Simply Buckhead March/April 2012

March/April 2012 Issue 09 • free

Your Guide to Living Well in Atlanta

Southern Sanctuary

A salute to our neighborhood’s eco-friendly leaders

Inside a Buckhead blogger’s abode

Forget the parking madness Little Bangkok is worth the hassle

“Our bank believes in our Big Future” At Big Brothers Big Sisters, we dream of a Big Future.

Every day, we see the power of mentoring through the children matched with a Big Brother or Big Sister.

We watch them gain confidence, excel in school, build trust and set new goals for themselves.

We serve more than 3,200 children each year and are striving to serve many more. This is why we work with Georgia Commerce Bank. They have been supporting us for many years, and when we needed a larger facility to help more children, Georgia Commerce Bank was there. They helped finance our new office space, allowing us to expand our programs, attract new mentors and make it easier for families to reach us.

With our new location and Georgia Commerce Bank by our side, we feel great about our Big Future.

Rich heidal Big Brother

— Janice McKenzie-Crayton President and CEO

BRien, Little Brother

Janice McKenzie-cRayton President and CEO

Georgia Commerce Bank now has six locations in metro Atlanta.

Acworth • Buckhead • Cumberland Cumming • Marietta • Woodstock

Seth Gray

Christin Nally Viola

Vice President - Commercial Lending

Senior Mortgage Consultant

2970 Peachtree Rd., NW, Suite 100 • Atlanta, GA 30305

gacommercebank.com (404) 240-5000

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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“When I decided that I wanted to grow in my career as well

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best school.”

—Shan Cooper 89C 95EvMBA Emory University’s Goizueta Business School Vice President and General Manager Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company

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If the Lockheed Martin aeronautics plant in Marietta were a town—and with 7,700 employees, its own fire station and a dedicated exit off I-75, it almost is—then Shan Cooper 89C 95EvMBA would be the mayor. As the first female general manager of the high-tech facility, Cooper oversees all its day-to-day operations. She says Emory University’s Goizueta Business School Evening MBA Program gave her the agility, focus and leadership skills that set her apart from her peers. Today Cooper is an example of where the right combination of degree and determination can lead.

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S I M P L Y B U C K H E A D ® | ma r ch / ap r il 2 0 1 2

Emory student Mark Leutzinger, Professor Peter Roberts and students Peden Young and Simon Gonzalez discuss sustainability initiatives on campus. Sara Hanna Photography - www.SaraHanna.com

Contents /// COVER STORY

47

/// DEPARTMENTS

buckhead’s green leaders We salute sustainable businesses, neighborhoods, schools and restaurants in our own backyard.

Ranch-ing out An Atlanta family recalls their perfect Wyoming vacation

33 SIMPLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

13 SIMPLY NOW 37 SIMPLY DELICIOUS 23 SIMPLY STYLISH 57 SIMPLY HAPPENING

/// FEATURES

21

11 LETTERS

24

Southern sanctuary A Buckhead blogger makes her home a place to sip and savor

“Wines with the velvet of a baby’s butt and the range of Pavarotti.”

–“The New South,” page 40

36

Wunderkind of Atlanta theater At 24, Christina Hoff runs an ensemble she founded as a teen

38

Thai’d and True Little Bangkok on Cheshire Bridge Road a keeper

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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We buy, sell and trade quality sports and fitness equipment.

Your Guide to Living Well in Atlanta

PROUD SPONSOR OF NYO SPORTS, BUCKHEAD BASEBALL & ATLANTA YOUTH LACROSSE

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P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 www.simplybuckhead.com For advertising rates call: 404-538-9895

Your neighborhood sporting goods store.

/// BEHIND THE COVER

Publisher Joanne Hayes Editor-In-Chief Allison Weiss Entrekin Creative Director Alan Platten Senior Account Executive Cheryl Isaacs

404-869-4100 529 Pharr Road Atlanta, GA 30305

Account Executives Selena C. Bridges Lisa George Elaine Pearson-Gaeckler Marketing Intern Nicole Cha

Our models greet Betty Hanacek.

Simply Buckhead shot its “Green Issue” cover at Peachtree Hills Community Garden, where neighborhood children posed and played amidst the fruits and vegetables.

When the garden’s organizer (and the children’s neighbor) Betty Hanacek arrived, the kids squealed and ran to give her hugs. Whether they were exploring the garden shed, catching ladybugs or simply lying in the grass, our “models” were well-behaved delights. Kudos to them—and their parents.

-Allison Weiss Entrekin Cover photo by Sara Hanna Photography – www.SaraHanna.com

eat in / Take out

Graphic Designer Leslie Haugen Copy Editor Ellen Glass Legal Counsel Scott I. Zucker

Simply Buckhead® is a member of the Buckhead Business Association.

Monday- Friday: 8:00am - 7:00pm | saturday: closed | sunday: 8:00am - 2:00pm

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

Contributing Photographer Sara Hanna

Copyright © 2012 by Simply Buckhead®. All rights reserved.

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

3417 Roswell Road | Atlanta, GA 30305 | 404.842.5817 lodgecafe@peachtreepres.org

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Contributing Writers Katie Kelly Bell Wendell Brock H.M. Cauley Carly Cooper Felicia Feaster Jennifer Bradley Franklin Rachelle Hicks Kelly Eason Kimberlin Elsa Simcik

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.

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find us online Read Simply Buckhead online at

404-875-TheM (8436)

www.SimplyBuckhead.com with click-through capability

www.M-Apts.com Facebook facebook.com “Like” or “Friend” us at Simply Buckhead Magazine Twitter twitter.com Follow us @SimplyBuckhead

/// featured contributor Giannina Smith Bedford Giannina Smith Bedford is an Atlantabased writer and editor whose work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Delta SKY Magazine, AirTran Airways GO Magazine, and Atlanta Business Chronicle. As Simply Buckhead’s home editor, she has the pleasure of writing about some of Buckhead’s most unique and beautiful homes and meeting the interesting people who reside in them. She also covers the magazine’s Buzz and Free Event sections. In this issue, she tells us about the gorgeous home of Tim and Wendy Shannon (“Southern Sanctuary,” page 24). She also stepped in to help with story editing as Editor-in-Chief Allison Weiss Entrekin took some well-deserved maternity-leave time with her new bundle of joy. When she isn’t writing, Bedford enjoys traveling the world with her husband and spending time with her dog, Turner.

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Letters As a new guy in town and managing the Mansion on Peachtree, A Rosewood Hotel & Residence here in Buckhead, I just had to write and share that I really love your magazine. Thanks for all you do to make Buckhead stand out in the Atlanta landscape. I hope to meet you in person one day soon!

–Micarl Hill, managing director, The Mansion on Peachtree, A Rosewood Hotel & Residence Thank you for the article. I had to laugh out loud as I did not know it was out … however, I walked in the State Bank and the tellers applauded and said, “Here comes our ‘bad boy’…Bad Boy of Art, lol.

Thank you again.

–Alan Avery, president, Alan Avery Art Company/Trinity Gallery The article and magazine look great! Fantastic Y pitch from Clark too! Thanks!

–Micki Robinson, associate executive director, Carl E. Sanders Family YMCA at Buckhead I am so thrilled that the story worked out well for you. It is a great piece and I think the photos are great! All the best to you and your entire staff.

–Christa DiBiase, executive producer, The Clark Howard Show Thank you so much for the wonderful piece on Highlands, N.C., that included The Bascom in the January/February issue of Simply Buckhead.

–Marlene Alvarez Fairchild, marketing nanager, The Bascom I was flipping through your recent issue of Simply Buckhead and came across your article on the Kinesis wall, very cool! I live in LA and have worked for Lululemon Athletica for many years now so have been fortunate to try out most innovative fitness and yoga classes, but never Kinesis. I see you also mention SPX in your article, I tend to call that “Pilates on crack.” Next

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Follow us @SimplyBuckhead Check out the cover model on @SimplyBuckhead magazine!

Great job!

–@NiaMassage Check out our beautiful Great American Baking Contest ad in this season’s issue of @SimplyBuckhead!

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The Live Well For Less story, had no idea you could get a gym membership at a hospital!

–@Buccianti Thank you! @ATL_Photos did a wonderful job!

–@Valuesval Keep up the great work!

–@RHulslander

time I am in Atlanta I would love to meet you and attend a class together if you are interested in company.

Congrats on maintaining such a strict fitness regime, your arms look great in your picture!

–Johanna Hudson, Southern U.S. community manager, Lululemon Athletica The new issue looks amazing! I don’t know how you continue to outdo yourselves every month. We are so happy to be able to advertise with you. We have gotten such positive feedback and such a good response, signing new clients …

Again, thank you so much for allowing us this opportunity and keep up the superlative work!

–Yedidah Glass, owner, FROLIC Canine Services

/// LETTER BOX ///

Tell us what you think! Send your comments, compliments and criticisms to editor@simplybuckhead.com. All letters will be considered for publication and may be edited for length and clarity.

/// EDITOR’S LETTER

M

y name is Allison, and I’m a recycling addict.

My trunk is stuffed with plastic bags I need to return to the grocery store (sorry, but with two kids and a dog, I can’t fit everything I buy inside those cute reusable totes). If my husband throws a Coke can in the trash, I fish it out and put it in the recycling bag. On Wednesday mornings, while the rest of my neighborhood is lined with neat blue boxes waiting to be relieved of their lids and tipped into the recycling truck, my stretch of the street is strewn with cardboard boxes, paper towel rolls and enormous bags filled to overflowing with empty dog-food cans and milk containers. I realize my family is not huge, so either everyone else knows how to flatten their recycling, or I’ve got some sort of problem (see admission in first sentence).

Anyway, my recycling compulsion is just one of the reasons I loved working on Simply Buckhead’s “Green Issue.” To me, going green isn’t a trend, a buzz phrase or a political statement. It’s a way of life. And it seems a lot of our neighbors agree. From community associations that grow their own produce to companies so resourceful they don’t even need dumpsters, we’ve got a lot of folks in our midst who are doing their share to ensure our little slice of Atlanta remains a beautiful place to live. Read all about it in our cover feature by Jennifer Bradley Franklin.

Also in this issue, food writer Wendell Brock hits up Little Bangkok, one of my all-time favorite Thai joints.

And contributing editor Giannina Smith Bedford goes inside a Buckhead blogger’s abode to find out how the Southern scribe lives when she’s not typing away. I owe Giannina a big thank you—in addition to writing a bunch of great stories for us, she also stepped up to the plate and helped me edit this issue as I juggled the demands of work and caring for a newborn. Editing this entire magazine on no sleep would not have been pretty.

I hope you enjoy this issue as much as I do. I’m off to feed my baby … and recycle his formula container.

Allison Weiss Entrekin editor@simplybuckhead.com

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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Simply Now Travel

“It abundantly satisfies those who enjoy the finer side of life.”

–Kelly Eason Kimberlin, “Ranch-ing Out” Page 21

A lodge at Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyo. March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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S IMP LY n ow

e ve nts

Wine specialist Don Hackett delves into an enticing discussion of choice regional wines.

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Touring the world of

VINO Let Don Hackett enlighten your palate to the fine intricacies of wine from various regions across the globe

Sherlock’s Wine Merchant Six Week Wine Course March 6, 13, 20, 27, April 3, 10 7-9 p.m.

The theme for each class focuses on a specific wine region from around the world: Weeks 1 and 2: France

Attention wine lovers—how well do you know your vino? Let’s start with an easy one. What is your favorite wine? Where does it come from? Okay, now, think a bit harder. What is the region of your chosen wine known for? All right, here’s a real stumper. What is the difference between a wine from the Loire Valley and one from Alsace?

Don’t feel bad if the answers to the last two aren’t resting at the top of your palate. Even the most sophisticated of oeno-

philes would be hard pressed to come up with the right answers. During March and April, however, you can become a true connoisseur at this six-week course, led

by Don Hackett, senior educator and certified wine specialist of Sherlock’s Wine Merchant and The Cook’s Warehouse.

Each week, Hackett takes students around the globe, swirling a glass in hand, as he details grape varietals, wine laws, the history of each wine growing region, and much more. Students sam-

ple wines from around the world and are taught how to determine the distinguishing qualities of each. By the end of the course students should have a foundational knowledge of common regions and varietals, as well as a basic understanding of some lesser-known ones.

The cost of the six-week course is $295 per person; students who attend every class receive a diploma recognizing their well-rounded wine education.

Oakhurst Community Garden Project staff and volunteers

Week 4: Germany, Spain and the rest of Europe Week 5: United States and sparkling wines Week 6: Southern hemisphere

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– Rachelle Hicks

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Budding ‘wildthings’ learn to plant and grow in preparation for spring.

Week 3: Italy

Wildthings for 2s and 3s March 15, 22, 29, April 12, 19 Oakhurst Community Garden 435 Oakview Road Decatur 30030 404.371.1920 www.oakhurstgarden.org

Let loose your inner wild Let your child discover his or her inner “wildthing” during the five-week spring garden awakening course, Wildthings for 2s and 3s, at Oakhurst Community Garden in Decatur. Oakhurst staff member Chef Cassandra Lawson teaches students how to gently revive sleepy winter soil in preparation for spring planting.

Children will plant seeds, make crafts from nature and enjoy healthy snacks like crackers, fresh produce and honey from the Oakhurst bees. As the kids share their art and nibble on delicious

local treats, Lawson tells stories that celebrate the coming of spring. Classes are held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. and students are encouraged to wear comfortable clothing that wouldn’t mind dirty handprints or a fresh berry stuck in a trouser pocket. For the super-sweet little “wildthings,” the Garden provides bug spray. Cost for the course is $60 for Garden members and $70 for nonmembers. Registration is required at least five days in advance.

