FIRST ANNUAL ATLANTA BEER WEEK WILL CURE WHAT "ALES" YA!
 The inaugural Atlanta Beer Week, May 16-22, promises to be a thirst-slaking brew-haha, celebrating beers from artisanal breweries around Atlanta, the nation and the globe. More than 50 of Atlanta's top beer spots -- bars, restaurants, brewpubs and breweries -- are joining in to host about 100 beer-related events, tastings, dinners and special beer releases that will have beer lovers foaming in anticipation. We know two very congenial Atlanta Beer Week participants quite well, and we frequent them as often as possible: Shaun's, the neighborly bistro in historic Inman Park, and Ormsby's, a "good place to be" on Atlanta's Westside.
Shaun Doty of Shaun's has tipped The Atlanta Journal-Constitution that he's adding 30 American, Belgian, British, German and Japanese craft beers to his menu for the event. He's planning a different seasonal three-course menu each night for $29 plus suggested beer pairings. Read more on the AJC's Drink blog. Ormsby's boasts a generous variety of craft beers, dedicating a page to the beer list on its website. During Atlanta Beer Week, the tavern will tap into a cask of Terrapin Monk's Revenge at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 18 and a cask of SweetWater Four Drink Minimum with Breakfast (a BSP quad brewed with coffee) at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 20. Wednesday night, May 19, the Schmaltz Brewery traveling freak show starts at 8:30 p.m. -- watch their man swallow a sword and hammer nails into his face. Yikes! On Friday, May 21, Ormsby's will tap the only remaining Atlanta keg of New Belgium's La Folie. The Flemish sour ale will flow all day.
Sign up online to stay afloat with Atlanta Beer Week brew news via Facebook and Twitter.
Ormsby's: 1170 Howell Mill Road, NW; 404-968-2033.
Shaun's: 1029 Edgewood Avenue, NE; 404-577-4358. |
SNEAK A PEAK AT ORMSBY'S VIA COMCAST'S INSTANT CRITICS TV ON DEMAND
 Ormsby's déjà vu? Watch Comcast's Instant Critic TV On Demand, and you'll feel like you're already a regular at this Westside favorite located at Howell Mill Road and 14th Street. Get a sense for Ormsby's full bar, extensive craft beer and cocktail offerings and pub food so delicious you'll salivate while watching it on television. The Ormsby's episode will air through August 6. Find out more on Facebook and Twitter. Catch a glimpse of the extracurriculars -- Ormsby's traditional pub games including backgammon, bocce, darts, pool, skeeball and shuffleboard. Comcast's Instant Critic On Demand viewing is so easy! There are two ways to go about it: Select the On Demand button on your Comcast remote or go to Channel 1, choose Get Local and then Best of the City OR go to Channel 1 then Get Local then Best of the City then Instant Critics. Ormsby's is open seven days a week...just like Comcast's Instant Critic and TV On Demand.
Ormsby's: 1170 Howell Mill Road, NW; 404-968-2033. |
"PAWS" AND EAT OUT -- PACCI CONTINUES MAY ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND HELPS ATLANTA HUMANE SOCIETY
 Pacci Ristorante is the cat's pajamas for an elegant dining experience with impeccable service and irresistible Italian steakhouse cuisine. The Midtown restaurant, which opened one year ago this month, is marking its first anniversary by helping the Atlanta Humane Society (AHS). This month, Pacci will donate $1 to AHS from every order of signature carpaccio and $1 from every new spring cocktail ordered. The animal-loving staff at Pacci would like you to "paws" and consider dropping off an item from the AHS Wish List when you come to dine. Take home a gift for Rover, a Pacci Pup ($2) gourmet dog biscuit created by Pacci Executive Chef (and dog lover) Keira Moritz.
Pacci Ristorante: 866 West Peachtree Street, NW, adjacent to the Hotel Palomar; 678-412-2402. |
CHEERS! IT'S TIME FOR TOUR DE CHAMPAGNE
 Don't miss an exciting evening of delightful sips and tantalizing tastes at this year's Tour de Champagne on Friday, May 21 at 103 West. This special event begins at 7 p.m. and features a selection of prestigious champagnes along with delicious cuisine from some of Atlanta's most talented chefs. We're especially excited to see what Chef Keira Moritz of Pacci Ristorante will be prepare for event attendees, and we can't wait to taste the truffles LW Chocolatier has decided to pair with the bubbly! In addition to the tasting tour, there will be a silent auction benefitting Angel Flight of Georgia -- a volunteer pilot organization that provides free air transportation for medical treatments that are not available locally and for other compassionate purposes for the benefit of the community. Tickets can be purchased online for $140 or at the door (if available) for $160. For more information, visit www.tourdechampagne.com.
