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EAUTIFUL MEMORIES
Best of Hall 2017-2021
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Certificate of Excellence Award 2010 - 2021
Diner’s Choice Award 2010-2021
Favorite Holiday Brunch
RESTAURANT • BAR • LOUNGE 770-536-1111 • scottsdowntown.com • 131 Bradford Street, NW • Gainesville, GA
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DIRECTOR OF REVENUE Leah Nelson GENERAL MANAGER Norman Baggs ADVERTISING SALES Bernadette Mastracchio
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Megan Lewis
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CREATIVE SERVICES Chelsea Sunshine, Graphic Design Claudette Keeley, Ad Design April Seymour, Pre-press/Ad Design HOME MAGAZINE, A DIVISION OF The Times Gainesville, GA A Metro Market Media Inc. property
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CELEBRATE DAD
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DONUTS
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FLAVORS
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Tips for the best Father's Day celebrations. A brief history on what makes donuts famous. Restaurants around Hall County and North Georgia.
DINING OUT The joys of dining out.
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HEALTHY SNACKS
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MILK OPTIONS
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BEST BURGERS
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Keep these on hand to combat junk food. Take a look at all the milk alternatives available today. Fountain Food Adventures favorite burgers.
CALENDAR Community happenings to visit.
Manuscripts, artwork, photography, inquiries and submitted materials are welcome. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by an information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from Metro Market Media Inc. Although every precaution is taken to ensure accuracy of published materials, Metro Market Media cannot be held responsible for opinions expressed or facts supplied by its authors. HOME: Living in North Georgia reserves the right to refuse advertisements for any reason. Acceptance of advertising does not mean or imply the services or product is endorsed or recommended by HOME: Living in North Georgia.
/HOMELivinginNorthGeorgia 345 Green St. | Gainesville, GA 30501 770-532-1234
www.homemagazinenorthgeorgia.com
CELEBRATE
FUN WAYS TO CELEBRATE
Father's Day THIS YEAR
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ather's Day presents an opportunity for people to honor the special men in their lives. These include not only dads, but father figures and other influential men who offer care and guidance to the people they love. Many celebrations continue to look different than they were prior to the pandemic, and Father's Day festivities may still require some modifications this year, even if celebrations are not governed by the same restrictions as in 2020. The following are some ways to show dads they are appreciated. BACKYARD BASH Restrictions on outdoor gatherings have eased up considerably in many areas. Outdoor parties are some of the safer ways to bring people together, particularly if attendees maintain their distance. Weather permitting, families can host barbecues and enlist someone other than Dad to man the grill. Serve foods buffet-style and space out tables so people can safely celebrate. PLAN A SPORTS OUTING Professional sports teams are once again welcoming fans to stadiums and other venues, albeit with reduced capacities to maintain safety. It may be possible to purchase tickets to an upcoming game and surprise Dad or Grandpa with tickets on Father's Day. Make Father's Day festivities sports-centric, with coordinated decorations and themed foods to set the scene. PLAN A GAME DAY Whether your father likes board games, video games or crossword puzzles, gear Father's Day around fun and games. Let Dad lead the way and choose the activity, and then everyone can step away from their screens and come together at the table over jigsaw puzzles or trivia questions. HOST A BEER TASTING If Dad is a beer lover, organize a trip to a local craft brewery to
sample their offerings. If establishments are closed or still restricting indoor seating, pick up beers from a few different breweries and create a flight at home. SET UP AN OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT Perfect for a father who is a movie buff, borrow or purchase a projector and show a movie on an outdoor screen or against a blank outdoor wall. Select one of Dad's favorite movies to watch and invite friends and family to join in on the fun. Make sure there are refreshments at the ready and plenty of hot popcorn. Celebrating Father's Day this year may require some ingenuity, but there is still fun to be had. Family Fun: Funopolis Family Fun Center 40155 Highway 441 S, Commerce Stars and Strikes 1601 Horizon Pkwy, Buford 1700 Winder Hwy, Dacula 133 Merchants Sq, Cumming Station 300 Gainesville 2317 Browns Bridge Rd., Gainesville June Live Sports: Atlanta Braves; https://www.mlb.com/braves Atlanta United: https://www.atlutd.com/ Local Breweries: Braselton Brewery 9859 Davis St, Braselton Left Nut Brewery 2100 Atlanta Rd, Gainesville H June 2021 | HOME | 5
