Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside
HOUS T ON • DALLAS • A TLANT A
Photos:
28: Patrick Heagney, 74: Erik Meadows, 84: Madelynne Grace
STYLISH
40 FASHION
Re-Dressed for Success
SCAD students debug Orkin’s uniforms
42 BEAUTY
The Beauty of Recycling
Here are some solutions to the industry's plastic waste problem
44 WELLNESS
Time to Retreat
Find the right wellness getaway for your needs
46 TASTEMAKER
Designing Woman
A local designer finds success across fashion channels
FAMILY
48 KIDS
Little Foot Forward
Local entrepreneur Anne Arwood launches kids’ shoes subscription service
50 PETS
A Gratifying Profession
The hurdles and rewards of being a veterinarian
52 STRATEGIES
Wax Off
Buckhead wax and sugaring artist offers tips for your first hair removal experience
CULTURE
64 ON STAGE
Next Generation of Talent
Catapult focuses on lights, camera, action
66 LITERARY
Figuring Out
Fact from Fiction
Buckhead novelist’s latest work keeps readers guessing
68 TASTEMAKER
Arts Supporter
Extraordinaire
Globe-hopping cultural icon calls Dunwoody home
69 EVENTS
Places to go and things to do
COVER STORY
DELICIOUS
84 REVIEW
Soul Satisfying
Raise forks for the creative fare at 5Church Buckhead
88 DRINKS
Seasonal Spirit
The versatility of tequila
90 FOODIE JOURNAL
The Breakfast Club
Grits & Eggs Breakfast Kitchen serves the community with five Atlanta locations
92 TASTEMAKER
Carrying the Torch
Nan Thai comes to Buckhead
94 Featured Restaurants
A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead
BEHIND THE COVER
A spotlight on philanthropic and social gatherings 102 Scene
The inspiration for this cover came from one of the stories in our “Entertaining” feature. We imagined a hostess preparing to welcome guests into her home for a fabulous party, having a cocktail—or in this case, a nonalcoholic drink—before they arrived. To bring the vision to life, we converged on Simply Buckhead publisher Joanne Hayes’ home, brought in nonalcoholic spirits from The Zero Proof, tapped Adelina Social Goods’ owner Sarah Noble to outfit the bar and The Chastain’s Juan Fernando Cortés to stand in as a bartender while model, Liz P., dressed in glittering jewelry and a luxe cocktail dress, posed. Photographer Erik Meadows snapped away to capture the scene. Read more about how to build your own low- or noalcohol home bar on page 76.
Photographer: Erik Meadows
Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin
Hair and makeup: Nyssa Green
Models: Liz P., courtesy of Click
Models of Atlanta, and Juan Fernando Cortés, beverage manager at The Chastain
Special thanks to Universal Diamonds and Tootsies for outfitting our model. For full credits, see page 102.
Mike Jose
Joann Vitelli
Editor's Letter
My friend, Elise, is the epitome of a gracious hostess. I’m fortunate to have met her through my church and attended multiple events both at her home and larger-scale functions she’s put together for hundreds of guests. Elise is one of those rare people who thinks of the big picture and the small details. Best of all, she has a knack for making everyone feel welcome and wanted, the very definition of authentic hospitality.
With our “Easy Entertaining” cover feature, we hope to equip you with a few new tricks and strategies to make hosting gatherings simple and fun all year long. Whether event planning comes naturally to you, or it’s something you aspire to, our stories about trends in events from two local experts, how to build a beautifully outfitted no-alcohol home bar, gifts for the hostesses in your life and tips for putting together themed gatherings at your home, this feature is packed with actionable ways to make your entertaining dreams come true.
The rest of this issue was a treat for us to produce. We know you’ll appreciate Hope S. Philbrick’s dining feature on 5Church Buckhead, Emily L. Foley’s helpful story about how to recycle past-their-prime beauty products and Lauren Finney Harden’s Tastemaker profile on antiques maven Summer Loftin. Our managing editor, Giannina S. Bedford, writes about her family’s sojourn to the luxurious Nayara Tented Camp in Costa Rica. I can almost guarantee that it will give you the best kind of wanderlust.
From the entire team of staff and talented freelancers at Simply Buckhead, we wish you a very happy holiday season and a blessed New Year.
Jennifer Bradley Franklin Senior Contributing Editor
Serving Buckhead, Brookhaven, Chamblee, Dunwoody, Sandy Springs and Upper Westside
P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 simplybuckhead.com
For advertising rates, call: 404.538.9895
Joanne Hayes
Publisher and Founder
Sonny Hayes
Chief Financial Officer
EDITORIAL
Giannina S. Bedford
Managing Editor
Jennifer Bradley Franklin
Senior Contributing Editor
Alan Platten
Creative Director
H.M. Cauley
Copy Editor
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Karina Antenucci
Jill Becker
Chelsie Butler
H.M. Cauley
Carly Cooper
Emily L. Foley
Lauren Finney Harden
Mickey Goodman
Angela Hansberger
Katie Hughes
Nicole Letts
Amy Meadows
Hope S. Philbrick
Claire Ruhlin
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Madelynne Grace
Patrick Heagney
Erik Meadows
Joann Vitelli
SALES & ADVERTISING
Stephanie Dorfman
Senior Director of Partnerships
Layal Akkad
Graphic Designer
DIGITAL
BHG Digital
Website Development Management
Mike Jose
Director of Audience Development
LEGAL
Scott I. Zucker
Legal Counsel
FEATURED CONTRIBUTOR
Angela Hansberger
“It’s always the little things that capture my curiosity of a subject,” says Angela Hansberger, an Atlanta-based writer covering food, spirits, travel and culture. How those little things add up shapes the narrative. She is always in search of a menu, a dish, a cocktail that tells a story. She forages wild edibles while hiking and plans trips around Michelin-starred reservations. Her work has been published in Bon Appetit, Atlanta Magazine, Vessel Magazine, Audubon, and she is a contributing writer for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. For Simply Buckhead, she pens the drinks column.
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.
Printed by Walton Press, Inc. Distributed by Distributech and Distribution Services Group.
Sara Hanna
Bucket List Locale Page 24
“Travel is always worth the work, especially when visiting a country like Costa Rica.”
Nayara Tented Camp's main pool is a popular place to grab a drink and unwind after a day exploring.
BY Nicole Letts
WELCOME TO BUCKHEAD VILLAGE
THREE NEW-TO-MARKET SHOPS
Buckhead Village has seen a slew of openings over the past several months. The most recent arrivals are Vuori, Brochu Walker and Todd Snyder. The additions bring the total retail offerings to 40 stores. The openings are new to the market, says Sandi Parker, vice president of mixed use and development projects at Jamestown that owns Buckhead Village. “We’ve curated a mix of more elevated, contemporary and one-of-a-kind brands that you won’t find elsewhere in Atlanta.”
California-based women’s luxury lifestyle brand Brochu Walker offers ready-to-wear pieces, including dresses, tops, bottoms, loungewear, shoes, handbags and accessories. The Atlanta store, opened in August, has 1,832 square feet of retail space and is housed in the former Sarah Flint storefront. Todd Snyder is a New York-based menswear brand focused on modern
Sparkle and Shine
Diamonds Direct, a Charlotte-based, direct-to-consumer diamond retailer, opened its first Georgia showroom in Buckhead on July 27. Store Manager Ken Hallman says the 6,049-square-foot showroom is one of the company’s largest. In addition to jewelry, the store offers a large collection of luxury watches. The shop is located in the former Brown & Co. building, which underwent a major renovation. “We dramatically
changed the existing structure, enlarging it to be sure that, as time goes on, we are prepared for the future,” Hallman says. A long time Georgia resident, Hallman says he is delighted for Diamonds Direct to be in Buckhead. “We come to [work at] Diamonds Direct every day to make people happy and give them the best customer service that they can find,” he says. diamondsdirect.com @diamondsdirect
American style. The 2,560-squarefoot location is situated between the soon-to-open Rails and Warby Parker at 272 Buckhead Ave. Vuori, a California-based performance apparel brand, is located at the corner of Peachtree and Buckhead Avenue. It spans 3,315 square feet and opened in July. For all three, these are their first locations in the state. Through town hall meetings, the Buckhead community has been vocal about the future of the
Crowning Achievement
Distillery of Modern Art's Noveau Gin was named "Gin of the Year" at the 2024 New Orleans Spirits Competition. This juniper-forward gin is layered with citrus, spice and herbal notes such cassia cinnamon, Szechuan peppercorn and chamomile, creating a complex and flavorful spirit. Located in Chamblee, DoMa also offers an art gallery, event space and cocktail lounge and produces a range of
village, expressing its desire for independent fashion and lifestyle brands alongside luxury offerings. “We’ve added over 25 shops in the last three years, along with four new restaurants, to respond to the community’s needs,” Parker says, adding that shoppers can expect more openings through 2025. n
BUCKHEAD VILLAGE buckheadvillagedistrict.com @buckheadvillagedistrict
high-quality spirits, including vodka, gin, amaro, bourbon and rye whiskey. The gin is available for purchase online and at various spirits stores. distilleryofmodernart.com @distilleryofmodernart
Yoffi Opens in Dunwoody
The Mediterranean food truck Yoffi has found a permanent parking spot in Dunwoody. The new eatery is the brainchild of David Abes, founder of DASH Hospitality, known for its
restaurants such as Bar{n} booze {n} bites and Morty's Meat & Supply. Yoffi offers a variety of authentic Mediterranean dishes, including house-made snacks like roasted pepper and feta dip and handhelds such as a double cheeseburger smeared with the signature simcha sauce. Guests can enjoy their meals in the spacious outdoor courtyard at Dunwoody Village. barndunwoody.com/yoffi-menu @yoffidunwoody
Brochu Walker, Todd Snyder and Vuori added more than 7,000 square feet of retail space to Buckhead Village.
created a campaign to provide mental health services to cancer patients.
Teamwork
Learning new adaptive sports skills
A partnership between Parsons Xtreme Golf and BlazeSports youth athletics resulted in the first adaptive golf clinic for kids with physical disabilities who experienced an afternoon of fun and discovered a new sport. Led by three-time Berry College AllAmerican and former golf pro Matt Russell, the May event was held at PXG’s Lenox Square location to celebrate National Golf Day. BlazeSports, a legacy of the 1996 Paralympics in Atlanta that just celebrated its 28th anniversary, provides a variety of sports and programs for kids, teens and adults. PXG specializes in customizing clubs. “We don’t make men’s clubs and women’s clubs; our business is customizing clubs to meet golfers’ needs, including those with unconventional swings,” says Russell, the company’s team fitting lead. “Although we don’t build the adaptive equipment for people in wheelchairs, we can design clubs to make playing the game possible.”
The partnership with BlazeSports
Empowering Cancer Warriors and Caregivers
Restoring smiles
When Charessa Sawyers’ mother, Barbara Nobles, was diagnosed with breast cancer, it took a toll on both the patient and her family. “It was the first time I had ever seen her as vulnerable,” says Sawyer. “With no income and three daughters still in school, the bills piled up, and she lost her smile.”
Following successful treatment and a respite in Florida with a cousin, Nobles returned charged up, ready to restart her life. It was so transformative for the family that Sawyer, a licensed mental health therapist, created the Charge Up Campaign in 2013 to provide supportive mental health services to other cancer warriors and their caregivers regard-
is only one of PXG’s philanthropic efforts. “Our owner, Bob Parsons, is best-known for founding GoDaddy.com and the Bob and Renee Parsons Foundation that focuses on veterans, kids and people living in poverty,” he says.
The couple has made a public commitment to give away half of their wealth and encourages employees to help fulfill the mission by giving back.
THE BOB & RENEE PARSONS FOUNDATION tbrpf.org • @wedealinhope
less of their ability to pay.
The organization also offers supplementary services ranging from medical supplies for survivors and school bags for their kids to Thanksgiving dinners. Grants and donations support its work that is now offered in five Southern states.
Volunteers are the backbone of the organization, and many, such as Sandy Springs residents volunteer coordinator Adria Sanders and chaplain April Kelley, have been involved long term. Kelley provides outreach and spiritual services to patients and has led prayer calls.
chargeupcampaign.org • @chargeupcampaign
Leading Ladies
Training today’s leaders
Leadership Perimeter (previously known as Leadership Sandy Springs) recently graduated its inauguralclass under the new name with 43 participants from Brookhaven, Dunwoody and Sandy Springs who are ready to find their places in the community with a goal of making it stronger. “Our nine-month program inspires them to take on leadership roles in the region,” says Program Director Catherine Lautenbacher.
“It’s been an honor to be part of their development on a personal and professional level.”
Ranging in age from 20 to 70, participants had an opportunity to see how city governments work, learn about the human service needs, visit schools and explore the economics of the community. “We are great connectors and help them personalize their interests and choose a nonprofit that meets the needs of the community, whether it’s running for office or working with seniors,” Lautenbacher says. “I’m on the city council in Dunwoody, and I would never have run if I hadn’t been part of a leadership class. We have
others since our founding in 1986.” Lautenbacher says her passion is to strengthen nonprofits. She’s involved in the Sandy Springs Roundtable and has started another group in Dunwoody. She is also a trustee for the Nature Conservancy and a board member at Create Dunwoody, a new organization designed to enhance economic development through the arts.
Former All-American golfer Matt Russell of Parsons Xtreme Golf introduces BlazeSports' kids to the sport.
Catherine Lautenbacher is passionate about creating strong community leaders.
Charessa Sawyers
MIDTOWN ATLANTA CONFERENCE FOR GAY INTENDED PARENTS
Sunday January 26, 2025
12:30p - 4:30p
BRITTNI DONALDSON
Atlanta Hawks’ first female assistant coach has embraced the twists and turns of her career
As told to Amy Meadows
Playing basketball at the University of Northern Iowa was a difficult experience. I had four knee surgeries during my collegiate career, and I spent so much time in and out of the lineup, battling back from injury. Fortunately, I was able to finish out my college basketball career on a high, even after doctors told me there was very little chance of me playing again. I played minutes on the court in a game during my senior night and it felt like I was able
to reclaim my story, which dated back to my having a basketball in my hands by the time I could walk.
My dad, Jeff, played basketball in college and coached me throughout my youth, including into my high school years in Northern Iowa. Basketball really connected us, and we shared a love and understanding of the sport. It really bonded us. I played volleyball and golf, and I ran track, but I gravitated towards basketball; it’s a non-stop team sport, and you
tunity to work with the Toronto Raptors in their front office as a data analyst. After the team won the NBA championship in 2019, a few spots opened up on the coaching staff. The team knew my background, which gave me an edge, and I was offered the chance to transition to coaching. I learned so much, including how to teach basketball, something that is very different from playing.
have to have a cohesion and connection with your teammates to go out there and solve problems every two seconds when you’re on the court. It’s so much fun. And while I had hoped to play professionally, I knew that was not in the cards for me physically.