103 West is located at 103 West Paces Ferry Road; 404-233-5993. |
SUSTAINABILITY STRONGMAN KEVIN GILLESPIE NAMED COOKING FOR SOLUTIONS SEAFOOD AMBASSADOR BY MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM
 Woodfire Grill Chef and Partner Kevin Gillespie keeps on reeling in the honors. He was recently named a recipient of the 2010 Cooking for Solutions Seafood Ambassador Award by the Monterey Bay Aquarium for his commitment to environmentally responsible fishing and fish-farming practices. This year's 10 Seafood Ambassador Award recipients are leaders and educators in the industry who are advocates for the sustainable seafood movement. Our hometown chef will travel to the Monterey Bay Aquarium to participate in the ninth annual Cooking for Solutions this coming Friday and Saturday, May 21-22. The event celebrates organic and sustainably grown produce, sustainably caught seafood and organic/sustainably grown wines, and focuses on helping people connect their personal buying decisions to the sea and soil health. What a splash for Gillespie, who has long supported organic, sustainable and local food sources!
Woodfire Grill: 1782 Cheshire Bridge Road; 404-347-9055. |
THE DRINK WELL DO GOOD TOUR COMES HOME TO ATLANTA ON MAY 22 -- THE DRINK WELL AFRICAN FOOD & WINE EXHIBITION CELEBRATES WITH WORTHWHILE WINE AND MORE!
 The 2010 Drink Well Do Good Tour of the International Society of Africans in Wine (ISAW) has been out on the road for six weeks, hosting food and wine exhibitions, concerts, outreach projects and global awareness campaigns to help provide training for African farmers and vintners. All that comes to an exhilarating close on Saturday, May 22, when ISAW celebrates its return home with the Drink Well African Food & Wine Exhibition at the Atlanta International School. Event proceeds benefit the ISAW Foundation that plans to develop a trade-focused training center for vintners in South Africa. Food will be provided by Atlanta restaurants Lunacy Black Market, 10 Degrees South and Desta Ethiopian Kitchen. Seven Sisters and M'hudi (South Africa's first black-owned vineyard) wines will be served, along with opportunities to enjoy Worthwhile Wine portfolio tastings. Worthwhile wines are sustainably raised and produced in South Africa with a focus on profit, people and planet. Five Seasons Brewing will serve "Seven Sisters" beer in honor of ISAW partners in South Africa. Octane Coffee adds a jolt of caffeine and chocolate, hosting an African coffee and chocolate pairing. View African art at the Symmahtry Concepts art exhibition and see a preliminary showing of the "Drink Well Do Good" documentary by Danielle Bernstein of Clear Films. The film is the first-ever comprehensive profile of Africa's black vintners. Tickets are $75 each and may be purchased online. |
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BEFORE OR AFTER THE SHOW -- RAY'S ON THE RIVER IS A STONE'S THROW FROM COBB ENERGY CENTRE AND CHASTAIN PARK
 The outdoor concert season at Chastain Park Amphitheatre is well underway, and there's always a concert, show or event in the works at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Ray's on the River is a mere five miles from Chastain Park Amphitheatre and just two miles from Cobb Energy Centre. One of Atlanta's three Ray's Restaurants, this riverfront gem offers a thoughtful menu filled with the freshest seafood, the finest cuts of meat and Ray's award-winning wine list. Let the staff know you're show-bound. Ray's timely, but not rushed, service will have you on your way and in your seat before the opening act. If you're just beginning to look ahead to summer entertainment options, Chastain's superstar schedule has shows by Diana Ross, Collective Soul, Liza Minnelli, Sting with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Harry Connick, Jr., Ringo Starr and Cyndi Lauper, just to name a few. Cobb Energy Centre's upcoming acts include "Avenue Q," Jewel, The Boys and "Don't Stop Believing."
Ray's Restaurants owns Ray's on the River, Ray's in the City and Ray's Killer Creek. Ray's on the River is open for lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch and is located at 6700 Powers Ferry Road in Sandy Springs; 770-955-1187.
Psst! Bring your Verizon Wireless Amphitheater ticket stub to Ray's Killer Creek on the night of the show and receive a complimentary glass of house wine. What a fabulous way to let the show go on into the evening! Ray's Killer Creek: 1700 Mansell Road, Alpharetta; 770-649-0064. |
PUCKER UP AND SAY HELLO TO PINKBERRY
 Georgia welcomes its first Pinkberry location this summer! Pinkberry launched its reinvention of frozen yogurt in West Hollywood, Calif. in 2005. On June 25, doors will open to Atlanta's first store for the number-one tart frozen yogurt brand at 2937 Cobb Parkway in the Akers Mill Shopping Center. One-of-a-kind Pinkberry provides premium frozen yogurt made with real nonfat yogurt and nonfat milk that is rBST hormone free. Once you've had it, you'll come to crave the Pinkberry tangy/sweet balance and flavor resulting from using only the highest quality ingredients. Pinkberry brings six distinctive flavors to the counter, including sweet and tart original, pomegranate, coconut, rich chocolate and mango made with Alphonso mango puree. Pinkberry yogurt, Pinkberry parfaits and Pinkberry smoothies are satisfying and satiating treats at mealtime or to tide one over. Custom build your own by adding fresh-cut fruit, granola and dry toppings. Even the gummy bears are high-fructose corn syrup free.
