Simply Buckhead November/December 2015 by Simply Buckhead

November/December 2015 ISSUE 35 • FREE

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

T he

y g o l o x i M Issue

Drink up! Our guide to the best of Buckhead’s cocktail culture

Bonus: Craft Box Girls’ Lynn Lilly throws a cocktail party

DESTINATION TEQUILA: IN SEARCH OF MEXICO’S MOST FAMOUS SPIRIT

BOOZY BRUNCH:

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SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® |

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Photos: Sara Hanna Photography

[ C OV E R S T ORY ]

79 THE MIXOLOGY ISSUE

Contents [ F E AT U RE S ]

HOME: HISTORY AT HOME

15 LETTERS

59 SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

A Buckhead home is a treasure trove of family memories old and new

17 SIMPLY NOW

67 SIMPLY DELICIOUS

35 SIMPLY STYLISH

93 SIMPLY HAPPENING

TRAVEL NEAR: SEE THE SMOKIES

TRAVEL FAR: TEQUILA TO DIE FOR

Find a new vacation base in Dolly Parton’s hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee

30 SIMPLY APPROVED

Mexico’s spirited side revealed in Jalisco adventure

THINK SMALLISH Local artists pare down paintings for holiday show

BRUNCH & BOOZE End your weekend on a high note with eye-opening brunch cocktails

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

[ DE PA RT M E N T S ]

GETTING

GIFTY Presents for any holiday occasion

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, and Sandy Springs NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015 | ISSUE 35 P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 simplybuckhead.com For advertising rates call: 404.538.9895 Publisher and Founder

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

Joanne Hayes Chief Financial Officer

Sonny Hayes Editor-In-Chief

Giannina Smith Bedford Contributing Editor

Karina Antenucci Creative Director

Alan Platten Associate Photo Editor

Sandra Platten Vice President, Sales & Marketing

Cheryl Isaacs cheryl.isaacs@simplybuckhead.com Account Executives

Kyle Wilcox Garges kyle.garges@simplybuckhead.com

Alyson Myerson alyson.myerson@simplybuckhead.com Director of Audience Development

Jaime Lin Weinstein Website Development Management

Wendell Brock

BHG Digital

Wendell Brock has been covering Atlanta food and culture for more than two decades; he’s been our dining critic since we began publishing. His work has appeared in The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, Saveur, Cooking Light, Delta SKY, The Bitter Southerner, Atlanta Magazine and a variety of other publications. He was an editor, writer and critic for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 1982 to 2009, and continues to cover food and theater for the paper. He adores happy dogs, good design and strong booze. In this issue, he chronicles Buckhead’s best cocktail experiences and visits a tequila distillery in Mexico.

Jill Becker Wendell Brock H.M. Cauley Carly Cooper Jessica Dauler Jim Farmer Jennifer Bradley Franklin Sarah Gleim Mickey Goodman Jamie Hausman Lindsay Lambert Lynn Lilly Amelia Pavlik Candice Rose Laura Scholz Kelly Skinner

Contributing Writers

Chief Photographer

Sara Hanna sarahanna.com Photographers

Lynn Crow Scott Reeves Intern

Jessica Wise Graphic Designer

Gwantsa Giorgini Copy Editor

H.M. Cauley 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 © 2015 by Simply Buckhead®. All rights reserved. Printed by Walton Press, Inc. Distributed by Distributech, Network Communications, Inc., and Distribution Services Group.

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Celebrate the Holidays

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with a custom cut and color

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with a custom cut and color

A home that’s close to home

Celebrate the Holidays

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

Read Simply Buckhead online at

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

Just two or so hours from Buckhead. High elevation. Cool temperatures. Fabulous long-range views. Near great hiking, zip lining, wintertime snow tubing as well as Sky Valley Country Club and Golf Course.

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[ B E H I N D T H E C OV E R ] For this issue’s cover shoot, we had the rare treat of hanging out at Buckhead’s Umi before the throngs of well-heeled sushi-lovers packed every table. Prior to the restaurant’s nightly opening, Chief Photographer Sara Hanna (an Umi regular herself) was invited to spend time Producer and Chief Photographer: Sara Hanna with head bartender Gabe Bowen and use her lens to capture some of the cocktail magic he stirs up each night to accompany the stellar Japanese cuisine prepared by chefs Fuyuhiko and Lisa Ito. In between answering calls from eager patrons, hostess Rachel Hernandez and other staff members watched as Bowen prepared the uniquely named Sabor Del Amor and The Lightweight. Once the photo clicks ceased, there was nothing left to do but imbibe Bowen’s superb concoctions (don’t mind if we do!) and a Spicy Tuna Crispy Rice roll made with love for our photographer by the chefs. You may not be able to get a table at Umi unless you call weeks in advance, but you can at least read about Bowen’s genius, and that of other Buckhead bartenders, in this issue’s cover story.

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November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

SIMPLY BUCKHEAD® | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2015

Letters

[ E DI T OR ’ S L E T T E R ]

FROM OUR TWEET HEARTS AND FACEBOOK FANS!

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

We absolutely LOVE the cover! Thank you for a great experience. Hopefully Maximus won’t let his new found celebrity status get to his head. - Caroline Cohen As a devoted reader of your magazine and Buckhead resident, I have enjoyed your Literary section and have subsequently read some of the reviewed books. - Mark Albert

Michelle Grech

I can’t tell you enough how honored I am to be in the issue [“Heroes Among Us,” September 2015] and what a wonderful job y’all did with the piece. What a great opportunity. Thank you so much! – Michelle Grech, MELT

@MELTatl @SimplyBuckhead @mdgrech I so enjoyed chatting with Michelle + telling her story! What a remarkable woman. @MsDayTripper

This turned out so great and I have really enjoyed reading it. You did a great job writing it up! [“Metzler State of Mind,” September 2015] Thanks again for the opportunity, it was truly a fun experience and one that I am very grateful for. Can’t wait to pick up a hard copy this weekend! – Heather Metzler

Incredibly proud of our President @mdgrech for being featured in @SimplyBuckhead! Congrats, Michelle! #MeltStrong @vinnyinc

I just received the July/August issue for Simply Buckhead and saw the spread on Cars & ’Q in print … It is fabulous!!! Thank you so much for being willing to cover our event. Cystic fibrosis deserves all the exposure they can get. – Emily C. Bridges, Choate Construction

We’re so proud of Riley Patton ‘20! Her charity, Kicks for a Kause, was featured in @SimplyBuckhead this month. simplybuckhead.com/kid-heroes/ @WestminsterATL

I saw the Simply Buckhead article about Atlanta art centers. Thank you so much for including the Spruill Center in the feature! The photos turned out great. – Clare Callahan, Spruill Center for the Arts

[ L E T T E R B OX ] Tell us what you think! Send your comments, compliments and criticisms to editor@ simplybuckhead.com. All letters will be considered for publication and may be edited for length and clarity.

Great work! We LOVE covers! This design & layout looks amazing @SimplyBuckhead! Grooming by us! @ATLphotos @greenroomagency Check out my babies in Atlanta magazine @SimplyBuckhead @MargaretMU

But when I sip a wellconcocted cocktail at a chic bar, nothing makes me feel more carefree (or fancy). Especially in Buckhead, we have our pick of some of the best alcohol-serving establishments, from luxe hotel bars and secret speakeasies to watering holes that specialize in a specific spirit. In this issue, our food critic Wendell Brock takes us on a decadent tour of some of Buckhead’s top bars, sipping each destination’s liquid bounty and sampling the bites that help take the edge off. He took his time at each spot, uncovering a cocktail culture that deserves the respect of drinkers far and wide. Whether it’s a classic or seasonal mixture, in a highball or martini glass, it’s served right here in our drink-happy backyard. After imbibing across town, Brock’s pick for the best cocktails in Buckhead is the one-and-only Umi, where bartender Gabe Bowen delivers a winning punch with the Sabor del Amor, a drink Brock touts as the best of his tour. It’s no surprise the Umi team is behind the muchanticipated and very swanky lounge Himitsu. Speaking of which, we had the pleasure of chatting with Himitsu’s director T. Fable Jeon about his mixology mantra and the trends swirling in the cocktail sphere. This “Mixology Issue” also highlights the men and women behind the bars and offers advice on how to throw your very own cocktail soiree, thanks to entertainer extraordinaire Lynn Lilly of Craft Box Girls. As you go through the busy holiday season, keep this issue close by for the moment when you need to hide away in one of Buckhead’s temples of tippling. As for me, my next long week will end at the bar at Umi, where that glass of red wine will have been traded out for the Sabor del Amor. Cheers!

Giannina Smith Bedford editor@simplybuckhead.com

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

’ve never been a big drinker— a glass of red wine is my goto at the end of a long week.

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November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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Clockwise from top: Plott Hounds, Dank and All the Locals

ROCK SOLID Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia hosts a rock concert for Epilepsy Awareness Month

hree rock-and-roll bands come together on Thursday, Nov. 12, at The Buckhead Theatre for Concert with a Cause to raise awareness for epilepsy. This is the first live-music fundraising event from the Epilepsy Foundation of Georgia, and all proceeds directly support the organization’s efforts to champion the prevention and control of epilepsy and to improve the lives of people who suffer from the condition. The band lineup includes The Plott Hounds, Dank and All the Locals. The three Atlanta-based bands have national tours under their belts. Plott Hounds attribute their unique Southern-rock sound to influences such as Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman Brothers Band. Dank, formerly Dank Sinatra, is all about the rock and roll, and the 5-piece group is known for its unpredictable and energetic performances. The 4-person All the Locals combines the groove of hip-hop and neo-soul with the qualities of gospel, classic soul, blues and rock. CONCERT WITH A CAUSE General admission tickets are $25 in Thursday, Nov. 12 advance and $30 at the door. VIP tickets cost Doors open at 6:30 p.m. $40 and include a pre-show meet-and-greet Show begins at 7:30 p.m. at the nearby Cambria Gallery, admission The Buckhead Theatre 3110 Roswell Road to the concert, an open bar (wine and beer), Atlanta 30305 an exclusive entrance to the theatre and auto404.843.2825 matic entry into the raffle. Purchase tickets thebuckheadtheatre.com by Nov. 9 at epilepsyga.org. – Jamie Hausman

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November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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No matter your affiliations, there are ways to celebrate the season big and small, such as with fireworks at the Macy's Great Tree Lighting or the lighting of the menorah at Town Brookhaven.

[ F RE E E V E N T ]

SEASONS GREETINGS TWO FESTIVE EVENTS HELP KICK OFF A HOLLY, JOLLY HOLIDAY People celebrate the holidays in a lot of different ways. A particularly popular one is to ring in the season at the Macy’s Great Tree Lighting, an annual tradition since 1948 (back when Macy’s was called Rich’s). The event takes place Nov. 22 at Lenox

Square, and features a concert headlined by Grammy-nominated singer Jordin Sparks (of “American Idol” fame), the ceremonial lighting of the giant tree perched atop the Macy’s store, and a fantastic fireworks display that lights up the night sky.

The festivities at nearby Town Brookhaven are smaller in scale but no less symbolic. At dusk on each night of the eight days of Hanukkah (which begins Dec. 6), volunteers from local Jewish organizations, such as Temple Emanu-El and Congregation B’nai Torah, commemorate the occasion by lighting the 6-foot menorah, and often reciting blessings and leading revelers in traditional Hanukkah songs. – Jill Becker

DETAILS: Macy’s Great Tree Lighting Nov. 22, 6 p.m. Macy’s at Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.231.2800 simon.com Town Brookhaven Menorah Lighting Dec. 6-14, dusk (around 5:30 or 6 p.m.) 4300 Peachtree Road N.E. Brookhaven 30319 404.847.1809 townbrookhaven.net

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

Photo: Jeff Roffman Photography

Child’s

Play

TWO KID-CENTRIC ATTRACTIONS REOPEN THEIR DOORS —AND YOUNG MINDS Keep your weekends free, parents, as two notable openings are taking place that the kids—and even the kid in you—will want to check out. After undergoing a multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion, the Center for Puppetry Arts reopens Nov. 14. Notable among its new attractions is the Worlds of Puppetry Museum,

Above: When the Center for Puppetry Arts reopens Nov. 14, visitors will be able to view hundreds of artifacts once belonging to legendary puppeteer Jim Henson.

which features the most comprehensive collection of Jim Henson memorabilia in the world. Donated by the Henson family, the assemblage includes 500-plus puppets, props and other artifacts from beloved shows, such as “Fraggle Rock,” “The Muppet Show” and “Sesame Street.” Also set to reopen on Dec. 12 is the

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Above right: A world of wonder awaits both young and old when the newly expanded Children's Museum of Atlanta reopens Dec. 12.

Children’s Museum of Atlanta. In addition to sprucing up the existing space, the museum is adding a 3,000-square-foot mezzanine and two new permanent exhibits where kids can conduct actual science experiments, climb through the layers of the Earth on an oversized rotating globe and more. - JB

DETAILS: Center for Puppetry Arts Reopens Nov. 14 1404 Spring Street N.W. Atlanta 30309 404.873.3391 centerforpuppetryarts.com Children’s Museum of Atlanta Reopens Dec. 12 275 Centennial Olympic Park Drive N.W. Atlanta 30313 404.659.5437 childrensmuseumatlanta.org

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Over 150 Designers 1404 Spring Street NW Atlanta, GA 30309 Limited FREE Parking • MARTA Accessible (Arts Center Station) Advance purchase is highly recommended as many shows sell out quickly. Season supported in part by: Fulton County Board of Commissioners; the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs; and Georgia Council for the Arts through appropriations of Georgia General Assembly. GCA is a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Kermit the Frog © 2015 Disney. Gobo Fraggle © 2015 The Jim Henson Company. Gumby and Pokey © 2015 Premavision, Inc. Bhima © Center for Puppetry Arts. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and Hermy the Elf under licence to Character Arts, LLC. Photo by Clay Walker. All Rights Reserved.

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

(404)365.0693 56 East Andrews Drive, NW • Buckhead

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Mickey Goodman

The Georgia Eye Bank provided tissue for Mari Fridenmaker's corneal transplant that transformed her life.

Photo: Stacey Bode

Star chefs (at left) and their farm partners (at right): Stella Dillared and Cameron Thompson (Farm Burger); Lauren Cox and Luca Caffetani (Woodland Gardens).

Serving Up Calendars

Eye Survived

Star chefs provide a fun gift for foodies

Georgia Eye Bank grants the gift of sight

Atlanta celebs come in the shape of musical phenoms and executive chefs. And while fans can obtain photos and autographs from their favorite artists, the same has not been true for their favorite chefs— until now. For a limited time during November and December, 2016 calendars picturing Atlanta’s best known chefs wearing only their Hedley and Bennett aprons will be on sale for a good cause: the Farmer Fund. The idea for the nonprofit fund came from friends Darla Synnestvedt, director of catering and events at Farm Burger, and Lauren Carey, executive director of the Peachtree Road Farmer’s Market in Buckhead, who lamented the precarious plight of local farmers. “If their crops are destroyed by natural disasters like floods or

tornadoes, our businesses suffer along with theirs,” says Synnestvedt, whose five Farm Burger locations, including one in Buckhead, depend on locally sourced food, right down to Moonshine Meats, their own meat cooperative. “Fifteen chefs from the area’s finest restaurants and their farmer counterparts signed on," Synnestvedt says. So did photographer Stacey Bode, who donated her talent. “Calendar sales at the Farmer Fund launch party in August raised more than $30,000,” Carey says. “It was so successful, we’ll make it an annual affair.” Calendars are on sale for $20 at the Peachtree Road Farmer’s Market and participating restaurants around the Buckhead area. l For more information: thefarmerfund.org.

In 2001, Buckhead resident Mari Fridenmaker’s beloved Labrador accidently scratched her owner’s eye. The ensuing infection became so debilitating that Fridenmaker had to go on disability. By the time it healed, her cornea was badly scarred, and a transplant was necessary. Enter the Georgia Eye Bank, Inc. (GEB) in Sandy Springs that supplied tissue for more than 1,700 surgeries in 2014 and has helped restore the sight of more than 38,000 people since 1961. Once she received the transplant, Fridenmaker became active in the triathlon community and competed in an Ironman (2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and 26.2mile run) to raise funds for the organization. She’s a very active volunteer for GEB and has

raised thousands of dollars to support its mission. It also led to a new career, Blue Iron Coaching, where she works with racing newcomers. Another GEB recipient, Kelvin Davis of Brookhaven, was diagnosed with keratoconus, a hereditary disease that could have jeopardized his career as a vice president at CNN. “A corneal transplant in 2005 gave me back my life,” he says. Davis, like Fridenmaker, is also participating in triathlons and “gives back” by doing testimonials for the GEB. GEB serves the entire state of Georgia and two South Carolina counties. l For more information, visit georgiaeyebank.org, and donate at donatelife.ga.org.

It’s the Little Things Gifts program lights up the life of seniors in nursing homes For more than 10 years, Mandy Merkel of Sandy Springs has been on the board of Second Wind Dreams, an international nonprofit dedicated to changing the perception of aging. Its Gifts of Light holiday program, now in its fourteenth year, provides 1,400 elders with gifts during the month of December. “The staffs of 25 nursing homes, including Signature Healthcare of Buckhead, provide us with a list of residents who rarely receive visitors or gifts,” Merkel says. “More than 400 volunteers participate each year.” The selected residents provide a wish list of simple items such as warm throws and socks, candy, toi-

letries and old movies. Volunteers shop, package the items in festive gift bags and personally deliver the presents on Christmas Eve or Hanukkah, when they may be a resident’s only holiday visitor. “This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever done,” says Merkel, a geriatric care manager familiar with aging issues. “I usually request ‘the poorest of the poor’ nursing homes with the greatest need.” The Gifts of Light Program is only one arm of Second Wind Dreams, says Amy Safran, director of community relations. “While Gifts of Light occurs only during December, Second Wind Dreams (similar to Make-

A-Wish), grants last wishes yearround to patients living in registered eldercare communities. Wishes may be as simple as a final fishing trip or visiting a longlost loved one.” Second Wind Dreams also offers a sensitivity training program, the Virtual Reality Tour, that provides coaching for caregivers and involves walking in the shoes of patients by wearing garments that mimic the patient’s illnesses: heavy gloves to resemble arthritis, clouded eyeglasses similar to macular degeneration, and more. l For more information, visit secondwind.org.

