October 2014 ISSUE 26 • FREE
YOUR GUIDE
TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA
THE
MEN’S ISSUE
ATLANTA HAWKS’ PAUL MILLSAP AND 4 OTHER BUCKHEAD CAREER DADS
ENVIABLE MAN CAVES
SUDS CITY:
BONUS: THE PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES WHO RESIDE IN OUR COMMUNITY
LOCAL BREWS AT LOCAL BARS
“We needed a bank with a proven track record.”
“At Atlanta Track Club, we believe in running for health and fitness. Being one of the largest running organizations in the country, we needed a bank to provide us with smart, innovative banking solutions. Georgia Commerce Bank is the right running partner for us.”
Rich
— Rich Kenah, Executive Director Chris Dierkes, Director of Finance
Chris
Georgia Commerce Bank has nine locations in metro Atlanta. Acworth
Brookhaven
770-975-4400 404-633-2150
Buckhead Century Center Cumberland Johns Creek 404-240-5000
404-633-2113
678-631-1240
Marietta Peachtree Corners Woodstock
770-887-9220 678-631-3600
gacommercebank.com
678-589-4200
678-388-5400
Kile Lewis, Co-CEO and Founder
Ted Jenkin, Co-CEO and Founder
Check out Ted Jenkin’s Lifestyle Advice on the Simply Buckhead website at w ww.simplybuckhead.com
Š2014 Porsche Cars North America, Inc. Porsche recommends seat belt usage and observance of all traffic laws at all times.
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SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® |
Photo: Pat Molnar
OCTOBER 2014
Photos: Sara Hanna Photography
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[ C OV E R S T ORY ]
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PLUS: SPOTLIGHT ON BUCKHEAD’S PRO ATHLETES
FAMILY GUYS 5 BUCKHEAD CAREER DADS
Contents [ F E AT U RE S ]
[ DE PA RT M E N T S ]
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HOME: MAN-WORTHY CAVES
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TRAVEL FAR: THE JEWEL OF SOCAL
Four personalized man caves steal the show
13 LETTERS
49 SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
15 SIMPLY NOW
57 SIMPLY DELICIOUS
33 SIMPLY STYLISH
85 SIMPLY HAPPENING
Experience La Jolla’s alluring beauty with a stay at La Valencia Hotel
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TRAVEL STAYCATION: WHEN LIFE’S A PEACH
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GOING, GOING... GONE!
42 TIE CRAZY! Treat yourself to one (or more!) of these fabulous wardrobe additions
Taking it slow in Peachtree City
Atlanta antiques head to local auction block
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FIRE IN THE BELLY Meater-tainment quotient sizzles at Fogo de Chão Photo: Sara Hanna Photography
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
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YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA
Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Sandy Springs OCTOBER 2014 | ISSUE 26 P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 www.simplybuckhead.com For advertising rates call: 404-538-9895 Publisher and Founder
[ F E AT U RE D C ON T RI B U T OR ]
Joanne Hayes Chief Financial Officer
Sonny Hayes Editor-In-Chief
Giannina Smith Bedford Creative Director
Alan Platten Associate Photo Editor
Sandra Platten Vice President, Sales & Marketing
Cheryl Isaacs cheryl.isaacs@simplybuckhead.com
Account Executives
Kyle Wilcox Garges kyle.garges@simplybuckhead.com
Amy Barbieri amy.barbieri@simplybuckhead.com
D. Aileen Dodd D. Aileen Dodd is an award-winning reporter with nearly 25 years of experience in journalism. She has a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and is a former staff writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution; The Miami Herald; The Sun-Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; and The Times of Hammond, Indiana. Dodd has won state awards and national recognitions for feature writing and investigative reporting. She has also appeared on MSNBC, Headline News, and National Public Radio to discuss her national news stories. Dodd is the widow of the late CNN Editor Lateef Mungin and the mother of two daughters. In this issue of Simply Buckhead, Dodd pens the cover feature, introducing us to some of Buckhead’s dynamic family men and sports athletes who call the area home.
WordPress Developer
Jason McCullough Contributing Writers
Wendell Brock H.M. Cauley Maria Carter Carly Cooper D. Aileen Dodd Jim Farmer Jennifer Bradley Franklin Natalie Mae Fressell Mickey Goodman Alexa Lampasona Olivia Putnal DeLong Kate Parham Kordsmeier Kelly Skinner Karina Timmel Chief Photographer
Sara Hanna www.sarahanna.com Cover Photography
Pat Molnar Photographer
Tyler Welbron Graphic Designer
Gvantsa Giorgobiani Copy Editor
Ellen Glass Editorial Intern
Natalie Mae Fressell Legal Counsel
Scott I. Zucker 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 © 2014 by Simply Buckhead®. All rights reserved. Printed by Walton Press, Inc. Distributed by Distributech, Network Communications, Inc., and Distribution Services Group.
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October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
FIND US ONLINE Read Simply Buckhead online at
www.SimplyBuckhead.com with click-through capability
Facebook facebook.com “Like” or “Friend” us at LivingWellATL Twitter twitter.com Follow us @SimplyBuckhead
690 Miami Circle NE, #150 Atlanta, GA 30324 404-467-1200 [ C OV E R S T ORY U P DAT E ]
Welcome to Buckhead!
Simply Buckhead’s Giannina Smith Bedford and Joanne Hayes with Buckhead Coalition President Sam Massell and OliverMcMillan CEO Dene Oliver at the grand opening of Buckhead Atlanta.
www.anneirwinfineart.com
After featuring the under-construction Buckhead Atlanta development on the cover of our March/April 2014 issue, Simply Buckhead was proud to be back on site for the Sept. 18 unveiling of the long-awaited project. Dene Oliver, CEO of OliverMcMillan, and Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed shared comments and placed the ceremonial final brick before attendees had a chance to stroll the shiny new interiors of open retailers Brunelli Cucinelli, Canali, Etro, Hermes and Theory, all exciting new additions to our neighborhood!
[ P ROU D M E M B E R OF ]
[ P ROU D S P ON S OR OF ]
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
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Buckhead’s team for total wellness. PROVEN SCIENCE IS THE CORE OF OUR APPROACH.
Jamie Bodner
Certified Personal Trainer & Fitness Expert
Laura Bodner
Certified Personal Trainer & Licensed Professional Counselor
t
Lose Fat + Get Stronger in 3 months Guaranteed or your money back! ▲ PERSONAL TRAINING ▲ GOLF FITNESS CLASS ▲ Tennis Fitness Class ▲ Pilates on Reformer ▲ Pinnacle Pump Weight + Cardio Class ▲ Nutrition Counseling ▲ Infrared Sauna ▲ Weights + Cardio Class with Kinesis ▲ Licensed Wellness Counselor
www.PinnacleFitnessGym.com Located in Buckhead at 3215 Cains Hill Place NW
404.228.3705
SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® |
Letters
[ E DI T OR ’ S L E T T E R ]
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FROM OUR TWEET HEARTS AND FACEBOOK FANS! Follow us @SimplyBuckhead and on Facebook (LivingWellATL)
Love our olive oil? Now you can purchase it from the restaurant! @SimplyBuckhead has the scoop. – @BuckheadLife WOW Olivia!!! That’s an amazing article and Sarah did a GREAT job with all of thepix as well ... The cover looks amazing … I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE that she used our school and my students!!! – Freda Hamilton, Sarah Smith Elementary
Check out our gorgeous #rosegold #HeatherHawkins earrings featured in this month’s @SimplyBuckhead. – @ShopHunterAtl
Thank you for the beautiful piece that Olivia Putnal did on Dr. Freda Hamilton in the September issue. She is so deserving of this recognition and we are so grateful that you included her and for the beautiful article. – Kimberley Simms, Sarah Smith PTA
Check out this amazing review of #LoewsAtlanta from our friends at @SimplyBuckhead! – @Loews_Hotels
What a lovely [home feature] article! We are so pleased. Thank you for having included us. – Maria McCool
Check out our phenomenal teachers and students featured in @SimplyBuckhead magazine! – @apsupdate
Thank you and Jim for the great article in the September issue of Simply Buckhead, which I read online. Jim did a great and thorough job of interviewing me for this article. I was very impressed with the many thoughtful questions he asked me. What an excellent writer he is! – Lee Harper Vason I am so glad you loved Greenville so much (I feel like I can truly read your passion and excitement in every word). – Taryn Scher, TK PR
OCTOBER 2014
Loving the #September issue of @SimplyBuckhead! Check out @ShopHunterAtl repping the rose gold trend on pg.42! #rosegold #atlfashion – @Jessi_Ford Greenville is featured in @SimplyBuckhead, an upscale Atlanta magazine #yeahthatgreenville – @CBCaine
’d like to think that growing up with two older brothers
gave me a pretty good understanding of men, but let’s be honest, there is always more to learn. So putting together this “Men’s Issue” was a blast! In these pages you’ll find an ode to males from Photo: Sara Hanna Photography all walks of life—from professional sports athletes to small-business owners—who happen to call our fabulous community their home. In our cover feature, writer D. Aileen Dodd shares the stories of hardworking dads who, along with having demanding careers, are raising strong families. When Hawks player and NBA All-Star Paul Millsap isn’t on the road, you can find him at home enjoying family dinners and helping his four kids with homework. Along with running women’s apparel store DEKA, Jim Whitlow is a single father of four kids who each look up to their dad for his ability to juggle it all. Self-proclaimed “Soccer Dad” Scott Selig of Selig Enterprises schedules his business appointments around his sons’ games and social activities. In this issue we also feature the local spots that cater to these fascinating men—the barbershops and shoe-shiners who keep them looking their best— and highlight some man-centric delights, from local craft beers to scotch and cigars. Our Restaurant Review appropriately covers Fogo de Chão, a manly meateating temple, and our Home Feature sneaks a peek into four impressive man caves, including those of Q100’s Bert Weiss and NFL veteran Wayne Gandy, who, by the way, has a bar, multiple TVs, a jukebox and a bowling lane in his out-of-this-world cave.
[ L E T T E R B OX ]
Simply Buckhead also had the chance to sit down with former NFL linebacker Takeo Spikes to talk about his new hobby and chat with up-and-coming Braves pitcher Alex Wood. Read on to find out what they are up to during their spare time. After all, you may think you know them, but there is always so much more to learn.
Tell us what you think! Send your comments, compliments and criticisms to editor@simplybuckhead.com. All letters will be considered for publication and may be edited for length and clarity.
Giannina Smith Bedford
I enjoy your publication immensely. – Robbie Colgin, The Atlanta Red Book
editor@simplybuckhead.com
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
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Estate for the Fantastic house. Fantastic view. Fantastic development. Understated elegance defines it all. Quintessential 3BR/3.5BA mountain retreat includes open floor plan, large rooms, soaring ceilings, chef's kitchen with granite countertops, built-ins, breakfast bar, ba a dining area that begs for a dinner party, professional workshop and attached garage. Custom throughout. Fireplaces in dining area/master suite. Ample decking! Furniture package available. Offered at $825,000.
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E V E N T S | L O C A L S A L U T E | T R AV E L | A P P R O V E D | P E T S
SIMPLY NOW
TRAVEL FAR
The jewel of SoCal P24
La Valencia’s centerpiece is an ocean-view heated pool with an adjoining inground whirl pool gazebo, both elevated above Ellen Browning Scripps Park and La Jolla Cove.
La Jolla—home to La Valencia Hotel—is a hilly seaside community with sparkling ocean vistas, glowing sunsets and dreamy temperatures. October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
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Award-Winning Cuisine. Memorable Dining.
Simply Buckhead
Congratulates Tom Glavine on his induction into the Hall of Fame
ATL ANTA F ISH MA R KE T Seafood
B ISTRO NIK O Neighborhood French Bistro
B U CK HEAD DIN E R New American
CHO PS L O B STE R BA R Prime Steaks & Seafood
CO RNER CAFÉ European Style Café & Bakery
K Y MA Mediterranean Seafood
PRICCI Contemporary Italian
VE NI VIDI VICI Classic Italian
1 0 3 WEST
We applaud your successful career, dedication to your family, and unwavering passion to help find a cure for pediatric cancer.
Private Events
B O CA RATO N CHO P S L O B STE R BA R Prime Steaks & Seafood
CITY F ISH MARKE T Seafood
Tom Glavine’s work off the field rivals his undeniablysuccessful career. In addition to dedicating countless hours to the cause, Tom and his wife Chris have raised more than $4 million for Georgia-based non-profit CURE Childhood Cancer. CURE is dedicated to conquering pediatric cancer through funding targeted research and through support of patients and their families. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit www.curechildhoodcancer.org.
F O R T L AU DE RDA L E L O B STE R B AR S E A G R I L L E Pristine Whole Fish, Live Lobsters & Prime Steaks
Simply Buckhead applauds the Glavines and is proud to support CURE Childhood Cancer.
1117 Perimeter Center West, Suite N-402, Atlanta, GA 30338 770 986 0035 | 800 443 2873 | 770 986 0038 Fax www.curechildhoodcancer.org
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October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
S I M P LY NOW
E V E N TS
Above: On Oct. 17, Buckhead Theatre transforms to welcome TEDxPeachtree, a regional spinoff of TED Talks.
[ F E AT U RE D E V E N T ]
BRAIN GAIN A BUCKHEAD VERSION OF TED TALKS BRINGS SPEAKERS ON SPACE EXPLORATION, ARCHITECTURE AND MORE
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all it the Dragon Con of intellectual curiosity: On Oct. 17, TEDxPeachtree—a regional spinoff of TED, the nonprofit dedicated to “ideas worth spreading”—presents 12 speakers at The Buckhead Theatre sharing feats of “human ingenuity” in architecture, biology, engineering, “play making,” space exploration and more. This year’s theme is “Illuminate!” Presenters include Shannon Zirbel, a NASA Space Technology Research Fellow who applies her work in mechanical engineering to enable progress in space exploration; Erico Mattos, a scientist-entrepreneur who holds patents on the biological feedback control of LED lights; and Dr. Adam Marcus of Emory University’s Winship Cancer Institute, who studies how cancers metastasize in order to develop more effective treatments. These lectures aren’t your typical college snooze fests: With just 18 minutes allotted to each expert, talks are short, sweet and no challenge to one’s attention span. The all-volunteer committee of TEDxPeachtree also goes to great lengths to ensure talks are noncom-
mercial and nonpartisan—ideas are the center of attention here. Between talks, guests are encouraged to “converse with conference speakers,” network with fellow attendees and “explore new perspectives.” At 4:30 p.m., move the conversation to Buckhead’s Czar Ice Bar, site of the official after-event meet-up; cash bar, open to the public. General admission is $159, but Simply Buckhead readers can score $20 off using promo code illuminateHYPE for purchases made online at www.tedxpeachtree2014.eventbrite.com. Admission includes coffee, lunch and afternoon refreshments. Scholarships are available as well. Come prepared to be inspired and enlightened!
Right: Speakers such as last year’s Aurora Robson, a multimedia artist and environmental activist, inspire crowds to become catalysts for change. Below: Not your typical lecture, TEDxPeachtree talks are interactive, highly engaging and last just 18 minutes.
– Maria Carter
TEDXPEACHTREE 2014 Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Buckhead Theatre 3110 Roswell Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.509.7145 www.tedxpeachtree.com
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
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S I M P LY NOW
E V E N TS
[ FA M I LY-F R I E N DLY ]
BLOCK PARTY Lego pumpkin building draws a crowd during Legoland’s month-long “Brick-or-Treat.”
LEGOLAND SERVES UP SCARY GOOD FUN WITH MONTH-LONG SEASONAL FESTIVITIES All treat, no trick: Weekends in October bring a full itinerary of seasonal kids’ activities to Legoland Discovery Center in Phipps Plaza. In addition to mainstay attractions like Lego 4D Cinema and Kingdom Quest Laser Ride, the attraction’s “Brick-or-Treat” lets little architects and builders (ages 3 to 12) try their hands at “pumpkin” building in the center’s Lego pumpkin patch, fall-themed scavenger hunts and a pumpkin number-guessing con-
test in MiniLand. There will be plenty of treats, too, doled out by Legoland staffers at various points throughout the play place. As the month comes to a close, guests are invited to dress in their Halloween best for a chance to nab a highly coveted Lego trophy during costume contests on Oct. 25 and 26, at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. both days. First place will snag an annual Legoland pass, runner-up gets a family four-pack of tickets and third
place will take home a “mini build” kit with bricks and instructions on how to make October’s themed model (a surprise, but previous models include dragons, planes and helicopters). “Brick-or-Treat” is included in the regular price of admission (online price is $13.50 plus tax). Advance tickets are recommended to guarantee entry and may be purchased online at www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com. – Maria Carter
BRICK-OR-TREAT Weekends in October Fridays & Sundays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Legoland Discovery Center Phipps Plaza 3500 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.848.9252 www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com
[ F RE E E V E N T ]
CULTURE CARNIVAL THE ATLANTA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL’S SIGNATURE EVENT BRINGS THE WORLD TO BUCKHEAD
Where to next? Representatives from more than 18 countries show off their native customs and cuisine at WorldFest.
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Think it’s all about hole-y cheese, watches and army knives? Find out at WorldFest’s Switzerland table.
Calling all culture vultures! WorldFest, an annual event produced by the Atlanta International School, will feature food, music, art and traditions imported from six of the seven continents. Not to mention that the students, parents and faculty at AIS represent more than 93 countries, so you know you’ll be mingling with a worldly crowd! The multiculti affair—now in its 29th year—takes place on campus Oct. 26 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. This year’s Renaissance-themed festival lets you taste foods WORLDFEST from more than 18 countries as you are entertained by live Oct. 26; 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. performances from minstrels, jesters and jugglers and a weapons Atlanta International School demonstration from knights in armor. Kids can enjoy rides, 2890 North Fulton Drive N.E. bounce houses, a two-story inflatable slide, arts and crafts and Atlanta 30305 more. Entry is free and attendees may purchase tickets for food, 404.841.3840 games and crafts at the door; cash only. Proceeds benefit AIS. – Maria Carter
www.aischool.org
Daily dog walks and pet care services for happy clients all over Buckhead, Brookhaven, and North Atlanta since 2007
404-432-1192
www.BuckheadPaws.com
Lillian offers in-home wardrobe consultations,personal shopping, virtual styling and Stylish Empowerment seminars to clubs and corporations across the country.
wardrobe editing personal styling custom lookbooks virtual styling wedding styling vacation packing special event shopping
843.267.0902 LGCStylist8@gmail.com
www.LILLIANCHARLES.com
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead 
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It’s time for you to take that important step towards a healthier and fuller life. Northside Hospital is celebrating
Live Better. Live Healthier.
30 years of bariatric excellence with the commitment to helping people battle obesity and take control of their lives. Call us to learn more about weight loss surgery and take that first step to a healthier you.
Atlanta (404) 845-5457 Forsyth (770) 292-4726
northside.com/bariatrics
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S I M P LY NOW
LOCAL SALUTE STORY:
Mickey Goodman
Jill Binkley (right), TurningPoint executive director and physical therapist, helps patient Kim Johnson (left) with a strength exercise.
Turning the Tables on Cancer TurningPoint helps survivors live full lives National Breast Cancer Awareness Month every October is a stark reminder that, after diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer remains a beast that needs taming and nurturing. Since 2003, TurningPoint Breast Cancer Rehabilitation, a nonprofit based in Sandy Springs, has helped more than 2,500 women on the road to normalcy. “What sets us apart is our comprehensive care along with our individualized programs coordinated by primary care physical therapists. They include physical and massage therapy, nutrition and lymphedema management,” says Karen Burpo, community outreach director. Referrals for the program come from medical professionals at hospitals and fellow patients. “When I was referred to TurningPoint, I realized I had about 1 percent of the knowledge I needed,” said Sandy Springs
resident Taurus Dotson, a breast cancer survivor. “They got my lymphedema under control and helped with postural issues, legacies of the mastectomy and reconstruction. “The therapists make you feel comfortable and motivate you,” Dotson says. “No self-pity is allowed. But it’s not just work, work, work. They make it fun.” The evidence-based program, a partner with the American Cancer Society, is the only one of its kind in the Southeast. Many staff members, including the director, Jill Binkley, and Burpo, are breast cancer survivors, making them sensitive to the special needs of patients. “Finances are never a barrier to treatment, and health insurance covers some portions,” Burpo says. l For more information, visit www.myturningpoint.org.
