted on the floor at the foot of his bed. Everyone in the Brookins’ home has his or her preferred space and Blair’s is, without hesitation, the outdoors. “The porch, the pool, the hot tub—I just want to go out there,” says Blair. “I love being able to close the gate when I get off work and the kids ride

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Below: Hannah’s sweet bedroom features furnishings from Restoration Hardware, Pottery Barn and Nadeau as well as a custom-made dollhouse.

scooters on the big, long driveway, and we can sit out on the front porch with a glass of wine and just listen to music and watch them for hours.” Now that the Brookins have their spacious home, they love to share it with others. They entertain three or four times a week, hosting casual dinners, grill-outs on the Big Green Egg and kid-friendly pool parties. The basement, with its 86-inch television, is another great space for entertaining. “I never imagined living in a home where I got to design every inch of every room just how I wanted it,” says Jennifer. “I love that every space is used every day and that our children get to grow up in such a fun home.” n

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July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

FA S H I ON

TRANSITIONING YOUR WARDROBE A LOCAL FASHION DESIGNER SHARES WAYS TO TAKE YOUR CLOSET FROM SUMMER TO FALL STORY:

Muriel Vega PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

Ashley Wallace’s clothes bring some West Coast vibes to the Deep South.

alifornia-born Ashley Wallace knew early on that she’d become a fashion designer. After a short stint at a national retailer, she jumped into entrepreneurship after earning her MBA from Pepperdine University—something she treasures, as it gave her the savvy to launch her business. While looking for a new city where she could plant some roots, Wallace fell for Atlanta in just three weeks, after her father encouraged her to explore his Southern heritage. She settled in Buckhead and built her fashion label, House of Wallace,

MODEL: Sydney Butenhoff, MP Management

out of her East Andrews Drive shop. Her creations are a merge of California chic with a dose of Southern charm, featuring lots of fun yet sophisticated prints, comfortable fabrics and neutral tones that can take you from work straight into happy hour or the weekend. In addition to dressing stylish Atlanta women, Wallace is also committed to giving back. “We open the store after hours and allow charities to come in and have a platform to raise money. We give a percentage of sales back to the charity through

HAIR AND MAKEUP: Mica David

Shop for a Cause,” says Wallace. “We wanted the store to be a community.” Another of Wallace’s attributes is the ability to help shoppers transition their wardrobes from one season to the next. The skill is something she had to learn herself after she arrived in Atlanta two years ago. “It’s changed my style a little bit,” she says. Here, she reveals the closet tricks, using items from her own collection (except for the model’s tights), that will take you from the dog days of summer to the onset of autumn. n

HOUSE OF WALLACE 56 East Andrews Dr. N.W. Atlanta 30305 470.428.2467 houseofwallace1985.com

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Focus on fabric and layering When growing your capsule wardrobeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a collection of investment, foundational pieces that you can build your closet onâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Wallace says to think about the fabric and potential layering possibilities. A tank top, for example, can work for both seasons if it has leather details (coated leather is trending right now, she says) and is light enough to be worn in August but can also be worn with a teddy bear fur jacket or other heavier, warmer piece come December.

Choose complementary colors “We’re done with summer and dying for fall weather by August,” says Wallace, so “look for items in a jewel tone, such as maroon or deep green, that will complement your autumn colors” and make your pieces more versatile. Neutral colors are wearable year-round and go with pretty much everything, and Wallace says you’ll be seeing tons of tan and black this fall, so you can’t go wrong with pieces in earth tones and other basic hues.

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

FA SH ION

Think out of the box A surprising addition to a transitional wardrobe? An adult crop top. “You’re not only seeing waistlines that are coming up higher, you’re also seeing that shirts are coming up, but just enough not to show any or much skin,” says Wallace. She suggests pairing a crop top with a nude-hued blazer and stylish joggers and then as the weather cools, transitioning your footwear from a sandal to a heeled bootie. Another transitional item Wallace recommends that you might not have considered is a short-sleeve jumpsuit, which can easily go from summer to fall if you layer it. Something else that can extend your wardrobe are matching sets. “Matching sets [tops with either a matching pant or skirt] are a great trend, because instead of investing in one dress, you get two pieces for that price that you can mix and match.”

W E LLN ESS

Normalizing

Anxiety

Why it’s okay to feel uneasy and what you can do when it strikes STORY:

Nicole Letts

Haley Hunt Davis

ccording to the World Health Organization, one out of 13 people suffers from anxiety. We’re so riddled with it that the mere word has become commonplace. Ashlyn Ayres Ellington, a clinical social worker and therapist at Peachtree Psychiatric Professionals in Buckhead, says there’s a reason anxiety plagues nearly 40 million Americans. “Anxiety is now more generally discussed and normalized. People don’t feel shame around saying ‘I have anxiety’ or ‘something makes me anxious.’” Distinguishing between clinical anxiety and general nervousness is difficult. Explains Ellington: “We have to remember that with anxiety, you never want to flip that emotion off completely in your brain. It’s there to keep you safe. If you’re crossing the street and a car is coming at you really fast, we want you to feel anxious, so your body kicks up that energy and muscle tension to move quickly out of the way.” So is anxiety actually an emotional benefit? Ellington says yes and no. “The problem is that the same system

ASHLYN AYRES ELLINGTON

that fires up when you see a car coming at you is also firing up when you’re laying in bed at night and don’t need that system to be firing.” So how do you shut off anxiety in those moments? That’s where mindfulness comes in. “It’s that practice of sitting and being okay with being still,” says Ellington. “Mindfulness is just turning your attention to the present moment and staying there and non-judgmentally noticing what’s happening. When your mind gets sidetracked, which it will, just

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

noticing it and pulling it back [helps].” Mindfulness, however, is only part of the solution. For one thing, powering down your devices can help your busy brain recalibrate. “I think as wonderful as technology is, we have to be able to take breaks and not have all the information to be able to fix [a problem] right away,” says Ellington. “We’re now into fast problem-solving, and if we can’t solve it right away, then we get really anxious.” Other daily coping strategies such as journaling, exercising and even needlepointing are often recommended by experts. Meditation is one of the most common solutions, as it’s been proven to not only reduce anxiety but also even help reverse the damage caused by anxiety. There’s also a chance that other preventative care, such as medication, could be recommended. “We look at medication through this analogy of having the right tennis shoes to run a marathon,” says Ellington. “Having the right shoes doesn’t automatically get you across the finish line. There’s still tons of training that goes into crossing that finish, but sometimes you need that specific help of having the right shoes to make it.” By having a

toolbox of both strategic coping skills and medication, patients are better able to manage their anxiety. In the end, Ellington says it’s important to remember that anxiety is normal. “You’re supposed to have that feeling,” she says. “Your brain is trying to help you, which is what it’s designed to do. But that emotion is going to misfire sometimes. If you feel like it’s misfiring repeatedly in situations where you really don’t need that emotion to be there, there are things you can do to get some relief. You don’t have to feel this way. I want people to feel hopeful.” She also reminds us that while uncomfortable, stress itself is not entirely bad. “We need to figure out how to problem-solve and [get our stress level] down low enough so we can get through it, because it cannot be avoided.” And that’s okay. n

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TA S T E MA K E R

and décolleté and do light facial cupping to open up the lymphatic systems so that everything can breathe. Then I go into the [sculptural lift] technique. It’s about 30 to 40 minutes, and 20 minutes of that is the intra-oral massage. Wearing nitrile gloves, I work inside the mouth, working the upper and lower portion. During the massage, I’m using a balm from Laurel Whole Plant Organics. When finished, I remove the balm, do another gentle cleanse and finish with a serum. I’ve had it done myself and noticed instant results. What can clients expect to see? After one treatment, they’re definitely going to see “depuffing.” All of that excess fluid from stagnant lymph nodes is going to be moved out. They’re going to be more contoured and lifted, especially along the jawline and cheeks. How do you achieve those results? That natural, radiant glow comes because of all of the stimulation of the circulatory system. You’re getting good oxygen and nutrients to the area. Sometimes people see a reduction of dark circles under the eyes.

The Benefits of

Mary Bogart is one of the few aestheticians in the state practicing the art of intra-mouth massage.

Buccal Massage Love.Beauty.Nourish founder Mary Bogart’s unique, all-natural approach to looking your best

esthetician and massage therapist Mary Bogart opened her Love.Beauty.Nourish skincare and facial studio in Sandy Springs last fall and has been accumulating loyal clients ever since. Many are drawn to her hypernatural products and innovative intra-oral, or buccal, massage treatment protocol called sculptural lift. The technique, which she learned from its pioneer Yakov Gershkovich, involves a specialized massage both on the face and inside the mouth. This unique facial is becoming increasingly more popular since celebs such as Meghan

STORY:

Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, became fans. Bogart is one of just a handful of therapists in the state to have trained with the internationally known master and to practice the mouth massage (in part because Georgia requires technicians to be licensed in both massage and aesthetics). “I wanted to offer an alternative to women who didn’t want to resort to Botox, fillers or plastic surgery,” explains Bogart. “To me, beauty is about wellness, taking care of your body, both in what you put in and on your body, so you can live as vibrantly as possible and feel good.”