Santa and a caregiver bring holiday joy to nursing home residents through the Gifts of Light program.

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

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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Above: This life-size bronze statue pays tribute to Sevierville’s famed former resident, Dolly Parton.

Above: With some strategic lighting, the underground world at Forbidden Caverns takes on a whimsical appeal.

Find a new vacation base in Dolly Parton’s hometown of Sevierville, Tennessee

Right: Dwight Bearden, master distiller at Thunder Road Distillery.

STORY:

Kelly Skinner

See the Smokies S

evierville, Tennessee, is the type of sleepy town that has likely slipped beneath your radar. Despite being the hometown of country music legend Dolly Parton and bordering the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this outdoorsy town (7 miles north of Pigeon Forge) has managed to keep its quaint character. After a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Buckhead, I began my visit with a breakfast at Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin. Housed in a log cabin, the restaurant serves king-sized country breakfasts. After eating my weight in fluffy buttermilk pancakes with eggs and a side of bacon, I traveled into town and scoped out two historic, romantic spots: the Harrisburg Covered Bridge and the Blowing Cave Mill. Both are gorgeous settings for photography or a quiet picnic. I love learning about food and drink, especially when the lesson is in a beautiful place, so I was dazzled to learn about moonshiners and Eastern Woodland Indians at Forbidden Caverns, a living cave in Sevierville. The easy hour/hour-and-a-half-long guide-led walking tour in the cavernous underworld was the type of jaunt anyone can enjoy and handle with

ease, regardless of age or fitness level. The cave was once used as a shelter by the Eastern Woodland Indians and as a moonshiner’s hideaway from the 1920s until early 1943. Today, the guide will take you through, pointing out various formations (many of which are still growing) and water sources, while filling you in on the history. All of you moonshine lovers would do well to fit in a side trip to nearby Thunder Road Distillery in Kodak, Tennessee, 20 minutes north of Sevierville. Named after the movie Thunder Road, the store is full of film memorabilia as well as racks and racks of moonshines, whiskeys and more. While you’re there, do the free spirits tasting so you can sample before you buy (the light, floral gin was my favorite). Mid-afternoon, I got the scoop on canned vegetable giant Bush’s in the nearby town of Chestnut Hill. The family-owned company got its start in the area in 1908 and still has a giant canning operation and museum there. Go through the house museum and the Bush’s Visitor Center first and learn about the company’s humble beginnings (and discover your body weight in beans!).

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

After, grab lunch at Bush’s Family Cafe. The restaurant serves basic country fare with multiple canned baked bean variations making appearances across the menu. (I had a pimento cheese sandwich on white bread with a side of Bush’s Grillin’ Beans.) The pinto bean pecan pie was particularly interesting; it kept the texture of the beans, but took on the flavors of vanilla fudge— not my thing, but worth a try. As a native of Pensacola, Florida (home of the National Naval Aviation Museum, the world’s largest of its kind), it takes a lot for such a place to impress me. Though small, the Tennessee Museum of Aviation certainly grabbed my attention, particularly when it came to the breadth of planes on display in the hangar, including war crafts from World War II and the Vietnam War, such as P-47 Thunderbolts. If you have time to eat at only one restaurant in Sevierville, go to the Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant, and order something unhealthy and delicious. The restaurant is popular, so expect a packed house. Otherwise, it’s an incredible bargain: Your entrée price of around $15 includes a salad, main course, a soup and dessert.

I went for the meatloaf and received a huge portion made just like my mama’s and glazed with a thin layer of ketchup. I opted for the savory broccoli cheddar soup to start, then a side salad drizzled with apple vinaigrette before finishing it all off with a behemoth slice of chocolate cake. All you drinkers beware: There’s no liquor at the restaurant, so if you prefer a nightcap, walk next door to the Apple Barn Winery, and do a wine tasting or order a glass. After dinner, I made the half-mile drive from the restaurant to Appleview River Resort where I stayed for the weekend. My room could have easily slept a family of six, and I found myself plotting future group trips with my husband and our friends. The resort boasts varying room sizes with affordable price tags (the 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom condo I stayed in had a two-night minimum and is listed at $205 a night and up). Breakfast the next day took me to mom-and-pop eatery Courthouse Donuts. The year-old operation in downtown Sevierville serves up a number of breakfast dishes as well as homemade donuts that you can dress up with the glaze

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Close to home. Above: Husband-and-wife team, Robert and Mary John Denton Tino, in front of the Robert A. Tino Gallery.

IF YOU GO...

Far from

ordinary.

Flapjack’s Pancake Cabin 1016 Parkway Sevierville 37862 865.774.5374 flapjackspancakes.com

Above: See dozens of vintage aircraft and warplanes including two air-worthy P-47 Thunderbolts (like this one) at the Tennessee Museum of Aviation.

and toppings of your choice (don’t underestimate the power of the classic glazed). I spent the afternoon in the company of Carroll McMahan, special projects facilitator of the Sevierville Chamber of Commerce, who led a historic walking tour through downtown. (You can set up a walk of your own by contacting the Chamber prior to your trip.) After hearing about John Sevier, Revolutionary War hero and the town’s namesake, and visiting a famed statue of Dolly Parton, I made one last stop on the way out of town at the Robert A. Tino Gallery. Inside, you’ll find prints and paintings of hundreds of mountain scenes, black bears and quiet Tennessee settings that Tino has captured in watercolors and oils. I came away with a beautiful keepsake for my weekend away: a print of a country home and a lawn ablaze with fireflies. As I pulled out of the gallery and onto U.S. 441, I was completely charmed by my weekend. With its lush natural surroundings, slower pace and wide open spaces, I've always felt that Tennessee is a place where I can breathe. Charming Sevierville only enhanced that belief. Next time I’m visiting Dollywood and the Smokies, I know where I’ll be setting up camp. n

Forbidden Caverns 455 Blowing Cave Road Sevierville 37876 865.453.5972 forbiddencavern.com Bush’s Beans Visitor Center 3901 US-411 Dandridge 37725 865.509.3077 bushbeans.com Tennessee Museum of Aviation 135 Air Museum Way Sevierville 37862 865.908.0171 tnairmuseum.com Applewood Farmhouse Restaurant 240 Apple Valley Road Sevierville 37862 865.428.1222 applewoodfarmhouse restaurant.com Appleview River Resort 460 Lonesome Valley Road Sevierville 37862 865.286.5503 appleviewresort.com Courthouse Donuts 160 Court Ave. Sevierville 37862 865.286.9073 courthousedonuts.com Thunder Road Distillery 3605 Outdoor Sportsman Place Kodak 37764 865.401.2573 thunderroaddistillery.com Robert A. Tino Gallery 812 Old Douglas Dam Road Sevierville 37876 robertatinogallery.com

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

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

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

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TR AV E L FA R Below: At Casa Noble distillery, visitors can see how tequila is made: first the blue agave is roasted in ovens, then mashed, then left to ferment in tanks, as shown here.

Above: The Day of the Dead ofrenda at Casa Noble Distillery outside Tequila, Mexico, is laid out with family memorabilia, sweets, flowers and tequila, of course.

Below: Casa Noble is known for its exceptionally smooth tequilas: silver, Reposado and Anejo.

Left: The sleepy town of Tequila (population: 27,000) is dominated by the 18thcentury cathedral Our Lady of the Purísma Concepción.

TEQUILA TO DIE FOR

MEXICO’S SPIRITED SIDE REVEALED IN JALISCO ADVENTURE

ituated near the diagonal center of Mexico, Guadalajara feels more isolated and authentic than the country’s oft-visited coastal resort towns. At its heart is a clutch of opulent Baroque churches and buildings: a postcard-perfect scene energized by college kids and a central market where bowls of steaming birria (goat stew) and bottles of beer can be had on the cheap. And don’t forget the mariachi music and tequila, both of which originate in Guadalajara’s home state of Jalisco. All this makes for a highly potent sensual experience, which is only exacerbated during the annual Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 festival known as Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), when revelers of all ages don elaborate Gothic costumes and scary makeup and take to the streets for music, dance and promenading. To arrive here during this spooky fright fest is

to encounter the season’s famous ofrendas. Everywhere you look, in homes, cemeteries, and storefronts, these elaborately detailed shrines are laid out in memory of dearly departed familia—and decorated with flickering candles, bouquets of bright-orange marigolds, photographs, religious icons, favorite foods, maybe even a shot of tequila or mezcal. Last year, I had the double good fortune of visiting Guadalajara and nearby Tequila (yes, it’s a town) during Day of the Dead, first as a guest of Casa Noble, a distinguished tequila maker that traces its history back to the 1700s; then as a weekend tourist enjoying the sights and flavors of central Guadalajara. Though this wasn’t my first trip to the region, it was my first glimpse of both a tequila distillery and Mexico’s macabre spectacle of ancestral remembrance. Taken together, it was deliciously intoxicating. A few highlights:

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Wendell Brock

TEQUILA SUNRISE Aficionados of the blue-agave distillate should consider a visit to the town of Santiago de Tequila, about 35 miles northwest of Guadalajara. Here you might enjoy a breakfast of chilaquiles in an outdoor café beside the town’s 18th century church; take in the National Museum of Tequila (I found it nicely designed and informative); and journey to the countryside for a visit to a distillery or two. tequilasource.com/ museumoftequila.htm

CASA NOBLE Some say this small-batch boutique tequila is the world’s smoothest. I would not demur. A seventh-generation family business, Casa Noble is housed on a beautiful property just outside Tequila that includes a chapel, a museum, and a classic stucco hacienda where barrels are aged and tastings poured. If you

happen here around the Day of the Dead, you may find an ofrenda dedicated to the family of Jose “Pepe” Hermosillo, who created Casa Noble in the mid-1990s and recently sold it to New York-based Constellation Brands. Hermosillo still runs the distillery, and the care he puts in it is evident. He grows the blue agave at an estate about two hours away, in a process that is U.S.D.A.-certified organic. (Hermosillo believes U.S. certification carries more weight than Mexican.) Agave piñas are harvested and trimmed by jimadors who have been with the family for generations (I even got a turn with the machete), then baked in stone ovens for 36 to 38 hours, yielding a sweet, slightly smoky flesh that tastes a bit like a sweet potato. Casa Noble produces a silver tequila; a golden Reposado, which is aged 364 days in French white oak barrels; and a coppery Anejo, which is aged at least two

Above: Outside the Casa Noble distillery, guests enjoy a lavish meal of tacos and tequila. Left: A traditional jimador prepares to whack down a blue-agave plant at Casa Noble, though most of the agave used by the tequila house is grown at its estate about two hours from the distillery.

IF YOU GO...

Amanda Wellsh

Accommodations Quinta Real Guadalajara A quick taxi ride from downtown, this hotel has beautiful outdoor gardens and commodious rooms decorated with Old World chic. quintareal.com/guadalajara

Guadalajara restaurants

years. If you want a full-dunk experience, the distillery maintains four guest villas, under a canopy of mango trees and just a stone’s throw from a grove of agaves. Really, who wants to drive back to Guadalajara? casanoble.com

PAGING ANNE RICE Back in Guadalajara (we had a bus driver), we capped our odyssey with a late-night tour of El Panteón de Belén, reputedly the city’s oldest cemetery (1848) and the repository of wealthy families, Egyptian-inspired monuments and a good many ghost and vampire stories. (Check out the tomb of the child Nachito. Legend has it that he was afraid to be alone in the dark; thus his grave is covered with a mass of toys, left by visitors to keep him company.) If your spine is tingling after such an episode, perhaps you could use a shot of tequila, a drink that is never in short supply in this part of the continent. 684 Belén Street, Downtown Guadalajara.

Hueso The name means “bone,” and you’ll understand why when you see the visually stunning, whitewashed room, which is full of light and decorated with fossils. Chef Alfonso Cadena’s cuisine, which can be had as a tasting menu or à la carte, and might include anything from bone marrow to fruit tart with chocolate mole and beets, is heavenly. huesorestaurant.com

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La Tequila Cocina Mexicana Beautiful Day of the Dead altars and an astounding lineup of more than 200 tequilas. latequila.com

Where to buy tequila Buho Take a taxi to the nearby town of Tlaquepaque, known for its handicrafts, cafés and street life. At Buho, which specializes in tequila, you can taste and buy virtually any brand you are looking for. I came home with a bottle of super-smooth organic Galindo Blanco. tequilaselbuho.com Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits In Atlanta, you can find all three Casa Noble expressions at the Piedmont location of this favorite liquor store. towerwinespirits.com

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TR AV E L FA R Left: Two filling and delicious barbecue pork banh mi sandwiches at Bánh Mì Phu'o'ng in Hoi An can be had at the bargain price of $3 (including beer and water to wash it all down). Above: The ruins at My So'n are some of the oldest and best-preserved examples of Champa (ancient Hindu) structures in Asia.

Above: Each of the rooms—and palatial bathrooms— at the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula resort features sweeping views of the East Sea.

Right: The Japanese Covered Bridge is a centerpiece in Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritagedesignated downtown and a visible reminder of the town’s port city past.

Vibrant Vietnam

STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

The mysterious, exotic and fun sides of the central coast

hen telling others I was planning a trip to Vietnam, I had a litmus test for what kind of traveler they are. If someone said, “That’s on my bucket list!” I was talking with an adventurer. Alternatively, if the response was, “Why go there?” they prefer to play it safe. I, firmly in the former camp, was excited to experience the country that has inspired so many stories, tastes and, yes, a controversial war. My husband, Will, and I were already in Hong Kong, so the flight to Danang (the capital of the demilitarized zone and headquarters of U.S. troops during the conflict) was shorter than two hours. Vietnam is long and thin, running vertically between the South China Sea on the east and Laos and Cambodia to the west, so you’re never far from mountains or water. We opted for the ultra-luxe InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort as our home base, planning to adventure by day, relax at night. The hotel is a stunner, set on the Son Tra Peninsula, nicknamed Monkey Mountain, for the colorful—and rare—redshanked douc monkeys that play and chatter in the lush vegetation adorning the steep mountain rising out of the sea. We settled into a gorgeous suite that jutted out from the mountain. It was outfitted with a pool-deep

soaking tub, ornate carved fixtures reminiscent of Vietnamese temples and a wrap-around balcony overlooking the private beach and sparkling East Sea. Our first afternoon, we watched a dense mist settle over the jungle, adding to the air of mystery. Just 45 minutes south lies Hoi An, a gorgeously preserved ancient port town and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Influences from its melting-pot history are everywhere: wooden Chinese buildings, technicolor temples, French colonial structures and the Japanese Covered Bridge, a must-get photo backdrop. Hoi An is known for three other things: gorgeous silk, terrific food and tailors who make lightning-fast work of creating garments from scratch. Our first stop was Yaly Couture, determined to get a custom suit for Will and a formal dress for me. We worked closely with our consultant, Fiona, who learned what we liked, took measurements and guided us through fabric selections. Over the next few days, we came back for fittings and what were once bolts of Italian cashmere (him, $450) and jet-black chiffon (me, $110) became stunning, custom garments we’ll treasure for years to come. Wandering Hoi An’s streets, we stopped for bún thit nuróng, skewered steak, grilled over an open

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

flame on the sidewalk, served with lettuce, basil and mint, and wrapped in see-through rice paper. We ate by the water, seated on tiny plastic stools, and the snack felt about as far from Buckhead as you can imagine. Another meal was happily spent at the exquisite Morning Glory where we ate beef and mustard greens in broth perfumed with ginger and barbecue chicken, and cooked in lime leaves. Wanting to see more of the country, we hired a licensed local guide, Binh Faifoo. Our first stop was My So'n (pronounced “me sun”), a collection of Champa ruins constructed between the fourth and 14th centuries. The more than 70 tombs and temples are set in a valley surrounded by mountains, though some were destroyed during the Vietnam War (bullet holes are visible in many of the structures). It was both staggeringly beautiful and a somber reminder of the turmoil that rocked this nation. Since we rarely saw other Americans, we asked how Vietnamese feel about our visiting. Binh replied, “We are grateful to our American friends and are happy that they would come see our country.” It was a simple statement, but one echoed time and time again in warm displays of genuine hospitality. Our next stop was the Marble Mountains, just a few miles from

Danang and overlooking the iconic China Beach. The collection of five limestone and marble hills is named for the five elements. “Water mountain” is open for exploration, and we climbed to its summit and through its caves, taking in its intricate pagodas, Hindu sanctuaries and Buddha statues carved into the interior caves, dating back as far as the 17th century. The entire day, including a tip for our guide, only set us back $100, but the experience of seeing things that aren’t even on most people’s radar was priceless. Did Vietnam feel like another world? Absolutely, but then again, that’s precisely what exploring is all about. n

IF YOU GO... InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula danang.intercontinental.com Morning Glory msvy-tastevietnam.com Yaly Couture yalycouture.com

Travel Tips: l You’ll need a visa to enter the country. Apply online at myvietnamvisa.com. l The conversion rate from U.S. dollars to Vietnamese dong is high: $1 to 22,500 VND. Bring your calculator, and don’t worry when you take out millions from an ATM.

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November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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A PP ROV E D

GETTING GIFTY PRESENTS FOR ANY HOLIDAY OCCASION With locally available gifts for just about every taste, here are our curated picks for a very happy gift-giving season.

STORY:

Jennifer Bradley Franklin

PHOTO: Sara

Hanna

Woo Skincare & Cosmetics LAFCO Library Candle ($60)

This luxurious candle fits the bill for most anyone on your list. The rich fragrance of walnut, green sage and chestnuts will perfume a space for ages, thanks to the 90-hour burn time of the clean soy and paraffin blend. 2339 Peachtree Road, Atlanta 30305 404.477.5000 3509 Northside Parkway N.W. Atlanta 30327 404.869.0300 wooskincareandcosmetics.com

FOR THE LUXURY LOVER

s Rigby & Peller:

Le Mystère Sophia Lace Cinnamon Bra ($72) & Bikini ($28), Saxx Buffalo Plaid Boxers ($32)

3500 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.261.9333 rigbyandpeller.com

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Suitsupply: Race Case ($499)

If you’re close enough with someone to give him or her skivvies, this new Phipps shop has a terrific selection. The lacy bra’s memory foam cups offer a push-up effect, and the sweetheart neckline keeps it sweet, while the low-rise, body-hugging style of the bikinis is subtly sexy. The Saxx men’s boxers are breathable and moisture wicking. The black and red plaid is festive, and the stretchy fit allows for unencumbered movement.

