What's cooking this week? 

BIGGER AND BETTER THAN GREEN EGGS AND HAM -- NEW BIG GREEN EGG CHILL & GRILL AT ATKINS PARK - VIRGINIA HIGHLAND!
Atkins Park
Once you've savored something grilled on a Big Green Egg, there's no going back -- unless you're heading back to Atkins Park Tavern in Virginia Highland for their new weekly Wednesday night Big Green Egg Chill & Grill patio cookout.  "Hot dog!" you say, "A midweek cookout!"  Better than hot dogs, Atkins Park Sous Chef Justin Carr will prepare seasonal � la carte appetizers and entr�es each week.  The "chill" factor is a weekly selection of wine and craft beer chosen as ideal mates for the night's menu.  Start planning every Monday, the day Atkins Park posts the week's Chill & Grill menu on their Web site and Facebook Fan Page.  Then, come 6 - 9:30 p.m. each Wednesday, chill out and let Chef Justin thrill you with his grillwork.
 
Atkins Park Tavern: 794 N. Highland Avenue; 404-876-7249.
PARTY ON THE PATIO AT AQUA BLUE PATIO SEASON OPENER IN ROSWELL
 
Aqua blue PatioYou could say we're throwing out the first "pitch" for Aqua blue's patio season opener, a kick-off party for the outdoor dining season on Friday, April 30.  The fun begins at 4 p.m. -- come have a ball at this popular Roswell restaurant and lounge.  The party's $5 drink lineup includes the Key lime martini, Plumdori cocktail, Orange Honeysuckle martini, Melonde and Angry Bulldog.  Peroni and Bud Light Lime beer are $3 each, and wines such as Chateau Ste. Michelle Chardonnay, Nobilo Sauvignon Blanc, Mark West Pinot Noir and Niner Merlot are $6 a glass.  Order your favorites from the regular menu or go for some tasty tapas, including BBQ beef sliders, bowl of steamers (includes shrimp, clams, mussels, corn on the cob and potatoes), Asian grilled chicken salad, dragon sushi roll and the famous cupcake trio ($7-$12).  The Kristin Tinsley Band rolls out tunes from 7 - 10 p.m.

Aqua blue:  1564 Holcomb Bridge Road; 770-643-8886.
LIGHT UP YOUR EVENING AT THE ROCKY PATEL SCOTCH & CIGAR EVENT AT RAY'S KILLER CREEK ON APRIL 30 

The headline says it all:  Scotch and cigars plus chances to win raffle prizes of dining cards to Ray's Killer Creek and merchandise from The Cigar Merchant. 

Don't miss the Rocky Patel Scotch & Cigar Event at Ray's Killer Creek on Friday, April 30 from 6 - 8 p.m.  Each $10 ticket purchase includes one cigar (Patel Brothers, Super Toro or Nicaraguan), one glass of House of Glenmorangie Scotch and one raffle ticket. The more you buy, the better your chances of winning!  Reserve your place today:  770-649-0064 or [email protected]

Ray's Killer Creek:  1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064.

THE KENTUCKY DERBY IS COMING 'ROUND THE BEND!  PARTY IS RIGHT ON TRACK AT MARLOW'S TAVERN

 
Marlow's TavernWill Eskendereya, Lookin At Lucky or one of the other fine thoroughbreds nose ahead of the thundering hooves to cross the finish line at the 2010 Kentucky Derby at 6:04 p.m. on Saturday, May 1?  Cheer on your favorite horse and jockey at Kentucky Derby parties at the Alpharetta, Duluth and Kennesaw locations of Marlow's Tavern.  All televisions will display the race, providing grand standing and sitting derby viewing to go along with Marlow's winning tavern fare and refreshing drinks.  Derby-themed menu items include mouthwatering mint juleps and Kentucky burgoo.  Go ahead and dress up, bonnet and all, for the "Best Dressed" and "Best Hat" contests.  It's a horse race, and somebody has to win.  The Atlanta Community Food Bank HungerJam will be the lucky recipient of 10 percent of the day's proceeds.
 

Marlow's Tavern:  Alpharetta at 3719 Old Alabama Road, 770-475-1800; Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; and Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033.