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

How do you prepare a client who has only ever had a more traditional facial? Most people [who come for the buccal massage] are seeking it out. But for people who aren’t, I always sit and chat for at least 15 minutes to develop a comfort level. I tell them step by step what’s going to happen. And if the massage is ever uncomfortable, they let me know and we stop. That’s key, because it’s about what they’re comfortable with. What happens during your sculptural lift treatment? I start off with a nice shoulder and back massage. Then I cleanse the face

It sounds like a workout for your face. How many sessions do you recommend? Usually, about eight sessions spread one week apart. After that, they can do maintenance treatments maybe once a month. What muscles do you work on in a treatment? There are 43 muscles in the face, but the ones we’re focusing on are the facial expression muscles called the mimetic muscles, starting from the neck and up to the jaw, cheeks and forehead. Of course, [the treatment] affects other muscles as well. How can someone maintain the results at home? Self-massage is helpful. I educate my clients on how to do that. Also, using a gua sha (polished-stone massage tool) is great maybe a couple of times a week to help maintain and keep the tissues and muscles healthy and the circulation moving. n LOVE.BEAUTY.NOURISH 750 Hammond Dr., Building 4 Sandy Springs 30328 404.375.2506 facebook.com/mkb1123

ON S TAG E

| ART

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SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

ART

Memories on Canvas P52

“In the beginning, a lot of my work was focused on childhood memories, things I wanted to hold onto.” —Blayne Macauley

Blayne Macauley calls her narrative painting technique “sort of cave painting-esque.”

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

O N S TAGE

THE

MAESTRO From playing violin to teaching children to composing with whales, Juan R. Ramírez Hernández hits all the right notes STORY:

Ann Hardie

uan R. Ramírez Hernández performs, conducts and composes. What does he love most? Teaching kids. “The children are like vessels, and you put into those vessels what they need,” says Ramírez. “It’s always interesting to see what they can do with the information.” On top of more than four decades playing with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra (ASO), the 73-year-old violinist is founder, artistic director and conductor of The Buckhead Youth Orchestra. He also is founding artistic director of Casa de la Cultura-Atlanta, which educates Latino children through the arts, and is the architect of Music for Success!, a program in which professional string musicians train elementary and middle school children of diverse backgrounds. In 2018, the League of American Orchestras recognized Ramírez with a Ford Musician Award for Excellence in Community Service. Ramírez was once a vessel himself, of course, and studied under a long list of distinguished musicians, including Leonard Bernstein. His most influential teacher was someone you’ve never heard of: his engineer father, Margarito, who was also musical and made sure the family home in Mexico was filled with violins, mandolins, guitars, trumpets and pianos. Ramírez is the ninth of 10 children. “We were like our own symphony,” he laughs. “I learned from my father that talent is important, but so is environment. My father created an environment for that talent.” That is what Ramírez is trying to do through his mentorship of children from lower-income communities. “Music can open the

door to a lot of opportunities, but you have to have a way to access those opportunities,” he says. Like his father, Ramírez has a natural affinity for the violin and guitar. This year marks his 46th as a violinist with the ASO (his wife, Carol, also plays violin with the orchestra). In 1973, Ramírez auditioned with Robert Shaw, the ASO’s late music director and conductor. Having recently graduated from the New England Conservatory in Boston, Ramírez had a hard time adjusting to Atlanta’s then sleepy cultural scene. “I remember thinking, ‘I am going to die here if I don’t do something other than the symphony,’” says Ramírez. He has been plenty busy ever since. He founded the Atlanta Virtuosi Foundation, Inc., a non-

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

profit he uses to establish his creative endeavors, including The Buckhead Youth Orchestra. His compositions are played in Atlanta and around the world. One of his favorites is a requiem that incorporates singing humpback whales that was commissioned by a Panama nonprofit promoting animal conservation. “Their singing is just so beautiful,” says Ramírez. In May, Ramírez retired after 19 seasons as artistic director and conductor of the Atlanta Community Symphony Orchestra, which puts on free concerts around the state. He isn’t slowing down, though. In fact, he’s exploring starting a program for children that combines chess and music. “I want to get more active in my foundation,” he says, “to gear my efforts more toward education.”

When Ramírez isn’t making music, he’s growing organic vegetables and turning them into gourmet dishes. He’s looking into commercially marketing his line of salsas. His culinary creations command top dollar at auctions around Atlanta for the causes he loves. In fact, he recently prepared a dinner for six that raised $3,500 for the ASO. “Cooking is like composing,” says Ramírez. “You have to put all of the ingredients together.” n

As of press time, The Buckhead Youth Orchestra was in residence at the Peachtree Presbyterian Church on Roswell Road but was looking for a new home elsewhere in Buckhead. For more information, visit its Facebook page “BYO – Buckhead Youth Orchestra.”

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ART

Blayne Macauley’s artworks capturing memories in symbols have found a following thanks to HGTV.

MEMORIES ON CANVAS A Buckhead artist delves into her past for creative inspiration STORY:

H.M. Cauley

layne Macauley’s days as an artist date back to her high school years at The Westminster Schools, where she took up photography. Then a trip to Italy between her junior and senior years introduced her to the power of paint. But as much as she loved it, painting as her main career had to wait. First, the Garden Hills resident studied photojournalism in Boston, then transferred to the University of Georgia and earned a history degree. She spent 13 years organizing marketing efforts for her mom, Glennis Beacham, founder of the Buckheadbased Beacham & Company, Realtors. And she got married and had two kids. “I was also painting but

realized I was ready to slowly transition to focus just on art,” she says. When her father died almost four years ago, Macauley put her painting materials away. “I took a small hiatus,” she says. “But then I started using painting as therapy to work through stuff.” That process led her to devise what she describes as “narrative painting”— putting specific objects from her favorite memories on the canvas. “It’s sort of cave painting-esque, telling a story you could follow,” she explains. “In the beginning, a lot of the work was focused on childhood memories, things I wanted to hold onto. And from there, it boiled down to several symbols that I started

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

using over and over. That’s what I’ve now become known for— paintings with symbols.” Macauley’s bold use of kings, queens and birds, among other objects, caught the attention of designers on the HGTV network, including Atlanta-based style guru Brian Patrick Flynn, who put some of her works into the HGTV Urban Oasis showhome in Cincinnati in 2018. Flynn also posted some of her work on his Instagram page, and the demand for Macauley’s work soared. It’s now been featured in several galleries around the country and in area showhouses, and she’s busy collaborating with clients who find her creations online and want

custom pieces. Orders for her pencil, acrylic paint or oil pastels range in price from $100 to $5,000. Her popularity also pushed Macauley to lease a studio at The Goat Farm Arts Center in Midtown. “The exposure created a real demand for this type of painting,” she says. “And it gave me the chance to finally do it full-time.” But art isn’t just in the studio. Her children, a 4-year-old son and 2-yearold daughter, also love creating their own paintings at home. “My son is super creative, and my daughter really likes to paint,” she says. “They’re very creative little people.” n Learn more about Blayne Macauley’s art at blayneart.com.

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

L I T E R ARY

SEX AND THE SINGLE GRANDMA is available on Amazon and at lynngarson.com.

Grandma’s Doing What? A Sandy Springs author dishes on dating and the senior set

t might be raising a few eyebrows, but author Lynn Garson is happy with the title of her new book, Sex and the Single Grandma. “Some people said they didn’t consider themselves a ‘grandma,’ and some didn’t like the idea of grandmas having sex,” says Garson. “I worked through a lot of titles before I picked this one, and I tell people, if you don’t like it, you don’t have to read it. I like it.” This isn’t the first time the Sandy Springs writer has pushed the boundaries with a book. Her 2012 work, Southern Vapor, took readers through her experiences in college, law school, marriage, childrearing and divorce, with a brief stay in a mental institution in the mix. Her new book

also draws on personal experiences as a 60-something on the dating scene. “I had some experiences that made me say, ‘Wait, did that seriously just happen?’ After one really miserable dating experience, I started writing. I didn’t set out to write a book, and I wouldn’t presume to give advice. It’s just a way I have of working through things.” And Garson is willing to take readers along on her forays into the dating scene, escapades that manage to be both hopeful and a tad discouraging at the same time. She enthusiastically likens online match-up sites to “a smorgasbord” but also acknowledges that the recession changed the game for many older daters.

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

“Many men were downsized and became contractors or consultants, but when the economy recovered, they were too old for the marketplace,” she says. “The whole language around what they did had changed. I’ve met guy after guy who’s had a diminished life and was desperately looking for a woman to put that back together. It took a while for me to figure out that’s not what I’m going to do.” Garson says the frank language and “one really gritty sex scene” helped her come to grips with being a 65-year-old who’s ready to break the grandma mold. “It’s taken me years to get to the idea that I’m not going to reinvent

STORY:

H.M. Cauley

myself to be what some guy wants me to be,” she says. “I was a good little Southern girl for a long time, and I have finally gotten to the point that where I am is exactly good enough.” But that’s not going to keep Garson from sharing some lessons from her dating escapades with the likes of Mark the musician, sad Allen and Richard, who struggled with keeping his pants up. “I will speak from my own experience, which at this point is pretty hefty,” she says. “I’m thrilled to say that at 65, I’m as productive as I’ve ever been in my life. I have two grandchildren. And I’ve been single since 2005. But if I’m alone the rest of my life, that’s fine.” n

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

COV ER S TORY

RISING STARS THE CLASS OF 2019 SEVEN ATLANTANS OUTSTANDING IN THEIR FIELDS

We have no lack of talented and successful individuals in our fair city. The residents we chose as this year’s cream of the crop are proof positive that Atlanta is a place that breeds smart, motivated, creative people who are getting things done and making a name for themselves in the process. Read on to find out the stories of the folks who both inspired and impressed us enough to nominate them as this year’s Rising Stars. PHOTOS: Sara

Hanna

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July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

C OV E R S T ORY

Wardrobe: Express suit, shirt, socks and shoes, courtesy of Express; Tissot Chrono XL watch, courtesy of Solomon Brothers Fine Jewelry.