World travelers will appreciate this high-tech carry on, and design enthusiasts will welcome the stylish dark brown leather and nickel zippers. It converts seamlessly from a 2-wheeled suitcase to a 3-wheeled trolley and is compact enough to fit in most overhead compartments. 3400 Around Lenox Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.857.2800 suitsupply.com

Mitylene: Oscar De la Renta Kids’ Girl’s Cape ($265), One Kid Reversible Puffer Jacket ($60)

Keep your little princess warm and chic with this adorable designer cape, made of soft European wool and featuring a hood for extra protection on windy days. For a more everyday look, this reversible puffer jacket fits the bill, with wind- and water-resistant nylon stuffed with soft down. They’re both stylish to keep kids cozy when Buckhead turns chilly. 4209 Roswell Road Atlanta 30342 404.966.1706 shopmitylene.com

PINT-SIZED s Best Buy: Everyone on your list will love this versatile bottle, featuring a double-wall, insulated stainless steel design to keep beverages toasty for 12 hours and chilly for up to 24. It holds 15 ounces and comes in six colors (sangria, peacock, mint, pear, coral and polar). 2537 Piedmont Road N.E. Atlanta 30324 404.842.0938 bestbuy.com

STOCKING STUFFERS t The Fresh Market:

Republic of Tea Holiday Trio ($15.99)

LEGOLAND Discovery Center: LEGO Dimensions Starter Pack ($100)

Bobble Insulate ($29.99)

This fun, interactive video game is designed for ages 7 through 14 (and really, anyone who’s young at heart) and works with PS4, PS3, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and Wii U. Lego fans will love assembling the 269 pieces, including figures and vehicles. 3500 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.848.9252 legolanddiscoverycenter.com

GOURMET

Give the gift of comfort for chilly winter days with this 3-part set, sized perfectly for a stocking. Let the lucky recipient pick a festive favorite from pumpkin spice, holiday fruit (pomegranate) and holly jolly (wassail, sans alcohol). 2099 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta 30309 thefreshmarket.com

H&F Bottle Shop: American Spirit Whiskey

($29.99) You can find this Atlantabased distillery’s ultra-smooth, unaged “white” whiskey on any number of Buckhead drink menus, but the cool bottle and ultra-smooth flavor make it a must-give for any home cocktail enthusiasts. 2357 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.841.4070 hfbottleshop.com

s The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead:

The Signature Ritz-Carlton Cake ($65) If you’re going for an elegant present, this decadent cake fits the bill. Presented in a sleek black box, the cake’s three Valrhona chocolate layers are separated by coatings of bitter caramel and orange ganache, infused with Grand Marnier. 3434 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.237.2700 ritzcarlton.com

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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PE TS

PET PROOFING TIPS TO KEEP YOUR PETS SNUG AND SAFE AT HOME THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

he holidays are upon us and, of course, we want to include our furry family members in the festivities. But with all the travel, treats and Christmas trees, there are some important safety concerns to keep in mind this time of year. Dr. Duffy Jones of Peachtree Hills Animal Hospital says, unfortunately, vets stay very busy treating holiday-related cases. Here are tips on making your home a safe haven for your little sidekick this holiday season.

House Rules Most dogs will want to get a good sniff out of any houseguests and their belongings. Be sure to secure guest room doors to keep the space safe from your curious critters, but also ask your guests to keep any potentially harmful items, such as medications or small ingestible items, packed away. Giving your animals a spot to snuggle complete with fresh water and a few toys away from all the merrymaking can cut down on stress and possible behavior issues. Dr. Jones says, “Pets are extremely in tune with our routines. As the holidays approach, our routines can change on a daily basis. This causes many pets to have stress in their lives.”

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

STORY:

Deck the Halls … With Care Perhaps you’ve trained your curious buddy to keep clear of the Christmas tree, but for those not so fortunate, remember: If possible, secure your Christmas tree to the wall. Here’s one way: Loop fishing line around your tree, and secure it to molly bolts placed into the wall behind the tree and in the ceiling above. In the event that your cat or dog decides to jump on the tree, it will not topple over. If you opt for a real tree, prevent your pet from drinking the tree water since it might contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset. Try keeping the water wrapped with aluminum foil and then disguise the foil with a decorative tree skirt. Think carefully about tree decorations. While trimming your tree with cranberries, popcorn or candy canes is a lovely tradition, your dog may see your tree as a giant treat. Glass ornaments can present a hazard if they are broken, too. Opt for alternate types of ornaments, or keep the glass confined to the upper branches. Dr. Jones advises caution when it comes to cats and tinsel. “Ribbons and tinsel are very dangerous to our pets, especially cats. Many pets see these items

Candice Rose

as great play toys. They will pounce, chase and chew them. If they should swallow them, it can lead to a lifethreatening bunching of the intestines.” Additionally, plants, such as holly, mistletoe, poinsettias and certain types of lilies can be harmful to pets if ingested. Check with your florist or nursery to buy blooms that are more pet-friendly.

No Feasts for the Furry Ones Those leftovers from the company party and the fruitcake from your neighbor are just more opportunities for your pet to sneak a treat that could be harmful! Make sure all guests are on board with your no “people food” rule; they might think they are doing something nice by feeding your pet scraps. Plus, keep a tight lid on garbage bins, and make sure chocolates, grapes, raisins and macadamia nuts—all bad for dogs and cats—are safely out or reach. If the holidays get hectic, spend a little extra snuggle time with your pet. Dr. Jones says, “Brushing and petting help to soothe them, and you get an added benefit because studies show that the act of petting an animal can help reduce your stress!” n

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Bangle Floor Lamp: $865, Onyx Obelisks: $90-228, Pair of French Shutters: $1,200, Pair of Gold Sconces: $900, Carylon Killebrew, “Classic Silver”: $6,000, Faux Bois Pillow: $265, Mongolian Wool Bench: $1,200, 17th Century Swedish Table: $5,720, Champagne Bucket: $170, Champagne Glasses: $15 each, Mercury Glass Sphere: $240, Ceramic Bowls: $22 each, Ceramic Platter: $75, Meg’s fur: starting at $160, Ann’s Dress: $149, Ann’s Cuff: $450.

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

SIMPLY STYLISH

HOME

History at home P36

A tight-knit Buckhead family surrounds themselves with a lifetime of precious memories.

A soaring, curved staircase is the focal point of the home’s high-ceilinged foyer. Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY S T Y LIS H

HOM E

HISTORY AT HOME The Buckhead home of former Atlanta Mayor Andrew Young’s son, Bo, and his wife, Angelica, is a treasure trove of family memories old and new

Above: Angelica and Bo Young in their Buckhead house, which they’ve called home since 2014.

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

o and Angelica Young haven’t lived in their Buckhead home for very long; the couple moved into the house a year ago for its proximity to the Atlanta International School, which their 5-year-old daughter and 3-year-old son attend. But already it’s filled with more priceless family heirlooms and precious keepsakes than many homes will hold in a lifetime. Bo, a self-proclaimed serial entrepreneur and a restaurateur who owns the Louisiana-inspired Bo’s Kitchen in New York City, is the son of civil rights activist and politician Andrew Young and the late Jean Childs Young. Many of the items displayed throughout the home are precious mementos from his parents’ high-profile careers—his father as a United Nations ambassador and Atlanta mayor, and his mother as an educator, children’s rights advocate and First Lady of Atlanta. The collection reads like a Smithsonian exhibit. In Bo’s office, an oversized, signed black-and-white photograph of late family friend and tennis star Arthur Ashe mid-serve hangs in its frame to one side of a carved wood desk. To the other

STORY:

Lindsay Lambert Day

PHOTOS: Sara

Hanna

side hangs a large, black-and-white photo of Andrew Young alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, Alabama. Arranged on a wall adjacent to Young’s desk are more breathtaking photographs, including one featuring a very young Bo perched playfully in the arms of then-President Jimmy Carter. At the time, the elder Young was serving as U.N. ambassador. Another frame contains an 1800s blackand-white photograph of Frank Young, a Louisiana accountant and Bo’s great-greatgrandfather. “And my grandfather was a dentist, and that’s his World War I draft card,” Bo says, picking up another polished frame from the credenza on which it had been sitting. “It’s a copy that we got from the Southeastern Regional Archives.” And the keepsakes just keep on coming: smooth, carved-wood sculptures gifted from a former African ambassador; a portrait of Jean Childs Young painted by the late Korean artist Ho Enn Chung; a portrait in a sitting area of the couple’s daughter, Abigail, painted by the same artist; a huge gold-tone mask that once hung in the family’s Waldorf Astoria apartment in New York;

Above: One of three pieces by Chief Toba that the couple owns hangs above a credenza in a hallway linking the foyer and family room. Left: Angelica says this front living room is “our Africa-themed room” for all of the mementos it holds from family trips to that continent.

Above: The Youngs spend most of their time together in the family room, an open area comprising the kitchen, a sofa, a TV and a dining table that looks out onto the patio and swimming pool.

Below: A picture made from semi-precious materials and depicting Saint George’s slaying of the dragon was gifted to Bo Young’s parents by a Russian ambassador during his father’s tenure as a United Nations ambassador.

Left: A passionate cook, Angelica loves preparing everything from Italian to Asian cuisine in the family’s open, airy kitchen.

Above: The painting over the Frank Lloyd Wright for Henredon flea-market-found bookcase is by Michael Banks from Kentuck Arts Festival.

“The family room and kitchen are where we spend most of our time together...” – Angelica Young In a large front living area featuring high, beamed ceilings and a traditional Persian rug, Angelica points out African carvings the couple brought back from their honeymoon in Tanzania and Zanzibar seven years ago. “We collected a few pieces there and brought them home, so that’s why we wanted to always carry that [theme] throughout the house,” she says. More African art includes three stunningly beautiful and oversized works by the Nigerian Chief Toba that the s

and a framed arrangement of semi-precious stones depicting Saint George’s slaying of the dragon, a piece gifted to Bo’s parents in the 1970s by a Russian ambassador. But for all that’s been passed down from and collected by Bo’s parents, he and Angelica, a native of Venezuela who dedicates her time to the Latin American Association on Buford Highway and the Young Family YMCA in Southwest Atlanta, have very much made this home their own.

Above: The home’s interiors needed few updates when the couple purchased it. Angelica added a geometric-print wallpaper from Wallpaper Plus to the formal dining room.

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY S T Y LIS H

HOM E

couple has collected in recent years. Angelica says that, while the home’s exterior needed a thorough paint job when they moved in, the couple found the interior in need of little work and, as a result, have only made minor updates to create the showplace that it is. For the formal dining room, just outside of which is a display nook filled with colorful figurines and pieces from her native Venezuela, Angelica chose a cream, two-tone geometric wallpaper from Wallpaper Plus on Roswell Road. “I like to do some things myself, but not this,” she says of installing the wallpaper, noting the crown molding’s intricate, battlement-style shape. “And I love the lighting in here,” she says, while she herself bathed in bright light pouring in through the dining room’s large, uncovered windows. “I’m still debating whether I want to add window treatments or not. I love how much sunlight we get, and I like to see all the trees outside.” Rounding a corner into the home’s family room, Angelica points out yet another pair of framed art works—abstract arrangements of weathered copper strips—that adorn either side of the fireplace and flat-screen TV. This time, she is the artist. “I do paint, and this year for our seventh anniversary—number seven is copper—I made these pieces for Bo. I cut and treated the copper with a patina to give it an antique look. I used a little torch to get it cured. It was fun,” she says, admitting that she was surprised when her husband decided to hang the pieces where everyone could see. The Youngs look forward to many more years and memories in their Buckhead home. “We entertain here a lot,” says Bo of the 6-bedroom, 10-bathroom house, which includes a wine cellar, movie theater and swimming pool. “It’s still a work in progress.

Above: A landscape painting entitled Valle by one of Angelica’s favorite Venezuelan artists, Armando Villalón, hangs above a love seat in the master suite, an area awash in a soothing, pastel palette.

Our next big project will be the backyard.” Angelica seconds her husband’s sentiments, adding, “The family room and kitchen are where we spend most of our time together, but the pool and backyard will be where we spend the second most amount of time. It’ll be great for entertaining and hosting and cooking out.” Before long, the couple’s list of to-dos grows longer: building a retaining wall, which will eventually make way for a gazebo; spiffing up the greenhouse; and preparing the back yard for the planting and growing of fruits, vegetables and herbs, says Angelica, a self-proclaimed avid cook. There’s even talk of making way for a compost pile. Whatever’s next, the Youngs are clearly in it together. “Whatever I think of, Bo will help me,” Angelica says. “We make a good team.” For this tight-knit family surrounded by a lifetime of precious memories, when it comes to making new ones in their beautiful Buckhead home, they are just beginning. n

HARMONY AT HOME How to combine beloved heirlooms and contemporary décor When it comes to decorating, trends and tastes evolve, but precious family keepsakes never lose their meaning. So how best to incorporate artwork and objets d’art from bygone eras with more recently acquired accents? It’s all about balance, says Angelica. “In our effort to create a harmonious blend of family portraits and heirlooms and new art and décor, we started with our most sentimental pieces first,” she says. “Once we chose the placement of those things that mean the most to us, we then tried to complement them with supportive pieces from our travels or local finds.”

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Above: Once on display in the family’s Waldorf Astoria apartment in New York City, a goldtone tribal mold now hangs at the end of a ground-floor hallway in the Youngs’ home.

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November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY S T Y LISH

FA S HION

HOLIDAY LOVELY LACE Play up your femininity with a lace pump. It’s delicate, sophisticated and classic—the perfect mix of fashion meets romance. It’s a little outside the box, but the detail adds some personality to the basic pump. s LUXE: Flyte black suede lace sandal available for $925 at Jimmy Choo. 404.475.2800 jimmychoo.com

STORY:

Jessica Dauler

he months leading up to the holidays are always filled with exciting changes—new weather, new fashion and lots of holiday social obligations. Of course, these changes require a few new fashion pieces that serve a need or new trend, or simply make a statement (who wants to wear last year’s dress to the office holiday party?). Wardrobe updates, along with holiday shopping, can get expensive. If you can’t afford the luxe version of the top trends and styles, there are options for less. Here are some wardrobe essentials that will help you dress for the season (and the countless holiday parties on your calendar) without blowing your gift budget.

TOUGH LEATHER Moto jackets, aka motorcycle jackets, are another closet staple this season. Wear them to contrast with lace or dress down a formal look. They can be worn in three different ways: swingy and open, partially buttoned with a wide collar, or buttoned up. The slim silhouette adds a cool edge to everyday style. s LUXE: IRO Leather Moto Jacket available for $1,435 at ScoopNYC. 404.891.9845 scoopnyc.com s LESS: Leather Jacket available for $189 at Zara. 404.948.1516 zara.com

s LESS: Hot Spot Lace Pump available for $110 at Guess. 404.266.1893 guess.com

LUXE FOR LESS

PRETTY PLEATS

LUXE: Vince pleated leather skirt available for $595 at the Vince Store. 404.869.9232 vince.com

DETAILS: Zara, Guess and J.Crew Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.948.1516 Alice and Olivia, Jimmy Choo and ScoopNYC Buckhead Atlanta 3035 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30305 Vince and Nordstrom Phipps Plaza 3500 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

A must have this season is a pair of over-the-knee boots. They are versatile and perfect to wear with jeans, leggings and mini -or knee-length dresses—not to mention a great way to keep warm. You’ve probably wondered if you can wear them, and the answer is yes! This style makes a sexy statement on almost anyone regardless of heel height. LUXE: Dionera Kid Suede Boot available for $995 at Alice and Olivia. 404.891.0715 aliceandolivia.com LESS: Sam Edelman Kayla Over-The-Knee Boots available for $284.95 at Nordstrom. 404.442.3000 nordstrom.com

s LESS: Faux leather pleated skirt available for $128 at J.Crew. 404.237.2739 jcrew.com

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If you parted with your leather skirt years ago, don’t worry; we all did. A black leather skirt pairs well with almost anything in your closet. Dress for work with a crisp, white button down or Victorian blouse, and don’t be afraid to add a leather moto jacket for a little extra edge. The skirt’s pleated style will elevate your look from basic to on trend.

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November/December 2015 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

S I M P LY S T Y LISH

BE AUTY

FOR THE

BOYS Ladies aren’t the only ones who want to get spiffy for the holidays! But gentlemen may not always know where to turn for grooming guidance, or what exactly they need. Fear not—just roll with the guy-grooming services and advice right here, and you’ll be good to go from head to toe (or at least, back). STORY:

Karina Antenucci

s EYES ON YOU

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G-eye bags got you down? Women can cover up under-eye puffiness or dark circles with makeup, but men typically have just had to deal with it—until now. The 30-minute Eye Lift Treatment at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta is a quick way for men to freshen up their faces by decreasing puffiness, lines and dark circles around peepers. The massage therapist will work on the delicate area around your eyes and use ESPA Age Rebel Eye Hydrator, an eye cream rich in antioxidants such as neroli and borage to stimulate microcirculation. You’ll look and feel refreshed. Cost: $50

Guys typically don’t like to fuss much when it comes to their skin, which makes the HydraFacial at Blue Divine a perfect one-stop-shop to target any and all skin issues, from acne to wrinkles to redness. Suitable for every skin type, this hightech, 60-minute facial utilizes a machine that methodically pumps various serums—cleansers, antioxidants, hydrators, exfoliators and more—onto your skin via a wand tool that your aesthetician navigates across your face and neck. The wand’s exfoliating tip, as well as separate blue and red LED lights which are held against your face at the end, help the skin absorb the serums more deeply. You’ll look and feel like a million bucks. Cost: $200 HOLIDAY TIP: Pimple pop up before your party? Dab tea tree oil, which has disinfecting and soothing qualities, on it with a clean cotton swab the night before, says Kalen Wheeler, owner of Blue Divine.

s NOW YOU’RE HAIR STYLIN’ It’s time to graduate from Super Cuts, dear man. Amp up your hair game with a visit to Richie Arpino Salon for a haircut. You’ll be in good hands with salon owner Richie Arpino who has been cutting hair in Buckhead for 35 years and has a male celebrity clientele that includes John Mellencamp, Ed Roland and Rob Marciano of “Good Morning America.” Getting your hair cut every three to four weeks is probably already part of your grooming routine, but he suggests timing it for the day of your holiday party so your hairdresser can style it in a cool way. Cost: $50 (with Arpino) HOLIDAY TIP: Arpino highly recommends finding the right hair paste. “Just put a small amount in the palm of your hand, rub together with both hands until the product is emulsified and start at the back of the head and work your way up to the top.”