From there, my story is full of detours and pivots. In fact, coaching wasn’t even on my radar. After I graduated college in 2015, where I studied statistics and actuarial sciences, I went to work as a business analyst in a call center, crunching numbers and data. I realized the job was not for me, and I tried to figure out how to get back into basketball or a team sport environment. My research revealed that many sports organizations hire data analysts, and I thought that it would be cool to marry my two passions: basketball and numbers. I became a data analyst for a technology company in Chicago that catered to professional sports teams, so I created reports for NBA teams. That led to an oppor-
After four years with the Raptors, I took some time away from the NBA and co-founded Strata Athletics, a youth basketball academy in Austin, Texas, that was designed to help kids have fun while developing their skills in today’s competitive sports environment. Strata is where I met Hawks head coach Quin Snyder, who brought me to Atlanta after my yearlong stint on the Detroit Pistons’ coaching staff. When he became the head coach of the Hawks in early 2023, he asked me to join his staff. It was the perfect fit; there’s a lot of alignment between Coach Snyder and me in the way we think about basketball and the world. I was so excited to work alongside him. My time with the Hawks has been fantastic. I’m also so proud to be the first female coach for the team, as I was for the Raptors and the Pistons, but it’s also important for me to help change the narrative that there are inherent challenges for women coaching men. I played basketball my whole life, and up until college, I was predominantly coached by men. Nobody asks them about the challenges associated with coaching women. That’s because we’re all athletes. We all speak the same language, and that’s basketball. I don’t take being the first female coach lightly, and my goal is to not be the last for each of the three teams I’ve worked with. I have many goals but I try not to predict what my career will be in 10 years because I love that my pathway has had many unexpected turns. Since I arrived in Atlanta, the Southern hospitality has been amazing. Atlanta is such an outdoorsy city, I often walk along the BeltLine. I’m having a wonderful time exploring. I’m grateful to have this opportunity when I’m still early in my career. Being in a city that is so welcoming has given me a real sense of belonging. n
ATLANTA HAWKS statefarmarena.com/teams/detail/hawks @ATLHawks • @brittni_d
Béis ‘The Weekender’ ($108)
The chic weekend bag from Béis doubles as a tote for a quick trip and an easy carry-on. Its useful amenities include an exterior front zip pocket, bottom zip compartment for shoes or toiletries and a removable and adjustable cross-body strap. The bag is water-repellant and available in pink, gray, black or beige. Nordstrom • nordstrom.com @nordstrom
Healthy hair is always desirable, but it can be hard to keep that shine after days of travel. Nécessaire has crafted a trio of essentials, including shampoo, conditioner and scalp serum, that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and panthenol to promote thicker, fuller and healthier-looking hair. The product is appropriate for a variety of hair types and textures, and benefits a dry scalp.
Sephora • sephora.com • @sephora
Travelers’ Essentials
It’s the “most wonderful time of the year,” and with all the excitement comes opportunities to travel. Although it’s exciting to look forward to the destination, the preparation for a trip can be stressful. To reduce travel anxiety and keep you and your family in the holiday spirit, invest in these travelers’ essentials. STORY: Katie Hughes
Eagle Creek PACK-IT Starter Set Travel Bags ($55)
If you’re an over-packer, then it’s time to try packing cubes. The Pack-It Starter Set from Eagle Creek has three washable and water resistant bags, including one large folder to keep clothes crisp, one medium cube for items like shirts and pants and one small cube for items like underwear or socks. The result is an organized suitcase with all your favorite clothing staples.
To savor each day spent in a new place, write down experiences in this travel journal from Papier. It’s divided into five sections, including a travel wish list, trip ideas, journey planning and reflection, and travel games. This journal will help you stay organized while also giving you the opportunity to capture memories.
Papier • papier.com • @papier
ILIA Lip Wrap Overnight Treatment ($26)
When planning a trip, it’s important to still take care of yourself. This overnight lip treatment from ILIA Beauty is a great start. Smear it on before your flight to ensure lips stay smooth and hydrated until you’re back on the ground. The product is gluten-free, contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and papaya enzymes, and has hydrating and plumping properties.
Nordstrom • nordstrom.com @nordstrom
Nécessaire The Hair Essentials - Trial + Travel Set ($45)
Crowd-Free Charm
Camp Creek Inn on 30A is blissfully calm STORY: Nicole Letts
I’ve been keeping an eye on Camp Creek Inn for a few years.
My family and I have vacationed along the beaches of 30A for almost two decades, and we take an extra bit of pride in being in the know ahead of the masses. I first noticed the construction on 30A across from Watersound Beach Club a few years ago. We were headed to Charlie’s Donut truck in Alys Beach when we took a little detour to see what was to come. Fast forward to January 2024, and Camp Creek Inn opened. On its property are three pools (two with lazy rivers), a wellness center, pickleball and tennis courts, three restaurants and a 75-room boutique inn. An under-an-hour flight from Hartsfield-Jackson to Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport got me to the hotel’s adults-only pool around four hours after walking out of my Buckhead front door. Besides location, this small inn on sprawling grounds has a lot to add to the appeal of 30A. After dropping my bags in my king room, I beelined to the adult pool, tucked behind the wellness center and adjacent to Bark 'N Brine, a poolside barbecue restaurant. Live
music kicks off at 4:30 p.m., making an idyllic soundtrack for my happy hour margarita. The space came with ample umbrellas and chairs and plenty of natural shade, too.
I opted for 1936, one of the onsite restaurants, for a casual first night dinner. It was a Monday, and the bar was as lively as it might be on a weekend. Whipped feta and hummus with cucumber, baby carrots and grilled pita were a fresh precursor to the steak frites with garlic-herb compound butter. Save room for the Bushwacker tiramisu, a coastal twist on the Italian dessert made with rum, amaretto and mascarpone. Thanks to comfy bedding and blackout curtains, I woke up well rested. I grabbed coffee from the treat suite, a complimentary amen ity on each hotel floor stocked with soda, juice, fruit and snacks, before going to ANR for breakfast. I fueled up on a basic egg, bacon and toast plate before heading to the beach club, a 10-minute drive away. If you prefer to hitch a ride, the shuttle leaves every hour on the hour from the front of the hotel.
A tucked-away entrance leads to the expansive beach club at
Watersound, where multiple pools, restaurants and complimentary beach chairs and umbrellas await. With tightened private beach laws along 30A, this stretch is as priceless as it is pristine.
For an off-property meal, check out nearby Ambrosia at Watersound Village. You could make a reservation for the dining room, but try to slip into the dimly lit bar with New York vibes instead. The menu here focuses on steak and locally caught seafood. Begin with she crab soup and the sweet pineapple rolls. Decadent separately, together they
want to select “Taste of 30A” and an easily shareable smaller portion of some of the restaurant’s most popular seafood dishes. Skip dessert and grab complimentary ice cream sandwiches and nutty drumsticks from the treat suite as a sweet indulgence before tucking in for the night.
Beyond the beach, Camp Creek Inn offers plenty of other active amenities for guests. Golfers have access to two private championship golf courses, Shark’s Tooth and Camp Creek, along with the property’s short course, Origins. If golfing isn’t your thing, nearby Rosemary Beach and Seaside offer boutiques for perusing. Regardless of how you choose to spend your time, a relaxing, active and easy getaway awaits just a few hours south of Atlanta. n
Shark's Tooth Golf Course and Camp Creek Golf course, both accessible for Camp Creek Inn guests, were designed by Greg Norman and Tom Fazio, respectively.
Camp Creek Inn's expansive grounds include multiple pools, restaurants and outdoor recreation.
BUCKET LIST LOCALE
A not-to-be-forgotten stay at Costa Rica’s Nayara Tented Camp STORY: Giannina S. Bedford
Traveling anywhere with three young kids, including an infant, is tough regardless of where you are going. Add in a flight, bumpy dirt roads and unidentifiable insect bites, and it might sound a little too ambitious. For me, travel is always worth the work, especially
when visiting a country like Costa Rica and staying at a stunning resort. Cue: Nayara Tented Camp. We arrived in La Fortuna after nightfall. We were two hours late for our anticipated check-in, thanks to unpredictable traffic and road conditions. As we approached
the property entrance, the skies opened up: This was Costa Rica’s rainy season (May-November). The check-in staff welcomed us warmly, whisking away our overweight luggage in one direction and us into a golf cart that deposited us in a luxurious tented lobby complete with a library and elegant bar. After we had welcome drinks in hand, our guest services coordinator, Carolina, gave us the lay of the land, speaking to our kids in English and Spanish so they could practice their second language. We had planned for dinner at one of the property’s restaurants that evening, but seeing our cranky kids, Carolina offered dinner in our room instead. We happily agreed.
As soon as we arrived at our accommodation, the crankiness evaporated. Tucked away into a
lush jungle, the 1,700-square-foot tent on stilts aims to minimize environmental impact. Inside, it feels nothing like a tent, with a regal four-poster king bed with a mosquito net and two twin-sized daybeds flanking each side. Nearby was a stand-alone tub, luggage and dressing area, and indoor and outdoor double showers, the latter my favorite amenity. The tent also had a private terrace with a daybed, hammock, table and chairs, and a plunge pool filled with thermal water from the local hot springs. While our 6- and 9-year-olds explored all the nooks and crannies, we placed our tired baby to sleep in a quiet corner of the room where a Pack ’n Play was set up and dressed in soft sheets. My husband and I shared a bottle of champagne on the terrace as the older kids swam and breathed a sigh of relief that we made it this far. We could already tell it was worth it.
Nayara's connecting family tents makes it easy for friends or grandparents to come along.
Views of the Arenal Volcano abound from various public areas.
Waking up the next morning, we discovered what we missed on our after-dark arrival. Through the sliding glass doors of the tent was a stunning view of the majestic Arenal Volcano surrounded by a jungle teaming with birds, lizards and other wildlife. Our view made us excited about the activities we had planned, but first, breakfast. We feasted on the buffet at the lobby restaurant, Ayla. The impressive spread included gallo pinto (rice and beans), plantains and more familiar breakfast favorites such as challah French toast, eggs and pancakes. The buffet options were so captivating, the kids were hesitant to depart for activities (“Why can’t we just stay here all day?”). After some convincing, we loaded them in the car and spent the morning walking the hanging bridges of Mistico Park where we spotted a viper, blue jeans tree frog and a troop of howler monkeys. Next was La Fortuna where we descended more than 500 steps to see the 200foot waterfall. My husband took the big kids for a refreshing swim before we tackled the slightly painstaking ascent back to the top. La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano National Park offer a ton of adventurous activities, from lava field walks and zip lining to wildlife tours of all kinds. We were determined to get in some relaxation, so we opted to spend time at our pampering resort. We wildlife-watched from our deck, swam in the thermal pools throughout the property and
lounged by the lobby pool where my daughter checked an item off her bucket list: experiencing a swim-up bar where she ordered a virgin Piña Colada.
Guests of Nayara Tented Camp also have access to restaurants of sister properties, the adults-only Nayara Springs and Nayara Gardens. Most of the dining establishments have kids’ menus or are willing to customize dishes for them. At the Mediterranean-meets-Middle Eastern Ayla, we enjoyed the lamb kebab with garlic cream, a tomato-based Mediterranean sauce and expertly prepared rice with lentils and crispy onions. Our kids each built their own pizzas. Our other out-to-dinner experience was at Asia Luna at Nayara Gardens where we ordered a spicy tuna crispy rice appetizer; the Nikkeo Roll with shrimp tempura, avocado, tuna wrap and aji ama rillo mayonnaise; and the perfectly seared yellowfin tuna. Our oldest daughter opted for a vegetable roll, and our son inhaled a bowl of udon noodles with chicken and vegeta bles. As for our youngest, a thought ful staff member walked her around in their arms so we could take our time with our meal.
Costa Rica may have been an ambitious choice for our family, but Nayara Tented Camp made every bump in the road more than worth it. n
The terraced pool off the lobby is tucked among the jungle.
The writer and her family at the hanging bridges of Mistico Park.
Two twins are tucked aside the king bed, which faces the outdoor deck.
A deep soaking tub is one of the many high-end amenities inside the luxurious tent.
Above: Lush bedding, velvet seating and fun patterns enhance each of the guestrooms.
Left: The hotel's exterior has retained its centuryold charm post-renovation.
New Kid on the Block
A historic Midtown property is transformed into a hotel gem STORY: Jill Becker
If you need a local getaway and like things that are shiny and new, you need to check out, and check in to, the recently opened Hotel Granada. I visited the 100-year-old property on West Peachtree in Midtown shortly after it completed a two-year-long renovation. It was formerly the Hotel Artmore and originally the Granada Apartments, hence the name. Luckily, the building’s Spanish colonial-inspired architecture was kept intact, including its red-tiled roof and stucco facade that stand
out amidst the sea of modern skyscrapers. A mix of bold colors, textiles, lighting, furnishings and wallpapers have transformed the interior, including a custom wallpaper lining the hallways that features drawings of Atlanta icons like the Fox Theatre and Olympic cauldron tower, as well as the hotel’s signature fruit, the pomegranate (granada is Spanish for pomegranate). The art on the walls of the lobby was sourced from the nearby Savannah College of Art and Design and is for sale if you happen to fall in love with a piece or two.
The hotel is moderate in size, with 120 rooms and suites. Each room boasts luxe linens and toiletries, stocked mini fridges, spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers, plentiful plugs for charging your electronics and a snack station featuring Georgia-made treats like Xocolatl chocolate bars and Purposeful Gourmet Foods candied pecans. My double room featured pretty geometric carpeting, an art deco armoire with a laptop safe and, a rarity in hotels these days, windows that actually opened.
A focal point of the property is the Pom Court restaurant, set in a beautiful open-air courtyard. You can sit under the shade of the crepe myrtle trees and enjoy the tinkling of the historic Granada fountain. In addition to seasonal mocktails and cocktails, savor a selection of tasty tidbits from Le Cordon Bleutrained executive chef Jaime Cubias. A friend joined me there for dinner during my stay, and we shared bites of the empanada trio, double smash burger and garlic prawns with cheddar grits fries, and then devoured a peach cobbler and a bread pudding made with croissants that wasn't even on the menu yet.
After such a filling meal, I should have gone straight to the on-site gym and burned some calories on the Peloton, but I headed back
to my room to get some beauty sleep. Another option would have been to visit May Peel, the stylish cocktail lounge on the bottom floor of the hotel, but it wasn't yet open during my stay.
Another highlight of the hotel is its location less than a 10-minute stroll from attractions like the High Museum of Art, Center Stage Theater and Center for Puppetry Arts, as well as popular restaurants like Nan Thai Fine Dining and 5Church Midtown. A fresh manicure and relaxing spa treatment are nearby as well at the Lush Nail Bar and AYA Medical Spa in Colony Square. Guests can also stay active courtesy of the hotel’s director of lifestyle, who partners with local experts and community organizations to present experiences such as floral workshops, running sessions, cocktail pop-ups and musical performances. So pick a weekend, ditch the car, pack your jammies and head to the Hotel Granada for an intown retreat at this peach of a hotel named after a pomegranate. n
At the on-site restaurant, chef Jaime Cubias whips up tasty small plates like the pimento cheese board with crusty bread and pickled vegetables.
The pretty Pom Court has already become a popular gathering spot for locals.
Photos: Jason Thomas Crocker
Revitalize Your Wellbeing
Kelsey Taylor, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC
Board Certified by The American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Member of the Sigma Theta Tau International ( STTI)
VANAP-GE Scholar
AAUW Scholar
4.0 Dean’s List graduate from Emory University
Spa Sydell Buckhead Welcomes Kelsey, our new Wellness Specialist and Aesthetic Injector
Kelsey‘s professional path is remarkably inspiring….
Kelsey is a Family Nurse Practitioner who graduated from Emory University and began her medical career working at a plastic surgery center specializing in aesthetics. Prior to her medical career, she led an interesting life as a military intelligence analyst, a scuba dive instructor, and a government contractor. She first discovered her passion for medicine as a volunteer EMT while active duty.
Drawing from a diverse background and a longstanding passion for aesthetics, Kelsey brings a unique blend of expertise and personalization to every client she serves. She is dedicated to advancing the field of integrative aesthetics by targeting the root cause of aging and addressing the disparities that hinder diagnosis and treatment of historically underserved populations, specifically women, veterans, and the LGBTQ+ community. Kelsey’s goal is to empower individuals to achieve their aesthetic aspirations from the inside out, while ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience.
Originally from Maine, Kelsey enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and exploring new places with her partner and two dogs. She is an active animal rights advocate, and you can often find her walking her dogs along the beltline.
Kelsey looks forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic and wellness goals.
Get a $50 Bonus Card* when you purchase $150 in gift cards *VALID JAN. 2-FEB. 9, 2025
Long The
Game
INTERIOR DESIGNER SOMERS ZAYCHIK’S COLLIER HILLS HOME IS A VISION COME TRUE
Somers Zaychik is always thinking about how she can make a space better. As an interior designer and owner of Ellerbe Somers Design, she knows a lot about it and isn’t afraid of the dust and heavy lifting required in a renovation. Such was the reason her home in Colliers Hills has been through two overhauls.
“We fell in love with the location right
in the middle of Collier Hills, insulated by Walthall Drive and Greystone Road, just a block from the playground,” she says. “We saw this as the home in which we would start and raise a family. We didn’t want to change the footprint too much during the original remodel, but we were looking ahead and anticipated needing primarily more bedrooms and a larger kitchen.”