Numbers Too Big to Ignore Providing the tools for self sufficiency
Sue Wieland (left) congratulates Mireille Kibibi (right) on winning the 2013 Embracing the Possibilities Award.
The Atlanta Women’s Foundation (AWF) was created in 1986 to help move girls out of generational poverty into economic self-sufficiency. “To date, we’ve invested $13 million and helped thousands of women with mentoring, child care and retraining,” says Kelly Dolan, executive director. This year a pair of noteworthy Buckhead residents are taking the reins of the Foundation’s annual fundraiser. Katie Bayne, president of North American Brands, CocaCola North America group and AWF board member, and Laurie Ann Goldman, former CEO of Buckhead-based Spanx, are chairpersons for the 2014 luncheon, “Numbers Too Big to Ignore.” Open to the public, the event takes place Nov. 6 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m. with 1,500 top professionals in attendance. “I love organizations that are clear about their mission and effective at what they do,” Goldman says. “In the way an avalanche is
made up of individual snowflakes, women united with focus can change anything.” Goldman and Byne chaired the fundraiser to show case the possibilities for women in Atlanta and infuse them with a sense of direction. Patricia Sellers, Fortune magazine’s senior editor-at-large, is the keynote speaker. AWF’s luncheon includes the presentation of the Sue Wieland Embracing Possibility Award. Last year’s winner was Mireille Kibibi, who survived the 1994 genocide in Rwanda and came to the United States in 2005. “With help from programs funded by AWF, she graduated from Berry College with a degree in accounting,” says Kate Balzer, AWF development and communications manager. Kibibi has since become a mentor, helping other refugee women realize their dreams. l To obtain luncheon tickets visit www.atlantawomen.org or call 404.577.5000.
Furry Friends Provide Unconditional Love Facility dogs ease the pain of treatment for young patients In 1991, Jennifer Arnold founded Canine Assistants to train dogs to aid people with disabilities. Since then, the organization has had far-reaching effects—including touching the lives of critically ill kids at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s three campuses. Connecting the two organizations was the inspiration of Sandy Springs resident Betty Haake and Kathy Walker, both volunteer trainers for Canine Assistants and CHOA. The women, along with a loving golden retriever named
Carey, gave a presentation at CHOA in 2004 to demonstrate the ways dogs could help young patients. Officials at the hospital agreed to give it a try. “Kathy’s son was a frequent patient, and she knew how the dogs she trained for Canine Assistants have helped him,” Haake says. “He didn’t need pre-op medication to calm him down if a dog was at his side.” Today, the popular program has seven full-time facility dogs on staff that rotate among the three CHOA
locations, along with 30 volunteers. Haake also brings her own therapy dog on regular visits. The pooches help calm kids prior to getting injections, work with physical therapists or simply snuggle in bed as long as comfort is needed. This “distraction motivation” helps ease the pain of treatments. “The best part is seeing the smile on a child’s face when our dogs enter the room,” Haake says. “It even gives them something to look forward to if they are ‘frequent flyers’ at the hospitals.”
Veteran CHOA volunteer Betty Haake and Wonka, a facility dog, offer comfort to young patients undergoing treatment.
l To learn more, visit www.choa.org or www.canineassistants.org.
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
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S I M P LY NOW
TR AV E L N E A R
THE INN AT SEA ISLAND Horseback ride Sea Island’s sandy beaches or spend a day on the resort’s award-winning golf courses before retreating to the quaint comfort of The Inn at Sea Island.
Affordable abundance Renowned getaways debut mid-priced lodgings
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wo of Buckhead’s favorite destinations are making escapes to the coast and mountains a little more reasonable. Sea Island and Highlands, North Carolina’s Old Edwards Inn both launched mid-priced properties this year that, while offering lower cost accommodations, also give visitors access to many of the historic properties’ top-notch amenities. Continuing the same philosophy of service and comfort as their highfalutin sister lodgings, these more casual homes-awayfrom-home are ideal for a guys golf trip or a laid-back family weekend. Read on to get the scoop.
THE INN AT SEA ISLAND Let us introduce you to the 85-room The Inn at Sea Island, which offers guests the best of Sea Island’s luxe amenities at a fraction of the cost (rates starting at $185 per night). If anteing up the money for a few nights at the five-star The Cloister at Sea Island ($560 starting rate) isn’t
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in the budget, or you just prefer an unfussy environment where the kids can run wild, this is the place. Technically, it’s located on St. Simons, but only 2 miles from the Sea Island gate. The best part: You can come and go as you please via the complimentary shuttle or with a special guest pass. Enjoy (almost) all the same perks on-island guests do— from golfing at three championship courses and spa treatments to sailing and fishing. The only catch is the Sea Island Beach Club, where Inn guests must purchase day passes from $50 to $200 per room (up to two adults and two kids) depending on the day of the week and season. To use the Fitness Center on Sea Island, there is also a daily fee of $25 per person, but the Inn does offer its own workout room. It may not be enormous, but it does the trick. During a recent stay at the freshly minted Inn, I headed to Sea Island to dine on rustic Italian at Tavola Ristorante—don’t miss the classic meat
FEATURE:
Giannina Smith Bedford
lasagna and margherita pizza with hand-pulled mozzarella—go on a salt marsh boat tour, enjoy a horseback ride on the beach and take a tennis lesson at The Cloister Tennis Center. At the end of a busy day I happily retreated back to my comfy, blue and white beach-styled room off-island. If you don’t want to shuttle over for all activities, The Inn at Sea Island boasts its own outdoor pool and complimentary continental breakfast as well as a full-service evening bar. One Sea Island bonus that definitely should not be missed, however, is a visit to Forbes Five-Star The Spa at Sea Island. I arrived early enough for my treatment to spend ample time luxuriating in nearly all the perks of the blissful sanctuary, from the sauna and steam room to the thermal mineral soaking tubs with solar salts (thought to alleviate tension and soothe skin). Following my heavenly one-hour facial, I relaxed in a chaise lounge in the tree-filled Garden Atrium. As I reclined in my plush robe
sipping cucumber-infused water, I thought to myself, “I could really get used to this.“ Luckily, with the addition of The Inn at Sea Island, that is an entirely realistic possibility.
200 MAIN Highlands, North Carolina’s Old Edwards Inn has long been a preferred mountain retreat for the well-heeled. In June, the legendary hotel opened a new property, 200 Main, to provide the same renowned service at a lower price point. Situated on a wooded hillside overlooking Main Street, about a half mile from the main Inn, the more casual lodging features 49 rooms that range in price from $95 to $185 per night—a deal when compared to Old Edwards’ rates of $199 during the low winter season to $280 for a Historic Inn room in high season. Formerly operating as the Mountain High Lodge, 200 Main underwent an extensive renovation that transformed guest rooms and bathrooms in “mountain-chic” style
200 MAIN From top to bottom: 200 Main’s onsite amenities include an outdoor fire pit, select rooms with fireplaces and balconies and a well-appointed social gathering room.
with plantation shutters on the windows, hardwood floors in the guest rooms and heated marble floors in the bathrooms. Some rooms even feature private balconies and fireplaces. When not lounging inside your stylishly rustic room, take a dip in the hourglass-shaped outdoor heated mineral pool or relax with a glass of wine on the outdoor terrace next to the fire pit. In the morning, 200 Main guests are treated to coffee, muffins and fresh whole fruit in the lobby. If you’re a spa-goer (who isn’t?) make an appointment at The Spa at Old Edwards Inn and spend the afternoon enjoying the stonebottomed whirlpools, Fireside Relaxation Lounge and Serenity Solarium. Prior to my 50-minute massage I did just that and could have stayed all day. Guests at 200 Main can also take advantage of golf at the private Old Edwards Club—previously available only to members or guests of Old
Edwards—and indulge in the culinary creations of Chef David Young at The Grill Room, a full-service bar and restaurant at the club. Although a tiny bit farther from the heart of downtown, 200 Main is still very much within walking distance to Highlands’ talked-about high-end boutiques, antique shops and restaurants. The best part: Since you’re saving some dough on your hotel room, you can use that extra jingle to score some designer duds. n
Fun is always in bloom. The streets of Macon are alive with family-friendly fun. No matter when
VISIT The Inn at Sea Island 100 Salt Marsh Drive St. Simons Island 31522 855.246.8166 www.seaisland.com/inn-at-sea-island 200 Main 200 Main Street Highlands, North Carolina 28741 828.526.2790 www.200main.com
you visit, there’s a festival, music event or celebration to keep the streets vibrant. Bring the whole family –whatever’s blooming in Macon is sure to be fun. #MaconMemories
VisitMacon.org
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
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Taking up prominent real estate on La Jolla’s Prospect Street, La Valencia Hotel’s vibrant stucco exterior earned it the moniker “The Pink Lady.”
The jewel of
SoCal Experience La Jolla’s alluring beauty with a stay at La Valencia Hotel FEATURE:
Giannina Smith Bedford
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a Jolla. It means “the jewel.” A hilly seaside community with sparkling ocean vistas, glowing sunsets and dreamy temperatures (typically topping off in the mid to upper 70s), this affluent San Diego enclave truly depicts the beauty of a flawless gemstone. In the heart of the community that occupies 7 miles of curving coastline is another enchanting pink stucco jolla: La Valencia Hotel. My husband and I had the pleasure of taking a few days’ rest at this historic 112-room Southern California haven adorned in Spanish mosaics, terraced gardens and fountains. From the moment we stepped into the Mediterranean-style building, saw the striking view of the rocky coastal cliffs and breathed in the fresh air from the hotel’s high perch, we were in love. It’s the kind of place where ocean breezes dance through all the open spaces, even the hallway outside our smallish, but deluxe Vintage Ocean room, mixing with live jazz tunes from the lobby and a pedestrian buzz from the streets. The property features a variety of room types, from specialty suites and studios to 16 spacious vil-
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October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
The corner table on the terrace of The Med is the perfect spot for sunset.
las. Upon our arrival we were tempted to curl up for hours on the Italian Frette linens and sleep away the day’s travel, but instead we dropped our bags and quickly headed for the pool. Once settled on poolside loungers with mango daiquiris in hand and the Pacific Ocean as our backdrop, we people-watched the tanned locals socializing at the bar and international visitors working on their bronzing. After we’d gotten enough color to fit into the California landscape, La Valencia’s The Med beckoned for dinner. Offering three dining areas— the casual patio, main dining room and ocean view terrace—we opted for the al fresco terrace and settled in a front row seat to the impending sunset. The sky changed from a brilliant yellow to orange to dark red as we sipped The Pink Lady signature cocktail—a combo of house-infused basil vodka, watermelon, lime and agave nectar. Evening descended and the fun continued with an exquisite meal of Maine scallops and gnocchi; filet mignon with an absolutely mouth-watering gratin potato; and live “Rat Pack” songs that
later switched to powerful renditions of Andrea Bocelli’s opera selections— perfect good-night tunes. The following day we took our adventures off-property, beginning with a hike along the La Jolla Coast Walk Trail that runs from La Jolla Shores beach to La Jolla Cove. We passed harbor seals and kayakers heading into the coastal caves and ogled the impressive mansions built along the cliffside. After packing our beach bag, we made San Diego’s famous Windansea Beach, situated about a mile and a half from the hotel, our destination. The popular sandy spot was packed with local beachgoers, surfers and tourists watching—and some brave souls swimming—the powerful waves pounding the coastline. Nothing is more “SoCal” than tacos, so on our way back to the hotel we stopped at The Taco Stand on Pearl Street and feasted on tortillas stuffed with carne asada, carnitas, camaron (spicy shrimp) and an enormous bean and cheese burrito, washing it all down with an ice-cold Corona. This gave us the strength to freshen up and continue our exploration of
the shops and galleries of La Jolla Village. We marveled at the photographs in the Peter Lik gallery and I drooled at the sparkling gems in the windows of the many jewelers. Along with one-of-a-kind retailers, the village also features national brands such as Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers and Lululemon Athletica. Once we were all window-shopped out, we grabbed an ice-cold treat at Gelateria Frizzante and took a stroll through Ellen Browning Scripps Park, sat on a bench among picnickers and watched the sunset from a new vantage point. Just as gorgeous as the night before, the sky lit up with radiant colors from aquamarine to topaz to ruby, hinting perfectly at the namesake of this vibrant locale— a sought-after place to call home, even if just for a few days. n
LA VALENCIA HOTEL 1132 Prospect Street La Jolla, California 92037 858.454.0771 www.lavalencia.com
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LEGO, the LEGO logo, the Brick and Knob configuration and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2013 The LEGO Group.
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Above: Charming Starr’s Mill made an appearance in Sweet Home Alabama. See it on the Southern Hollywood Film Tour. Photo: Kelly Skinner Left: Golf carts are the preferred form of transportation in Peachtree City.
When life’s a peach Taking it slow in Peachtree City FEATURE:
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Kelly Skinner
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
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t’s an unusual experience when you expect nothing of a place and walk away smitten. Such was the case with my weekend jaunt to Peachtree City, the quiet community 20 miles south of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Don’t be fooled by the name—it’s not a smaller version of Atlanta, nor is it abounding with peaches. Overrun with golf carts and exuding the leisurely assuredness of a resort community, it feels more like Boca than Buckhead. Founded in 1959 as a masterplanned community, there is certainly a Truman Show element to the place, with chirping birds and smiley neighbors interwoven into the community’s landscape. The pace of life is slow, thanks in large part to the 90-mile network of golf cart paths. Everyone, and I mean everyone, has a golf cart that they use to get everywhere, which means minimal traffic on the main roads, cleaner air and insta-calm. Food tends to dictate many of my travel choices, and I wasn’t disappointed in Peachtree City’s selection. Located near open-air shopping center The Avenue, Due South’s neutrally dressed environs
and rustic décor would look right at home on Atlanta’s Westside. But the classic Southern dishes sent me straight back to my motherin-law’s rural Georgia kitchen (my standard for Southern cooking). The crispy fried green tomato stack drizzled with goat cheese and buttermilk ranch; deviled eggs with candied pepper bacon; and creamy Charleston she-crab soup momentarily cured me of my savory cravings. Another night, Georgia Shrimp Company blew me away not only for the seafood (I got the grilled trout with sautéed potatoes) but also for how large and busy it was on a Thursday night. Capturing the quintessential neighborhood seafood vibe, it doubles as a blues lounge. During my visit, I fell under local songstress Toni Byrd’s spell. Coincidentally, I heard Toni again a few nights later when I watched her open for R&B legend and chicken and waffle queen Gladys Knight at the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater, another place you absolutely must check out. Casually known as “The Fred,” it’s an outdoor amphitheater that regularly attracts rock ’n’ roll
Above: View a music legend at outdoor concert venue, “The Fred.”
legends from yesteryear—Michael Bolton, Styx and The Beach Boys are all recent visitors. Everyone drives their golf carts to the show, drinks wine and takes it easy. The ride back home beneath starry skies is a slow, peaceful one. While in town, I made it a point to soak up the area’s surging film scene. I hopped aboard the Southern Hollywood Film Tour and saw memorable locales from films and TV shows like Fried Green Tomatoes, Drop Dead Diva, Sweet Home Alabama and The Walking Dead. I’m still a newbie to the latter, but I was fascinated by seeing the familiar town of “Woodbury” in downtown Senoia—about 9 miles south of Peachtree City—as well as driving by the sprawling Raleigh Studios, where scenes from The Walking Dead and countless other flicks have been filmed. If you have time after the tour to browse the area’s gift shops and eat at La Mesa del Sur in downtown Senoia, do it. I once again stuffed my face with incredibly rich, high-caloric food that I found ridiculously addictive. This time, the grub was South-by-South-ofthe-Border, quite possibly my
Above and left: The Dolce Atlanta-Peachtree offers conference capabilities in a scenic natural setting.
If you go... Eat. Due South 302 Clover Reach Peachtree City 30269 770.629.5847 www.duesouthptc.com Georgia Shrimp Company 100 N. Peachtree Parkway, Suite 36 Peachtree City 30269 770.631.9114 www.georgiashrimpco.com
favorite food combo. Case in point: barbacoa brisket mac ’n’ cheese. You music buffs and Zac Brown Band fans will be happy to hear that Zac Brown owns the place and that it’s actually the restaurant of his music venue, Zac Brown’s Southern Ground Social Club. Check the schedule and see a show after dinner. Given its location near the airport, Peachtree City is a natural pick for conferences, business retreats and the like, so you’re at no shortage of hotels. I split my time between two massive properties, the Wyndham Peachtree Hotel and Conference Center and the Dolce Atlanta-Peachtree. Though they’re both tailored to groups, I found my solo stay perfectly serene. Sprawling on my porch at the Wyndham drinking coffee and taking in the views of verdant golf courses, pristine pools, trickling fountains and extensive acreage was a morning pastime I could get used to. Wherever you stay and whatever you do, slow down. Eat. Listen to some live music. Rent a golf cart. Then drive real, real slow. You’ll return fat, happy and with the wind in your hair. n
La Mesa del Sur 18 Main Street Senoia 30276 770.727.9072 www.southerngroundsocialclub.com
Do. Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater 201 McIntosh Trail Peachtree City 30269 770.631.0630 www.amphitheater.org Southern Hollywood Film Tour 201 McIntosh Trail (pick-up is at the
Do you dream of retiring to the beach? Are you ready to make that dream a reality? At Marsh’s Edge, St. Simons Island’s Premier Retirement Community, we turn dreams into realities every day. Situated on beautiful St. Simons Island, Marsh’s Edge is the perfect retirement destination for those who are looking to relax and relish in the island lifestyle. Miles of beautiful beaches and marshland, award-winning golf courses, and boutique shopping are just a few of St. Simons’ amenities that Marsh’s Edge members enjoy. The community of Marsh’s Edge features: • Resort-like Amenities: A stunning Clubhouse that features a full-service Bar, Beauty Salon, state-of-the-art Wellness Center, and Library. • Stunning Accommodations: Cottages Homes and Villas are available to fit your needs. • Maintenance-free Lifestyle: Leave your worries behind and truly enjoy living like you are on vacation – from plumbing to light bulb replacement, it is taken care of! • Elegant, Fine Dining: Delicious, restaurant-style meals prepared by the community Executive Chef.
CVB, the same people who run The Fred)
Peachtree City 30269 678.216.0282 www.facebook.com/ southernhollywoodfilmtour
Make your dream of retiring to the beach a reality at Marsh’s Edge. We invite you to tour our beautiful community and learn how you can make this retirement destination home!
Admission is $22.50 for adults; $15 for kids 4 to 12; $18 for students and seniors
Call 912-291-2000 to set up a tour today!
Stay: Dolce Atlanta-Peachtree 201 Aberdeen Parkway Peachtree City 30269 770.487.2666 www.dolceatlantapeachtree.com Wyndham Peachtree Hotel and Conference Center 2443 Highway 54 West Peachtree City 30269 770.487.2000 www.wyndhampcc.com
136 Marsh’s Edge Lane • St. Simons Island, GA 31522 912-291-2000 • www.Marshs-Edge.com Independent Living • Assisted Living • Skilled Nursing Alzheimer’s Care • Rehabilitation
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SUDS IN THE BUCKET Raise a glass to Georgia-brewed beers STORY:
Jennifer Bradley Franklin PHOTO: Sara Hanna
Beer accompanies many milestones, from football victories and birthday celebrations to the completion of a busy workweek. Here, we explore some of the standout beers that are brewed in Georgia and available right in our own backyard.
3400 Around Lenox Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.760.8873 www.dantannas.com
1. Watershed: 420 Extra Pale Ale by SweetWater Brewing Company
3. Smokebelly: Watership Brown
($5, bottle)
by Red Hare Brewing ($5, can)
It’s hard to talk about Georgia-brewed beer and omit SweetWater’s 420. The brewery on the outskirts of Buckhead is now the South’s second largest craft brewery and this is their signature brew. Guests enjoying the quintessentially Southern fare at Watershed will enjoy the hints of citrus and just a slight bitterness that make this a favorite for those who aren’t ready for the full-on bite of an IPA.
Just a tiny bit sweet, this canned brew is created in nearby Marietta. With a slight hop character and toasted malt notes that make it a little creamy, it’s really the perfect pair alongside Smokebelly’s barbecue and smoked meats.