SMOOTH OPERATOR

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

If your brows have grown together or your back or chest hair is creeping up, it’s time to head to Sweet Peach Wax and Sugaring Studio for a wax. Hold off on using your razor on any man parts you’re looking to get smooth for two weeks prior to the service. Your esthetician will take the utmost care and work quickly to minimize the pain, but drinking plenty of water in advance will help—hydrated skin is slightly less sensitive. Also, avoid any activity that causes sweating for 24 hours afterwards to reduce redness. Your party date will approve of the results. Cost: $25 for eyebrows, $65 for full back, $50 for chest HOLIDAY TIP: “For a smooth, fresh feel, get waxed anywhere from the day before to a week before your party,” advises Raquel Souza, owner of Sweet Peach.

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

HOLIDAY TIP: To combat a case of the morning-eye puffies at home, Jennifer Wayland-Smith, spa director at Mandarin Oriental, recommends placing cool compresses or chilled spoons on your eyes for five to 10 minutes to relax the blood vessels.

DETAILS: Blue Divine 107 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.467.4232 bluedivine.com Richie Arpino Salon 326 Pharr Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.231.5092 arpinosalon.net Sweet Peach Wax and Sugaring Studio 3077 East Shadowlawn Ave. Atlanta 30305 404.842.1788 sweetpeachwax.com The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta 3376 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.995.7500 mandarinoriental.com

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November/December 2015 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

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Photo: Melanie Klaer

S I M P LY S T Y LIS H

Get punchy on one of KnuckleUp’s 50 heavy bags.

BODY MOVIN’ Three new Buckhead fitness studios shape you up despite the holidays Karina Antenucci

SculptHouse’s luxury activewear boutique offers a fusion of classic and edgy looks.

Photo: Jay Sullivan

STORY:

Define Body and Mind This fitness studio recently opened its inaugural Georgia location in Buckhead. The three core class concepts are Define body, a 60minute class combining Pilates, yoga, ballet and core strengthening; Define mind, a 60-minute session focused on stretching and meditation; and Define revolution, an intense, 45-minute spin class set to highenergy music. With a focus on providing balanced lifestyle solutions, additional amenities include Define

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

is the season to gain weight, what with all the holiday gatherings and second helpings of your favorite dishes. But experts at Buckhead’s newest fitness studios say it doesn’t have to be so! End the year on a healthy foot with visits to these boutique spots that keep you looking and feeling fabulous into the New Year.

A Define body class— Pilates, yoga, ballet and core combo—at Define Body and Mind.

foods (granolas and juices), in-studio childcare and a retail store with workout apparel from fitness brands such as Hard Tail and DYI. A single class costs $24, and monthly memberships are also available.

KnuckleUp Fitness This authentic, world-class martial arts training (such as muay Thai, Kali and boxing) gym just moved from Sandy Springs into a swanky modernindustrial space in Buckhead. The fitness studio caters to the Buckhead set with its spacious, brand-new home and equipment including 50 heavy bags to accommodate kickboxing classes, 5,000 square feet of mats and 2,400 square feet of circuit-training space. New offerings incorporate CrossFit, yoga and an exclusive program called Omni Jiu Jitsu, Brazilian jiu jitsu focused on self-protection without sparring. A drop-in class costs $25.

SculptHouse SculptHouse opens this winter and provides 50-minute low-impact, highintensity workouts that shred calories, not your joints. Every class has a maximum of 11 participants to ensure individual attention from the instructor. The signature class DETAILS: is CardioSculpt that incorpoDefine Body and Mind rates heart-pumping running 1833 Peachtree Road N.E. intervals with Woodway Curve Atlanta 30309 treadmills completely powered 404.351.8663 by your motion (no buttons definebody.com or motors) to engage more KnuckleUp Fitness muscle groups and burn more 4540 Roswell Road calories than motorized treadAtlanta 30342 404.339.5425 mills. Another class offering knuckupfitness.com is StrengthSculpt, which utilizes the Megaformer, a full-body SculptHouse 3167 Peachtree Road N.E. strength and conditioning Suite Q machine that requires slow Atlanta 30305 and controlled movements. The first class costs $15 and then the drop-in rate is $32. n

678.909.9076 sculpthouse.com

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckheadâ&#x20AC;&#x192;

S I M P LY S T Y LIS H

TA S TE M A K ER

Baby soft STORY:

Photo: Robin Gaucher Photography

Feather Baby creator shares the story of her Buckhead baby clothes brand Amelia Pavlik

f you can’t even start to wrap your brain around what moving from New York City to Lima, Peru, with 18-month-old triplets would be like, just ask Sude Dellinger Peta. “Ten years ago, my husband, Joe Peta, and I started wholesaling our brand of baby clothes—Feather Baby—to boutiques. We were having such trouble keeping up with manufacturing that we knew we had to do something,” Dellinger Peta says. “So, we decided to pick up our babies and move to Lima where our clothing is manufactured.” For two years, the couple made Peru their home, which was invaluable to making Feather Baby a success. They started the company after Dellinger Peta discovered her love for baby clothes shortly after having Sabine, Milly and Jack. When she first saw one of her daughters in a beautiful little dress, her heart melted. “I’m the designer for Feather Baby, and every time I create new prints, I feel like I tap into that feeling,” says Dellinger Peta, who is currently working on a new toddler line that will be available spring 2016. Now, Feather Baby is sold in more than 400 independent boutiques in the United States. In 2011, the Petas opened a Decatur store and recently brought a second location to Buckhead. Below, we share more about what makes Feather Baby—and Dellinger Peta—tick.

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Where did the name “Feather Baby” come from? I knew right from the beginning that softness was paramount for my collection of baby clothes. I wanted everything to be as soft as a feather. Where do you get inspiration for your designs? My designs often give a nod to the past— but I like to add a modern twist. For example, our boy’s shawl collar romper is a classic heirloom construction, but I wanted to see it done in something new like a hedgehog print. What makes the clothing unique? Everything is made out of Peruvian Pima cotton that is knit especially for us so that it’s incredibly soft. We also offer organic Pima cotton choices, and everything is made in small production. And our presentation is meant to be personal, too. For example, our gifts are wrapped and shipped for free. And we give you a card to write out a personal message.

What do you enjoy most about your job? I really love it when someone who has just found out that she’s pregnant comes in with her mother, and they start giggling with joy. That truly touches me. Also, Feather Baby donates money to local charities and preschools in the Decatur and Buckhead communities. Giving back always feels really good. Tell us about some of your favorite Buckhead spots. On the days I bring my kids to work, they’re rewarded with a visit to Georgetown Cupcakes. Needless to say, I don’t have to beg them to come with me! As for me, I love to eat at Souper or Juicy Jenny. You’ll find me there every day. n

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

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A Friday Night like this doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t come around often. Well, once a month actually.

Restaurants are buzzing, galleries and studios stay open late, and the sidewalks are teeming with people enjoying a festive scene of talented musicians and hip artists. Welcome to First Friday, a free, monthly, family friendly event on Artists Row extending from 6th to 12th streets in Downtown Augusta. FirstFridayinAugusta.com

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ATLANTA BUCKHEAD REYNOLDS, LAKE OCONEE

  

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

SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

LITERARY

Gaining more than muscle P64

“There would be moments when I wasn’t completely sure that my life wasn’t in danger.” - Jesse Itzler

Jesse Itzler’s new book recounts how, after hiring a Navy SEAL to train him, he got more than he bargained for. Photo: MeKayla Roy

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

S I MP LY A & E

ON STAGE

Buckhead native Danielle Bernstein makes a name as a documentarian STORY:

Jim Farmer

From Lovett to the lens S

he didn’t value her school days as much as she could have, but she looks back at them now with a particular fondness. Filmmaker Danielle Bernstein attended Buckhead’s The Lovett School from kindergarten through high school, 14 years total. It’s rare to do something like that. “While I was going through it, like most kids, I did not appreciate the experience of being in one place for so long,” she admits. “Looking back, it’s a unique experience to have friends and teachers that have known you that long.” The support Lovett puts behind the arts paved the way for Bernstein’s career. Several teachers encouraged her to explore the creative arts, and she got hooked. Post-Lovett, she attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston where she graduated in 2006 with a degree in fine arts. Initially, she started off studying photography but later transitioned into film. When Bernstein and her friend, fellow Lovett alum and NYU student Anne Slick, were both near the end

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

of their college stints, they raised money to visit Ecuador, a country Slick had been to before, but Bernstein had not. After graduation, the goal was to make a movie about an Ecuadorian community’s resistance to a copper mine that threatened its rainforest and way of life. But once the two were in the area, they realized the severity of the situation—and knew it needed to be told as a documentary. Yet doing so brought additional challenges. “It was the first time I documented peoples’ lives and lived with them,” Bernstein says. “I didn’t realize the responsibility you take on as a documentary filmmaker.” Over the next two years, they worked on the project, and the finished documentary, When Clouds Clear, played in more than 30 film festivals around the world in 2008. Bernstein’s follow-up film—this year’s Imba Means Sings—follows two children in the African Children’s Choir and their journey to America and back. It had its world premiere at the Atlanta Film Festival in the spring, selling out

the 800-seat Rialto Center for the Arts. The producer, Erin Bernhardt, had met members of the choir several years ago and was blown away by the kids. Bernhardt asked Bernstein to direct, and they followed two kids from the choir for two years. It was a particular treat for the filmmaker to be able to bring the project to Lovett in October for a special screening. Bernstein, who does freelance photography as well, never envisioned she would come back to her hometown, but in 2012 she did, after living in Ecuador; Santa Fe, New Mexico; and New York. Her mother lives in Buckhead, and Bernstein, 31, is busy with her own Midtown family— husband, Jason, and 1-year-old daughter Penelope. The move back to Atlanta has suited her. “It feels really good to be in a community of people who are excited and supportive about what I am doing, and that is because I grew up in Buckhead,” she says. “It feels good to not be the anonymous filmmaker in a city trying to make it.” n

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December 2-6 • FoxTheatre.org/Elf

THIS IS THE HABSBURGS THROUGH JANUARY 17 Infanta Maria Theresa is just one of 94 treasures with a story to share in Habsburg Splendor: Masterpieces from Vienna’s Imperial Collections. See rare paintings, sculptures, costumes, and objects collected by one of the world’s most powerful dynasties—most on view outside of Austria for the first time. T I C K E T S : H I G H . O R G O R 4 0 4 - 7 3 3 - 5 0 0 0 | M E M B E R S A LW AY S F R E E ! This exhibition is organized by the Minneapolis Institute of Art; Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; High Museum of Art, Atlanta; and Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna.

Presenting Sponsors Forward Arts Foundation Sara Giles Moore Foundation

National Sponsor

Generous Support

Contributing Sponsors

The Rich Foundation

Special thanks to Frances B. Bunzl, Barbara and Michael Kaufmann, Mr. and Mrs. H. Burke Nicholson III, Sharon and Chip Shirley, Joan and Richard Whitcomb, and Loraine Williams. This exhibition is supported by an indemnity from the Federal Council on the Arts and the Humanities, the Anne Cox Chambers Exhibition Endowment Fund, the Forward Arts Foundation Exhibition Endowment Fund, the Isobel Anne Fraser–Nancy Fraser Parker Exhibition Endowment Fund, and the Margaretta Taylor Exhibition Endowment Fund. IMAGE: Diego Rodríguez de Silva y Velázquez (Spanish, 1599–1660), Infanta Maria Theresa (1638–1683) (detail), ca. 1652–1653, oil on canvas, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria.

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY A & E

A RT V IE W

Left: Jan Lewin works on one of her creative pieces that might just find a home during the Artists Atelier’s holiday show. Below: Dee Venzer’s charcoal close-up of a favorite pet and Keir Stein’s abstract oil painting are some of the “smallish” works on display as part of the Atelier’s show beginning Nov. 2.

Above: Brookhaven’s Gedalia Genin creates works that showcase nature.

Above: One of Genin’s floral paintings depicts her eye for vibrant color.

Think smallish Local artists pare down paintings for holiday show

ost of Gedalia Genin’s paintings would take up a prominent space in a room. The Brookhaven artist usually creates close-ups of flowers and nature scenes that average 2-by-3 feet. But this holiday season, Genin and her 17 colleagues at the Artists Atelier Gallery and Studios on Miami Circle have decided less is more. That’s the idea behind the gallery’s Smallish Works, an exhibit of one-of-a-kind bursts of inspiration in sizes ideal for that special nook in the hall or the corner of a desktop. Genin’s smallest contributions will be acrylics on 11-by-16-inch canvasses.

STORY:

“I like doing flowers and faces,” she says. “I largely work from photographs; I take a lot at the Botanical Garden. So for the show, I’ve got small works of tulips, orchids and hydrangeas.” The Atelier has been a community organization since 1985, offering space and support to visual artists who can work on and show their art, sculptures and photos under one roof. Their range varies from contemporary oils and watercolors to acrylics, mixed media, collage and more. So why go small? The answer lies largely in economics, says Atelier member and North Buckhead resident Jan Lewin. “Our goal is to keep the works

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

H.M. Cauley

under $300, which isn’t a lot for fine art,” she says. “And we hope smaller pieces that are more affordable will get people thinking about art as a gift for the holidays. Art makes a very different kind of gift, and it’s a great way for people to get something for themselves, too.” Shoppers at the exhibit will also find another reason to put art on their gift lists: The lucky recipient won’t get anything else like it. “It’s a very personal thing to pick a work of art for someone,” Lewin says. “It requires a certain point of view. It’s also the chance to give an original work that you won’t find for sale at the mall or other places.” n

See the artists Smallish Works runs from Nov. 2 through Dec. 30 at the Artists Atelier Gallery and Studios, The gallery is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Two receptions with the artists are scheduled for Nov. 21 and Dec. 19 from noon to 4 p.m.

ARTISTS ATELIER GALLERY AND STUDIOS 800 Miami Circle, Suite 200 Atlanta 30324 404.231.599 artistsatelier.com

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On Stage November 19–December 24 | Tickets as low as $20 @ 404.733.5000 | alliancetheatre.org/christmas Family Series on the Alliance Stage *Not to be combined with other offers. Offer based upon availability. Not valid on previously purchased tickets. Excludes sections A & B.

Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY A & E

LITE R A RY

GAINING MORE THAN MUSCLE An easy-going entrepreneur hires a hardnosed Navy SEAL to whip him into shape.

“I

f it doesn’t suck, we don’t do it.” That’s the mantra Jesse Itzler had to live by for 31 days when he hired a Navy SEAL to train him back in 2010. Now, Itzler is sharing the details of his crazy month-long experiment in his just-released book, Living With a SEAL: 31 Days With the Toughest Man on the Planet. Itzler, a successful Buckhead entrepreneur who heads a brand incubator called the 100 Mile Group and is married to Spanx founder Sara Blakely, had always been fit, having previously run in ultramarathons and other endurance competitions. But he wanted to take it to the next level and transform himself both physically and psychologically. “That warrior mindset was what I was after,” the 47-year-old Itzler says of his decision to hire a bulking, take-no-prisoners Navy SEAL to move in with his family in their Manhattan apartment and take over his life for a month. “I hired him to break up my routine and shock my system.

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

My life was drifting towards cruise control, and I wanted to get off of it.” Itzler’s adventures with “SEAL,” as he’s referred to throughout the book (“He asked that I not disclose his name. And he didn’t say please,” Itzler writes), are both punishing and outlandish. Itzler was made to sleep in a wooden chair, jog wearing a 50-pound vest and do sit-ups in the middle of a business meeting. In the mountains of Connecticut, the pair ran four miles, every four hours, for 48 hours in blizzard conditions, and later jumped into a frozen lake and then sprinted up an 80-yard hill covered in snow—the one episode Itzler’s wife Sara was not cool with. As Itzler chronicles the grueling journey, he relates his mounting aches and pains. But of SEAL, whom he describes as part Rambo, part G.I. Joe, and part Gladiator, he marvels: “He was indestructible. He was never tired, never stiff and never sore. The man broke virtually all of the small bones in both of his feet during a race while he was with

STORY:

Jill Becker

us, but he still ran with me the next day.” His methods were so unorthodox, Itzler writes, “There would be moments when I wasn’t completely sure that my life wasn’t in danger.” The book is filled with funny and lighthearted moments, too, and reveals the unique bond the duo formed despite SEAL’s nononsense, tight-lipped demeanor. “SEAL shadowed me everywhere I went,” Itzler notes, “so he was at every business meeting, every lunch and every conference call. As fascinated as I was with the simplicity of his life (SEAL showed up at my house for a month with only a small backpack, military ID, and debit card), I think SEAL LIVING WITH A SEAL is was equally as fascinated with available in bookstores the complexities of my life.” n and on amazon.com.

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ROU N DU P | DRI N K S | F O ODI E JOU RNA L | TA S T E M A K E R | R E S TAU R A N T S

SIMPLY DELICIOUS

RESTAURANT ROUNDUP

Brunch & booze P68

In Atlanta we love—and I mean love— Sunday brunch, with cocktails, of course.

Bistro Niko’s Dark Chocolate Milk cocktail is an indulgent mixture that is definitely not kid-friendly. Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

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R E V IE W

Above: Bantam + Biddy’s Strawberry Fields cocktail is good any time, but perfect for Sunday brunch. Right: The kid in you will love the spiked Dark Chocolate Milk at Bistro Niko.