STORY: Giannina S. Bedford
PHOTOS: Patrick Heagney
A Visual Comfort light fixture hangs above the glass dining table and brass bamboo chairs.
“We saw this as the home we would start and raise a family.”—Somers Zaychik
The first renovation took place in 2016, when Zaychik and her husband, Steve, a senior director of corporate development at SENTA Partners, gutted the 1,617-squarefoot, three-bedroom, two-bath home. They added a second story with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, transforming it into a 3,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bath abode. And since they were removing the entire roof structure, they raised the firstfloor ceiling height from 8 to 9 feet to match the ceiling height planned for the new second floor.
“The initial renovation in 2016 was an exciting opportunity for Steve and me to learn, make decisions, and grow together as homeowners and newlyweds. From the experience, I gained so much more understanding and awareness of the process from the homeowner’s perspective, and this knowledge has been invaluable for me professionally,” Zaychik says. “I love the whole process, and my
approach each time is not only to make the best decisions for the context, but also to balance current realities such as budget with quality and timelessness for the future.”
This future-focused view led the Zaychiks to their second renovation in 2021, when they added a spacious family room off the back of the house where the screened-in porch once stood, increasing the total square footage to 4,200. The room is a favorite hangout spot for the family, including their kids, Jacob and Margot. The space is furnished in a custom sectional from the Ellenburg Chair Company, a coffee table with vintage ibex head sculpture bases and an oversized, commercial grade warehouse fan Zaychik covered in a safety cage and spray painted black. She also designed the green builtin that runs the length of one wall, done in carpenter grade woodwork to save on cost. The stylish structure displays numerous books, photos
Customizing their home has taught Steve and Somers Zaychik a lot and they have enjoyed every step in the transformation.
The family room built-in was designed to lend architectural depth and interest to the space, display treasures and provide storage.
and mementos as well as a framed Bruno Pontiroli print of a moose in a yoga-esque pose.
“The family room serves as a versatile place to entertain, play games, work on puzzles, gather as a family, escape the heat in the summer and get cozy in the winter,” Zaychik says. “We spend the most time together there, as it’s between the backyard and the kitchen, the two other spaces in which we spend almost as much time.”
In the open kitchen, Visual Comfort light fixtures hang above a Georgia marble-topped island with vintage Paul Jones Lucite and brass stools. Zaychik had the barstool cushions reupholstered in a kid-friendly white basketweave vinyl sourced from the now closed Duralee showroom at ADAC. Nearby, the dining space features a giant clamshell Zaychik’s uncle brought back from the Philippines while serving in the Navy and a set of vin-
The formal living room mixes antiques and vintage items, including an eye-catching coffee table.
The kitchen's "windows" peek into the family room that was added in the second renovation.
tage Mastercraft Furniture Imperial brass bamboo dining chairs.
“We purchased the dining chairs with the original upholstery and eventually had them reupholstered in a silk woven that we purchased from Jim Thompson in Thailand while on our honeymoon,” Zaychik says.
The home’s eclectic mix of furnishings extends into the formal living room where chairs covered in a Schumacher performance velvet and trimmed with bullion fringe from Samuel & Sons mix with a vintage gold mirror from The Lamp Shoppe on Miami Circle. The room’s highlight, however, is the cloisonne coffee table Zaychik’s mother purchased when she was young.
“I have always been attracted to and intrigued by the intricacy, motifs and color choices,” Zaychik says of the family piece.
Upstairs, a laundry room turns up the fun with Bunny Wall Small by Hunt Slonem for Lee Jofa wallpaper (Zaychik means little hare in Russian) and Sherwin Williams Frank
Blue cabinetry and trim. Down the hall, Jacob's room features a vintage holographic David Bowie concert poster and two antique double beds from Zaychik’s grandparents’ home. Margot’s room is anchored by a Lucite and brass Anthropologie bed with a duvet and shams made from a roll of chinoiserie fabric her grandfather purchased at a yard sale.
In the primary bedroom, a pair of glazed lamps Zaychik purchased from Agora Vintage in Athens while studying at UGA flank the bed’s vintage Mastercraft headboard. The bathroom’s white walls contrast with slate tile floors, and the large Signature Hardware tub begs for a soak.
“I am a bath person, as are my mom and grandmother—maybe it’s genetic!” Zaychik says. “I wanted the longest, deepest tub we could fit in the space and with a reasonable price tag.”
With two young children, the Zaychiks don’t entertain as often as they’d like, but when they do, they make use of their multi-tiered backyard where the porch leads to a graveled fire pit area. The upper
levels feature a green space ideal for a soccer game as well as sand pits, swings, a blackberry patch and meandering stone pathways.
“Our investment in the backyard and covered patio was well worth it. We love it and enjoy our time there, especially when the weather is pleasant. The tall retaining walls allowed for a spacious flat lawn steps from the back door,” Zaychik says. “It’s been great, and we left the back portion a little more woodsy and shady, creating distinct zones.”
Every space in the Zaychik home has been intentionally created, and the homeowners’ make-every-space-better mantra has been woven throughout, making a tour an entertaining journey of surprises.
“Each person connects with different aspects of our home, and that in itself has delighted me over the years,” she says. “The same person can come over at different times in their life and, depending on their interests and priorities changing, will notice and inquire about totally different things each time they visit.” n
Below an Anne King original artwork, the deep-soaking tub isn't just for looks, says Zaychik, who uses it often.
The primary bedroom features inherited art, blue and white Tokusa dishes, Worlds Away mirrored dressers and a vintage Queen Anne-style claw and ball foot bench reupholstered in curly wool.
Left: The laundry features a $100 light fixture from Scott Antique Markets that Zaychik had rewired. Right: Jacob's room showcases a gallery wall that includes a panoramic photo of the Atlanta Centennial Olympic Stadium. Below: Margot's room combines vintage Chinese porcelain lamps and a bright yellow Ikea chair with original paintings by AK Hardeman.
1. The breakfast and art nook.
“This has more recently achieved a spot in my list of favorite design details as our children have grown to enjoy meals and creative time as a family. We’ve filled the wall spaces with meaningful treasures that are meant to evoke delight, nostalgia and curiosity.”
2. The family room’s painted ceiling.
“Painted to match the trim and built-ins, the dark ceiling enhances the relaxing, lounge vibe we were going for and helps balance all the natural light coming in from the windows and doors.”
3. The front porch.
“Thanks to a suggestion from a wise friend, we increased the planned depth of the front porch before construction began, adding about three additional feet. To this day, I’m often reminded of what valuable advice that was. Not only does my great-grandmother’s swing now fill the space perfectly, but we also have ample room for large, comfortable rocking chairs and for us to gather together. We spend a lot of time out there enjoying the comings and goings.”
BY Giannina S. Bedford
BENVENUTA FENDI CASA
High-end design home design arrives in Buckhead
Home design brand Fendi Casa has made its Georgia debut in Buckhead. The furniture company recently opened its fourth showroom, third in the U.S., at Buckhead Village’s Italian Luxury Interiors showroom. There, the design brand from the makers of Italian couture house Fendi showcases a collection of furniture and accessories from its living, dining, sleeping, outdoor and lighting collections. Like its Italian couture house, Fendi Casa’s pieces highlight elegant details such as weaves, inlays, reliefs, original pairings of material and hand stitching.
"We are excited to offer our discerning clientele an exclusive opportunity to experience the brand's exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled style firsthand,” says David Desy, owner of Italian Luxury Interiors.
Showroom hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Fendi Casa also has boutiques in Miami, West Hollywood and Mexico City n italianluxuryinteriors.com
Transport yourself to the islands with this Antigua Drum Chandelier from Visual Comfort. Designed by Chapman & Myers, the fixture is constructed with natural abaca, a leaf fiber native to the Philippines. Choose from small ($1,529), medium ($1,949) and XL ($3,099), and a bronze, nickel or antique-burnished brass finish. Available at Visual Comfort’s showroom on Roswell Road in Buckhead. visualcomfort.com • @visualcomfort
DESIGN & REALTY NEWS
n As part of the 2024-2025 academic year, the Savannah College of Art and Design introduced seven new degree programs, including a Bachelor of Arts in game development, Master of Arts in cinematography and Master of Business Intelligence in creative business leadership. The university has also introduced six undergraduate and graduate degree programs for the first time in Atlanta. scad.edu
Partners in Design
Maison Venu Joins Forces with Design Social Studio
Textile company Maison Venu recently partnered with Design Social Studio, a boutique textile, wallpaper and leather showroom on the Westside founded by Brooks Morrison in 2020. This is the first partnership of its kind for Maison Venu as the brand looks to expand its to-thetrade representation after debuting its first Fabric by the Yard collection in May.
“Brooks is a force. I am inspired by the wonderful
communities she’s built for the trade and textile designers through Design Social Studio and its sister brand, Design Social Pop Up,” says Maison Venu Founder and Creative Director Olivia Massie. “I’m honored to be a part of the 18 brands Design Social Studio represents and for Southeastern designers to have consistent access to Maison Venu through this partnership.” maisonvenu.com thedesignsocialstudio.com
n There are still opportunities to pick up one-of-a-kind, locally created gifts at Spruill Gallery’s Holiday Art Fair, taking place Nov. 21-Dec. 23. The handmade goods, from functional wares to jewelry, are designed or crafted by Georgia makers and cover all media, from ceramics and glass to textiles. spruillarts.org/gallery
AJ Madison, a family-owned online kitchen appliance retailer, has opened a showroom in Sandy Springs. This is its fourth U.S. location. The 12,000-square-foot space will offer more than 150 brands, including Sub-Zero, Wolf, Gaggenau and more.
Wonder Oven ($195)
Popular kitchen brand Our Place has reinvented the toaster oven. Counter-sized and compact, this six-in-one toaster oven can air fry, bake, roast, toast, reheat and broil. It uses steam infusion to get the jobs done and can preheat up to 75% faster than regular ovens. It comes in a bevy of trendy colors such as spice, steam and blue salt.
Our Place • fromourplace.com @ourplace
SMEG Citrus Juicer ($200)
Get fresh juice in style with the SMEG Citrus Juicer. Retro-inspired, the stainless steel strainer and reamer deliver highquality juices any time you want. With a 70-watt motor, anti-drip spout and anti-slip base, it’s a countertop appliance that prioritizes ease and style.
Neiman Marcus • neimanmarcus.com @neimanmarcusatlanta
It’s Electric
Trick out your small appliance collection with the latest and greatest kitchen gear. These pint-sized gadgets pack a lot of power into their small frames, saving space and bringing you the best in cutting-edge tech and beautiful design.
STORY:
Lauren Finney Harden
Blender Plus ($220)
While it might seem like all blenders are created equal, any Beast Health Blender owner will tell you otherwise. This one is compact and beautiful enough to leave out on the counter, with plenty of power to shred through everything from nuts to whole lemons. Packing a punch with a 1,000-watt motor, patented thermal safety blade and ribbed vessels for turbulence to get a smooth blend every time, the Beast Health Blender Plus is a must-have for any small appliance aficionado. Beast Health • thebeast.com • @beasthealth
Upgrade your coffee experience with an automatic touch system from Breville. It seamlessly guides even the most inexperienced coffee maker through an intuitive touch screen with personalized settings to make up to eight beverages. A three-second heat-up time, one-touch tamping system and alternative milk settings make this the ultimate way to start your morning.
KitchenAid Seven Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer ($599)
Thanks to its multipurpose abilities, the KitchenAid Stand Mixer has been a classic for decades. Its tilt-head technology, 11 speeds and 10 attachments (sold separately) speed along everything from whipping cream to shredding chicken. Pro tip: Purchase a glider to get this heavy-duty mixer in and out of your appliance garage easily without having to lift it. Sur La Table • surlatable.com • @surlatable
Breville Barista Touch Impress ($1,500)
A Beautiful Finish
Summer Loftin brings dramatic flair to her interior and antiques businesses
STORY: Lauren Finney Harden
Mississippi native Summer Loftin fell in love with the classic styles and historic architecture of Atlanta more than 20 years ago. She started her design work at an art and antique gallery on Miami Circle that imported from Europe after attending Ole Miss, where she focused on period styles, furniture and decorative arts. She also studied antique appraising at the University of Georgia. That varied experience has served her well as the principal of Summer Loftin Antiques & Design, a two-pronged business that encompasses her interior design work and her eye for antiques. She founded it more than 15 years ago after gallery clients kept asking for her expertise and advice.
Loftin designs for clients across the country, many of them owners of historic homes. She pulls in antiques where appropriate from that side of the business, which is set up at Interiors Market and is available online at 1stDibs, Chairish and Instagram. Here, she explains her zest for design and how the two businesses work in tandem.
How would you describe your design process and style?
I went to Ole Miss for art history, and now I primarily work on historic homes. I’ve designed interiors for two Neel Reid homes and a Philip Trammel Schutze home. I love period styles, but I also love retro and quirky things. I designed interiors in an Airstream for Jim Thompson
fabrics, and in Buckhead, I did a Lustron rental home made entirely out of metal; even the interior walls are metal, and you have to hang things with magnets. I look at the architecture and figure out what the home calls for naturally, then I mix it up. I love statement pieces, color, pattern, texture and the unexpected.
You opened Summer Loftin Antiques in 2022. How is that business different?
My design business began with my antique clients wanting help with styling their homes. I opened the booth at Interiors Market in 2022 and also sell online. Most of my clients are fellow creatives and collectors like me. They usually already have a collection, and if they don’t, we help them make one. Most of them enjoy traveling and sourcing pieces. I feel like my magic is putting their collections together in fun and interesting ways.
What's your favorite period?
I love Art Deco; it’s hot right now. There was a housing boom in the 1920s in Atlanta, and Art Deco fits with a lot of the architectural styles here. I love the rich, beautiful wood grains paired with more modern and clean lines. It’s such a transitional style that you can mix it with true 18th- or 19th-century pieces, or you can bring it forward and pair it with midcentury modern. It’s flexible. I also love anything Italian. They just do everything a little bit better.
How can someone incorporate antiques into their design?
You don’t need every single piece to be special. You can build a room around that one perfect statement piece, and everything else will come together to give you a wow factor. Southerners love their antiques. My booth had a great showing at the Marburger Farm Antiques Show in July and we will be there again in January 2025. n
Nick Burchell
Re-Dressed for Success Page 40
A collaboration between Orkin and
“Our uniforms are an iconic part of our brand, and we needed help reimagining them.”
— Brian Harrison, Orkin’s director of marketing
SCAD produced the pest control giant’s new company uniforms.
he phrase “dressed to kill” is certainly apropos when it comes to the Orkin corporation’s new uniforms, which were recently distributed to more than 10,000 Orkin professionals around the country. To achieve its employees’ new look, the 123-year-old Buckhead-based pest-control firm turned to another Atlanta mainstay, the Savannah College of Art and Design, in a unique collaboration that began four years ago.
“Our uniforms are an iconic part of our brand, and we needed help reimagining them,” says Brian Harrison, Orkin’s director of marketing, noting that the uniforms hadn't changed in more than 20 years and had issues that needed to be addressed. So the company reached out to SCADpro, an innovation hub that teams with brands like Apple and Walmart to come up with creative business solutions. SCADpro does approximately 15 to 20 projects per quarter and it’s not the first time the team has redesigned a uniform, as they recently revamped the flight suits for Zero-G, a Florida space tourism firm.
old uniforms to decide what worked and what didn’t. She says they also received invaluable input from Orkin technicians. “One of the things we talked a lot about was pocketing,” says Miller, noting that everyone carries around a phone, and the technicians have other tools they need to easily access. So a cargo pocket was added to one leg of the pants and a device pocket to the other.
To address fit issues, the pants now feature a belt with a locking slide, and the women’s pants have elastic in the back. They also added darting to the women’s shirts. The new performance fabrics are more breathable and stretchy, providing added comfort and flexibility.
Maintaining Orkin’s brand identity was also part of the equation. The previous uniforms featured a military-inspired design with epaulets on the shoulders, which have since been replaced with a more modern red stripe. Regarding the overall color scheme, the new uniforms have kept the traditional white and red palette, with either khaki or gray pants for commercial or residential uniforms.