1820 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta 30309 404.809.3561 www.watershedrestaurant.com
2. Dantanna’s: Single Intent Blonde by Three Taverns ($5, pint) For a lighter-bodied beer, this one really shines. It’s brewed in the Belgian Trappist style by Decatur’s Three Taverns Brewery,
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has nice herbal notes (from French Strisselspalt hops) and an easy-to-drink mix of sweetness and spice. We like the idea of sidling up to Dantanna’s bar and cheering on our favorite football team with this brew in hand.
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
128 East Andrews Drive N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.848.9100 www.smokebellybbq.com
4. King + Duke: Atalanta Plum Saison by Orpheus Brewing ($6, pint) Refreshingly tart, with hints of pressed plums and spicy French saison yeast, this pleasingly complex brew is by one of Atlanta’s most talked about new breweries (opened in 2013 overlooking the Beltline). Because it’s so nicely
balanced, Atalanta is just right to drink all on its own while cozying up to King + Duke’s cozy, bottle-lined bar. 3060 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.477.3500 www.kinganddukeatl.com
5. The Big Ketch Saltwater Grill: Eye Patch Ale by Monday Night Brewing ($5, bottle) Though it’s not in its official title, this is an IPA (or India Pale Ale). However, for those new to drinking IPAs—which can have a reputation for bitterness—this one goes down easy. Its citrus and caramel notes, along with a touch of sweetness, make it a terrific pair with the seafood and poultry that peppers the menu at The Big Ketch. 3279 Roswell Road Atlanta 30305 404.474.9508 www.thebigketch.com
6. Hearth Pizza Tavern: Oktoberfest by Red Hare Brewing ($5, pint) What could be more perfect in autumn than Oktoberfest, brewed in the timehonored German tradition? This one is full of toasted nut essence, getting its distinct flavor from hops, yeast and malt imported from Germany. However, this seasonal goes as well with pizza (which you’ll find plenty of at Hearth Pizza Tavern) as it does with bratwurst. 5992 Roswell Road N.E. Sandy Springs 30328 404.252.5378 www.hearthpizzatavern.com
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5505 ROSWELL ROAD, ATL ANTA, GEORGIA 30342 MODERNEMERGENTCARE.COM
Buckhead Business Association Bringing together the Buckhead community for camaraderie and professional advancement since 1951. We welcome you to join us for a social event at Yebo on Thursday, October 16 from 5-7 PM. Members: FREE | Non-members: $10 For additional information, please visit www.buckheadbusiness.org For membership information, please contact info@buckheadbusiness.org
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Lucky’s Picks... Chastain Park www.chastainparkconservancy.org Dog City Bakery 6309 Roswell Road Sandy Springs 30328 404.257.0052 www.mydogcity.com PetSmart 3221 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.266.0402 www.petsmart.com
A man and his dog Meet Ernie Geyer and his sidekick, Lucky
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n any given day, you might find Lucky, an 8-year-old golden retriever, hosting his furry and human friends alike at the recently opened Lucky’s Burger & Brew in Brookhaven. The dog-friendly resto, with a sister location in Roswell, was named in Lucky’s honor by restaurant owner Ernie Geyer, and caters to the four-legged set with a cabinet full of goodies, Frisbees and water bowls. Geyer has a soft spot for canine companions. When he was diagnosed with prostate cancer five years ago, he temporarily moved to Jacksonville, Florida, for treatment. Geyer’s wife, Diane, encouraged him to take Lucky along for the 90-day stay, and it made all the difference. Having his sweet and well-behaved sidekick there made the stay enjoyable, and they went everywhere together. Today, Geyer is cancer-free, but the two are still inseparable. We spoke with the special duo (well, the human one!) about their man-and-dog routine.
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How did you meet Lucky? I had just lost my first dog a couple of months prior to my wife looking for a new furry friend. She got him as a surprise for me from a breeder in Cartersville, Georgia. He was the last of the litter and very shy. I was very attached to him as soon as my wife brought him home. What do you do together? Lucky comes to work with me when possible, although he draws a lot of attention when he visits. We like to visit Home Depot and my mother at her assisted living facility, and stop at my granddaughters’ elementary school. Lucky has grown up to love people and children in particular. We also like to sit on the patio at either of the Lucky’s locations. Are there regulars who come to visit him at Lucky’s? Lucky has many friends who enjoy visiting with him on both of the Lucky’s patio locations. There’s his brother Wiley, an English cream retriever, who has his back all the time. And several of his buddies meet at the patio, including Lewis, a standard black poodle. We just had a birthday party
STORY:
Karina Timmel
for him and many of his friends were there to celebrate. What are your favorite treats? My favorite treats are wings and a cold beer on the patio. Lucky’s is sitting at my side while the chef makes him a turkey slider. Where do you go for walks? Chastain Park is one of our favorite places, and we do the 3.3-mile walk around the park. But we both are just as content sitting on a park bench and people-watching. What are some places Lucky likes to go? In Sandy Springs, Dog City Bakery is one of his favorite places for treats. He also enjoys PetSmart in Buckhead, where we pick up his dog food. He usually wants a new collar to show off to his lady friends since he is a 97-pound, handsome golden retriever. n LUCKY’S BURGER & BREW 305 Brookhaven Avenue, Suite 1234 Atlanta 30319 678.705.1713 www.luckysburgerandbrew.com
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770-993-9217 NEW LOCATION! In the Heart of Buckhead 2986 Grandview Avenue Atlanta, GA 30305 www.dazzlingsmiles.org
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c a r p e t
styles to fit your style 404.352.8141 | www.myerscarpetatlanta.com | 1500 northside drive, atlanta, ga 30318
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HOM E | FA S H ION | B E AU T Y | AC C E S S ORI Z E | W E L L N E S S | TA S T E M A K E R
SIMPLY STYLISH
HOME
Man-worthy caves P34
While it may feel like being in a club, [Wayne Gandy’s] evening parties set a distinctly personal mood.
The central focus of Wayne Gandy’s man cave is the large bar, where he enjoys playing bartender to friends who join him for celebrations or watching the big games. In the background is the cave’s bowling lane and cityscape mural. Photo: Sara Hanna Photography
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MAN-WORTHY Regardless of a home’s size, a man needs a space to call completely his own. A sanctuary where he can kick up his feet, quietly think or down a few beers with his buddies while watching the game. When creating his masculine haven, each of these men infused his personal passion into the design, creating a space that showcases his individuality and zest for life.
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BERT WEISS’ PARTY PLACE STORY:
Giannina Smith Bedford
The media room features a framed poster of Stacey Weiss’ favorite movie, True Romance, which was autographed by the film’s star Christian Slater. Behind the Chinese sliding doors is a kid-friendly playroom.
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Above: The hallway is covered in autographed images of musicians, many who have visited The Bert Show over the years.
PHOTOS: Sara
Hanna
ou can take the man out of San Diego, but you can’t take the San Diego out of the man. A graduate of San Diego State University and lover of all things SoCal, Bert Weiss wanted to bring his love of the coast to Atlanta when he moved here 14 years ago to be the host of Q100’s The Bert Show. With help from his design-savvy wife, Stacey, Weiss transformed their six-bedroom Buckhead home’s unfinished basement into a beachy man cave, complete with a tiki hut-style bamboo bar accented with tropical touches— a totem pole shipped from Thailand, hanging shell chandelier and playful hula girl clock. “Stacey took this on as her pet project, with my input, and she ran with it,” Weiss says. The above-ground basement also features a separate media room with a big-screen projector and reclining theater seats. Originally conceived as a sports haven for Weiss to watch the Georgia Bulldogs and San Diego Chargers, the media room eventually morphed into a half-playroom—hidden behind Chinese sliding doors—for sons Hayden, 12, and Hollis, 7. “It doesn’t feel like half of it’s a kids room when those are closed, but when I want to watch football on Sundays and the kids want to hang out and play with their Legos, we can open it up and all do it together,” he says. “When they aren’t around, I can close it up and feel manly again.” Outside the media room, a “walk of fame” hallway gives a nod to Weiss’ line of work with photographs of him and Stacey with famous musicians and celebrities—one of his favorites is an image of the couple with U2’s Bono, backstage at a Philips Arena concert. Other notable frames feature signed images of Kelly Clarkson, Lionel Richie and local artists such as Usher and Neo. Along with highlighting Weiss’ love of sports, beach and music, the man cave is a gathering spot for family and friends during fight nights, Sunday football and birthday parties. The best part: The main room opens up to the yard (and friendly neighbor’s pool), making it ideal for everything from a daytime barbecue to rowdy late night revelry. “We’ve had a lot of parties down here. The couch gets moved and it becomes a dance floor with a disco ball,” Weiss says. “It’s a lot of fun. A lot of people have lost a lot of brain cells down here.” n
S IM PLY STYL ISH
FOUR PERSONALIZED MAN CAVES STEAL THE SHOW
The basement watering hole is a regular gathering spot, not only for football viewing, but also neighborhood holiday parties, chili cook offs and more. Left: When opthalmologist Andrew Feinberg isn’t treating patients, which includes the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, he enjoys relaxing with a cold one at his 19-foot bar. Below: The basement offers a comfortable seating area and foosball table to enjoy between refills.
AT THE BAR WITH ANDREW FEINBERG
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fter moving into his seven-bedroom Brookhaven home in 2012, Buffalo, New York, native Dr. Andrew Feinberg wasted little time before building out his basement man cave. The co-owner and ophthalmologist at Georgia Eye Partners contracted Bob Wilson of Classic Bars to make his vision of a large bar where he could host friends and watch sports a reality. “He helped me map this out and envision that the bar could be this big and fit in this room,” Feinberg says. “He’s a visionary and has done this a lot. He likes to have a centerpiece mirror to open up the room, with moldings around it.” With the help of a contractor, Feinberg installed a hardwood floor for the bar area and opened up the archway leading to its location. The biggest “conceptual struggle” he had was convincing Wilson of the need for two 46-inch televisions behind the bar— one for the Buffalo Bills game and one for Atlanta friends to keep tabs on the Falcons. “He was trying to talk me out of it the hardest he could,” Feinberg says. Needless to say, the doc won the fight. Today, the basement watering hole is a regular
gathering spot, not only for football viewing on Saturdays and Sundays, but also neighborhood holiday parties, chili cook offs and more. It’s also become a meeting place for the Brookhaven Club Forest neighborhood Krewe de Foret Mardi Gras crew, which puts on a community celebration each year. Feinberg’s young sons—Ryan, 14; Will, 12; and Nicholas, 5—also like to spend time battling it out on the foosball table, roughhousing in the adjacent sitting room and pulling up a leather barstool to the bar for an ice ice-cold soda. “They try to make it their own,” Feinberg says. “They aren’t, fortunately, trying to break into the alcohol just yet.” Thinking ahead, Feinberg has much of the liquor locked away in a cabinet behind the bar, next to the dishwasher, beer fridge, icemaker and kegerator. The 19-foot bar, which was built off-site and brought through the downstairs patio and French doors for installation, also features a dual-zone wine fridge with different temperature areas for white and red. Scattered along the shelves and walls are football helmets, including a Buffalo Bills one worn by Buckhead resident Takeo Spikes; an Atlanta Thrashers goalie
STORY:
Giannina Smith Bedford
mask; and a sign advising, “Cheer up! Wine a little!” Mounted on a wall is also a Duke University Blue Devils emblem that spins and lights up, teasing Feinberg’s North Carolina Tar Heels friends to unplug it. While enjoying a cold beer—or a Crown and Coke with the bar host—guests can also admire a painting by Feinberg of opening day at Jack Daniel’s Distillery in Lynchburg, Tennessee. One day, barflies might also be able to get a drink through a nearby window while swimming outdoors in Feinberg’s dreamedabout pool, a possible future project. n
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“A room ought to inspire you, it should energize you, it should cleanse you and, quite frankly, it should be something that unlimits you.” Raj Pandya surrounds himself with storied and sentimental decor.
RAJ PANDYA’S SPACE FOR SOLACE STORY:
Giannina Smith Bedford
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The two-story study, adorned in an Indian rug and other global decor, beckons you to sit and contemplate.
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s the founder and president of the Atlanta Orthopaedic Institute and founder and CEO of software company Unicore Health, Dr. Raj Pandya is a very busy man. So when it comes time to unwind in a place all his own, he settles into a serene two-story library and study, where he is surrounded by books and meaningful décor. “I think a man cave ought to really ground you and bring you back to what’s really important,” says the orthopedic surgeon. “For me, my home really is an ashram, which in Sanskrit means spiritual retreat … it provides a place for solace, clarity and inspiration.” Take a right at the entryway of Pandya’s majestic 24,000-square-foot Sandy Springs home and you’ll find the homeowner’s very manly, wood-paneled man cave tucked in the corner. Furnished with a window-side desk made in Italy, antique globe and inviting seating area with plush leather Egyptian-made seating, the room is a throwback to something from another century. Most of the adornments are items Pandya picked up during his worldwide travels and gifts from appreciative patients— from the teddy bear doc with the “Dr. Pandya” embroidered lab coat to the “Wise Man” granite sculpture gifted by a South African patient who went on to play semi-pro soccer.
The furniture is all antiques Pandya sourced from around the world and family heirlooms passed down through the generations. “A room ought to inspire you, it should energize you, it should cleanse you and, quite frankly, it should be something that unlimits you,” he says. “That is one of the nice things about having things from all over the world—it really allows you to expand your perspective. When you sit here you just feel like the world is at your fingertips.” The study’s artwork is original pieces from the 1800s that feature African scenes and animals—lions, monkeys and a giraffe. Figures of the Hindu deity Ganesh, “the remover of obstacles,” also grace the shelves alongside black-and-white family photographs and sentimental items, such as a toy truck from childhood and a painting on a wood cutting of Yellowstone National Park, Pandya’s “favorite place in the whole world.” When this doctor is looking for a little more seclusion, he heads upstairs to a window seat where the soft light of an alabaster lamp accompanies his reading. “I don’t have anything that is just for looks,” he says. “It has to inspire me or be comfortable for me to sit on, because other than that it’s just a façade and I’m not into that.” n
SIM PLY STYL ISH
WAYNE GANDY’S CUSTOM-MADE CAVE
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adio personality, TV sports analyst and 15-season NFL veteran Wayne Gandy had a vested interest in the design of his man cave. In fact, his personal stamp is on every aspect of his four-story home, designed in 2003 on 4 acres in Buckhead. Using local artists, craftsmen and ADAC merchants, he carefully created his refuge without the help of an interior designer, his own hands doing much of the work. The man cave, which Gandy has redesigned three times since the home was built, is on the ground level. He loves to keep things fresh and updated, calling it a “work in progress.” He admits to being a perfectionist, a trait honed in his professional sports career. This room was created with amenities fitting his lifestyle, not for “resale value,” as real estate agents often suggest. He loves to entertain, hosting friends to watch games, play charades, or celebrate with a party that might include a comedian or band, carefully including only guests who want to participate in the festivities (no couch potatoes welcome). The large bar in the center is his favorite spot, set up to accommodate any request. While it may feel like being in a club, his evening parties set a distinctly personal mood. With multiple TVs, a jukebox and a top-of-the line surroundsound system, the acoustics are superb in the
STORY:
Joanne Hayes
main room and in the man cave’s home theater. “I wanted my man cave to remind me that I left the house to go watch the game, or just be a hang out for me and my friends in a private space,” Gandy says. One of the most noticed amenities is the bowling lane, its floor trim lined with vintage album covers that Gandy found in places like Goodwill and Tower Records. The wall lining the lane is a custom mural of a cityscape, including his very own “Gandy Towers. It’s one of several murals painted by a friend of Gandy’s contractor. Another mural that catches the eye is of Gandy with friends Takeo Spikes and Jerome Bettis in uniform, replicating a Gameday Magazine cover that featured them together during their NFL days. His daughter’s fifth-grade class at Sarah Smith Elementary produced his favorite piece of art. Twenty-four kids created masks representing how they saw themselves and the masks were mounted on a black canvas. The colorful 5-by-5-foot final piece was auctioned at a school fundraiser and Gandy made sure it ended up in his cave. He beams with pride when he talks about it. Mounted on the wall at the bottom of the staircase entrance, the artwork commands the attention of guests as soon as they enter the room. n
“I wanted my man cave to remind me that I left the house to go watch the game.”
Above: Gandy relaxes by the pool table in his self-designed man cave. Left: The man cave includes everything needed for a gathering or celebration: a jukebox, arcade games, pool table and plenty of seating.
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
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S I M P LY S T Y LIS H
FA S HION
Shoe Care 101 Extend the life of your footwear at these neighborhood spots
STORY:
S
hoe shining and maintenance seems simple, but it’s one of those things that get pushed to the bottom of the to-do list. Or, if you’re like me, shoes ride around in the back of the car until your husband reminds you for the third time that he’s in need of his favorite dress shoes for work! Simply Buckhead is making your shoe maintenance routine a little easier by scoping out some neighborhood shops you can trust with your most beloved kicks. We also asked shoe specialist Ryan Embry for advice on how often you should head to the cobbler for shines and repairs, how to maintain and store your dress shoes, and what to know when you buy a new pair.
Bennie’s Shoes Buckhead’s Bennie’s Shoes has been in business since 1909, when Mr. Bennie Shemaria came to Atlanta via Ellis Island from the Greek Isle of Rhodes. The shop began as a repair shop only, but has expanded to include retail, carrying designers like Johnston & Murphy, Sebago, Cole Haan and Allen-Edmonds. Although the original 1909 shop started in downtown Atlanta at the corner of Marietta Street and Techwood Drive, the current family-run shop holds strong in the Buckhead Crossing shopping center. If you’re in a hurry, but need a quick touch-up, Bennie’s offers shoeshines for $6 that will take only 10 minutes! Mr. Bennie turned the business over to his three sons in 1959, and since then, the duties have been passed down from generation to generation. Currently, Mr. Bennie’s grandsons Mark and Brian run the shop. Bennie’s Shoes 2625 Piedmont Road Atlanta 30324 404.262.1966 www.benniesshoes.com
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October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
Classic Shoe and Leather Shop owner and master cobbler Ryan Embry has been in the business for 25 years. He and wife Amy Embry run and own Classic Shoe and Leather on Pharr Road. The Embrys are skilled in different aspects of leather repair and pride themselves on being able to repair any leather item, from pre-civil war restorations through custom work for movie, theater and of course, regular jobs. In addition to repairs, you can drop by for a 10 to 15 minute (depending on the difficulty level) classic shoeshine starting at $10. Classic Shoe and Leather 312 Pharr Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.949.9844
TRIO Shoe Service TRIO Shoe Service has been in Buckhead since 1926, when it was started as a laundry and shoe repair business. In the 1960s, the shop became a shoe repair shop only and is now owned and operated (and has been since 1974) by Dave and Ginger Embry. The Embrys’ children and lifelong employees serve as staff members, providing clients with not only shoe repair and touch-ups, but also things like bag repair and bead replacements. Men can stop in and receive a shoeshine starting at $15 (price varies depending on the condition of the shoe), or bring a few pairs and leave them to be spiffed up on the same day. TRIO Shoe Service 3145 Peachtree Road N.E. Suite 117 Atlanta 30305 404.233.8122 www.trioatlanta.com
Olivia Putnal DeLong
5 SIMPLE SHOE TIPS Whether you’re in the market for a pair of new dress shoes or looking to refresh a pair of classics, make sure to follow these tips from owner and master cobbler of Classic Shoe and Leather Service, Ryan Embry.
1. CONDITION OFTEN “General rule of thumb is to shine and condition your dress shoes every one to two months if they’ve had regular wear.”
2. EXTEND THE WEAR “If cared for properly, dress shoes should be replaced only every 15 to 20 years.”
3. UPKEEP IS KEY “Good care for your shoes requires plastic levered shoe trees, regular shoeshines and conditioning of the leather.”
4. BEFORE YOU BUY “When purchasing shoes, don’t pay attention to sizes. Try them on and walk around in them for 10 to 15 minutes in the store.”
5. STORE SMART “Heat and moisture are damaging to leather, so always store leather goods in a cool, dry place.”
Spend a day or evening on t h e To w n !