UNO, DOS, TRES - ATLANTA RESTAURANTS OFFER THE PERFECT CINCO DE MAYO PLACE

Cinco de MayoWe have mucho more than three reasons to celebrate Cinco de Mayo on Wednesday, May 5 at Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food.  First, there's the jovial "hola, amigo" ambiance that welcomes friends and families to relax.  The classic, mouth-watering margaritas pack a punch when made with any of the more than 15 different tequilas offered.  For something different, order up Uncle Julio's signature Swirl of frozen margarita and frozen sangria.  Uncle Julio's keeps a well-stocked selection of Mexican beers.  Flavorful food plays a huge part in a Mexican fiesta, and Uncle Julio's is ready with spicy salsa, smoky grilled fajitas, sizzling shrimp brochettes, marinated grilled quail, roasted fresh vegetables and so much more.  Celebrate inside or alfresco on the patio.  And, if your smart phone tells you you'll have to postpone the Cinco de Mayo celebration, come in another time for lunch, dinner or weekend brunch, or, if it's a meeting, consider that Uncle Julio's caters home and office parties with fresh, mesquite-grilled favorites cooked on site.  Catering Express, their new express delivery service, brings the party to your office. 
 

Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food:  In Buckhead at 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767.  In Sandy Springs at 1140 Hammond Drive, NE, Building K, Suite 100; 678-736-8260. Take out and catering orders: 800-244-7633 or 972-554-3611.

 

Every dog has his Cinco de Mayo day!  Thirsty Dog Tavern unleashes a Wednesday, May 5 party that will start some salivating over drink deals and high-powered tacos.  Be the big dog and lead a pack of friends to the party or come solo for all-day drink specials including $5 margaritas, $14 pitchers of sangria and $3 Coronas.  Load up at the complimentary taco bar from 5 - 7 p.m. and crunch along when the DJ cranks up the music at 7 p.m.  Thirsty Dog has 15 big, flat screens tuned in to sports, plus a separate cigar and smoking lounge.  If your best friend's a dog, bring him or her along for Milk Bones, kibble and water on the lower patio.

 

Thirsty Dog Tavern:  2110 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-367-8482. 

 

The Original El Taco is celebrating Cinco de Mayo with some sweet drink specials including $18 buckets of Dos Equis Amber or Lager, $6 margaritas, $4 pineapple-infused tequila shots and $3 Tecates.  The Virginia Highland eatery is also serving up some Cinco de Mayo menu items like smoked trout with a spicy masa cake and salsa borracho ($6.50); shredded savory pork tostadas with lettuce and guacamole ($7.50); and grilled chicken with poblano chile-cream over steamed morisqueta ($11.50). 
 
El Taco is located at 1186 N. Highland Avenue.  For more information or to make reservations for a group of seven or more, call 404-873-4656.

SHAUN DOTY SPROUTS UP -- COOKING AT THE EAST ATLANTA VILLAGE FARMERS MARKET ON MAY 6

 

Shaun Doty

Maybe you missed him at the Morningside Farmers Market or perhaps you saw his demo and left craving seconds.  Shaun Doty of Shaun's in Inman Park will demo his talents with farm-fresh seasonal ingredients at the Thursday, May 6 at 6:30 p.m. over at the East Atlanta Village Farmers Market.  The weekly market takes place each Thursday from 4 - 8 p.m. from May through November at Village Hardware, 1231 Glenwood Avenue.
 

Shaun's:  1029 Edgewood Avenue, NE: 404-577-4358.

GERRY KLASKALA OF ARIA IS A CELEBRITY CHEF AT HEART'S DELIGHT WINE TASTING AND AUCTION IN WASHINGTON, DC

Heart's DelightAria Executive Chef and Owner Gerry Klaskala is no stranger to the 11th Annual Heart's Delight food and wine event to benefit the American Heart Association.  He has again been invited to participate as a celebrity in this premier event that brings master winemakers, culinary stars, distinguished guests and philanthropic patrons together to wine, dine and bid in Washington, D.C.  The three-day weekend, May 6-8, features intimate wine dinners at fine homes, restaurants and embassies; an exclusive Vintners Dinner followed by a Sotheby-led live auction; a virtual tour of Bordeaux accompanied by a formal, seated Bordeaux tasting; seminars; and food prepared by our nation's top chefs. 

Heart disease is the number-one killer in the nation and stroke is number three.  Over the years, Heart's Delight has raised more than $8 million for the American Heart Association to use in building healthier lives through cardiovascular disease and stroke research and education.  Thanks, Gerry, for helping with this life-saving fundraising event!