TRAE YOUNG POINT GUARD, ATLANTA HAWKS STORY:

Michael Jacobs

rae Young wasn’t supposed to be here. When he graduated from Norman North High School and stayed in his hometown to enroll in the University of Oklahoma two years ago, “no one thought I was going to be a one-and-done,” Young says about entering the NBA after one year as a college basketball player. “But what I did my freshman year took it to another level,” the 6-foot-2 point guard for the Atlanta Hawks says about becoming the first player in NCAA Division I history to lead the division in both scoring and assists, and also earning recognition as a First-Team All-American and Freshman of the Year. The Dallas Mavericks drafted Young fifth overall in 2018, then traded him to the Hawks for fellow firstrounder Luka Dončić and a future draft pick. Both 20-year-olds made the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team and were finalists for Rookie of the Year, an award Dončić took home June 24, while Young finished second. Speaking after practice in early June, Young anticipated a laid-back celebration, perhaps a vacation with his family, if he took home the Rookie of the Year trophy. “A lot of my idols that I grew up watching have won the award,” he says. “But just to be considered the top of this really good draft class is pretty cool.” Young is settling in to play a role in the Hawks’ long-term success. After living in a high-rise Buckhead condo during his rookie year, he bought a house in Brookhaven, convenient to the Hawks’ practice facility at the Emory Sports Medicine Center. He’s also planning to get his first dog, either a French bulldog or a pug. “I’ve always wanted a dog but never really had time,” says Young. How do you view the past year?

I’ve had to mature a lot given every-

thing I’ve had to do: in college, being a leader right out of the gate and then coming to the NBA and having to do the same. I’m happy with the way I’ve handled everything, and it’s only going to get better. What’s a day in your off-season like?

I usually get up, get some breakfast, and I come here. I get a Lyft in, and then I’m on the court for a workout for about 45 minutes to an hour, then I go home, get some rest, get some food. Later that night, I probably come up here one more time just to get some shots in. After that, you’ll probably see me in a movie theater somewhere. I love going to movies. I’ll go to Phipps Plaza or CinéBistro. I go to a couple of good ones. What are you working on this summer to get better?

I’ve been here in the gym early, trying to get my body right, continuing to get it stronger, getting more conditioned. What are the biggest challenges you’ve had to deal with?

Just to be able to block out the outside noise and realize that the things that go on outside of the lines on the court don’t really matter. All you have to focus on is getting better and performing. What makes you a Rising Star?

I think my demeanor and how I relate to a lot of people could be reasons why. Who would you consider a Rising Star?

Calvin Ridley with the Falcons is someone who is young and was a Rookie of the Year candidate last year. He’s a rising star in this league. Everybody knows about him. The guy with the Braves, Ronald Acuña Jr., everybody knows about him as well. The culture we have in Atlanta with all the sports, I think we have a bunch of rising stars.

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

I could see myself having won a championship or two, being in three or four All-Star Games. I can definitely see myself doing a lot of cool things as far as the team and also individually. I don’t necessarily like to set limits and bars; I just see a lot of really good possibilities.

have a great relationship with Coach [Lloyd] Pierce. I’m able to go to him and talk to him and give him feedback on what I’m seeing on the court and what I’m feeling. It’s a good relationship, and it’s a good thing to have a coach on the court as well as off.

Does having one championship team in town, the Atlanta United, inspire the other teams?

Our goal, and everybody’s goal, is to win a championship for the city, and when one team does it, it definitely motivates all the others to win. But that’s everybody’s goal from the beginning, to win. We all support each other.

Do you feel like you’re here for the long term?

It’s all about building for the future, and hopefully the city of Atlanta and the Hawks want me to be a part of the future. That’s my goal: to build something special here and to be a big reason why one day we’re competing for championships every year.

Your father played basketball at Texas Tech University and was in the pros in Europe. How important was it to have that example of your dad as a basketball pro?

It definitely helps. The example of someone going through that, being able to guide me through all the things I’ve had to go through, I think that’s a big reason why I’ve been able to mature so quickly and do what I’ve done so quickly.

How have you adjusted from Norman, Oklahoma, to Atlanta?

How have you adjusted to being away from your family for the first time?

I’m a big family person, so it’s tough. They come out a lot to see me, come to a lot of games, but it’s not the same. It’s definitely an adjustment I’ve had to make.

It’s definitely different—the size of the city, the traffic, the different types of culture that are here. But I’ve adapted, and I love it out here. I’m a big food person, and you can’t get better food than Atlanta. Where do you like to eat?

I’m a big steak person, so Little Alley or Chops. I’m in Bones a lot, too. Aside from traffic, is there anything about Atlanta you don’t like?

What did you get out of having a year in college before going pro?

I bring up the traffic a lot, but that’s a good thing. It means people love being here. It’s not just people who live in the city who are here. But, no, there’s not very much that you can’t like about Atlanta.

Just the publicity I was able to get when we were winning and I was playing well and our team was playing well, I think that’s a big reason why I was able to come out as a one-and-done to be a top-five pick. That plus the hard work I put in.

How do plan to celebrate your 21st birthday in September?

What’s more exciting: hitting a game-winning shot or making a game-winning assist?

I’ve done both. Of course, you want to hit the game winner, and everybody’s screaming your name and going crazy. But also being able to see the excitement of your teammates [after you make a gamewinning assist], that makes me just as excited as hitting the game winner. What would you do if you weren’t a basketball player?

I’m very cerebral, especially when it comes to basketball, so I think giving back as far as being a coach and giving back the things I know and the things I see on the court.

That’s going to be a big one for me. I’m just excited to be 21. I don’t know what I’m going to do yet, but I think people will find out. What was your first big purchase as a pro?

I got my mom a car [an Infiniti Q60 she picked out]. Just everything she’s helped me with and been through, the way she’s handled herself, I wanted to do something special for her. What will make your career a success?

Do you give your coaches feedback regarding what you see on the court?

I think that’s something I’m good at, especially being a point guard. You’ve got to be the coach on the floor. I

Just being able to impact the game long-term. You see the way Steph [Curry] came and basically changed the game, and now it’s going to be that way for a long time. Hopefully, I leave an impact and a mark on this game so that kids grow up wanting to play like me, just like I grew up and wanted to play like guys like Steve Nash. n

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

TIMOTHY MAURICE FOUNDER, REAL AZUL TEQUILA

t all started with a T-shirt. The launch of Buckhead resident Timothy Maurice’s new tequila line, Real Azul, can be traced back, in a roundabout way, to his sophomore year in college, when he started drawing a graphic comic book called Storm about the music industry. At the time, he and a friend would sneak backstage at concerts, and one night, during the 1999 Hard Knock Life Tour, Method Man ended up wearing a Tshirt featuring one of Maurice’s characters onstage in front of thousands

STORY:

of people. After that, people starting asking him to design everything from logos to album covers. “Ed Hardy was hot at the time, so graphics were big then,” says Maurice. His own fashion line followed. Maurice launched the “contemporary streetwear” line at an industry trade show in Vegas in 2009 and “went international in three days.” But the fashion game was expensive, so on the side he did design work and product branding and development for companies such as Sean John and Akon’s brand Konvict

Jill Becker Clothing. Around that time, a lot of fashion designers were expanding into other merchandise, and Maurice started getting offered products, too, including a tequila. “All I knew at that point was that tequila came in a shot glass,” he admits. But he visited the manufacturer’s production facility in Mexico and says, “I developed a respect and passion for how it was produced, and they educated me.” It’s been several years in the making, but Real Azul was launched last June and can now be found in more than

Wardrobe: Bar III suit, INC International Concepts shirt and Cole Haan shoes, courtesy of Macy’s; stud earrings, courtesy of Solomon Brothers Fine Jewelry; hat, his own.

80 bars and restaurants around town. It appeared at numerous celeb-filled Super Bowl parties, was served at the Southeast Emmy Awards and is even showing up in movies such as the recently released His, Hers & the Truth. Distribution in Florida and other states is in the works. “I’m trying to control the expansion,” says Maurice. How would you describe Real Azul?

It’s an ultra-premium tequila. It’s super smooth. I created the design of my bottle, which is shipped from France to Mexico. I personally sign each bottle. You worked on Real Azul for several years without telling anyone about it. Why?

I didn’t need anyone telling me I couldn’t do it. What’s been the hardest thing about starting your own tequila line?

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

When I got my federal permit to import Real Azul in the U.S., they said you can import all alcohol, not just tequila. So now there’s nothing stopping me. If this tequila is successful, I’ll have the funding to develop other products, and I can eventually become a distributor.

The funding and budgeting. I almost gave up on it three times. You can’t develop something like this without sacrifice. But everything I gave up, when I look at it now, I realize I don’t need it anymore, I don’t want it anymore. What’s your secret to success?

The number one thing is passion. Having a love for something can get you over a lot of hurdles. Who’s been one of your biggest mentors along the way?

Joe Best, the former president of Quality Wine & Spirits. I met him through his son, and when I was introduced to him, before he even said hello to me, he said, “You couldn’t have chosen a worse product at a worse time.” But by the end of the conversation, he said, “With what you’ve done so far, you’ve built the boots, and now I’ll take you to Mt. Everest.” What’s one of the most valuable lessons you’ve learned?