Discover over 50 shops, services and restaurants. Town Brookhaven is truly your one stop shopping and dining destination with a blend of interesting boutiques, delicious restaurants and useful services. By Frisch Marionettes of Cincinnati, OH
Adapted from the American children’s classic by L. Frank Baum
Photo © Frisch Marionettes
OCT 8 - 26
ANCHORS
CinéBistro/Cobb Theatre • Costco • LA Fitness • Marshalls • Publix
APPAREL & ACCESSORIES
The Bilt-House • Boogaloos • Collage Boutique Dress Up Boutique • Edyn Boutique • Lila Boutique
SHOES
Big Peach Running Co.
HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY
18/8 Fine Men’s Salon • Brookhaven Orthodontics European Wax Center • Fantastic Sams GNC (General Nutrition Center) • Hydration Station • InShapeMD The Joint - The Chiropractic Place • Julian’s Cosmetics and Skincare Massage Heights • Nail Talk & Tan • Salon Red • Salon Red Kids Town Dentistry • Vein Clinics of America
By Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers of Bar Harbor, ME
OCT 28 - NOV 9
Baci by Café at Pharr • Bua Thai and Sushi • The Flying Biscuit Café Lucky’s Burger & Brew • Marble Slab Creamery • Moe’s Southwest Grill Newk’s Express Café • Noche • Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub • Olive Bistro Shucks Oyster & Wine Bar • Smash Kitchen & Bar There Restaurant and Bar • Which Wich? • Yogurtland - Coming Soon
HOME FURNISHINGS & DÉCOR
MODA Floors & Interiors • Sugarboo & Co.
SERVICES
Bell Partners • Brookhaven Alterations Brookhaven Animal Hospital • Community & Southern Bank Keller Williams • Reflections Eyecare • Town Cleaners
ELECTRONICS, MUSIC & ENTERTAINMENT
Photo © Frogtown Mountain Puppeteers
DINING
AT&T
1404 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 Limited FREE Parking • MARTA Accessible
www.townbrookhaven.net Conveniently located on Peachtree Road adjacent to Oglethorpe University.
Advance purchase is highly recommended as many shows sell out quickly. Season supported in part by: Fulton County Board of Commissioners under the guidance of the Fulton County Arts Council; the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs; and Georgia Council for the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
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S I M P LY S T Y LISH
BE AUTY
Manly neighborhood spots to unwind and get pampered STORY:
Olivia Putnal DeLong
BARBERSHOP FOR THE BOYS
Y
ou can’t trust just anyone with your tresses or skin, so finding a barber who can hold a conversation (or understands you’d just like to read your magazines and drink your cold one) while he or she does a stellar job with your locks, is priceless. Simply Buckhead understands the task at hand, and has helped narrow
18/8 Men’s Grooming Salon
Roosters Atlanta
Since opening its doors in May, 18/8 Men’s Grooming Salon in Town Brookhaven has become known as a one-stop shop. Owners Nancy and Skip Plesnarski serve up haircuts, scalp massages, shoeshines and craft beer during services. All barbers and stylists complete the same America Crew Method that creates a smooth, blended look with uniform lengths or smoothly graduated layers. Upon entering, clients are escorted to the waiting room for a beverage and a spot in front of the big screen TV. The stylist then shows you to his or her own station, complete with a reclining “Presidential Chair” and sink, so that you receive a private experience. And beyond these normal services, you can indulge in scalp treatments, nail treatments, shaves, waxing and coloring options too. American Crew and GO24-7 are the two product lines they use most in their stylish, handcrafted haircuts. Starting price for haircut: $39
Roswell Road’s Roosters Atlanta transports you to a classic movie barbershop. With a modern, industrial feel, the shop is filled with wood accents and oversized leather barber chairs. It’s the ideal ambiance in which to end the day with a cold beverage, delicious-smelling Aveda Men products like Men’s PureFormance Shampoo and Conditioner, and the latest ESPN news story. The shop offers cuts, trims, shaves, waxing, hot towel service and facials, and provides complimentary neck trims between visits—and have been doing so since opening in 1999.
18/8 Men’s Grooming Salon 305 Brookhaven Avenue, Suite A1140 Atlanta 30319 404.481.5368 www.eighteeneight.com
Treatments such as the Skinmetics package include exfoliation, indepth cleansing and a neck, shoulder and scalp massage.
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your search. Read on for barbershops that provide reputable products, reasonable pricing and most importantly, expert professionals. The shops invite you to relax and enjoy their ambiance. Lounge on an antique sofa, watch the game on TV or enjoy a local beer and prepare to feel refreshed upon your exit.
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
Cuts Inc.’s decor is 1950s-inspired with pictures that document the owner’s world travels.
Cuts Inc. for Men Originally named Long’s Barber Shop and located on the corner of Peachtree and Piedmont roads in 1959, Cuts Inc. for Men has evolved over the years. In the early 1960s the shop was renamed Long’s Cuts and Styles. In 1981, current owners Becky and Steve Haymes purchased the business and moved it to West Wieuca Road, renaming it Cuts Inc. In 2000, the couple again moved the business to its current location at Roswell Road’s The Fountain Oaks Center. Cuts Inc. specializes in men’s hairstyling, hair loss and hair color—a unique and specified concept. The stylists use VitaTress, Numinox, Redken and Phyto Organics products when styling and cutting hair. What separates this shop from others is the close-knit, discussion-encouraged atmosphere. Clients come from all over Atlanta and often chat with one another while receiving their services. While giving updates on their various business and personal news, clients relax in antique leather chairs from 1959. The décor also features black-and-white images of the Haymeses’ favorite European travel destinations. Starting price for haircut: $30 Cuts Inc. for Men 4920 Roswell Road, Suite 31 Atlanta 30342 404.255.3579 www.cutsincformen.com
Starting price for haircut: $30 Roosters Atlanta 4969 Roswell Road N.E. Atlanta 30342 404.963.1953 www.roostersatl.com
Aveda products that leave men’s hair smelling of spicy citrus line the shelves of Roosters Atlanta.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY COREY HORTMAN
Please visit us at our new location, same shopping center
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CASUAL & DAY WEAR • COCKTAIL MOTHER OF THE BRIDE
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1 8 | 8 F i n e M e n ’ s S a l o n i n To w n B r o o k h a v e n 305 Brookhaven Ave., Suite A 1140, Atlanta, GA 30319 4 0 4 - 4 8 1 - 5 6 3 8 O n l i n e b o o k i n g : http://www.eighteeneight.com www.facebook.com/188Brookhaven
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JH JAMES HURLEY DESIGNS Floral • Events • Interiors • Gardens
JERRY DILTS & ASSOCIATES
Catering for all Occasions Since 1964
404.352.0611 www.jerrydiltscatering.com
404.817.7773 jameshurleydesigns.com Call us for a complimentary consultation.
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
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S I M P LY S T Y LIS H
ACCE S SORIZE
1
3
2 MODEL: Alexander Burkard, Click Models of Atlanta
Tie crazy! Treat yourself to one (or more!) of these fabulous wardrobe additions STORY:
Olivia Putnal DeLong PHOTOS: Sara Hanna 4
W
ith the fall season in full swing (where did summer go?) and the holidays rapidly approaching, you’re sure to have events and occasions that call for accessorizing your ensemble with a statement-worthy neck- or bow tie. While you may only need to update your tie collection every so often, we think now is as good a time as any. Whether you step out of your comfort zone and try a super classic bow tie, or head back to your roots with simple, elegant neck candy, there’s something or every fashion preference and every occasion. Shop Simply Buckhead’s picks below for on-trend choices ideal for the festivities of the coming months.
1. Rock the Retro
3. Winter Wonderland
The mixture of wool and silk in this winter accessory is a modern throwback pick. We can’t get enough of the rustic deep brown, navy and gray color combination, an ideal choice for the office, followed by dinner.
This attractive navy wool striped bow tie screams snowy. We love the deep blue hues with the mix of surprising white. The lines give the accessory structure, while creating a modern vibe at the same time. Suitsupply blue bow tie: $65, Suitsupply.
Miller Brothers Ltd. tie: $120, Miller Brothers Ltd.
2. Crimson Tide
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4. Keep It Classy
Geoff Nicholson’s reddish beauty is the model option for cold winter days. The warm color combined with small dots pairs perfectly with grey or khaki ensembles—a pick that will last a lifetime.
Who doesn’t love a seersucker bow tie—or any article of seersucker clothing, for that matter? Perfect for preppy college game days (for those who cheer on a blue team!) or a dashing addition to work attire, this blue and white gingham bow tie will always be in style. Cotton
Geoff Nicholson for Guffey’s tie: $145, Guffey’s.
seersucker bow tie in gingham: $55, JCrew.com.
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
TIE IT UP Guffey’s Tower Place 3340 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.231.0044 www.guffeys.com J.Crew 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.237.2739 www.jcrew.com Miller Brothers Ltd. 3207 Paces Ferry Place N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.233.8000 www.millerbrothers.com Suitsupply 3400 Around Lenox Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.857.2800 us.suitsupply.com
Offering homes and homesites in the Sea Island and St. Simons communities. 912-638-5161 • seaislandproperties.com
Your Luxury Market Leader in the Golden Isles. Please visit our Sea Island Properties website at seaislandproperties.com to view all Sea Island listings as well as the Sea Island neighborhood listings on St. Simons Island. Lewis Glenn, Patrick Dunn, Judy Gordon, Don Lewis, Brin Meredith, Chris Moline, Nancy Pandolfi, Laura Peebles, Debbie Taylor, and Linton “Bubba” West
®
Handmade pasta, perfectly cooked steaks & fresh seafood expertly prepared using the �nest ingredients.
For reservations please call 404.844.4810
®
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
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S I M P LY S T Y LIS H
WE LLN E S S
Taking care of business Men’s wellness takes center stage Jennifer Bradley Franklin
M
an cannot live on work and workouts alone, or at least, he shouldn’t. If you work hard and play hard, it’s important to take care of yourself in other ways to keep up the pace. So we scoured Buckhead to find some of the best man-centric opportunities to keep you looking and feeling your best.
excited about the aesthetic benefits, men of all spa-comfort levels are sure to enjoy the included deep neck and shoulder massage. Insider tip: For a truly Zen experience, make sure to build in time to enjoy the spa’s gratis locker room facilities—separated by men and women—including the steam room, sauna and hot tub.
LET’S GET PHYSICAL
WORK OUT THE KINKS
Getting a status update on your health can be one of the best ways to keep yourself in top shape. But between busy days packed with deal-making meetings, workouts and family time, it can be difficult to schedule appointments with various doctors. With this in mind, newly opened RYSE Wellness in Buckhead—a posh, relaxing outpost founded by Drs. Eddie Richardson and Jameelah Gater, dedicated to men’s health—offers an Executive Physical (starting at $1,500) that is designed to give a comprehensive health snapshot as conveniently as possible, even doing a home visit to start blood panels. The team of experienced practitioners work up a comprehensive cardiovascular risk blood panel; further analyze blood panels to test for things like liver and kidney function, iron levels and a diabetes screen; and consider the patient’s resting metabolic rate. The testing, which can take from half a day to an entire day, is done in RYSE’s offices, though more advanced tests may need to be scheduled in a hospital. Once the results are in, the team can help develop a nutritional or workout regimen or even refer you to a specialist for your optimal health.
If you’re an athlete—or someone who just trains hard for their health—a regular massage can become a necessity. That’s where a focused sport massage, like the one from Eileen Steil and her team at Athletic Edge Sports Massage, comes into play. Steil—a chiropractic school grad, licensed massage therapist and an athlete herself (she’s the first American woman to finish the deca ironman in the traditional style: 24 mile swim/1,120 mile bike/262 mile run)—regularly works on clients who range from Atlanta Falcons players and Atlanta Ballet dancers to marathon runners and CrossFit enthusiasts. She uses a low, wide table—all the better for getting leverage on muscular bodies—to use sometimes deep pressure to loosen tight joints and speed recovery. The work is intense; Steil understands body mechanics and recommends that her clients use the evening after massage therapy (starting at $40 for 30 minutes) as active recovery, since it’s quite normal to be sore. n
BEST FACE FORWARD Being out in the sun, forgetting to use anti-aging products and lots of sweaty gym days can leave men’s skin looking tired, dull and even old. Fortunately, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta has a relaxing—and effective—solution. The Age-Rebel Facial ($210 for 80 minutes), designed just for guys, incorporates steam, a deep cleansing using a gentle brush and an enzyme peel with fruit acids to ramp up natural cell regeneration. Even if you’re not
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October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
JUST FOR MEN Athletic Edge Sports Massage 2989 Piedmont Road N.E., Atlanta 30305 678.231.2619 www.atlsportsmassage.com The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta 3376 Peachtree Road N.E., Atlanta 30326 404.995.7526 www.mandarinoriental.com/atlanta/luxury-spa RYSE Wellness 2233 Peachtree Road, N.E., Suite K, Atlanta 30309 404.596.8088 www.rysewellness.com
Above: Estheticians at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta customize the Age-Rebel Facial to each client’s needs, using exclusive ESPA products for optimal results.
Above: RYSE clients get the undivided attention of a physician and clinical staff to expedite their Executive Physical results. Below: A massage by Eileen Steil at Athletic Edge Sports Massage can help athletes stay limber and speed recovery after intense training. Photo: CTyler Welbron
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Get Away and Play for just $125 Grab your foursome and head to Fripp Island, South Carolina to experience 36 of the most strikingly beautiful holes of golf you’ll ever play. For just $125* a night you’ll receive 18 holes of golf daily plus your accommodations. We’ll even throw in the cart, range balls and a free guest card...and if that’s not enough, you can play 18 more if available. Call us today to book your new favorite golf getaway. *$125 per person based on double occupancy and six or more golfers. Rate does not include taxes or island fee. Does not apply to existing reservations. Offer good through 12/31/14.
866-261-7239 FrippIslandResort.com
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead 
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S I M P LY S T Y LIS H
TA S TE M A K ER
Give a little A Brookhaven entrepreneur gives back with her jewelry STORY:
Olivia Putnal DeLong
B
rookhaven resident Ladon Whitmire has always worked in fashion—from Atlanta to Chicago to New York City, there’s not an inch of these big cities she hasn’t covered. She’s had stints at Ralph Lauren, Max Mara, Laura Ashley and White House Black Market, and now she’s started her own company. One For You and One To Give is a two-bracelet concept that allows Whitmire to give 10 percent of profits to The Children’s Village, a New York-based charity helping children and their families gain educational, financial and social skills for the future. The unique bracelets are made from materials such as glass beads or stainless steel. Iranian-born Whitmire moved to Vinings at the age of 5, and after living in several cities for her career and education (she attended Harvard University and Oglethorpe University, gaining degrees in business marketing and French), she found herself back in Atlanta in her 20s. Now, Whitmire lives in Brookhaven with her family: son Thomas, who is 7, and husband Mark. Read on to learn more about 45-year-old Whitmire and her journey to charitable entrepreneurship. ONE FOR YOU AND ONE TO GIVE www.1foruand1togive.com
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October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
One For You and One To Give— how did you come up with the name? I thought, something to remember me by. One For You and One To Give is about spreading joy and kindness, and I have always been a big giver, so I created this concept. The bracelets come in pairs—one to keep, and one to give. I like to say, give the other bracelet to make that person’s day a little easier—or just because. What’s your personal favorite bracelet? All of them! We pick and choose all the beads so I love them all. Where in Buckhead do you sell your bracelets? Learning Express on Roswell Road, Café Jonah, Sally B’s Skin Yummies, Early Street Antique Market, Ritz-Carlton Buckhead and, of course, online. Tell us more about your customer, Margaret, who inspired your business. I met Margaret in Laura Ashley in the late ’80s when I was in my teens. A customer, she was such a sweet person and would share about her family and the trips she had taken. I remember that she wore pieces of jewelry from her recent travels. The last time I saw her, she took off her bracelet and gave it to me. It was such a kind and personal gesture, and a gift and memory I will never forget. Why did you choose The Children’s Village as the beneficiary? My husband served on the board of The Children’s Village. The mission is founded
on taking care of people who are unable to take care of themselves, so I was familiar with the place. We also honor other charities upon the request of each store. How has the Buckhead community supported and influenced your business? The people are the greatest! This community contains an eclectic group of people from all ages and walks of life. We love meeting new people, sharing our story and learning the stories of others. What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I like to take long walks and spend time traveling with my son and husband. Destin, Florida, and New York are my favorite destinations! Where can we find you in Buckhead? Umi restaurant! The food is awesome and the people who work there are so kind— it all starts from the top with the owner Farshid Arshid. My son is a regular of Twist and shares a special relationship with the servers. We are fortunate that our son is able to attend The Galloway School and feel it truly provides a cutting edge education. I’m also looking forward to the opening of Buckhead Atlanta—the combination of retail, residences, offices—oh my! Anything else you’d like us to know? A few pieces of advice: If you want to be successful at something you have to stick with it; choose something you love to do; be kind to one another—and your business will grow. n
It’s time to decorate your windows for the holidays. Save with mail-in rebates on a selection of stylish Hunter Douglas window fashions, September 16–December 16, 2014. Ask for details.
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* Manufacturer’s mail-in rebate offer valid for qualifying purchases made 9/16/14 –12/16/14 from participating dealers in the U.S. only. Rebate will be issued in the form of a prepaid reward card and mailed within 6 weeks of rebate claim receipt. Funds do not expire. Subject to applicable law, a $2.00 monthly fee will be assessed against card balance 7 months after card issuance and each month thereafter. Additional limitations apply. Ask participating dealer for details and rebate form. ©2014 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas. HOL14MB2
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October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
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ON S TAG E | A RT V I E W | L I T E R A RY
SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
ART VIEW
Going, going... gone! P52
“My goal is to be an honest and reputable business that Atlantans can count on to handle their prized possessions.” - Robert Ahlers
Auctions at Ahlers & Ogletree attract bidders from around the globe.
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ON S TAGE
Stuart Schleuse in the opening moments of Aurora Theatre’s smash Les Miserables. Photo: Chris Bartelski
Buckhead’s Stuart Schleuse finds ways to squeeze his passion for performing into a busy schedule
Speech therapist by day actor at night
,
STORY:
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y day, Stuart Schleuse is a speech therapist at Emory University Hospital, helping adults and children communicate better. When the clock hits five (or earlier on certain days) he himself has no problem communicating, whether it’s singing with the Atlanta Opera Chorus or acting onstage in various roles. A Buckhead resident, Schleuse relocated to the area in 2001 from Houston and has been a (part-time) professional performer the last dozen years. His first Atlanta gig was the musical Guys and Dolls at the (now defunct) Galaxy Music Theatre, where he played Nicely-Nicely Johnson. While doing that, he realized that performing had to be part of his life. “I got bit by the bug,” he says. “After that I auditioned for the Atlanta Opera Chorus and did my first show with them, The Flying Dutchman, in 2002.” Since then, he’s performed the sardonic The Santaland Diaries at Pumphouse Players, served as part of the ensemble of the world premiere Martin Luther King Jr. musical I Dream at the Alliance Theatre and won a Suzi Bass Award (the local
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version of a Tony Award) for his work in Actor’s Express’ See What I Wanna See. Much of his recent work has been with Aurora Theatre. The actor worked in the company’s Les Miserables last year, where he was part of the ensemble and played the factory foreman, and also appeared in this summer’s hit Mary Poppins. “Both were big shows. Mary Poppins obviously is a much more uplifting, fun story, but I had great fun with Les Mis.” Schleuse will be doing the Aurora remount of it in January and this time will be playing the Bishop. Before that, though, he’s in the cast of Aris Theatre’s Philadelphia, Here I Come. Acting is something he simply can’t shake anymore. To him, theater has a power to it. It also has the ability to change people and their perceptions, evident in the audience members he gets to meet and interact with. “It’s very compelling. I can’t get enough of it,” he says. Schleuse’s daytime job allows him a certain flexibility. He can do the traditional 9 to 5 routine, or 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. if need be to make a rehears-
Jim Farmer
al or performance. His bosses are very open. “They like the fact that I am well-rounded and have other stuff going on,” he says. He does insist on taking time off from performing during the year so that he’s not running around “on fumes” all the time. That time will be mid-October through the end of the year. The performer lived in Midtown for a while, but now has a home in Buckhead, where he’s very happy. He likes the area—the central location, the dining, the energy. “I love being in the heart of the city; I can get anywhere,” he says. He can do without the traffic, he quips, but otherwise, it’s perfect for him. n
See Stuart Les Miserables Jan. 15–March 1
Aurora Theatre 128 East Pike Street Lawrenceville 30046 678.226.6222 www.auroratheatre.org
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A RT V IE W
A recent auction at the Miami Circle showroom of Ahlers and Ogletree drew bidders in person, on the phone and online from around the globe. Local bidders can preview items up-close the week before the event. Left: Husband-and-wife team Robert Ahlers and Christy Ogletree also own antique stores and manage estate sales.