– Rachelle Hicks

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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S IMP LY n ow

Local Salute

By Carly Cooper

Going green Buckhead hotelier focuses on sustainability— and helping the hungry The Buckhead community of hoteliers got more than they bargained for when Mica Hill was named managing director of The Mansion on Peachtree last year. Passionate about addressing world hunger and sustainability, Hill is on the board of Livable Buckhead, an organization striving to improve the environment and quality of life in the area. Hill embarked on a mission to get every hotel in the community to go green (starting with recycling).

Hill, who is building an energy-efficient and Platinum LEED-certified home

Mica Hill, managing director of The Mansion on Peachtree, spearheads the hotel’s involvement with Heifer International.

Heidi Geldhauser

in California, sent a packet about environmentally responsible garbage collection to every hotel in Buckhead. In it, he points out that by reducing waste, businesses can save up to 25 percent— increasing profits and making a difference in the world. The Mansion is doing its part, asking guests if they’d like a newspaper, rather than automatically providing one. (Thirty-three percent of guests decline!) The hotel also installed thermostats that automatically return to a pre-set temperature when guests leave their room and readjust to their preferred temperature upon return.

Under Hill’s leadership, The Mansion, began offering the “Changing the World One Animal at a Time” package, which includes one night’s accommodations, breakfast for two and a $120 donation to Heifer International—a nonprofit that provides livestock and training to families and communities around the world, giving them a way to rise out of poverty. “Each night’s stay buys a goat or a flock of chickens or geese that provide not only food, but income for families,” Hill says. In 2011, he and his wife donated two arks (each includes two of each kind of animal offered by Heifer— a $5,000 contribution), one in the name of The Mansion Staff. “It’s the gift that keeps on giving,” Hill says.

Making a difference Sandy Springs resident embraces philanthropy Sandy Springs resident Susan Arnovitz Plasker lives by the motto “those that can, should.” She views charitable giving and activities as a privilege and does everything she can for causes that she feels strongly about—ranging from the Jewish Federation and Brandeis University National Women’s Committee, to theater and dance companies and Habitat for Humanity. It comes as no surprise that she is the recipient of the 2012 Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award, which names her a woman of distinction in her community.

“No matter what shape you’re in, there are still others who are worse off,” she says. “When you make a difference in someone’s life, it makes you feel so good.”

Despite an encounter with lymphoma several years ago and a current battle with brain cancer, Plasker never stops giving. She’s solicited funds through telethons, raising thousands; hosted numerous events at her home, doing the planning, cooking and even adding names to organizations’ solicitation lists; and made numerous monetary contributions, giving whenever she finds a cause that she believes in.

Susan Plasker volunteers in New Orleans as part of the International Lion of Judah Convention.

Stopping to eat while driving back from New Orleans with a friend several months after the BP oil spill, Plasker came across a group of wildlife rescue volunteers having dinner at the restaurant. The crew was taking a brief respite from their cleanup efforts.

She anonymously paid for their meals, appreciative of their method of giving.

In another example, Plasker hosted a successful fundraiser for Shalom Bayit—a Jewish organization dedicated to ending domestic violence—to support a friend who became involved in the agency after leaving an abusive marriage with a less-than-twomonth-old baby.

She also participated in the International Lion of Judah Convention, in which she visited New Orleans schools and brought new books and backpacks to children in need. She views giving as a positive force in her life and plans to continue on her philanthropic path indefinitely.

A company that cares Buckhead business supports the charitable passions of its workforce Slalom Consulting abstains from typical corporate-mandated giving programs, but that doesn’t stop its 160-plus Buckhead-based consultants from embracing philanthropy. Instead, it relies on the passion and enthusiasm of its workforce to promote community involvement.

The firm has a committee called Slalom Cares that plans quarterly events and fundraisers to support local nonprofits. These activities range from gift drives for the women and children of Atlanta Day Shelter, to bike rides that support Camp Twin Lakes, to building bleachers for The Luke Project. Slalom

Cares Lead and Consultant Michael Guris estimates his company garners 75 percent participation annually, from administrative assistants to executive team members. “[Where we volunteer] is 100 percent our decision. The leadership team provides support, but never dictates giving. You never hear, ‘I’m on the board of this charity. Let’s focus on them,’” Guris says.

In 2011 Slalom began participating in children’s literacy group Everybody Wins! More than 30 consultants gave up their lunch hour once a week to

read to low-income elementary school students. Others became counselors at Camp Horizon, a refuge for neglected and abused children. They used three of their 10 vacation days, along with an additional two Slalom donated to the cause, to mentor a child at camp, then maintained the relationship by attending Camp Horizon events throughout the year.

“The best part is being able to help causes that are important to me and see so many others pitching in,” Guris says. “It really makes me feel good about the place I work.”

Slalom Cares Lead Michael Guris meets his Camp Horizon buddy Josh. Karen Burns

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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SI MPLY now

even ts

Dance instructor Julián Mejía warms up the crowd at Tongue & Groove’s Wednesday night salsa lessons.

/// FREE EVENT ///

Eclipse di Luna Thursday nights 764 Miami Circle Atlanta 30324 404.846.0449 www.eclipsediluna.com Havana Club Friday and Saturday nights 3112 Piedmont Road Atlanta 30305 404.869.8484 www.havanaclubatl.com Tongue & Groove Wednesday nights 565 Main Street N.E. Atlanta 30324 404.261.2325 www.tandgonline.com

Salsa

on the house Learn the popular Latin dance for free at these Buckhead nightspots If “Dancing with the Stars” has you yearning for some dance instruction, but you can’t cough up the cash for a private lesson, there’s no need to fret. Several Buckhead nightspots offer free salsa classes, teaching you to sway your hips like a pro.

So get off the couch and break in your dancing shoes at one of these lively dance destinations. When class is done, stick around for the late-night dance party and show off your new moves.

Eclipse di Luna Head to Miami Circle on Thursday nights for complimentary salsa and samba lessons at Eclipse di Luna. Professional dance instructors from Atlanta Ballroom Dance Centre lead the lesson between 7:30 and 8:30 p.m., teaching to the live Latin tunes of the Willie Ziavino & C.O.T. Band. Following the class, patrons are invited to stick around, grab a drink or a plate of tapas and enjoy more live music and dancing.

Havana Club Offering free salsa classes from 9 to 10 p.m. both Friday and Saturday nights, Havana Club’s Latin-infused ambiance is an appropriate place to learn some salsa skills. Instructors from dance company Salsambo lead the lessons, which are divided into beginner and

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

intermediate levels to ensure everyone learns at the right pace. Following the class, attendees receive free admission to the club’s evening festivities, which means they can twirl and step late into the morning hours.

Tongue & Groove A 13-year tradition continues at Tongue & Groove with Latin Elegance Wednesdays, which kicks off with a salsa lesson from 9 to 10 p.m. Cover at 9 p.m. is $10 for men, but free for ladies (after 10 p.m. ladies pay $10). Julián Mejía from SALSAtlanta warms up the crowd by teaching salsa and bachata before DJ Fabian takes over the floor at 10 p.m. to spice up the Latin-night party with New York City-style salsa tunes that play all the way into Thursday morning.

– Giannina Smith Bedford

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TASTE OF THE SOUTH reinvented

2012 Restaurant Sponsors: Shula's 347, The Capital Grille, Ruth's Chris Steak House

Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner Located on the Lobby Level of the InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta

2012 Restaurants: City Club of Buckhead, Davio's Northern Italian Steakhouse, Fig Jam Kitchen & Bar, nancy g's café, Seasons 52, Johnny Rockets, Latitude Food and Drink, Pizzeria Venti, Brio Tuscan Grill, Cellar 56 2012 Vendors: 05 Buckhead Apartments, Brooks Brothers, Canongate Golf Clubs, Emergency Services 24, First Citizens Bank, Northwestern Mutual Goodwin Wright, Salon Skanda, The Goddard School 2012 Sponsors: Atlanta Marriott Buckhead Hotel and Conference Center, Buckhead Document Pros, Entertainment Design Group, Swank Audio Visuals

3315 Peachtree Road NE Atlanta, GA 30326 Reservations: 404.946.9070 www.southernart.com

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

2012 Media Sponsors: Simply Buckhead, Peachtree Papers, Flavors Magazine, BuckheadView, Buckhead Patch Buckhead And many more!

S IMP LY n ow

TRAVEL

Ranch-ing out An Atlanta family recalls their perfect Wyoming vacation

By Kelly Eason Kimberlin

Perfect moments. They are hard to come by, aren’t they? When I find myself in the middle of one, I want to delight in it, savor it, grab it and keep it from ending. Our family of five delved into one such moment at Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, Wyo., last summer. We stayed in an all-inclusive luxury guest ranch owned by Bruce and Beth White, who welcome guests as if they were visiting their own home.

So, why was our moment at Brush Creek Ranch so perfect? Because everyone—and I mean everyone—was exceedingly happy. Our kids (5, 7 and 8) were not just normal everyday happy, they were Christmas-morning happy. Real cowboys and cowgirls led our horseback trail rides. Our personal fishing guide packed our cooler and brought all the gear we would need. (Guess who caught the first fish? Me!) Our other activity guides took us out to see the buffalo on the range, climb boulders, ride bikes and shoot rifles. We didn’t even get to the paintball or the ropes course. Returning to our cabin each afternoon blissfully tired, no one asked to play Wii or watch TV. Good thing, because the

cabins don’t have them! I loved that.

Don’t for a second think Brush Creek Ranch is just for children. It abundantly satisfies those who enjoy the finer side of life. The food, oh my, the food was beyond exquisite. I tried not to wish away the activities during the day, but after each meal, I could not wait for the next one. Absolutely delicious, that’s all I can say. Before the family-style meals, we all gathered at the old-fashioned saloon, complete with swinging doors, karaoke, billiards, a piano, a jukebox, and cards. More fun for each of us. More moments to be savored.

From the front porch of our cabin, we could hear the rush of the water from Brush Creek and see the picturesque Medicine Bow National Forest. Our last morning, I wrapped myself in a blanket while sitting in a rocking chair. My husband and I held our coffee mugs close, reliving the magic of Brush Creek Ranch. We knew the moment was about to end. But not before we took one last family trail ride and ate one last sumptuous meal.

Above, clockwise from left: the Kimberlin family at Brush Creek Ranch; trout fishing with a ranch guide; target shooting on the range.

Left: the interior of a lodge at Brush Creek Ranch.

Below: the Western landscape on which the ranch sits.

Brush Creek Ranch 307.327.5284 www.brushcreekranch.com

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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H O M E | FA S H I O N | W E L L N E S S

Simply Stylish Home

"The home's wine room exudes an Old World feel that makes you want to linger."

–Southern Sanctuary, Page 24

A plate of wine and cheese at the home of Buckhead blogger Wendy Shannon. Photo by Sara Hanna Photography - www.SaraHanna.com March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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SIMPLY stylish

home

Southern sanctuary A Buckhead blogger makes her home a place to sip and savor

By Giannina Smith Bedford

Photos by Sara Hanna Photography – www.SaraHanna.com

S

he’s the personality behind the Southern lifestyle blog “With a Southern Twist” (www.withasoutherntwist.com). She’s also the president of Op5 Creative, a marketing communication and design firm. So it’s safe to say Wendy Shannon is wellversed in everything from home entertaining to Southern art to top-notch wine. Her husband, Tim, a buildingproducts representative and owner/ partner of Larimer/Shannon Group Inc., shares in her passions. So when the duo (married 28 years) purchased their West Buckhead home in 2004 and decided to make a few upgrades, they wanted to create a gathering place for friends that conveyed their mutual zest for life.

But that doesn’t mean their décor styles were in sync. “Tim is more eccentric, the bold outdoors type, while I’m more traditional,” Wendy says. “Because we’re different, [our home] is different, but it still works and it’s beautiful.”

Because the Shannons purchased the two-story brick home, built by John Willis Homes, while it was still being framed, they were able to choose custom finishes like the ebony kitchen cabinetry, black interior doors and oak hardwood floors with a Jacobean finish. Wendy says they liked the four-bedroom, fourand-a-half bath residence’s open layout, which is ideal for entertaining. “It had a huge kitchen and pantry like you’d typically see in a much larger home, which was perfect for me since I love to cook and entertain,” she says.

As soon as they purchased the home, the couple finished out a portion of the basement level with a foyer, guest bedroom and bathroom. Nearly six years later, they hired Peachtree Hills-based interior decorator Amy Morris of Amy D. Morris Interiors to help them convert the remaining unfinished basement space into a wine room, make over the mudroom and

24

Top Left: Wendy Shannon enjoys a glass of wine in her remodeled lounge.

Left: The Shannons' 3,500-square-foot home.

spruce up the breakfast nook.

Spruce it up she did—it transformed from a traditional nook into a St. Regislike entertaining lounge that showcases Tim and Wendy’s traditional-meetseclectic style. Centered around a circular painted wood table from Redefined Home Boutique in the West Midtown Design District, the area is adorned in a natural palette of oranges and browns and features a custom fabric pendant light fixture that makes a sophisticated statement. Morris surrounded the ta-

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

ble with tufted ivory chairs from TCS Designs and had a curved banquette finished in burnt orange wool custommade to fit the space perfectly. “Tim had seen a banquette at a retail store in town and he really wanted a banquette in the lounge, but it had to be a curved banquette, which you just don’t see,” Wendy says. Morris placed two oversized mirrors from Ballard Designs against the back wall and fronted them with dark brown chairs from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams to create a welcoming

seating area. “We love the kitchen and especially love the new ‘lounge,’” Wendy says. “The new lounge has made the entire space feel bigger, but most importantly, it’s more usable. We love to sit around the new table and have a glass of wine, a more casual meal or read.”