Enjoy Gerry Klaskala's acclaimed fare at Aria, 490 East Paces Ferry Road in Buckhead; 404-233-7673.
WE LOVE YOU MOM AND WE'RE TAKING OVER THE KITCHEN

Our first act when we commandeer the kitchen on Mother's Day, May 9, will be to put a lock on the oven door and whisk mom out to one of Atlanta's many wonderful eateries.  There's a restaurant for every mom personality, from casual and kid friendly to exotic flair and fine dining.  If only chocolate will do, we have that, too.  Let mom pick the mood; we have ideas for the food. 

Aqua blueAqua blue starts mom's day in Roswell with a special 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. brunch buffet for $29.95 per person.  Children under the age of 14 are $9.95, and children under four eat free.  A buffet peek shows carved strip steak and turkey, roasted pork tenderloin, made-to-order omelets, assorted pastries and desserts and many more tempters.  Treat mom to bottomless mimosas for $15 per person.  If dinner out is her preference, come from 5:30 - 9 p.m. for Aqua blue's regular � la carte menu and seasonal features.  Reservations are required; call 770-643-8886.  (1564 Holcomb Bridge Road.)

Dine in Midtown at Ecco's Mother's Day brunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and give mom a mini-Mediterranean holiday.  Ecco's brunch menu includes a shareable selection of meats and cheeses and other taste and share items such as a chocolate croissant ($6), goat cheese and lemon croissant ($6) and fried goat cheese with black pepper ($7).  Main dishes include a frittata with green garlic, escarole and pecorino ($12); house-made pork sausage with lentils and a poached egg ($12) and crepes with honeyed ricotta, strawberries and pistachios ($9).  Crispy, woodfired pizzas ($13-$14) are another favorite.  Round out the meal with sides of polenta, saut�ed spinach, saut�ed potatoes with chorizo ($5 each) and more.  See the complete menu and make online reservations.  (40 7th Street, NE; 404-347-9555) 

JCTMother's Day "Supper" can only mean one thing -- JCT. Kitchen & Bar is putting on a fine Southern-inspired Sunday Supper for mom's big day from 5 - 9 p.m.  Chef and Owner Ford Fry starts his Mother's Day $36 prix-fixe menu with a selection of warm biscuits, house-made jams, deviled eggs and Benton's country ham.  After that comes a local "farm stand" salad and then on to the entr�e decision . . . will it be slow-cooked rabbit with Vidalia onion, fontina-filled pasta and wilted local greens; pan-roasted dayboat fish; hickory-roasted Berkshire pork rack; cider-braised short rib "pot roast;" black skillet-fried chicken; or the vegetable plate piled with local vegetables, buttered potato dumplings and preserved tomatoes.  A classic Georgia strawberry shortcake with local honey and lavender cream makes a sweet supper ending.  (1198 Howell Mill Road; 404-355-2252) 

Mama mia, La Tavola Trattoria in Virginia Highland loves moms!  Their Mother's Day feast welcomes guests from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. with refreshing salads, bruschetta and an antipasti platter of meat and cheese ($5.95-$13.95); and entr�es such as house-made challah French toast, chicken sausage, ricotta and lemon ravioli and a smoked salmon crostini ($7.95-$14.95).  See the complete menu and make reservations online.  (992 Virginia Avenue, NE; 404-873-5430)

LW ChocolatierPresent mom with luxurious chocolates and truffles from LW Chocolatier chocolate boutique.  Select a package filled with a variety of LW's incredible riches of chocolates and truffles or handselect her preferences for a custom-made gift box.  Make sure to sign up for their monthly newsletter to find out the latest specials and events!  (One Buckhead Plaza at 3060 Peachtree Road, NW, Suite 40; 404-467-8503) 

Four of the Marlow's Tavern locations around town will be offering brunch for $14.99 per person and $15 bottomless mimosas for adults on Mother's Day.  Savory brunch specialties at Marlow's Tavern include crabcakes Benedict and made-to-order omelets.  (Kennesaw at 745 Chastain Road, NW, 770-425-8777; Midtown at 950 West Peachtree Street, 404-815-0323; Vinings at 2355 Cumberland Parkway, 770-432-2526; Duluth at 1950 Satellite Boulevard, 770-622-2033.)