THE FOOD ISSUE
How doughnuts became so famous
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oughnuts are beloved breakfast staples. A glazed doughnut to go with morning coffee on the way to work is a morning ritual for many people. Despite their popularity, many people do not know much about how doughnuts came to be. The origin of doughnuts is widely debated. Desserts made from fried dough can be found in various countries and cultures. However, historians largely believe that the Americanized doughnut arrived thanks to Dutch immigrants. According to Smithsonian magazine, when Dutch settlers came to New York, they brought along olykoeks, translated to "oily cakes." Records show the Dutch were making these creations as early as the mid-nineteenth century. These earliest doughnuts were balls of cake fried in pork fat until they were golden brown. Since the center of these doughnuts did not cook as fast as the outside, many also were stuffed with fillings that did not need to be cooked. In a similar fashion, Elizabeth Gregory, a New England ship captain's mother, used her son's spice cargo along with lemon rind to fashion her own fried dough. Gregory made these pastries so that her son, Hanson, and his crew could store them on long voyages, and eat something that would ward off scurvy and colds. Gregory stuffed walnuts or hazelnuts in the centers of the dough. She came to call the pastries "doughnuts." However, others attribute the name to the original olykoeks, which were sometimes shaped into knots and called "dough knots." While the doughnuts certainly were acceptable, Captain Gregory came up with a way to improve his mother's concoction. Rather than stuff the doughnut to make up for the uncooked center, he punched a hole in the middle of the dough ball before it was fried. The hole increased the surface area and exposure to the hot oil, ensuring the entire doughnut cooked evenly. Other stories about the doughnut hole attributed the modification to the fact that Captain Gregory could then hang the doughnut on the ship's steering wheel so he could use both hands to steer. Prior to 1920, doughnuts were made entirely by hand. Adolph Levitt, a Russian refugee and baker, began selling doughnuts from his bakery in New York City's theater district. To keep up with the crowds, Levitt invented a gadget that could make the fried rings faster. A circle of dough shaped like a ring dropped into a vat of boiling oil, circulated, was flipped over, and emerged from the oil on a moving ramp. Many modern doughnut companies still make their doughnuts like this. Modernization and mass production brought a shortening of the name "doughnut." Various doughnut companies use "donut" for the cakes. Whether you call them dough knots, doughnuts or donuts, the treats are delectable.
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WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE DOUGHNUT SHOP? BARRETT'S BAKED GOODS 922 Gainesville Hwy, Ste 104, Buford DANNY'S DONUTS 417 Main St SW, Gainesville 975 Dawsonville Hwy, Ste 19, Gainesville 4037 Winder Hwy, Ste 501, Flowery Branch DONUT NOW 3300 Hamilton Mill Rd., Buford DONUT WORLD 233 N. Broad St., Winder DUNKIN' Braselton Pkwy, Braselton 4803 Golden Pkwy, Buford 504 Queen City Pkwy, Gainesville 1191 Thompson Bridge Rd, Gainesville 3629 Mundy Mill Rd, Oakwood RAY'S DONUTS 1455 Gravel Springs Rd., Buford H
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AUTHENTIC MEXICAN CUISINE FOR EVERYONE
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Advantages to dining out
Dining out was once a rarity reserved for special occasions. More recently, consumption of food away from home has played an increasingly larger role in everyday life. According to the United States Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service, the increase in dining out since the 1970s is owed to a larger share of two-income households, more convenient and affordable food outlets, increased advertising and promotion by food chains, and the smaller size of most households. One shouldn't discount the wide array of options and the convenience that dining out can provide. There are many advantages to dining out, and the decision to do so supports local restaurants as they continue to rebound from the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak. 1. IT'S FUN AND EXCITING Dining out can be a fun and exciting experience that takes people away from the routine of daily life. Dining out presents an opportunity to look forward to a specific day on the calendar. For many, it can be a respite from making meals at home. Dining out is a social endeavor, even if you aren't interacting with that many other people in the restaurant. 2. INTRODUCES NEW FOODS Dining at a restaurant can be eye-opening for customers willing to try new things. Restaurants that specialize in ethnic cuisine can introduce diners to classic recipes from around the world -something they may not normally try if they do not dine out. 3. PROLONGS THE DINNER HOUR Dining out gives diners a chance to linger and converse without the distractions of home and daily schedules. A restaurant can be a good way to focus on communication with family and friends.