Going, going... gone! Atlanta antiques head to local auction block
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ntiques dealer Christy Ogletree recalls being overwhelmed by one particular emotion the first time she attended an auction. “I was scared to death!” she says. The idea of beating out another buyer with a raised paddle or discreet nod can be frightening, Ogletree says. But once the fear of bidding is overcome, most people who attend auctions are hooked on the high of being in a room filled with an array of antiques and jockeying for the right to take one home. Energetic and enthusiastic bidding is part of the attraction at the bimonthly auctions staged by Ogletree and her husband, Robert Ahlers at Ahlers and Ogletree Auction Gallery, their Miami Circle showroom. The couple, who also owns 14th Street Antiques & Interiors, Peachtree Battle Antiques & Interiors, Black Bear Antiques, Buckhead Lamp & Shade and Peachtree Battle Estate Sales & Liquidations, started an auction house last year with a few specific goals in mind. The first, says Ahlers, was fulfilling a longtime dream. Another was a desire to keep Atlanta’s extraordinary collection of paintings, sculptures and period furniture from leaving town. “I’ve always wanted to have an auction
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space to keep Atlanta’s antiques in Atlanta,” Ahlers says. “There was a void here, and people were taking items out of town to auction. My goal is to be an honest and reputable business that Atlantans can count on to handle their prized possessions.” A combination of the economic downturn and aging baby boomers moving to smaller homes has produced a bumper crop of those once-prized possessions that need new homes. “Those factors are driving a lot of our business right now,” Ahlers says. “We are an outlet providing a service to help them sell the items they can’t take with them.” The auctions have been so popular since they began that the owners have expanded the showroom from 6,500 to 10,000 square feet to handle the crowds and the array of items heading to the block. At a late-August event, that array included sterling silver pieces, full sets of china, French and American furniture pieces and paintings. More than 100 designers, retailers, dealers and collectors vied to be the final buyers, and having that many in the crowd only adds to the excitement, Ahlers says. But it’s not just the in-person bidders who get in on the action. Thanks to the Internet,
STORY:
H.M. Cauley
potential buyers can preview items online and bid in real time from cyberspace. “At our August auction, we had 881 approved bidders, not just from Atlanta but from around the world—52 countries, to be exact,” Ahlers says. “There were bidders from China and Russia on the phone. So we can also offer Atlantans a worldwide market for their antiques.” The auction house can also offer unexpected deals, ones buyers are unlikely to find in the traditional markets. And there may be times when an item surprises everyone. At the August event, where most items sold from $100 to $20,000, an antique scroll with an opening bid of $400 brought a spectacular $50,000. “When you offer 1,100 lots in a weekend, there are sure to be bargains that slip through the cracks,” Ahlers says. “And then there are some that really exceed expectations.” n
AHLERS & OGLETREE AUCTION GALLERY 715 Miami Circle, Suite 210 Atlanta 30324 404.869.2478 www.aandoauctions.com
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HIGH IMPACT TRADESHOW GRAPHICS Visit Our Showroom In West Midtown
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LITE R A RY
Linda and Charles Mote turned a passion for reading and volunteering into a postretirement job running Literacy Volunteers of Atlanta.
A new chapter Retirees find a second career helping others to read
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ome volunteers are motivated to roll up their sleeves because they’ve had a friend or family member impacted by an illness or an issue. That wasn’t quite the case with Linda Mote. The Buckhead retiree signed on to work as a literacy volunteer because she couldn’t fathom knowing anyone who couldn’t read. “Reading is a major part of my life, and I just couldn’t imagine not being able to,” says Mote, 68. Several years ago, while living in Tennessee, Mote volunteered as a tutor, working one-on-one with adults who were learning to read. When she and her husband, Charles, 72, moved to the Atlanta area in 1994, Mote stayed in the literary world, working as the community relations manager for Barnes & Noble at Northpoint Mall for seven years. The position put her in touch with the Decatur-based Literacy Volunteers of Atlanta, a nonprofit established in 1986 to teach adults how to read. “They came to me with a proposal for a major book sale, and we wound up helping them for a few years,” Mote recalls. “From that connection, they asked me to be on their board.” Ten years ago, the couple officially retired and moved from Dunwoody to the Len-
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STORY:
H.M. Cauley PHOTO: Tyler Welbron
brook community in Buckhead. Instead of slowing down, life became busier than ever when LVA’s director left in 2012, and the two stepped in to keep the organization going. “Charlie had been helping out running the business side, but I started managing the staff, tutors and students,” Mote says. “It quickly turned into a full-time job for us.” Mote introduced changes to improve the organization’s structure. The first was reorganizing classes so basic readers (those below a fifth-grade level) were not in sessions with others at higher levels. She kept classes small, with two or four students in the beginning levels. And she has continued to work diligently to add more volunteer teachers and tutors to the 300-member roster. Students meet with tutors all around the metro area and can also attend the group classes at specific locations for no charge. “Most adults learn better with one-on-one tutoring, but we just don’t have enough tutors for everyone,” Mote says. “We’ve had to go to classes so we don’t lose people. At least that way, they get some instruction.” Tutors are trained and given a curriculum, so there’s no need for special skills, Mote points out. “They can also bring in any outside materials they think students might be interested in. The students really like things aimed
at life skills—how to go to the bank, read a prescription or get a driver’s license, for instance.” LVA also hosts conversation classes for adult ESL learners at local libraries in Brookhaven, Sandy Springs and several locations in DeKalb. They are part of the 38 free classes the organization offers. Mote herself teaches reading one night a week. But the couple’s biggest achievement has been overseeing LVA’s merger with the nonprofit Literacy Action. The partnership, formed in July, will enable LVA to expand its services not just to adults, but also to children as young as five. “It also means we now have the capabilities to move into other counties where there is a definite need for these programs,” Mote says. At some point, Mote believes she and her husband will give up the administrative side of their volunteer hours. “But we will continue to teach and be involved,” she says. “We plan to be in it for a while yet.” n
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF ATLANTA 246 Sycamore Street, Suite 110 Decatur 30030 404.377.7323 www.lvama.org
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RE V I E W | DRI N K S | F O ODI E J OU RNA L | TA S T E M A K E R | RE S TAU R A N T S
SIMPLY DELICIOUS
RESTAURANT REVIEW
Fire in the belly P58
At Fogo de Chão, you can participate in “a toga-stretching orgy of carnivorism that would make Caligula blush.”
Fogo de Chão’s skewerwielding “gauchos” bring an endless parade of meats to the table, trimming them onto your plate with high drama. Photo: Sara Hanna Photography
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Right: Though it’s not exactly a campfire on the pampas, Fogo de Chão’s fire-breathing stainlesssteel cooker does the job of searing meat to a perfect state of crusty char and juicy pink interior. Below: Fogo’s salad bar is an extravagant smorgasbord of meats, cheese and salad fixings. But if you are feeling carnivorous, don’t fill up on the first course.
Above: Beef, chicken, sausage, pork, lamb: Why not try a little of everything? Wash it all down with a big bold red, and don’t miss the sides, such as the mashed potatoes, buttery plantains and fried sticks of polenta.
Fire in the belly Y
ou don’t have to brave the pampas of South America or the wilds of Africa to witness the most primitive form of cooking—and eating—on the planet. Every day of the week, deep in the heart of Buckhead, hunks of meat sizzle over an open fire, and grown men smack their lips and engage in gluttony as a kind of participatory sport. Beef, pork, lamb, chicken, sausage: It all glides down the hatch in a blur of grease, salt, char and artery-clogging primal excess. And boy, is it delicious. I’m talking about the Piedmont Road location of Fogo de Chão, the Brazilian churrascaria—aka steakhouse or rodizio or barbecue—where a parade of indefatigable gauchos are forever at the ready with ginormous slabs of fire-scorched meat. (They carve it off the skewer straight onto your plate, while you assist with a dainty little pair of tongs.) I’ve been smitten with this marathon style of masticating since the late 1990s, when I entered a Rio de Janeiro steakhouse called Porcão a churrascaria virgin and walked out a virtual Lothario of this manly cult of meat-eating. (Porcão is, by point of fact, the word for “big pig.”) So the Atlanta outpost of Fogo de Chão—it means “fire on the ground,” a reference to the gaucho style
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Meater-tainment quotient sizzles at Fogo de Chão STORY:
of campfire cookery practiced by South American cowboys for generations—has long been a personal-fave, special-occasion chomping ground for me. I love coming here to slurp caipirinhas (the Brazilian national cocktail of lime, sugar and the native rum called cachaça), inhale airy poufs of pão de queijo (cheese bread) and participate in the kind of toga-stretching orgy of carnivorism that would make Caligula blush. At least I thought I did. It’s been more than five years since I last visited Fogo, and though I can hardly issue a verdict based on one recent Thursday-night experience, it seems like the place has gotten all Vegas. While the salad bar remains super fresh and extensive, and the roundelay of meat quite encyclopedic, the carnival atmosphere almost makes it impossible to relax and enjoy the experience, which at $51.50 per person at dinner (for the unlimited salad bar and meat service but excluding drinks, desserts or tips) is not insignificant. There was a time when I considered Fogo a fine-dining destination, a place for getting dressed up
Wendell Brock PHOTOS: Sara Hanna
and spending time with people you care about. Today it feels like a circus. Walking in, we had to weave around the phalanx of men having a smoke out front and wade through a bar/entrance area that looked like a peanut gallery (thanks to the straw wrappers littering the floor). Moving around the restaurant— say we needed to go to the loo or get a little more cheese from the salad bar—meant navigating an obstacle course of ravenous, tipsy patrons and skewer-wielding gauchos. Makes you want to flip the little sign you use to tell servers when to stop serving meat to the red—or “no”—position. Time out already! Call me a gaucho groucho. But I think a fellow needs a modicum of peace and quiet in order to chew and swallow properly. All that said, Fogo still makes a wonderful caipirinha and the salad station is a thing of beauty—a cornucopia of salami, prosciutto, smoked salmon, fresh mozzarella, saltycrumbly Parmigiano-Reggiano; Manchego (which I call “man cheese,” particularly in this context, which feels about 85 percent male) and on and on. Asparagus, Caesar salad, plain
If you need a tutorial on the meat, check out the explanatory flyer on the table. There are 16 cuts. greens, mushrooms, a first-rate tabbouleh, and all kinds of mayonnaise-y salads. (Didn’t try the chicken sal, but my friend gave it a rave.) It must be said that you can fill up on this first course, and the restaurant allows you to choose a salad-only option, which many folks do. The standard sides that come with the full-meal-deal—cheesy garlic mashed potatoes, buttery caramelized plantains and fried polenta sticks—are also mighty tasty. If you need a tutorial on the meat, check out the explanatory flyer on the table. There are 16 cuts. I’m crazy about the garlic-scented picanha (the signature preparation of prime sirloin), the perfectly medium filet mignon (which comes with or without bacon), and the juicy pink beef ancho (aka rib eye). In the non-beef mode, the lombo (Parmesan-encrusted pork loin) is a sensational diversion, and I love the way the pork ribs are just a little crispy without being at all dry. (Just pick one up and munch.) There’s also chicken, sausage, lamb leg and chops, and several more cuts of cow. Wow!
Dessert? Are you kidding me? (Then again, you probably can’t stand up at this point, so why not?) We laughed at the idea of something heavy like molten chocolate cake or turtle cheesecake. That signature papaya cream would surely be a more sensible option, right? We ended up with flan (good, though not stellar) and plate of brûléed pineapple with vanilla ice cream and drizzles of caramel syrup. Truly, it looks like they use an entire piña. It’s more than plenty for two and quite possibly enough for the table—our favorite dessert, hands down. In sum, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Brazilian churrascarias, and I love introducing novices to the spectacle. (“It’s kind of a man cave, kind of a buffet, kind of an old-world oddity,” I might say, pointing to the after-dinner drink cart.) I’m not giving up on Buckhead’s Fogo, but next time I go, I’ll pick a time—maybe lunch—when the energy level isn’t so crushing. This anything-goes style of eating is not something you do every day. So when you do indulge, you want to take care to savor every fat little morsel. n
Above: You won’t run out of food at Fogo. Start with a sugary lime caipirinha and move on to salads, cheese bread, sides and the non-stop meat experience. Below: The bruleed pineapple with vanilla ice cream is a lovely finish to a decadent meal.
FOGO DE CHÃO 3101 Piedmont Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.266.9988 www.fogodechao.com Prices: Full service, including unlimited meat and salad bar: $51.50 (dinner); $32.50 (lunch). Salad bar only: $24.50 (dinner); $22.50 (lunch). Kids under 6 eat free; 7 to 12 half price. Recommended dishes: Caipirinha cocktails. Pão de queijo (cheese bread). Plantains. Picanha (prime sirloin), filet mignon, beef ancho (rib eye), lombo (Parmesan-encrusted pork loin). Brûléed pineapple dessert. Bottom line: Meat lover’s dream. But beware the crowds.
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D R IN KS
“I love scotch, scotchy scotch scotch. Here it goes down, down into my belly.” – Ron Burgundy, Anchorman
Drink
like a man
YOUR CRASH COURSE IN SCOTCH WHISKY
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What’s the difference between a single malt scotch and a blended scotch? A single malt is made using malted barley from a single distillery. Generally, single malts have more age, making them a bit smoother. The Macallan would be an example of a single malt. A blended scotch combines multiple whiskeys (grain and malt whiskeys) that all have one specific flavor profile. They generally have a consistent flavor; Dewar’s and Chivas Regal are examples of blended scotches. Take us through Scotland’s various scotch-producing regions. Speyside produces fruity scotches and is home to labels like The Balvenie and Glenlivet. Highlands, the largest scotch-producing region, includes Glenfiddich, The Macallan and Glenmorangie. Flavors in this region tend to be smooth and floral. Both Isles and Islay use more peat in the distillation process, so theirs lean heavier and maltier—brands include Lagavulin and Tobermory. The Lowlands produce a lighter, mellower scotch. Auchentoshan is a Lowlands distillery. Any advice on ordering scotch? First, I’d suggest sampling a range of scotches from various regions to see
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what you like. Most people will enjoy Highlands or Lowlands style scotches. After deciding on the region you like, you’ll want to pay attention to the age. Older ones will be stronger and more flavorful. With food or without? Scotch is best enjoyed on its own. How should you serve scotch? It’s universal for all scotches and whiskeys. The ideal glass is tulip-shaped with no stem. Riedel makes a great one. Generally, you want to serve it without ice. If you want to soften it a bit, you can add a splash of bottled water or one large ice cube that melts as you sip. Remember, you drink scotch in sips, not like a cocktail. What are your three favorites on the Chops menu right now? Our most popular is The Macallan 12-year. It’s aged in old sherry barrels, giving it a nice, soft flavor. The Glenmorangie port finish is called the Quinta Ruban. It’s aged in port barrels, so you get that subtle, bright jamminess. In The Balvenie DoubleWood 17, the whisky is matured first in American oak barrels, then transferred to European oak sherry barrels to finish aging. n
Kelly Skinner
CHEAT SHEET:
CIGAR PAIRING Jay Kazlow, president, chief operating officer and partner at Dantanna’s and Buckhead Cigar Lounge, shares his tips for pairing scotch with cigars. Photo: Sara Hanna Photography
here’s something inherently manly about Scotch whisky. Made from malted barley or cereal grains, it’s an old-fashioned, firebellied drink aged in barrels and served simply—all you need is a glass. Since its beginning in 15th century Scotland, it has become the choice beverage for the culture’s manliest men (and also off-the-wall characters like Ron Burgundy). Yet there’s an air of mystery surrounding the stuff that can make it a bit intimidating for beginners. For one thing, the higher price tag makes it trickier to explore than, say, your standard vodka or bottle of craft beer, and if you’re a dude, there’s an assumption that you’ll naturally know about it. No need to keep up the act. Chops Lobster Bar’s Wine Director and Beverage Manager Dennis Wood (pictured right) has the answers to your questions.
STORY:
n “In general, the spicier the cigar, the better it will pair with a stronger, spicier scotch. The idea is for the two flavors to mesh—not for one to overpower the other.” n “Highland malts tend to be the lightest scotches, whereas Islay malts tend to be the strongest with the most smoke and peats. It is easiest to pair light cigars with light scotch and richer, deeper cigars with richer, deeper scotches.” n “Pair The Macallan 12-year with something like the Avo Classic No. 2 cigar.” n “The Quinta Ruban gets some sweetness from the aging process and would work well with a Nicaraguan ‘My Father’ cigar, which has a peppery, spicy finish.” n “The Balvenie DoubleWood 17 has a drier finish and would work well with a Davidoff Nicaragua cigar.” n “Aside from scotches, cognacs and ports are some of the best pairings with cigars. I actually like bourbons better than scotches for this reason. Rums work as well.“
MANLY PROVISIONS Chops Lobster Bar 70 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.262.2675 www.buckheadrestaurants.com/ chops-lobster-bar Buckhead Cigar Lounge at Dantanna’s 3400 Around Lenox Drive, Suite 304 Atlanta 30326 404.760.8873 www.dantannas.com
S I M P LY D E LICIOUS
FOODIE JOURNAL
Culinary News & Notes
BY:
Kate Parham Kordsmeier
Buckhead’s chef-driven restaurants W
hen it comes to “cheffy” restaurants, Buckhead can get a bad rap, what with all the chains and fast-casual eateries and corporate steakhouses that call it home. But thanks to a handful of innovative chefs,
many of whom have set up their own shops, the neighborhood is now host to several sui generis restaurants where tired, mass-produced dishes (did someone say crab rangoon?) have been replaced
with made-from-scratch, groundbreaking plates of local, seasonal and sustainable ingredients made with skill, ingenuity and a whole lotta love. Here are some of our favorite chef-driven restaurants in Buckhead:
Aria
www.aria-atl.com
Bhojanic Becker
Why She’s Awesome: Buckhead isn’t exactly known for its ethnic cuisine, but Punjab-born Chef Becker is changing that with her family-style Northern Indian food that employs authentic techniques in a nontraditional setting (it doesn’t get more American than their strip mall location in the Shops Around Lenox).
www.sevenlampsatl.com
Hopkins
Why He’s Awesome: Chef Hopkins was a pioneer in Atlanta’s fine dining and farm-to-table landscape when he opened Restaurant Eugene 10 years
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Can’t Miss Dishes: Squid ink spaghetti with lump crab and Calabrian chile; grilled whole fish with citrus; charred octopus with bean salad. www.stceciliaatl.com
Why They’re Awesome: Along with Owner Nick Quinones, Chef Weinstein has created a culture rooted in sustainability, which means working closely with the best local farmers and growers to source the best product available. Ipso facto, Weinstein’s daily changing menu always has something new and exciting for diners to sink their teeth into. Can’t Miss Dishes: Pickled shrimp with chipotle mole; cornflake-fried chicken with watermelon curry; Painted Hills ribeye with carrots and leeks. www.woodfiregrill.com
Woodfire Grill’s GrassRoots Farms’ chicken thigh with chickpea hummus, tabbouleh, cucumber, yogurt and grilled sweet gem lettuce.
www.umiatlanta.com
Yebo THE CHEF: Diane
Richards
Why He’s Awesome: After working in Italian kitchens, Chef Richards returned to Atlanta to helm the kitchen at Ford Fry’s latest outpost—seasonal, coastal European seafood is the name of the game and it’s unlike anything else you’ll find in Buckhead.
Weinstein
Can’t Miss Dishes: With more than two dozen fish species behind the counter, go for the omakase menu (chef’s choice). If ordering à la carte, you can’t go wrong with avocado salad; miso-marinated black cod; otoro tuna with truffle oil; green tea soufflé.
Umi’s spicy tuna crispy rice dish is topped with jalapeño slices.
St. Cecilia THE CHEF: Craig
Ito
Why He’s Awesome: Chef Ito is one of the most charismatic, passionate chefs in town, which is why sitting at his sushi bar is such a treat. Not to mention the theater he puts on with his razor-sharp knife skills—he carefully fine-tunes each knife (some of which cost thousands) with three different grit-sharpening stones every day.