Become a Pinkberry Groupie and get up-to-the-minute scoop and discount offers. Facebook and Twitter are two more ways to stay in the Pinkberry of things. |
HEY GLAMOUR GIRLS! STEP OUT TO SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE RITZ-CARLTON , BUCKHEAD, "SEX AND THE CITY 2" AT PHIPPS OR MOVIE LOOKS SHOPPING AT NEIMAN'S
 Spring's most glamorous fashionista event is going down over five Sundays -- May 30 and June 6, 13, 20 and 27 -- so there are no bad hair day excuses allowed! Glamour Girls Sunday Brunch at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead fortifies gals before they head off to see "Sex and the City 2" at Phipps Plaza or to go shopping the movie looks at Neiman Marcus. The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead starts your day out with a complimentary Buckhead Cosmo before turning you loose to savor the tantalizing array of chef specialties, favorites and desserts. Your Glamour Girl gift bag contains Manolo Blahnik note cards; a Ritz-Carlton fashion cookie; a voucher for 10 percent off a spa treatment at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Buckhead; and samples from Kerstin Florian's signature line of caviar spa products, offered exclusively in Georgia at the hotel's spa. From 1-5 p.m. on the same afternoon, Glamour Girl guests in the ladies shoe salon at Neiman Marcus may enjoy a champagne cocktail while a sketch artist renders a keepsake of them in their stilettos. There's a special gift for one lucky gal. Glamour Girls Sunday Brunch is $48 per person, inclusive of valet parking, exclusive of tax and gratuities. Movie tickets are not included. Brunch is offered from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Make the required reservations by calling the hotel at 404-240-7035 or through Open Table. |
COFFEE DRINKS ON THE PATIO ARE A NATURAL ADDITION FOR EUROPEAN-STYLE LW CHOCOLATIER Fine chocolate and coffee are two flavors to be savored together. It's deliciously logical that boutique chocolate shop LW Chocolatier is adding assorted coffees, espressos, cappuccinos and lattes to the mix. On top of adding European-style coffee drinks to the boutique's wide selection of handcrafted, Swiss-style premium chocolates, LW Chocolatier has recently added patio seating. As you sit on the patio, chocolate melting on your tongue between sips of rich coffee, you might ask yourself "Am I in Buckhead or Belgium?" Hey man, wherever you want to be. Available during operating hours, all beverages range $2 to $5 in price. Open Monday from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. LW Chocolatier: One Buckhead Plaza, 3060 Peachtree Road, NW, Suite 40; 404-467-8503. |
BOBBY & JUNE'S KOUNTRY KITCHEN SERVES YELPER COUNTRY BREAKFAST IN BIG CITY
 Looks like a shack, brags on their biscuits, smells like a country breakfast on the farm. It all became too much for Yelper Scott M. as he passed Bobby & June's Kountry Kitchen over and over again. Then he succumbed, and breakfast will never be the same. I had been passing this old azz shack for months. Each time, their sign that brags on their warm biscuits caught my eye, but never enough for me to venture inside.
Then one weekday morning, I decided...."Today is the day".
As I walked inside, the smell of warm country goodness was overwhelming. The owner and the server/cooks, exchanged witty banter back and forth, and the environment was friendly. I sat at the counter since I was by myself, and began to peruse the menu...
"Business as usual", I thought to myself.
All the usual suspects are present on Bobby & Junes Kountry kitchen. I had to ask about their different types of ham. I cant remember the name, but apparently one is much saltier than a typical piece of ham. I chose both.
Those along with scrambled eggs and bacon, I was all set up for success.
I am not a biscuit person, so I cant even give a good review on that. But the food here is down right amazing.
The service is fantastic the servers are very friendly, and the owners seem to have a great relationship with a lot of the regulars that come in.
I love this place. It perhaps has some of the best breakfast in the city. Dont sleep....I know I wont. Bobby & June's Kountry Kitchen: 375 14th Street, NW; 404-876-3872. |
EAT IT AND TWEEP: POINTS NORTH TWEETS ABOUT ATLANTA'S NORTHSIDE
 Monthly Points North magazine has kept stylish Atlanta Northsiders informed about what's happening on their side of town since 2000. Readers can now find much of that information elegantly presented on the Points North Web site. Dining, entertainment, travel, recipes, styles and human interest stories are all fair game. No time to read it all? Sign up for shorter Twitter updates. Sample Tweet: Bre is prepping a Spring Strawberry pie from @ Cooking_Light's Cooking Through the Seasons cookbook for some very special moms! |
| 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. |
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 Melissa Libby & Associates is an Atlanta-based public relations firm specializing in the restaurant, retail and hospitality industries.
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