4. ESCAPE WORKPLACE DISTRACTIONS A workday lunch or business meeting held at a restaurant can help coworkers escape workplace pressures and distractions. Such meals also can be a great way for managers to foster strong relationships and build camaraderie within their teams. 5. CONVENIENCE One of the best arguments for eating out is the convenience factor. When time is of the essence, making a reservation, eating out and allowing the restaurant to handle everything from service to cleanup cuts down on work at home. This frees up opportunities to do other tasks, including spending time with one another. 6. VARIETY Many households are comprised of people with different palates. Restaurants have many offerings, which means that each member of the dining party can choose his or her own unique dish. This is not something easily achieved at home. Dining out has been gaining popularity for more than 40 years. Individuals and families can explore the many different advantages to enjoying a meal at a local eatery. Join us as we celebrate local restaurants, at Flavors of North Georgia, June 12, 11A - 2P, at Veterans Memorial Park, Dawsonville. Area restaurants will offer tastings from $1-$4 in price, and we'll have entertainment, a hot-dog eating contest, and more. This will kick off Restaurant Week June 13-19. For more information, contact Leah Nelson at marketing@gainesvilletimes.com, or check flightrw.com for updates. H June 2021 | HOME | 11
THE FOOD ISSUE
Keep healthy items on hand FOR FAMILY
SNACKING
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ho hasn't been spending more time at home lately? Many families have perfected the balance of managing a household in which kids may be engaged in virtual learning while Mom and Dad are putting in a full day's work from the home office. At several points during the day, families need to recharge. Having nutritious snacking choices on hand can tame hunger in a healthy way. Start with a plan and then head to the store with a shopping list in hand. You will be less likely to purchase unhealthy options on impulse if you stick to a shopping list. Homemade snacks are advantageous because you can customize ingredients to account for allergies or other needs. But commercially produced snacks are very convenient because they're ready to eat right out of the package. According to Good Housekeeping, many food manufacturers have been stepping up their games and offering tasty and healthy nonperishable foods. Just be sure to read labels, paying attention to sodium and sugar content and other pertinent nutritional information. When choosing snacks, pick a few different options that appeal to savory, salty and sweet cravings. Portion out these snacks so the temptation for overindulgence is limited. Stock the pantry and refrigerator with an array of healthy snacking options.
• Nuts and their butters: Nuts are nutritional powerhouses that provide filling protein, fiber, healthy fats, and many different vitamins and minerals. Nuts can be ground at home and made into spreads and dips. • Popcorn: Plain, air-popped popcorn is full of fiber, making it a filling snack. Without toppings like butter, popcorn can be low in calories. • Fruit: Fresh fruit, frozen fruit, fruit purees, and dried fruit are must-haves. Place a bowl of fresh fruit in reach of kids so it can be their first snacking choice. Frozen fruit can be transformed into simple smoothies. Dried fruit keeps longer and is a great addition to trail mixes. Cups of applesauce can easily be grabbed and satisfy sweet cravings. • Sliced vegetables: When preparing meals, slice vegetables, including carrots, celery, cucumbers, and sweet peppers. Later they can be dunked into homemade dips for an easy treat. • Hummus: Speaking of dips, hummus is filling and tasty. Made from nutrient-dense chickpeas, hummus can be enhanced with different flavors, from garlic to ginger to even chocolate for a dessert variety. • Whole-grain chips: Opt for whole-grain chips that blend a variety of grains into the mix. Avoid products with hydrogenated oils. Healthy snacking is possible when families think ahead and know what to look for at the grocery store. H
Full Service Pharmacy Unique Gifts Embroidery Monogramming Packaged Prescriptions THE TIM ES THE TIM ES
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Presents
2021 Virtual Expo Theme Calendar
Health Expo Sponsored by
1st Wednesday every month at 10am New Theme and Speaker each month Theme is subject to change
- JUNE Financial Planning - JULY Mental Health
- OCTOBER Open Enrollment & Advance Care Planning
- AUGUST Cancer Awareness
- NOVEMBER Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness
- SEPTEMBER Healthy Aging
- DECEMBER Respiratory Care