BRUNCH &BOOZE I

n Atlanta, there are a few things you can count on: Traffic is always abysmal (and only gets worse this time of the year); sweet tea and Coca-Cola are a way of life; and we love—and I mean love— Sunday brunch, with cocktails, of course. Can you think of a better way to end the weekend than relaxing with a cold one over a hearty breakfast? I didn’t think so. We don’t even care that Atlanta’s archaic liquor laws prevent us from being served that first drink before 12:30 p.m. That just means we can stay in our PJs a few more minutes before we have to look presentable. Once we are up and ready to face the world on those sleepy Sunday mornings, we’ll be visiting some of these Buckhead spots to sample boozy cocktails, with a side of bacon and eggs—if we must.

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

End your weekend on a high note with eye-opening brunch cocktails STORY:

Sarah Gleim PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

BANTAM + BIDDY Even at brunch, chicken is the name of the game at Shaun Doty’s Bantam + Biddy. Go for the Big Chicken Skillet or the Fried Chicken and Cheddar Waffle (as they say, when in Rome). Wash them down with a Strawberry Fields cocktail (or two). It’s a refreshing mix of vodka, muddled strawberries, mint, lemon juice and soda that won’t fill you up since you’ll definitely need to save room for a Sublime Doughnut. (They are only available on Saturday and Sunday until they sell out.)

BISTRO NIKO If you loved chocolate milk as a kid, the team at Bistro Niko had you in mind when it created its Dark Chocolate Milk afternoon cocktail. This sweet treat is an indulgent mixture of chocolate syrup, Stoli Vanil vodka, Kahlua, milk and seltzer—definitely

not kid-friendly. What it is, is the perfect chocolate milk to sip alongside a Sunday brunch serving of Brioche French Toast with maple syrup and Applewood smoked bacon, or Belgian Waffles “Chantilly” with fresh whipped cream and warm maple syrup. Does it get any better?

COOK HALL If you’ve never been to Cook Hall, first order the Cocktail Kit, a fully stocked mini bar complete with vodka or Champagne, syrups, bitters, herbs and recipes (just in case), that is sent to the table so you can build your own Champagne cocktail or Bloody Mary. It’s fun to compare drink flavors among your friends. Then, once you realize why there are professionals behind the bar mixing up, ahem, real concoctions, order a round of the Celeste, a bright, floral blend of sparkling wine,

Left: Fans of rugby and soccer should head to Fado on Sundays for live games and a belt-busting brunch— and endless rounds of the Beermosa. Below: If you need a stiff start to Sunday brunch, try the Manhattan Redemption at Southern Art.

Above: Cook Hall’s Cocktail Kit is fun for mixing your own libations, but if you want a sure thing, order a Celeste—a lovely gin and sparkling wine cocktail. Below: Whiskey lovers have to check out Local Three’s Muddy’s Water, a mix of housemade ginger ale, Maker’s Mark and lime.

And you thought Fado was just for St. Patrick’s Day! Think again. This Irish pub also happens to serve up one killer weekend brunch. St. George Botanivore Gin, housemade lemon-plum shrub, housemade plum bitters, Lillet Blanc and honey, which pairs nicely with a simple dish such as the bagel with smoked salmon and cream cheese or a bigger breakfast of eggs Benedict.

FADO IRISH PUB And you thought Fado was just for St. Patrick’s Day! Think again. This Irish pub also happens to serve up one killer weekend brunch. You can watch soccer, rugby and football while you fill up on a traditional Irish breakfast (eggs, Irish sausages, rashers [bacon], black and white puddings, mushrooms, tomatoes and Guinness bread). Just save room for plenty of drinks (it’s an Irish pub, people), such as bottomless mimosas or a Beermosa—a blend of Stella Cidre, orange juice and muddled peach.

LOCAL THREE If you’re a die-hard bruncher, head to Local Three for an all-you-can-eat buffet

of everything from eggs and bacon to quiche du jour and vanilla shortbread, all served in the restaurant’s massive kitchen. And even though the menu says to pig out, don’t overindulge without imbibing on a few Muddy’s Waters. Bourbon reigns supreme here, and this drink is the bomb. It’s a mix of Maker’s Mark, housemade ginger ale and lime—on draught. It’s light and refreshing, and a little bit spicy, and alone worth brunching here.

SOUTHERN ART & BOURBON BAR Chef Art Smith’s Southern Art and Bourbon Bar serves up a hearty brunch every Sunday, with faves such as crab cakes, assorted Danishes and build-your-own omelets. But you should also try the Manhattan Redemption cocktail, a twist on the Manhattan, with Benton’s ham from the ham bar. The chocolate and vanilla notes in the cocktail’s Carpano Antica sweet vermouth and cherry vanilla bitters contrast perfectly with the ham’s slightly salty and sweet flavor. n

DETAILS: Bantam + Biddy 3393 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.841.7559 bantamandbiddy.com Bistro Niko 3344 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.261.6456 buckheadrestaurants.com Cook Hall W Atlanta - Buckhead 3377 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.523.3600 cookhallatlanta.com Fado Irish Pub 273 Buckhead Avenue Atlanta 30305 404.841.0066 fadoirishpub.com/atlanta Local Three 3290 Northside Parkway Atlanta 30327 404.968.2700 localthree.com Southern Art and Bourbon Bar InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta 3315 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.946.9070 southernart.com

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D R IN KS

STOUT SCHOOL GET TO KNOW A FEW OF THE MOST COMMON CATEGORIES MILK/SWEET STOUTS Lactose is a common ingredient in these rich, creamy ales that tend to exhibit a coffee, malt or chocolate profile. BEER PICKS: Milk Stout by Left Hand Brewing Divine Bovine by Red Brick Brewing Duck Rabbit Milk Stout

DRY STOUTS/IRISH STOUTS The most familiar stouts (think Guinness, Beamish and Murphy’s) fall into this easy-to-drink category with a medium body and dry finish. The color of the beer will range from dark brown to black and tends to have notes of unsweetened chocolate, coffee and mild to moderate bitterness. BEER PICK: Guinness

BIG LOVE ’Tis the season for sipping stouts in Buckhead

he abysmally dark, creamy ales we know as stouts are always within reach this time of year. It’s not just the coziness you’d expect from a frothy pint of Guinness, but the comfort foods these malty sips pair so well with that earn them designation as a go-to cold weather beer. The origin of Stouts can be traced back to dark British porters (they got their name because of their strong or “stout” flavor). Though today, when you’re talking about a stout beer, it doesn’t always mean you’re discussing a high-alcohol or strong-flavored brew. Instead, these beers—brewed with roasted malt or roasted barley and water, yeast and hops—can be heavy or surprisingly light, depending on the brewer and the category of stout you’re consuming.

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AMERICAN STOUTS This category builds off other profiles on this list, often pulling in lactose, oatmeal and flavored hops to add complexity and a wider range of tastes. Alcohol content and hoppiness tend to run lower, making these popular session ales. BEER PICK: JailHouse Brewing Company’s Breakout Stout

STORY:

Kelly Skinner

“You can’t just judge a beer by its color,” warns Red Brick Brewing’s president and brew master Garett Lockhart. “Looks can be deceiving.” Red Brick Brewing, located southwest of Buckhead, offers two stouts: the Divine Bovine, a creamy milk stout with a Rishi Tea chai blend, and the limited release Imperial Stout, a flavorful brew aged on oak chips and released in February as part of the brand’s Brick Mason Series. “We add oats to both of our stouts, which brings a thicker, chewier body to the beer. So, you’ll still have a big, full body, but in a softer way,” Lockhart says. In terms of flavor, stouts generally exhibit a creamy texture with deep tastes of malt, caramel, chocolate or coffee. Variations in ingredients and the aging process make for a range of stouts that vary in strength, body, flavor and color. n

IMPERIAL STOUTS Derived from a Russian variation of the stout, these jet-black ales are rich in color, high in alcohol and robust in flavor (deep malt flavors and a moderate to intense hoppiness). BEER PICK: Sierra Nevada Narwhal Imperial Stout

OATMEAL STOUTS Oatmeal is added to the mash in these fullerbodied beers and lend them a soft, creamier palate and a touch of sweetness. BEER PICK: Samuel Smith Oatmeal Stout

BUYING NOTE: Revisit stouts this winter and grab a six-pack from your go-to Buckhead liquor store. Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits, for instance, carries all of the beer picks in this article.

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FOODIE JOURNAL

Culinary News & Notes

BY:

Sarah Gleim

HOLIDAY DINNERS T

here might be a host of you out there who revel in preparing holiday dinners. Whether you’re cooking a bone-in rib roast, frying a turkey or making homemade pies, it’s the act of cooking for a crowd that you enjoy the most. But for those of you that really just want to eat, we totally get it. This year, why not leave all the holiday dinner slicing and dicing, roasting and toasting to the pros? You can guarantee yourself a delicious dinner, and if that’s not incentive enough, just enjoy the fact that there’s no mess to clean up afterward.

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

s The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead serves up one of the city’s best brunches on Christmas Day, complete with a visit from Santa. t You can enjoy surf and turf for your holiday dinner at the newly renovated The Palm restaurant.

Always a popular spot for a stellar Sunday brunch, The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead will pull out all the stops for two special holiday dinners. Its Christmas Eve celebration includes an à la carte menu in The Café from 6 to 10 p.m. (Reservations are highly recommended.) But it’s the Christmas Day Brunch where you can really celebrate the season with a full buffet (including a separate spread for the kids), live music and carolers, and, of course, an appearance by Santa. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. $109 per adult, $59 per child, ages 5 to 12. Reservations required.

Atlas We can’t talk about Buckhead holiday takeout without including Atlas. The luxe restaurant inside the St. Regis hotel will open at 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day, and guests can order from its full dinner menu, plus a special chef’s Thanksgiving menu featuring turkey and traditional sides.

Photo: Brian Gassel

s Atlas will be hosting a special chef’s dinner starting at 4 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day.

Davio’s If you want to enjoy seafood on Christmas Eve, Davio’s is preparinga Feast of the Seven Fishes dinner. This traditional meal originated in Southern Italy on “Cena della Vigilia,” or

Christmas Eve, when Catholics fasted to anticipate the birth of baby Jesus on Christmas Day.The prix-fixe seafood selection is $55 and will be served in addition to Davio’s regular menu from 11:30 a.m. until 10 p.m.

The Palm The newly renovated Palm restaurant is hosting both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. For Thanksgiving, you can choose between a 3-course prix-fixe dinner ($55 per person) or the á la carte menu. Head here on Christmas for a 4-course prix-fixe surf-and-turf menu that includes one of The Palm’s famous lobster and steak entrées. Those delicacies will be market price, but they generally start around $79.

The Capital Grille Can’t stomach turkey and dressing, even on Thanksgiving? Good news. The Capital Grille will be searing up dry-aged steaks all day long for those of you who prefer a thick cut of beef to turkey. And if you or those in your family feel like it’s not Thanksgiving without a traditional meal, for $36, the restaurant will be offering a special menu of turkey, stuffing, green beans and cranberry sauce.

The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead 3434 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.237.2700 ritzcarlton.com Atlas Restaurant St. Regis Atlanta 88 West Paces Ferry Road Atlanta 30305 404.600.6471 atlasrestaurant.com Davio’s Phipps Plaza 3500 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.844.4810 davios.com The Palm Westin Buckhead Hotel 3391 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30326 404.814.1955 thepalm.com The Capital Grille 255 East Paces Ferry Road Atlanta 30305 404.262.1162 thecapitalgrille.com

FOOD HAPPENINGS n Open Hand Atlanta honored Buckhead chef Gerry Klaskala with its first-ever Kevin Rathbun award during its annual fundraiser party on Sept. 18. Rathbun presented the honors to his friend, who also is owner of Buckhead restaurant Aria, for his years of support to Open Hand Atlanta, the nation’s largest provider of

Open Hand Atlanta 181 Armour Drive Atlanta 30324 404.872.6947 openhandatlanta.org

home-delivered, medically appropriate meals and nutrition education. n LDV Hospitality is on a roll in Buckhead. Since December 2014, the restaurant group has opened two spots in Buckhead: Corso Coffee and in September, Dolce Italian, located in Buckhead Atlanta and featuring a 50-seat wrap-around outdoor

Dolce Italian 3035 Peachtree Road, Suite 201 Atlanta 30305 678.686.2267 dolceitalianrestaurant.com

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

terrace perfect for outdoor dining. The seasonal menu, developed by Italian chef Paolo Dorigato, includes everything from homemade pastas and meatballs to indulgent seafood risotto and Neapolitan-style pizzas. n Who doesn’t love chocolate during the holidays? Now you can pick up the sweet treat

Cacao Buckhead 3035 Peachtree Road, Suite A150 Atlanta 30305 404.228.4023 cacaoatlanta.com

from two spots in Buckhead Atlanta. Find an array of holiday chocolates, such as chocolate-covered candied orange slices, seasonally inspired truffles and handmade caramels, at Cacao Buckhead. And save room after your next burger at Shake Shack because they just introduced their latest collaboration with a Brooklyn-

Shake Shack 3035 Peachtree Road, Suite A146 Atlanta 30305 470.809.9201 shakeshack.com

based artisanal chocolate maker: Mast Brothers Shake Shack Buttermilk Chocolate Bar (and it’s good, y’all). t Shake Shack’s latest chocolate bar collaboration with Mast Brothers is the perfect treat after a burger.

DARING PAIRINGS W

hen you think of what to pair with your holiday dinner menu, the first drinks that come to mind are probably wines. But with wines, you’re limited to the flavors in the bottle. Not so when it comes to cocktails, says John Buckholt, who served as a chef for five years at Nicolai’s Roof before turning to mixology. Today he’s head bartender of Seven Lamps in Buckhead. “I find pairing cocktails is easier than pairing wine because taste is subjective,” he says. “It’s easier to create a cocktail everybody likes rather than getting everybody to decide on a wine. Plus you get to show off your creative side and really impress your guests.” We enlisted Buckholt to “wow” us with some creative pairings for the most popular holiday dishes. Here are his daring cocktail couplings.

and allow to steep for 3 to 4 minutes, then discard tea bag. Add brandy and stir until combined.

STANDING RIB ROAST INGREDIENTS: 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 ounces bourbon 1 ounce muscadine syrup DIRECTIONS: Squeeze juice from lemon into a cocktail shaker. Add bourbon and muscadine syrup; fill with crushed ice. Cover with lid, and shake 30 seconds. Strain into a whiskey glass, and serve on the rocks.

SHRIMP AND GRITS

s TURKEY AND DRESSING INGREDIENTS: 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 ounce vodka 1 ounce cranberry apple syrup DIRECTIONS: Squeeze juice from lemon into a cocktail shaker. Add vodka and cranberry apple syrup; fill with crushed ice. Cover with lid, and shake 30 seconds. Strain into a coupe glass.

APPLE PIE INGREDIENTS: 1 ounce coffee liquor 1 ounce Baileys Irish Cream Dash cinnamon DIRECTIONS: Add coffee liquor,

Baileys and dash of cinnamon; fill with crushed ice. Cover with lid, and shake 30 seconds. Strain into a martini glass.

PUMPKIN PIE INGREDIENTS: 1 bag black tea with chai spices 4 ounces hot water 1 ounce brandy 1 cinnamon stick DIRECTIONS: Pour hot water over tea bag in teacup. Add cinnamon stick

INGREDIENTS: 1/4 ounce fresh lemon juice 1 ounce Grand Marnier 3/4 ounce orange juice Champagne DIRECTIONS: Squeeze juice from lemon into a cocktail shaker. Add Grand Marnier and orange juice; fill with crushed ice. Cover with lid, and shake 30 seconds. Strain into a Champagne flute, and top off with Champagne.

CIOPPINO INGREDIENTS: 3/4 ounce fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 ounce gin 1/2 ounce tarragon simple syrup Champagne DIRECTIONS: Squeeze juice from lemon into a cocktail shaker. Add gin and tarragon simple syrup; fill with crushed ice. Cover with lid, and shake 30 seconds. Strain into a Champagne flute, and top off with Champagne.

Seven Lamps 3400 Around Lenox Road N.E. Suite 217 Atlanta 30326 404.467.8950 sevenlampsatl.com

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TA S TE MAKER

Executive Chef Jessica Hanners is Jenny Levison’s go-to gal STORY:

Carly Cooper

PHOTO: Sara

Hanna

THE SUPERPOWER BEHIND

SOUPER JENNY J

ust as Batman has Robin, Souper Jenny has Jessica Hanners. The super chef has been working for Jenny Levison, founder of Buckhead’s Souper Jenny, Juicy Jenny and Cafe Jonah and the Magical Attic since 2006, minus the two years she spent honing her craft at Johnson & Wales University. An Alabama-born Decatur resident, she serves as executive chef of the Planet Jenny restaurants, as they are called, designing daily menus and creating soups, sandwiches and salads for the six locations. “I’m a lifer,” she says.

What are your main responsibilities? I make a daily master menu for the Buckhead and Brookhaven Souper Jenny locations—our busiest ones. I have chefs who run each location for us. The challenge is the restaurants use different amounts of ingredients so they take my creative direction and carry [out] the vision based on what they have in stock.