The adjacent mudroom also got some attention with modern geometric-patterned wallpaper and antique mushroom prints found at Scott Antique Markets. “[The mud room] is where they enter every day, so we just

They take every opportunity to sip, savor and reap the bounty of the good life.

Above: Large windows in the lounge provide an abundance of natural light.

s

felt like it needed to be a little more special and welcoming and more cocoonlike,” Morris says. As a result of its dressing up, Wendy says she now refers to the “little jewel box” of a mudroom more grandly as the west foyer.

As for the new wine room, it exudes an Old World feel that makes you want to linger. It’s framed by a custom stackedstone wall with a built-in wine grotto and tasting table purchased at Interiors Market. It’s also kept at a pleasant temperature—no sweater required. “We didn’t

Right: The home's main level flows between the foyer, living room, kitchen and lounge, making it ideal for entertaining.

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

25

SIMPLY stylish

home

want that air-conditioned-space wine room,” Wendy says. “I think it’s great if you have a lot of wine to store, but it’s not very functional because you don’t want to go into a 55-degree room and sit and have a glass of wine. The stacked-stone wall gives you that feeling that you want of a wine room without being cold.” Adding to the room’s relaxed, yet regal ambiance is an oversized bench from B.D. Jeffries, rustic ceramic jugs and a framed drawing of an old gate.

During the wine room build-out, the Shannons also spruced up the basement foyer. Today, guests walking downstairs are greeted by two reupholstered chairs and a colorful koi oil painting

by Greenville, N.C., artist Sally Sutton that Tim and Wendy purchased at the Tyndall Galleries in Chapel Hill, N.C, their home before Atlanta.

In fact, much of the Shannons’ art pays homage to Southern artists—from oil paintings by North Carolina native and Savannah resident Lori Keith Robinson (purchased from the Chroma Gallery in Savannah) to pieces by Hallettsville, Texas, artist Patsy Evins, which they bought at the Augusta Art Exchange Gallery in Augusta. One particularly notable piece is a painting of three little birds on a branch on the brick-red wall of the formal dining room. Purchased from Buckhead’s Anne Irwin Fine Art, this small, eye-catching work was done by Ellen Granter, the illustrator responsible for the cover image of the New York Times bestselling book The Help. “We love Southern art and have collected pieces that we love that are throughout the home,” Wendy says.

“It’s not all crazy-expensive either, it’s

26

just stuff that we like. We like moving it around from time to time to get a whole new look.”

When it comes to getting a new look, Wendy already has her future sights set on redoing her master bedroom. In the meantime, however, both she and Tim are thrilled with the results of their room-specific upgrades and take every opportunity to invite friends to sip, savor and reap the bounty of the good life enjoyed “With a Southern Twist.” n

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

Clockwise from left: Wendy Shannon loves to host multi-course dinners with wine pairings in the large dining room, which is painted brick red and adorned with a bird painting

by The Help illustrator Ellen Granter; the basement wine room combines Old World touches like a stacked stone wall with a more modern light fixture purchased at Interiors Market on Bennett Street; Tim and Wendy Shannon view the wine room as just another place for guests to congregate over wine and cheese.

wendy's top 5

entertaining tips 1. Buy fresh flowers – But buy several varieties of flowers that work together and complement your home. When purchasing from a specialty food store, ask for fresh flowers directly from their cooler, then have the floral department add water to a floral sleeve so your flowers have water until you arrive home. They’ll last a lot longer.

2. Serve wine in a wine glass – This sounds simple, but based on the number of your expected guests, make sure you have plenty of red and white wine glasses. If not, it might be time to stock up or rent glasses if necessary—even Target has a great selection of wine glasses. And, if one breaks during a party, you haven’t lost an expensive crystal piece.

3. Label food – I like using place cards to label appetizers and buffet items so guests know what they’re eating in case they have dietary constraints or food allergies. Also, guests like learning about food, so make it fun by labeling.

4. Have great music playing – I like to pick a great digital music channel like Adult Alternative or Smooth Jazz.

The designers transformed the Shannons' generic mud room into an elegant foyer done in unique wallpaper, plush fabrics and antique prints.

5. Serve mini sweets – As a Southerner, you have to have desserts, but over the years I’ve found that those who eat dessert just want a mini indulgence. Offer desserts that can easily be picked up and eaten—candies, cookies, brownies and/or cakes and pies cut into smaller pieces. If I purchase desserts, I like to pick up extra seasonally themed sugar cookies from the bakery so I can send parents home with a treat for their children.

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

SIMPLY stylish

fashion

Blow

dry

The "Southern Comfort" style from Drybar gives hair lots of volume.

boom The "Straight Up" is the signature blowout from Drybar—straight with a little bit of body.

Photos: Courtesy of Drybar

With blow dry bars gaining popularity around Buckhead, every day can be a good hair day

By Elsa K. Simcik

A

fter working in the beauty industry for more than ten years—first as a shampoo girl and later as the manager of Carter Barnes in Phipps Plaza—Brookhaven resident and hair stylist Melissa Methier was ready to open her own business. “I wanted to do something a little bit different rather than your everyday salon,” she says. So last July she started Blo Beauty Bar, a place where women can get their hair professionally blown dry. “It’s almost like doing a throwback to the beauty parlor days,” she explains.

“Women would come every week. They would get their hair blown dry; they would gossip, they would have fun.”

A professional blow dry (also known as a blowout) involves a shampoo and then 30 to 45 minutes of a stylist blow drying and styling the client’s hair. Why do people pay $35 plus tip for something they could do at home for free?

“A lot of times it’s just better to have a stylist do it rather than doing it yourself,” Methier says. Plus, she says when hair is blown dry by a pro, it can stay that way for three to four days. It’s common for women to come to her salon on Fridays to get their hair blown dry for the weekend.

Buckhead’s demand for blowouts became evident when Drybar opened on West Paces Ferry Road last fall. The Los Angeles-based chain—which is said to be the original blow-dry-only concept in the U.S.—chose Buckhead as their

first Southeast location because its demographic was similar to that of L.A. and New York, according to Alli Webb, Drybar’s founder. “We were getting a lot of requests in Atlanta, in Buckhead specifically,” Webb says. “It’s a young sophisticated woman that is in Buckhead.

They want to get pampered; they want their weekly or bi-weekly blowout. It just seemed like a natural fit.”

Over at Blo, which sits in a house on Apple Valley Road, Methier was getting requests beyond the blow dry. She’s since added cut and color services, but she maintains that it is still primarily a blow dry bar. “We’re kind of giving the importance of [the blow dry] back. I think that everyone’s so busy nowadays that they don’t really take as much time for themselves,” Methier says. “They can come here, get their hair blown dry and relax. They’ll get the attention that they need.” n

Blo Beauty Bar 2565 Apple Valley Road Atlanta 30319 678.927.9203 www.blobeautybar.com Drybar 102 West Paces Ferry Road N.W., Suite B Atlanta 30305 404.382.5310 www.thedrybar.com

Confessions of a

Blowout Junkie Allison Herndon of Buckhead wasn’t always a blowout junkie.

“I am the girl who always left the typical salon with a wet head because I never wanted to pay the extra cost of a blow dry,” says the 30-year-old teacher. But since Blo opened last July, Herndon has been a regular, showing up twice a week. “I justify the cost of going to Blo because it saves me time since I work a lot. It allows me to sleep in a few extra minutes in the morning because I don’t have to worry if I may have a bad hair day or not,” she says. For Herndon, it’s also a stress reliever. “It is relaxing.

I especially love the scalp massage I receive with every blowout,” she says. In between her twiceweekly sessions, she applies a dry shampoo to her hair. Now she hardly ever has to wash it herself. “It’s a perk for me,” she says. “It’s something nice I can do for myself.”

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

29

MAY 5-6 2012

CHASTAIN PARK

BUCKHEAD

The event will be held in Chastain Park on Park Drive. Please check our website regularly for updates and parking information.

Buckhead Spring Arts & Crafts Festival Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 11am-5pm 30 

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

www.BuckheadArtsFestival.com

S IMP LY ST YL IS H WE L L NESS

Getting busy Entrepreneurs in the business of wellness

By Jennifer Bradley Franklin

O

wning a business is challenging, but venturing into the wellness arena in a competitive economic climate and in Buckhead, where there seems to be a fitness studio or someone hawking a wellness product on every corner, is downright brave. Here are some entrepreneurs making their mark in Buckhead and beyond.

Virtually Fit Katy Gillis was terrified of being obese, since it was a predominant issue in her family. In 2005, the then 20-year-old bank employee gained 40 pounds in four months. Rather than resign herself to being overweight, she studied the habits of thin people and put them into practice, losing weight as quickly as she gained it. When friends and colleagues began asking Gillis to share her secrets, it became clear she had a knack for coaching people along the path to wellness.

Now, Buckhead-based Gillis has 700 clients across the country, whom she coaches in an unconventional way—through video chat. “It’s like having a personal trainer, nutritionist and support coach, but without any ‘fluff,’” she says. Clients sign up for five-week classes ($297) or one-on-one coaching ($150 per hour) and the convenience helps them stick with the program, generating dramatic results. How dramatic?

Many clients experience an average initial weight loss of 10 pounds a month. Learn more at www.gillisfitnessconsulting.com.

Fit Anywhere Chew on This Ladell Hill eats a solid meal once every two days. It’s shocking, considering the 46-year-old works out as often as twice a day and maintains a built, youthful physique. The founder of Taste of Earth (www.tasteofearth.net) is a self-proclaimed “molecular health specialist” who drinks his own product, Chuice, religiously. It’s a blend of more than 30 fruit and vegetable juices, nuts, herbs and seeds and the idea is to drink it, chewing the solids as you go. “The chewing aspect of Chuice was intentional because chewing releases amylase, which is an enzyme that breaks down complex and simple carbohydrates,” he explains. Because the juice is liquid, it hits the bloodstream quickly, providing vital nutrients.

Chuice, the product of Hill’s 20 years of study and experimentation, comes in red (to balance the body’s pH) and green (to cleanse and keep performance optimal) and is available at Highland Bakery in Buckhead and Nuts & Berries in Brookhaven for $25 for a half gallon.

For Buckhead resident and world traveler Maria Mazursky—a native of Great Britain who arrived in Atlanta by way of the Seychelles—there was a void in her fitness plan: she loved to travel, but found it hard to locate fitness opportunities in the cities she visited. “I thought, what if there was a global fitness and wellness reservation system allowing users to find, book and pay for fitness classes, spa services and events?” she says. Using sites like Open Table and Expedia as inspiration, Marzursky launched TourDeFit.com in November 2011, setting it apart from many other fitness-focused sites by allowing visitors not only to search, but also to pay for their wellness and fitness services online. The site is available to individual users and companies, which can use it to augment their corporate wellness programs. Now, if only we could get our companies to pay for spa services!

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

31

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Simply Arts&Entertainment On Stage

“Most of our roots are in Buckhead, and most of our families are still coming from Buckhead.”

- Christina Hoff, founding artistic director of Fabrefaction Theatre Company, talking about her company’s youth academy.

Christina Hoff, now 24, founded Fabrefaction Theatre Company when she was 17, in the basement of Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Sara Hanna Photography - www.SaraHanna.com March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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SIMPLY A&E

ar t vie w

Far Left: “Forest Chaser” acrylic/oil over canvas/resin.

Left: “Rose” oil over canvas.

Above: “El Descanso” acrylic over canvas/resin.

Art returns to the park

Right: “Drama en el Cielo” oil over canvas.

Below: “Primos” acrylic over canvas.

Spring festival showcases local artists All Art by Rosa McMurtray

By H.M. Cauley

B

efore she took up painting as a career, Spanish-born Rosa McMurtray earned a degree in fashion design. But she’s never given up her passion for clothes.

“I love clothes, and I love shoes,” she says in a confessional tone. “I bought a closet organizer from IKEA to sort all the colors. I’m very picky with my clothes.”

Not surprisingly, McMurtray’s oils and acrylics depict whimsical shoes and dresses. The 50-year-old Buckhead artist says the works come from her frustrated inner designer.

“I just start doing drawings, and the dresses come from there,” she says.

“They’re just how I imagine them.”

A frothy white party dress, a set of beribboned ballet shoes or a pair of funky stilettos may be the result. But if the

34

image you love doesn’t match the color scheme in your living room, McMurtray can turn out a work to your specifications.

“Sometimes people want what I have, but in different colors, so I can change that,” says McMurtray. “One lady loved this dress, but [the painting] was too big, so I made it smaller for her.

I do that sort of thing all the time.”

Recently, McMurtray branched out beyond clothes and began painting horses. “I’ve never done animals before,” she says, “but I’m having a lot of fun doing it. I got started when someone asked me to do one, and it sold right away. So I guess I’m not that bad!”

Art lovers will have the chance to check out McMurtray’s creations during the Buckhead Spring Arts and Crafts Festival, May 5 and 6 in Chastain Park. The free event, created and managed by artists, was designed as a way to introduce talents like McMurtray to the

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

public. The second festival last year drew more than 25,000 visitors to Park Drive.

“Many of the artists in Buckhead were desperate for local Class A shows,” says Randall Fox of the Atlanta Foundation for Public Spaces, the group organizing the show. “They were having to go out of state, but why shouldn’t they be able to stay in their own neighborhood? This show is really about giving local artists an opportunity in their own community while helping our local economy, too.”