Why He’s Awesome: After training under some of the culinary world’s masterminds (think Guenter Seeger and Wylie Dufresne), Van Leuvan launched Pan de Mie Pasta, a handmade pasta company that sold to 28 of the city’s top restaurants, before opening Seven Lamps. So obviously the tortellini is out of this world! And the way Van Leuvan’s communal, veggie-driven menu celebrates seasonality, yet is always on the cutting edge, makes for the ultimate comfort food.
www.bhojanic.com
THE CHEF: Linton
THE CHEF: Fuyuhiko
Van Leuvan
Can’t Miss Dishes: Lobster bun with celery aioli and steamed brioche; Maine mussels with smoky andouille, charred jalapeño and fennel butter; housemade charcuterie.
Holeman & Finch
Umi
Seven Lamps THE CHEF: Drew
Woodfire Grill THE CHEF: Matt St. Cecilia’s grilled whole fish with citrus.
www.holeman-finch.com
Can’t Miss Dishes: Chicken biryani (mixed rice plate); goat curry; alu tikki (crispy potato patties with chickpea curry and chutneys).
Bhojanic’s goat curry swims in a ginger, garlic and onionbased sauce.
www.watershedrestaurant.com Photo: Emily Schultz
Can’t Miss Dishes: Hot chicken sandwich with kohlrabi slaw; duck liver pâté; fish collars.
Can’t Miss Dishes: Eggplant fries; blue crab churros; gumbo; fried chicken (only on Wednesdays); Joe’s Jambalaya.
Watershed on Peachtree THE CHEF: Joe
Truex
Why He’s Awesome: The New South looks a lot more multicultural these days, nowhere more so than at the new Watershed where Le Cirque-trained Chef Truex, previously of Repast, puts his Louisiana lilt onto every globally inspired plate.
Anthony
Why She’s Awesome: When Diane and her family came to Atlanta back in 1998, they opened the country’s first South African restaurant, 10 Degrees South. Today they also run Yebo, a swanky spot tucked inside Phipps Plaza dishing up modern small plates from their homeland. Yebo’s modern Can’t Miss Dishes: interior at Peri-peri fried Phipps Plaza. chicken; ostrich Bolognese, Bobotie Bunny Chow (ground beef curry with fried egg). www.yeborestaurant.com
Photo: Sara Hanna Photography
Can’t Miss Dishes: Butter braised Maine lobster with black truffle potatoes; Niman Ranch slow-roasted pork belly; Zinfandel-braised beef short rib.
THE CHEF: Archna
ago—today we love the whole animal cookery menu he’s added at H&F, where parts like marrow bones, tongues and even testicles take center stage.
Photo: Angie Mosier
Klaskala
Why He’s Awesome: Not only has Klaskala’s incredibly fresh and seasonal cooking kept Aria at the top of nearly every “hot” restaurant list for more than a decade, but the chef, who is in his kitchen every single night, is also a major philanthropist in town, donating his time and talents to food-based organizations like the Atlanta Community Food Bank, American Heart Association, Georgia Organics and Share Our Strength.
Photo: Courtesy Restaurant Eugene
Photo: Sara Hanna Photography
THE CHEF: Gerry
The recently launched EatOutAtlanta app features several Buckhead restaurants.
LUNCH
DINNER
HEALTHY BBQ? Yes!That’s right! We’ve got healthy chef crafted “skinny fixin’s” like lettuce wraps, smoked fish, salads & veggies to choose from with all the flavor you’d expect from a bbq joint, without all the calories.
Veggie Lettuce Wraps
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Waterm nSmoked FetaeloS alad
EATOUTATLANTA Groupon and LivingSocial might be the bee’s knees for diners seeking freebies, but what about a membership for those who are more passionate about good food? Enter EatOutAtlanta, the latest foodie club and app connecting diners to chef-driven restaurants for a more memorable dining experience. Launched first in Atlanta, the program’s participating restaurants include Saltyard, HAVEN, Valenza, Rumi’s Kitchen, Double Zero Napoletana, Sugo, Smokebelly, Aja and Smash. There’s a catch—membership starts at $72 (pre-register to lock in the early-adopter rate; it goes up to $97 per year soon) and there are no coupons, discounts or freebies. But in exchange, members will receive engraved cards promising unique access, like off-menu dishes, exclusive tastings, chef’s table or priority seats and special pairings. Members also have access to the EatOutAtlanta app, which displays restaurant profiles and menus, and allows members to share restaurant suggestions across the web as well as give feedback directly to the restaurant. “Other companies rely on these discounts as their own product, selling the restaurants’ loss for their own gain,” explains Founder and Atlanta native Kayvon Gerami. “But restaurants cannot survive like that; and worse yet, [these discount companies] train the consumer to value products at this new discounted price and only patronize the restaurant when they’re offering a discount. Would you ever pay $50 for a steak that you once got for $20?” So instead, EatOutAtlanta focuses on value through experience, ensuring diners receive the best experience for their money rather than a decent experience for as little money as possible. Gerami says he has plans to expand the program to other cities in the near future. www.eatoutatlanta.com
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Fans of the uber playful One Sushi + in Brookhaven rejoice! Owner Mali Hu (also of Ichiban Steak & Sushi) is opening her third Japanese fusion spot this month on Lenox Road in the former Truffles space. Katana Teppanyaki & Sushi, a sushi bar meets teppanyaki house, will dish out Hu’s signature sushi rolls (think lump crab and Cajun spiced salmon with Pop Rocks) on one side of the restaurant, while communal, hibachiesque grills churn out high-quality proteins (NY strip steak, Springer Mountain Farms chicken and Maine lobster) with golden garlic fried rice and stir-fried seasonal vegetables on the other Katana Teppanyaki & Sushi side. Wash it all down with an innovative cocktail, like 3345 Lenox Road N.E. the Chamomile Cooler made with Yamazaki 12 years, Atlanta 30326 fresh lemon, simple syrup and chamomile foam. 404.869.1888 Kanpai! Open for dinner seven nights a week; lunch www.katanaatl.com coming soon.
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TA S TE MAKER
EATING FOR A LIVING “Atlanta Eats” host Steak Shapiro has his plate full with a new Food Network show STORY:
Carly Cooper PHOTO: Sara Hanna
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rookhaven resident Steak Shapiro is the host of “Atlanta Eats,” a 30-minute television program that showcases restaurants around the city. Shapiro founded it with his business partner Cody Hicks in 2012. Airing Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on Peachtree TV, the show isn’t the only foodie program Shapiro works on. Two years ago he founded Bread N’ Butter Productions, a multimedia company focused on food and beverage, and recently completed deals for two (currently confidential) national shows. Perhaps most exciting, Shapiro is working on a new show for the Food Network, called “Food Truck Face Off,” that debuts Oct. 2. “I say I’m a professional eater,” he says. But Shapiro started his career in sports radio. In fact, he’s still one of three hosts of “The Front Row” on 680 The Fan sports radio. To further compound his busy life, Shapiro is a family man who enjoys spending time with his three children, ages 3, 6 and 8. We spoke with him to learn more about the man behind the name.
First of all, is Steak your real name? No. It’s Stephen. Steak was a nickname given to me by a talk show host up in Boston. The talk show host went to a steakhouse in Minnesota, and one of the specialties was called Steak Shapiro. I’ve been using it since I moved to Atlanta 18 years ago. How did you get into food writing? I’m a Jewish guy from Boston who loves to eat. That would bleed onto my show a lot. I had a radio show called “Steak Tips” at my old station. I owned 790 The Zone for 15 years. When I sold it in 2011, I was looking to start another company and thought food was a great forum. If you’re entertaining and comfortable on TV, it doesn’t matter whether you’re talking about a
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great Reuben sandwich or the Braves’ leadoff hitter. They’re both passion points. How do you like your new gig so far? I have the best job in the world; I get to talk about food and sports for a living. I’m used to talk radio where either they love you or they hate you. [Food] is not controversial. I get more love from “Atlanta Eats” than anything else. What can you tell me about your new TV show? It’s a one-hour show. I’m featured in all 13 episodes. I’ve been traveling around the country for the past six months, filming. The premise is food trucks meet “Shark Tank.” We give away a food truck every show. Jesse Palmer from “The Bachelor” is the host. I’m the lead judge. In each city, we team up with an expert from that city. How did you get connected with the Food Network? They saw “Atlanta Eats” and put me in a pilot last summer on the Cooking Channel. Then the Food Network took it.
What are your favorite places to eat in Atlanta? Hal’s is a constant for a perfect Atlanta night out. That’s where I take out-of-towners. St. Cecilia is another one. I love all the Buckhead Life restaurants. Kyma and Pricci are my favorites. Joy Café in Buckhead is another one—everything is homemade and delicious. Davio’s has a great bar. I’m at Goldberg’s probably more than any other restaurant. It’s right near my house and my kids love it. Also, Houston’s is the greatest chain of all time. How many meals a week do you eat out? How do you stay healthy? About 15. I have to look at my face on TV, which forces me to weigh myself every day. I’m a big guy, so if I have to, I eat smart for two days and I can lose three or four pounds. I taste a ton of food, but I don’t eat a full anything—at least when it comes to TV. I go to Flywheel and The Forum in Buckhead. I work out so I can eat. n
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FEATURED RESTAURANTS A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead WRITTEN: Wendell
Brock
PHOTOS:
Sara Hanna
Road breakfast-and-lunch spot, and you can’t go wrong with the Brunswick stew, chicken salad, pimento cheese, or the fried chicken biscuit with pepper jelly and pickles. Vizethann’s love of sweet confections really shines at weekend brunch, when folks line up in front of the inviting bright-blue cottage for the likes of toasted blueberry coffeecake and poppy-seed pancakes with strawberries and lemon curd.
10 DEGREES SOUTH After 15 years on the scene, this Roswell Road establishment is a highly original destination where food and wine from the tip of the Southern Hemisphere are celebrated with flair. Before we could pose the server with a query on the peri-peri, we got the hard sell on South African reds—particularly the Rupert & Rothschild 2009 “Classique.” The big, full-bodied R&R was the perfect match for the luscious, spicy food that followed. I may not be an expert on South African cuisine, but I’ll wager that nobody makes bobotie (the national dish) like 10 Degrees South. The dish consists of tantalizingly sweet curried ground beef topped with a custardy crust. It’s time to get your head out of the sand and indulge in the kind of stuff our parents enjoyed when “Continental” cuisine was in vogue.
Salads and sandwiches: $8.25-$11.50 Breakfast dishes: $8-$13 www.buttermilkkitchen.com
CAFÉ SUNFLOWER In a town that’s burger-crazed and churrascaria-packed, chef-owners Lin and Edward Sun’s casual, mid-priced kitchen is an anomaly: a veggie haunt that samples freely from world cuisine with mainstream diners in mind. Here, patrons take delight in consistently delicious salads and soups; soy-based replicas of everyday grub like burgers and ravioli; and a stellar lineup of original dishes. The food is freshly prepared, beautifully presented and accessible to both hardcore vegans and omnivores.
Appetizers: $10-$16 Entrées: $21-$38 www.10degreessouth.com
BUTTERMILK KITCHEN Chef Suzanne Vizethann offers thoughtfully handcrafted food in a room as pure and simple as its namesake drink. Southern classics are the foundation of this Roswell
Lunch entrées: $9-$12 Dinner entrées: $12-$18 www.cafesunflower.com
Newk’s spicy shrimp pizza is a color-splashed pie loaded with fresh tomatoes, bell peppers and lots of cheese.
CO’M VIETNAMESE GRILL In a Buford Highway strip mall on the edge of Brookhaven, Co’m has for some time now been my favorite place for the vibrant, aromatic flavors of the Southeast Asian nation that owner-brothers Duc and Henry Tran once called home. While Atlanta has pho shops aplenty, the stars here are the rice and noodle dishes, which can be ordered with heavenly grilled meats, chicken or fish. The pièce de résistance, though, is the grilled grape-leaf rolls, stuffed with bits of beef, lamb, salmon, duck or tofu; doused in a pool of sweet-fishy vinaigrette and sprinkled with crushed peanuts and crispy fried scallions. Heaven! Appetizers: $3-$10 Entrées: $7-$18 www.comgrillrestaurant.com
HAL’S “THE STEAKHOUSE”
Di’s Delight, from 10 Degrees South, is a moist fruit cake, served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
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Looking on the outside like a highend strip joint topped with a Bourbon Street balcony, Hal’s has built its cachet around its loyal clientele, old-school style, impeccable service and terrific food. Owner Hal Nowak is a New Orleans native, and in his eponymous enterprise—with its shrimp rémoulade, oysters bordelaise and booze-soaked bread pudding—he has created Atlanta’s
answer to Galatoire’s. This may be your grandparents’ favorite restaurant, but in an age where everything old is new again, it also boasts a youthful clientele that appreciates its straightforward food, strong drinks and speakeasy atmosphere. Appetizers and salads: $9-$24 Entrées and steaks: $234-$50 www.hals.net
JALISCO After nearly three decades, Jalisco remains a giddy, guilty pleasure trip through a tunnel of cheese. This TexMex institution at Peachtree Battle is better than an El Paso taco kit, but not exactly a showcase of the sophisticated techniques and ingredients of the Mexican larder. Without apology, Jalisco is what it is, a place with consistently good, standard-issue burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and even a “Hamburguesa Mexicana.” (It’s topped with nacho cheese.) This is not a place where the kitchen thrives on change and creativity. For the most part, the menu is the same as it has been since Jalisco opened in 1978. Lunch specials: $5-$9 Entrées: $9-$13 404.233.9244
JOY CAFÉ Every Sunday at sunrise, Joy Austin Beber goes to her Buckhead café and makes a whopping pile of her greatgrandmother’s biscuits. After church, she serves a hallelujah chorus of a brunch: fluffy buttermilk pancakes; eggs Benedict; and those famous biscuits topped with gravy, sausage and scrambled eggs. I arrived at the 3 p.m. cutoff for the breakfast-y brunch items, and enjoyed a terrific cobb salad with loads of blue cheese, bacon, avocado, boiled egg and grilled chicken. The Joy’s pièce de résistance, though, is the Crack Pie, with its oatmeal-cookie crust and gooey interior. Joy got a kick out of hearing that I am wack for her crack. This selftaught chef keeps it simple and fresh. Brunch: $7-$14 Lunch: $8-$12 www.joycafeatl.com
when I drive up to his venerated dive in the heart of Buckhead, I believe him with every bit of my ’cue-loving soul. Before I can park, the sweet, heavenly aroma of long-cooked meat has invaded my tightly sealed, air-conditioned car. Bonk says the brown-sugar-andketchup-laced sauce is the recipe of his wife’s grandfather, who hailed from Texas. He’s right proud of the beef ribs, too. “We are the only place who does that cut in the Southeast,” he says of the elbow-to-wrist, Jurassic-size gnaw sticks. We like the laidback vibe of this place and the chatty, friendly servers. There’s live blues on Friday and Saturday nights, and we’d love to come back, sit at the fabulous bar and sip a Texas ’rita or two. No wonder this place has such longevity. Blow that kind of smoke up a neighborhood’s skirt, and it will notice.
Bison is the specialty at Ted’s Montana Grill, and the all-American flag-forked patties— like the Ted’s Blue Creek with bacon and blue cheese—are irresistible.
Entrées: $13-$29 www.onestarranch.com
TAKA SUSHI AND PASSION
NEWK’S EATERY This Mississippi-based chain has popped up in the Atlanta market, and though it looks like a fast-food joint, it tastes like homemade. Salads—from shrimp rémoulade salad to a delicious steak-andblue-cheese version to old-fashioned chicken sal—are a standout. At this casual, family friendly, crowd-pleasing spot you can also get sandwiches, pizzas and mac-and-cheese but, refreshingly, no burgers! We are pretty crazy about the sausage-and-pepperoni pie, with its thin crust and warm and gooey toppings. And who can resist a crispy rice treat with chocolate and peanut butter? Not us.
PASTA VINO
ONE STAR RANCH
You can surely find trendier pizza parlors or posher places to eat Italian in Atlanta. But if you are looking for old-fashioned linguini with clam sauce or chicken Florentine in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere with a loyal following, this Buckhead favorite has got you covered. The restaurant is beloved by many for its home-style cooking, casual ambiance, reasonable prices and a staff of servers who have acquired faithful customers of their own. Owner Nancy Powell treasures her crew, most of whom have been on the job for more than 10 years. Given the refined state of Italian dining in America today, Pasta Vino is not likely to win any awards for innovation or inspiration. But it remains a perfectly fine, frequently delicious, middle-of-the-road trattoria.
According to owner Frank Bonk, the smokers at this 25-year-old Irby Avenue institution puff day and night. And
Starters and salads: $2-$10 Entrées: $10-$22 www.pastavinoatlanta.com
Salads, sandwiches and pizzas: $7-$11 www.newks.com
Chef Taka Moriuchi learned from perhaps the most famously finicky and cult-inspiring Japanese chef Atlanta has ever known: Sotohiro Kosugi, owner of Buckhead’s legendary (but now shuttered) Soto Japanese Restaurant. Today, Moriuchi holds court at his own Pharr Road sushi bar, where his impeccably fresh fish and hot and cold appetizers compare to the best Japanese food in town. The only difference: His prices won’t shipwreck your budget. Among our faves, the UPS roll is a delicious nod to the Atlanta-based Big Brown fleet, and the black cod and okra tempura are packages you’ll be happy to see arrive at your table. Appetizers: $6-$20 Nigiri: $2.50-$11 Sushi rolls: $4.50-$19.50 www.takasushiatlanta.com
TED’S MONTANA GRILL We love everything about the housemade dill pickles; the fat
onion rings with horseradish dipping sauce; the Arnold Palmers; and the all-American, stick-a-flagin-it, “where the buffalo roam” burgers. Yep, we’re talking bison, baby. It’s leaner than beef, yet richer and moister, somehow. The Ted’s burger that really rocks our world is the Blue Creek: Inspired by owner Ted Turner’s Blue Creek Ranch in Nebraska, it comes with bacon crumbles and blue cheese. And that’s all it needs. Just ask for a side of rings and a little ramekin of that horsey sauce. Appetizers: $5-$14 Burgers: $12-$19 www.tedsmontanagrill.com
Hungry for more? Visit the Simply Buckhead website to read all of our Restaurant Reviews! www.simplybuckhead.com
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S IMPLY B U CKHEAD COV ER S TORY
Photo: Pat Molnar
FAMILY GUYS Buckhead career dads make fatherhood a priority STORY:
D. Aileen Dodd PHOTOS: Sara Hanna
In Buckhead, the delicate dance of juggling work and family is expertly performed by dedicated dads—family men with demanding careers as executives, entrepreneurs and professional athletes who toil for long hours to be successful without losing ground as caring fathers. One plays professional basketball. Another sells sports apparel. No matter the day job, these career dads who live or work in Buckhead understand what is important in life. They value family and take pride in the responsibilities of fatherhood. They love their kids and careers. Here is how they get the job done.
PLUS: SPOTLIGHT ON BUCKHEAD’S PRO ATHELETES P80 Why is Buckhead the “address of choice” for professional athletes? P80 Q&A with Alex Wood The Atlanta Braves pitcher’s favorite neighborhood spots.
P81 Q&A with Takeo Spikes The famed pro athlete on football, photography and fatherhood.
C OVE R S T ORY
FAMILY GUYS
PAUL MILLSAP Spending quality time—not money—is essential to good parenting Occupation: Atlanta Hawks player Kids: Xylah, 10; Yani, 9; Palur, 19 months; and infant son, Porter
“You want to be the best at what you do. I also want to be the best at being a father.”