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How do you get recipe ideas? I’m obsessed with Pinterest. I read every food publication that comes out, follow people’s blogs, walk through the Dekalb Farmers Market and look at different restaurant menus to see what’s going on. A lot of times I’ll be inspired by random things. We have a salad with apples, sliced pecans, kale and maple-ginger vinaigrette that was inspired by a drink I had at JCT. Kitchen. What’s your favorite Planet Jenny meal? We make the best chicken pozole soup topped with shaved radishes, lime and lettuce. I like our sweet and spicy roasted sweet potato wedges. At Cafe Jonah, I’d get organic grilled chicken salad over greens with lemon dressing. I think that’s the perfect lunch. How do you preserve the separate identities of the Planet Jenny restaurants while maintaining consistency across the brand? The vision and the standard are always the same—to offer [food that’s] healthy, locally

sourced, and organic when we can, and then be creative and forward thinking. We focus so much on clean eating. What’s the weirdest thing a customer has ever asked? We’ve been making bone broth (a soup made from bone and water that is rich in vitamins and minerals). It’s trending in New York and L.A. It’s like a super food— it’s very healing. A customer asked if the chicken was organic and what the chickens were fed. I said, ‘Organic grains,’ and she said, ‘They’re not grass-fed chickens?’ I said, ‘Chickens don’t eat grass,’ and she was like, ‘Why not?’ What do you do for fun? I like to go to all the neighborhood festivals and food festivals and go out to eat. My life is definitely food—I am completely immersed in food. I’m a big fan of The Wrecking Bar, Kimball House and Umi. I love everything Ford Fry has done, [including] St. Cecilia and King + Duke. n

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

Brock

PHOTOS:

Sara Hanna

THE BUCKET SHOP CAFÉ Atlanta’s answer to TV’s “Cheers,” this casual, family-owned spot across from Lenox Square is a game-day institution with seriously good pub grub, friendly prices and spirited, efficient service. Burgers, wings and sandwiches of all kinds dominate the menu. But one dish on the starting lineup deserves a special trophy: the chicken rolls. Perhaps they sound like a fusion experiment, but in fact, these crispy, deep-fried egg roll wrappers stuffed with chicken, cheese, sour cream, chives and Tex-Mex sauce (salsa mixed with ranch) are downright addictive. The Bucket Shop team gets extra points for its solid, ever-changing list of local craft brews. Starters: $6-$13 Sandwiches and burgers: $9- $13 Entrées: $12-$18 bucketshopcafe.com

DAVIO’S NORTHERN ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE With its handmade pasta, terrific steaks and foundation of classic Italian dishes, the Atlanta outpost of Massachusetts-based chef-preneur Steve DiFillippo sets a higher-than-usual standard for a mall restaurant. Finefood lovers flock to Phipps Plaza for Davio’s delicious fried calamari, tagliatelle Bolognese, and warm spinach salad like ravenous shoppers on

the hunt for Louis Vuitton bags, Tiffany silver and Dior gowns. And they can do no better than the buttery medallion of impeccably grilled top sirloin, slathered with Gorgonzola and paired with wilted spinach and sea-saltand-truffle-oil fries. No wonder the Davio’s menu is as tantalizing as the shoe department at Nordstrom.

The chicken rolls, a mashup of Chinese and Mexican flavors, from The Bucket Shop Café are downright addictive.

Appetizers and salads: $9-$16 Pastas, entrées and steaks: $18-$48 davios.com/atl

DEL FRISCO’S GRILLE While the Texas-based chain is known for superb steaks, fusion appetizers and flatbreads, we think the burgers are sensational. In particular, the Pimento Cheese Burger, an uptown riff on the Big Mac, is a tower of juicy deliciousness: two patties with lettuce, tomato and pickle; plus housemade “sloppy sauce” (it’s like a smooth Thousand Island); plus two generous smears of pimento cheese, which slides down the stack and seals in all that juicy goodness. Del Frisco’s gets special points for packaging: The burger sits coyly in a partly open paper wrapper, while the fries are in a little paper cone on the side. A cold frothy draft beer is the clincher. Appetizers: $7-$16.50 Sandwiches & flatbreads: $12.50-$18 Steaks: $29.50-$39.50 delfriscosgrille.com/atlanta

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

FOGO DE CHÃO

HAL’S “THE STEAKHOUSE”

You don’t have to brave the pampas of South America or the wilds of Africa to witness the most primitive form of cooking—and eating—on the planet. Every day of the week, deep in the heart of Buckhead, hunks of meat sizzle over an open fire, and grown men smack their lips and engage in gluttony as a kind of participatory sport. At this Brazilian churrascaria, you can sip caipirinhas and nibble cheese bread; graze from a beautiful, bottomless salad bar; then indulge in an endless parade of meats, carved straight onto your plate by servers in gaucho drag. It’s all quite delicious, though the place can get Vegas crazy at times, so just be prepared for a mob.

Looking on the outside like a high-end 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.

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

Appetizers and salads: $9-$24 Entrées and steaks: $24-$50 hals.netLunch: $8-$12 joycafeatl.com

KR STEAKBAR Atlanta chef Kevin Rathbun’s only Buckhead restaurant feels custom-tailored for the community. A contemporary nocturnal cubbyhole where small plates rule, wine flows and the air bristles with excitement, the fashionable “steakbar” concept finds Rathbun and chef de cuisine Jessica Gamble fusing two venerable concepts: meat and Italian. Here, nearly everything speaks with a perky Mediterranean lilt: amari-kissed cocktails; steak doused with espresso sauce; heavenly olive-oil cake with almond brittle and citrus cream. (Pastry chef Kylie Akiyama is terrific.) Hidden touches, like the speakeasy-style bar behind the kitchen and a patio that feels like a sunken garden, make us want to continue to explore this romantic spot. Antipasti: $6-$19 Pasta: $12-$16 Entrées: $18-$68 krsteakbar.com

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-and-blue-cheese version to old-fashioned chicken salad—are a standout. At this casual, family friendly, crowd-pleasing spot you can also get sandwiches, pizzas and mac-andcheese but, refreshingly, no burgers! We are pretty crazy about the sausageand-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.

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-ofthe-road trattoria.

Starters and salads: $4-$18 Entrées: $14-$34 h2sr.com/smash

Salads, sandwiches and pizzas: $7-$11 newks.com

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

TAKA SUSHI AND PASSION

NEWK’S EATERY

PASTA VINO

SMASH KITCHEN & BAR

You can surely find trendier pizza parlors or posher places to eat Italian in Atlanta. But if you are looking for

When it came to Smash, Tom Catherall—the Atlanta chef behind the Here To Serve restaurant empire—had little

to prove. The British native designed the place himself, hanging portraits of Lennon and McCartney around a room of earthy brick, vinyl booths and shiny red kitchen tile. The menu plays like the chef’s greatest hits: skillet-fried chicken, juicy steaks, shrimp and grits. Burgers are among the best in Buckhead. Try the one with pimento cheese and bacon or the simply dressed version with lettuce, tomato, pickles and American cheese. With a glass of Terrapin Hopsecutioner, a Smash burger is a terrific excuse to spend an hour or so at the bar.

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 Restau-

Taka’s super-fresh fish makes the nigiri a standout; we love the smoked salmon, toro, yellowtail, tuna, shrimp, eel and salmon.

rant. 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 takasushiatlanta.com

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

Holiday on the Town Thursday, December 3rd 5:30-8pm Christmas Tree Lighting Sleigh Rides Musical Performances

Visits with Santa Merchant Specials And So Much More! Located on Peachtree Road adjacent to Oglethorpe University

To learn more, visit facebook.com/TownBrookhaven

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November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

SIMPLY B U CKHEAD COV ER S TORY

At Buckhead Atlanta’s The Southern Gentleman, bartender Jonathan Shekta stands ready to make you a drink.

BUCKHEAD r u o T l i a t k c o C STORY:

Wendell Brock PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

In this cocktail-crazy Southern capital, you’ll find no shortage of watering holes. We’ve got secret speakeasies, posh hotel bars, meat-centric gastro-pubs, grubby happy-hour hangouts, dens of absinthe and oysters. From Decatur to Inman Park to Midtown, the epicenter of Atlanta’s drink culture is constantly shifting—and always exciting. Buckhead occupies its own place on the map. With its luxurious hotels, stellar restaurants and uptown flair, the neighborhood is no lightweight in the booze department. To help you navigate this lush landscape, we asked our dining critic, Wendell Brock, to put down his fork and pick up a straw. Here’s his list of Buckhead’s best cocktail experiences—straight up.

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

C OV E R S T O RY

BUCKHEAD Cocktail Tour

s The chicken-liver paté with cider gelee is a terrific nosh to go with the cocktails at Holeman and Finch Public House. t Lead bartender Kaleb Cribb has mastered the art of using fresh local ingredients in his cocktails.

The Brown Derby is a classic blend of bourbon and grapefruit that never lets you down.

: b u p o r t s a G t Bes

HOLEMAN AND FINCH PUBLIC HOUSE

n the fast-forward blur of Atlanta’s food and drink scene, seven years seems like an eternity. Since Chef Linton Hopkins and Mixologist Greg Best teamed up to open this game-changing Southern gastro-pub in 2008, many things have happened. Hopkins won a James Beard Award. The famous 10 p.m. double-stack cheeseburger is now a regular menu item. And Best—often regarded as the father of Atlanta’s craft-cocktail movement—has moved on to Krog Street Market, where he and fellow H&F alumna Regan Smith are trying to give birth to a much anticipated “restaurant concept.” So how is H&F holding up in the aftermath of so much change? I idled in on a recent Saturday to find out and was not disappointed. Mercifully, there were no ravenous burger-questers howling like a pack of wolves outside the door. I encountered a fairly

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

quiet space where couples shared bites, and the bar staff, led by Kaleb Cribb, exuded a welcoming attitude: Take your time. Have a look. No rush. The house cocktail list was a romantic lineup of classics and original drinks showcasing housemade syrups (raspberry), shrubs (beets) and other concoctions. The Jamaican-rum based Love Is promised complexity (chicory liqueur, Fernet Branca, figand-anise sugar, pineapple, lemon, jerk bitters, an espresso salt rim)—perhaps too much so. El Diablo (tequila, cassis, lime, ginger beer) tempted. But ultimately, a classic Brown Derby beckoned, and Cribb nailed it. Hard not to slurp down his nicely nuanced mix of bourbon, grapefruit and honey. As for the nibbles, Deviled Eggs Three Ways (on the menu for as long as I can recall), Creole-spiced pecans and Hop’s Buttermilk Biscuit (tucked with Edward’s peanut-fed ham

and apple butter) all sounded mighty appealing. I couldn’t resist a jar of unctuous chicken-liver pate, topped with a layer of sweet-tart apple-cider gelée, a nice fall touch. (Could somebody hand me a scoop?) I capped the night with a Howl, a nicely balanced seasonal libation made from a syrup of Georgia muscadines and rosemary, Cathead vodka, yellow chartreuse, hints of allspice and lime, served on a large rock. Delicious. After all the hustle and bustle of H&F’s early days, it’s nice to see it has found an almost-mellow groove as a neighborhood bar with seriously good drinks and impeccable service. Tip of the Derby to Hopkins, Cribb and crew! n 2277 Peachtree Road N.E. 404.948.1175 holeman-finch.com

Caleb Hopkins runs the beverage program at Atlas, and he always dresses as elegantly as he pours. The Piscoux Sour is in good company with the Crispy Wianno Oysters. t A Cocktail à la Louisiane stands ready to lift your spirits; but do take time to savor the luscious Truffle Potato Pierogi Dumplings.

Best Luxury Experience:

ATLAS BUCKHEAD

f you’ve been wary of the scandalous prices at this St. Regis Atlanta showstopper, there’s another way to savor the experience—and contemplate the world-class art collection—without raiding Fort Knox. Just open the massive wooden door in the hotel lobby, and tell the folks behind the welcome desk that you’d like to plop down for a while and have a drink. They won’t mind. The onyx and emerald room is among the loveliest in the city, and you have your choice of intimate lounge chairs in a book-lined

library with a marble fireplace; a sitting area graced by a Chagall; or the bar itself, where I like to sit and eavesdrop on fellow tipplers. While you can graze from the bar menu (pimento-cheese biscuits, fries or a $29 burger), you can also order á la carte from Chef de Cuisine Christopher Grossman’s menu. (You’ll get all the proper utensils, bread service, the works.) But first ask for a Piscoux Sour, a South American classic with a French accent. Watching the bartender make this is like witnessing Matisse dash off a masterpiece. After straining

the drink into goblet, the cocktail craftsman uses an eyedropper to dot the egg-white layer with crème de cassis for a touch of Burgundy, then swirl it to make a pretty little design that looks like a laurel wreath—you know, like latte artists do at the coffee shops. To go with, consider Grossman’s signature Truffle Potato Pierogi Dumplings, scattered with mushrooms and extraordinarily tender morsels of Wagyu beef, and topped with a Parmesan crisp. I also liked the Crispy Wianno Oysters, perked up with slices of pickled peppers,

shishito peppers, pepper jelly and avocado bacon mousse. For “dessert,” I asked for a Cocktail á la Louisiane, a potent New Orleans-style drink of Rittenhouse Rye 100, Benedictine, Dolin Rouge vermouth, Herbsaint and bitters. In a whiskey glass with a sphere of ice and a swath of orange zest, it’ll make you feel like a Rockefeller, even if you’re on my “Brockefeller” budget. n 88 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. 404.600.6471 atlasatlanta.com

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

C OV E R S T O RY

BUCKHEAD Cocktail Tour

ome of America’s best whiskey cocktails originated at hotel bars. (The Sazerac was first stirred at the Roosevelt Hotel in New Orleans; the Seelbach made its debut at the Louisville hotel of the same name.) With Seelbachs and Sazeracs in mind, the InterContinental Buckhead has created this modern tribute to America’s cocktail history. Until just recently, I had bounced through the InterContinental lobby without pausing to appreciate the barrel-shaped Bourbon Bar that punctuates the stylishly whimsical Southern Art, the namesake restaurant of Southern-born celebrity chef Art Smith. Call me tardy to the party. All this time, I’ve been missing out on a superb whiskey experience. Lucky for me, Four Roses happens to be the star here. It’s one of my favorite bourbons. You may taste it in classic and novel creations or sip it neat and sweet, courtesy of one of the bar’s Single Barrel selections, presumably handpicked at the Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, distillery. I started out with a Boulevardier and loved how the tart Campari perked up the mellow whiskey, like

a Southern belle squeezing into a bright-red corset. Another time, I requested an Old Fashioned with Fours Roses Small Batch—a good, safe choice. Unless you’re planning to check in for the night, you may need a snack. I liked Chef Art’s “Church Lady” deviled eggs — they wore their bacon garnish like a fine Sunday hat. (But at $10 for four egg halves, you might not have change to throw into the collection plate.) Maybe go with a butcher’s board from the Ham Bar, which comes with four charcuterie selections, plus housemade saltines, mustard and something the server told me was butter mixed with mustard. Hmmm. Time to cut the fat with a drink. The Governor, a whiskey sipper layered with orange and walnut bitters, made me want to curl up in a wing chair by the fire. The Bedford was like Christmas in a glass. An elixir of Rittenhouse Rye, Carpano Antica and cherry-bark vanilla bitters, it comes in a tall champagne flute. A tad spicy for me. But dang if that wasn’t the best brandied cherry I ever had. Maybe I don’t need to rush. Maybe I’ll get a room. n

: r a B y e k s i Best Wh

BOURBON BAR

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

s Bourbon Bar’s Bedford is a sweetly comforting rye-based cocktail that can hold its own with chef Art Smith’s sassy “Church Lady” deviled eggs.

3315 Peachtree St. N.E. 404.946.9070 southernart.com

t The Governor—a debonair concoction of Four Roses bourbon with hints of walnut and orange—sits well with Bourbon Bar’s stellar charcuterie board.

Talk about a Southern Gentleman: Jonathan Shekta pours on the charm at this delightful watering hole. The barrel-aged house Old Fashioned is a fine match for the bodacious pork rinds with beerspiked pimento cheese. t The Grit & Grace harks back to Prohibition, when gin was concealed in teacups. Cheddar biscuits with Benton’s ham and blackberry jam are a classic accompaniment.

Best Value:

THE SOUTHERN GENTLEMAN

cocktail in a teacup? Did I just trip down the rabbit hole? Not yet, apparently. As The Southern Gentleman’s Alec Bales tells me, the veddy English-looking Grit & Grace—a subtle mix of rye, lemon, apricot liqueur and mint—is a playful riff on the old Prohibition-era ploy of serving gin from a teacup. (And I thought they used a bathtub.) I liked it well enough, but the house barrelaged Old Fashioned was better than candy, and just the thing to wash down the savories. I loved the mini corndogs,

made with faux-andouille shrimp sausage and paired with remoulade. Loved the pimento cheese, laced with beer and served with crunchy fried pork rinds. And—gosh—the cheddar biscuits with Benton’s ham and blackberry compote are just the thing to go with that, ahem, tea. In many ways, this Buckhead Atlanta establishment with its lengthy list of bourbons, ryes and scotches is just another Southern gastropub. What sets it apart is the affable demeanor of the bar staff and the affordable price point.

If you happen to mention that you haven’t yet tried the Belle Meade nine year, aged in cherry oak, they might just pour you a swig—on the house. And when the check arrives, you won’t wince when you see the tab: $43.50 for two drinks and four dishes. Well, now. Seems that Southern gallantry is not dead after all. Why, yes, thank you. We’d be honored to come again! n 3035 Peachtree St. N.E., Suite A208 404.939.9845 thesoutherngentlemanatl.com

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

s l i a t k c o C Best d a e h k c u in B

UMI

C OV ER STORY

BUCKHEAD Cocktail Tour

n this whiskey-soaked Southern city, where bourbon and rye are as ubiquitous as bacon and pimento cheese, it’s refreshing to find a place where the drinks are crafted with a lighter hand. Such a place is Umi, the beautiful wooden box of a room designed by Atlanta artist Todd Murphy to showcase chef Fuyuhiko Ito’s super-sophisticated Japanese cuisine. To go with Ito’s delicate aesthetic, bartender Gabe Bowen purposefully devises drinks that don’t overpower the tastebuds. The Japanese may love their Suntory and Johnny Walker, but the Umi team favors clean, crisp concoctions so as not to overwhelm the pristine sushi and sashimi. But first, a word about finding this joint. In true Japanese style, Umi is hidden. Sharing a valetparking service with Chops Lobster Bar and Atlas, it’s upstairs from the car drop-off in a rather barren courtyard. And it’s wildly popular, so if you can’t snag a reservation, consider arriving around

The Americano Royale is an elegant sipper to go with the New Page sushi roll.