There’s only one person who can get in the way of something you want to do, and that’s you. Who would you consider a Rising Star?

I love music and watch all those singing competition shows such as The Voice and American Idol, and when someone you’ve never heard of before opens their mouth and it touches you, that’s a Rising Star. n

C OVE R ST ORY

iera Palmer is an IT professional by day and entrepreneur and philanthropist by every other waking moment. In 2013, she founded the Atlanta arm of The Pink Agenda, a breast cancer nonprofit, after six years of fundraising for breast cancer causes. And she also is a travel blogger with close to 30,000 Instagram followers at @theblonderer. This spring, the Buckhead resident launched The Women Project, a membership organization that connects females throughout Atlanta. Having experienced the incredible support of women in her own life, Palmer wanted to create a platform to bring women together to help each other succeed, not only through networking, but also through workshops on everything from social media to banking, wellness retreats and more. “Over the last few years, so many amazing women I’m close with have been launching businesses or growing their careers and didn’t know each other. I thought, I have to figure out how to bring them together,” says Palmer. “I want The Women Project to be empowering and motivating for every woman and for us to be cheerleaders of one another.” Why is The Women Project important?

I believe that when women come together to support each other, so many great things happen. Multiple studies have been done on very successful women. Usually, they’re surrounded by a strong network of other successful women who have their backs and/or who have mentored them. Let’s stand up and support each other. Why just women? What about men?

From the moment we’re born, women start with a laundry list of issues that we have to overcome. We have to be pretty, skinny, smart, successful, perfect. If we are stayat-home moms, we’re judged for not working, and if we’re working, we’re judged for not being stayat-home moms. Not that men don’t have their own struggles, but we always start steps behind the line. What’s the biggest obstacle for The Women Project?

Getting the word out and women knowing about the organization. What has been your biggest accomplishment in life thus far?

The formation of The Pink Agenda in Atlanta in 2013. It was a way to turn something tragic, losing my mom to breast cancer in high school, into something positive. It’s a well-run

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

My goal is for The Women Project to take off and be a national organization. Maybe even expand internationally. We’ll have ambassadors in different areas who will lead the events. Wardrobe: Alberto Makali dress, courtesy of Tootsies; Badgley Mischka shoes, courtesy of Macy’s; Milan earrings and bracelets and Simon G ring, courtesy of Solomon Brothers Fine Jewelry.

I already have Miami, LA and New York on the docket. I’ll be involved, of course, but need someone to be the local point of contact.

KIERA PALMER FOUNDER, THE WOMEN PROJECT machine now. I’m the advisor for the organization, but not involved in the day-to-day. [Losing my mom] is probably part of why I keep wanting to make a difference in life in general and live with purpose. What advice would you give to someone following in your footsteps?

STORY:

I would say to just go for whatever is lighting your soul on fire. Whatever passion you feel, just do it. Every one of us fears the unknown—we’re afraid of failing and what people think—and you have to put that aside and focus on the positive. That’s the only way that things are going to get done. Go after it!

Karina Antenucci

Who do you believe is a Rising Star?

Lillian Gray Charles is amazing. She is one of the women who inspired me to launch The Women Project. She’s a stylist here in Atlanta and very involved in the community as well. She’s one of the biggest supporters of women I have ever seen. She’s doing really great things. n

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

JOY TRIBBLE STORY:

Karina Antenucci

trainer friend challenged Joy Tribble, a plus-size model and Atlanta radio personality of almost 20 years, to participate in a half marathon. When the friend forgot to register them both for the event, they ended up doing a 5K instead. “While there, everyone was very welcoming and kind, but I didn’t see anyone who looked like me,” says Tribble. “So

FOUNDER, THE PLUS STRUT 5K

I was concerned about being the last person across the finish line. I conjured up all these ideas in my mind. I thought, if I feel this way, other plus women must feel the same way.” Tribble began searching for active events, running groups and 5Ks that target women in the plus demographic. She discovered there was nothing out there. “In the last 8 to 10 years, there has been an uptick in the plus community in beauty and fashion in particular,” says Tribble.

“And while I thought all of that is great, there’s more to being plus size than just being pretty. I’m smart, too, and active. There is a white space in the area of wellness.” And so the idea for The Plus Strut 5K was born. In the midst of planning for its third consecutive year, Tribble is now focused on the event full-time. The USA Track & Field-sanctioned 5K, which takes place at Chastain Park in Buckhead, is catching fire.

Wardrobe: Betsy & Adam dress and Steve Madden shoes, courtesy of Macy’s; Simon G ring and Emsarn bracelet and earrings, courtesy of Solomon Brothers Fine Jewelry.

What feedback have you received from the women participating in the event?

It’s more than I anticipated. I had my own dream and vision of what it would be like, but I had no idea of the impact it would make on the participants. Women sent me emails about their gratitude to finally have a place to feel safe in their own skin. One woman was inconsolable at the finish line and told me, “I always start things but never finish them, and this is something I was able to complete.” What’s your ultimate goal with this event?

We want to be the premier fitness and wellness event for the plus community. We want to be the thing that women say is their bucket list item. What are you excited about in the year ahead?

My sponsors are saying that they want me to take this on the road. Now, we’re planning a ton for 2020. There will be lots of touring around the country. Somebody even said on Facebook, “How do we get this in London?” What’s the biggest obstacle you’ve faced in your life?

Fear has plagued me for years. The fear of failure, or success, maybe, but it’s always been a thing. What I’ve been able to do now is take fear along on the journey. It doesn’t go anywhere; I see that now. There have been a lot of things that have made me nervous about The Plus Strut, but I’m doing it anyway with fear as a wingman, I guess. What’s been your biggest accomplishment?

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

I just don’t know. I would have never thought a radio person would have become a race director. I want to make sure that I open every gift that God gives me. I want to impact the lives of others. I want to go on to the afterlife tired and empty.

Not compromising on things I don’t believe in. I’ve been fired from jobs for standing up for the right thing. People may say crazy things about you, but when I lay my head on my pillow at night, I know I didn’t compromise my character or behavior. What advice would you give to someone following in your footsteps?

Don’t give up. Jay-Z said something when he was interviewed by Warren Buffet: “The genius thing that we did was that we did not stop.” You’re going to run into roadblocks. They’re part of it. But you just can’t stop. Who do you believe is a Rising Star?

I can’t think of anyone else—me! n

C OVE R ST ORY

essica Davis is a perfect example of hard work and determination paying off. The self-described “design geek” was born in Australia and grew up in Dallas and Hong Kong. After graduating with a degree in art history from Princeton in 2000, she worked as a producer on Bob Vila’s show Home Again, which awakened her love for design. She went back to school to study interior design, then spent eight years working in the New York and Los Angeles offices of hospitality design firm Wilson Associates. But after becoming a mother, she wanted a change of pace. So in 2012, she launched her own firm, Nest Studio, and began promoting a hardware line she created with a friend who owned a lighting company. Nest’s tailor-made knobs and pulls for residential and hospitality projects combine mixed materials and high-end finishes, transforming what’s often seen as a functional item into a work of art. Through her website, blog and an early adoption of Pinterest, Davis made a name for herself, and soon showrooms were interested in her dramatic yet functional hardware. Today, Nest Studio’s fabrications are in approximately 50 showrooms around the U.S. and Canada, and internationally in London, Bangkok and Sydney. Most of the company’s employees are part-time working mothers who, like Davis, left the corporate world to have more flexibility. In January, Davis relocated from New Jersey to Atlanta for her husband’s job. Nest’s hardware side of the business remains up north, but Davis is looking to expand the firm’s interior design business in Atlanta. When she isn’t designing, Davis is busy being mom to two young children and renovating a mid-century modern home in the Paces neighborhood with plans to move in this summer. To what do you attribute your success?

Perseverance. Hardware has a long lead time, and the manufacturing process is labor and money intensive, so some of the designs I may have created four or five years ago, it takes a long time for them to come to fruition. It’s constantly tweaking and trying to figure out how to take a product from a sketch to market and not giving up because it might be taking a long time. What are some of the challenges you’ve encountered along the way?

The biggest challenge comes with manufacturing. We’re constantly trying to find partners who can do what we want because our products

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

I really want to expand my interiors practice down here. I feel like Atlanta is a great place to do interior design. People take pride in their homes and want to show that by the way they’re designed. I also, for some reason, love the idea of opening up a retail store that has a curated mix of home goods and fashion.

Wardrobe: Marchesa Notte dress, courtesy of Tootsies; Steve Madden shoes, courtesy of Macy’s; Milan ring and earrings, Variety ring and Simon G bracelet, courtesy of Solomon Brothers Fine Jewelry.

JESSICA DAVIS

STORY:

Giannina S. Bedford

OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR, NEST STUDIO tend to be specialized, and we tend to do a lot of mixed materials and interesting shapes that are more complicated to manufacture.

working with other people who are masters of their crafts.

What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment?

We do residential design as well as hospitality, bars and restaurants, and a house I did in LA was on the January cover of Better Homes & Gardens, which was exciting. My style is sort of across the board. I can veer more traditional or more modern, but the unifying element

Collaborating with artisans whose work I truly admire, from the likes of plaster artist Stephen Antonson to Iliahi Anthony in Hawaii, who is preserving the art of lauhala weaving. I’ve learned so much

is always a little bit of a mix. Who do you think is a Rising Star?

Do you have a favorite project you’ve worked on or a preferred style?