Register to attend at https://www.gainesvilletimes.com/virtualevents/ To become a speaker contact Megan Lewis at 770-535-6371 or at mlewis@gainesvilletimes.com June 2021 | HOME | 13
THE FOOD ISSUE
A BRIEF COMPARISON OF WHOLE MILK AND SOME POPULAR ALTERNATIVES People avoid traditional cow's milk for many reasons. Some people have ethical concerns about consuming animal products. Individuals may be lactose intolerant or have a milk allergy, while others simply don't like the taste of cow's milk. Though it might once have been difficult to find alternatives to cow's milk at the grocery store, the growing number of people who avoid it has led to something of a boom in dairy alternatives. As a result, it's now easy for consumers to find various alternatives to cow's milk when shopping for groceries. According to the American Society for Nutrition, plant-based milk alternatives like oat milk and pea protein milk bear some interesting similarities and differences to traditional whole milk from cows. • One cup of oat milk has nearly as many calories as one cup of whole milk, as the ASN notes that the former checks in at 130 calories compared to the 148 calories in one cup of whole milk. The online medical resource Healthline notes the difference in calories is more significant among other popular milk alternatives. For example, one cup of unsweetened almond milk contains just 40 calories, while unsweetened soy milk contains about 80 calories. • Not surprisingly, the fat content in many milk alternatives is considerably lower than it is in whole milk. The ANS reports that most milk alternatives contain anywhere from 25 to 63 percent of the fat of cow's milk. For example, one cup of unsweetened rice milk contains just 2 grams of fat compared to the 8 grams found in a single cup of whole milk. 14 | HOME | June 2021
• Most milk alternatives contain significantly less sugar than whole milk. Healthline notes that unsweetened almond milk actually contains zero grams of sugar compared to the 12 grams of sugar found in one cup of whole milk. However, the ANS notes that one cup of oat milk (17 grams) and one cup of hazelnut milk (13 grams) actually contain more sugar than one cup of whole milk. • Only soybean, pea and flaxseed milk contain as much or more protein as whole milk. Whole milk contains 8 grams of protein, which is the same amount that's found in pea milk and flaxseed milk. Soybean milk contains 9 grams of protein, while unsweetened almond milk contains 2 grams of protein and unsweetened rice milk contains zero grams of protein. • One cup of coconut milk (15 micrograms) contains considerably less sodium than one cup of whole milk (105 micrograms). People considering milk alternatives for purely nutritional purposes can conduct their own research to ensure they're making the most informed decision possible. UP AND COMING GEORGIA NUT-MILK PRODUCERS Treehouse Milk, treehousemilk.com FOR TRADITIONALISTS, WE HAVE OUTSTANDING LOCAL DAIRY PRODUCTS. Mountain Fresh Creamery 6615 Cleveland Hwy, Clermont, GA H
THE 2021 WINNERS DIRECTORY
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The listings below are from winners of Best of Hall 2021. For a complete list of winners, go to bestofhallcounty.com. ACCESSORIES STORE, FURNITURE STORE, MATTRESS STORE, OFFICE FURNITURE AND DESIGN
AUDIOLOGIST/HEARING CARE INESVILLETIME S
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1210 Thompson Bridge Rd., Gainesvlle,Ga 678-971-5671 elitefurnituredesigns.com
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AUTO LOAN PROVIDER, CREDIT UNION, CUSTOMER SERVICE
678-971-5671
678-971-4648
770-503-1765
BANK, COMMERCIAL BANK
CHILDREN’S CLOTHING STORE, VINTAGE CLOTHING STORE
CARDIOLOGY GROUP
678-828-7118
770-534-9014
CHIROPRACTIC GROUP
DENTAL GROUP
DERMATOLOGY GROUP, SKIN CANCER TREATMENT
770-534-0656 WWW.WATKINSCHIROPRACTIC.COM
770-532-4555
678-989-3613 WWW.UCBI.COM
770-536-7546
Are you a Best of Hall 2021 Winner and would like to be included in this directory? Email your local Times Representative or email Marketing@gainesvilletimes.com
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THE 2021 WINNERS DIRECTORY
The listings below are from winners of Best of Hall 2021. For a complete list of winners, go to bestofhallcounty.com. EYE CLINIC, EYE SURGERY PRACTICE, EYEGLASS STORE
ELECTRICIAN
FINANCIAL PLANNING/INVESTMENT ADVISOR REPRESENTATIVE
ADVANCEDEYECENTER
770-532-0292
770-535-5000
FLORIST
GASTROENTEROLOGY GROUP
GENERATOR SERVICES
770-534-6691
770-536-8109
770-531-7890
770-531-7890
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING HEAVY EQUIPMENT & TRACTOR THANKPLUMBER YOU, HALL! COMPANY,
GOLF CART STORE
470-252-5622
770-532-9130
We are proud to be voted as Best Heating & Air Conditioning Co. & Best Plumber!