5:30 or 6 p.m and heading straight to the bar. Bowen, who sports a wiry beard and nerdy glasses, seems to be a man of few words, but he makes a fine cocktail. (If you like a talking bartender, look for Jesse Gruby, a young chap who can hold his own on everything from moonshine to green tea to the menu offerings.) I started with an Americana Royal, a slightly spritzy Aperol and sparkling rosé elixir with a touch of grapefruit, lemon and Chinese bitters. I ordered a selection of nigiri (kanpachi, eel, sardine and a wonderful Scottish salmon bite with garlic aioli, lime and caviar). My glass was getting empty, so I moved on to The Lightweight, made with Perfect Snow Nigori (sake), lychee syrup, shochu, grapefruit and a splash of Asahi Super Dry. This frothy white drink, served in a martini glass, combined everything I love about drinking in Japan: beer, cold sake, shochu. It was perfect with the sushi and my warm appetizer of miso-

marinated grilled black cod. (If you don’t know this flaky-buttery fishy, you need to.) Since I wanted to try a house roll with a bit of crunch, Gruby, by now my new best friend, suggested the New Page, made with shrimp tempura and paper-thin lemon slices. Sensational. By this time, I was working on Bowen’s Sabor del Amor. He smiled when I ordered it; I about died when I tasted it. Made with Ilegal Mezcal, a pomegranate liqueur called Pama, lemon, cynar, ginger and soda, it ramps up the smokefactor of the mezcal with a spray of Laphroig 10 Year —in the glass and on top. I’d heard that Bowen is good. I’d go so far as to say he’s a genius. Hands down, the best drink on my 2015 Buckhead cocktail tour. Cheers, y’all. n 3050 Peachtree Road N.W., Suite 1 404.841.0040 umiatlanta.com

s Our writer named Umi’s Sabor Del Amor Buckhead’s best drink, and also raved about the black cod.

The Lightweight—made with sake, beer and shochu—is anything but.

s Umi’s Gabe Bowen is the vision behind the Japanese restaurant’s delicious cocktails.

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

GABE BOWEN

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

TOKIWA SEARS

WAYNE BLUM

BARTENDERS TO WATCH Meet Buckhead’s hottest mixologists. This quintet is known for their creativity, vision, flair and, of course, killer cocktails. We talked to them about the latest cocktail trends, their go-to, off-the-clock neighborhood spots and favorite drinks for fall. STORY:

Laura Scholz

TOKIWA SEARS

TOKIWA’S COCKTAIL: AFTER APPLE PICKING

Assistant bar lead, Holeman and Finch Public House

1 1/2 ounces apple-infused Four Roses Single Barrel 3\4 ounces lemon juice 3\4 ounces dark muscavado syrup 3\4 ounces Berentzen apple liqueur 1\2 ounces cynar

From the bustle of One Flew South at HartsfieldJackson to the glamour of Bourbon Bar at the InterContinental Buckhead, bartender Tokiwa Sears has worked at some of the best and busiest bars in town. She recently added the storied Holeman and Finch Public House to her resume, where the veteran cocktail competitor has been the assistant bar lead since March. Buckhead’s Holeman and Finch was the birthplace of Atlanta’s cocktail revival, and Sears’ cocktails are right in line with that lineage. Creativity, quality and fresh ingredients are key, like the apple-infused bourbon and apple liqueur found in her fall cocktail, aptly titled After Apple Picking. She takes pride in her balanced, approachable cocktails, and says, “Connecting the cocktail to the guest is more important to me than making a cocktail only another bartender would appreciate.” A fan of gin, mezcal and whiskey, she can be found during off hours smoking a cigar and sipping a cocktail at Prohibition, the East Andrews club. “It makes me feel like I’m in stepping back in time. I don’t even feel like I’m in Atlanta any more,” she says. “All the bartenders there are amazing, and they know how to set the ambiance.” n

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Shake and serve over one large ice cube.

GABE BOWEN Head bartender, Umi Gabe Bowen is no stranger to the Buckhead scene, having managed the bars at Restaurant Eugene and Holeman and Finch Public House before moving to Umi, where he’s the head bartender. The switch from pairing cocktails with those restaurants’ rich Southern fare to Umi’s clean, modern Japanese has been a fun challenge for Bowen. “Obviously, with sushi and the types of food on our menu, we want the flavor profiles [in the cocktails] to not be crazy aggressive,” he says. As expected, ginger has a large presence on the menu, and Bowen and his team of bartenders use it to make their own syrups and sodas daily. Fresh ginger syrup features prominently in his fall cocktail pick named A Tight Spot—a nod to the Cohen Brothers movie Oh Brother, Where Art Thou?. When it comes to cocktails, Bowen believes

simplicity and speed are key. “I really think we’re moving away from some of those crazy concoctions and pushing back toward making tasty drinks efficiently, and getting them to the guest as quickly as possible without sacrificing the quality of the drink.” A local watering hole that lives up to his standards? Establishment. Bowen calls the bartenders there “great hosts who aren’t focused on being cocktail nerds. They keep it balanced and unpretentious.” He’s also a regular at Lusca, from the team behind Octopus Bar. “I’ve been a fan of Octopus Bar since it opened, so it’s nice to see them have a place in this side of town.” n GABE’S COCKTAIL: A TIGHT SPOT 1 1/2 ounce Bulleit bourbon 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice 1/2 ounce ginger syrup 1/4 ounce Hum liqueur 2 dashes Angostura bitters Topper: Moscato D’Asti

Shake and strain into a rocks glass, and top with a splash of high quality Moscato D’Asti.

WAYNE BLUM Bartender, Dolce Italian A veteran of some of Atlanta’s big restaurant groups, including Here to Serve and Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, Wayne Blum has found a new home at Dolce Italian, the sleek, upscale restaurant located at Buckhead Atlanta. Dolce’s glitzy bar dazzles from all directions and is lined with rows of bourbons, whiskeys, Italian aperitifs and more. The vibe is Art Deco meets mid-century, and the drinks are heavy on Italian spirits with an edge—the Margarita Italiana mixes Aperol with the traditional tequila and agave syrup

C OV ER STORY

BUCKHEAD Cocktail Tour

DAVID REED

MADISON BURCH

DAVID REED

for a fun twist on the classic drink. Dolce’s margarita also includes a grapefruit liqueur, another popular trend in the beverage industry. “I find everyone is really moving away from the artificial flavors, liqueurs and mixers that were omnipresent in the ’80s and ’90s,” Blum says. Instead, hand peels, fresh juices, homemade syrups and other quality, housemade ingredients are taking center stage. “I’m seeing a lot of focus on the ice,” he says. “That really makes the cocktail.” But Blum holds the ice when he’s off hours. He prefers spirits—whiskey, bourbon and scotch, neat. He can also be found sipping a glass of wine at further-down-the-road Watershed on Peachtree, or hanging out at Fado or Gypsy Kitchen. “Honestly, I’ll hang out anywhere we can walk after work that’s still open!” n

“I had been serving at Veni Vidi Vici for a few weeks, and one day, a bartender quit. And they said ‘Hey, you’re our new bartender,’” Burch says. A few months later, she became the restaurant’s beverage manager and wine director and eventually moved on to Ecco. She was still working there when then-Seven Lamps beverage manager and now Grain partner Kevin Bragg spotted her at a tequila cocktail competition and asked her to be his on-site manager at Seven Lamps while he opened Grain in Midtown late last year. Burch’s restaurants rely on seasonal, fresh ingredients, and Seven Lamps, in particular, is known for its eclectic cocktail list. “You never know what to expect. We could have a cocktail on the menu for just a day, and then the next day it’s completely different or gone,” Burch says. This fall, you’ll find everything from sweet potato to butternut squash to apple in the restaurant’s cocktails, including The Clock Struck One, which highlights housemade baked apple bitters. When not managing the ins and outs of three beverage programs, Burch loves hanging out at Holeman and Finch but admits she’s often the first one out the door. “I’m the bartender that goes out with other bartenders and is home in bed by 10 p.m.,” she laughs. n

WAYNE’S COCKTAIL: APPLE BASIL SMASH 3 basil leaves A bar spoon of diced green apples 1 1/2 ounces Absolut Elyx Vodka 1/2 ounce St. Germain 1/2 ounce simple syrup 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice Basil leaf for garnish

Muddle apples and basil, add remaining ingredients and shake over ice. Double-strain into chilled martini glass, and garnish with a basil slap. (Translation: Slap the basil in the palm of your hand to release the oils.) Quickly float basil on top of drink.

MADISON BURCH Beverage Director, Tavernpointe, Grain and Seven Lamps How did a personal banker find herself managing the bars at not one, not two, but three restaurants? If you’re Madison Burch, it’s two parts talent and one part being in the right place at the right time. After moving to Atlanta in 2013 with her personal banking job, her company was bought out. She quit and was working as a retail manager and waiting tables before deciding on her next move.

MADISON’S COCKTAIL: CLOCK STRUCK ONE 1 ounce Cathead Pecan Vodka 1/2 ounce fresh lemon juice 1/2 ounce Hoodoo chicory liqueur 1/2 ounce tarragon syrup (see recipe below) 2 dashes barkeep baked apple bitters 3 ounces hot water 1 scuppernong (a type of muscadine grape) for garnish

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

Owner/partner, Supply and Demand Advertising’s loss is the Buckhead bar scene’s gain. David Reed, owner and partner in Buckhead’s Supply and Demand (and the forthcoming Establishment Midtown), spent many years moonlighting at bars across the country, from his hometown of Boston to Las Vegas to Chicago and in between, before landing in Atlanta in 2013 and “retiring” from his advertising career to open Establishment. “I really just got started in bartending because it looked fun, and it was a great way to meet people you wouldn’t normally run into,” he says. He’s now a man of many hats at Supply and Demand, an intimate, upscale bar modeled after bars in his hometown. While he owns the 80-seat joint, he prefers being “in the trenches” behind the bar with his talented, creative team of bartenders. What sparks his creative juices? “Artisan sodas,” he says. “In my opinion, they are the next cocktail modifier we should be exploring for really fun and delicious drink ideas. The flavors are relatable and familiar, but different.” For example, the Can’t Take it With You cocktail mixes gin with the expected (mint, lemon juice, agave nectar) and the unexpected (green tea and housemade elderflower soda). Supply and Demand is also known for its vessel cocktails—giant, ornate decanters with mixed drinks, served on ice and designed to share among four to eight people. “It’s our nod to bottle service, plus, the presentation is just gorgeous,” Reed says. Sharing is, of course, optional. When he’s not at Supply and Demand, you can find him indulging in a Vieux Carre at Buckhead’s The Blind Pig Parlour. “I love what Chris Haderman did with his design and atmosphere,” he says. “I judge all bartenders on their Vieux Carre. The Blind Pig staff has never let me down.” n DAVID’S COCKTAIL: CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU 2 ounces gin 3/4 ounce lemon juice 1/3 ounce agave nectar Fresh mint leaves (about 8-10) Topper: 1 or 2 ounces Sky Valley Organic Honey Green Tea & Elderflower Soda

Put in a shaker with ice, and shake contents vigorously. Empty (with ice) into tall highball glass. Top with Sky Valley Organic Honey Green Tea & Elderflower Soda.

Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker without

ice, then pour into a preheated mug. Top with piping hot water, and stir. Garnish with toasted scuppernong on a stir stick. FOR THE TARRAGON SYRUP: Combine 1 cup sugar

with 1 cup water and bring to a simmer. Add 1/4 cup fresh tarragon, and remove from heat. Let sit covered for 15 minutes. Strain and cool.

STOP FOR A SIP

Dolce dolceitalianrestaurant.com

Holeman and Finch holeman-finch.com

Seven Lamps sevenlampsatl.com

Umi umiatlanta.com

Supply and Demand supplydemandatl.com

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

C OV E R S T O RY

BUCKHEAD T. Fable Jeon (left) and Shingo Gokan (right) are the genius team behind Himitsu.

Photo: George Apostolidis

MIXOLOGY MASTER BARTENDING BASICS

T. Fable Jeon is no stranger to high-end bar programs, having designed cocktail menus for numerous Atlanta restaurants such as The Iberian Pig, The Lawrence, Miso Izakaya, and most recently, Le Fat and Buckhead’s Umi. He’s currently planning a move to Buckhead and is leading the beverage program at Himitsu, the forthcoming upscale lounge from the owners of Umi. Here, we chat with Jeon about cocktail trends and his mixology mantra. STORY: Laura Scholz

WANT TO UP YOUR OWN COCKTAIL GAME?

How do you approach

LEARN THE TRICKS OF THE TRADE AT THESE AREA CLASSES. STORY: Jill Becker

I tend to consider the need for congruency between chef’s menu and the drinks. With Himitsu, I spent a lot of time talking to the chefs and owners about their concept and how they’d like to differentiate themselves in the market. I also look for a sense of memory, a context of a certain place in time.

n Michael Magnole, bar manager at the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta’s fabulous Bourbon Bar, offers mixology classes to interested tipplers. The sessions can host up to 30 people, and groups can specify which spirits they want to use and drinks they want to learn to make. Given the bar’s specialty, we don’t know why you wouldn’t want to throw a bourbon-spiked favorite such as the old-fashioned or mint julep into the mix. Classes are held either in the Ham Bar, on the patio or in the restaurant’s private dining room. For those who love chef Art Smith’s buttermilk fried chicken and other Southern specialties, the class can be followed up with a sit-down dinner at Southern Art. Prices start at $30 per person. To set up a class, call Joxie Nguyen at 404.946.9153. n Davio’s is offering its first-ever mixology class Nov. 21 at 4 p.m., and it has a special holiday theme. Barkeep and 2015 Battle of the Bottles finalist Bryan Holmes will instruct participants how

to make a trio of cocktails inspired by the classic songs “White Christmas,” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” and “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Also on tap are complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a festive seasonal soundtrack. Cost is $15 per person. To reserve a spot, call 404.844.4810. n Combine your cocktail instruction with a staycation at the chic Mandarin Oriental, Atlanta with the hotel’s “Spirited Getaway” package. Available year-round, the package includes luxury accommodations for two nights, a cocktail class for two where you’ll learn everything from double straining to flash blending, and a pair of take-home mixology kits so you can show off your newfound skills to friends and family. Rates start at $865. For reservations, call 404.995.7555.

BONUS: Stay tuned, as Holeman and Finch is planning mixology classes in the coming months.

menu creation?

Quality ice helps to better tune temperature and dilution of the cocktail. The menu is heavily Japanese-inspired, but not exclusively Japanese. We’ll use honey for simply syrup, yuzu instead of lemon or lime. We’re also doing our own take on American classics, like our basil-infused, spiced old fashioned with coriander.

What specific flavors

Buckhead spots?

and ingredients are

Always Holeman and Finch. We’ve also been going to Atlas lately, and Caleb Hopkins does such a tremendous job. I’m always blown away by the consistency of the hospitality. I also love King + Duke. That patio scene is great.

Himitsu’s beverage menu?

We’re looking to have a range of options, but one that’s tightly curated, with a focus on quality ingredients. We’re putting heavy emphasis on the ice program. We have six freezer compartments behind the bar where we’re storing the ice we’ve cut down from 300-pound blocks.

What cocktail trends do you think have overstayed their welcome?

What are your favorite

front and center in

play it over and over again until you’re sick of it? That’s how I am with cocktails. Right now, I’ve just come back to single malt scotch neat. This summer, I was really into cocktails with a vegetable or fruit component and those with kitchen, producefocused ingredients.

Do you have a go-to drink or cocktail?

You know when you hear a song that’s new to you, and you’ll sing it, you’re into it, and you

Barrel-aged cocktails. It sounds impressive, but it’s very imprecise. Also, the overuse of amaro. What trends do you find exciting?

I love that sherry cocktails are swinging back around. I love that people play so much more with fortified wines in cocktails. People are also coming back to tea-infusions. I’m happy to see that people are doing tiki riffs. I feel like they get better and better with time.

MORE GOOD DRINK AND GRUB In the mood for tacos and margaritas? A drink with an injection of smoke or one that can make a smarty-pants literary reference? Here are some ideas for those looking to expand their cocktail horizons beyond the realm of the ordinary—and maybe have a good meal on the side.

bourbon lemonade with bloodorange bitters, pineapple mojitos, green-tea martinis and a classic Bloodhound (strawberries, gin, sweet and dry vermouth) with a hint of rosemary. Oh, yes, and four fruit-flavored caipirinhas. 3365 Piedmont Road N.E. #1350 404.842.0011 chamagaucha.com

CHAMA GAÚCHA Though caipirinhas are the norm at Brazilian churrascarias such as this, Chama Gaúcha has a nice list of other options, including

from “A Confederacy of Dunces” to Faulkner’s “A Rose for Emily.” Want a holiday sipper? The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is made with Terrapin Pumpkin Fest, spiced rum, orange and pie spice. 3060 Peachtree Road N.W. 404.477.3500 kinganddukeatl.com

KING + DUKE

STILLHOUSE CRAFT BURGERS & MOONSHINE

This Ford Fry restaurant gets its name from Mark Twain, and the cocktail list references everything

Corn liquor is king at this gourmet burger spot. But aside from the many types of flavored

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

moonshines, white whiskeys and barrel-aged cocktails, the restaurant also makes smokeinfused drinks to order. Choose a wood (pecan, maple, peach, etc.) and a libation of choice, and they’ll inject it with a throattickling wash of smoke. 56 East Andrews Dr. N.W. #11 678.244.3601 stillhouseatl.com

TAQUERIA DEL SOL A go-to spot for margaritas and tacos (try the fried fish or

the Memphis-style pork), this taqueria also has a fine selection of sipping tequilas. You can’t go wrong with the perfectly balanced house margarita on the rocks, but if you are in the mood to linger, order a shot of Casa Noble reposado, and chase it with a Mexican beer. (Casa Noble is profiled in this month’s Travel Far, page 26.) Three Atlanta locations, including: 2165 Cheshire Bridge Road 404.321.1118 taqueriadelsol.com

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

Cocktail Tour

Sufi’s

A Taste of Persia

Atlanta’s Finest Persian Cuisine

OUTSIDE PATIO | FULL BAR | CATERING TO LARGE AND SMALL PARTIES

Book Your Next Holiday Party!

404.888.9699|SufisAtlanta.com | 1814 Peachtree St NW | Atlanta, GA 30309

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November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

HOW TO THROW A

Shot onsite at the pool house of The Haynes House, a Buckhead apartment development anchored by one of the first homes built on Peachtree Road. The pool house is part of the original building that dates back to the 1920s. Today, it’s equipped with a full kitchen, living area and guest suite for the use by Haynes House residents.

COCKTAIL PARTY n e e u q y t f a r c a m o r Top 10 tips f STORY AND STYLING: Lynn Lilly, creative lifestyle expert and founder of Craft Box Girls, has been creating, designing and hosting parties her entire life. From DIY projects to creative recipes for entertaining, Lilly loves sharing her ideas not only on craftboxgirls.com, but also on her weekly television segments every Thursday on “Atlanta & Company” and daytime shows across the country.