After being field-tested, the new uniforms rolled out in June, and the reaction from the technicians has been positive. “They’ve loved them so far,” says Harrison, and that’s important because the uniforms affect how technicians work every day and how they feel in front of the customer.
for Success
SCAD students debug Orkin’s uniforms STORY: Jill Becker Re-Dressed
A team of 16 students and two faculty members worked with Orkin leaders to devise the new design. The students chosen, who were studying everything from fashion marketing to art history, were divided into a fashion team and a graphics team. The design brief they were presented with was to improve the fit, form and functionality of the uniforms while keeping the silhouette simple yet elevated. “The old uniforms were hot, stiff and uncomfortable,” Harrison says. They also needed to address practical issues like fabric sourcing and industrial laundering. Madison Miller, a SCAD senior when the project kicked off in the spring of 2020, was on the fashion team that started by looking at the
The SCAD/Orkin collaboration has also been deemed a success.
“Orkin and SCAD are both wellknown brands, and I’m grateful to have worked with them,” Harrison says. “They have the brightest of minds.” For her part, Miller says she’s thankful for the real-world experience. “My first job after graduation was working for a work-wear company, so I was looking at a lot of cargo pants.” n
Orkin's new uniforms were designed by SCAD fashion students to ensure maximum form and functionality.
"The uniforms affect how the technicians work and feel in front of the customer," notes Orkin's marketing director Brian Harrison.
Madison Miller was one of the SCAD students who collaborated on the design of Orkin's new uniforms.
The Beauty of Recycling
Here are some solutions to the industry's plastic waste problem STORY: Emily L. Foley
While the global plastic crisis is multi-fold, the beauty industry is a massive contributor to the plastic waste found in landfills and oceans. According to the Plastic Pollution Coalition, it is estimated that the beauty and personal care industries create some 120 billion units of packaging annually, and only 9% of plastic is actually recycled. While some brands are striving to become more environmentally sustainable by using glass and aluminum packing, others are choosing to contribute to the solution by taking part in recycling programs.
But recycling plastic beauty bottles is more complex than you may know. For starters, only plastic type 1 and 2 can be recycled in most municipal recycling facilities, and
most beauty products are not made from those plastics. Even if the outer bottle is, additional components like pumps, caps, wands, spray nozzles and tubes are not. Additionally, the vast majority of beauty products aren’t labeled with a recycling number at all, deterring both curbside recycling and recycling facilities’ ability to process.
Another part of this puzzle if that no matter how diligently consumers clean out their bottles, there is still residual product left behind that renders the plastic unrecyclable at Materials Recycling Facilities.
Stepping in to fill the gap is TerraCycle, a company known to be a global leader in sustainability solutions and recycling measures, and Pact Collective, a nonprofit with the goal of reducing the beauty
Josie Maran Body Butters
Neutrogena Hydro Boost
industry’s plastic waste and helping to find circular solutions.
TerraCycle has developed a specialized beauty packaging recycling process that can handle all beauty waste, even aerosols that are notoriously impossible to recycle, and is free to consumers. Visit the TerraCycle website and look up which brands it partners with, sign up to take part in a program and print a free shipping label to mail all your empties. A few of the brand partners include Burt’s Bees, EOS, Dermalogica, Herbal Essences, Paula’s Choice, Josie Maran, Murad and Pantene.
Pact collects hard-to-recycle beauty packaging both online and in Pact Bins at beauty stores across the country. Locally, they’re at Authentic Beauty in Sandy Springs and all Nordstrom, Sephora and Ulta stores (these chains have bins at all their stores nationwide). But there are some parameters. Recyclable items must be 2-by-2 inches or smaller, which can include lipsticks, lip glosses, mascara tubes and wands, and pumps. A $12 cost covers shipping and recycling when you utilize the online program.
Other sustainability steps in the beauty industry are brands with their own in-house recycling pro-
grams so customers can return empties for cleaning and re-use. Some companies are also creating refillable packaging, so fewer single-use plastic containers enter the cycle. Of course, none of these measures can make an impact without the participation of consumers, who need to figure out what recycling method works best for them. The good news: We can work together to keep our beauty routines from negatively impacting our planet. n terracycle.com • pactcollective.org
‘In-House Recycling’
LUSH: Most LUSH products are sold without any packaging, but if you return the black pots that house their masks, you can receive either money off your next purchase or a free mask.
Kiehl’s: Customers receive 10 rewards points for every bottle they return, and since 2009, the brand has recycled more than 11 million empties.
MAC: The brand’s Back-to-MAC program was one of the first in-house recycling programs, established 30 years ago. You can return empties in-store or online.
Côte: Mail in your used nail polish bottles to the address on the brand’s website and receive 10% off your next purchase.
s Kérastase Elixir Ultime Hydrating Hair Oil Charlotte Tilbury Magic Cream Moisturizer
ven and Peachtree Hills, shares the following advice on what to consider before I, er, you, book one.
Think About Your Goals— and Personality
What kind of retreat is calling to you, and what are you up for? There are a range of wellness offerings to choose from. For instance, one retreat might be more restorative and focused on meditation, breathwork and spa treatments. Another might be more intense with ritual ceremonies and powerful practices
find pure yoga, adventure or fitness retreats centered around activities where you move a lot. Others support detoxification and weight loss efforts and may include, for example, particularly healthy meals and a booze-free environment.
Additionally, what kind of itinerary and format pairs well with your personality? If you’re an introvert, you might like a retreat with a lot of flexibility or “me” time built into the schedule or perhaps a shorter retreat of a few days versus a whole week or more. If you’re an extrovert
the leader to ensure they have led retreats before. “Go with an established [business] that knows what they’re doing and have been to the place before,” she says. She notes that retreat companies, such as Fit4Travel, specialize in planning group getaways to wellness studios around the world, as well as to centers that may be booked directly or through local studios planning trips there.
Also consider the energy of the retreat leader to make sure it aligns with you. “If you’re looking at a retreat put together by a local
2025 RETREATS
Check out three upcoming options offered by Atlanta yoga studios and instructors.
Where: Peru: Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu When: May 2025
Who: Elizabeth Rowan and The Travel Yogi thetravelyogi.com/yogaretreats-adventures/peru
Where: Morocco: Marrakesh, Taghazout Bay, Agafay Desert When: September 2025
Who: Parisa Hervani, Element Yoga and Fit4Travel elementyoga.iamfit4travel.com
Where: Mexico: Todos Santos When: October 2025
Who: Mandy Roberts and FORM Yoga formyoga.com/todossantos-soul-vacation
studio, take a class with or meet the instructors who will be there with you, and think about the kind of teacher you want,” Hervani says. Are they high energy? Are they calming? “Whoever is leading the retreat is going to set the energy for the clientele and pace.” n
ELEMENT YOGA elementyogaatl.com • @elementyoga.atl
Designing Woman
A local designer finds success across fashion channels
STORY: Emily L. Foley PHOTO: Joann Vitelli
Christian Allana grew up in Chattanooga taking art classes and always creating. At 12, her artistic prowess turned toward fashion, and she asked her parents for a sewing machine. With it, she began taking her mother and grandmother’s old clothes and repurposing them into new pieces. She also began customizing her own clothes. “I just wanted to wear things no one else had,” she says. After graduating high school, Allana moved to Atlanta to attend SCAD where she earned a fashion design degree in 2012. She landed her first job as a design assistant at JCPenney in Dallas where she worked on corporate womenswear and learned the
business side of the fashion world. In September 2016, she moved back to Atlanta to become a designer at Buckhead-based Carter’s, where she still works. Along with her 9to-5 design work, Allana also creates formalwear for private clients and is a part of SHEIN X, a design incubator in which retailer SHEIN works with indie fashion designers to bring their creations to market. Here, Allana shares more insight into her creative pursuits.
What do you like most about being a fashion designer in Atlanta?
I love how unique and diverse Atlanta is. There are so many people here in the design field, and having
that community is amazing. Also, everyone is so different. Designers all have their own niche that is very distinctively them, so I love that everyone doesn’t look the same and neither does their work.
Despite working full-time, have you always designed privately as well?
I love having creative outlets, since in corporate design you have parameters to follow with a specific clientele and budget to keep in mind. I participated in Charleston Fashion Week and was able to create an entire collection from scratch, from sketching and making the patterns to sewing the pieces, and it was such a joy to have the only boundaries be my own imagination. I also love eveningwear, so having bridal and prom clients is how I get to express that side of my creativity.
How did you get involved with the SHEIN X program, and how does it work?
I discovered the program through one of my fellow SCAD graduates, and I knew it would be an amazing way to help grow my business. I applied and was invited to be a part of the program, and since then I have dropped four different collections that are shoppable on shein.com. As a SHEIN X designer, I have access to a fabric library, and utilizing that, I sketch and submit my exact designs to the SHEIN team. They make selections from there, and then the collection is produced and launched.
What’s left that you still want to explore?
I really want to explore having an online boutique where I have some items that I curate from other vendors that fit my aesthetic alongside selling my original Christian Allana Collection ready-to-wear designs. n christianallana.com • @christianallana
A Gratifying Profession Page 50
“Putting our emotions to the side can be difficult.”
— Dr. Stephanie Howell
LITTLE FOOT FORWARD
Kids outgrow their shoes in record fashion, leaving parents constantly shopping for new footwear. As a mother of two, Atlanta-based Anne Arwood experienced this problem firsthand and set out to create a solution.
“I was in business school at Emory and taking an entrepreneurship class. We had to come up with a problem we were trying to solve and a solution for it,” Arwood says. “At the time, my kids were at the age where they were outgrowing their shoes every three to six months, and I felt like I was always at the shoe store.”
After working with a startup accelerator at Emory and getting feedback from several parents, Arwood formulated the idea for Fitted Family, an e-commerce brand
Local entrepreneur Anne Arwood launches kids’ shoes subscription service STORY: Giannina S. Bedford
that creates seasonal subscription shoe boxes and ships them directly to the doorstep. Officially launched in June, Fitted Family is aimed at children from birth to age 7. The company creates three collections of shoes a year: the Sunny Days Box, delivering in March; the Back to School Box, delivering in July; and the Holidays Box, delivering in November. Each package contains three pairs of shoes, including one sneaker, and costs $175. Shoes are from children’s footwear brands such as Cienta, Hunter, BOGS and Footmates.
“These are brands I have tested on my kids as a mom and that my children grew up wearing,” Arwood says. “These are high quality, boutique brands that really last, and they're also really fashionable, functional and cute.”
When customers sign up for Fitted Family’s subscription-based model, they provide their child’s age and preferences, such as favorite colors, whether or not they love sparkles or if they have wide feet. The first box includes a shoe sizing tool and a foot book, and future boxes include a seasonally themed gift. A month before each box is shipped, parents are asked to confirm their child’s size.
“The shoe sizing tool is really easy. It's not that awful metal, cold device you see in stores,” Arwood says. “Parents are able to either snap a picture of their kid’s feet on the sizing tool and send it to me or read it and tell me what their child's shoe size is. If we don't hear from the parent, we will automatically size them up based on the data we have—a half-size or full-
size in those four months based on the age of the child.”
Fitted Family’s mission is to make parents’ lives easier, but Arwood has also put a lot of time and effort into designing the branding to resonate with kids. The shoes come in a colorful box addressed directly to the child, whose name is handwritten.
“I really was trying to deal with the challenge of kids not being excited about shoes. I wanted them to know that these were picked especially for them,” Arwood says. “Parents are showing me pictures that the kids immediately put the shoes on, which is just the best feedback for me. They love them that much, they want to wear them right away.” n
FITTED FAMILY fittedfamily.com • @fittedforkids
Above: The company sends out three seasonally themed boxes per year. Each comes with three shows and a surprise gift.
Right: A mother of two, Anne Arwood founded Fitted Family to help parents keep up with kids growing feet.
A Gratifying Profession
The hurdles and rewards of being a veterinarian STORY: Chelsie Butler
Becoming a veterinarian takes time—at least a four-year program after an undergraduate education—but many who pursue the profession are fueled by their passion for animals. As with any job, there are challenges, but for these vets, dedicating their careers to helping animals live longer, healthier lives is a motivation every day.
We spoke with three Atlanta veterinarians to discuss what inspired them to pursue their career paths and learn about their most memorable experiences and biggest challenges.
Dr. Stephanie Howell Medical Director, Veterinary Emergency Group - Brookhaven Howell chose emergency medicine as her path from vet school because she wanted to be involved in saving pets’ lives every day.
MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCE: When a pregnant corgi needed a C-section
Dr. Isolde
because her puppies were tucked in the womb and not moving, Howell and her team worked to resuscitate the babies and mom after surgery.
“It was a roller coaster of emotions, but eventually they were all stabilized,” she says. “The owners even came back and showed us how much the puppies had grown.”
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Not being able to save all the pets that come through the door. After years of training, Howell says it can be defeating.
“Putting our emotions to the side
patients because even after surgery, they are up wagging their tails.”
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: Finding a balance being a veterinarian, business owner, father and husband.
“In veterinary school, you do not get any training on how to run a veterinary practice, so that was all
can be difficult,” she says. “We ask for grace on the harder days,
adoption. I get to see their ‘ragsto-riches’ story,” she says.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: When it’s time for her patients to part with their beloved fur family members.
“I have those I’ve seen from puppyhood to end-of-life care, and it’s never easy to say goodbye to an old friend,” she says.
with a veterinarian because she recognized my love for animals,” he says. “I was very fortunate to work for one who encouraged me and taught me much about the profession.”
FAVORITE PART: Every day is a new adventure. He says some of his most memorable moments have involved Labradors and what they eat.
“We have had to retrieve golf balls, glass Pyrex dishes and even a full beach towel out of their stomachs,” Jones says. “They are also some of the most rewarding
HER PETS: Reese, a mixed breed; goldendoodle Sammy; Cavalier King Charles spaniel Champ; and two young kittens, Grey and Meggie. n
The holidays are here, which means that party season is officially upon us. If you’re at tending swanky soirees over the next couple of months, you’ll want to look and feel your best, which could start with what is—or isn’t—underneath your outfit. If you’re considering hair removal as part of your party prep, Raquel Souza, owner of Sweet Peach Wax & Sugaring Studio with locations in Buckhead and Sandy Springs, is here to share the information you need about those two treatments.
What is the difference between waxing and sugaring?
Buckhead wax and sugaring artist offers tips for your first hair removal experience STORY: Amy Meadows
Waxing is much faster than sugaring. You apply a large strip of wax in the direction of the hair growth and pull it against the direction of the hair growth. Sugaring is more natural; you apply a paste made of water, sugar and lemon juice—in the opposite direction of the hair growth but pull in the same direction as the hair growth. Sugaring is a slower process and pulls a bit more than waxing.
we suggest you start with waxing. Shaving really cuts the natural growth of the hair, and the hair is thicker. Waxing is more effective because it is faster; the wax goes on and is quickly pulled off. However, if you wax for three or four weeks, then you can try sugaring; your hair will then be finer and easier to remove, and the sugaring will hurt less than waxing.
What parts of my body can I have waxed or sugared?
Wax and sugar can be done on any part of your body besides your head. We can do face, back, shoulders and private areas. It’s a full body option. However, if a client is pregnant, we do not do sugar on any part of the body after three months.
Is the process as painful as I think it will be?
The expectation about the level of pain is very high, but it is not going to hurt as much as you expect. There is also no need to take over-thecounter pain medications before you come in; those relax the muscles and will not really affect the skin. Instead, drink a lot of water two hours before your appointment; hydration helps prepare the skin. Also, avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours before because alcohol dehydrates and can make the process more painful.
Is there anything else I can do to prepare for my appointment?
Do not exfoliate on the day of your appointment. Exfoliate with a mixture of honey and sugar at home two days before; this will remove dead cells from your skin.
How long will the hair removal last? If it’s the first time you’ve ever done waxing, then you’ll need to come back in about three weeks for another session. If you have moved on to sugaring, then you probably won’t see hair regrowth for about four or five weeks.