Katie Gong. She’s a woodworker/ sculptor I discovered via social media. She’s a woman using her hands and working in a field traditionally dominated by men, which I can relate to in the hardware world. I love too that she’s open to collaborating with people like me and other artisans and companies, from coffee shops to fashion brands. n

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

C OV E R S T ORY sugar alcohol fermented from melon and fruit. It’s like a form of kombucha. Do you follow a gluten-free or sugar-free lifestyle?

I’ve fallen in love with this lifestyle. I’ve lost 45 pounds since joining the team in May 2018. I still indulge in a piece of traditional chocolate cake once in a while. What’s your inspiration?

I had a diabetic come in celebrating her 90th birthday. She hadn’t had any sweets in 10 to 15 years. We cater to celiac disease, the low-carb keto lifestyle and diabetics. Even pediatricians are telling people to stay away from white refined sugar for learning disabilities and autism. We touch a lot of people. What drives you?

Making new things every day. I get bored really easily. I like to challenge myself. What’s the most unique item you’ve ever baked?

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

Copycat Girl Scout cookies. They were a pain in the butt to make, but you couldn’t even taste that they were low-carb or gluten-free. Also, the Sprankles cake. It’s like the Funfetti cake but in a Swiss roll with the sugar-free Sprankles on the inside and outside.

We want to open more loca-

What’s your biggest challenge?

tions of Zambawango. We’re looking in Florida and on the

Wardrobe: David Koma dress, courtesy of Tootsies; INC International Concepts shoes, courtesy of Macy’s; Milan earrings, Doves pendant and Harry Kotlar bracelets, courtesy of Solomon Brothers Fine Jewelry.

West Coast. We’re looking to expand to Midtown Atlanta, maybe in the winter of 2020.

KATHLEEN MCDANIEL EXECUTIVE PASTRY CHEF AND PARTNER, ZAMBAWANGO STORY:

Carly Cooper

s executive pastry chef and partner at Zambawango, a gluten-free, sugar-free and low-carb bakery in Sandy Springs, Kathleen McDaniel is used to pulling near-12-hour days. The single mom spent the last 18 years as the pastry chef at top area establishments including Davio’s and the Buckhead Life Restaurant Group. She’s even cooked at the James

Beard House and recently filmed an episode of a national food competition TV show she’s not yet at liberty to discuss. McDaniel’s background is in French desserts, but she jumped at the opportunity to open her own bakery last year, teaching herself to bake using non-GMO, plant- and root-based sweeteners, and coconut, almond and low-carb flours. “Zambawango refers to the land of possibilities,” says McDaniel. “We strive to make sweets with fewer

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

than 4 grams of carbs per serving.” Though Zambawango does offer traditional cinnamon rolls and croissants, everything from the creme brulee and carrot cake to the Key lime pie and peanut butter bites are low-carb. McDaniel even makes gluten-free bagels in four varieties. How did you learn to bake like this?

It’s been a huge learning curve. I’ve done a lot of reading and experimenting. I’ve thrown so much stuff away. I use Swerve sugar alternative. It’s a

Constantly keeping my customers on their tippy toes. You just can’t replace all-purpose flour with almond flour. It’s not a one-to-one substitution. We add things in, take things out and work with different thickening agents like xanthan. Who are your role models?

Claudia Fleming, a famous pastry chef, and Julia Child, for being a female chef. How do you define success?

Business is booming. We’re opening a commissary kitchen in Alpharetta this summer to take care of online orders. One success is things tasting and looking phenomenal because people eat with their eyes first. Second is knowing your customers and what they want. The demand for these products is very high right now. Who would you consider a Rising Star?

Heather Petty-Harris. She does makeup and microblading at Vis-a-Vis salon in Buckhead. It’s great to see people at my age (43), people I grew up with, becoming entrepreneurs. I like to see women empowerment. n

BRANDON P. FLEMING

FOUNDER, HARVARD DEBATE COUNCIL DIVERSITY PROJECT

randon P. Fleming is making the most of his second act in life. The first revolved around drugs, violence and gangs. Although it also included a college scholarship to play basketball, Fleming dropped out after an injury and went to work on an assembly line. At 18, he tried to kill himself. “All of those people who said I would never amount to anything, I proved them right, and I couldn’t live with that,” says Fleming. Now, a decade later, after turning his life around, he has proved them wrong. Fleming, a former teacher at the renowned Ron Clark Academy, is now the assistant debate coach at Harvard University. When he isn’t in Cambridge, he’s in Sandy Springs with the Harvard Debate Council Diversity Project, which he founded in 2017 to give African American students from public schools in the metro area the opportunity to attend a summer residential debate program at Harvard. Fleming, who has been widely recognized for his work, leads the project’s executive board, which raises $300,000 annually to pay the students’ way. Harvard gets a pipeline into some first-class debaters of color.

went back to school. I got a second shot, which is why I’m so passionate about the work I do. Do you see yourself in your students?

Yes and no. Many of them come from the same type of background I came from—not one of privilege. The difference is that I was not academically inclined. The students we serve are gifted and talented. After finally making it back to college, I was very determined to overcome a lot of learning deficits and become an intellect.

Why is mastering the art of debate such a powerful vehicle for students?

Debate is the great equalizer. It teaches the two most fundamental and transferrable academic and social skills that any successful and effective person needs: critical thinking and communication. It’s impossible to lead without the ability to persuade. It’s impossible to persuade without the ability to reason. And it’s impossible to reason without the ability to debate.

STORY:

Ann Hardie

Who do you believe is a Rising Star?

One of my students, Osazi Al Khaliq. He was part of our inaugural debate class who went to Harvard and won the tournament and will be attending Harvard on a full scholarship. This young man is so passionate about giving back. He came to me with the idea of offering free public speaking and civic engagement workshops for middle and high schools students throughout metro Atlanta. I’ve had the benefit of watching him rise and already, he’s doing great things. n

You’ve faced so many challenges in your life. Do you think those were necessary to get you where you are today?

My experiences were necessary to instill within me a sense of empathy. I honestly don’t think I’d change anything. If I hadn’t been working in a vitamin plant on the assembly line, which was the lowest point of my life and when I attempted suicide, I don’t think that I would really come to value education to the degree that I did. Quite honestly, I found my passion in a moment of pain. What made you want to live?

I had taken a lot of sleeping medicine to try to end my life. Luckily, I had a roommate at the time, and he found me and called an ambulance. As they were pumping pills out of my system, I made a promise to myself and to God that if I were given the opportunity, I would do things differently. A miracle happened, and that was my mother. She had retired from the military and had the GI Bill. Instead of using those education benefits for herself, she sacrificed them and transferred them to me so I could have another chance at life. I

WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS?

I hope to already have scaled the Harvard Diversity Project to other cities throughout the country.

Wardrobe: Calvin Klein suit, Ralph Lauren shirt, Tommy Hilfiger bowtie, Created for Macy’s pocket square and Bar III socks and shoes, courtesy of Macy’s; Sablier watch, courtesy of Solomon Brothers Fine Jewelry.

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SIMPLY DELICIOUS

Homesick for New York? Brooklyn Cafe’s tasty corned-beef-filled Reuben is a definite cure-all.

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Brooklyn Bound P68

Photo: Sara Hanna

If you ever want to see how and why a restaurant survives and thrives in a notoriously risky industry, visit Brooklyn Cafe and see how it’s done. July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

REVIEW

Accompanied by ruby tomatoes and balsamic greens, the smoked salmon is lusciously marbled and fragrant with hickory.

BROOKLYN BOUND Loyalists line up for a seat at Sandy Springs institution Brooklyn Cafe STORY:

Rebecca Cha PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

B Brooklyn Cafe goes Baja with the blackened mahi tacos. Don’t forget a spritz of lime.

rooklyn Cafe inspires one of those all-too-infrequent “a-ha” moments in a food writer’s life, a joyful reminder that when you think you’ve seen it all, traveled far enough and tasted everything under the sun, there still awaits a happy surprise or two. This popular 14-year-old cafe occupies the corner of a Sandy Springs strip mall near the new Performing Arts Center. Its casual, functional dining room, with its dark vinyl booths and gray walls, reminds me of the

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

dreary temp agency waiting room where, post college graduation, I sat pondering my future. But what Brooklyn Cafe lacks in posh interiors, it more than makes up for in food, price point and overall experience. First, let’s talk vino. Brooklyn Cafe hosts monthly wine dinners, where you can enjoy six wines paired with five food courses for $65. Testy when it comes to over-precise pours, I appreciate that when you order a wine by the glass here, they don’t base it on some skimpy you-get-4-ounces-and4-ounces-only standard like a lot of places do. I also like that the barkeep smiles and chats up his patrons. That top-notch service extends beyond the bar. One night, in fact, when we made an impromptu request to change tables, they bent over backwards to move three of us, plates and all, through a crush of people from one end of the restaurant to the other. Speaking of tables, given the restaurant’s popularity, procuring one in the afternoon is something of a feat here. (Hence, reservations are recommended.) On my first visit, my companion and I managed to snatch an empty spot at the bar. The cafe’s 15-plus-

item lunch menu leans toward the lighter side, so we began our repast with a selection of salads. The petite Caesar with its peppery cayenne croutons, hand-stacked romaine and golden Parmesan crisps was satisfying enough, but I adored the more complex, layered flavors of the salad with dried mission figs, walnuts and crumbled blue cheese. The table favorite, though, was the in-house smoked salmon salad (the salmon hickory smoked whole on-site). Accompanied by a thick disk of ruby red tomato and balsamic-dressed greens, it was the epitome of classic Big Apple deli fare. As our half-empty ice teas were perpetually being swapped out for fresh ones, we considered our next move, deciding that sandwiches were a logical follow-up to so much roughage. The blackened chicken sandwich—served, surprisingly, on rye bread—hit all the right notes with its juicy chicken, roasted red pepper, tangy arugula and creamy cheddar cheese. And who can say no to a side of those fantastic hand-cut fries? The Brooklyn Famous Reuben, which consists of slices of delicious corned beef tucked inside buttery toasted rye, crunchy sauerkraut, Swiss cheese and housemade Russian dressing, might not compare with some of the Reubens I’ve enjoyed in the namesake borough, but it was perfectly tasty and acceptable. Despite the crowded bar and occasional long waits, dinnertime at Brooklyn Cafe has

Above: The crisp-fried Georgia tomatoes drizzled with serrano cream are both pretty and palate-pleasing. Left: Jack’s Creole Chicken, Sausage and Rice, in a piquant cream sauce, is one of the many standout dinner options.