In keeping with that vision, Fox says that 80 percent of the more than 175 artists who set up stalls at the show are from Georgia. Their work represents a mix of media, including paintings, sculpture, photography, metal works, glass, leather and jewelry. In addition, a children’s play area, food vendors, hands-on activities and live entertainment are part of the festivities. n

Buckhead Spring Arts & Crafts Festival 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. May 5; 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. May 6 Along with creations from more than 175 artists, enjoy food, live entertainment, hands-on crafts and a kids’ zone with inflatables and more.

Free admission.

Children and pets are welcome.

Park Drive, Chastain Park Atlanta 30342 404.845.0793 www.buckheadartsfestival.com

SIMPLY A&E

L it erary

Ghosts with a Goal Brookhaven dad’s spooky story shares a message

By H.M. Cauley

I

t was a dark and scary night—but not too scary, since this is a bedtime story for kids. Still, when put on the spot by his two boys, Robert Wilson managed to come up with a tale creepy enough to raise goose bumps, but funny enough to ward off bad dreams and eventually deliver an important message.

The result was a story so popular, it became the main attraction of the evening at Wilson’s Brookhaven home. Dubbed the “Ghost Kid,” the story took on more details and complexities as the months went by. And it soon outgrew the house.

“When they were in elementary school, I volunteered a lot,” says Wilson, whose tykes are now teens. “I’d go in for lunch and was a Cub Scout leader. It wasn’t long before other kids asked me to tell them a Ghost Kid

story. Anytime I was where there was a group of kids, someone would ask.

This went on for years, until I finally realized this thing had legs.”

Several summers ago, Wilson began putting the stories on paper, but the full-time speaker, blogger and advertising copywriter never envisioned himself as a children’s author.

“I’d actually been writing fiction for years, but I’d never done anything like this,” he says. “My biggest concern was that it was as good written without me telling it.”

Wilson printed a few copies and distributed them to friends and family for feedback. “That was great—I even wound up using things some kids said as testimonials,” he says with a laugh.

Last November, “The Annoying Ghost Kid” made its debut online,

in bookstores and as an e-book. The 15-chapter saga follows 10-year-old Corky as he deals with the frustrating specter of Duke. Though it’s aimed at middle-school readers, the book is finding a following with younger readers as well.

“It’s a good story to read to kids, too,” says Wilson. “It’s really an antibullying story that shows kids how to stand up for themselves. That’s a difficult lesson to teach; I know, because I was bullied myself.”

Buoyed by the book’s popularity, Wilson plans to turn out more ghostly escapades. And they may become even more popular in the coming year.

“The story has been optioned by a motion picture company, and it’s been turned into a screenplay,” he says.

“Maybe this time next year, you’ll be reading about that!.” n

“The Annoying Ghost Kid” by Robert Evans Wilson, Jr. is available online at www.amazon.com.

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

35

SIMPLY A&E

on stage

Wunderkind of Atlanta theater At 24, Christina Hoff runs an ensemble she founded as a teen

By Wendell Brock

To say that Christina Hoff is precocious is like saying Tim Tebow can run. At 17, the ambitious Buckhead kid started a theater ministry in the basement of Holy Spirit Catholic Church with a production of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” Today, her efforts have morphed into Fabrefaction Theatre Company, a professional ensemble that opened two years ago in a sleek Westside redesign next to Miller Union restaurant. Flying quietly under the radar, Fabrefaction has produced critically acclaimed productions of “Sweeney Todd” and the campy “Rocky Horror Picture Show” (staged over the holidays). At the same time, it operates a vibrant youth academy that harks back to Hoff ’s childhood as a theater geek. (She attended Marist School and Ben Franklin Academy, and the program draws kids from The Lovett School, Holy Spirit Preparatory School, Sutton Middle School, North Atlanta High School, The Westminster Schools and Atlanta International School, among others.)

“Most of our roots are in Buckhead, and most of our families are still coming from Buckhead,” says the 24-yearold who resembles a young Vivien Leigh with the inky black hair of a Goth girl. We recently sat down with the 2010 graduate of New York University’s prestigious Tisch School of the Arts to talk about her journey and her vision for Fabrefaction.

First, what does “Fabrefaction” mean?

It is a lost word from the 1600s that means “the act of fashioning or making a work of art,” which we thought was pretty apropos to what we do.

And what is that?

We are all about creating theater patrons. We want more people to be supporting the arts. ... So what we are trying to do is foster arts at a young age.

How’s it going?

I feel like I am living the life of somebody who is about four times my age, so it’s funny to stop and think, “Oh, I only graduated from college two years ago.”

That’s not that much time. It’s amazing

36

Christina Hoff left Atlanta to attend New York University, returning in 2010 to open her Westside theater.

Photos by Sara Hanna Photography – www.SaraHanna.com

“What we are trying to do is foster arts at a young age.” how much we have accomplished. We are very lucky, and we are very grateful, because it’s been a lot of hard work.

What’s been your biggest challenge?

I think there’s a misconception. It’s like, “Oh, they have this beautiful space; obviously they have a huge budget.”

And we are probably on one of the most shoe-string budgets in the city.

(Fabrefaction is a non-profit that depends largely on donor support; it operates on an annual budget of about $700,000.)

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

Why did you pick “Titanic: The Musical” (April 12-29)?

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do the show at this time. (The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912.) We applied for rights long ago because I was terrified that somebody else was going to come up with the same idea. I think people have shied away because it’s so monumental.

It’s a titanic show to put on. We will probably have close to 40 people on stage, between the kids and the professionals. n

Fabrefaction Theatre Company 999 Brady Avenue N.W. Atlanta 30318 404.876.9468 www.fabrefaction.org Coming up at Fabrefaction: “Tartuffe.” Hoff directs the Molière classic in the theater’s black box.

(March 15-25) “Titanic: The Musical.” Hoff plays passenger Kate McGowan.

(April 12-29)

R E V I E W | W I N E | F O O D I E J O U R NA L | TA S T E M A K E R | R E S TAU R A N T S

Simply Delicious Restaurant Review

“At its best, Little Bangkok is like a brief, belly-pleasing adventure to the Land of Smiles.”

–Wendell Brock, “Thai’d and True,” page 38

The dining room at Little Bangkok. Sara Hanna Photography – www.SaraHanna.com March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

37

S IM P LY D EL I C IOUS

R E VIE W

Thai’d and True Little Bangkok on Cheshire Bridge Road a keeper

By Wendell Brock

L

ittle Bangkok is a decidedly humble hole-in-the-wall. Snugly situated next to a busy stretch of Cheshire Bridge Road, it looks a bit like a warmed-over 7-Eleven on the outside and an unfortunately decorated nail salon on the inside. When the restaurant is busy (which seems like always), the narrow slip of asphalt in front can be an awkward jigsaw puzzle of cars trying to find spaces—backing in and out, double parking, giving up and driving away. A turn in a Bangkok rickshaw would make for a smoother ride.

Buddhist statues, international currencies and red-vinyl booths comprise Little Bangkok’s décor.

All photos by Sara Hanna Photography – www.SaraHanna.com

38

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

Yet many Atlanta ethnic-foodies insist that Little Bangkok is their favorite go-to joint for casual Thai. Not the fussy business of intricately carved radishes and gilded bowls. Not the throwaway curries and stir-fries of last-chance airport concessions and mall food courts.

Little Bangkok is that happy place somewhere in the middle—a spot where the spring rolls are always crispy, the pad Thai always a plate of tangy-sweet comfort, and where adventuresome diners can savor the green-peppercorn bite of spicy catfish and the sweet, Rice-Krispie weirdness of mee krob.

During the day, the harsh glare of the small dining room illuminates the dubiously mish-mash décor (formal swag curtains, red-vinyl booths, blue-enamel trim). By night, the room takes on the soft pink glow of twinkly lights and golden Buddhist knickknacks. Service

is consistently brisk and efficient.

Though the restaurant offers a page or two of Chinese staples, I don’t stop in for almond chicken, Mongolian beef or the $6 lunch specials. I come to hear my friend Katie say “mmm” at her first bite of nua num tok (a Thai beef salad distinguished by the earthy undertones of toasted rice powder and fashioned here from smoky strips of sirloin).

And to see my pal Danny dismiss the yum woon sen (a glass-noodle salad of minced pork, shrimp and prickly chilies) as too spicy for his palate. No prob.

That’s more for me to slurp!

Little Bang’s prices are so reasonable that you can order a veritable minibanquet of dishes. Then, in true Central Thailand style, everyone can have some soup, a curry, a noodle dish and perhaps one of the “Thai specials” listed inside the tiny, easy-to-miss plastic frame that encases the beer and wine list.

Among the first-course soups, both the coconut-scented tom ka and the tom yum with lemongrass are good.

But my fat-loving tastebuds derive more pleasure from the seductive caress of a coconut-milk bath than a spicy broth. The fresh basil rolls (the kind wrapped in translucent rice paper) were too thick with tasteless bean sprouts and too skimpy on the shrimpies for me. Much, much better are the fried spring rolls with pork, chicken, noodles and peppery cabbage. Presented in a little boat with a rear compartment full of thick, sweet peanut sauce

1. Fried spring rolls 2. Mee krob 3. Yum woon sen 4. Nua num tok 5. Pad Thai 6. Fried catfish 7. Tom ka soup

“In the Asian zigzag of upper Cheshire Bridge, Little Bangkok shines like a diamond-in-the-rough.” for dipping, they strike me as just the thing for introducing children to the pleasures of Thai food.

Noodle-heads can count on the pad Thai, that essential national dish that hits all the Thai notes of sweet, sour, salty and crunchy (thanks to the sprinkling of peanuts). Also good is the pad see ew, wide rice noodles shaded brown by a sauce that infuses the entire dish with that vaguely fermented, woodsy tone of sweet black soy. For a different noodle texture, try the mee krob, thin rice sticks fried into crispy, ramen-like waves, then lightly coated with a gently sweet tamarind sauce and flecked

with bits of red chile. This street-hawker snack is a delectable way to reincarnate your cereal-loving inner child.

To be honest, I’m on the fence about Little Bangkok’s curries, which are perfectly dependable but not stellar. I’ve always thought Massaman, the classic Muslim dish, to be the most decadent of the Thai curry family tree—with its yellow gravy, cashews, avocado and chunks of potato. But Little Bang’s version lacked the fragrant complexity that’s the hallmark of good Massaman.

Red curry was a better decision. It held up well to the beef (our meat of choice), the fresh basil and luxurious coconut

base softening any prickly edges. As my quest for the perfect curry continues, next time I’ll try the spicy green curry, which the editor of this magazine tells me she has at least once a week!

Being a Southerner, I can never get enough fried catfish. So I frequently return to Little Bang for the heated version tossed with green beans, eggplant, fried basil leaves and—hello!— small branches of those pungent green peppercorns. I strip the peppers off, mix them in and suddenly remember that this is the sort of taste explosion that requires copious swigs of Singha, the signature Thai lager. Speaking of drinks, Little Bang has a basic selection of beer and wine, soft drinks and teas (including the Thai iced tea that’s like a dessert in a glass). If you’re in the mood for something sweet, you’ll find your options pretty much limited to

the likes of coconut, green tea and red bean ice cream.

So, here’s the deal. Atlanta has gobs of Thai restaurants—from high-end destinations to low-budget nooks with nearly identical menus. But when I want seriously good, mid-priced grub, Little Bang is where I go. In the Asian zigzag of upper Cheshire Bridge (which includes Bamboo Luau’s Chinatown to the north and Hong Kong Harbour to the south), it shines like a diamond-in-the-rough. If the parking situation is a hassle, you’ll forgive it once you try the food. At its best, Little Bangkok is like a brief, belly-pleasing adventure to the Land of Smiles. n Footnote: If the parking situation turns you off, consider dining after 6 p.m., when there’s ample parking in the two-story, red-brick building next door.

Little Bangkok Thai & Chinese Cuisine 2225 Cheshire Bridge Road Atlanta 30324 404.315.1530 www.littlebangkokatlanta.com Prices: Entrées, $7.95-$17.95 Bottom line: Thai lovers swear by it.

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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S IM P LY D EL I C IOUS

wine

By Katie Kelly Bell

A

s the world’s fifth largest wine producing nation with more than 527,000 acres of vineyards, Argentina is a busy place for winemaking. Most of the magic happens in Mendoza, nestled at the base of the Andes Mountains; fortunately for us, much of that Argentine wine magic is sold right here in Buckhead at retailers such as Ansley Wine Merchants and Sherlock’s Wine Merchant.

Argentina is also home to some of the highest elevation vineyards in the world, and Malbec is indisputably the region’s dominant grape—and for good reason. Boasting a glorious range of tastes and aromas, Malbecs are lush, dark and sexy, but there’s more to Mendoza than Malbec.

This unique growing region is three things most others are not: hot, dry and high. The arid climate, dry heat and high elevation comprise a trio of ideal conditions for cultivating a wide range of grapes. It’s no surprise that winemakers experiment with everything from Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc to late harvest Torrontés and sparkling wines. It’s also worth noting that the punishing lack of humidity, while hard on humans, ensures the vineyards are virtually pest free, which makes for healthier vines (and fewer pesticides).

The only thing in short supply is water, and this is where the Andes come in as snow melt dribbles down the mountainsides into irrigation channels that divert precious water to the vineyards.

All of these factors result in, as Carlos Tizio, vineyard manager for Clos de los Siete explains, “wines with the velvet of a baby’s butt and the range of Pavarotti.” Let the opera begin.