Why should I consider professional hair removal? Hair removal makes you feel so clean and comfortable. You’ll feel light, and it can give you a lot of confidence. Just make sure to go to a professional place that is very clean and sanitized. When you find the right place, go for it. You’re going to be fine. n
JOIN US AT INTERCONTINENTAL BUCKHEAD FOR A HOLIDAY COCKTAIL, WINTERY CULINARY DELIGHTS OR BOOK YOUR NEXT PRIVATE EVENT AT THE
Why Winter Chalet?
Expand your winter views beyond the warm and cold. Seek out experiences to delight everyone’s whims and celebrate the season.
Enjoy that cozy snow-day feeling with that romantic someone, relax with your friends over a delicious cocktail or say cheers with a special event. Prepare to expect the unexpected in all possible ways.
Our sales team can help you curate the perfect event.
CONTACT: icbsales@ihg.com. NOVEMBER 1 - JANUARY 31
Learn more at the QR code.
photo: Zach Veatch
“It was clear the arts and the creative sector needed to be promoted and funded properly. You can’t do it by charity” — Audu Maikori
Audu Maikori has made a career out of reshaping music from his native Nigeria.
Next Generation of Talent
Catapult focuses on lights, camera, action STORY: H.M. Cauley
In 2000, the then 21-year-old aspiring actor Erik Lingvall headed to LA where he soon learned that getting hired in the TV and film industry requires a good deal more than just showing up for an audition and exuding confidence.
“I thought it would be easy and that you didn’t really need to train,” he says. “I think that’s what a lot of actors believe when they get into the business. But I realized quickly that it was really hard, and training had much more value than I gave it.”
After three years of commercials and short films, Lingvall went to work for a company that led actor showcases around the country.
“I was meeting aspiring actors at these events where we brought in agents, managers and casting direc-
tors, and I soon learned about the industry from that,” he says.
With Georgia’s film industry booming, Lingvall saw a way to use his expertise in Atlanta. He moved here in 2008 and by 2015, he was leading his own company, Catapult, with the goal of training those interested in breaking into the business. He now has 10 coaches on staff who lead classes, camps and workshops from the headquarters in DeKalb County.
“Even if they’re just starting, our goal is to give them professional-level training,” Lingvall says. “Without consistency and repetition, it’s hard to get to a place where you’re really good.”
Catapult’s general manager, Brookhaven’s Nicole Buie, found the company through her son who
caught the acting bug at a young age. After years of sending him to area acting camps and having him work with private coaches, she got in touch with Catapult when it opened. She was so impressed that she devised a marketing project to spread the word.
“I quit my corporate career in 2018 and started out with Catapult doing a marketing project,” she says. “That became a full time job a year ago.”
Since August, one of Buie’s tasks has been to launch the new Catapult Conservatory where on-camera, TV and film jobs are the end goal.
“The idea is to teach young actors what they need to know so they can walk onto a set with confidence,” Lingvall says. “We have a 32-week course for kids that could be at a college. And we’ve added compo-
nents like a parents group where they can learn about the industry. We’re also bringing in agents and casting directors, and the goal is to have actors from LA and New York be part of this program.”
Lingvall and Buie say training local actors can boost the Georgia film business, too. “Rather than flying in actors who don’t live here, we can help the industry be more than just a place to come to, film and leave,” Lingvall says.
And though it’s not LA or New York, the training will be just as rigorous and the competition as fierce.
“Let me make it clear: It’s a lot of work,” Lingvall says. “But it’s also about building life skills. A kid who goes through our conservatory will be more sympathetic, connected and entrepreneurial. They’ll understand work ethics, drive and tenacity, and how to express who they are in an authentic way. Our approach is a very strong blend of creating professionals and better human beings.” n
Left: Catapult founder Erik Lingvall learned the hard way that auditions require serious prep.
Above and Below: Young talents practice skills designed to get them jobs in the film and TV industries.
Buckhead novelist’s latest work keeps readers guessing
STORY: H.M. Cauley
FIGURING OUT FACT FROM FICTION
These days, sifting the truth from the tall tales is getting harder to do. The problem struck a chord with Chastain Park’s Katherine Wood, who based her fourth book, Ladykiller, around that premise.
“Sometimes I do pull ideas from real life or get a hankering for a certain kind of story,” Wood says. “With Ladykiller, it’s told from two different points of view and plays with truth and perception. How do we decide what is true when two people see something two different ways?”
For this book, Wood presents two competing versions of a woman’s mysterious disappearance in the Greek isles that leaves readers questioning each narrator’s reliability. At the same time, it sticks to Wood’s favorite genre: escapist thriller tinged
with romance in an exotic location.
“I’m always traveling and looking for my next place to set a book,” says Wood, a former actress, screenwriter and producer who spent 24 years in California before moving to Buckhead three years ago. “I always wanted to set something in the Greek islands that are such a wonderful place to go in summer. I honeymooned there in 2012, but even if you haven’t been there, you can conjure an image of what it’s like. And with oppressive heat and Aperol spritzers flowing, you know bad decisions are coming.”
Among Wood’s favorite destinations is Atlanta, the city she and husband Alex Petrovitch specifically picked to be their home base. During the pandemic, Petrovitch did his TV editing job from their LA home, and Wood was on leave from a production
company to stay with the couple’s two young daughters. “It was always a dream of mine to write a book, so I used that time to do it,” she says. “Nap time was novel time for me.”
But the couple decided rearing kids in LA wasn’t ideal, and they began city shopping. Wood, a Mississippi native, and Petrovitch, from D.C., were drawn to the South, but both wanted a metropolitan area.
“We made a spreadsheet of cities we were interested in and ranked them on natural beauty, diversity and airport,” Wood says. “Atlanta came in first. We came to visit, and on the drive to our Airbnb, I kept saying, ‘Look at the trees! Look at the flowers!’ The natural beauty was stunning.”
When the couple learned their daughters, now 8 and 10, could
attend The Galloway School, they immediately started house hunting and landed in Chastain Park. “We absolutely love living in Buckhead and the easy-living lifestyle,” Wood says. “It feels like you’re on vacation in your house.”
Now settled, Wood is working on the screenplay of Ladykiller and another of her other thrillers, The Lion’s Den, written under the pen name Katherine St. John. And she’s working on her fifth book, set in St. Barth’s, and scheduled for a summer 2025 release. Even when she’s out with the dog, she’s working.
“I spend a lot of time walking around with my dog and thinking,” she says. “I’m always figuring out plot points.” n katherinewoodauthor.com @thekatwritesbooks
Real life debates around fact and fiction inspired Wood's latest book.
Chastain Park's Katherine Wood has also published under the name Katherine St. John.
Arts Supporter Extraordinaire
Tdecided to take on the tall order of shaping African music by supporting and fostering young stars. He teamed with two partners and launched the Afrobeats label Chocolate City to attract and nurture young talent. Since its inception, the project has achieved a global reach and found a solid footing in the U.S. Maikori has also found a home here, settling in Dunwoody with his wife
to live in Dunwoody?
I was born and raised in Nigeria, where for a long time there were a lot of issues around human rights abuses and ethno-religious crises. I didn’t feel safe anymore, and that’s what brought me to the States around 2016 to see a friend. I was in Buckhead for about a year before moving to New York, but when COVID came,
it?” We saw the way management and promotion were run in Nigeria, and many were not being represented. So we created Chocolate City.
Who are some of the artists you’ve successfully supported?
This year, Young Jonn released his debut album, which entered the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats chart with five tracks. Also this year, CKay’s 2019 track “Love Nwantiti,” originally published by Chocolate City, made history as the first African song to achieve eight times platinum certification in the U.S.
Attorney-turnedmusic mogel
Describe your role with Chocolate City now. I work with the record label, an agency that handles distribution and a publishing company. I’m also now heading the film part of the business to build a film infrastructure in the Caribbean so we can increase the productions coming from there. We’re also training and equipping a population of skilled professionals who understand how to do it. Film infrastructure is the biggest collaborative you can have, with film scores, makeup and design, sets and more. It’s a space where young people can be engaged in what’s important to them and tell their own stories. So I do a lot of work in the Caribbean, but the business literally takes me around the globe to places like Ghana, the U.K. and the Middle East.
What’s your next project?
In 2025, we’re launching the Chocolate City Music Founders Fund to support the next generation of entertainment entrepreneurs, with a focus on women. We’re trying to get to $2 million. When I started with my partners, we did not have any funding; I used the earnings from my legal services to fund the company. But having weathered the storm, I believe it’s our duty to give back.
When you aren’t working, where are you hanging out?
launch Chocolate City?
In my first career as a lawyer, it was clear that the arts and the creative sector needed to be promoted and funded properly. You can’t do it by charity; you need a proper team who understands contracts and intellectual property. So it was natural as a lawyer to ask, “Who owns the rights to this song? How do I license
One of my favorite restaurants is Mission + Market in Buckhead. In Sandy Springs, I like the ambience and the bar service at The Select. I also like Buckhead Village: It has a slew of restaurants and shopping with a very cool village feel. n
CHOCOLATE CITY chocolatecitymusic.com • @choccitymusic
Audu Maikori has introduced the world to African music.
EVENTS BY Nicole Letts
SUPPORT FOR SOBRIETY
Ben’s Friends is a support organization for food and beverage industry workers struggling with addiction and substance abuse. Founded in Charleston in 2016 by Mickey Bakst and Steve Palmer, the group serves 23 cities across the country. Atlanta is its most recent addition for in-person support meetings. Jessica Gamble, chef de cuisine at KR SteakBar, is one of four Atlanta chapter leaders. “After COVID, I decided to get sober. Through some online research, I found Ben's Friends, and it turns out there are a lot of people in the industry that [choose to be] sober, from bartenders to winemakers and chefs,” she says. Three years later, Gamble is guiding others seeking their sober path. She describes the meetings as laid back with a strong sense of camaraderie. “It's not always super deep. Sometimes it does get deep, but it's also just good to be around like-minded people who share both the desire to not use any substances but also have the same restaurant industry experience and the stressors that come along with that,” she says.
The group emphasizes that all are welcome. “When someone mentions going to a meeting, whether it is AA or Smart Recovery or Ben's Friends, it is intimidating because you don't know who's going to be on the other side of that door. To walk into a meeting is a really big step because you're admitting that you would like some help with something, and that is a really hard thing to do,” she says.
BEN’S FRIENDS LAUNCHES MEETINGS IN BUCKHEAD
Meetings are held every Monday at 11 a.m. at Pricci in Buckhead. Lasting about an hour, the gatherings begin with a preamble then shift to a discussion topic. Attendees are invited to share or simply observe. “We give people a safe place to say what they need to say and to process what they need to process,” she says. For those not yet ready for in-person gatherings, Ben’s Friends holds meetings via Zoom daily at 1 p.m. n
bensfriendshope.com • @bensfriendshope
Friends hosts in-person meetings and events for sober support in more than 20 cities throughout the U.S.
Ben's
Charleston-based restaurateurs Mickey Bakst and Steve Palmer founded Ben's Friends in 2016. Palmer is an Atlanta-native and is the founder of Indigo Road Hospitality Group.
BY Nicole Letts
The St. Regis Atlanta hosts a slew of holiday events including a pop-up boutique with gifts and decor from Lucy's Market.
BUZZ
CHASTAIN PARK FALL ARTS FESTIVAL
Nov. 3-4
Holiday Happenings
Once again, The St. Regis Atlanta transforms into a place for magical holiday memories. From the moment you enter the lobby, you'll be greeted by a 22-foot Christmas tree and the enchanting Astor Chalet. Designed by
Pig Out
architect Keith Summerour, the chalet is a Swiss-inspired pop-up shop filled with festive decor, gifts and treats in partnership with Lucy’s Market. The fes tivities continue with afternoon teas and Santa visits in the Astor Court restaurant
Another generation can participate in one of Atlanta’s favorite holiday traditions this year. The Pink Pig, a train ride that debuted at Rich’s department store downtown in 1953 and took up residency at Lenox Square from 2003 to 2021, will return, this time as a part of the Georgia Festival of Trees at the Gas South Convention Center in Duluth. Penny, formerly known as Priscilla, will make her debut at the festival’s opening night gala on Nov. 22 and remain open until Dec. 1. The new train has a new name and is trackless. The open ride provides a meandering trek through the festival . Tickets to the festival are $13.95 for seniors over 62 and $18.95 for adults and children ages 3 to 12. The Pink Pig, cookie decorating, Santa’s Workshop and photos with Santa are extra. n
and holiday cocktails at The St. Regis Bar. The cocktail menu will feature the Elderflower Rose French 75, a blend of Empress gin, cranberry juice, simple syrup and sparkling wine. New this year is a Santa tuck-in service from the Big Man himself. This added amenity is specifically for families staying in suites. n
Get your holiday shopping done early with the Fall Arts Festival at Chastain Park. The two-day event showcases visual arts for sale created by more than 175 artists and artisans. The event is free and open to the public.
SPARKLE SANDY SPRINGS
Dec. 8
citysprings.com/sparkle
Join fellow Sandy Springs neighbors for an evening under the snowflakes at Sparkle Sandy Springs. The annual celebration kicks off with a parade to open the winter attractions, including Skate Sandy Springs and the Sparkle Village where 6-foot-tall wooden houses are outfitted for the holidays.
BIJAN MUSTARDSON HITS MALLS Through Nov. 30 auntieannes.com
@auntieannespretzels
Bijan Mustardson, a Dijon mustard brand owned by Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson, is now available at the Perimeter and Lenox Square locations of Auntie Anne's until Nov. 30. Fans can purchase limited-edition dip cups of Bijan Mustardson to accompany their favorite Auntie Anne's pretzels.
Photos: Hannah Forsberg
Marie illustration by T. Dylan Moore.
Costume sketches by Sandra Woodall.
Photo by Kim Kenney
Marie illustration by
Moore.
by Sandra Woodall.
Photo by Amber Times
Time to
Entertain
EXPERT TIPS TO ELEVATE YOUR NEXT SOIREE
‘Tis the season for gathering. From Friendsgivings to Hanukkah parties, Christmas brunches to New Year’s Eve celebrations and everything in between, our calendars are sure to start filling up with exciting engagements. Whether you’re looking for an excuse to get together with friends and loved ones, building a home bar to appeal to imbibers and teetotalers alike, hunting for the next trend in events or searching for the perfect hostess gift, we’ve got you covered. Party on!
PHOTO: Erik Meadows
7.10-carat total weight studs GIA Certified JSI2 (price available on request), 25.66-carat white gold tennis necklace set ($49,500), 9.21-carat mixed shape diamond tennis bracelet ($39,500), 12.64-carat white gold tennis
available at Universal Diamonds
Hair and makeup: Nyssa Green Model: Liz P., courtesy of Click Models of Atlanta
Wardrobe: Collar Cocktail Shirt Dress in Cherry by Teri Jon ($400) and Jaipur 85mm Gemstone Slingback by Gianvito Rossi ($1,245), available at Tootsies
Jewelry:
bracelet ($35,000),
Raising the Bar
Setting up a home bar for the non-drinker
STORY: Angela Hansberger PHOTOS: Erik Meadows
As zero-proof drinks rise in popularity, and nonalcoholic distilled spirits become better and better, home entertainers seek out a new bar top scheme. Let Sarah Noble, owner of boutique gift shop Adelina Social Goods, be your guide to curate a zero-proof cocktail cart just as lovely and useful as a traditional bar to make everyone feel included. She shares her expertise for stocking and displaying a stylish and functional bar.
When building a zero-proof bar, think of the set-up with the same
framework approach as a full-proof home bar. It’s all about creating layers of flavor, the building blocks of classic cocktails.
Staying spirited
Nonalcoholic spirits have come a long way and add balance and structure to a cocktail. Noble suggests a base collection including a bitter aperitif such as Ghia, a nonalcoholic gin (she prefers GinISH or Monday Gin) and one additional bottle based on flavor preferences. “Try Bare Zero Proof Reposado Style Tequila or Free Spirits’ The Spirit
of Bourbon,” she says. A local resource is The Zero Proof that operates on the Westside.
Essential equipment
The tools are the same as a boozy bar. “A good jigger to measure and a high quality shaker are a must,” Noble says. “I like using a two-piece Boston shaker for the best mixing and a nice strainer.” From there, build what is needed over time.