770-532-3331
(770) 532-9130 | www.gainesvillemechanical.com KITCHEN & BATH REMODELER, LANDSCAPER, COMMERCIAL CONTRACTOR, HOME REMODELER, LANDSCAPES, LAWN CARE / PATIO / DECK DESIGN / INSTALLATION MAINTENANCE, YARD MANAGEMENT
IN-HOME ELDER CARE SERVICE
TRACY TESMER
Design • Remodeling
770-530-1751 www.ahelpinghandga.com
678-450-1700 tracytesmerremodeling.com
NORTHEAST GEORGIA'S PREMIER DESIGN/BUILD FIRM Custom designs and professional remodeling services including: Kitchens & Bathrooms | Home Additions | Basements | Age in Place Remodeling & Design INESVILLETIME S
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Voted “Best of Hall”
470-252-5210 www.livingartlandscapes.net
THE 2021 Thank y Thank WINNERS for votingy for voting Best Real Esm DIRECTORY
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There's nothing better than seeing your kid
smile. We're here for all
your child's dental needs
Best Realthr Es Agent Agentinthre years ar Bigyears smiles beginin a ro at Kids Dentistry. and remain committed to
not only The listings below are from winnerscreating of Best ofa worry-free and fun experience but also Hall 2021. For a complete list of winners, go to a safe one for you and your bestofhallcounty.com. kids when you visit our offices.
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Your Health. Our Specialty.
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770-718-1122
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404-512-3778 www.FrenchiesNails.com
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LOOKING FOR A PROVIDER? Visit longstreetclinic.com or call 770-343-3430.
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to you. There’s no need to delay the care you need, including preventive visits. Schedule your next appointment today!
MORTGAGE/HOME LOAN PROVIDER ESVILLET
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For 25 years Longstreet Clinic has proudly cared for
MARGARITA, families across our community. And we’re still here, providing high quality, safe medical care tailored MEXICAN RESTAURANT
LAW FIRM - GENERAL
678-450-7011 kidsdentistryga.com WWW.KIDSDENTISTRYGA.COM
We will continue achieve Ca me to help sefamilies y r h e! THE DREAM OF HOMEOWNERSHIP!
ESTATE AGENT DREAL IAN NE H ICKS www.homestarfc.com
Ca me se y r h e! 770.503.0380 | 332 Washington St. NW, Gainesville, GA 30501
678.794.1335
Ddianneh@redbowteam.com IANNE HICKS
Copyright © 2021. Homestar Financial Corporation 332 Washington St. NW, Gainesville, GA 30501. NMLS #70864. For licensing info: NMLSconsumeraccess.org. This is not a commitment to lend and not all customers will qualify. All terms, information, conditions, rates, and programs are subject to credit and property approval and may change without notice. Not all products are available in all states. Certain other restrictions may apply. Homestar Financial Corporation is an equal housing lender and is not affiliated with any government entity.
678.794.1335
dianneh@redbowteam.com
770.536.5501
770-535-1976
678-794-1335 DIANNEH@REDBOWTEAM.COM
REHABILITATION SERVICES
SWIMMING POOL CONTRACTOR
TIRE SHOP, AUTO ACCESSORY STORE
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Hall Tire & Wheel North New & Used Tires Wheels & Deals
770-297-5308 WWW.NORTHHALLTIRE.COM
888.959.