There’s not much I would change about Brooklyn Cafe, except maybe move it closer to my house. the mood and energy of a neighborhood party. On a follow-up meal one evening, we joined the blithesome crowd at the bar and ordered a couple of the aforementioned liberal pours from the carefully curated and fairly priced wine list. I selected the Petit Clos, a superb example of the flinty, smooth and often flowery New Zealand sauvignon blancs we’ve come to love. My fellow diner enjoyed her Viognier/Roussanne blend from Two Arrowheads, a relatively new wine from the Coppola family made at Virginia Dare Winery in California. When our tummy rumblings eclipsed the rowdy chatter, we ordered up the crisp-fried Georgia tomatoes drizzled with a mellow serrano cream that proved a perfect complement to our white wines. We followed that with the fresh blackened mahi tacos served with crunchy Spanish slaw along with a side of the cold wild rice salad, the latter a combination of wild and brown rice with a vanilla-yogurtand-olive-oil dressing that proved somewhat strange and forgettable. The crab cake salad,

on the other hand, was breathtaking. Served with crisp field greens in a delicate mustard sauce and vine-ripe tomatoes, the piping hot lump crab cake was the most exquisite I’ve ever had, and I will be returning often and soon to see if it can be replicated. With children at the table, it would’ve been inconsiderate not to order dessert, right? They had waited all night through “grown-up” food to get their hands on the mile-high double chocolate cake served with shot glasses of cold milk. But as decadent and cocoa-rich as it was, they couldn’t keep their forks out of the housemade Key lime pie with its golden graham cracker crust, tart custard and generous dollop of freshly whipped cream. There’s not much I would change about Brooklyn Cafe, except maybe move it closer to my house. If you ever want to see how and why a restaurant survives and thrives in a notoriously risky industry, visit Brooklyn Cafe and see how it’s done. n

Above: Light and citrusy, the housemade Key lime pie transports you to the Florida Keys. Left: Gluten- and filler-free, Brooklyn Cafe’s lump crab cake rivals any on the Eastern Seaboard.

BROOKLYN CAFE 220 Sandy Springs Cir., Sandy Springs 30328 404.843.8377 brooklyncafe.com Prices: Appetizers and salads: $7-$12. Sandwiches and mains: $11-$31. Desserts: $7. Recommended dishes: Classic Caesar salad with Parmesan crisps, fig and walnut salad, hickory-smoked salmon salad, mahi fish tacos, crab cake salad, milehigh double chocolate cake, homemade Key lime pie. Bottom line: The beloved neighborhood cafe offers flawless food and impeccable service year after year.

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

Brett Ferencz

D R I NKS

WATERMELON TOMATO MARGARITA Serves 1 2 ounces watermelon-tomato juice (see recipe below) 1 ½ ounces tequila ¾ ounce fresh lime juice ¾ ounce simple syrup (see directions below) Pinch of salt Basil for garnish WATERMELON-TOMATO JUICE:

1 ½ pounds watermelon, cubed 1 pound ripe tomatoes, quartered

Erik Meadows

For simple syrup, warm up equal parts sugar and water and stir until sugar is dissolved. To make watermelon-tomato juice, combine watermelon and tomato in blender or in a bowl with a hand blender. Purée until smooth. Pour through fine mesh strainer into bowl. Combine with tequila, lime juice, simple syrup and salt in a cocktail mixer or large glass filled with ice. Stir to chill and combine. Garnish with sprig of basil.

You Say Tomato,

The annual Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival celebrates the fact that tomatoes are equally as good in a glass as they are on plate.

I Say Cocktail The tasty fruit shouldn’t just be reserved for Bloody Marys STORY:

Angela Hansberger

he summertime thrill of slicing a vine-ripe tomato is a catalyst for poetry. They arrive in abundance and burst with color and lush flavor. Both juicy and fresh, their bewitching curves and delicious pulp taste of the earth. Their flavor is easily enhanced by a pinch of salt, providing that elusive umami flavor (the complex savoriness characteristic of foods such as mushrooms, Parmesan cheese and meaty broths) other fruits do not. So why not enjoy their essence in a glass, too, and give

your cocktail a fresh-from-the-garden herbaceousness? In honor of tomato season, and the annual Attack of the Killer Tomato Festival taking place on July 14, where more than 50 of the city’s top chefs and bartenders will pair with area farms to create imaginative tomato-centric dishes and libations, we share how the humble fruit isn’t just for salads and sauces, but for a range of tasty cocktails as well. Biltong Bar beverage director Sean Gleason is mixing with tomatoes again this year. He’s known for his Swallow My Vine, which he calls “needlessly complicated.” He first

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

uses a centrifuge to clarify heirloom tomato paste, sundried tomatoes and Green Chartreuse liqueur. He shakes the resulting mixture with London dry gin, housemade tomato and coconut syrups, lime juice and bitters, and serves it in a coupe with a fresh curry leaf for garnish and additional aromatics. “The tomato is one of the few ingredients that combines both high acid and a deep underlying umami character,” says Gleason. “It lets you craft drinks that are super bright, fresh and vegetal, while having complex depth and savory accents.” At King + Duke, beverage director Clarke Anderson adds an extra splash of summer to a Gin and Tonic with the enhancement of tangy-sweet Sungold tomatoes. He uses Bristow gin, flush with lemon peel and coriander aromatics, and stirs it with the bracing fizz of tonic, orange bitters and fresh tomatoes, then garnishes it

with a basil leaf for further flavor and fragrance. The cherry-sized Sungolds bob in the effervescence. It’s a little bit of garden magic in a glass. You can easily capture the essence of two quintessential summer fruits at home with a Watermelon Tomato Margarita (recipe above). The base of tequila plays well with tomatoes to make a clean-tasting refresher, and the watermelon rounds out the sweetness for a balance that is both juicy and fresh in a glass. It can easily be mixed in advance and served from a drink dispenser or large pitcher. Remember to stir often to keep ingredients combined. n

DETAILS Biltong Bar 306 Buckhead Ave. Atlanta 30305 678.927.9272 biltong-bar.com King + Duke 3060 Peachtree Rd. N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.477.3500 kinganddukeatl.com

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July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

FOODIE JOURNAL

Culinary News & Notes

BY:

Claire Ruhlin

Zesto has been serving favorites such as soft serve and chili dogs for seven decades.

Classic Comfort Zesto rings in its 70th anniversary with special menu items and deals

fixture on Piedmont Road in Buckhead since opening 70 years ago, Zesto Atlanta began its legacy with a menu comprised exclusively of soft-serve ice cream that was designed to compete with Dairy Queen. In the mid-1950s, as a move to boost sales, owner John Livaditis added hamburgers as an option and began selling Christmas trees in the parking lot during the winter (an operation Atlantans now

recognize as Big John’s Christmas Trees). Four additional locations and an even more diverse menu later, Zesto has become a longstanding Atlanta destination, known for its classic comfort food. “Step into any Zesto and you’ll notice we’re not a cookie cutter or corporate environment,” says John’s son, Jimbo, who now owns Zesto along with his wife, Leigh Ann Livaditis. “We’ve stayed true to our

roots from 1949, serving real ice cream and handmade milkshakes, malts with real fruit flavors and signature food offerings cooked to order.” Jimbo also attributes Zesto’s enduring legacy to its ability to evolve with the times, “from walk-up windows to curb service to drivethroughs,” and from serving only ice cream to experimenting with trends such as nonfat frozen yogurt. “I think a touch of nostalgia helps, too,” says Jimbo. “Where else can you get a Chubby Decker [burger], a footlong chili dog, a gyro, a banana split, chocolate malt, a Nut Brown Crown [soft serve covered in chocolate and nuts] and so much more?” In honor of its 70th anniversary, Zesto has introduced celebratory discounts and special menu items, so stop in soon for a taste of tradition. n Zesto 2469 Piedmont Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30324 404.237.8689 zestoatlanta.com

Chef Nick Anderson designed SweetWater’s new menu to pair with the plentiful suds on tap.