“A muddler is really handy for nonalcoholic drinks when you want to add fresh fruit and herbal flavors, and so are a great channel knife and y-peeler for making garnishes look pristine,” she says. A beautiful bottle for storing and dispensing bitters adds a pro touch.
Mingling with mixers
A wide variety of craft mixers using fresh juices and high quality ingredients is at your fingertips these days. For a quick but special drink, Noble suggests mixing an ounce or two of cocktail syrup with club soda or seltzer. “You can stir it over ice right in your glass and add a lovely garnish on top, and you are done,” she says. “I love Pear Rosemary simple syrup by Raft, Charred Grapefruit Tonic by Bittermilk and our Gingerbread Old Fashioned cocktail syrup, a perennial holiday favorite.” It makes a delicious, spiced soda and goes well in coffee or espresso. For a final note of complexity, have a couple bottles of bitters handy.
Impress with glassware
Beautiful glassware elevates any happy hour. “For us, the two most essential types of glasses to have
Nonalcoholic spirits:
Ghia Aperitif ($38), Lapo’s Aperitivo ($31.99), Spiritless Kentucky 74 Non-Alcoholic Bourbon ($35.99), Trejo’s Spirits Tequila Alternative ($25.20), available at The Zero Proof. thezeroproof.com
Bar setup:
Meridien Gold Rimmed Coupe Glass ($19 each), Meridian Martini Glass ($21 each), Colorful Coupe ($14 each], Gold Flake Rocks Glass ($18 each), Belmont Deco Cocktail Picks ($21 for set), Dried Citrus Garnishes ($31 for jar, $7.95 for fruit), Gold Bar Tools Collection ($82.50)
Available from Adelina Social Goods, styled by owner Sarah Noble. adelinasocialgoods.com
on hand are a coupe glass (for most lighter drinks served without ice) and a rocks glass for more savory profile drinks served with ice or a splash of soda on top,” Noble says. “A spritz or Collins glass comes in handy when enjoying a cool sparkling beverage as well.”
Grand garnishes
“Garnishes are the crowning glory of every drink,” Noble says. “They can make the difference between feeling like you are compromising or like you are getting the best of the best in a cocktail.” They are
ZERO-PROOF SIPPERS
Gravity Falls
INGREDIENTS
1 ounce apple cider
¾ ounce grapefruit juice
1 ½ ounces pumpkin syrup (recipe below)
1 ounce ginger beer
Cinnamon sugar for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
In a glass or shaker, combine apple cider, grapefruit juice and pumpkin syrup. Stir with ice. Strain into a glass and top with 1 ounce ginger beer.
Pumpkin Syrup
2 cups water
the overall first impression and add flavors and aromas to a drink. Also, have beautiful cocktail picks for presenting garnishes. “Good cherries are a must,” she says, “Luxardo and jars by Eli Mason are excellent. The easiest to keep on hand are dried citrus. The gorgeous jars that our DEHY garnishes come in are a perfect bar accessory,” she says. Float on top or place a slice on the rim of a glass. “Fresh herbs; plump, high-quality olives; edible flowers or even a few dots of bitters artfully dropped on top are other easy ways to dress your drink.” n
1 cup white sugar
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup pumpkin puree
4 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon ground cloves
½ teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
INSTRUCTIONS
Bring water and sugar to boil. Stir until sugar is dissolved. Lower heat to simmer. Add pumpkin puree and all spices and simmer for 10 minutes. Cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
For guests looking for full flavor but no booze, The Chastain in Buckhead is a top destination. Here are two seasonal recipes to make at home. THE
Spiced Spritzer
INGREDIENTS
2 ounces chai syrup (recipe below)
½ ounce lime juice
Soda water to top
INSTRUCTIONS
Fill a glass with ice. Pour in syrup and lime juice.
Top with soda water. Stir.
Chai Syrup
4 cups brown sugar
1 quart hot water
3 tablespoons ground ginger
6 teaspoons ground cinnamon
4 teaspoons ground allspice
3 teaspoons ground cloves
2 tablespoons ground cardamom
3 teaspoons ground black pepper
2 teaspoons ground nutmeg
INSTRUCTIONS
Bring water to boil. Stir until sugar dissolves. Lower heat to simmer. Add all spices and simmer for 10 minutes. Cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Tini Fox Notecard Set ($30)
It’s impossible to have too many notecards, and this set of 10, featuring a cheeky fox sipping a martini, couldn’t be cuter. Created by Buckhead-based designer Virginia Lukens, the thick pearl cardstock with moss green letterpress is perfect for correspondence in any season.
Treat your host to a tipple for one to unwind at their leisure post-party. This stylish box contains four single-serves to suit any wine drinker’s taste: a 2022 Sauvignon Blanc and 2022 Rosé from Languedoc, France; 2021 organic red blend from Valencia, Spain; and 2022 California Chardonnay. Each glass bottle is just the right amount to pair with a meal or snack or to pour and curl up with a good book. Wander + Ivy • wanderandivy.com @wanderandivy
Gracious Gifts
’Tis the season for holiday parties. If you don’t want to show up empty-handed, a thoughtful host or hostess gift is always a kind gesture. Here’s some festive inspiration to help you find just the thing to show your appreciation.
STORY: Jennifer Bradley Franklin
Bon Appetit Tea Towels ($74)
Add a little fun to your host’s kitchen with a pair of cheery tea towels. Made by Georgia-based company Weezie, the red and white towels come with a cute scalloped edge and are customized with “bon appetit.” They’re as functional as they are cute: polished flat-weave cotton on the front, terry on the back and a loop for easy hanging. Pick them up at the Buckhead store. Weezie • weezietowels.com • @weezietowels
Verveine 32 Classic Candle ($87)
A luxury candle is always a welcome gift, and this one from French perfumery brand Le Labo is fresh, clean and universally likable with scents of verbena, lime, eucalyptus and violet. Hand-poured in the U.S. and beautifully packaged, you won’t even need to wrap it. Pick one up at the location in Buckhead Village. Le Labo • lelabofragrances.com • @lelabofragrances
Jittery Joe's Travelin’ Joe Coffee ($15.99)
Whether your host is a University of Georgia alum who feels nostalgic about this Athens-based roaster or just someone who appreciates darn good coffee, you can’t go wrong with this complex, dark-roasted brew with a signature nutty finish. It’s a thoughtful pick-me-up to enjoy the morning after a soiree. Whole Foods • wholefoods.com • @wholefoods
Good Lookin’ Cookin’ ($35)
Who wouldn’t love a cookbook to add to their collection? Out this fall, this colorful one from American icon Dolly Parton and her sister, Rachel Parton George, includes more than 80 dishes they love for occasions such as birthdays and Christmas. Barnes & Noble • barnesandnoble.com • @barnesandnoble
PARTY DOWN
Thinking of hosting your own festive gathering for the pint-sized set? Shah suggests three additional themes.
Winter Wonderland
Think blue and silver decor with snowflakes, hot chocolate and snowman crafts.
Polar Express
Kids love trains. Make this extra magical with a hot cocoa bar with all the fixings.
Candy Land
Gingerbread houses, candy cane scavenger hunts and a visit from Santa round out this party.
Spreading Holiday Cheer
Pro tips for hosting a themed holiday party for kids STORY: Nicole Letts
Over the years, Jasmine Shah, owner of IDEA! event + style, has planned lavish parties for legends such as rapper Snoop Dogg and Spanx and Sneex founder Sara Blakely. While those events are noteworthy, Shah says kids’ parties are especially fun because they encourage all ages to lean on their creative, playful sides. Planning a holiday party for kids, such as one with a whimsical Nutcracker theme, is the sugar plum on top.
Set the Tone
Before ordering anything or going to a party store, Shah suggests starting with a mood board that provides a visual direction and kickstarts the creative process. “Once we have that defined, we can go wild within the guidelines of the color palette, the defined textures and so on,” she says. You can use Pinterest or Instagram to create an inspiration board or try a cloud-based tool such as Canva.
Send the Invitations
While nothing beats a paper invitation arriving via snail mail, Shah recognizes we live in a fastpaced world. “It’s often more practical to use an e-invitation service like Paperless Post because they have gorgeous digital invitation
options that you can customize by choosing an envelope, an envelope liner and fonts,” she says. In addition to being visually pleasing, online invitations are easy. Shah notes how e-invites simplify tracking attendance and sending event reminders or parking information.
Don the Decor
Children’s parties are trending in the “more is more” direction, but Shah cautions that an over-the-top party might not fit every budget. Her solution is to start the decor with an eye-catching focal point or photogenic backdrop. “I place it where it will be most visible no matter where you are in the venue because this is where the big moments like cake cutting
and family photos happen,” she explains. For older kids and teens, that area becomes a built-in selfie station.
Plan the Festivities
Prepare group activities that lend themselves aesthetically to the rest of the decor and theme. “In a Nutcracker party, for example, we had Christmas trees that kids could decorate,” she says. Gingerbread cookies and house decorating are also always big hits and are photo-worthy as well.
Prepare the Feast
“If the party is for children 10 and under, I always recommend having separate menus for kids and adults,” says Shah. She suggests separating the food stations by placing the children’s snacks on shorter, kid-
A creative activity, such as ornament making, turns into an interactive opportunity for kids to decorate the tree.
sized tables. “They can help themselves easily. Nothing is too hot, and they can fill up on items like sandwiches, nuggets, fruit skewers, pizza bites and mini quesadillas,” she says. For adults, lean towards lighter, healthier fare such as a selection of salads and sandwiches.
Shah recommends avoiding foods with common allergens such as nuts and peanut butter, and having a few gluten-free and vegetarian options for specific diets. As for themed food, skip cutting sandwiches into shapes. “Instead of fussing over that, we like to add a special touch to the presentation such as menu signs and themed cocktail picks,” she says.
Host Smarter
One of Shah’s favorite tips for hosts is to repurpose the decor for backto-back events. A Friday night party for a corporate work team can easily be reused for a friends-and-family party the next day. “We switch out the food to be fresh, but everything else like the flowers, the decor, the backdrop and even the bar stays just as is,” she says. It's a great way to get more bang for your buck and keep the party going all weekend long. n
Setting the Scene
The trends defining events right
Impressing guests and seeing a vision come to life are two of the most satisfying things about throwing an event, whether it’s a celebration party, wedding, bridal shower or corporate luncheon. Proof of the Pudding Director of Event Sales and Development Chris Bazemore, and Bold Catering & Design’s Event Designer Melissa Parsons and Event Development Associate Linda Terrana weigh in on what’s trending for the upcoming event season.
Come On, Color
If there’s one trend that’s dominating the event space, it’s color. All three experts agree that color is back in a fun and compelling way, encompassing all aspects of an event’s design, from food and florals to lighting. “The colors we are seeing now are really bright and vibrant,” Bazemore says. “They’re bold and saturated, and we can incorporate them into food.” Parsons agrees,
noting that while clean and white is always a classic, color is back. “It’s more adventurous now,” she says.
Immersive and Interactive
A focus on unique food experiences is now paramount for any social or corporate event. “There’s a push towards more interactive food stations where chefs are preparing the meals in front of guests, for example,” Parson says. Bazemore adds that a recent Proof of the Pudding mitzvah design had a “Dr. Doughnut” stall. Kids created their own donut experience, “injecting” them with chosen flavors. “There was even [an attendant] who looked like a bit of a mad scientist,” she says. Bazemore says clients are looking for big, bold and memorable moments. She has a group next year that wants to create a pop-up food hall in one of their venues. They want the entire thing to look, feel, smell, taste and resemble a real food
now STORY: Lauren Finney Harden
Bold Catering & Design folds two trends into one with colorful lighting.
A colorful take on Parisian-inspired French macarons from Bold Catering & Design.
hall. “Clients want it to feel cohesive and unique,” she says. “People want to reinvent things. The whole experience is the wow factor.”
In with the Old Bazemore says the trends of the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s are back. It might be surprising to hear that includes food trends, like bananas Foster and cherries jubilee, which can combine the current trendy flavor profiles with the immersive experience of a flambé station. “It’s all very old school,” she says. Add in neon signs, LED light-up dance floors and glitter for a modern party with a nod to the past.
Terrana adds this “old becomes new” trend also goes for color schemes. “We see a lot of salmon and green. We used to call it avocado; it’s now called sage. That burgundy your mom painted her dining room in the ’90s? It’s back,” she says.
Next Stop, Paris
While the glittering lights of Paris and Rome might be thousands of miles away, Parsons has clients who want to replicate a European ex-
perience stateside, relying heavily on curated and organic materials.
“To achieve this look, the florals are textured with lots of organic greenery. There’s more of a wild feeling, as if the flowers just grew out of the table or grew up an arch,” she says.
Vintage elements such as candle holders, china, glassware and lots of moody lighting help set the tone.
Advances in lighting have opened up the possibility across the board for event design. “We can put LED lamps on tables and you don't need cords. We can take vintage chandeliers and put in modern bulbs. We can honor a traditional look while keeping it modern and letting you put your own spin on it,” Terrana says. n
A 70s-inspired disco stage by Proof of the Pudding. Creatively
Uncorking the Fun
Tips on hosting the ultimate wine tasting party STORY: Jill Becker
Hosting a wine tasting is the perfect way to chill with good friends, sample some intriguing bottles and hone your wine knowledge in the process. But where do you start? We got the skinny from Rob Van Leer, beverage director at Vino Venue, a one-stop shop in Dunwoody with a retail store, wine club, restaurant and wine bar that hosts tastings and dinners.
Great
Minds Drink Alike
According to Van Leer, one secret to a great wine tasting is to “know your audience.” Think about what kinds of wines they like and if they’re open to experimenting. His most important piece of advice: “Have fun and be creative.”
Pour Decisions
In terms of the number of wines to try, Van Leer suggests six to eight bottles. As for the optimum pour for each sample, he recommends 1 to 1.5 ounces. This helps ensure your guests don’t over-imbibe. You can also advise them to spit their wines,
particularly toward the beginning, to keep the palate fresh. Offering food and water or coffee helps as well. You could also suggest on the invitation that guests use a ride-sharing service to get to and from the party.
You Had Me at Merlot
Stumped as to what wines to serve?
Consider picking a theme and making your selection based on the country, region, appellation, variety, price point, style or vintage. Van Leer says comparisons are also fun. For example, you could do a battle of North and South American wines or match a Sancerre against a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. If you want to add a competitive element, consider doing a high/low blind tasting and having guests try to guess, without seeing the bottles or having any information, which one is the more expensive. (To help maintain the secrecy, pour the wine into decanters.)
Another Glass? Wine Not!
Lest you think you and your guests need a fresh glass for each sampling
and thus you’ll have a sink full of dishes at the end of the night, Van Leer says it’s fine to use the same glass throughout. Just rinse it each time with a high-quality bottled water such as Acqua Panna. Good wine glasses are designed to enhance the aromas, textures and flavors of wine, so Van Leer recommends using all-purpose, 12- to 20-ounce crystal stemware from a reputable manufacturer like Riedel or Schott Zwiesel.
Sips and Dips
Naturally, you’ll want some nosh with your slosh. Van Leer favors matching your snacks to the wines but also keeping these general rules for pairing food and wine in mind: Avoid anything too spicy, consider items with a high fat content (think triple cream cheese and lamb lollipops), or, if you’re sampling sparkling wines, opt for salty, crunchy foods. To cleanse your palate between samplings, nibble something bland, like a plain cracker.
Read Between the Wines
A tasting is an excellent way for people to explore new wines and enhance their knowledge. Just keep in mind it’s a party, not a classroom. One way to educate your guests is to provide them with cards listing basic info about each bottle, such as the varietal, winery name, appellation, region, country and vintage, as well as details about the winery’s terroir. You might also create a map marked with the location of each winery. The one thing Van Leer recommends not sharing is tasting notes because they can influence the guests as to the flavors of the wine. “Let them decide for themselves whether they taste blackberry or strawberry,” he says. For the ultimate wine tasting, hire a professional sommelier from a wine retailer like Vino Venue who can recommend bottles, handle pouring and share expertise. Cheers! n
Hosting a wine tasting party? Consider hiring a sommelier to choose the wines, do all the pouring and lend their knowledge.