Morton's The Steakhouse honors mothers with a special $59 menu.  The prix-fixe menu includes a choice of Morton's salad or Caesar salad; single-cut filet mignon with b�arnaise sauce, Filet Oskar, broiled salmon fillet with beurre blanc sauce, Colossal Shrimp Alexander with beurre blanc sauceor Chicken Christopher with garlic beurre blanc sauce; one vegetable or potato side dish; and cr�me br�l�e or double chocolate mousse for dessert.  Each mom dining at Morton's Buckhead on Mother's Day will receive a mini-spa package of a 30-minute massage, mini-facial, and a shampoo, blow out and style at the newly-opened William David Salon in the Terminus Building.   Both locations are open from 3 - 9 p.m. on Mother's Day.  (Morton's The Steakhouse - Buckhead:  Peachtree Lenox Building, 3379 Peachtree Road, NE; 404-816-6535. Morton's The Steakhouse - Downtown:  SunTrust Plaza Building, 303 Peachtree Center Avenue; 404-577-4366)

PacciElegant Pacci Ristorante pays tribute to moms with an abundant brunch buffet laden with flavorful dishes by Executive Chef Keira Moritz, including deviled eggs, crab fondue, cheese grits, pesto squash casserole and an assortment of pastries.  The Mother's Day brunch buffet is available from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. and is priced at $22 for adults, $12 for kids ages six to 12 and no charge for children under six.  (866 West Peachtree Street, NW; 678-412-2402) 

Let Mom choose brunch or dinner riverside, downtown or in the 'burbs at Ray's Restaurants  on Mother's Day.  From 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Ray's on the River is offering a Mother's Day brunch buffet priced at $35 for adults and $17 for children ages five to 10.  From 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., both Ray's Killer Creek and Ray's in the City are offering a brunch priced at $29.95 for adults and $12.95 for children ages five to 10.  Both locations also are offering the regular dinner menu from 5 - 8 p.m.  (Ray's on the River:  6700 Powers Ferry Road; 770-955-1187.  Ray's Killer Creek:  1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064.  Ray's in the City:  240 Peachtree Street, NW; 404-524-9224)

Shaun'sShaun's, in historic Inman Park, is offering a Mother's Day brunch spread that will make mom swoon.  Served from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., Executive Chef Shaun Doty's brunch menu boasts breakfast fare including cage-free organic eggs, applewood smoked bacon, homemade sausages, cheddar waffles with Steen's cane syrup, Anson Mill speckled grits, eggs Benedict and a selection of artisan breads and biscuits. Other items include Southern-style fried chicken, braised local collard greens, cedar-planked salmon, marinated pork loin, a selection of farmhouse cheeses and assorted desserts.  Price is $40 per person; $10 for children 10 and under.  Reservations can be made online.  (1029 Edgewood Avenue, NE; 404-577-4358) 

Treat your modern-day Southern belle to the regional flavor of Mother's Day brunch at South City Kitchen Midtown or South City Kitchen Vinings.  Bask in Southern hospitality while dining on first flavors such as chocolate muffins, fried green tomatoes and saut�ed chicken livers; brunch specialties like a country frittata, peach "French toast" pudding, Southern-style eggs Benedict and crab hash; and regular menu favorites including their famous buttermilk fried chicken and pan-fried mountain trout.  See the South City Kitchen Midtown menu and make online reservations.  1144 Crescent Avenue; 404-873-7358.  View the South City Kitchen Vinings menu and make online reservations.  1675 Cumberland Parkway; 770-435-0700. 

Plato de MadreMom has her own Mother's Day dish at Uncle Julio's Fine Mexican Food!  The Plato de Madre ($29.95) fills her plate with cold water lobster tail, chicken and beef fajitas, guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican rice and frijoles a la charra.  So delish, everyone else may want to order their own "plato."  The special dish will only be available from May 3 - 16.   (Buckhead: 1860 Peachtree Road, NW; 404-350-6767.  Sandy Springs:  1140 Hammond Drive, NE, Building K, Suite 100; 678-736-8260).

 

For a meaningful Mother's Day celebration, take mom to Wolf Mountain Vineyards & WineryThe North Georgia winery offers a memorable meal with breathtaking views.  Since both Mother's Day brunch seatings are already sold out, surprise mom early with a lovely lunch at the winery's Vineyard Caf�.  The caf� is open Thursday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.  Advance reservations are required for all food service events and can be made by calling 706-867-9862. Wolf Mountain Vineyards is located at 180 Wolf Mountain Trail in Dahlonega, Georgia, 706-867-9862.  www.wolfmountainvineyards.com

 

Atlanta Cooks at HomeLastly, if you want to get mom a gift she'll use for years, the Atlanta Cooks at Home cookbook is a great Mother's Day option. Whether your mom is an Atlanta native or an at-home cook who is eager to learn the culinary ways of the South, this book gives readers cool recipes and insight for different occasions as well as personal interviews from the city's top chefs.