Below you’ll find a sampling of Argentina’s range. Available at Ansley Wine Merchants and Sherlock’s Wine Merchant. Some items may require special order through your retailer. n

Sherlock’s Wine Merchant 3401 Northside Parkway Atlanta 30327 404.233.1514 www.sherlocks.com Ansley Wine Merchants 1544 Piedmont Road N.E. Atlanta 30324 404.876.6790 www.ansleywine.com

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

The new South There’s more to Argentina than Malbec 1. Los Cerrillos Uruco, red blend, 2006 ($22-$24) This small-batch, handcrafted wine is a blockbuster blend of 50 percent Malbec, 25 percent Cabernet Sauvignon and 25 percent Merlot, fashioned in a Bordeaux style with emphasis on the Malbec rather than the Cabernet. Heavy on the dark red and black fruits, it has a nice thin edge of vanilla and spice, wood and chocolate. Age it a bit or drink immediately with a ribeye.

2. Susana Balbo Late Harvest Torrontés, 2009 ($30) Hand harvested at 3,200 feet

of elevation, this late harvest wine is crafted from mature Torrontés grapes, yielding very concentrated flavors.

Think floral honey notes with a thread of citrus. Enjoy alone or with an airy, light dessert such as crème brulée.

3. Finca El Peral Sauvignon Blanc, 2009 ($15) Lemon cream and zesty citrus notes give this wine a serious, more French-styled edge.

Enjoy it with fresh seafood or oysters.

4. Las Acequias Cabernet Sauvignon, 2007 ($16) This is a serious wine with layers of concentrated cherry fruit, spice and chocolate. Smoky notes make it a great pairing with anything grilled.

style (which is identical to the way Champagne is made).

Crispy and zippy with warm round notes to lend some heft, this sparkler is perfect for toasting and enjoying with a meal.

5. CJR Reginato—Celestina rosé sparkling wine ($20) This limited production boutique bubbly is handcrafted from 100 percent Malbec grapes and one of Argentina’s best values in sparkling wine. It is produced in the Metodo Tradicional

6. Clos de los Siete, red blend, 2009 vintage ($18) Michel Rolland, one of France’s premiere winemakers, produces this red blend. Cassis and earth notes from the silky combination of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, and Petit Verdot make it ideal with barbecue.

S IM P LY D EL I C IOUS

foodie journal | Culinary News & Notes

By Jennifer Bradley Franklin

hot in here Photos by Sara Hanna Photography - www.sarahanna.com

B

uckhead has a new place to nosh on pizza and it’s redefining the term “fast casual.” Fuoco di Napoli, situated on the little stretch of Pharr Road to the west of Peachtree, is carving out a place among Atlanta’s pizza connoisseurs.

Enrico Liberato seemed destined to be a pizza master. Growing up poor in Naples, Italy, he started making pies with his grandparents, since it was the ideal cheap food. A bag of flour, yeast and salt could be transformed into a delicious canvas for cheese and tomatoes. Plus, what kid doesn’t enjoy playing with dough? He was hooked, saying, “It started as play and the passion grew from there.”

As a teenager, he went to pizzerias with his father. The pair ordered a pizza, just for the opportunity to peer into the kitchen and watch the chefs put on a show. After working in kitchens all over Italy and obtaining a degree from Associazione Pizzaiuoli Napoletani, Liberato came to Atlanta, landing in the kitchen of Inman Park’s Fritti. From there, he did the pizza tour of Atlanta, including stints at famed Antico Pizza Napoletana and Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria. Knowing he wanted a place of his

own, Liberato built Fuoco di Napoli’s wood-burning brick oven by hand, laying each of the 1,268 bricks.

Opened in late 2011, Fuoco di Napoli’s menu is simple—a couple of salads and a handful of really well prepared pizzas with toppings imported from Italy: prosciutto from Parma, bufala mozzarella from Campania and San Marzano tomatoes. Since the restaurant doesn’t have a liquor license, guests are invited to bring their own wine or beer to accompany the meal, a nice option for eating out on the cheap. Liberato’s passion for his craft is evident. “I do this job because it’s my life,” he says in his charming Italian accent. “I love it.”

Perhaps the best part about a visit to Fuoco di Napoli is the speed at which the pizza reaches your table—a margherita pizza only spends about 55 seconds cooking in the red- and white-oak woodburning oven. It brings a whole new (read: delicious!) meaning to “fast casual.”

Fuoco di Napoli 30 Pharr Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.781.0707 www.fuocodinapoli.com

The underground supper club craze is going brick and mortar with the Buckhead opening of Cardamom Hill, an extension of Asha Gomez’s popular Spice Route Supper Club. Like the under-the-radar dinner parties, the permanent location features interpretations of the cuisine of her homeland, India’s Kerala region. Don’t be fooled because this isn’t “typical” Indian fare. Gomez leverages locally seasonal ingredients to go beyond standard curries and vindaloos. One standout is the delicately crispy Keralastyle fried chicken—the perfect marriage of Gomez’s roots and her current home.

Another way the restaurant sets itself apart? The cocktail list. “Kerala is an incredibly verdant and tropical place,” Gomez says. “Many of Cardamom Hill’s handcrafted cocktails have a fruit forward and aromatic component that also complements and highlights the spice and herb flavors found in our cuisine.” Here, mixologist Brian Stanger shares a yet-to-be-named signature cocktail for you to enjoy at home.

2 ounces Beefeater gin 1/4 ounce lime juice 1 ounce soursop juice* 1/2 ounce orgeat 1/2 ounce apricot brandy 1/2 ounce Lillet 2 dashes Bitterman’s Tiki Bitters

beverage to go with their carb-loading, look for a wine list curated by John Passman of Cellar 13 wine shop.

Combine all ingredients. Shake with fresh ice and strain into a Collins glass. Zest a lime on top and enjoy. *Soursop is an acidic tropical fruit, typically available in international markets.

Cardamom Hill 1700 Northside Drive N.W. Atlanta 30318 404.549.7012 www.cardamomhill.net

Through the Paces

Photos by Chris Hornaday

It’s been ages since a new restaurant opened on West Paces Ferry Road, so the foodie community is abuzz over STG Trattoria, the first Buckhead outpost from the masterminds behind the Westside’s popular Bocado. The restaurant, which should open right about the time this issue hits the stands (early March), will feature the culinary stylings of Executive Chef Joshua Hopkins, formerly of Abattoir.

Owner Brian Lewis, whose sons Sebastian, Tristan and Gabriel inspired the restaurant’s name, told us he scouted the perfect location for some time. Pizza will be the star of the menu with artisan pasta dishes playing a supporting role. Lewis doesn’t care to speculate on what will become the signature dish of STG Trattoria, much like the cult-favorite hamburger at Bocado. “We’ll just put our best food forward,” he says. “Ultimately, our guests will be the ones who decide.”

For those who appreciate a great adult

STG Trattoria 102 West Paces Ferry Road Atlanta 30305 www.stgtrattoria.com

“Newk” to Town

s

it’s getting

s

Up a Hill

Town Brookhaven has a fresh new restaurant in its ranks. Newk’s Express Café, owned by locals Randi and Jay Medley, is serving up large portions of freshly tossed salads, Californiastyle pizzas (with locally grown toppings when possible), oven-baked sandwiches and scratch-made cakes, all at reasonable prices ($7 to $9 for entrees). Nothing is pre-made, right down to the salad dressings, which are prepared in-house each morning. So, even if you don’t have time to do the cooking yourself, you can still enjoy the benefit of a truly home-cooked meal.

Newk’s Express Café 305 Brookhaven Avenue Atlanta 30319 678.365.4410 www.newkscafe.com

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

APRIL 23-28, 2013

S IM P LY D EL I C IOUS

tast em aker

Native

son Atlanta born chef Bennett Hollberg brings his heritage to bear on Buckhead power spot Davio’s

By Felicia Feaster

A

tlanta native Bennett Hollberg, 33, always knew he wanted to teach. He just didn’t realize his lessons would unfold, not inside a high school classroom, but in a blue-chip Buckhead kitchen as executive chef at Davio’s Northern Italian Steakhouse.

During summers off from Furman University—where he was studying to be a biology teacher—Hollberg worked at St. Louis Bread Company in Emory Village. There he discovered his passion for food. “I just really kind of fell in love with the pace of restaurants and the wild and crazy people who work in restaurants.” After culinary school at the Art Institute of Seattle and stints at The Ritz-Carlton, Atlanta in Downtown and Buckhead’s storied The Dining Room at The RitzCarlton, Buckhead, Bennett touched down at Davio’s in 2010.

Named a “Rising Star Chef ” by Atlanta magazine in 2008, Hollberg has infused the meat-centric menu at Davio’s with the distinctive culinary heritage of the land he calls home, bringing peanuts, trout, grits and greens to the Buckhead power spot. Adapting the Philadelphia-based restaurant to local tastes, Hollberg added regionally inflected dishes like pan-seared sea scallops with corn grits, sweet potato fries and foie gras with roasted Georgia peaches.

Sara Hanna Photography – www.SaraHanna.com

Are there any stereotypes about either steak or Italian food you would love to shake up at Davio’s?

The stereotype is heavy and fattening food. And that is not necessarily the case. It can be, but it doesn’t have to be.

Favorite thing on the menu right now?

It changes hour-to-hour. This hour?

Probably gnocchi with bolognese sauce.

What makes a great cut of meat?

The marbling. Good fat content. When it’s raw I like a nice, firm texture. And something that has flavor and holds up well to cooking.

Favorite cut?

I used to not like filets, but recently I’ve had a couple and there’s a reason it’s the most popular cut of meat.

Tell me what you think is the essential difference between northern Italian and southern?

It really comes down to the use of dairy: milk and cream. The northern Italian food has a richer, heartier feel to it and southern Italy has a heavier use of olive oil for the main fat.

What are your go-to sauces or preparations that enhance the flavor of meat rather than hiding the flavor?

We make two veal stock-based sauces: our peppercorn and our bordelaise. So we use the veal bones to make a really rich sauce. You are just kind of adding to the flavor of meat there. But we also understand that some people have different preferences and that’s where you have the horseradish sauce and some of those spicier sauces that are more distinct flavors and, in my mind, tend to mask flavors.

When I’m going for the true steak experience I think of my wine as being my sauce. So I’ll pick a wine that has bold enough flavors to complement the flavor of the steak and break up the richness of it. So each sip of wine you’re kind of cleansing your palate from the steak before, so each bite of steak is a new experience.

What’s your idea of a perfect meal?

A perfect meal comes straight out of the garden and nothing is more than two or three hours from being picked.

And then good company and a good bottle of wine … or two.

Davio’s is sort of an Atlanta power dining scene. Is there anyone in particular you’d like to see come into the restaurant more?

I’d like to see a few more of the Braves.

I grew up playing baseball. n

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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S IM P LY D EL I C IOUS

featured restaurants A sampling of great eats in and around Buckhead

By Rachelle Hicks n American Roadhouse 842 North Highland Avenue N.E. Atlanta 30306 404.872.2822 www.american-roadhouse.com This friendly diner is a staple breakfast spot along the North Highland strip.

Waking up the Highlands since 1989, owners Martin Maslia and Ed Udoff have certainly mastered the art of starting the day off right. Anything with eggs is amazing, but our favorite breakfast meals are the smoked salmon scramble—made fresh with dill, melted cream cheese and chives—and the red flannel hash— a hearty dish made of corned beef, Idaho potatoes, red peppers and onions covered with two delicious eggs. Daily weekday specials include classic American dishes like Monday’s grilled rosemary pork chop or Friday’s pecan crusted trout, both served with potatoes and pan roasted green beans. Maslia and Udoff boast their diner as an excellent spot for a business meal, family gathering or quick morning meal for couples, and they cater as well. Oh yeah, about the fluffy, buttery biscuits … they’re heavenly.

n Black Bear Tavern 1931 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30309 404.355.9089 www.blackbeartavern.net This is a true Southern tavern, fit with the occasional live band, dart tournaments and saucy appetizers like nachos and mozzarella sticks. More inventive apps include dainty small-bite plates like the mini corn dogs basket—bite sized corn dogs and tater tots—and a platter of firecracker popcorn shrimp with a spicy cocktail sauce. They also serve wings, yakitori skewers, burgers, soups and salads.

What we really love, however, are the specialty entrées like the apple chicken salad sandwich—a lighter dish of sweet apple chicken salad and Monterey Jack cheese—and the steak sandwich—an 8-ounce piece of meat topped with sautéed onions and melted Monterey Jack cheese, held together by a fluffy bun.

n BrickTop’s 3280 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.841.2212 www.bricktops.com

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BrickTop’s in Buckhead is known for its smorgasbord of menu options including a unique house specialty served any time of day—deviled eggs and sugar bacon. Order this rich starter plate to share before a Saturday or Sunday brunch of Eggs BrickTop’s—a delectable platter of fluffy yellow eggs, sausage and Parmesan and Fontina cheeses. For dinner, we love the roasted prime rib au jus with a twice-baked potato and the ahi tuna burger slathered with tangy ponzu slaw. Drink specials include a carafe of house sangria served during brunch as well as cocktails like the Old Fashioned—orange and cherry pulp, Wood Reserve bourbon, sweet vermouth and bitters.

n Cassis at the Grand Hyatt 3300 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.364.3933 www.grandatlanta.hyatt.com A morning or lunch feast at the Grand Hyatt’s Cassis in Buckhead should be enjoyed at least once in a lifetime. The impressive menu, put together by executive chef Thomas McKeown, includes a grand breakfast buffet or lunch à la carte. Morning options include orange French toast with a crispy vanillacornflake crust and orange zest butter, and others like the sweet potato and Yukon gold skillet made with crumbles of natural turkey sausage, sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers and cage-free eggs. What’s more, a full coffee menu offers drinks brewed with Torrefazione Italia. For lunch, there are sandwiches, salads and specialties like Merlot braised beef short ribs with Parmesan mashed potatoes, seasonal vegetables, roasted pearl onions and parsnip crisp.