888.959.9
FOOD ADVENTURES
Battle of the
Burgers
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s spring closes and summer approaches, the season for burgers is only beginning. This month, David wanted to highlight some of our community’s best burger spots in hopes to provide you, our readers, with a new favorite spot while also helping these restaurants regain some of the business they may have lost during the pandemic.
RECESS SOUTHERN GASTRO-PUB Bradford St NE Located just off the Gainesville square, Recess Southern Gastro-Pub creates a fun and exciting environment to relax and enjoy their traditional southern dishes with a twist. Owner Christopher B. Richardson and Executive Chef, Austin Calvert, have together crafted a truly unique menu and dining experience. Upon arrival to this bustling location, David’s server suggested to try the Pim Burger. This burger arrived topped with homemade pimento cheese, bacon jam, a fried green tomato, and lettuce. The handmade burger patty was cooked to medium and was 18 | HOME | June 2021
perfectly juicy. The savory flavors of the fried green tomato and the pimento cheese paired perfectly with the sweet and salty bacon jam, which created an exciting tasty experience. The Pim Burger looked and tasted like it was made with high quality ingredients and left David wanting to try more. Committed to a lively environment and fine food, Recess Southern GastroPub is a wonderful location to try out. This location offers three different burgers, as well as a “Chef’s Special” burger of the week. Unfortunately, David missed the availability of their special in his visit, so make sure to try it out on yours! NICHOLS DINER Southland Drive Operating since 2003, Nichol’s Diner places a strong emphasis on not only their wonderful food, but also on their sense of community and family. Originally owned and operated by Craig Nichols, this restaurant is now owned by brother Alan Nichols after Craig’s retirement in 2020. They found it important to keep the restaurant in the
family, as it is described as “a place built on tradition.” When walking in, David found the diner to be very friendly and welcoming, which provided the perfect environment to enjoy their burgers. Nichol’s Diner offers a regular, double, and triple burger, depending on the size of your appetite. David ordered the double cheeseburger with bacon, lettuce, and tomato. While the burger appeared to be quite simple, it tasted wonderful. The meat was extremely flavorful and tender and was only enhanced by the toppings. The slice of tomato added a nice freshness, while the bacon added a wonderful savory crunch. David was happily surprised by both his meal, and the fun diner atmosphere. THE COLLEGIATE GRILL Main St The Collegiate Grill is a historic landmark for many local residents. Open since 1947, this location has earned its place as one of the best burgers in Gainesville. Jeff and Donna Worley have owned and operated this location since 2008 and continue to please
8 Brands • 1 Location Family Owned & Operated since 1971
or f u o y k n a h T 75 years! WE ARE HONORED TO BE CELEBRATING OUR 75TH YEAR OF SERVING NORTH GEORGIA FOR ALL YOUR HVAC AND PLUMBING NEEDS.
STOP BY TODAY!