Coutesy
of Vino
Venue
DELICIOUS
Soul
S atisfying
RAISE FORKS FOR THE CREATIVE FARE AT 5CHURCH BUCKHEAD
Aconfession: Oysters are not my thing.
My husband craves them, yet for some reason he refuses to order a starter of even six oysters without my promise to eat at least one. That has always been more than enough for me until I tried them at 5Church Buckhead. I had two. I could have eaten all six. I’d order them again
without hesitation, a small miracle. Smothered in Thai chili herb compound butter, panko bread crumbs and parmesan cheese, these baked oysters boast a texture akin to pasta and a parade of earthy and spicy flavors. A delightful surprise, I thanked the server (who’d admitted to not typically liking oysters either) for talking me into trying them. ➥
STORY: Hope S. Philbrick
PHOTOS: Madelynne Grace
5Church Buckhead has Southern roots with global influences.
Baked oysters feature super-fresh bivalves topped with Thai chili herb butter and a parmesan crumb crust.
The same helpful server also improved my cocktail by bringing an extra splash of simple syrup that smelled like an orchard. The menu description of “Deception in the Garden” promises silver tequila with triple sec plus pear, lavender, lemon and pineapple. It arrived tasting like a regular margarita, not the fruityflorally concoction I’d imagined. After stirring in a bit more syrup, the cocktail soared from ho-hum to yum.
5Church got its name from its original location at Fifth and Church Streets in Charlotte, North Carolina. Lunch, dinner, brunch and drink menus have Southern roots with global influences and change seasonally to showcase fresh ingredients from local purveyors. The Buckhead location incorporates works by local Atlanta artists, including a framed tree of life, a deer sculpture featuring 5Church silverware and a ceiling hand-painted with lines from Sun Tzu’s The Art of War. The word “love” is displayed outside near the entrance and in multiple selfie-ready nooks inside. Lights hanging over the bar suggest angel wings. Lush greenery, sparkling glass and flowery white trees adorn the 21+ sunroom patio.
The overall feeling is edgy yet classy. Menu items can be just as funky and upscale. Sushi tots are blocks of fried sushi rice topped with yellowfin tuna, Sriracha aioli, eel sauce, nori and wasabi tobiko. Each bite offers contrasts of crunchy/soft and sweet/spicy. The popular 5Church lamb burger tops meat with red onion marmalade, gorgonzola, arugula and a secret sauce. The combination marries earthy and tangy notes. Each chef makes shrimp and grits differently which is part of the fun of ordering it. This version is billed as Cajun, which in my worldview is a naming mistake since its roots are Gullah. But the spice levels are low, so the dish tastes more Lowcountry than Louisiana. It presents a great sauce-to-grits ratio, though, so each forkful carries sophisticated flavor without losing the stoneground grits’ creamy texture. The shrimp are cooked to perfection; the chicken sausage adds mild zing; and sauteed peppers and onions bring a sweet note.
The classic Roman dish cacio e pepe tosses egg-based tagliolini with cheese and black pepper. It’s expertly altered here, swapping Manchego
Above: Cacio e pepe merges umami and spice in each creamy bite.
Right: The lamb burger is packed with rewarding flavors.
Below: Fried sushi rice offers a tater tot-like texture in the fan favorite sushi tots appetizer.
and Burrata for the traditional grated Pecorino Romano. The cheeses melt to become a creamy sauce, and a just-right dose of truffles add umami without overpowering the dish. Ground pepper is scattered around the plate’s rim so you can DIY the preferred amount.
Grilled salmon is cooked to order and, at dinner, served with smoked mashed sweet potatoes, tender-crisp asparagus and tangy pomegranate gastrique. This meal may sound simple, but it tastes like mad skills that likely surpass what you might achieve at home. Love salmon? It’s available on all menus: At lunch it’s roasted, dressed with mustard sour cream and paired with roasted potatoes and an arugula salad; at brunch it’s pan-seared, topped with beetroot mustard sabayon and plated with spoon bread and seasonal veggies. The brunch menu also includes a salmon sesame burger. Chicken and waffles ranks as a brunch favorite for good reason. A
Above: Chicken and waffles is a brunch menu standout.
Right: Shrimp and grits happily balances flavors and textures.
Left: At brunch, pan-seared salmon gets a beetroot mustard sabayon smile plus a side of spoon bread.
Right: The decadent New York-style cheesecake comes topped with fluffy vanilla cream and adorned with mango sauce.
generous serving of fluffy ricotta waffles is topped with fresh berries and powdered sugar, and an eye-popping portion of fried chicken crowds the plate. The fried chicken boasts a mouth-pleasing contrast of crunchy exterior and juicy interior plus surprising spicy heat that cuts through any maple syrup you may have opted to drizzle. Eggs Benedict presents an egg and hollandaise sauce over your choice of prosciutto, cured salmon or spinach and tomato. That’s all served atop either hashbrowns or puff pastry. To mimic the classic dish, I recommend the prosciutto and puff pastry. Compared to dinner service, the restaurant’s atmosphere at brunch feels more energized with extra servers rushing around.
Save room for the New York-style cheesecake. Dense yet fluffy, rich yet light, sweet yet savory, the portion is generous enough to share.
5Church Buckhead rewards guests with upscale fare, friendly service and vibrant modern decor. n
Bottom line: This funky spin on globally influenced American dining has an upscale vibe with artful presentations of creative dishes, helpful service, modern local art and selfie-ready spaces.
SEASONAL SPIRIT
Poolside Margaritas are iconically quaffable, but tequila needn’t be put away with summer clothes. It is so much more than a sultry weather spirit. Tequila has a range of flavor profiles, lending opportunities to incorporate the spirit of Mexico in classic cocktails, too.
The distilled spirit is made from blue agave (tequilana Weber), a large succulent that grows in Mexico. New tequila brands and innovations continually hit the market. Imaginative barrel aging in former sherry, Bordeaux and cognac casks expand the boundaries of tequila’s identity. Some rival the quality of single malt scotch whiskies and Armagnacs. The more times tequila is distilled, it produces an increasingly smoother spirit. Get creative with tequila. Play with its versatility in classics in your home bar, restaurants and your local tavern. When switching tequila in cocktails for other base spirits, it can bring earthy and herbaceous character along with depth to a cocktail.
The versatility of tequila STORY: Angela Hansberger
A Moscow Mule is a fairly straightforward cocktail to stir up: It’s simply vodka, ginger beer and lime. Swapping the main spirit for tequila packs the same punch with more herbaceous flavor than neutral vodka. Add a jalapeno garnish for extra heat in your Mexican Mule.
At the Painted Pickle, The El Diablo is the souped-up version of the Mexican Mule. Beverage Director Julian Goglia mixes tequila, fresh ginger and lime juices, and adds black currant for a little sweetness. It’s like pickleball is to tennis—a bit more playful.
Jalen Shaw of Onyx at Buckhead Grand Hyatt proves that whether shaken or stirred, a martini also sips well with tequila. He calls the Mexican Martini a “tantalizing twist,” shaking tequila with lime juice, Cointreau and a touch of olive juice. He garnishes it with an olive and a lime wedge, delivering a balance of tangy and salty.
You might not think of tequila or its earthier cousin Mezcal as
a go-to for crafting an Old Fashioned, but it works so well. Stick to a barrel-aged reposado or añejo tequila and construct in the same method as the original.
Casi Cielo has a menu of dozens of tequila expressions listed by types and a long list of mezcals from which to choose. The standard Old Fashioned here has the addition of Agave de Cortes Mezcal to stirred bourbon, simple syrup and bitters, with an orange peel and Bing cherry garnish. It’s called the Smoky Old Fashioned for the softly smoky mezcal and the presentation under a smoked dome. Switching to a tequila and mezcal version lends the drink to a balance of smokiness and sweetness with herbaceous notes and earthy undertones.
Italian restaurant Pendolino uses tequila in an Old Fashioned variation but puts a firm Italian stamp to it as well. Sonny Boy combines blanco tequila, Vecchio del Capo Italian Liqueur and agave. Warming and luminous, it has all you want
KNOW YOUR TEQUILA
Blanco (silver/white): unaged and bottled after distillation
Joven (gold): blend of unaged and aged tequila
Reposado: aged for two months to one year, usually in oak barrels
Añejo: aged one to three years
in an Old Fashioned but more to talk about. Vecchio del Capo swirls with herbs and spices of Calabria, along with bittersweet oranges. It’s a genius interpretation. n
CASI CIELO • casicieloatl.com • @casicieloatl PAINTED PICKLE paintedpickle.com • @paintedpickle PENDOLINO • pendolinoatl.com • @pendolinoatl ONYX AT GRAND HYATT ATLANTA hyatt.com • @grandhyattatlanta
Above: The Mexican Martini at Onyx has all the appeal of the original, with a zingy balance.
Below: The Painted Pickle eschews the copper mug, but makes a complex Mule using tequila in place of vodka.
Above: The Smoky Old Fashioned at Casi Cielo has all the depth and richness of the classic, only using mezcal and tequila.
FOODIE JOURNAL
The Breakfast Club
Grits & Eggs Breakfast Kitchen serves the community with five Atlanta locations
After opening the first location in 2021, the owners of Grits & Eggs Breakfast Kitchen have expanded to include five Atlantaarea locations: Buckhead, Vinings, Midtown, Marietta and Summerhill. Co-owner and Chief Operating Officer Michael Glover owns and operates the restaurants alongside partners Executive Chef Rasul York, Chief Executive Officer Joe Ogbogu
and Chief Financial Officer Anthony Antomochi. Here, Glover shares the ethos behind his restaurants and what makes them special.
What inspired you to create Grits & Eggs?
Breakfast has always been something I’ve wanted to do to greet people in the morning. At Grits & Eggs, we’re working to develop a culture, captur-
Snack of the Season
Dips Kitchen’s
Lowcountry Shrimp Dip
Yield: About 2 cups
INGREDIENTS
¾ pound fresh Georgia shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tablespoons kosher salt, divided
¾ teaspoon extra virgin olive oil
2 ½ tablespoons fresh celery, very finely diced
2 ½ tablespoons fresh fennel, very finely diced
1 ½ tablespoons fresh shallots, very finely diced
¾ cup mayonnaise
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
½ teaspoon hot sauce
½ teaspoon lemon zest
spot; we’re a breakfast restaurant. We're in the categories of Cracker Barrel, IHOP, Denny's and Waffle House, which is the Mount Rushmore of the breakfast industry. But we’re pushing something a little more modern. You’ll find maybe three or four generations sitting at a table eating together as a family.
For people who are new to Grits & Eggs, what would you recommend they start with? Rasul York has some of the best grits I’ve ever tasted. We have red snapper and grits, or catfish and shrimp with grits. You won’t fail with those if you like grits. We have beignets, which go great with a good cup of Costa coffee. Our chicken and waffles are awesome as well.
½ teaspoon lemon juice
¾ tablespoon Old Bay seasoning
¼ teaspoon celery seed
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced
1 teaspoon fresh chives, thinly sliced
INSTRUCTIONS
In a medium pot, bring two quarts of water and 1¾ tablespoons of salt to a boil. In a medium bowl, prepare an ice bath. Add shrimp to the boiling water and cook until bright pink in color and cooked through (about two minutes). Remove shrimp from the pot
FOOD NEWS
A new concept from the team behind Northern China Eatery on Buford Highway, The Dumpling Factory is open in West Midtown’s Westside Paper development. mydumplingfactory.com
Restaurateur Ebony Austin’s grits line, Nouveau Creations, manufactured by SoCu Kitchen, is now available in 180 Publix stores across Georgia. Austin's “Grits that Give Back” initiative donates 100% of the proceeds from sales to fund scholarships for students at HBCUs. nouveaucreations.myshopify.com
New food hub SocialBites is open in Sandy Springs. Order from four different dining concepts at one point of purchase or contactless kiosk. The two-level, 6,000-square-foot space also includes an upstairs bar, three patios and two large TVs. gosocialbites.com
Why have you been able to expand to five locations so quickly?
We followed the people’s reviews and started giving them what they want. People run away from reviews, but I run a business by reviews. I do the best I can, and I see what the results are. I continue to sharpen the pencil by reading what they say. n
and add to the ice bath. Drain the shrimp and transfer to the food processor. Pulse the shrimp until finely chopped. Refrigerate shrimp until needed. In a small sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add in celery, fennel and shallots. Sweat the vegetables until soft (about two to three minutes). Remove the vegetables from the pan and allow to cool to room temperature. In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp, vegetable mixture, remaining salt and all other ingredients. Mix until well combined and serve with your favorite dippers.
Dips Kitchen is now serving made-from-scratch dips inside Buckhead Village’s Fetch Park. Lowcountry shrimp dip, one of the brand’s signatures, can be purchased with your choice of pita, crackers, veggies or flatbread crisps, or made at home using the recipe below.
Iain Bagwell
Carrying the Torch
When Nan Niyomkul moved to the U.S. from Bangkok, at 19, she never planned on creating a restaurant empire. She’d learned to cook from her mother, a street food vendor in Thailand, and honed her skills at fine dining restaurants in New York before marrying her late husband, Charlie. They opened Tamarind in Manhattan in the early 1990s. After moving to Atlanta and launching Tamarind in 2003, the Niyomkuls introduced the city to Nan Thai Fine Dining, the Midtown
white-tablecloth establishment where their daughter, DeeDee, was immersed in the business. She trained on operations with her dad and in the kitchen with her mom.
“I have a loyalty to the restaurant,” DeeDee says. “It’s not only important to my family, but it’s a big part of who I became.”
Recently, DeeDee, who owns Tuk Tuk Food Loft in Brookwood, converted her Buckhead-based, modern Thai restaurant Chai Yo to Nan Thai, a “casual fine dining” version of her parents’ restaurant.
On weekends, DeeDee Niyomkul and her mom Nan Niyomkul go ingredient shopping together at the Asian markets on Buford Highway.
What are you doing to memorialize Charlie at the new location?
DN: It’s carrying on the name Nan. My dad’s dream was to show the world this other level of Thai food. It’s like royal fine dining. When we first got to Atlanta, Thai cuisine wasn’t so popular, but my parents changed that. We’re educating the guests about our food, our culture, why we eat this way and where it comes from—that’s what my dad was great at.
What’s your style of working together?
DN: Working with family is hard, but it’s all I know. There’s a lot of passion but also blood, sweat and tears. My mom has her say in things, and I have mine. We try each other’s food and get each other’s opinions. I trust her judgment, and she respects and trusts mine, too. We’re working on the menu together. There are staple dishes I’m bringing from the original Nan, like calamari, red snapper with threechili sauce, beef short rib, sea bass with three-flavor tamarind sauce and Siam chicken with pineapple. She’s letting me do some more new age dishes like octopus lemongrass salad and beef cheeks in panang curry sous vide cooked for 13 hours.
How does the food differ across generations?
She’ll carry on her parents’ legacy, working with her mom to offer some signature dishes while incorporating a modern twist. (Nan Thai Fine Dining will continue to serve Midtown for the foreseeable future.) We spoke to the mother-daughter team to learn more.
How does it feel to have DeeDee take the lead after all these years?
NN: I’m happy she’s carrying on the name and the business that the whole family built. My daughter learned from me and her grandma, who came from Bangkok to stay with us until DeeDee was 15.
NN: The food must have passion in it. I use traditional Thai. My daughter mixes it up with modern Thai. DN: I keep our family's taste and flavors. We have our own style and palate. We love to use herbs like galangal and lemongrass. My food is more progressive in the styling and plating.
Nan, how often do you travel to Thailand?
NN: Usually two times a year for two months each time. I like to see the progression of Thai food and come back and share ideas with DeeDee. You can’t help but go out to eat every day there. n
Nan Thai comes to Buckhead STORY: Carly Cooper
Grateful To Have Served 150+ families with My Personalized Approach.
As I reflect on the past few years, I feel incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to serve over over 150 families in their real estate journeys. Each experience has been unique, and I pride myself on my personalized approach that focuses on understanding the individual needs and goals of my clients.