Also, mark your calendar for a special Easter brunch on April 8.

n Ocean Prime 3102 Piedmont Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.846.0505 www.oceanprimeatlanta.com It began as a group of chefs in Columbus, Ohio, determined to create the most inventive and opulent, yet personal dining experience where guests are known by name. Now it is championed as one of Buckhead’s most

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

Spotlight n Basil’s Mediterranean Café 2985 Grandview Avenue N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.233.9755 www.basils.net

Photos: Rachelle Hicks

This quaint bungalow of an eatery serves up a plethora of Mediterranean delights for lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. It’s an ideal spot for a romantic retreat, but can also accommodate families and large parties. Tapas are the menu’s main attraction, featuring small plates like flatbread with mushrooms— an earthy bed of tender cremini, portobello and oyster, melted Parmesan and Manchego cheeses, topped with drizzled truffle oil—and lamb ribs, which are slow-cooked to delicate ribbons and complemented by a sweet cilantro-lime sauce. There are also entrée options like a tempting New York strip grilled with caramelized onions, sweet rosemary needles and crumbly Gorgonzola. Basil’s also serves exotic cocktails like the Tres Leches martini—a tempting concoction of velvety Tres Leches Liqueur, vanilla vodka, Kahlúa and brandy—and a Lebanese martini made with traditional arak poured with water over crushed ice. While dining on Basil’s fine cuisine and specialty drinks, guests can enjoy a featured art display exhibited by The Atlanta Artists Center and Gallery. Exhibits rotate the first Friday of every month and work is available for purchase.

distinguished restaurants. A more elegant take on surf ’n’ turf, Ocean Prime serves up the most savory of land and sea plates, including signature dishes like the Chilean sea bass in champagne truffle sauce and the dry-aged, 16-ounce Kansas City strip steak. The restaurant also boasts an award-winning wine selection to pair with your favorite dish.

If you want to sound like a real wine expert, order a crisp Waugh Cellars Chardonnay—a rare find for oenophiles—with the sea bass or a glass of the Quivira Zinfandel—fully ripe with flavors of bramble fruit, plum and a kick of black pepper—with the steak.

n Raja Indian Restaurant 2955 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.237.2661 www.grandraja.com Born and raised in Calcutta, India, owner and founder Ramen Saha opened Raja in 1979 after polishing his culinary skills in India, England, New York, and finally, Buckhead. Dishes range from diverse vegetarian options, like the saag paneer—a south Asian cheese and spinach dish—to a large selection of meat dishes like the lamb saag aloo, prepared with fried potatoes (aloo), spinach (saag) and spicy curry.

Most of the plates are served with rice and should be eaten with any of the 11 (yes, 11!) different types of naan, paratha and kulcha breads.

There’s also a tandoori mixed platter for those interested in dishes prepared in a traditional tandoor oven. For dessert, a must-try is Raja’s kulfi, a very dense, velvety ice cream that comes in mango or pistachio flavors. Sweet tooths can also opt for an order of kheer, a traditional Indian rice pudding.

consist of dips such as the borani spinach—a delicate blend of yogurt, sautéed spinach, onion and garlic—and the kashk badenjoon—a traditional combination of sautéed eggplant and onion, under a bed of Persian cream of whey, crisped onion and mint. Main kabob plates of beef, Cornish hen, chicken, lamb and salmon dominate the menu, each served with rich side options of rice, including the saffron basmati mixed with almond slivers and orange zest sauce.

n Rosebud 1397 North Highland Avenue Atlanta 30306 404.347.9747 www.rosebudatlanta.com

n The Square Pub 115 Sycamore Street Decatur 30030 404.844.4010 www.squarepubdecatur.com

Rosebud maintains some seriously loyal customers with its lovable chef, Ron Eyester, who creates a community atmosphere and uses only fresh, locally sourced fare. The Southern-inspired American cuisine boasts fall-off-yourchair dishes like the Bay of Fundy salmon, which comes with a helping of local squash hash, balsamic roasted mushrooms and pumpkin seed vinaigrette. There’s also a Monday night brunch featuring delectable dishes like country ham and Brie French toast, made with Alon’s Bakery pain de mie, house preserves and Vermont maple syrup. Rosebud also has a great selection of dangerously delicious potations, including Dante’s Inferno—a concoction of rye whisky, pineapple, orgeat, absinthe and bitters—and a Monday night brunch special called the AT&T made with house-infused apricot and thyme gin mixed with Stirrings tonic.

Entrepreneurs Bob Rhein and Jason Wiles wanted a place where they could hang out, eat late (kitchen’s open until 2 a.m.) and drink awesome beers, so they created The Square Pub. Gourmet pub grub is what’s on the menu, featuring Southwestern favorites like the carnitas burrito made with slow-cooked pork, rice and beans, topped with Chimayo red chile and cheese. There are also about a dozen sandwiches to choose from, along with apps like crab dip and hummus. You can find all the regular bottled beers, but the real treats are on draft. Featured brews change regularly, but you might expect to find something like the Lazy Magnolia Jefferson Stout or a Heavy Seas Loose Canon IPA—a well-built seven-percenter.

n Rumi’s Kitchen 6152 Roswell Road N.E. Atlanta 30328 404.477.2100 www.rumiskitchen.com Named after the 13th century Persian poet, Jelaluddin Rumi, this elegant Iranian restaurant is nothing short of serene, accommodating and an overall delightful experience. A bubbling fountain on the covered patio, along with a background of Persian strings, serenades guests as they are treated to a night of comfort, laughter and luxury. A traditional plate of flatbread, along with a mix of parsley, mint, walnuts and feta is always brought out to begin the meal. The starter plates

n Stix & Steaks 4279 Roswell Road Atlanta 30342 404.255.4868 www.chopstixatlanta.net Formerly named Chopstix, Owners Phillip Chan and Alvin Yin have revamped their classic Hong Kong cuisine to incorporate hearty meat dishes like beef tenderloin—an 8-ounce filet sautéed with black pepper sauce, served with sugar snaps and mushrooms. Though the entrées include a wide array of veggie and meat dishes, the seafood plates are by far the best—a house specialty, the lobster tail, is made in classic Cantonese style, sautéed with zesty ginger and scallion sauce. The chef is also more than happy to prepare dishes by special request that aren’t on the menu. Best of

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FREE PARKING 3365 piedmont rd atl, ga 30305 farmburger.net • 404.816.0603

all, all meals are MSG-free! Live music of varying genres plays nightly and most customers will come in their dancing shoes on Friday and Saturday nights.

Find us on Facebook

n Tartufo Italian Pizzeria 3137 Piedmont Road N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.806.9957 www.tartufopizza.com This place blends a modern atmosphere with some deliciously authentic pies.

The modern setting pops with redaccented walls, large mounted photographs of bustling city streets and IKEA-esque chairs and light fixtures.

Complete with a large community table and a wood-fired brick oven where all the pizzas are handmade, Tartufo seems to blend traditional and stylish well. The namesake pie is made with truffle oil (a signature ingredient), caramelized onion, roasted mushroom, fresh mozzarella and arugula. Another that would have even Caesar himself exclaiming “Mamma Mia!” is the Carthago—San Marzano tomato, chunks of albacore tuna, black olive, caper, potato, garlic, parsley and fresh mozzarella. An exquisite selection of fresh gelato is also offered daily in unique flavors like vanilla basil, fig, lavender and many more.

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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one in five children i n A m e r i c A struggle with hunger

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

SI MPLY B UCKHEAD COVER STO RY

We salute sustainable businesses, neighborhoods, schools and restaurants in our own backyard

n e e r G Leaders Buckhead’s

Forty-two years ago, Kermit the Frog sang “It’s Not Easy Being Green” on the iconic “Muppets” children’s show. He might have been on to something: If being green and sustainable were easy, everyone would jump on the bandwagon.

Even in the face of product scarcity and higher costs, environmental sustainability is increasingly taking center stage in Buckhead. Here, Simply Buckhead spotlights just a few of our neighbors who are leading the way toward a greener and more sustainable community for future generations.

By Jennifer Bradley Franklin | Photos by Sara Hanna Photography - www.SaraHanna.com

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

Heather Schoenrock, founder of Jack’s Harvest, in her kitchen.

S IMP LY B U CK H EAD COV ER STORY

Getting down to

s s e n i s u B

Our Green Companies

“Green” and “sustainable” are corporate buzzwords these days, motivating consumers to do business with companies that make it a priority to have a minimal impact on the environment.

The businesses themselves come in a variety of shapes and sizes: Some help others become more eco-friendly, while others seamlessly layer sustainability into their core values and produce products that are just plain cool.

One such company is Gorilla Sacks, based in the liminal space between Buckhead and Midtown. The company rescues durable (and nondegradable) billboard vinyls before they make it to landfills and handcrafts them into funky messenger bags, grocery sacks, laptop sleeves and Kindle cases, all of which are practically indestructible. Taken from ads for notable brands like Turner Broadcasting,

Green Spotlight: Business

SunTrust and Whole Foods Market, no two products are alike. The company has even produced custom bags for Buckhead-based entities like Vendormate, Living Green Pages and the Atlanta International School. “While I was searching for a solution to a growing problem in our landfills, I accidentally began creating functional artwork,” says Founder Lisa Zawacki. Small classic totes start at $26 and are available at Re-Inspiration in Virginia-Highland and on the company’s Web site. The company gets its curious name because Zawacki donates 10 percent of each sale to wildlife organizations.

Another Buckhead resident making strides in green business is Tricia Browne of Handmade Body Care. Browne, a licensed esthetician, struggled with acne as a teen. She discovered that natural remedies like willow bark and aloe worked better than medications and prescription creams. As she studied, she

learned that the skin is the largest organ in the human body, so what we put on it has a major impact. “Many harmful chemicals [in cosmetic and grooming products] are absorbed a little at a time,” Browne explains. “They’ve been found to have a cumulative and negative effect on our internal organs.” Her line of body butters, lip balms and scrubs leverages natural, nontoxic ingredients such as avocado oil, shea butter and safflower oil; all are free from harmful additives like parabens and toxic chemical fragrances. Made at Browne’s home studio in Buckhead, the items come in recyclable containers, without outer packaging to minimize waste, and are available at 5 Continents Boutique in Buckhead.

Gorilla Sacks www.gorillasacks.com Re-Inspiration www.reinspirationstore.com Handmade Body Care www.handmadebodycare.com 5 Continents Boutique www.5continents.us

Heather Schoenrock – Jack’s Harvest Frozen Organic Baby Food

Twelve years ago, Heather Schoenrock’s

Hint of Mint and Goin’ Back to Cauli, a

produce is Georgia-grown, which

in many plastics). “We are really

baby, Lucy, was chronically sick. After

flavor developed by “Top Chef” winner

means the process of getting the raw

proud about the fact that our facility

trying every medical trick in the book,

Richard Blais.

materials to the company’s kitchen is

generates so little waste that we were

she started making her own baby

The passion Schoenrock feels for

sustainable as well: Part of the United

able to convince the city that we didn’t

food from organic produce; Lucy’s

organics and children is palpable. “The

States’ massive dependence on oil is

need a dumpster,” Schoenrock says,

health began to improve. Thus, Jack’s

amount of pesticides and fertilizers the

due to shipping food from overseas.

adding that most of their solid waste

Harvest Frozen Organic Baby Food

FDA approves has never been tested

(named for Schoenrock’s son, Jack)

on children, much less infants and

to sustainability goes beyond the

gardens. Jack’s Harvest products are

was born. With offices in Brookhaven,

toddlers,” she says. “The organs and

food itself. The company uses natural

available at Kroger Fresh Fare and

the company turns out playful flavors

tissues of the babies are still developing

cleaning products, peroxide, steam

Whole Foods Market in Buckhead or

for tiny gourmands such as Lip-

and they are not as able as adults to

cleaning and baking soda in its kitchen,

can be ordered directly online.

Smacking Sweet Potatoes with a Dash

flush toxins from their bodies.”

and all of its packaging is BPA-free

of Cinnamon, More Peas Please with a

The lion’s share of Schoenrock’s

The Jack’s Harvest commitment

(Bisphenol-A, a toxic substance found

is recycled and composted in local

Jack’s Harvest www.jacksharvest.com

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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A beautiful day in the

d o o h r o b h g i e N Our Green Residential Areas

5

simple ways to

Despite honking cars and towering buildings, some of our neighborhoods have carved out green oases in the heart of the city.

green your life

Here are five quick tips to help green your every day, courtesy of Denise Starling, executive director of Livable Buckhead, an organization that works with individuals and businesses to improve the environment and quality of life in Buckhead.

One such spot is The Wylde Center, best known for the 2.75-acre Oakhurst Community Garden. Beyond the obvious opportunities to garden, compost and purchase fresh vegetables (on the honor system: take what you want and leave your payment), the center, in partnership with the Decatur Housing Authority, provides food education to 150 local students, focusing on gardening, making healthier choices and environmental sensitivity. “It’s a place for people to connect to the earth in a way that feels comfortable to them,” Executive Director Stephanie Van Parys explains.

Another slice of green nearby is Little

1. Get an energy checkup. Georgia Power has an online tool to walk you through an energy audit in less than 15 minutes.

Then, make adjustments like switching to efficient lighting and adding insulation and caulking to make your home more energy-efficient.

2. Take household recyclables to Buckhead’s EcoCollection. Held March 24, the second annual EcoCollection offers an opportunity to drop off electronics, paint, batteries and fluorescent light bulbs that aren’t safe for normal trash pickup.

For more information, visit the Livable Buckhead website.

3. Help build parks in Buckhead. You can create greenspace by making a taxdeductable donation at Livable Buckhead to the Buckhead Collection, a system of parks, trails and greenspaces.