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day at the office for NBA All-Star and Buckhead resident Paul Millsap finds the Hawks forward slam-dunking a basketball in the face of his opponent and signing autographs in a huddle of adoring fans. Millsap works overtime to perfect his shots. He has built an impressive game day record of 18 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists. And he is just as deliberate about building his record as a caring dad. “Everyone around me knows I’m a workaholic,” Millsap says. “You want to be the best at what you do. I also want to be the best at being a father.” Millsap admits that the demanding travel schedule of an NBA player can make it “tough” to be present for every milestone and class play. But he never wants his four kids to see him as a part-time dad because of his career choice. That’s why Millsap returns home as often as he can between games to be present at family dinners and to help his kids with homework. “In the NBA, a lot of fathers throw money at their kids, but nothing can pay for the time that
you spend with them,” Millsap says. “You have to be there for your kids. You have to make sacrifices.” Instead of living the fast life of a star athlete, Millsap takes his kids to Sky Zone and the playground at Chastain Park. He supports their interests in piano and soccer. Making sacrifices is part of good parenting, he says. Millsap watched his single mom do it for years. “She had four boys to care for, so she sacrificed her downtime to work and make ends meet,” he remembers. “I want to sacrifice everything else just to get time back with my kids.” For Millsap, “coming home to see the smiles on their faces” is the best part of fatherhood. His fiancée takes care of the family while he is away. The most challenging part is trying to teach his kids important life lessons when he has limited time and must leave home again. “It’s kind of tough to instill principles, but you have to find some way to do that,” he says. “I want them to succeed in life. Calling helps a lot.” n
PHOTO: Pat
MILLSAP ON FATHERHOOD: A father is … a child’s everything. He is a man who takes care of his kids. He’s the foundation of a family. What is the one thing your parents used to say to you as a kid that you now hear yourself saying? This is going to hurt me as much as it’s going to hurt you. It is something I say when I have to discipline my kids by taking away something from them.
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Favorite retro TV dad: Bill Cosby of “The Cosby Show.” I really liked the relationship he had with his kids. I loved his philosophy on parenting. What is the most important lesson a father should teach his kids? To love each other and to do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Molnar
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C OV ER STORY
FAMILY GUYS
GARTH PETERS Love and leadership set the stage for lasting relationships with kids Occupation: Executive Vice President, Buckhead Coalition Kids: Bryson, 27, and Travis, 26
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rom his window seat at the Buckhead Club, Garth Peters, in a steel gray suit, sips coffee as he eyes the skyline of towering office buildings, chic hotels, eclectic shops and bistros below like a proud father. Last year, he won the Buckhead Business Association’s “Bullish on Buckhead” Award for his dedication to the responsible development of our affluent intown community. Peters loves Buckhead. But what he is really “bullish” for is his family. Twice a week, he has family dinners with his wife of 30 years, Lori, and their two grown sons. They eat home cooking, settle down to watch some TV, talk or not talk— just as long as they are together on Sundays and Wednesdays. And when he sees his sons, he gives them bear hugs. Peters is a firm believer in showing children love no matter how old they are. “I’m a hugger,” says Peters, a longtime Buckhead resident who works as executive vice president of the Buckhead Coalition. “I always thought that showing affection to your children was a positive, nurturing thing to do. It has been part of our routine from the first hug at the delivery table through today.” For Peters, balancing work and family takes discipline and commitment. He learned the importance of setting priorities and living by his word while serving in a military regiment in Bermuda. Peters leads by example. So when he made a commitment to be there for dinner or an outing for his kids, he was there. “It was important to me to plan my schedule around special events,” says Peters, the former senior executive officer in North America for the Ministry of Tourism and Trade in Bermuda “There
were occasions where I would fly out for work on Monday and fly back the next day to meet my family at the Center for Puppetry Arts … attend a recital or baseball game.” Peters wanted his sons to feel like he was there for them even when he had to leave the country. He supported their interests and set clear rules. And if they didn’t follow house rules, Peters doled out consequences by taking away privileges. “Kids actually feel safer with rules that are firm, not inconsistent and confusing,” he says. Peters’ trust in his sons created a close bond. They knew they could come to him if they had a problem at school, wanted a ride home from a late night party, or needed help in overcoming peer pressure. Like always, Peters would analyze their problem, present clear options, and allow them to make the right decision. “During those reflective moments, they start to see the world and the consequences of their decisions more clearly,” Peters says. When Bryson and Travis played in a rock band, he stepped up to be their road manager. (Bryson is an engineer at Deloitte. Travis works in consulting at the same firm.) “I would take off my jacket and tie and come home and put on the black shirt and pants of a roadie,” he says. “The boys would open for bands in some large clubs. I would drive all of the equipment to the venue.” Peters is looking forward to the new family traditions that will occur when his sons have wives and children. “Life is about change,” Peters says. “I am looking forward to grandchildren.” n
“I always thought that showing affection to your children was a positive, nurturing thing to do. It has been part of our routine from the first hug at the delivery table through today.”
Garth Peters still greets his sons, Bryson (left) and Travis (right) with hugs.
PETERS ON FATHERHOOD: A father is … always there for his children. Best advice I’ve ever received about fatherhood: If you add a little to a little, and then do it again, soon that little shall be much (Greek poet Hesiod). What is the one thing your parents used to say to you as a kid that you now hear yourself saying? Remember, you represent the family! Favorite retro TV dad: John Sr. of “The Waltons.” The show was set in the Roosevelt/Truman era. It featured good family values, hard work and hospitality shared
with others. There was always a reassuring “Good night” after every show, offering a sense that tomorrow will be a good day. What is the most important lesson a father should teach his kids? Be a parent and a mentor. Don’t compete to be one of their friends. Participate in their lives. Listen when they’re ready to speak. Create a safe environment at home, a refuge they can go to when all else seems out of place. Lead by example. Encourage caring for others and, mostly, tell them you love them often.
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C OVE R S T ORY
FAMILY GUYS
GEORGE PETSCH Being a good role model is key to raising successful kids Occupation: President of Maple Street Guitars Kids: Lindsay, 34; stepchildren Justin Brent, 46, Lara Brent, 47
“Like most family businesses, the success is the family bond.”
G
eorge Petsch spends his days surrounded by some of the finest handcrafted guitars. He is living his dream as a musician and entrepreneur. For 40 years, he’s played classical guitar entertaining friends, teaching students, and in the early years, elegantly strumming sonatas for paying audiences during gigs. But Petsch’s most harmonious work is performed without strings or notes. It’s the harmony of family unity Petsch is building with his wife of 38 years, Claire, and their son, Lindsay, as they run a family business. Maple Street Guitars, which opened in 1981, is their Buckhead home away from home, which makes it easy for Petsch to balance work and family time. Petsch’s stepson, Justin Brent, and two grandkids live in South Carolina. His stepdaughter, Lara Brent, lives in Atlanta. Lindsay Petsch, 34, manages the store. George teaches one day a week and helps customers. Claire helps with administrative duties. “Like most family businesses, the success is the family bond,” George says. “You have a shared
PETSCH ON FATHERHOOD: A father is … a provider, a teacher, and in the best cases a role model. The best thing about being a dad: You have the opportunity to witness the growth and development of a unique individual and at the same time you are in a position to influence and share in that maturation process. You show the better part of yourself to the child. It’s good for both parties.
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stake. It so happens that we all have worked well together. We get along and it’s great.” Petsch has set some rules that keep his family life and business life in perfect harmony. “We don’t argue about money,” Petsch says. He tries to keep shoptalk to a minimum when he’s at home. (He does website work for the shop while at home, though.) “Our work is kind of our life.” When Lindsay was growing up, there was more of a separation between work and family time. George and Claire took turns staying at home and taking their son to activities. Lindsay sang with the Atlanta Boy Choir at age 6. He later played guitar for enjoyment and followed his dad into the family business. “He grew up around the shop,” Petsch says. “My dad didn’t know what to make of me taking up classical guitar and going back to school to study music when I was at age 20.” Petsch says he learned how to be a good father by watching his own dad support him and show him unconditional love. “I was fortunate to have a positive role model.” n
Father and son George and Lindsay Petsch share work and family time together at Maple Street Guitars.
Favorite retro TV dad: I didn’t watch much TV. I was too busy developing my guitar playing skills. What is the most important lesson a father should teach his kids? Your actions define your character. Learning to make good choices is one of the most important things in life.
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C OV ER STORY
FAMILY GUYS
JIM WHITLOW Parenting is no ‘perfect’ science for this single dad Occupation: Owner/CEO DEKA Kids: Parker, 17; Chase, 16; twins Blake and Julia, 12
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n some days, Jim Whitlow is pulled in a dozen different directions. The athletic single father of four juggles the schedules of his busy kids while he runs a thriving women’s apparel store in the shadow of Lenox Square Mall. He waits on customers. He orders inventory. He oversees operations and plots an expansion. Next year, Whitlow will open a satellite location—about 800 miles away in New York City. Whitlow is both provider and nurturer to his kids. He makes sacrifices to keep his family and business going, but he also is sure to make room for himself. To outsiders, Whitlow’s juggling act of balancing work and family may seem like second nature, but he readily admits he’s no expert. “Some of my customers who are single mothers come to me and ask, ‘How do you do it? How do you juggle it all?’” says Whitlow, while working at his Buckhead shop under the soft light of crystal chandeliers. “I wear so many different hats. I know that I can’t do everything and be every place. At the end of the day, if you allow yourself to know that you don’t have to be perfect, there is some relief in that.”
Whitlow’s oldest children, Parker and Chase, help with the grind of the day from shuttling the youngest kids off to school and sports practices to taking shifts at the store. They are in awe of their dad’s ability to do so much. “My dad is amazing,” Parker says. “I have learned a lot about juggling by watching him do it. I’m a straight-A student and I direct a play. We don’t get to see each other as much, but when we do spend time together it’s really valuable.” Whitlow allows his kids to be independent. They help with cooking and chores. He gives them space to grow and learn from their mistakes. “I don’t sweat the small stuff,” Whitlow says. “If they make mistakes, they are human. I am a firm believer in not hovering over them.” It’s how he makes his schedule work and finds time to exercise in the gym, jog and have dinners with friends. The best thing about being a dad for Whitlow is “watching the hard work and sacrifice pay off in just all-around happy and well-adjusted kids.” n
WHITLOW ON FATHERHOOD: A father is … the rock in his children’s lives and accepts them and supports them with whatever they do. What is the one thing your parents used to say to you as a kid that you now hear yourself saying? Don’t go to bed with dishes in the sink! Favorite retro TV dad: Bill Cosby. I liked the way he used humor in parenting. He was really fun, but strict.
“At the end of the day, if you allow yourself to know that you don’t have to be perfect, there is some relief in that.”
Jim Whitlow is teaching his oldest kids Parker (middle) and Chase (right) about the family business. They both work in the family store DEKA.
What is the most important lesson a father should teach his kids? Forgiveness. It will eat you away if you don’t learn to forgive and let go of the hurt. It can get in the way of everyone’s happiness. Live with no regrets.
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C OVE R S T ORY
FAMILY GUYS
SCOTT SELIG Real estate exec is parent and friend to his kids Occupation: Vice President of Development and Acquisitions, Selig Enterprises Kids: Sam, 12, and Cooper, 14
“I am blessed that I work for my family. We have a philosophy that family comes first.”
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cott Selig, a vice president at Selig Enterprises, sits in his new office wearing a summer gray pinstriped suit and pink shirt customtailored to fit like a glove. His skin is tan. His hair is enthusiastically moussed. He is mulling over décor that will bring energy to an executive suite with a view of downtown and Ralph Lauren blue walls. Some of the first things Selig plans to move into his new workspace are giant pictures of his sons, Cooper, 14, and Sam, 12. The proud single dad wants his sons to see themselves represented in the family real estate development business just in case they decide to work in the executive office someday. For Selig, work and family are intertwined. Selig works with his dad, Steve Selig, who served as a former deputy assistant to President Jimmy Carter. The elder Selig is president and chairman of the board of Selig Enterprises, a firm founded in 1918 that has helped to build multi-million-dollar retail, industrial and office complexes in metro Atlanta. “I am blessed that I work for my family,” Selig says. “We have a philosophy that family comes first.” Selig says he has the flexibility to schedule his business appointments around his son’s cross country meets, soccer games and social schedules. He is a self-proclaimed “soccer dad.” “When I yell, I know what I’m talking about,”
SELIG ON FATHERHOOD: A father is … One who guides his children down a path, but doesn’t necessarily take their hand and have them follow down that path. He gives them the freedom and flexibility to think, act and make mistakes. He is always there to catch them if need be. What’s the one thing your parents used to say to you that you now hear yourself saying? Do as I say, not as I do! Favorite retro TV dad: I think one of the coolest dads on TV was Sandy Cohen from “The O.C.” He was a great dresser. He was very philanthropic. He was a CEO and a former lawyer who did pro bono work. His family took in a troubled child and adopted him. He had a great
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he says. “I played the game all my life.” When he is not cheering on his sons, Selig loves to travel with them and go to “random” festivals. He wants his sons to see him as a father and a friend. “We go to folk art shows, RV festivals and boat shows even though we don’t have a boat or an RV.” Selig also teaches his sons about their family legacy: “My dad is a great speaker with a lot of amazing lessons. One thing he always talks about is that he recognizes that he is very fortunate and has been given a life that probably no one deserves to have. He realizes he was born on second base. He says, however, ‘I am smart enough to know that I could be thrown out stealing third.’” Scott Selig explains to his sons that money doesn’t make the man. “It’s okay to be successful and to enjoy the fruits of that success, but it doesn’t make you better than anyone else.” Selig teaches his sons to be charitable. He takes them with him when he volunteers in the community. Selig is a founding board member of Ron Clark Academy, a private school serving an urban population in Atlanta, and a member of the Buckhead Coalition. The best thing about being a father, says Selig, is “knowing you had a direct hand in watching your children grow. You get to relive life through the eyes of a child.” n
Single dad Scott Selig loves to spend time with his sons Sam (left) and Cooper (right).
relationship with his sons and his sons’ friends. Everyone liked him. When I was watching that as a teen, I thought about the future and said I wanted to be like that dad—someone my son can respect and come to for what he needs, and his friends can also count on me. What is the most important lesson a father should teach his kids? That it is important to give back. I tell them that it is important to donate your time and charitable contributions to the city that has given so much to our family and encourage others also to donate their time and contributions.
C OVE R STORY
PRO ATHLETES
BUCKHEAD: STORY:
D. Aileen Dodd
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uckhead is the Beverly Hills of Atlanta where fame, fashion and flavor coexist like genteel neighbors sharing the same playground. It’s the posh address of celebs and CEOs, the young and the ambitious, the fun and the fab. And it’s becoming more widely known as a desirable destination for professional athletes. In fact, in this 28-square-mile stretch of designer boutiques, chic restaurants and nightspots, you’ll find current and retired players from practically every major sport from the NBA to women’s professional football. And these pro athletes are putting down roots under the shade trees of Buckhead’s exclusive neighborhoods and raising up kids who attend local public and private schools. It’s a youth sports league coach’s paradise. So what’s the draw to Buckhead for pro athletes? For Paul Millsap of the Atlanta Hawks it’s Chastain Park—the ideal work-play environment for this father of four. “We like going to Chastain Park because they have a playground, but they also have a field,” says Millsap, a Hawks forward. “My kids like to work out with me. We do a lot of physical activity. We run the stairs and run around the park. I’m getting them into the groove of being active.”
THE “ADDRESS OF CHOICE” FOR PROFESSIONAL ATHLETES
For pro athletes, both current and retired, a Buckhead address puts them near some of their favorite restaurants and more than 1,500 retail shops. Buckhead also offers fine dining prepared by notable chefs with their own star power. Pro athletes have been known to frequent Chops Lobster Bar on West Paces Ferry and Bones steakhouse on Piedmont. NFL commentator and former pro linebacker Takeo Spikes says Wet Willie’s, The Establishment, Yebo, St. Cecilia and Hal’s are his favorite Buckhead attractions. Former NFL running back Dorsey Levens loves dining at Prime at Lenox Square Mall. His favorite haunt, however, is Twist at Phipps Plaza. “I love the sushi,” Levens says. Buckhead gives pro athletes a sense of “community,” says Sam Massell, president of the Buckhead Coalition. “It’s the address of choice for people who value their quality of life. You will see them at grocery stores and at restaurants. They enjoy their surroundings and know that they will not be interrupted when they are having an evening out for dinner and a movie.” Moving to Buckhead also puts some pro athletes closer to their jobs. “Buckhead is a destination address associated with an affluent lifestyle,” says Todd Emerson, president of the Atlanta Board of Realtors. “Couple that with all of the nightlife, the restaurants, and the proximity to downtown where most
of them are typically playing, it’s not a terrible commute for them to get to work.” From his executive office at the Atlanta Dream to his Buckhead home, Alton Byrd, the Dream’s chief revenue officer, says the commute is a breeze. “With no traffic it takes about 15 to 18 minutes,” says Byrd, who moved to Buckhead a year ago and enjoys dining at Seasons 52 and The Cheesecake Factory. He played pro basketball in Europe for 17 years and was in the executive office of the Sacramento Kings. “I can avoid getting on 400.” Buckhead has more than its share of multimillion dollar homes and celeb neighbors. Filmmaker Tyler Perry and entertainment giants Elton John and Usher are among Buckhead’s residents. The Braves’ former second baseman Dan Uggla recently sold his three-bedroom Buckhead condo for $2.25 million. According to the U.S. Census, the Buckhead zip codes (30305, 30309 and 30327) contain some of metro Atlanta’s highest income brackets. In 30327, the average income is six figures. New and retired pro athletes move into swanky single-family homes and high-end condos based on their family size and need for luxury. “Matt Ryan [Atlanta Falcons quarterback] lives at the Residences of the Ritz,” Emerson says. “A lot of the sports figures like to move into the high-rise condos because you have no maintenance and … concierge service.
A BRAVE IN BUCKHEAD STORY:
Giannina Smith Bedford | PHOTO: Sara Hanna
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tlanta Braves pitcher Alex Wood is making himself at home in Buckhead. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native and Georgia Bulldog moved to his West Paces Ferry apartment after the Atlanta Braves selected him in the in the second round of the 2012 MLB Draft. Here, the 23-year-old talks about some of his favorite neighborhood spots. How long have you lived in Buckhead? What made you decide to settle in the neighborhood? It’s been about a year and a half now. I’d been here a few times just from going to school at Georgia. One of my best friends grew up in Buckhead so I knew it a little bit. Obviously it’s a younger scene here so when I got called up to the Braves it seemed like the best fit for me.
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What is your favorite Buckhead restaurant? Depends on what I’m in the mood for. Hal’s is my favorite steakhouse and probably my favorite seafood is Coast. What do you order there? At Hal’s it’s the filet au poivre. I get the same thing at Coast every time: the lump crab cake and Gulf shrimp scampi. It’s unbelievable. It’s the best thing they have there. It’s so good. What is your favorite place to watch a Georgia football game? The Ivy because a lot of people I went to school with go there and it’s a big Georgia crowd that shows up for the games. Once we get done with the season, I try to go to a game or two. If I don’t go out I usually sit right here in my apartment and watch.
What is your favorite hidden gem in Buckhead? In the off-season especially, Jack’s New Yorker Deli right by Terminus. I like to go there for breakfast and get the egg and cheese bagel and the pancakes. They serve breakfast all day so I like to go there for that. What is your favorite date spot to go with your girlfriend? We like to try new places. During the season it’s hard to get a free night, but when we do we try to go somewhere new. We went out two nights this week because I had two day games. We went to Ray’s on the River and St. Cecilia, which was really good. I didn’t even know it was right there because they don’t have a huge sign, but she likes those kinds of restaurants and the food was really good.