Whether helping first-time buyers navigate the complexities of purchasing their dream home or guiding sellers through the intricacies of the market, my commitment to providing tailored support has been at the heart of every transaction. I believe that real estate is not just about properties; it’s about people and their stories.
Looking
and
FEATURED RESTAURANTS
A sampling of great eats in and around
Buckhead
Falafel makes a stunning plate with tart pickles, tangy tabouli and savory tahini sauce at Rumi's Kitchen.
The carne asada tacos at Oaxaca are packed with flavor.
Who can resist Kahlua-dipped ladyfingers and mascarpone mousse in Cibo e Beve’s decadent tiramisu?
BY: Wendell Brock, Rebecca Cha, Jennifer Bradley Franklin, Angela Hansberger, Hope S. Philbrick PHOTOS: Sara Hanna, Erik Meadows
BLUE RIDGE GRILL
For more than 20 years, Blue Ridge Grill has been a mecca for Buckhead power lunchers and chill evening diners alike. Whether for business or romance, BRG is a paragon of hospitality, and each guest is embraced like a VIP. Standard crowd-pleasers on the EuroAmerican menu include grilled Georgia trout, French-boned chicken with wild mushrooms and filet mignon with Vidalia onions. Small plates and sides of iron skillet mussels, Caesar salad with crisp Beeler bacon, custard-like corn soufflé and (off-menu item) fried pickles with buttermilk dipping sauce are absolute must-tries. If cost is an issue, call ahead, as menu prices are not advertised online.
An unassuming strip mall cover belies the cozy sophistication awaiting inside this popular Sandy Springs trattoria. Chef Linda Harrell’s menu is punctuated with exquisite, simple fare such as Tuscan kale and bean soup and braised short rib ragu with spinach ravioli, and is anchored by classics such as wood-fired pizzas and chicken parmigiana. Don’t bypass the Italian wine list with top-notch selections both familiar (Santa Margherita Vermentino) and obscure (Morgante Nero d’Avola). On Monday evenings, select bottles are half price. Weekends are especially busy, so plan your visit accordingly. Appetizers, soups and salads: $5-$16 Pasta, pizza and sandwiches: $13-$32
Mains: $23-$36 • Desserts: $4-$8 ciboatlanta.com
DAS BBQ
In 2016, Stephen Franklin had a dream to make Georgia the most “inclusive, creative barbecue experience in the country,” and that’s just what he did at DAS BBQ. Whether it’s the rosy, smoke-ringed brisket, equally pink and juicy St. Louis-style ribs or the spicy, smoked chicken wings, every bony bite is a testament to Franklin’s focus on the art and science of smoked meats. Bring the whole family and don’t pass up house-made sides of decadent cream corn, mac ’n’ cheese and stick-to-yourribs Brunswick stew. Dig into white chocolate banana pudding after if you’re willing and able. Meats (whole, half and sandwich): $7-$28, sausages $5/link
Wings: $9/$18 for half dozen/dozen Side dishes (in regular, pint or quart): $3-$23
Desserts: $3-$5 • dasbbq.com
FLOWER CHILD
Get your groove on at this 21st century health food haven where bright colors, happy smiles and good vibes abound. Whet your whistle
with some refreshingly fruity on-tap kombucha (a fermented tea drink) and treat yourself to starters of tart, juicy tomato toast or creamy avocado hummus. You’ll be bowled over by the tantalizing flavors of the Mother Earth bowl, the Glow bowl and other health-friendly bowls, wraps and plates. Menu standouts include the “Forbidden Rice” bowl with grass-fed steak, the Mediterranean quinoa salad and for dessert, the vegan dark chocolate pudding. A limited wine and beer selection is available for those who prefer a cocktail with their quinoa or a tipple with their tofu.
Soups, salads and appetizers: $6.25-$12.50 Bowls, entrées and wraps: $9.95-$15.50 iamaflowerchild.com
JALISCO
After nearly three decades, Jalisco remains a giddy, guilty pleasure trip through a tunnel of cheese. This Tex-Mex institution at Peachtree Battle is better than an El Paso taco kit, but not exactly a showcase of the sophisticated techniques and ingredients of the Mexican larder. Without apology, Jalisco is what it is, a place with consistently good, standardissue burritos, enchiladas, fajitas and even a Hamburguesa Mexicana. (It’s topped with nacho cheese.) This is not a place where the kitchen thrives on change and creativity. For the most part, the menu is the same as it has been since Jalisco opened in 1978.
Dinner feels like a discovery in Le Bon Nosh’s beautifully appointed dining room. Take a seat and gape at the stunning bar, lamp-lit tables and two-story tall saffron curtains. The French-influenced menu consists of scratchmade dishes with local and globally sourced ingredients, fitting as chef/owner Forough Vakili was born in Iran, trained in France and now calls Atlanta home. Start with standouts such as the light-as-air gougères and the elegant caviar and chips before moving on to a pasta course of spaghetti dressed in bright green pesto or hearty pappardelle Bolognese. Don’tmiss mains include duck confit served over delicate puy lentils scented with lemongrass, a 16-ounce, grass-fed Châtel Farms ribeye (enough for two) or the fall-apart tender, braised short rib accented with chèvre ranch. The extensive list of French wines, organized by region, ensures that wine nuts and Francophiles will find something to delight them.
A meal at Little Alley is an escape, an immersive experience no matter where you
find yourself seated. Settle in and indulge in the daily rotating selection of ultra-fresh raw oysters served with a trio of housemade sauces and an appetizer of brûléed bone marrow that’s so rich it could double as butter for grilled bread. The main event is an array of prime Angus cuts, both wet- and dry-aged from 28 to 60 days, so guests can choose their steak’s flavor intensity, cut and tenderness. If you’re really going for broke, make it a surf-and-turf with the addition of a flash-fried Maine lobster tail with drawn butter. Whether you’re out for a special occasion, a business meeting to close a big deal or a “just because” meal, this is a carnivore’s paradise, with aged prime beef, ultra-fresh seafood and hearty sides served with gracious, professional service in a luxe atmosphere.
Photo-ready dishes pop out of the open kitchen at Oaxaca (wah-hah-kah) in Chamblee. Vibrant colors and abundant garnishes advertise the robust aromas and flavors packed into each creation. Rooted in Oaxaca, Mexico’s indigenous culinary traditions, a variety of moles and salsas dot the food menu while mezcal reigns over the cocktail list. The popular Agave Rising Sun pairs tequila with crisp cucumber, sweet pineapple and tart lime juices. Guacamole arrives studded with herbs, flowers, nuts and radishes. Tetela de pato showcases duck confit, black beans and Oaxaca cheese in a triangular masa nestled atop tamarind mole. Enchiladas divorciadas smother its chicken-stuffed tortillas in green and red sauces divided by a stripe of sour cream. Green mole pipian covers braised wagyu short rib in an herb-nut sauce. The restaurant’s modern decor has an outdoorsy vibe, and high-volume music pumps up the energy; the aesthetic flows from the dining room onto a covered patio.
Treat your tastebuds to as many dishes as possible at Rumi’s Kitchen Sandy Springs, whether you sit in the spacious dining room with its bubbling water feature or order to-go. The menu is packed with powerful culinary rhythms and rhymes. Falafel stuns with crisp-tender chickpea balls, pickled veggies, tangy tabbouleh and savory tahini sauce. Mirza ghasemi (smoked eggplant with tomato and garlic) presents strong notes without hiding the scrumptious plant flavors. Chicken barg infuses a juicy wedge with
exotic flavors thanks to the saffron marinade. Pair it with Shirin polo, fluffy rice dotted with orange zest, red barberry, pistachio, almond and rosewater—a divine mix of flavors and textures. Lamb hummusiya tops hummus with lamb sausage for a pleasing contrast of spicy heat and cool umami. Dukkah roasted carrots play nutty-spicy notes against tangy-sweet yogurt cheese. Good luck choosing a favorite. Starters: $8-15 • Salads: $8-12
Mains: $18-45 • Sides: $4-10
Desserts: $10 • rumiskitchen.com
SOUTHBOUND
A “welcome to the neighborhood” vibe lingers throughout Southbound in Chamblee, whether you sit at the bar stocked with artisan spirits, on a comfortable chair in the main dining room or under an umbrellaed picnic table on the patio. Weathered wood, exposed bricks and dangling light bulbs give the space casual elegance. The menu presents Southern comfort food with some creative international flavors and influences. Variety means there’s something for just about any preference, diet, budget and hunger level. The menu changes about three times a year, but popular favorites remain, including the double-stack burger, Southern ramen, smoked short rib, Chamblee hot chicken and wild Georgia Shrimp.
Small plates: $4-$18 • Mains: $14-$33
Sides: $4-$6 • Desserts: $6-$9 southboundatl.com
THE WOODALL
With its friendly, relaxed vibe, it’s easy to feel among friends at The Woodall in Westside Village, whether you prefer the comfortable dining room or outdoor patio. Whitewashed brick, shiny metal, warm woods, brown leather and modern light fixtures cozy up the converted warehouse while a mural of eagle talons clasping a silver spoon adds personality. The dinner and brunch menus present globally inspired dishes and drinks featuring local ingredients. The menu changes seasonally, with options such as lump crab beignets, open-faced tenderloin sandwich, Sicilian calamari and rock shrimp and fried chicken tucked into a feather-light biscuit. The restaurant’s website confidently asserts, “You’ll be back!” There are plenty of reasons to do just that.
Note: Prices and menu items may have changed since original publication.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Visit simplybuckhead.com to read all of our restaurant reviews!
maggie schreck
Maggie Schreck, PA-C is a highly-skilled and sought-after injector treating patients in the Buckhead location of Truffles Medispa. Maggie is an injector trainer for both Allergan (the makers of Botox Cosmetic, the Juvederm portfolio, and Kybella) and Galderma (the makers of Dysport, the Restylane portfolio, and Sculptra Aesthetic). Maggie is also one of the very few injectors who trains physicians and other practitioners throughout the State of Georgia in the use of Sculptra Aesthetic for both the face and body. With more than fourteen years of injectable experience, Maggie specializes in Non-Surgical Aesthetic Rejuvenation.
She is a true artist who loves working with patients to help them achieve their aesthetic goals. She is known for her excellent bedside manner, exceptional patient care, and innovative treatments that cannot be found at other practices. Maggie obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Fine Arts from Miami University of Ohio and her Physician Assistant degree from Yale University. In addition to her extensive experience as an injector, Maggie has worked in the field of plastic surgery since 2007 assisting in surgery, preoperative care, and postoperative care. Maggie is a native of upstate New York and lives in Atlanta with her husband and two children.
Botox/Dysport softens fine lines and wrinkles in the forehead, crows feet and frown lines
Kybella non-surgical fat reduction in neck and body.
Fillers adds or restores volume to the face with results lasting up to two years
QWO
FDA-approved treatment of cellulite with minimal downtime
Sculptra face and body treatment that stimulates collagen to lift and build volume
Maggie Schreck, PA-C
FIX GEORGIA PETS GALA
STORY: H.M. Cauley
PHOTOS: Stephanie Neimiller, Splash Design
Almost 200 guests showed their support for reducing the unwanted pet population during the Fix Georgia Pets gala in October. Held at the Cherokee Town Club, the event raised more than $300,000 and featured cocktails, dinner, live and silent auctions and entertainment by The Andrew Brothers Dueling Pianos. The funds support those who battle pet overpopulation, and will go toward the goal of distributing $300,000 in grants this year and toward the 2025 goal of $500,000. The organization’s mission has long been supported by the evening’s honoree, long-time supporter Ruth Magness Rollins. Simply Buckhead was proud to be the event’s media sponsor.
Joann Gross, Suzanne Dansby
Mark Dowis, Lori Trahan, John Tyler
Lindsay Turner, Lisa Turner, Casey Zeller, Tricia Holder, Kerry Fickling Chris Hopkins, Laura Boring Hopkins
Judy Zaban Miller, Jackie Voyles, Kelly Kardian
Marilyn Krone, Janet Kellett
Tricia Holder, Kandy Kent
Tom Abrams, Britt Wood
RIDES TO REMEMBER
STORY: H.M. Cauley
PHOTOS: Aaron Schorch Photography
For the 18th year, the Rides to Remember Track Day took over the Atlanta Motorsports Park in Dawsonville for a worthy cause. The mid-September event brought together more than 200 young cancer patients and their families for a day of unparalleled thrills that can only come from whizzing around a racetrack in a Ferrari, Maserati or other luxury vehicle. The day included breakfast, face painting, balloon artistry, a DJ, a photobooth, a silent auction, food trucks and treats from the King of Pops. Along with providing memorable experiences, the event raised $40,000 for each of the three local charities that make a difference to thousands of Atlantans:
CURE Childhood Cancer, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities and Camp Sunshine. Media sponsor Simply Buckhead was among the list of major supporters.
Driver Tyler Heinzelmann
Driver Tom Spiro
Driver Andy De La Vega, Maria Rodriguez with their children
Emma Schorvitz
Lexie Delaney, Emma-Beth Schorvitz, Eric Schorvitz
FreeRentATL
STORY: H.M. Cauley
PHOTOS: Kimberley Evans
Hawks legend Dominique Wilkins and his wife, Jedidia, were among the 350 guests who gathered at Monday Night Garage in September to support FreeRentATL, a nonprofit that pays the rent for Atlantans feeling the squeeze of the city’s high housing costs. This year’s goal is to have 25 recipients, triple what the organization has done in the past. The organization was able to reach its goal through the more than $260,000 raised through silent and live auctions featuring a signed Wilkins jersey and an at-home dinner created by some of the city’s top chefs. Guests were treated to bites from noted area eateries, entertained by The New Orleans Suspects and singer River Eckert, and inspired by videos of last year’s recipients who shared how their lives were changed without the burden of rent. Simply Buckhead was the media sponsor.
Jedidia Wilkins, Aaron Phillips, Dominique Wilkins, Larry Dorfman
Daniel Dorfman
Performers got the crowd energized to raise money for the cause.
Andre Schnabel, Steve Labowitz
Cesar Wurm, Laura Wurm
Katie Curran, Scott Jacobsen, Chanel Culley
Emy Elz, Larry Dorfman, Maggie Fairbanks, Julie Andberg, Thomas Fairbanks, Cathy Dorfman
SHAKE IT UP
This nonalcoholic bar set up proves that cocktails don't have to be boozy to be fun.
Erik Meadows
on
total weight
Nonalcoholic
PHOTO:
Producer: Jennifer Bradley Franklin
Hair and makeup: Nyssa Green
Models: Liz P., courtesy of Click Models of Atlanta, and Juan Fernando Cortés, beverage manager at The Chastain
Wardrobe: Aida Royal Blue Cocktail Dress by Nicole Bakti ($530) and So Nude Sandal by Aquazzura ($750), available at Tootsies
Jewelry: 7.10-carat
studs GIA Certified JSI2 (price available
request), 25.66-carat white gold tennis necklace set ($49,500), 9.21carat mixed shape diamond tennis bracelet ($39,500), 12.64-carat white gold tennis bracelet ($35,000), available at Universal Diamonds
Bar setup: Cocktail shakers, glassware, garnishes and mixers available at Adelina Social Goods, styled by owner Sarah Noble
spirits: Ghia Aperitif ($38), Lapo’s Aperitivo ($31.99), Spiritless Kentucky 74 Non-Alcoholic Bourbon ($35.99), Trejo’s Spirits Tequila Alternative ($25.20), available at The Zero Proof
we measure success differently. one treatment, one breakthrough, and one milestone at a time.
we measure success differently. one treatment, one breakthrough, and one milestone at a time.
We imagine a future where zero children or their families suffer the challenges and heartbreaks of cancer. And we fight every day to make that future a reality.
We imagine a future where zero children or their families suffer the challenges and heartbreaks of cancer. And we fight every day to make that future a reality.
We’re making progress, but the truth is, we need your support.
We’re making progress, but the truth is, we need your support.
You can help save a child’s life and give kids like Zeke a fighting chance for a bright future. Donate today.
You can help save a child’s life and give kids like Zeke a fighting chance for a bright future.