RAY'S KILLER CREEK IS LESS THAN A MILE FROM VERIZON WIRELESS AMPHITHEATER.  HOW CONVENIENT FOR DINNER AND A SHOW!

 

Ray'sAlpharetta's pride and show-time joy, the newly built Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park, is less than a mile up the road from Ray's Killer Creek!   As we're now entering the prime summer outdoor entertainment season, it's the opportune time to add a first-class dining experience at Ray's Killer Creek to your pre-concert plans.  Ray's Killer Creek satisfies light or hearty appetites with delicious appetizers and salads, sandwiches and juicy burgers, fresh seafood, hand-cut steaks, organic chicken, and rich desserts and coffees.  A wide selection of wine and other choice beverages enhances your evening.  Your night with Van Morrison, Zac Brown Band, Earth Wind and Fire, Phish, Sugarland or other Verizon summer stars will sound even sweeter after you've relaxed over dinner!

Ray's Killer Creek is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch and is located at 1700 Mansell Road in Alpharetta; 770-649-0064.

944 AND ITS READERS ARE UP ON ALL THE LATEST -- ADD YOUR VOTE
 
944 Magazine944 is the place to go to find out the latest fashion, art, destination and food trends in metropolitan areas across the U.S.  The quick-read site has pretty smart readers as well -- they've chosen RA Sushi, Ormsby's, Marlow's Tavern and Lara Creasy from JCT. Kitchen & Bar as some of their favorite 944 Readers' PicksAdd your vote because every voice counts! 
YELPER PREPARES FOR HOT WEATHER BY ZEROING IN ON KING OF POPS POPSICLE STAND
 
YelperIt's very important to know where a good popsicle stand is as Atlanta days and nights heat up.  Yelper
Lauren S. has taken some lickings for us all by trying out the gourmet popsicles at King of Pops in Virginia Highland.  Takes a licking and keeps on dripping -- lick fast.

So my friend Marietta knows the guy that started the popsicle stand. It is located by the gas station on North across from the Highland Inn. Anyway, she's been talking about it for months...waaaay before it was hot enough to even think about popsicles. And, naturally, we wanted to lend our support (i.e. eat some popsicles).  

I must confess, I have not been to the actual popsicle stand. But I have had the King of Pops popsicles. Quite the riddle, eh? Well, apparently, they are also selling the popsicles at Irwin Street Market up the road.

And the popsicles are good. They're $2.50 but they're what I am going to call "gourmet popsicles" if you will. I had the Mexican chocolate popsicle, and she had the strawberry-something else-combination. The Mexican chocolate was a little too caliente, but I'm guessing it's supposed to be that way. The chocolate flavor was on point and rich. The strawberry one (yes, I licked her popsicle) was really good too. I think next time I will get a fruit variety since they're lighter and probably healthier.

And, I agree, as Kathleen touched on, bonus points are in order for originality and new local businesses, with or without an actual building.

King of Pops:  Corner of Highland Avenue and North Avenue.
EAT IT AND TWEEP:  GINGER CM TWEETS AND BLOGS WITHOUT GLUTEN
 
TweepGinger Carter Miller, Ph.D. turns the gluten-filled world into a gluten-free one for those who need to cut the G-word from their diets.  The three-year gluten-free twitterer/blogster is a professor of mass communications at Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville, a self-dubbed gluten-free social media fan,
journalist, wife and mother, and a "War Damn Eagle."  She's the author of the blog Gluten Free in Georgia. . . Finally and an avid #gf twitterer (GingerCM).  Follow her at http://twitter.com/GingerCM.

Sample TweetMy #gf breakfast dessert at @wynn las Vegas! http://twitpic.com/1fsyrz The Best #gf buffet service in town
Looking for the latest restaurant opening, weekly wine tastings and drink specials, or other culinary happenings? Whatever makes your mouth water, Melissa Libby & Associates will point you in the right direction. Our monthly calendar, blog, flickr, Facebook page and Twitter feed will keep you up-to-date on new and ongoing restaurant events around Atlanta.
 
Melissa Libby & Associates is an Atlanta-based public relations firm specializing in the restaurant, retail and hospitality industries.
 
For information about these and other great Atlanta restaurants, go to www.melissalibbypr.com, check out our Facebook fanpage, follow AtlantaDish on Twitter, or call 404-816-3068.
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