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Lynn Lilly PHOTOS: Sara Hanna

The holidays are my favorite time of year, primarily because of all parties that fill up my calendar. Hosting a cocktail party can be daunting if entertaining is not your forte. Don’t fret. We have all the best resources right here in Buckhead to help you host a fabulous gathering with little effort and results that will wow your guests.

Flowers are key to setting the mood for your party. Let the blooms drive your food display. You absolutely cannot go wrong with James Hurley Designs. He creates artistic arrangements with flowers flown in three times a week from Holland.

Use linen placemats and napkins to add hints of color and patterns to your tablescape. I fell in love with Bloomingdale’s Kate Spade Harbour Drive collection and the Spike the Punch placemats.

A cocktail party is not a cocktail party without a delicious craft cocktail. My go-to spirit for fall/winter is locally produced J.R. Revelry Bourbon (available at Buckhead’s Tower Beer, Wine & Spirits and Savi Provisions). Your guests will love an easy Bourbon Sipper with 2 tablespoons bourbon, 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice, 3 tablespoons cranberry juice, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 2 teaspoons simple syrup, all shaken with ice, strained in a martini glass and garnished with fresh orange wedges and rosemary.

Make sure you have delicious and easy-toeat food. Seasons 52 is the perfect option for catering:

They offer delicious flat breads, mushrooms stuffed with lump crab and shrimp, cider-glazed chicken skewers and mini desserts. The best part? The majority of the menu items have fewer than 500 calories.

Creating the perfect tablescape to display your food can be a challenge, but selecting the right serving ware and glassware can drive a creative table design. Bloomingdale’s has a large selection of plates, platters, vases, decanters and glassware. My favorite pattern is the Vietri Incanto Lace Dinnerware paired with Kate Spade Library Striped Glassware.

Welcome guests to your home with an inviting aroma. My inner “craftinista” loves to make homemade potpourri. Sprinkle thinly sliced apples and oranges with cinnamon, pull the petals off carnations or roses and bake all three on a parchment-paper-lined pan at 200 degrees. The petals will dry in 30 to 45 minutes. The apples and oranges will take 1.5 to 2 hours. Remove from the oven and mix with cloves and cinnamon sticks, then sprinkle with nutmeg.

Always plan for at least five extra people. You never know if unexpected guests will show up or if your guests will be extra hungry. It’s always better to have too much than not enough!

Ask for help! Don’t be afraid to recruit your significant other or friends to run errands, set up or, most importantly, clean up. That is what friends are for, right?

My favorite part of hosting a party is getting a new party dress. Aqua’s Winter white, embellished scuba dress from Bloomingdale’s is my fabulous party dress pick for my next cocktail party.

The most important tip to remember when hosting any type of party is to enjoy yourself. Parties and gatherings are about making memories and coming together to celebrate each other’s company. Happy entertaining! n

Bloomingdale’s Lenox Square 3393 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30326 404.495.2800 bloomingdales.com James Hurley Designs 1425 Piedmont Ave N.E. Atlanta 30309 404.329.9444 jameshurleydesigns.com J.R. Revelry Bourbon jrrevelry.com Seasons 52 3050 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.846.1552 seasons52.com

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

HOW TO GIFT WRAP A LUXURY RESORT A N D S PA

gift cards order online or call 678-425-0900 www.chateauelan.com

Château Élan | 100 Tour De France, Braselton, Georgia 30517 Located I-85 North, Exit 126 - 30 Minutes North of Downtown Atlanta

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

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

SIMPLY HAPPENING The crafts at Convenant Presbyterian’s annual holiday bazaar are sourced from artisans across 38 countries with distinct styles. The array of fairtrade goods for sale makes gift giving go a long way.

SPOTLIGHT:

GIFT GIVING BACK Shop ’til you drop at Covenant Presbyterian Church’s annual holiday bazaar Global Gift Market Dec. 13 Covenant Presbyterian Church 2461 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.237.0363 covenantpresbyterian.us

To make holiday shopping enjoyable and rewarding, swap stressful Lenox Square crowds for the Global Gift Market at Covenant Presby-

terian Church on Sunday, Dec. 13. From 12:30 to 5 p.m., shoppers can select from an array of handcrafted gifts, including jewelry, home decor, accessories and food products, including chocolate, coffee and cocoa from the Presbyterian Coffee Project, an initiative of the Presbyterian Church USA. The sales support the efforts of Ten Thousand Villages, one of the largest fair-trade organizations in the world, representing artisans from 38

countries, spanning Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. It specializes in promoting the works of village artisans who craft one-of-akind items, ranging from festive trays and platters that can grace a holiday table to scarves and bags that make unique stocking stuffers. The gift market will also support Covenant Presbyterian’s work with the La Gonâve Haiti Partnership that furthers education, healthcare, agriculture and economic growth in

Senior pastor Ernie Hess stands with Delicia Grimmesey and Heidi Squires to celebrate the season of giving.

the island country. Prior to the bazaar, the church will hold its lesson and carols service at 11 a.m., which is open to all. The Global Gift Market elevates the season of giving from one of hectic traffic and long lines to one of global impact and philanthropy. – Jamie Hausman

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY H APP E N ING

Events, exhibits, galas and more

BY:

Jamie Hausman

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

BUZZ

Act3 Productions releases their winter show lineup, which includes the classic Guys and Dolls.

ACT3 PRODUCTIONS WINTER SHOWS Nov. 6-21, Dec. 4-19 Act3 Productions 6285 Roswell Road N.E. Sandy Springs 30328 770.241.1905 act3productions.org Theatrical performances make for fun family-friendly holiday activities, and Act3 Productions’ winter show lineup promises that and more. Guys and Dolls, a classic romantic comedy about gambler Nathan Detroit and his attempts to set up the biggest craps game in town, performs Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. from Nov. 6 to 21. The Last Night of Ballyhoo, is set in Atlanta in December 1939. At a time when Hitler is invading Poland and Gone with the Wind is debuting in theaters, the elite German Jewish families of Atlanta are thinking about the social event of the season, Ballyhoo. The play begins in December and runs Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. from Dec. 4 to 19. Tickets are priced from $15 to $30.

ELEGANT ELF MARKETPLACE Nov. 7-8 Lake Forest Elementary School 5920 Sandy Springs Circle N.E. Sandy Springs 30328 470.223.5411 sandyspringssociety.org/ elegant-elf Once the Halloween spirit subsides, it’s time for holiday shopping, and the Elegant Elf Marketplace wastes no time.

Shop for a cause at the Elegant Elf Marketplace, benefiting the Sandy Springs Society.

The Atlanta Speech School celebrates its 42nd Language and Literacy Gala.

Photo: Courtesy of Georgia Center for Child Advocacy

Photo: Sara Hanna Photography

On Nov. 7 and 8, peruse products aplenty at Lake Forest Elementary School in Sandy Springs to check off your holiday shopping list. With more than 70 local and national vendors selling handmade crafts, home decor, children’s goods and gourmet foods, finding the perfect gift will be easy. Plus, proceeds go toward the Sandy Springs Society to support education, arts, the environment, preservation efforts and social services in the community. Shopping begins at 9 a.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. on Sunday, and the event closes at 5 p.m. each day. Special events also run throughout the day, such as a cinnamon bread pudding cooking demonstration and book signings. Admission is $5.

CHASTAIN PARK ARTS FESTIVAL Nov. 7-8 Chastain Park 4469 Stella Drive N.W. Atlanta 30327 404.873.1222 chastainparkartsfestival.com On Saturday, Nov. 7, and Sunday, Nov. 8, the Chastain Park Fall Arts Festival returns for its sixth year. More than 185 artists will gather in picturesque Chastain Park to display and sell paintings, sculptures, photographs, leather goods and metal crafts. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, and admission is free. In addition to artist booths, artist demonstrations, live music and hands-on art projects will be part of the fun.

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

LANGUAGE AND LITERACY GALA Nov. 15 Capital City Club 53 W. Brookhaven Drive N.E. Atlanta 30319 404.233.5332 atlantaspeechschool.org/ gala2015 Each year, the Atlanta Speech School impacts more than 1,400 children and adults in need of language and literacy services through its four schools, five clinics and summer program. The school’s holiday fundraiser—now in its 42nd year—is the Language and Literacy Gala, held at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 15, at the Capital City Club in Brookhaven. In addition to a cocktail reception, dinner and dancing, the evening will culminate in silent and live auctions. Last year, a golden retriever puppy was auctioned off, making for the cutest auction item in the school’s history. Tickets start at $100.

JULIE NOVARESE PIEROTTI LECTURE Nov. 18 Oglethorpe University Museum of Art 4844 Peachtree Road Atlanta 30319 404.364.8555 museum.oglethorpe.edu Winter in Atlanta can be a satirical season, whether it be the impending doom of snowpocalyptic events or the sense of humor one needs to brave the Lenox Square parking lot around the holidays. In 19th century France, politics, social

norms and art combined to create a series of satirical perspectives. At 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, Julie Pierotti, curator at Dixon Gallery and Gardens in Memphis, will delve into that subject in her lecture “Jean-Louis Forain: La Comedie Parisienne.” Forain was a French impressionist painter and caricaturist who lived in Paris through the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Pierotti will discuss the impact Forain had on his contemporaries, which included such notables as painter Edgar Degas. Admission is $5.

LIVINGSTON LECTURE Nov. 18 Atlanta History Center 130 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.814.4000 atlantahistorycenter.com The story of Lady Bird Johnson, wife of President Lyndon Johnson, goes deeper than her former first-lady title. At 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 18, Betty Caroli will regale an audience at the Atlanta History Center about her book Lady Bird and Lyndon. Although history remembers Lady Bird as a wildflower-enthusiast and wife who put up with her husband’s affairs, Caroli reveals the Texas native had a level of ambition and knack for persuasion that rivaled President Johnson’s. Caroli has written about several former first ladies in her books The Roosevelt Women and First Ladies: From Martha Washington to Michelle Obama. Admission is $10.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE Nov. 20 to Dec. 13 Millwood Manor 1150 West Garmon Road Atlanta 30327 atlantaholidayhome.com If decking the halls gets your holiday spirit swirling, you can’t miss the Home for the Holidays Designer Showhouse. Outfitted by Harrison Design and built by Sheehan Built Homes, Millwood Manor is located on the corner of West Garmon Road and Northside Drive. The house, which was inspired by Scotland’s Stonefield Castle, will remain open Thursdays through Sundays from Nov. 20 to Dec. 13. A portion of the funds raised from ticket sales will benefit The Children’s Learning Gardens at the Southeastern Horticultural Society. Admission is $25 in advance; $30 at the door.

ATLANTA GAY MEN’S CHORUS HOLIDAY CONCERT Dec. 4-5 Cathedral of St. Philip 2744 Peachtree Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.320.1030 voicesofnote.org The Cathedral of St. Philip will once again host the Atlanta Gay Men’s Chorus 35th annual holiday concert on Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. and Dec. 5 at 2 and 8 p.m. The event has taken place at St. Philip’s since the late 1990s, and the beautiful interior of the cathedral combines with the ringing acoustics to create a joyous and memorable event. Admission is $35; VIP tickets (preferred seating) are $45 each.

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S I M P LY H AP P E N ING

CHA R ITAB LE

Nandi Ashley, Jessica Buchanan

Shawanda Solomon, Christy Tate, Gracie Fuller Jennifer Anderson, Mandi Paris

Kristin Connor, Amber Larkin, Landin Larkin, Chris Glavine, Jill Becker

Photos: Lynn Crow

A TRIBUTE TO OUR QUIET HEROES

URE Childhood Cancer’s inspiring annual luncheon, A Tribute to Our Quiet Heroes, recognizes the mothers of children fighting cancer. More than 550 attendees gathered at the InterContinental Buckhead to honor these women who pour their support and love into their little fighters without hesitation. In addition to a catered lunch and silent auction, honorees enjoyed pampering treatments courtesy of Authentic Beauty and a live performance by musician Stevie Fee. This was the eleventh year CURE hosted the event, which was originally conceived by Chris Glavine, wife of MLB Hall of Fame pitcher Tom Glavine. This year’s keynote speaker was Amber Larkin, president and executive creative director of Nth Degree Design & Visual FX and founder and president of the nonprofit Noah’s Light Foundation, which has partnered with CURE to fund pediatric brain cancer research. Taking place during National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, this event helps fund pediatric cancer research. This year, CURE raised $360,000. - Jessica Wise

Erika Shaw, Kim Chesney, Kristin Connor, Joanne Hayes, Rushia Brown

Chris Glavine, Sylvia Tylka, Tee Bridges

Lauren Sims, Donna Kennedy, Janet Street Jena Hall

Tom Glavine, Erin Thomson, Sylvia and Pat Tylka

Massage therapists Monica Richardson and Marla Roberson pampered attendees.

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

believe

LIKE THE CHILDREN BELIEVE The holidays are typically a time of joy, gifts and fellowship. But for families battling childhood cancer, the holidays take a back seat. Help CURE Childhood Cancer brighten the holidays for families in need.

TRANSPORTATION

SHOP FOR CURE

Help families manage the significant cost of traveling long distances to the hospital for cancer treatment:

When purchasing holiday gifts, choose those which give back to CURE:

• Donate gas cards from BP, QuikTrip, RaceTrac or Shell in increments of $25 • Donate to CURE’s transportation fund by visiting www.curechildhoodcancer.org/donate and noting “transportation” in the comment section

MEALS Help provide meals to hospitalized children and their families: • Sponsor a lunch or dinner with a donation of $400 • Donate Publix or Kroger gift cards for families in need • Assemble snack bags for distribution in the hospital Email lisa@curechildhoodcancer.org for information

• Purchase holiday cards from Paper Style and CURE receives 20% of order Shop at www.paperstyle.com • Give your favorite man the cobranded shirt from Onward Reserve and CURE receives 100% of proceeds Shop at www.onwardreserve.com/cure • Purchase “give back tops” from All Inspired Boutique Visit www.allinspiredboutique.com • Consider Good Deed Beads for the perfect piece of jewelry and CURE receives 50% of the purchase price Shop at www.etsy.com/shop/lindysgooddeedbeads

Donate to CURE Childhood Cancer by visiting www.curechildhoodcancer.org or email info@curechildhoodcancer.org for information

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CHA R ITAB LE

Jonnie Poer, Kathi Welch, Maurice Chevalier

“Sparkles,” Alisha Bridges

“Holly” and “Lucy” owned by Kathi Welch Photos: Scott Reeves

BARK FIFTH AVENUE GRAND OPENING

L Joanne and Sonny Hayes, Ashley Carestia “Maysie,” Amy Loody, Owen McQuiag

uxury dog boutique Bark Fifth Avenue celebrated its grand opening with an event that benefitted Angels Among Us Pet Rescue and The Atlanta Humane Society. At its new trendy Miami Circle location, which retails high-end clothes and accessories for “jet setting” dogs proprietor and fashion model Ashley Carestia hosted a soiree that gave pets and their parents a red carpet shopping experience. The party, complete with hors d’oeuvres and music, invited guests to explore the new digs in style. “Paw-parazzi” captured the scene (one photographer for pets and another for humans) and more than 75 attendees perused the outdoor vendor tent where Dr. Carol Tobias from Nathan’s Ark Mobile Vet, dog trainer Richard Fischhof of Good Dog Atlanta, The Atlanta Humane Society and several local designers were available with services to pamper pets. Adorable and adoptable pooches from Angels Among Us were also in attendance, and a raffle offered prizes such as a dog training session from Good Dog Atlanta, three hours of concierge and dog walking service from Absolutely Yours Concierge, a complimentary bag of sweets from The Macaron Queen and much more. - Jessica Wise

Marygayle Wright, Bill Garst

“Wrigley,” Shannon and Josh Lewis

Ryder Tobin, Marlo White, MaKenzie White

Sammy Garcia, “Balu”

Stefanie Grenz, Ashley Carestia, Amanda Brown

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY H APP E N ING

S CE N E

HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTEST Craft Box Girls’ Lynn Lilly takes a sipping stop during our “How to throw a cocktail party” photo shoot. (Read the feature on page 90.) PHOTO: Sara

100

November/December 2015 | Simply Buckhead

Hanna

HOLD YOUR EVENT OR HOLIDAY PARTY AT ATLANTA’S MOST EXCLUSIVE VENUE

Create not just an event but your own memorable “NIGHT” at Supply & Demand. Sitting in the heart of Buckhead, Supply & Demand is a first of its kind, criticallyacclaimed, exclusive destination, unparalleled in its amenities, atmosphere, and clientele, assuring your event becomes much more than a party, but a night not soon forgotten. Its award-winning interior design - informed by New York subway tile, 100 year old marble tables, and the warmth and classic feel of antique leather chairs - heightens the already elevated sensations produced by S&D’s hypnotic cocktails and gourmand cuisine options created by our renowned team of mixologists, chef-partners, and event planners. Party season is upon us so make your gathering truly unforgettable by reserving Supply & Demand now. Allow our team of experts the privilege of delivering you not only an event for you and your group, but an epic evening that truly will be your “NIGHT”. For more information call 770-857-3195 or 678-334-9755. Supply&Demand Event Amenities: •

35 foot antique oak bar with some of the Atlanta’s rarest and most sought after spirits • On-site parking and valet services • Capacity for up to 120 people • Private cigar room with separate filtration system • Audio Visual Capabilities, HDTV’s, DJ booth and full AV integration • Event Catering from some of Atlanta’s best restaurant’s

FOR IMMEDIATE INQUIRIES AND AVAILABILITY: CALL MICHAEL WILSON @ 678-334-9755 OR LOG ONTO WWW.SUPPLYDEMANDATLANTA.COM 3223 CAINS HILL PLACE NE ATLANTA 30305 I BACK PARKING LOT ENTRANCE

Shops for the Season Wednesday, December 3 Noon â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 7:00 PM Stock up on gifts for everyone on your list during this one-day-only seasonal shopping event in select showrooms. Items include a specialized collection of artisan jewelry, handcrafted leather accessories, edible gifts, original artwork and more! 351 Peachtree Hills Ave, Atlanta | www.adacatlanta.com | 404.231.1720 | Open to the Public

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