5 mins. north of Jaemor Farms on Hwy. 365
1-866-262-7407 706-776-1144 hayesofbaldwin.com
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customers every day. The Collegiate Grill was Jeff Worley’s first job at the age of 12, so his love for the restaurant is evident as he has continued to back its success. Upon arrival to The Collegiate Grill, David immediately noticed their impressive collage of different articles, pictures, and memorabilia hanging on the wall. This establishment feels like a step back in time as you walk in, creating an exciting atmosphere to enjoy. After sitting down on the fun retro booths, David ordered the Double Bacon Cheeseburger, with the standard toppings of lettuce and tomato. The burger tasted wonderful and reminded David of eating at diners with his grandparents as a child. The thin burger patties sandwiched in American cheese provided the perfect ratio of meat, toppings, and bread, and created a very enjoyable tasting experience overall. HOP’S KITCHEN Chestnut St SE Hop’s Kitchen is a restaurant that prides themselves for their scratch made meals and locally sourced ingredients. Everything is made in house from their sauces to their ‘Momo’ Bread, leaving David very excited to try one of their unique burger selections. David opted for the Hi-5 Beer Burger. This 7 oz burger is topped with Hop’s beer sauce and fried onion rings on a toasted brioche bun. David added cheese to make his perfect burger and was very happy with what arrived. Not only did the burger look amazing, but it tasted great the whole way through. The Hop’s beer sauce features Terrapin’s Hi-5 Beer, giving the burger a unique but tasty flavor profile. The thick burger was cooked to a medium, and the onion rings gave it a delightful crunch. The quality of their ingredients is evident in every bite, and it left David wanting to try more. MAYNARD’S AT THE CORNER Spout Springs Rd Upon arrival, David, and fellow foodie, Sandee Fricks, were promptly greeted and seated, excited to try some of Maynard’s specialty burger options. David decided to order the Whiskey BBQ Burger. This burger is topped with applewood bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, whiskey BBQ sauce, an onion ring, lettuce, and tomato. The burger was seared to perfection and was complemented wonderfully by the whiskey BBQ sauce. The large onion ring and bacon gave the burger a satisfying crunch and created an overall interesting burger. Fellow foodie, Sandee Fricks, ordered the Mushroom Swiss Burger, which included sauteed mushrooms, swiss cheese, lettuce, onion, and tomato. Sandee described the burger as simple but tasty, and said it hit the spot. Maynard’s at the Corner is a family environment with friendly service and offers a unique menu sure to excite your taste buds.
WORTH THE DRIVE THE VORTEX Atlanta The Vortex is a special place if you are looking for unique burgers and a challenge. Upon arrival, David immediately noticed the framed picture of their different Coronary Bypass Burger selections. They offer a single, double, triple, and quadruple Coronary Bypass Burger, letting you decide the type of challenge you are willing to take on. David knew he wanted to try it, and decided the double was the perfect size. This burger is by no means simple, but the volume of this meal far surpassed David’s expectations. The top and bottom bun of this burger are replaced with two griddled patty melt sandwiches, and that is only the beginning. Inside the two patty melts, there is an 8-ounce flame-grilled sirloin patty, many slices of American cheese, 2 fried eggs, 12 strips of bacon, grilled onions, dinner relish, and mayonnaise- making one epic burger. As if this burger was not enough of a challenge, it comes with 10-ounces of fries and tots topped with cheese and bacon bits. David described the burger as “too good to put down,” and was able to eat the entire Double Coronary Bypass Burger. Cooked to medium, David said the burger was extremely flavorful and juicy, and continued to taste great the whole way through. He may not have completed the challenge due to avoiding the fries and tots, but the cheese smothered, bacon covered, multilayered burger sure satisfied his appetite. 20 | HOME | June 2021
OLDE BLIND DOG IRISH PUB Milton After spending the day exploring the quaint and charming downtown Milton, the Olde Blind Dog Irish Pub is the perfect location to take a break and enjoy some remarkable food. As David first walked in, he was pleasantly surprised with the fun Irish décor. From Celtic signs to the life size mannequin of Scottish icon William Wallace, this Irish Pub sure knows how to keep the interior exciting. Olde Blind Dog offers a “build your own” burger, allowing for complete customization for your perfect patty. David built his burger with cheddar cheese, fresh jalapenos, crispy onion strings, sauteed mushrooms, and bacon. The burger was cooked to medium and tasted wonderful. Between the crunch of the onion strings, the spice of the jalapeno, and the juicy flavor of the patty, this burger provided the perfect tasting experience for David. Their beef is locally grown from Stone Mountain Cattle Company, and their quality is evident as soon as you take the first bite. FIGHTINGTOWN TAVERN Blue Ridge If you ever find yourself up around beautiful Blue Ridge, Fightingtown Tavern is a great spot to check out. Owned by Jim Carruthers, this location prides themselves on being a scratch kitchen. Their quality is evident in each dish that they serve, especially their burgers. Their beef is local, dry aged, grass fed, and ground in-house daily. Referred to as grinders, these burgers make an exciting meal to try. Out of their many tasty burger options, David decided he was going to go big or go home- he ordered the Megadeath Grinder. This burger sure lives up to its name as it is made of two ½ lb. burger patties, 2 fried eggs, 2 slices of cheddar, 2 slices of pepper jack, 4 slices of house cured bacon, grilled jalapenos, grilled onions, beer cheese, & sriracha all separated by a Krispy Kreme glazed donut. While the size of the burger makes getting the first bite difficult, once David got started, it was hard to stop. This mouth-watering burger provides an extremely unique flavor with the opposition of sweet, spicy, and savory. If you are looking for a challenge, the megadeath grinder is for you. If not, they offer many other fun burger options to please your palate. David Fountain, a local food enthusiast and Best of Forsyth Financial Planner and Investment Advisor, continues his monthly mission to uncover and support Gainesville’s local favorites. THE MONTHLY FOOD ADVENTURE CONTINUES WITH LAKE ACCESS LOCATIONS As the hot summer sun is here to stay for the season, Lake Lanier becomes a popular destination for summertime fun! We hope to share the best restaurants that can be reached by boat, so let us know your favorite restaurants on Lake Lanier. H
The burger adventure continues - read the article and browse the pictures at www. fountainsfoodadventures.com, or follow the “food adventure” on Facebook and Instagram.