4. Change your driving habits. Find a carpool partner. Take transit. Walk your child to school. Every little bit helps.

Nancy Creek Park, located just on the cusp of Brookhaven and North Buckhead. In 2007, the city of Atlanta “rescued” five acres on Peachtree Dunwoody Road from a proposed home development and turned it over to the area’s neighborhoods to build a park. “Both [Brookhaven and North Buckhead] feed into Sarah Smith Elementary, and the park is the most unifying thing we’ve got,” volunteer Christy Roberts says. “It’s nice for us to come together to work on this.” Even local Eagle Scouts have gotten in on the action, building benches, bat boxes and a path. Right now, the park boasts a creek with a quaint bridge, community gardens, a paved parking lot and a playground. As more money is raised, the park will add pavilions and additional trails and bridges.

The Wylde Center www.oakhurstgarden.org Little Nancy Creek Park www.littlenancycreekpark.org

Green Spotlight: neighborhood A herd of 50 sheep and goats grazing

with Park Pride, an Atlanta nonprofit

precious water supply, due to a clever

5. Install a rain barrel. Make the most of spring rain by capturing it and using it to keep your blooms looking beautiful through the summer months.

in the heart of Buckhead is an unusual

that helps neighborhoods improve

rainwater collection system that takes

sight. But if you happened upon

their parks. An overgrown 11-acre patch

drainage from the tennis courts and

Peachtree Hills Park in September 2011,

of land just 11 years ago, the park now

stores it in a 900-gallon tank that’s used

that’s exactly what you saw. The herd,

boasts running paths, a playground,

to water the garden plots.

Livable Buckhead www.livablebuckhead.org Georgia Power online energy audit www.georgiapower.com/earthcents

part of Decatur-based Ewe-niversally

tennis courts and ball fields.

Pick of the Patch April 13-15, 2012 The Annual Plant Sale at Oakhurst Community Garden is your chance to pick up more than 100 varieties of vegetables and herbs to plant at home and sit in on free educational sessions.

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Green, munched through kudzu,

In 2008, Peachtree Hills Park launched

Hanacek, who is retired, devotes much of her time to writing grants to further

invasive Japanese hops and poison ivy

its community garden, a collection of

improve the park. “I want to look back on

(harmless to the animals) to clear land

25 small plots for use by Friends of

my life and know that my efforts made a

the natural way, as an alternative to

Peachtree Hills Park members. (Anyone

difference,” she says. “Our environment

chemical herbicides and pesticides. And

can join for just $10 a year, regardless

is fragile—we can either contribute to its

they did it all at the request of Peachtree

of where you live—but the garden has

destruction or work to preserve it.”

Hills Park Chair Betty Hanacek.

a waiting list for a plot.) There’s even a

Sustainability-minded Hanacek has been

plot dedicated to growing donations

a driving force behind the revitalization

to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

of Peachtree Hills Park, in partnership

The garden doesn’t tap into Atlanta’s

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

Peachtree Hills Park www.peachtree-hills.org Ewe-niversally Green www.eweniversallygreen.com Park Pride www.parkpride.org

S IMP LY B U CK H EAD COV ER STORY

Peachtree Hills Park Chair Betty Hanacek plants vegetables with neighborhood children in the garden she helped found.

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

Emory University professor Dr. Peter Roberts with students Peden Young, Mark Leutzinger and Simon Gonzalez.

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

S IMP LY B U CK H EAD COV ER STORY

Sustainable

g n i n r a Le Our Green educational institutions

Knowledge is power, and making sustainability a part of the educational process teaches a whole new generation to prioritize green initiatives.

Several local schools and universities are leading the way, both modeling and teaching eco-friendly practices to everyone from tiny children embarking on their first years of formal learning to motivated students getting advanced degrees.

Take The Lovett School, for example. The Buckhead private school promotes sustainability through its facilities—the newly built middle school building is LEED Gold certified with a green roof that allows for rooftop outdoor classes. The school also incorporates green practices like recycling used kitchen

Green Spotlight: EDUCATION

oil into biodiesel fuel and using permanent china in the cafeteria rather than disposables.

Its eco-conscious curriculum and extracurricular offerings have an impact too—just ask high school senior Lauren Formica. After a ninth grade biology class sparked her interest in the environment, Formica joined the Ecology Club, which has helped spearhead a Terracycle program (for hard-to-recycle materials), Earth Day festivities and a composting program. She plans to study environmental sustainability in college and hopes one day to become the director of sustainability for a corporation. “I never would have discovered this passion that I have for all things green if I had not been exposed to it through a school that emphasizes these initiatives,” she says.

Younger children are also getting in on the action with programs at E. Rivers El-

ementary School. Kindergarten through fifth graders at this Buckhead school have the opportunity to “play in the dirt” in the school’s garden, which helps them learn how a garden grows, as well as other valuable principles in math and science. To connect what’s grown to what’s good for their little bodies, Restaurant Eugene’s Chef Linton Hopkins sponsors a “Celebrity Fruit and Vegetable” program. Once a month, he prepares a fruit or vegetable and invites the children to try it. When they do, they are given a sticker to wear, hopefully sparking a conversation with parents who might then incorporate that “famous” piece of produce into their diets at home.

The Lovett School www.lovett.org E. Rivers Elementary School www.eriverselementary.com

Dr. Peter Roberts – Emory University’s Goizueta Business School

In January, Emory University professor

to graduate and undergraduate students

drive less and smarter will help solve our

Dr. Peter Roberts witnessed two of his

for 15 years, with a specialty in corporate

city’s traffic problem and, by extension,

MBA students from Goizueta Business

sustainability for the past three-and-a-

decrease our dependence on foreign oil,”

in the green educational space, as

School “dumpster diving” on campus,

half. “I realized that it feels better to not

Roberts says. The second project was

it boasts the most LEED-certified

up to their elbows in trash. Rather than

only focus on how much money you

called “Pay as You Throw,” which analyzed

buildings of any campus in the

chastise them for their extracurricular

make, but how you make your money,”

cost and revenue streams associated

United States and even offers an

activity of choice, he praised them:

he explains. The fall semester saw the

with creating an incentive to reduce the

undergraduate minor in sustainability,

They were researching a new recycling

graduate students in his Corporate Social

volume of waste heading to landfills.

a rarity among Georgia universities.

program to pitch to the school’s dean.

Responsibility Sustainability class take

To Roberts, it’s just one example of the

on two projects for Atlanta’s Office of

Mayor Kasim Reed’s stated goal for

sustainability training won’t be optional.

passion that the school’s sustainability

Sustainability. One was a feasibility study

Atlanta to become a top-10 sustainable

“We’re not even going to call them

initiatives have sparked on campus and

and marketing plan to help Atlanta take

U.S. city in the next 10 years. “We can offer

‘green;’ they’ll just be jobs,” he says.

beyond.

a leadership position in the adoption of

the accumulated business acumen of our

electronic cars. “Encouraging people to

students to the city,” Roberts says. “The

Roberts has taught business strategy

students learn a ton and the city benefits.”

Emory at large is leading the way

Projects like these help further Atlanta

Roberts predicts that in the future,

Emory University www.emory.edu

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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S IM P LY B UC K HE A D COV ER STORY

Eat your

s n e e Gr

Our Green Restaurants

Restaurants are inextricably linked to the health of the earth, since the food that makes it onto their tables has been grown or raised on land or caught in the sea.

sustainable

entertaining Affairs to Remember catering is one of the leaders in an evergreening food-service industry, having diverted more than 200,000 tons of waste from landfills through composting, recycling and food donations. “Leading a greener life is an exciting journey that never ends,” says General Manager Patrick Cuccaro. “Take one small step.”

Here, Cuccaro shares tips for greener entertaining at home.

1. Use your best china. OK, maybe not Grandma’s special pattern, but try not to use disposables.

2. If you must use disposables, find ones that have been made from materials that have been used before.

3. Buy locally sourced products that haven’t “traveled” more than 1,000 miles.

4. Decorate with reusable materials like ribbons, mirrors and whole fruits and vegetables.

5. Support your local CSA (Community-Supported Agriculture), which will mean that your produce and meats have traveled a short distance and help ensure that local farms can stay in business.

Affairs to Remember www.affairs.com

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Some of the restaurants in our area take the responsibility of keeping the planet healthy seriously, beyond the obvious points of recycling and buying local when possible.

One such standout is Canoe on Buckhead’s west side. The iconic restaurant led by Chef Carvel Grant Gould sits on the banks of the Chattahoochee River and boasts an organic vegetable garden with 10 raised beds. Guests will notice hyper-local (as in, grown just feet away) okra, root vegetables, tomatoes, corn, figs and greens peppering the menu. The restaurant shreds used paper for mulch, and two large compost bins consume everything from food scraps to ashes from the kitchen’s wood-burning oven. One of the most recent additions to Canoe’s “farm-to-fork” program is the bee

apiary, home to more than 50,000 Russian bees that not only produce honey but also help pollinate the garden.

Guests who wish to feel ensconced in the farm spirit of the restaurant can choose to dine in the garden at an 18-seat table made of cypress, cut from a tree felled by a recent tornado in south Georgia.

Brookhaven’s Valenza and Haven restaurants, both owned by Michel Arnette, are getting in the locavore game another way—by hosting the Brookhaven Farmers Market on Saturdays in their parking lot. Local farmers markets such as this one provide a place for farmers and boutique food vendors to sell their wares. Brookhaven’s market, which runs spring through fall, features fresh produce, eggs and meats from Georgia farms, as well as prepared foods such as Mad Mama Gourmet soups.

Canoe www.canoeatl.com Valenza www.valenzarestaurant.com Haven www.havenrestaurant.com Brookhaven Farmers Market www.brookhavenfarmersmarket.com Mad Mama Gourmet soups www.madmamagourmet.com

Green Spotlight: RESTAURANTS In 2010, the year George Frangos and

that read like a who’s who of farms and

the environmental footprint of our

Jason Mann opened Farm Burger’s

local vendors: Gaia Gardens, Moonshine

food is much lower … It’s our biggest

first location in Decatur, the restaurant

Meats, Masada Bakery, Red Mule Grits,

point of pride.”

spent more than $400,000 in Georgia—

Featherwise Farms and Greenwood

on beef, produce and local craftsmen

Creamery. But beyond just buying

that their staff spend some time on

to complete the build-out—making

local, the company remains committed

the farms that supply their beef and

a name for itself as a bastion of the

to sustainability in other ways as well,

produce, helping them connect with the

local food movement. Thanks to the

using low-sulfate cleaning materials,

food and the ideals behind it. Frangos

concept’s success, Frangos and Mann

reclaimed hardware and wood and even

and Mann are also committed to

opened a second location in Buckhead

compostable “disposable” materials like

banishing the notion that eating “green”

the following year and are well on

corn-based straws and biodegradable

has to be expensive, serving up burgers

their way toward creating a restaurant

paper products. In the end, though, it

that start at just $6 each. “We want to

empire that not only makes green, but

all goes back to the food itself. “The

be a great restaurant, not just a cause,”

is green as well.

strongest point in our ideals is how we

Frangos explains.

Walk into either Farm Burger location, and you’ll notice blackboards

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

Both Farm Burger locations require

source our food,” Frangos says. “Since we use 100 percent Southeastern beef,

Farm Burger www.farmburger.net

Farm Burger Co-Founder George Frangos at his restaurant’s Buckhead location.

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

PA I D A DV E R T I S E M E N T

P E T PAG E

Interested in advertising in Simply Buckhead?

Contact us at: advertising@simplybuckhead.com

Holly Jones

It Takes a Village The Village Vets go above and beyond

By Giannina Smith Bedford

The staff at The Village Vets truly cares for each animal as their own. The personalized attention to four-legged friends extends beyond the clinic walls and the vet family prides itself on ensuring patients know they are available to them anytime they are in need. Dr. Will Draper founded The Village Vets in 2000 with his wife and partner, Dr. Francoise Tyler. Its top-notch customer service mantra and inviting clinics has been key to the growth of the practice, which today boasts three offices and 20 veterinarians. Walk into The Village Vets Buckhead office at 3404 Northside Parkway, and you are likely to be greeted by the smiling faces of veterinarians Dr. Amy Mathews, Dr. Megan Stewart, Dr. Laura Hooper or Dr. Matt Miller.

Simply Buckhead recently sat down with Dr. Draper and the Buckhead team to discuss their pet-centric devotion.

What is unique about The Village Vets that our readers should know?

M.S.: We work with numerous animal rescue groups to provide discounted services and medical care in addition to our normal clients and patients. This allows the rescue groups to help more animals and gives us an opportunity to “give back” to the community.

A.M.: I feel that The Village Vets is a family of people that truly value the importance of the human-animal bond and how much we need it to make our lives better in every aspect, every day.

What made you want to become a veterinarian?

Sandy Springs’ Best Kept Secret Full Service Hospital Friendly Expert Staff Dog & Cat Vaccinations Medicine & Surgery Radiology & Ultrasound Boarding & Grooming

DR. RIVA WOLKOW

216 E. BELLE ISLE ROAD ATLANTA, GA 30342

W.D.: A love for animals and healing.

When I was much younger I wanted to be an engineer like my father, but soon realized that my dislike for all things math would hinder that dream. So, I went with the animal thing and it’s the best decision I’ve ever made.

What do you like most about your job?

NEW CLIENTS!

Off first visit services

W.D.: I love the people I work with. It’s the best group of people around and they are my extended family. I love the fantastic clients and their pets. After doing this for almost 21 years, I’m now seeing the pets of those who were young children (or not even born) when I started practicing in the Atlanta area.