WHAT’S BREWING SWEETWATER’S RENOVATED TAPROOM REVEALS NEW MENU OF BEER-FRIENDLY DISHES SweetWater Brewing Company fans now have the option to dine while they drink. The taproom recently debuted its highly anticipated renovation, which includes a new menu from executive chef Nick An-

derson, formerly of Canoe, Rathbun’s and Ormsby’s. The options include both large and small plates, as well as “hefty sides” and snacks, many of which were made using SweetWater beer, or are designed to pair

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

perfectly with the brews on the menu. Using local ingredients is another priority, and produce is delivered to the kitchen weekly from local farms. The resulting fare includes items such as 420 boiled peanuts, spentgrain chicken tamales, G13 caramel corn and Big Green Egg beer-can chicken. “Most people come to SweetWater to enjoy the brews, and now we’ve made it easier for them to enjoy delicious, high-quality food with those brews,” says Anderson. “Our staff can easily

point customers to what beers pair best with which food items so they get the ultimate taste experience.” Anchoring SweetWater’s new layout is a center bar, where guests can order food and choose from 36 different beers. Large-scale, roll-up doors open up onto a patio, while glass windows provide views of the main brewery, allowing patrons to watch the brewing process as they drink and dine. n SweetWater Brewing Company 195 Ottley Dr. N.E. Atlanta 30324 404.691.2537 sweetwaterbrew.com

FOOD NEWS n City Springs in Sandy Springs recently welcomed 1920s-inspired restaurant The Select. Driven by Dave Green and David Lester, the team behind Paces & Vine, and executed by executive chef Matt Rainey, the restaurant’s menu takes inspiration from both American and European cuisine, as well as fresh, farm-to-table cooking. The bar menu highlights seasonal craft cocktails, local beer and wine. theselectatl.com

Chocolate Bouquet from The Select n Mexican food and margaritas have arrived at Northside Parkway’s Whole Foods Market 365. Onsite restaurant Loteria Grill serves all-day breakfast, as well as lunch, dinner, coffee and other beverages. Signature dishes include breakfast chilaquiles and tacos made with handmade tortillas. loteriagrill.com

n Atlanta’s popular fast-casual concept Gusto! is bringing its fresh bowls and wraps to Chamblee this fall. The new location, which will be situated on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard near Whole Foods Market, will also be the first to offer a drive-through. whatsyourgusto.com

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TA S T E M AKE R

experience. This is a way to have a Restaurant Eugene experience without the big price tag. You can complete it in 30 to 45 minutes. What appeals to you about pastry? So many things. Pastry is something you can get immediate satisfaction from. It’s an experience you can share with someone. I would make my own birthday cakes as a kid. My uncle and I used to watch old PBS cooking shows and I would get inspired to replicate some of those dishes at home. I wanted to go to culinary school after high school, but my parents wanted me to get a “real” degree. I studied interior architecture and cooked and baked for college friends. Eventually, I got a restaurant job plating dessert in San Francisco. Then I went to Le Cordon Bleu in London. Where do you like to eat in town? On the weekends [my husband and I] get ramen, rice bowls and a pastry at Momonoki. I would like to see more bakeries down here. I love The Little Tart Bakeshop and Momo Café (attached to Momonoki).

SWEET TOOTH

What’s your goal, career-wise? I really want my own cake shop— not a wedding cake business, but a cake cafe or market. I’m obsessed with Chinatown-style cakes. They’re super light, airy, creamy cakes with a lot of fresh fruit. That’s mostly what I make at home. I’ve made them for C. Ellet’s as well.

Restaurant Eugene pastry chef Jen Yee carefully crafts three courses of dessert

inton Hopkin’s Buckhead fine dining establishment Restaurant Eugene launched a dessert tasting menu in the spring. The mastermind behind it is executive pastry chef Jen Yee. An Atlantan by way of New York, London and San Francisco, the multiple James Beard Award nominee oversees the dessert programs at C. Ellet’s, Holeman and Finch Public House, Hop’s Chicken and H&F Burger, but her main focus is on Restaurant Eugene. She created a three-course dessert

tasting menu, offered at the bar and adjacent Salon, that consists of a sweet amuse bouche with a glass of bubbles, choice of five “mains” (including a cheese option) and a selection of petit fours. Wine pairings are also available. “We take pride in our desserts,” says Yee. “The bar is a very convivial place, and we thought it would be fun to offer more than just the regular dessert menu there.” The $22-per-person menu officially changes seasonally, but Yee says it’s “constantly morphing.”

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Carly Cooper

Why’d you decide to create a dessert tasting menu? I haven’t seen any dessert bars or dessert-focused menus anywhere in town. A lot of the restaurants in New York have dessert tastings. We thought it would be fun to offer something similar here. It’s a fun way to hang out at a bar, have some cocktails and enjoy dessert. Restaurant Eugene has this reputation of being a special occasion place. We’re trying to erase the stigma of having this long, drawn out, stuffy

What do you do for fun? I like to bake at home even though I do pastry for a living. My husband and I like to eat out. This is our first time owning a car together, so we take a lot of road trips, exploring other parts of Georgia. We went to Macon for the Cherry Blossom Festival, have been to Birmingham and visited Asheville. n

RESTAURANT EUGENE 2277 Peachtree Rd. Atlanta 30309 404.355.0321 restauranteugene.com

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July/August 2019 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

FEATURED RESTAURANTS

Nakato’s soba salad combines buckwheat noodles, cucumber, seaweed, hard-boiled quail eggs and more in one tasty bowl.

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

Brock, Rebecca Cha, Angela Hansberger

and Hope S. Philbrick

PHOTOS: Sara

ANIS CAFÉ & BISTRO Anis is everything you’d hope to find in a French bistro, without having to buy a plane ticket: traditional Provençal dishes, relaxed patio dining and often a small congregation of Frenchspeaking diners to help set the mood. Grilled North African-style Merguez sausage, coquilles St. Jacques or a bright, crisp salade d’Arnaud (named after the owner) are all winning starters. Entrées of truite meunière, poulet rôti and boeuf au poivre are sure to bring you back to that quaint Provençal village square. Best-in-class items are the croque monsieur, salade Niçoise, moules marinières and not-to-bemissed chocolate mousse. Lunch prices: $8-$19 Dinner prices: $8-$35 anisbistro.com

BIG SKY BUCKHEAD The laid-back cattle ranch decor in this West Village hotspot is the perfect foil for top-notch Tex-Mex-meets-DeepSouth eats. Specialty cocktails served up by fresh-faced mixologists combined with events such as Wednesday trivia nights, game-day viewing parties and weekend brunches with all-you-candrink mimosas make Big Sky Buckhead a favorite urban escape. Best-in-class dishes such as the Big Sky Nachos, Goose Island IPA wings, Original Burger

Hanna

and Buffalo Chicken Sandwich are good enough to brand this place in your memory forever. Good to know: Big Sky is a cashless establishment, so don’t forget your alt-currency. Also, free on-site parking spots are limited, so consider carpooling or ridesharing. Starters: $4-$12 Salads, sandwiches and tacos: $11-$13 Entrées: $15-$19 Brunch items: $12-$15 bigskybuckhead.com

CIBO E BEVE An unassuming strip mall cover belies the cozy sophistication awaiting inside this popular Sandy Springs trattoria. Chef Linda Harrell’s menu is punctuated with exquisite, simple fare such as Tuscan kale and bean soup and braised short rib ragu with spinach ravioli, and is anchored by classics such as woodfired pizzas and chicken parmigiana. Don’t bypass the Italian wine list with top-notch selections both familiar (Santa Margherita Vermentino) and obscure (Morgante Nero d’Avola). On Monday evenings, select bottles are half price. Weekends are especially busy, so plan your visit accordingly. Appetizers, soups and salads: $5-$16 Pasta, pizza and sandwiches: $13-$32 Mains: $23-$36 Desserts: $4-$8 ciboatlanta.com Big Sky’s Tres Tacos come with your choice of delicious beef, chicken or shrimp.

NAKATO JAPANESE RESTAURANT A dining treasure that celebrates authentic Japanese flavors and traditions, Nakato focuses on dishes made from scratch following classic recipes. Four distinct dining experiences are available: the main dining room, sushi bar, showy hibachi teppanyaki tables and private tatami rooms, where kimono-clad servers pamper guests. Artfully plated dishes across the menu are made using local ingredients and Japanese imports. A combo plate presents a menu roundup with options such as miso soup, pickled vegetables, beef teriyaki and calamari tempura. Don’t miss the soba salad, a toss of cold buckwheat noodles, cucumber, seaweed and hard-boiled quail eggs with sesame dressing. Trust server recommendations for a tasty adventure. Starters, soups and salads: $3-$17 Noodles and rice: $3-$15 Sushi: $2-$21 Tempura and dinners: $8-$58 Desserts: $5-$10 nakatorestaurant.com

PASTA VINO You can surely find trendier pizza parlors or posher places to eat Italian in Atlanta. But if you’re looking for old-fashioned linguini with clam sauce or chicken Florentine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere with a loyal following, this Buckhead favorite has got you covered. The restaurant is beloved by many for its home-style cooking, casual ambience, reasonable prices and a staff of servers who have acquired faithful customers of their own. Owner Nancy Powell treasures her crew, most of whom have been on the job for more than a decade. Given

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

the refined state of Italian dining in America today, Pasta Vino is not likely to win any awards for innovation or inspiration, but it remains a perfectly fine, frequently delicious trattoria. Starters and salads: $2-$10 Entrées: $10-$22 pastavinoatlanta.com

TRUE FOOD KITCHEN Don’t be put off by the mobs of hipsters waiting for a table or the funky menu items with unfamiliar ingredients such as hemp, flax and chia. Though it could easily be mistaken for an ephemeral, crunchy beardo hangout, True Food Kitchen is here to stay—not just because of its good intentions and exemplary karma, but because of its tasty eats. Favorites include the shiitake lettuce cups, spring asparagus toast and the T.L.T. (tempeh, lettuce and tomato) sandwich. Good for the uninitiated are the margherita pizza, steak tacos and Mediterranean chicken pita. Recommended drinks include the non-alcoholic Cucumber Cooler and Medicine Man tea or the buzz-inducing lemongrass margarita, citrus skinny margarita and Strawberry Smash. Starters and vegetable plates: $7-$13 Salads and bowls: $10-$14 (added protein $3-$9) Pizzas and sandwiches: $12-$16 Entrées: $14-$26 truefoodkitchen.com