Tastings made possible and Sponsored by
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JUNE 2021
CALENDAR OF EVENTS 6/2/2021 Monthly Virtual Health Show Sponsored by NGHS 10:00am www.gainesvilletimes.com/virtualevents 345 GREEN ST NW Gainesville 6/2/2021 Yoga classes at the Quinlan Visual Arts Center taught by Emilie Cook 12:00pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 GREEN ST NE Gainesville
Gainesville 6/12/2021 Georgia Cross Stitchers 10:00am Hall County Library System, Gainesville Branch 127 Main Street NW Gainesville Flavors of North Georgia 11:00am Veterans Memorial Park 186 Recreation Rd Dawsonville 6/26/2021 Saturday Card Workshop
6/3/2021 Bingo 7:00pm American Legion Post 7 2343 Riverside Drive Gainesville
10:00am Hall County Library System, Gainesville Branch 127 Main St NW Gainesville Fountain’s Food Adventures Our team of food enthusiasts and Foodie Followers aim to help uncover amazing foods and highlight the passion behind local restaurant establishments. Each month through 2021 Fountain’s Food Adventures will deliver a special focus on a food specialty. Please email us if there is a restaurant that you think is one of the best in any of these areas. Foodie@FountainsFoodAdventures.com.
6/3/2021 Hand Building and Wheel Throwing Classes taught by Michelle Griffith 6:00pm Quinlan Visual Arts Center 514 GREEN ST NE, QUINLAN VISUAL ARTS CENTE Gainesville 6/5/2021 Live Animal Showcase 11:00am Elachee Nature Science Center 2125 Elachee Drive Gainesville 6/12/2021 Elachee Naturalist-Guided Hike 10:00am Elachee Nature Science Center 2125 Elachee Drive
Visit gainesvilletimes.com/calendar to post your event. 22 | HOME | June 2021
Battle of the Burgers
David Fountain, a local food enthusiast and our community’s Best of Forsyth Financial Planner and Investment Advisor, continues his monthly mission to uncover and support Gainesville’s local favorites.
As spring closes and summer approaches, the season for burgers is only beginning. This month, David wanted to highlight some of our community’s best burger spots in hopes to provide you, our readers, with a new favorite spot while also helping these restaurants regain some of the business they may have lost during the pandemic.
RECESS SOUTHERN GASTRO-PUB Bradford St NE NICHOLS DINER Southland Drive THE COLLEGIATE GRILL Main St HOP’S KITCHEN Chestnut St SE
WORTH THE DRIVE THE VORTEX Atlanta OLDE BLIND DOG IRISH PUB Milton FIGHTINGTOWN TAVERN Blue Ridge
MAYNARD’S AT THE CORNER Spout Springs Rd THE MONTHLY FOOD ADVENTURE CONTINUES WITH LAKE ACCESS LOCATIONS As the hot summer sun is here to stay for the season, Lake Lanier becomes a popular destination for summertime fun! We hope to share the best restaurants that can be reached by boat, so let us know your favorite restaurants on Lake Lanier.
The burger adventure continues with Forsyth News- read the article and browse the pictures at www.fountainsfoodadventures.com, or follow the “food adventure” on Facebook and Instagram.
Tastings made possible and Sponsored by
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