L.H.: My favorite aspect of the job is building strong relationships with patients and their owners! It is so meaningful that people instill trust in us to provide a lifetime of health care to their four (sometimes three)-legged family members. When dogs and cats have a great quality of life, it impacts their human owners in a very positive way as well.

Many people underestimate the amazing power of the human-animal bond.

Do you have animals?

W.D.: Four dogs—a Jack Russell Terrier, Gypsy; our Doodles, Harley and Max; and a King Charles Cavalier Spaniel, Angel.

We also have three cats: Fagen, Zig Zag and Caleb. This on top of four kids, which keeps our home very, very busy.

L.H.: I have two dogs, Petunia, a Pit bull, and Mr. B., a mix from Atlanta Pet Rescue, [as well as] Mac an African Grey Parrot and Raisin the cat.

M.S.: I have two cats of my own: Doodle, a black and white female that “adopted me” while I was in St. Kitts for vet school, and Palmer, an Abyssinian male that I rescued. My parents became the new owners of my pit bull/ boxer mix named Bud when I went off to the Caribbean for vet school.

For more information, visit www.thevillagevets.com.

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

S I M P LY BU Z Z | S I M P LY C H A R I TA B L E | S I M P LY S C E N E

Simply Happening

Spotlight Junior League of Atlanta March 24-25 3154 Northside Parkway N.W. Atlanta 30327 404.261.7799 www.tourofkitchens.org The Buckhead-based Junior League of Atlanta celebrates the 15th anniversary of its Tour of Kitchens in 2012. Held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event showcases 14 kitchens created by some of Atlanta’s top designers, including Dovetail Homes, Poggenpohl, Design Galleria and HammerSmith. On Sunday, the self-guided tour focuses

on homes located in Buckhead, Vinings and Dunwoody. Tour-goers have the chance to speak with designers on site, as well as some of Atlanta’s favorite chefs, including Chef Chris Hall of Local Three and Pastry Chef Sarah Koob of Canoe, who will serve up tasty bites for patrons to enjoy. The Junior League of Atlanta’s largest fundraiser, the Tour of Kitchens has raised more than $1 million to benefit the organization’s community partners. Advance purchase tickets are $25 per person and are good for both days of the Tour. A limited number of tickets will be available the days of the Tour for $35.

The Junior League of Atlanta’s Tour of Kitchens features the dream kitchens of several Buckhead homes, including this one designed by Distinctive Remodeling Solutions.

Photographed by John Haigwood of Haigwood Studios

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

57

SIMPLY happening

simply buzz | Events, exhibits, galas and more

By Giannina Smith Bedford

Mandala of Thirteen-deity Yama Dharmarāja Tibet; 18th century © Rubin Museum of Art

n Mandala: Sacred Circle in Tibetan Buddhism Jan. 21-April 15 Michael C. Carlos Museum of Emory University 571 South Kilgo Circle Atlanta 30322 404.727.4282 www.carlos.emory.edu Uncover the sacred art of Tibet at Mandala: Sacred Circle in Tibetan Buddhism, a special exhibit at Emory University’s Michael C. Carlos Museum.

Presented for the first time in the Southeast, this program celebrates the religious and artistic tradition of Tibetan Buddhism and the spiritual significance of mandala, a Sanskrit word meaning “circle,” which is a visualization tool meant to advance practitioners toward a state of enlightenment. More than 100 works will showcase the mandala, and the exhibition will explore the manifestations of each piece and explain their symbolism. Along with paintings, reliquaries and amulets, the exhibition will feature tapestries, sculptures and utensils used in sacred ceremonies.

n Orchid Daze: Hanging Gardens at Atlanta Botanical Garden Feb. 4-April 15 Atlanta Botanical Garden 1345 Piedmont Avenue N.E. Atlanta 30309 404.876.5859 www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org Transport yourself to a Babylonlike environment as you stroll below hanging gardens of lush

58

and fragrant orchids. Housed in Atlanta Botanical Garden’s Fuqua Orchid Center, which features the United States’ largest collection of species orchids, Orchid Daze: Hanging Gardens allows visitors to discover huge floral displays dripping with phalaenopsis, cattleyas, vandas, paphiopedilums, oncidiums and other orchid species. Stare in awe at the “floating” orchid jewel box in the Orchid Center atrium and delight in the moth orchids above the formal bed in the Orchid Display House. Tickets to the Atlanta Botanical Garden are $18.95 for adults; $12.95 for children ages 3 to 12; free for children under 3 and Garden members.

n Convincing the Nation at Heritage Sandy Springs Museum Feb. 25-July 25 Heritage Sandy Springs Museum 6075 Sandy Springs Circle Sandy Springs 30328 404.851.9111 www.heritagesandysprings.org Heritage Sandy Springs Museum debuts a new exhibit highlighting the historical artwork, archival material and artifacts used by the United States government during World War II to gain public support for its military efforts. Items include 1940s mass-produced posters, as well as interpretive panels containing historic photographs and narratives. Cases displaying artifacts and other significant items will also be part of the exhibit. Museum admission is $3 for adults; $1 for children ages 6-12 and senior citizens 65 and older; free for Heritage Sandy Springs members and children age 5 and under.

n Adventures of Little Noodle March 8-April 1 Center for Puppetry Arts 1404 Spring Street N.W. Atlanta 30309 404.873.3391 www.puppet.org Discover how Little Noodle

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

journeys across the grocery store to find her way home after being swept away from her parents at the Center for Puppetry Arts’ Adventures of Little Noodle.

Written and directed by Jon Ludwig, the production includes appearances from a variety of colorful characters providing advice on how Little Noodle should eat and live. Touting the importance of healthy choices and loving yourself the way you are, this family-friendly production is part of the Center’s Healthy Children initiative. Ludwig partnered with a group of experts to garner advice on how to prevent childhood obesity and combined projected animation and black-light puppetry to bring the message to life. Single show tickets are $9.25 for members and $16.50 for non-members, which include access to the Create-A-Puppet Workshop and Museum.

n Luck of the Irish Drop-In Craft Time March 10 Buckhead Branch Library 269 Buckhead Avenue N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.814.3500 www.afpls.org/buckhead-branch Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early with little leprechauns on a visit to the Buckhead Branch Library.

The library hosts children ages 5 to 12 for a “Luck of the Irish” drop-in craft. Stop in any time between 12 and 3 p.m. to make an Irish-inspired creation—last year the craft was a paper mobile with a rainbow, leprechaun and pot of gold. After the masterpiece is complete, peruse the library’s book selections and check one out for story time.

n Tango Night at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center March 23 Callanwolde Fine Arts Center 980 Briarcliff Road N.E. Atlanta 30306 404.872.5338 www.callanwolde.org Feel the passion of Argentine tango at Callanwolde Fine Arts Center’s Tango Night. Begin-

ning at 8 p.m., attendees hit the dance floor to learn the rhythm and movement of this famous dance. Expert instructors from dance school Tango Rio lead the introductory lesson, and an open tango dance party begins at 9:15 p.m. Dancers of all levels and skills are welcome and no partner is necessary to participate.

Tickets (sold at the door) are $15 for the lesson and party or $10 for the party only and include soft drinks and light snacks.

followed by a 1-mile Tot Trot.

All participating runners receive a technical T-shirt and bag of goodies from sponsors like Publix, Fiji Water and more. All registrants will be entered into a raffle for two AirTran Airways tickets. Parking is available in the Town Brookhaven parking deck and participants will enjoy a complimentary shuttle back to their car at the end of the race.

Registration is $25 before April 2 and $30 after.

n National Library Week: You Belong @ Your Library April 9-14 Buckhead Branch Library 269 Buckhead Avenue N.E. Atlanta 30305 404.814.3500 www.afpls.org/buckhead-branch Stop in to the Buckhead Branch Library between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. during National Library Week to view a special book display commemorating libraries through titles like The Boy Who Was Raised by Librarians and Library Lion, among others.

Visitors will also have the chance to make a bookmark in celebration of the week. The bookmark, which features storybook character Clifford the Big Red Dog reading in the library, can be colored on-site or taken home for decoration.

n Our Lady of the Assumption’s Spring Stampede 5K April 14 Town Brookhaven 4330 Peachtree Road N.E. Atlanta 30319 404.261.7181 www.olaspringstampede.org Usher in the spring season with the third annual Our Lady of the Assumption’s Spring Stampede.

The 5K will kick off at 7:30 a.m. at Town Brookhaven, winding through the picturesque neighborhoods nearby and finishing with food, beverages and festivities on the church campus. There will also be a 1-mile run starting at Our Lady of the Assumption at 8:30 a.m.,

From last year’s Sheep To Shawl Festival Atlanta History Center

n Sheep to Shawl Festival April 14 Atlanta History Center 130 West Paces Ferry Road N.W. Atlanta 30305 404.814.4000 www.atlantahistorycenter.com The Atlanta History Center’s Sheep to Shawl festival is back in 2012 with a full day of unique activities ideal for a family outing. From 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., enjoy demonstrations of sheep shearing, spinning, weaving, open hearth cooking, blacksmithing, candle making and more at the Center’s Smith Family Farm. Attendees can also listen to creative storytelling and traditional music as well as take guided tours of the historic farmhouse and Quarry Garden.

During the festival, guests are invited to tour the Center’s other exhibitions and the 1928 Swan House mansion. General admission for nonmembers is $16.50 for adults; $13 for seniors (age 65 and up) and students (age 13 to 18); $11 for youth (4 to 12).

Admission for members is free.

SIMPLY happening

c ha r itab le

Race participants cross the finish line.

Frosty Fun 5K Photos by Sara Hanna Photography – www.SaraHanna.com

I Meredith Rabalais, Carrie Browne, Carol Covington, Claire Holley and Ashley Herschend.

n only its first year, this Brookhaven run attracted 340 participants and raised $30,000 for Kindred Spirit, an Atlanta-based Christian residential home for pregnant teens. Runners met at Capital City Club and enjoyed a scenic trek through historic neighborhoods before crossing the finish line and picking up their commemorative T-shirts. “Capital City Club was so gracious and we look forward to having it there again next year,” says organizer Meredith Rabalais.

Heather Rendle, Ashley Herschend and Carrie Browne.

For more information, visit www.kindredspiritfamily.org.

James, Mary Grace, Carol and Jamie Martin.

Jenny, Matt and Baby Charlotte Widmaier.

Patrick Graffagnino, Jane Wilkinson and Dana Spinola.

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

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SIMPLY happening

simply scene

All creatures great and small Peachtree Hills Community Garden lets children explore the world around them.

Photo by Sara Hanna

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

January/February 2012 ISSUE 08 • FREE

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

Our expert panel, led by Clark Howard, presents:

LIVE WELL

FOR LESS

YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING WELL IN ATLANTA

51

ways to do more and spend less in Buckhead

P.O. Box 11633, Atlanta, GA 30355 www.simplybuckhead.com • 404-538-9895

Training Day

Threedom Reigns

Local clubs get you to the finish line faster

Local Three brings speakeasy vibe to the neighborhood

Get to Know BucKhead.

Order your copy of the Buckhead Guidebook tOday!

Available at area bookstores and from the publisher ($5.00 + $5.00 s&h) Published by Buckhead Coalition, Inc. 3340 Peachtree Rd., NE, Suite 560 • Atlanta, Georgia 30326 (404) 233-2228 • (800) 935-2228 www.thebuckheadcoalition.org Text Buckhead to 99699 or visit https://mobilezen.com/Buckhead The Buckhead Guidebook is honored by Atlanta Planning Advisory Board, International Association of Business Communicators, Georgia Downtown Association, Communicator Awards, American Chamber of Commerce Executives, American Society of Association Executives, Communications Concepts, and International Downtown Association.

Partial List of Contents Annual Public Events Bookstores & Newsstands Business & Civic Associations Childcare and Preschools Decorator Districts Dining Educational Institutions Employers

Entertainment Furnished Temporary Quarters Galleries Health Care and Senior Citizens’ Facilities Historic Markers Household Income Houses of Worship

Industrial Square Footage International Agencies Lodging Neighborhood Associations New and Proposed Real Estate Developments Office Leasing Parks

Population and Household Forecasts Public Meeting Facilities Residential Multi-Family Units Retail Centers Sculpture Service Club Meetings Sightseeing

Social Service Organizations Street Map Summer Day Camps Transportation Decoding apps available via your mobile server

March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

61

CUSTOM OFFICE

SOLUTIONS

FINISHES

For Your Business The office condominiums are for sale in the mixed-use development of The Astoria at The Aramore. Each condo is ready for custom build-outs that can be completed in 60 days.

In Every Home

www.theastoriacondos.com

• Peachtree Road address

Two bedroom homes

• Located in Historic Peachtree Battle

starting at $360,000

• Every home is unique

95% Financing Available

404.355.6999 2233 Peachtree Road, Atlanta, Georgia.

Just south of historic Peachtree Battle and just north of Piedmont Hospital.

• Custom furnished models

• Prestigious Peachtree Road address

• Guest suite

• Central to Buckhead, Midtown, and Downtown

• Large, spacious plans that feel like a real home

• Customize your space from 800 square feet to 30,000 square feet

• Oversized balconies • Expansive views • Sundeck, pool, and fitness center • Easy access to restaurants, shops and art galleries

All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted.

AK196 Mech SMBK FP 4C 2012-03 MAR.indd 1

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March/April 2012 | Simply Buckhead

• Walk to banking, dining, and shopping • Covered, spacious parking • First class Amenities For sales information contact Jeff Pollock, CCIM

404.865.3877 2233 Peachtree Road Atlanta, GA 30309

www.theastoriacondos.com

2/28/12 9:05 AM