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

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

As seen As seen in Bold in Bold Women Women of Buckhead of Buckhead

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

SIMPLY HAPPENING

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Karon Warren

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

HERE COME THE BRIDES COUTURE WEDDING GOWNS UNVEILED AT ANNUAL RUNWAY SHOW he annual Legendary Exclusive Elite Pour La Vie Haute Couture Fashion Show always provides bridesto-be a spectacular show, but this year, attendees will be treated to an exclusive sneak peek at noted wedding planner and designer David Tutera’s new David Tutera Atelier line. Tutera will be on hand to debut pieces from the collection, which will be available in stores in the fall. The event will also showcase high-end gowns and evening wear from a dozen-plus designers such as Zuhair Murad, Elie Saab, Berta and Naeem Khan, hailing from Lebanon, France, the Netherlands and other parts of the

world, along with select accessories and jewelry. A collaboration between two local powerhouses—Rawan Asad, the owner of Elite Pour La Vie bridal boutique in Alpharetta, and Tony Conway, the CEO and founder of Legendary Events—the show will take place August 29 at the fabulous Flourish venue in Buckhead, and will feature a pre-catwalk cocktail hour with an open bar and delectable hors d’oeuvres and desserts, along with live music and a display of luxury cars as beautiful as the dresses themselves. If you’re getting married, or just love a good fashion show, this is a can’t-miss event.

LEGENDARY EXCLUSIVE ELITE POUR LA VIE HAUTE COUTURE FASHION SHOW August 29 Flourish 3143 Maple Dr. N.E. Atlanta 30305 678.490.2227 elitepourlavie.com

Photos: Dash Digital Studio

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

E V E NTS

Capitol City Opera’s annual On the Light Side event has celebrated the music of everyone from Cole Porter to Leonard Bernstein. This year, they’re tackling the nostalgia of Woodstock in honor of its 50th anniversary.

BUZZ SLIME CITY

[ C U LT U R E ]

Summer of ’69 MUSICAL EVENT CELEBRATES 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WOODSTOCK Taking place on July 26 and 27, Capitol City Opera’s 27th annual On the Light Side fundraiser will pay homage to one of America’s most notable pop culture and musical events: Woodstock. “Audiences can expect to hear highlights from the great hippie musical Hair, as well as Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar,” says Catherine Giel, the

company’s music director. “We will also feature iconic songs of the time from bands such as The Byrds, The Fifth Dimension, The Beatles and more.” In addition to enjoying nostalgic tunes, attendees can also participate in a silent auction, trivia and a Woodstock-themed costume contest. Bring your own picnic dinner to make it a full evening.

ON THE LIGHT SIDE: SUMMER OF LOVE July 26-27, 6:30 p.m. $40 each; $300 for a table of eight Highpoint Episcopal Community Church 4945 High Point Rd. N.E. Atlanta 30342 678.301.8013 ccityopera.org

Through Aug. 30 nickslimecity.com Youngsters—and adults—who’ve seen their favorite celebrities get famously smothered in slime at Nickelodeon’s annual Kids’ Choice Awards can now get in on the action themselves at the brand’s first-ever pop-up experience. Visitors can don a poncho and play with and get slimed by the show’s signature green goo at various interactive stations throughout the 20,000-square-foot installation at Piedmont Peachtree Crossing.

MOVIE IN THE MOONLIGHT July 19 and Aug. 2 brookhavenga.gov/parksrec/ page/movie-moonlight-0 Grab your friends, a blanket and a picnic and head to one of Brookhaven’s city parks for a movie on the big screen out under the stars. Admission is free, and popcorn and other refreshments are available for purchase. Check website for location and films.

ANNUAL EMERGING ARTIST SHOW Aug. 2-31 anneirwinfineart.com This free annual exhibition at Anne Irwin Fine Art showcases pieces from approximately 40 up-and-coming artists working with a variety of media. The show provides a great way to get to know new artists.

[ N E A R BY ]

A Magical Experience EXHIBIT HIGHLIGHTS THE LEGACY OF HARRY HOUDINI Through Aug. 11, visitors to The Breman Museum can peek behind the curtain, as it were, into the life and career of deathdefying magician Harry Houdini. In the exhibit “Inescapable,” Houdini’s story is documented with artifacts, photos and archival records. “[The exhibition]

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

explores Houdini’s personal life, from his beginnings as a mischievous rabbi’s son to his desperate years in traveling circuses, his rise to stardom and the technologies that made it possible, and, finally, the true story of his untimely demise,” says Leslie Gordon, the museum’s executive director. Supplementary programming includes “Houdini in Early Cinema,” a lecture by John Cox on July 14, and Houdini’s Magic Block Party, a family event taking place July 21.

“INESCAPABLE: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF HARRY HOUDINI” Through Aug. 11; Sunday through Thursday 10-5, Friday 10-4 Adults $12, seniors $8, ages 3-6 $4, 2 & under free The Breman Museum 1440 Spring St. N.W. Atlanta 30309 678.222.3700 thebreman.org

SAM BURCHFIELD & THE SCOUNDRELS/ THE TRONGONE BAND Aug. 16 citysprings.com/events/ sam-burchfield-trongone-band Part of the City Green Live series of free concerts on the Green at City Springs, this concert features a blend of blues rock, funk and folk from Sam Burchfield & The Scoundrels and some good old-fashioned rock mixed with a little country from The Trongone Band.

CHILDHOOD CANCER

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July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

CH AR I TABLE

Andrew Vance-Broussard, Charles Barnett, Geoffrey Barnett

Jamal Terry-Sims, Octavius Terry-Sims Photos: Dylan York

DOGGIES ON THE CATWALK

J Alex Page, E. Vincent Martinez, Richard Valladares

Tomeca Shell, Melody Delatorre

une 1 was a memorable night at the Greenberg Traurig law firm in Buckhead, as more than 250 guests and a handful of adorable canines descended on its 25th-floor offices for the 12th annual Doggies on the Catwalk. Founded by Art Institute of Atlanta professor and style guru E. Vincent Martinez, the event benefits charities such as Canine Assistants, which trains and provides much-needed service dogs for individuals with physical disabilities or other special needs. This year’s soiree, which was emceed by Tad Lemire and Kara Wilson of Tad & Drex Mornings on B98.5 FM, included a cocktail reception featuring signature drinks and light bites, free makeup touchups courtesy of Dior, a live auction and models from Click strutting the runway in Saks Fifth Avenueprovided fashions from the likes of Balmain and Burberry. Several service dogs and their recipients were also honored. In all, this year’s Doggies on the Catwalk raised more than $50,000.

Malik Whitfield, Rosie Whitfield, Veronica Flam, Michael Flam

Angela Watts, Katie Kern

Ashley Stamoulis, Adrian McGraw

Sonny Hayes, Joanne Hayes, Henry Gonzalez

Jess Farrell, Laura Williams

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

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. 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.

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CH AR I TABLE

Jill Becker

Robert Dimson, Jared Kirschner Lee Ann Cartwright, Randy Yeomans Photos: Lynn Crow

BELIEVE BALL

O Lauren Gearon, Michael Gearon, Lisa Reeves, Bob Reeves Dave Holtz

ver the last five years, the annual Believe Ball has raised almost $5 million for CURE Childhood Cancer, which helps fund pediatric cancer research and provides support to local patients and their families. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gala, which took place at The St. Regis in Buckhead, raised another $1.4 million. The 600 attendees dined on a gourmet three-course meal, danced to the sounds of the band Moontower and bid on silent auction items that included diamond clover earrings from Brown & Co. Jewelers, tickets to the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl and an autographed Herschel Walker helmet. They also heard the brave and touching story of LeeAnna and Benji Hollis, whose daughter, Anna Charles, succumbed to acute myeloid leukemia at age 6. Another inspirational family, Eric and Claudeen Lindberg and their daughter and son-in-law, Lauren and Michael Gearon, was presented the Ragab Spirit of Home Award for their more than 35 years of devotion to CURE and its causes.

LeeAnna Hollis, Benji Hollis

Leslie Zacks, Tanya Zacks

Angie Callahan, Jennifer Sheldon, Heidi Nelson, Sheba Veeder, Jennifer Morge, Kirsten Rickers, Angela Chapin

Sonny Hayes, Joanne Hayes

Chris Glavine, Tom Glavine

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

S C EN E

READ ALL ABOUT IT The Brookins family’s Buckhead home features an adorable Little Free Library out front. PHOTO: Sara

July/August 2019 | Simply Buckhead

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For almost 30 years, the professionals at FirstService Residential have worked tirelessly to enhance the value of every property in the communities we manage and the lifestyle of every resident in our care. As Georgia’s leading manager of condominium and homeowners associations, we know what it takes to create great communities that residents are proud to call home. We start by putting the right teams in place – local property experts who deliver genuinely helpful service. Then we back them up with the tools and resources that only the leading property management company can provide. That’s how we make a difference, every day, for great communities like yours. To see how FirstService Residential can make a difference in your community, please contact Ashley Pafford at 404.201.6988 or visit bit.ly/SimplyBuckheadMag