What’s your favorite bar in Buckhead to go with your buddies? It depends on which of my friends is in town. Usually when my closest friends from college are here we end up at The Ivy or the new place, Big Sky. Really, anywhere in the Five Paces area. What is your go-to drink order? Ketel One with water or with Sprite. n
“When I got called up to the Braves [Buckhead] seemed like the best fit for me.” – Alex Wood You have workout facilities, dry cleaning, and even in some cases room service.” Levens, who graduated from Georgia Tech, always kept a home in Atlanta even after being drafted by Green Bay. “It’s cold there most of the year,” he says. “During the offseason I came back to Atlanta. Buckhead was the place to be when I was young. It is good for people of any age.” Levens is raising a family in Buckhead. He has a daughter who plays at the Universal Tennis Academy. On Saturdays, Levens runs a youth fitness program called I Am Momentum where 50 kids ages 7 to 11 work on speed, strength, agility and character development at The Forum Athletic Club in Buckhead. A Buckhead address offers pro athletes, whether working or retired, the ability to blend in. They can live a private life as a parent or successful single while they enjoy their exclusive neighborhoods and reap the fruits of their six- to eight-figure salaries. “We are proud to have professional athletes here among us,” Massell says. Here are some other current and former pro athletes who also call Buckhead home: Shaquille O’Neal, an NBA star and sports broadcaster who co-hosts shows on TNT and NBA. Elicia Monroe, a pro football player with Atlanta Steam–Legends Football League U.S.A. Monroe is also an Atlanta region sales and marketing vice president for Wells Fargo. George Wilson, a safety for the Tennessee Titans. Carlos Rogers, a cornerback for the Oakland Raiders. Sarah Ryan, wife of Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. Sarah Ryan, a former Boston College basketball star, works for the Atlanta Dream. Daryl Smith, a linebacker for the Baltimore Ravens. Freddie Freeman, an Atlanta Braves baseball player. Roman Fortin, a retired NFL player who was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1990. He is part-owner of The Forum Athletic Club. Shareef Abdur-Rahim, a former Atlanta Hawks basketball player. Alex Wood, an Atlanta Braves pitcher. Read about his favorite Buckhead hangouts (left). n
TAKEO’S SECOND HALF STORY:
Kelly Skinner | PHOTO: Sara Hanna
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or 15 years, America knew Augusta-bred NFL linebacker Takeo Spikes for his speed, his stamina and his crushing athletic force when he donned jerseys for the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers and San Diego Chargers. Following his 2012 retirement, Spikes is proving that his passions extend far beyond the football field. Newly resettled in Buckhead, the famed pro athlete took 10 to speak with Simply Buckhead about football, photography and fatherhood. You had an epic football career. Give us three of your proudest moments. 1) The day I was drafted. 2) The day that I made my first pro bowl—that was truly a childhood dream. 3) What I’m most proud of is in 2005: I was at the pinnacle of my career when I tore my Achilles tendon. Not only did I come back from that injury (which a lot of people doubted I could do), I came back and played for seven years at a high level. I hear that since retiring, you’ve found a new passion in photography? I’ve always snapped photos, but the turning point was when I was playing for the San Francisco 49ers. We were in London playing the Denver Broncos and I went out and shot some pictures in the city. All of the guys were laughing at me, saying, ‘Man, what are you doing? You’re a football player.’ When I got the photos developed, they were pulling me aside asking for copies. This past year, you’ve really taken that hobby and honed your skill. I updated all of my equipment and began training under Mike
Moreland, one of the top-rated wedding photographers, not only in Atlanta, but in the state. We’re collaborating on a project early next year that will feature several of the great athletes who came before me. I can’t give away too much, but it’s going to be a book. We’ll do a showing in Atlanta at some point next year, so stay tuned. Will do! How would you describe your photography style? I love capturing those candid moments and shooting portraits. I really like the idea of an image that represents the person, rather than a traditional portrait. Tell us about your other major role, as dad to your 12-year-old daughter, Jakai. As much as I had a good role model in my mother and father, they didn’t leave me an instruction manual. You gotta figure it out on your own. That requires time; it requires a lot of things you don’t like doing. But I’m invested in this little girl, and that’s the bottom line. If you were gone, what are three things you’d want your daughter to remember? Don’t be naive. Be the influencer versus the one being
influenced. Realize it doesn’t take any effort at all to wake up every morning and be average. What advice would you offer dads-to-be? Parenting is truly an investment. What you put in is what you will see out of your kids as they get older. Accept the challenge and realize that every day is not going to be a win. You’re invested in the lives of other kids as well through the high school training camps you run in Sandersville, Georgia [where Spikes attended high school]. All of this is for nothing if I’m not going back home to reach and bring the youth up. I was that kid who never knew what existed outside of Sandersville. I feel like that’s part of my responsibility … to be part of that hope for the kids. I want to let them know that the role you play in life can be way bigger than the block you grew up on. Hopefully you can expand kids’ football knowledge when you’re working on NBC this fall, too! Yes! I’m an in-studio NBC football analyst working on the network’s ProFootballTalk Fantasy Football Live. That’s my passion. I’ve always wanted to be part of the game, yet away from the game. So now, I really have time to get to be the father I want to be, yet still be part of the game and teach people while I’m at it. Sounds like a win-win to us! n
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Halcyon Days What could be better than your own private world. Eight miles from Highlands, N.C. and only 2 hours from Atlanta. A stream runs right through the middle of this pristine property. 17.7+/- Acres.Deer and Turkey Families congregrate in the meadow and Pileated Woodpeckers and hawks fly through the towering evergreen trees. Dine in Highlands or cookout on your deck overlooking a 70X13 foot Bocce Ball Court. Price 999,000
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706.782.9834 84
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
International REALTOR As Featured on HGTV Direct: 678.796.8066 Office: 404.419.3500 facebook.com/ AtlantaRealEstateMaven www.ChristianSoldIt.com
804 Town Blvd. Suite A2040 Atlanta, GA 30319
S I M P LY B U Z Z | S I M P LY C H A RI TA B L E | S I M P LY S C E N E
SIMPLY HAPPENING
Unlimited chili tastings are $15 per person at the gate, giving you a chance to fill up on more than 60 different offerings from the participants.
SPOTLIGHT
BROOKHAVEN CHILI COOK OFF Amateurs and chefs gather to stir up competition and show off their chili recipes Brookhaven Chili Cook Off Oct. 11 2740 Apple Valley Road Atlanta 30329 404.456.4655 www.brookhavenchilicookoff.com
Oh, the joy of a chili competition. Large steel pots bubbling, tasting cups brimming with steaming stews. Prepare yourself for a glorified sloppy sampling of chili and Brunswick stew at the third annual Brookhaven Chili Cook Off. It’s like a big backyard party, complete with live music from local bands, a kids zone and cornhole. If you think a chili recipe is banal, you haven’t heard of these chili creations like “drunken turkey chili,” grilled “chili cheese”
sandwiches or chili-stuffed peppers. And this year, Brunswick stew elbows its way in with its own special cook off. This tomato-based stew highlights some of the South’s key players like lima beans, okra, corn and chunky meats. Beyond the hearty chili and stew offerings, Sweet Auburn Barbecue and Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub food trucks will also serve up fare. Pro and amateur categories vie for more than $2,000 in cash and prizes. Winners will be determined by a panel of local Atlanta food personalities and chefs, including Joey Riley of Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub and Jason Apple of Kitchen Man Can. The Brookhaven Chili Cook Off takes place in Brookhaven’s Warehouse District from 12 to 6 p.m., just a short walk from Dresden Drive and the MARTA Station, and the tasting runs from 12 to 4 p.m. A twofold reason this chili will
The 2013 Brookhaven Chili Cook Off’s first place winner in the “Best Restaurant” category was Kaleidoscope Bistro & Pub.
taste so good? A portion of the proceeds goes to the American Cancer Society and the Atlanta Fundraising Foundation. Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased at www.xorbia.com or $15 at the door. The Spoon event tickets allow you to dip into unlimited tastings. Children under 12 get a free spoon with the purchase of an adult ticket.
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S I M P LY H APP E N ING
SIMPLY BUZZ
Events, exhibits, galas and more
BY:
Alexa Lampasona
Visitors to Discover ADAC have the opportunity to trade insider tips with esteemed designers and architects.
Toast to a Cure’s silent auction includes vacation packages, tickets to sporting events and luxury gifts.
Photo: Ben Rose Photography
Photo: Tom Grason Photography
DISCOVER ADAC Oct. 6-10 351 Peachtree Hills Avenue N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.231.1720 www.adacatlanta.com “We are honored to say that we have been approached by some of the most highly-respected leaders in the industry to present at Discover ADAC,” says ADAC General Manager Katie Miner Belveal of this fall’s premiere event. Throughout the week, 10 celebrity keynotes will share insider info and discussions with design enthusiasts. Visitors will preview classy new collections and trade insider knowledge with designers and architects. Presenters for the show include Barry Dixon, Darryl Carter (author of The Collected Home), Jeffrey Alan Marks and Atlantabased designer Nancy Braithwaite. A full calendar of the showroom events and receptions is available at www.adacatlanta. com/discover-adac. The event is free and open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
LATIN FEVER BALL Oct. 11 InterContinental Hotel–Buckhead 3315 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.471.1892 www.thelaa.org The sexy, fiery moves in Latin dancing create a sensual interplay between culture and dance. At the Latin Fever Ball, the room hums with energy as electrifying beats from Orquesta Nova Sound move the crowd. A hosted bar, three-course Latin-inspired dinner
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and both live and silent auctions are all part of this fundraiser for the Latin American Association. Proceeds from the ball support programs that help Latino families pursue education and achieve social and economic advancement. Grab your salsa shoes and be ready to start dancing when the gala begins at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $275 each and additional sponsorship options are available by visiting www.thelaa.org.
TOAST TO A CURE Oct. 16 Mason Murer Fine Art Gallery 199 Armour Drive Atlanta 30324 646.497.2633 www.eventfarm.com/ toasttoacure October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month, and The Pink Agenda is ready to party with a purpose. Live music accompanies an open bar, where you can sip cocktails mixed with liquors like Deep Eddy vodka and Dulce Vida tequila. In between noshing on bites from Zoë’s Kitchen and F&B Restaurant, bid on luxury packages and tickets to local Atlanta attractions such as Zoo Atlanta, Buckhead Theatre, Flywheel and Stone Mountain. All proceeds benefit The Pink Agenda, a nonprofit dedicated to breast cancer care and research, which is also in partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Fund. The event is from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. If you’re unable to attend, you can make a tax-deductible donation. Individual tickets are $50 and additional sponsorship levels are available at www.eventfarm.com.
October 2014 | Simply Buckhead
ANDEE’S ARMY ANNUAL EVENING OF HOPE Oct. 17 103 West 103 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.233.5993 www.andeesarmy.com Pano Karatassos Sr. is teaming up with the nonprofit Andee’s Army for an evening at 103 West that includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner, live auction and dancing. Karatassos curates the private dinner menu with stellar selections from some of Atlanta’s celebrity chefs and Buckhead Life Restaurants including Chops, Bistro Niko and Atlanta Fish Market. The second annual “Evening of Hope” benefits Andee’s Army, which provides assistance and support to families of children with brain injuries. Tickets are $250 per person, or $2,500 for a table of 10 people. To register or make a donation, visit www.andeesarmy.com.
NARI ATLANTA TOUR OF REMODELED HOMES Oct. 18 Various homes 404.285.3434 www.AtlantaRemodelingTour.com Much like some of HGTV’s renovation shows, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry’s (NARI) fifth annual Tour of Remodeled Homes showcases designs from Atlanta’s top remodeling teams. Guests will weave through Atlanta’s northern suburbs—including three homes in Buckhead, Brookhaven and Sandy Springs— as private spaces open to the The Deadfields public in a display of architec-
The Evening of Hope event features a curated menu by Buckhead Life Restaurant Group at 103 West and benefits the nonprofit Andee’s Army. Photo: Stillscapes Photography Studio
tural excellence. Kitchens, decks, bathrooms and living spaces illustrate the talent of the renovation teams, who will be onsite to discuss the projects. The self-guided tour allows guests to start at any location they choose. A downloadable map is available at www.AtlantaRemodelingTour. com. Rain or shine, homes will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year’s beneficiary is CURE Childhood Cancer. Tickets are $10 in advance and can be purchased at www.nariatlanta.org, or at the event for $15.
HEARTS AND HANDS GALA Oct. 25 InterContinental Hotel–Buckhead 3315 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 678.704.8086 www.armhc.org Charity and luxury find kinship at the sixth annual Hearts & Hands Gala, a swank, black tie event that stages a fusion of entertainment, fine dining and auction-bidding to provide housing for families of ill and injured children. David Chandley, longtime meteorologist for ABC’s Channel 2 Action News, is this year’s host, and music by South Carolina’s alternative rock group NeedtoBreathe rocks the house. The reception begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a seated dinner at 7:30 p.m. Proceeds for the gala benefit the Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities, and this year the goal is to raise a minimum of $425,000. Individual tickets are $350 and are available to purchase at www.armhc.org.
ATLANTA CONTEMPORARY JEWELRY SHOW Nov. 7 & 8 The Atlanta History Center 130 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 www.AtlantaContemporary JewelryShow.com Thirty of the country’s most distinguished jewelry designers will stake claims at the Atlanta History Center to share their handcrafted work. Rings, necklaces and earrings are adorned with exquisite and playful concepts. Those who attend Friday evening have the opportunity to visit the “Meet the Artist” reception from 6 to 9 p.m. The show takes place on Friday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are available at the door for $10, and include complimentary admission to the Atlanta History Center.
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Nov. 8 3790 Ashford Dunwoody Road N.E. Atlanta 30319 770.457.7201 www.marist.com Handmade crafts, jewelry and artisanal products pop up just in time for the holidays, as the Marist School Parents Club sponsors its annual Holiday Traditions Show. A display of more than 240 craft vendors from the Southeast makes this one of the largest juried arts and crafts shows in the region. Shopping is bound to stir up an appetite, and the Cooked Goose Café serves up their famous corn chowder and poppy seed cake. Try your luck at the holiday raffle for a chance to win donated goods by the artists. Benefiting the Marist School, the market runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and admission is $3. No strollers permitted.
THE WIZARD OF OZ Oct. 8-26 Center for Puppetry Arts 1404 Spring Street N.W. Atlanta 30309 404.873.3391 www.puppet.org “We’re off to see the wizard”—but this time he’ll be bobbing around the stage as a marionette. The Center for Puppetry Arts welcomes Frisch Marionettes of Cincinnati, Ohio, in this charming performance of The Wizard of Oz. The musical roots of America’s Midwest shine as Dorothy, the Lion, the Tinman and the Strawman gallivant down the Yellow Brick Road in search of the Wizard. Children can make their own “cowardly lion” string and rod puppet after the performances, at instructor-led or self-guided “Create a Puppet” workshops. Performances take place at the Mainstage Theater; Wednesday through Friday shows are at 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., Saturday at 12 and 2 p.m., and Sunday at 1 and 3 p.m. Tickets are $16.50 and can be purchased online at www.ticketsales.puppet.org or by calling 404.873.3391.
The journey is under way to save children’s lives.
Yo u r C h A N C e oF A l i F e T i m e
1 1 1 7 Pe r i m et er Cent er West • S u it e N -402 • At l ant a, GA 30338 7 7 0 986 0035 • 800 443 2873 • 770 986 0038 Fax w w w.cu rec hil dhoo dc ancer.o rg
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Chris Dimino and Joanne Hayes.
Kevin McDonough and Bobby Kreusler
Michael Kaplan and Randy Kessler Morgan Harmon and Russell Moolman
Photos: Tyler Welbron
COCKTAILS FOR THE CUP
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ore than 600 sports stars and local Atlantans gathered at Buckhead’s Aja Restaurant and Bar for Cocktails For The Cup, marking the culmination of the 2014 professional golf season in Atlanta. Dennis Scott, an NBA TV commentator and radio analyst for the Atlanta Hawks, and longtime PGA golf professional Jim Owen were just some of the names who showed up to support The Silverton Foundation, which provides home payment assistance to families of hospitalized and critically ill children. The event featured a silent auction with memorabilia signed by numerous sports greats, including an Arnold Palmer autographed Masters Jacket. Matt and Allison Judy Erikka Tiffani, Nicole Restrepo and Hilary Holder
Andrew Vedlitz, Jeremy Rubin and David Abes
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Sponsored by Big Canoe® Realty and the Big Canoe Building Group October. 23 – November 2, Thursdays thru Sundays, 10AM to 4PM. Admission is free. Big Canoe, Atlanta’s nearby mountain community prized for the beauty with elevations to 3,200 feet, is presenting the equally spectacular works of artisans in a group showing. On display and offered for sale will be the works of glass masters, potters, painters, sculptors, photographers, furniture makers and quilters to name a few. This special event, which is being presented in a custom home by THE BIG CANOE BUILDING GROUP in the artful and rustic neighborhood “The Bluffs”, gives you the opportunity to discover the many remarkable homes in Big Canoe while enjoying our fall foliage. Our newest models are also available for you to tour. Big Canoe is located a scenic hour’s drive north of Atlanta. For information on this event and descriptions of all the artists displaying their work, go to www.bigcanoe.com. For directions and additional information call
breathtaking
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Big Canoe Realty at 770-893-2733, 1-866-244-2266. Lora Rust
Eric Strauss
Cal Breed
Nnamdi Okonkwo
John Smith
Janet Jacobson
Jonas Gerard
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Mary and Felton Norwood
Mitchell and Sheila King, with The Dormouse from Alice in Wonderland (Luis Hernandez)
Kim Hall, Barbara Wylly and Marge McDonald Dr. Sherry Taylor, Dr. Mary Lynn Realff, Tim Kelly, Lisa Paras, Cheryl Kelly and Dr. Mary Pike with The Dormouse from Alice in Wonderland (Luis Hernandez)
Photos: Tyler Welbron
Center for Puppetry Arts hosts enchanting String Fling Gala Tina Jackson and Joshua Butler IV
Shepherd and Boyce Ansley and Betsy and Bill Verner
Ani and Kiran Agnihotri, Vir and Lucy Nanda, Devyani and Ashok Desai, Hon. Ajit and Margret Kumar, Sadhna and Vijay Anand with the the Center’s mascot Sockly
Katie Hughey, Heather Martin, Steve Whitmire and Gigi Rouland
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he Center for Puppetry Arts, the largest puppetry nonprofit in the U.S., held its annual String Fling Gala Sept. 6 at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead. Raising $214,000, the event featured a silent and live auction with items such as a chef’s sushi table at Tomo and Falcon’s quarterback Matt Ryan signed jersey. More than 300 guests attended the gala, which celebrated the organization’s creative, charitable spirit. Attendees were treated to a whimsical evening with puppet improv performances by Hold the Foam Players, meet-and-greets with the Center’s renowned puppeteers, cocktails and a seated dinner. This year’s theme was “Fairy Tales Do Come True,” a phrase reflecting the Center’s devotion to providing free workshops and deeply discounted admissions for children through the Field Trip Sponsorship Program. – Natalie Mae Fressell
Susan Pease Langford and Dr. Mary Lynn Realff
Members of the Atlanta City Council and Atlanta School Board
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CAUSING A SCENE Buckhead dad Scott Selig goes above and beyond for the cover story photo shoot. PHOTO: Sara
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Hanna
DREAM DESIGN DISCOVER Shop the southeast’s largest collection of luxury fabrics, furniture, flooring, lighting, accessories, and more.
Open to the public | Monday – Friday, 9 AM – 5 PM 351 Peachtree Hills Ave, Atlanta | ADACatlanta.com
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On the cutting edge of, “Grandpa’s here!”
Northside Hospital Cancer Institute is working to prevent cancer through generations of family members. Northside’s hereditary counseling helps determine cancer risks and options for you and your children. Working with Northside’s team gives people a chance to prevent cancer or find it early. Which can mean more family get-togethers as well as lots and lots more hugs. For help finding a cancer specialist, call 404-531-4444.
Where the Extraordinary Happens Every Day
CANCER INSTITUTE
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SAVOR STOLI® RESPONSIBLY. Stolichnaya®. Raspberry Flavored Premium Vodka. 37.5% Alc/Vol. (75 proof). Stoli Group USA, LLC, New York, NY ©2014 Spirits International, B.V.
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| SUITE 210 | ATLANTA | 30324 | 404.352.8114 | WWW.LOWEGALLERY.COM INQUIRIES: INFO@LOWEGALLERY.COM
Presents
Art for the Cause : 20+ Georgia Artists Making A Difference
Diversity Earth Art Exhibition Hours
November 13 -14 and November 17 - 21, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Open to the public
Diversity Earth Opening Cocktail Reception and Meet the Artists Thursday, November 13, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Charitable Cocktail Reception/Benefactor TBA Saturday, November 15, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm A Georgia Lawyer for the Arts fundraiser With will host a wine tasting of incredibly unique wines from around the globe Thursday, November 20, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Celebrate 4 Award-Winning Authors: Book Signings and Cocktail Reception Event includes fascinating Readings, Q&A, Food and Wine Authors: Darryl Bollinger, Marcia Gaddis, Donna Meredith and Jeffrey Small Friday, November 21, 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm For more information and tickets click www.adacatlanta.com/events A portion of the proceeds from all ticket sales and artist’s sales will go to support CURE and GLA
351 Peachtree Hills Ave NE, Atlanta GA 30305 Suite 403
Thanks to the generous support of: YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA